To the Editor: Treatment of Native American remains and artifacts criticized

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It was quite unpleasant to read "Native American remains unearthed" (4/10/14) concerning the
discovery of a skeleton eroding out of a burial on a Maumee River island. Stating "These particular
bones are to be left in their present situation ‘as those that buried them intended’" was
inaccurate, as they definitely were not intended to be uncovered by erosion and visibly exposed to the
elements. Further, "artifacts found with the remains – including what appeared to be a necklace and
a metal bowl – will be turned over to the Historical Society" contradicts the statement about the
original intent of the burial, by removing the grave goods which were meant to accompany the body into
the afterlife, and was grave robbing. If the burial was determined to have been a white settler or
soldier, however, the remains and artifacts would certainly be respectfully reinterred. It is
reprehensible to treat these remains any differently. Consequently, Native American groups should be
contacted immediately, as it is for them to decide how they wish to proceed.
Jeffrey Gordon
Bowling Green

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