“The Rattlesnake Spirit, Wakandhi, is a guardian of the springs which pour forth water for all our benefit.”

The THPO for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska protests the Afton Wastewater Treatment project.

Winchell, Afton Mounds003 copyIn an email sent August 29, 2016, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Lance Foster, wrote the following to Corey Mathison of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:

Aho, daxga.

The THPO office of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska adds it voice to that of other tribes in protesting the plans to pump sewage through the Rattlesnake Effigy Mound, in Afton. Such mounds are located in places vital to the health and well-being of the land, as well of the people who live nearby, both Indian and non-Indian.

We are descendants of the Oneota and Woodland People who lived in southern Minnesota, until we moved southward about the year 1700. The Rattlesnake Spirit, Wakandhi, is a guardian of the springs which pour forth water for all our benefit. Water and Life are the same thing in our Ioway language: Nyi (nyee). There are also likely burials in the mound, protected by both state and federal laws.

If a pipe of sewage is run through such a Mound, then according to traditions, the waters will be fouled, and disease, pests, and drought will follow.

We ask that you consider this while making your decision, and realize we are concerned for all, including the residents of the area, your own people, as well.

That is all. Warigroxi.

Lance Foster, THPO, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, 3345 B Thrasher Rd, White Cloud, KS 66094


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