,

Native American Leaders Call For Burial Site Preservation Across Wisconsin

Annual State Of The Tribes Address Requests 'Respect' For Sites

By
Capitol building
edward stojakovic (CC BY 2.0)

Wisconsin’s tribal leaders Tuesday urged lawmakers to preserve Native American burial sites across the state.

During annual State of the Tribes address before the state Legislature, StockbridgeMunsee Community President Shannon Holsey called for preservation of the sites.

We would never dream of disturbing a mausoleum or a cemetery, why would not the same respect and reverence be given to Native American ceremonial and sacred burial sites,” Holsey said.

Stay informed on the latest news

Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

A bill introduced in the Legislature last session would have lifted some protections on burial sites. It did not pass.

Holsey also called for increased collaboration between state and tribal leaders on issues including education, broadband internet access and conservation.