Responsibilities to the Ancient One

Summary

The tribes and bands of the Columbia Plateau have an inherent responsibility under our religious beliefs and practices to care for the ancestors buried within our homeland. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Wanapum Band of Priest Rapids (Claimant Tribes) have stood by our knowledge and traditions which told us the Ancient One is our Ancestor. Annual ceremonies with the Ancient ensured he knew he was not forgotten. The practice of guaranteeing the ancestors return to the earth and continued journey is an integral part of Plateau culture and tradition. In accordance with our spiritual and cultural practices we work together to achieve repatriation goals.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20387