MACON, GA (AP) Leaders of the Creek Nation have agreed to support construction of a middle Georgia highway as long as it doesn’t go across property sacred to the tribe, said Macon Mayor Jack Ellis.

Ellis met with two chiefs of the Creek Nation last week –– the first official meeting in at least five years between leaders of Macon and leaders of the tribe.

"Our broader message is, ’We know this is your homeland. We are now the custodians of that, and we want friendship,’" Ellis said.

Calls to Creek leaders by The Macon Telegraph were not returned.

Ellis said he wants the Creeks to be involved in projects that affect their property, which stretches from Ocmulgee National Monument across the Ocmulgee River.

Ellis said he promised that the Fall Line Freeway connecting Macon to Augusta and Columbus won’t go through sacred lands.

Any extension of Eisenhower Parkway to Intestate 16 would stop at the tribal lands, Ellis said.

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