Written by Staff
Report Wednesday, 19 May 2010
14:16
An
unprecedented gathering of leaders from multiple Native American nations
yesterday participated in A Time of Rededication and Story-Telling
event, presented by The Faith and Politics Institute, at the
Congressional Cemetery at 1801 E. St., SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.
The Congressional Cemetery became the official burial grounds in 1807
for congressman, tradesmen, diplomats, domestics, explorers, architects,
soldiers and musicians. Thirty-six Native Americans are among the more
than 55,000 individuals and 30,000 burial sites in the cemetery and
represent peoples from Apache, Cherokee, Chippewa, Choctaw, Muscogee
(Creek), Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Kiowa, Lakota, Nez Perce, Pawnee, Sac
and Fox, and Winnebago tribes and nations. Many Native Americans
interred at the cemetery were representing their people in treaty
negotiations and government affairs and were far from their native lands
when they passed away.
“Native Americans were heavily involved in Washington and
international politics more than 200 years ago, which led to their
interment away from their homes,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of
the Cherokee Nation. “Several Native American nations also had treaties
with foreign governments prior to the creation of the United States and
still operate as sovereign governments today.”
A Time of Rededication and Story-Telling event featured interpretive
guides’ historical accounts of Native American leaders and dignitaries
interred at the Congressional Cemetery including Cherokee citizens
Captain John Rogers, Jr., William Shorey Coodey, Judge Richard Fields
and great friend of the Cherokee Nation William Wirt; Choctaw citizens
Pushmataha and Peter Pitchlynn; Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate leader Kan Ya Tu
Duta (Red Crow); Pawnee leader Tuck Arusa Lix Ea; and Muscogee (Creek)
Second Chief Berryhill, who reflected on the role of all their
delegates.
“Storytelling is a valued tradition in Native American heritage and
coupled with an opportunity to relive Cherokee history on these revered
grounds was a tremendous experience for guests,” added Chief Smith. “The
Congressional Cemetery provided for a unique setting where visitors were
immersed in traditional stories and historical accounts regarding the
Native American people.”
In preparation for the event, there was A Time of Service gathering at
the Congressional Cemetery on Tuesday, May 18, which provided an
opportunity for the general public to clean, weed and help restore some
of the Native American graves in the cemetery. Professionals offering
direction in the proper care and tending to the neglected burial sites
led the efforts and supplied the tools. A short period of storytelling
immediately followed the caretaking.
Prior to A Time of Rededication and Story-Telling event there was an
official presentation and reading of The Resolution of Apology to Native
Peoples by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA),
co-hosts of the day’s events and co-authors of the resolution, which
took place in the Congressional Cemetery chapel.
The Resolution of Apology to Native Peoples cites seven key
acknowledgment and apology points including one that apologizes on
behalf of the people of the United States to all Native Peoples for the
many instances of violence, maltreatment and neglect inflicted on Native
Peoples by citizens of the United States.
President Obama signed the bill on December 19, 2009, in part to
acknowledge a long history of official depredations and ill-conceived
policies by the federal government regarding Indian tribes and offer an
apology to all Native Peoples on behalf of the United States.
A Time of Rededication and Story-Telling, A Time of Service gathering
and The Resolution of Apology to Native Peoples presentation was
sponsored by The Faith and Politics Institute and National Congress of
American Indians along with representatives of the Cherokee, Choctaw,
Muscogee (Creek), Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Pawnee Nations.
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