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Cemetery Wall Contractors Uncover Remains - Then Continue to Work I have put a lot of thought into this. writing to you guys as I typically try to stay out of Political stuff and things of that nature. But also, I have to do what is in my heart as well and this seems like the best way to get this word out.
I have been working for the tribe now for at least 15 or 16 years in some capacity. I have been a member of the Puyallup Tribe Repatriation committee for pretty much all of that time.
It has been my honor to serve on this committee as it involves the return of our ancestors remains some that have been torn away from their final resting places to sit in a museum somewhere for a hundred and some years but to be able to retrieve them and bring them home, is to me a great honor.
As we all know the Project Management Group (PMG) are building this big wall around our Cemetary.
Our ancestors not just my ancestors but all of our ancestors. that is their home. And I feel that it is good to protect them, in their final resting place
I was Talking to my mother one day I was trying to listen to her as best as I could as she was telling me that when they put bay street in that's the road in front of the casino. That they took hundreds of bodies from the cemetary, as then it went all the way down to the river. and moved them somewhere onto the existing cemetary.
My mom has worked for the tribe for many years in different capacities but currently as the tribes historian one in which I personally really respect as she knows a lot about out tribes history.
Yesterday on 7/19/06 Wednesday yesterday morning the contractors uncovered remains at about 18" inches on the other side of the main entrance they had not gone very far into the cemetary when they came upon these remains.
This ancient relative who has been there virtually undisturbed for many years did not appear to be in a coffin or Casket, as I was informed 18" inches wow think of that for a minute.
I was told that some tobacco was put down and the crew informed to cover these remains back up.
I think this is important to be done but in my heart I feel that something more has to be done to think that one of our relatives was put 18" inches into the earth. man I just am kind of stumped at what to say I feel dissapointed and somewhat let down.
At this point everything should have stopped on behalf of our relatives which have gone on before us. Just imagining what kinds of sacrifices they have had to endure to insure that we have a home a place to admire the Mountain and the river when we make our journey some day.
I felt pretty sad about this almost to the point of crying deep inside my heart.
I think that more of our people should be informed of this situation and that we should have some guidance from our spiritual leaders wherever there at. I know that the canoe journey is beginning in a day or two for the Puyallups, and that there are Pow-Wows and different Spiritual Gatherings taking place around Indian Country where our people are.
I feel that it is my duty to inform the Puyallup People wherever there at that this has taken place. And that if there are any traditional People in our tribe, that they need to say something as well. I feel that we need to have our Elders address the Tribal Council on what they feel should take place, and that it should be done right away.
anyway that's what I think, this is the best way to let people know whats going on in our cemetary with yours and my relatives that are there So if your reading this then get on the phone or find your favorite council person and let them know how you feel about this
hoyt
David Duenas
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