Academy Seeks Native American Input on Land

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The Air Force Academy has invited 14 Native American tribes to participate in a three-day summit focused on building partnerships between the organizations and identifying potentially historic sites on the academy grounds. Representatives from tribes in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming will be asked to identify places of cultural significance, such as areas that have been passed down through tribal elders or where Native American religious ceremonies have been routinely performed, according to a release. “We begin by having a professionally credentialed archeologist examine and establish an archeological site,” said Vicki Williams, the Academy’s cultural resource manager. Then, “the tribes will walk the lands and determine what is significant to them.” The summit concludes Aug. 11. Last year, five federally recognized sovereign governments attended the summit.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org