– Illinois possesses the second-largest collection of Native American remains and sacred artifacts not yet returned to their rightful communities.
– New legislation has been introduced to speed up the return process.
– The Osage Nation, originally from Missouri, is optimistic about this development.
Osage Nation Hopeful for Restitution
According to national statistics, Illinois has somewhat of a deplorable status when it comes to the return of Native American remains and sacred objects. The state ranks second in the country for the highest number of unrepatriated items. However, new legal changes might be a beacon of hope for this lingering issue.
The Osage Nation, indigenous to Missouri before being forcibly moved to Oklahoma, awaits the return of their ancestors’ remains. The lengthy process of repatriation, stemming from years of legal rigmarole and lack of resources, has now been addressed in a new law.
New Legislation Inspires Hope
The law in question is designed to expedite the return of Native American remains and sacred objects held by Illinois museums and universities. For decades, these institutions have cited lack of financial resources or legal complications as reasons for the delay.
The new legislation seeks to cut through the red tape and speed up the process significantly. It mandates that institutions report their progress annually to the public and to the state archaeologist. Importantly, it provides a funding mechanism for costly return efforts.
The Osage Nation, who have long been at the forefront of repatriation efforts, are championing this law.
The Breezy Take
Illinois has an unenviable reputation for its sluggish pace in returning Native American remains and artifacts. The new law, welcomed by the Osage Nation, might lead the way in righting historical wrongs. The move signifies more than just an end to protracted legal disputes – it represents a step towards cultural healing and the rightful respect for ancestral heritage. This could be the catalyst for Missouri and other states to follow suit and speed up their own repatriation processes.
Original article: https://stlpr.org/culture-history/2023-08-21/illinois-passes-updated-law-to-repatriate-native-american-remains-after-years-of-neglect