Native Americans and the Earthworks

In 2002, Barbara Crandell, a 73-year-old woman of Cherokee heritage, was arrested for attempting to pray at Observation Mound (currently owned by a private golf club), part of the Newark Earthworks. In response to her arrest, and when asked to explain her motives, she replied: 

"They built these things so we would remember who we are. Don’t lose track of who you are! When I go to the mounds, I feel a great welling up of pride and love for my people. I love my ancestors. I love their bones. That’s the way I was brought up. I have great reverence for them. And every one of those mounds, I know their hands lovingly gathered the dirt, and put it there. And I can feel their hands patting me, when I go there. So that’s why I think it was left as a trail for native people to follow. Go there and connect with your ancestors, so you can walk a good path. It is terrible that people are not allowed to go to these places. I mean, they’re not just for Indian people. I mean, I connect with them, maybe in a different way. But all peoples should be able to go there. They should be able to go there and see this wonderful sight. And I’d like to have it open for everybody."

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This map of 'the country about the Mississippi' - including the Ohio River Valley - was drawn c. 1755 by a Native American named Chegeree. Little is known of Chegeree apart from his name and the fact that he mostly likely drew this map for a British officer. The map, which shows the area from Lake Erie to the mouth of the Ohio River, is oriented with north towards the upper right. Sites shown include: the Ohio River, Indian settlements, a 'French Fort' (Fort Dusquesne), the 'Falls of Ohio', and the confluence of the Ohio River with the Mississippi River. 

Another example of a map created with the assistance of Native Americans, or perhaps entirely by their own hands, is the buckskin map owned by the British Museum.

Wickliffe Mounds

Truman Lowe, a contemporary Native American artist, discusses how a visit to Wickliffe Mounds, in Western Kentucky, served as an inspiration for his artwork. 

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This recording, courtesy of the Ohio History Center and CERHAS, of part of the annual Fort Ancient Festival demonstrates how many Native American tribes still use earthworks as a gathering point for celebrations and religious ceremonies. 

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In this video, courtesy of the National Parks Service, Chief Glenna Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma discusses her tribe's history and connection with the mounds of the Ohio River Valley and the importance of cultivating and sharing a connection with land.

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In this video, courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society, Chief Glenna Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma discusses her tribe's continued affiliation with Ohio and the importance of preserving the earthworks.

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In this video, courtesy of the Myaamia Center, Chief Glenna Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma gives a lecture on the history of her tribe and their connection with Ohio and its earthworks. 

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In this video, courtesy of the Ohio Historical Center, Alex Davis discusses the importance of feathers - which were associated with the flight ability of the Horned Serpent - in many Native American tribes.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Julie Olds, of the Miami Nation, discusses the vital importance of preserving Ohio's earthworks.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Julie Olds, of the Miami Nation, discusses the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the solutions and problems which arose with its ratification.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Mark Welsh, of Dakota heritage, tells a story about the origins of fire which, in his tradition, began near Flint Ridge in the Ohio River Valley.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Annette Ketchum, a Lenape storyteller, tells a story about the significance and symbolism of the turtle to her tribe.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Alex Davis discusses the significance of religion to many Native American tribes.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Carol Welch discusses the importance of song to many Native Americans and offers an example.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Christine Ballengee-Morris of the Eastern Band Cherokee discusses the continuing relevance and importance of visiting earthworks.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Chief Glenna Wallace discusses the intrinsic importance of animals to many Native American tribes.

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In this video, courtesy of CERHAS, Chief Glenna Wallace discusses the forcible removal of many tribes from Ohio during the nineteenth century.

Native Americans and the Earthworks