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 Ģ������ƵStories      August 20, 2025

By Cam Adams

Brett Riggs is heavily involved with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, so when the tribal librarian asked him to come to council to support a resolution for the library, no questions were asked.

But as he was walking up to the tribal council house, the Ģ������Ƶ distinguished professor realized something was up.

“There were bunch of archaeology acquaintances gathered on the porch,” Riggs said. “And when I went on into council, the resolution turned out to be something very different from what I expected.”

Riggs, who has worked with the tribe for over 30 years on archaeological projects, was instead named an honorary member of the EBCI. It’s the highest honor the Eastern Band can bestow upon a non-native.

“For me personally, it was a culmination of life’s work,” Riggs said. “What was really gratifying and very touching for me is that folks in the community, by doing this, said that 'Your work is meaningful to us.’

“‘What you have done and what you have offered the community has real value for our people.’”

Riggs has been a faculty member at Ģ������Ƶsince 2015.

“I could not think of someone more fitting to be named as an honorary member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians than Dr. Brett Riggs,” said Ģ������ƵChancellor Kelli R. Brown. “His continuous work preserving historic Cherokee archaeology and his dedication to empowering Cherokee people in their own histories is of benefit and service to all North Carolinians.

“This honorary title will only help Dr. Riggs further connect his research to his students and will allow him to better advocate for Cherokee people in Western North Carolina and beyond.”

Over a span of several decades, Riggs has held numerous different roles helping the Eastern Band learn more about their history. A majority of his work has been centered around the Cherokee removal during the 19th century, which can be a sensitive subject for many.

But indigenous communities trust Riggs.

“It's all about relationships,” Riggs said. “It's about getting to know people, being there, doing things with the community, doing things for the community, just become a person who is known to them, and don't betray that trust if they vest trust in you.

“Every time I go back, I meet more people and make more connections... It's gratifying to see folks I haven't seen in a while and just have them say, 'Hey, we've missed you.' That's nice anywhere you go.” 

Those relationships are a result of countless hours of care, hard work and discovery from Riggs over the last 40 years, and the level of appreciation from the communities have matched Riggs’ efforts. 

In 2016, Riggs was awarded the Cherokee National Worcester Award from the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the highest honor the tribe can give a non-Cherokee.  

And each time Riggs finds himself at an archaeology site, whether he’s digging or leading tours, he’s welcomed back by Cherokee people with open arms. Underneath all that dirt on those sites, Riggs has discovered, are stories upon stories of an extraordinary people.

“As my great friend and mentor Dr. Tom Belt said, 'That's part of making the world whole again,’” Riggs said.

“Someone told me that what my role is and what I'm doing for Cherokee folks is really just holding up a mirror, in some cases, so they can see themselves better. These folks have such a rich and very worthy history. We want to make sure that it's accessible to folks.”