Award-winning Indian Singing Troup to Mourn Ancestors at Major Rally Against UCB’s Attack on Repatriation Rights
January 22, 2008
Salt Singers from 14 Indian Bands Have Traveled Great Distances to Perform Ancient Songs at Demo in Berkeley’s Sproul Plaza
By Jessica LePak
The famous Native American Salt Singers from Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Southern California will sing ancient mourning songs at a demonstration to express their profound sadness over thousands of Native American remains stored in drawers and plastic bags a few hundred feet away beneath a swimming pool in the Hearst gym basement.
When: Noon Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Where: Sproul Plaza, UC Berkeley
Who: The Salt Song Project (http://www.nativeland.org/saltsong2.html)
Why: The Salt Singers feel it is imperative to conduct this rite of passage now to raise public awareness about the shocking lack of cooperation from UC administrators with tribal entities. Despite numerous resolutions from tribes and the National Congress of American Indians and thousands of letters and emails requesting repatriation, senior UC administrators have refused to meet with tribal leaders and have continued to deny tribes their lawful claim for the religious and ceremonial reburial of their ancestors. Thus far, UCB Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and UC system president Rory Hume have simply ignored requests to discuss the University’s administration of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and have referred all inquiries to Museum subordinates who lack the power and desire to change UC NAGPRA policies.
Supporters are invited to bring drums and other instruments.
When: Noon Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Where: Sproul Plaza, UC Berkeley
Who: The Salt Song Project (http://www.nativeland.org/saltsong2.html)
Why: The Salt Singers feel it is imperative to conduct this rite of passage now to raise public awareness about the shocking lack of cooperation from UC administrators with tribal entities. Despite numerous resolutions from tribes and the National Congress of American Indians and thousands of letters and emails requesting repatriation, senior UC administrators have refused to meet with tribal leaders and have continued to deny tribes their lawful claim for the religious and ceremonial reburial of their ancestors. Thus far, UCB Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and UC system president Rory Hume have simply ignored requests to discuss the University’s administration of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and have referred all inquiries to Museum subordinates who lack the power and desire to change UC NAGPRA policies.
Supporters are invited to bring drums and other instruments.
Photo from website:
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