Everywhere in the US and beyond on this continent, early settlers, military, religious, western scholars and researchers have robbed graves of indigenous people for scientific purposes, mostly to de-humanize and oppress Indigenous cultures.
Taking these funerary objects, cultural patrimony, religious and ceremonial objects which where purposely buried with the people to got o the next world with them creates a sense for Indigenous people that we are subjects of scientific study, and less than human.
The repatriation of these grave goods and bodies of ancestors to the tribes and families of origin is of central importance in the pathway to decolonization. Please join us on this journey today and become aware of what museums are around in your area, with this critical lens of observation... WHo do these exhibits serve? WHat is being represented in the exhibitions? Is it a romanticized non-Indian version of the past with objects and scenes that do not depict the reality for Indigenous people? Do the curators work with Indigenous people to present an accurate portrayal of everyday life for Indigenous people? And, do these museums work to keep the ugly past and effects of colonization of Indian people to avoid responsibility?
Some peoples ashes were preserved in baskets - funerary baskets, and there are local tribes in your area who are working to preserve burial sites and return the dust of the past, in this episode...
Today on body talk - hang on
