Tribal leaders in Oklahoma are expressing concerns that proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act could put their ancestral lands in Ohio at risk. The changes, favored by the Trump administration, could weaken much-needed protections for sacred sites. Oklahoma tribes, whose ancestral lands are located in Ohio, say that these sites are under threat. The National Historic Preservation Act has been in place for 60 years and protects sites like the Miamisburg Mound in Ohio.
The Miamisburg Mound, one of the largest conical mounds in the eastern United States, is a sacred site for Native Americans. Rising 65 feet, the mound was built by the Indigenous Adena Culture and offers a fantastic view of the Miami Valley. Miamisburg Mayor Michelle Collins describes the structure as awesome, noting that it is a couple thousand years old. The site is protected under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which allows states, tribes, or local governments to consult with federal agencies on development proposals.
Proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act could narrow what's considered damaging to a site and make consultation optional. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a federal agency, and Congress are separately proposing changes. Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico says the current rules cause too much of a delay when it comes to approving energy projects. He believes that the proposed changes will streamline the permitting process.
However, tribal officials say that the changes could undermine the responsibility the federal government has to cooperate with tribal nations. Chief Ben Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe says that the National Historic Preservation Act should remain as is. The Section 106 consultation process allows the Shawnee Tribe and other tribes to ensure that sacred sites, such as the earthworks in Ohio or ancestral burial grounds, are preserved.
There are 38 federally recognized tribal nations in Oklahoma, and for some, Ohio was once their home. They were forcibly displaced to Oklahoma due to broken treaties and federal policies in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tribal leaders want to protect the spaces where they currently live and ensure that Native Americans still have a say in the process with no optional provision about their involvement.
Blake Norton, an official with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, says that these sites are much more to them than places needing development. He likens it to stripping away the humanity of his ancestors and disregarding the relationship Native Americans have to these spaces. In a statement, Senator Heinrich says he's speaking with tribal leaders about possible compromises on the bill.
The proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act have sparked concerns among tribal leaders and advocates. The changes could have significant implications for the preservation of ancestral lands and sacred sites. Key stakeholders, including Senator Heinrich, are engaging in discussions to find possible compromises on the bill.
Key points
- Proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act could weaken protections for ancestral lands in Ohio.
- Tribal leaders warn that changes could undermine the federal government's responsibility to cooperate with tribal nations.
- Discussions are underway to find possible compromises on the bill.
