New— Federal Regulations Strengthening NAGPRA Compliance
(Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act)

Honoring Sacred Sites

Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the 19th Generation Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, began conducting annual World Peace and Prayer Day (WPPD) ceremonies to encourage people of all faiths and all nations to offer prayers for the planet on the summer solstice. In 2019, The UNC coordinated a number of gatherings with Indigenous world leaders. The culminating gathering was held at Fort Ancient Earthworks in Ohio to honor the sites sacred to the Indigenous Peoples of this region. Fort Ancient is one of the most extensive earthworks sites and has been used for many centuries by Indigenous People as a place to gather together for spiritual ceremonies.

Chief Looking Horse asked us to consider what our duty is in recognizing the land that was stolen from this region’s original people. In the most mindful way possible, we have an obligation to future Ohioans to acknowledge the wisdom of the original people and to understand the instructions to restore our relationship with the natural world. Given the vagaries of climate change, the time of racial reckoning, and the pandemic, it is our goal to demonstrate our commitment to healing our relationships and understanding how to care for our forests, prairies, rivers, lakes, and ultimately one another.

Exploring Ohio's Sacred Sites: A Guide by Urban Native Collective

Welcome to our dedicated page on Ohio's Sacred Sites, an exploration of cultural history and spiritual significance. At Urban Native Collective, we are committed to accurate education about these precious sites. Here, we delve into the Ohio Mounds, explore the importance of artifact finds under NAGPRA, and discuss the burial sites and the Federal rights of Native Americans.

Ohio Mounds: A Testament to Ancient Genius

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, recently honored as UNESCO World Heritage sites, are a testament to the ingenuity of Native American and Indigenous societies. These earthworks are not just historical landmarks; they are sacred and relevant contemporary spaces, embodying part holy place, part burial ground, and part astronomical observatory.

Key Sites to Visit:

• Fort Ancient Earthworks in Oregonia

• Great Circle Earthworks in Heath

• Serpent Mound in Southwest Ohio

• Hopewell Mound Group, Seip Earthworks, High Bank Earthworks, and Hopeton Earthworks within Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Chillicothe.

These sites, spanning across southern Ohio, reflect an extraordinary combination of geometric precision and astronomical knowledge, linked to ceremonies that unified diverse Native communities across the continent. Non-Native visitors to burial sites should maintain a respectful distance and refrain from touching or taking anything from these sites. Remember, these are not just historical sites; they are sacred places where ancestors are laid to rest, and are currently active parts of our culture. Visitors should be mindful of their impact on these sites. It is crucial to avoid climbing on the mounds or disturbing the landscape in any way. These acts can cause irreversible damage to these ancient structures and are deeply disrespectful to the cultural and spiritual significance they hold.

Artifact Finds and NAGPRA: Preserving Our Heritage

What do you do if you find a Native Artifact?

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a cornerstone in protecting and repatriating Native American cultural items. It's not just about returning artifacts; it's about restoring dignity and connection to our ancestors. NAGPRA underscores the importance of respectful treatment of Native American cultural items. This act plays a vital role in the repatriation and rematriation and respectful handling of artifacts connected to Native American heritage. Violations of NAGPRA are addressed through criminal and civil enforcement.

If You Discover Sacred Items or Sites:

Please contact Urban Native Collective immediately. While we are not experts, we can guide you through the appropriate processes, ensuring that these significant finds are treated with the respect and care they deserve. You can also contact the National Park Service.

Burial Sites and Federal Rights: Upholding Our Traditions

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was a monumental step in acknowledging and protecting our right to religious freedom. This includes access to our sacred sites and the use of traditional sacred objects and plant medicines, such as peyote, vital to our spiritual practices.
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA), enacted in 1978, marked a pivotal moment in the recognition and protection of the religious rights of Native Americans. Prior to AIRFA, Native American spiritual practices were often marginalized and misunderstood by federal policies, largely due to a failure to recognize these diverse and rich spiritual traditions as organized "religions." This was a consequence of the varied nature of tribal belief systems and the lack of a unifying religious doctrine among different tribes.

AIRFA acknowledged the detrimental impact of previous federal policies on Native American religions. It represented a formal recognition by Congress that the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment applies to Native American religions, thereby ending prohibitions on various elements of spiritual ceremonies and belief systems. This act ensured that Native Americans, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians formally received the right to freedom of religious belief, exercise, and expression.

The act requires government agencies to cease interference with Native American religions and mandates that these agencies facilitate access to sacred sites. This access is to be granted as long as it is feasible and consistent with the essential functions of the government agency. Furthermore, AIRFA allows Native Americans to hold traditional religious ceremonies and use traditional sacred objects. This is crucial for the preservation and practice of cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Despite the protections offered by AIRFA, challenges have arisen over the years. A notable Supreme Court decision threatened to limit AIRFA's scope by allowing a federal agency to construct a logging road through sacred lands, adversely affecting the spiritual practices of three Native American tribes. However, subsequent executive orders have reinforced the intention of AIRFA, directing agencies to allow Native Americans to access and use religious sites on federal land and prohibiting actions that would harm these sites.

AIRFA's enactment and the ongoing efforts to enforce its principles highlight the importance of recognizing and respecting the diverse and deeply rooted spiritual traditions of Native Americans. It's a commitment to preserving the religious freedoms that are fundamental to the cultural identity and heritage of Native American communities. As part of our commitment at Urban Native Collective, we advocate for continued respect and adherence to these rights, ensuring that sacred sites and practices are honored and preserved for future generations.

Our Ongoing Responsibility:

As custodians of these sacred sites and traditions, we are dedicated to their preservation and the education of their significance. We urge our allies and visitors to approach these sites with reverence and respect.

Did You Know? The Sacred Significance of Eagle Feathers

Did you know that in many Native American cultures, the eagle feather holds immense spiritual significance and is considered one of the most sacred items? The eagle, revered as a messenger to the Creator, symbolizes strength, leadership, and vision.

Symbol of Honor: Eagle feathers are often awarded in recognition of acts of courage and wisdom. Receiving an eagle feather is seen as a high honor and is treated with the utmost respect.

Cultural Practices: The feathers are used in various ceremonies, including healing, purification, and prayer. They are often integrated into headdresses, regalia, and other sacred objects, each feather carrying its own unique meaning and purpose.

Legal Protections: It's important to note that, under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, only individuals of verified Native American ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally allowed to obtain or possess eagle feathers. This law protects these birds and acknowledges the cultural and religious importance of eagle feathers to Native American tribes.

Respect and Responsibility: The use of eagle feathers comes with great responsibility. They must be cared for and used in a manner that honors their sacredness, reflecting the deep respect Native American cultures have for the natural world and its creatures.

Through this profound respect for the eagle and its feathers, Native American cultures embody a deep connection with nature, spirituality, and community. These traditions remind us of the rich cultural heritage and the importance of preserving these sacred practices for future generations.