Muscogee (Creek) Nation brings fight for sacred burial site to Atlanta – WABE

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is preparing for the next step in its two-decade-long fight against the desecration of one of its most sacred sites, Hickory Ground.

The site, located in the ancestral homeland of the Muscogee people – present-day Alabama and parts of Georgia – was disturbed to make way for a casino resort. According to the Muscogee, 57 human remains and thousands of cultural artifacts were removed in the process.

Another group, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has also laid ancestral claims to the land, leading to a lengthy dispute over how it should be used. The Poarch Band did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

Now the Muscogee (Creek) are returning to Atlanta for a court hearing that will set a precedent for protecting sacred sites across the country. Ahead of the hearing, 130 tribal leaders and elders will embark on what they are calling a “journey for justice,” including a candlelight vigil in Woodruff Park and a march to the courthouse in downtown Atlanta.

RaeLynn Butler, Muscogee Minister of Culture and Humanities, joined All Things Considered to talk about why the place and this case are so significant.

Christopher Alston contributed to this report.