When asked why they did not move, all of the people we spoke with cited two primary reasons—cultural and economic. Economically, they argue that the land has depreciated in value, which would make it difficult for them to make enough money off of the sale to move to another comparable place. In addition, few people would be willing to buy the property due to its numerous problems with the mines. Culturally, they have lived on the land for generations and identify themselves with the creeks and mountains that surround them. In many ways, they are of the land and feel a strong bond with it that transcends the mere beauty of the scenery. The other people who live around them have lived on that land for similar amounts of time, meaning that families have grown up together and have an enduring sense of community.
More research is necessary before we can make a full assessment, but at this point, it’s pretty clear that the people of Hueysville and Handshoe have endured and continue to face significant human rights violations. Worth exploring further are rights associated with housing, water, food, health, culture and economic self-determination.
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