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| Sites in Need of ProtectionHermitage Springs Site, Old Hickory, Tennessee
See latest update at bottom of page.
The Issue
The Alliance for Native American Indian Rights reports that the owners of JO-MAC construction Co. of Franklin, TN, have agreed to a voluntary injunction over the termination of this archaic period burial site (site of a 5000 year old village) located in Old Hickory, TN. The injunction will remain in place until the Appellate court decision is reached in the Williamson County, (Kellytown site) case.
2001 11 May Update from Pat Cummins/President, Alliance For Native American Indian Rights of Tennessee Inc.
"I am writing to bring you up to date on the Hermitage Springs burial site located in Old Hickory TN...
"As you know, the Alliance For Native American Indian Rights of Tennessee has convinced the Developer, JO-MAC Properties, of Franklin, TN. to enter into a voluntary injunction to stop any construction work until the Applelate Court reaches a decision in the Kellytown case in Williamson County TN.
"However, The Alliance has monitored the Hermitage Springs site very closely, and has determined that erosion has exposed even more remains and artifacts on the property despite efforts to prevent it from occuring. The injunction ordered JO-MAC to cover any and all exposed remains if any were found to be visually noticable by covering them with plastic sheeting. Which they did intially, but now after nearly a year, they refuse to maintain their obligation to cover recently exposed remains. This is in direct violation of the court order, and we have authorized our Attorney to file a motion for contempt in Davidson County Chancery court. We have even offered to compromise and buy the materials and do the work! But still they refuse to allow it! Not only are they in contempt, but they are intentionally disregarding state archaeological statutes. 1. Desecration of a venerated object, and 2. Abuse of a corpse. We will be going back to court against them by June.
"Unfortunately, we are having a great deal of trouble convincing the Davidson County District Attorney's office to seriously prosecute them for these willful violations. After all, to the Prosecutor, they are only Indian graves! And they really don't care! Not until all law makers are made to treat our ancestors like the human beings they were, and still are, will we find some justice out of all this disrespect. ALL HUMAN BEINGS DESERVE TO BE TREATED WITH DIGNITY IN LIFE, AND ESPECIALLY IN DEATH!
"Also, we are expected to be in litigation in the Kellytown case and others for an unspecified period of time. We need financial support to make a difference in how these cases will turn out. And donations to our defense fund are greatly appreciated!"
See also Williamson County, Tennessee, State Route 840 and the Kellytown Case.
Online Sources for Reading:
The Alliance for Native American Indian Rights
Requested Action:
We are expected to be in litigation in the Kellytown case and others for an unspecified period of time. We need financial support to make a difference in how these cases will turn out. And donations to our defense fund are greatly appreciated!
Contact:
Alliance for Native American Indian Rights of Tennessee Inc.
1305 Presidential Trace
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 885-9402
Website can be accessed at www.nativenashville.com
Update: 2001 May 11 update given above.
Update: 2002 April 22: Court action is not over in ancient graves case
Update: 2002 May 3
Native Americans, TDOT to be back in court May 9
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