Project to provide proper burial
By PAUL G. JANTZEN
Contributing writer
In an effort to provide a proper and decent burial for the bones of more than 100,000 Native Americans, faith-based organizations have joined with Native Americans to begin the Return to the Earth project.
The First Mennonite Brethren Church of Hillsboro is participating in this effort, and all other churches are invited to participate.
In 1990, Congress passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, requiring the return of human remains to native tribes from which they came.
However, because of hasty collections, lost records, or relocation there is estimated to be 100,000 fragments of remains whose tribal origin is unknown. To provide a remedy, Native Americans are establishing regional cemeteries throughout the U.S. to provide proper and reverent burial.
Churches are encouraged to use a Return to the Earth study guide to examine the issue. Copies are available at www.rfpusa.org/returntotheearth.
Congregations have been invited to make wooden burial boxes and sew burial cloths to be used to bury the remains of the natives. Instructions for making boxes and cloths are available at kkw@mcc.org.
A letter to churches states, "Return to the Earth presents an opportunity for congregations to address the long history of pain and injustice still affecting present-day relationships with Native Americans.
This reflection and action will start the journey of restorative justice, moving us toward transformed relationships."
