A group of tribes signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect historic and cultural sites along the Missouri River.

The agreement spells out how the Corps will work with the tribes to address cultural preservation issues. The Corps will identify historic sites, monitor areas for erosion and vandalism, establish a law enforcement system, provide educational programs and signs, and protect sensitive information.

Tribes along the river have long accused the Corps of ignoring concerns over burial grounds and sacred sites. A federal judge in 2002 said the Corps violated the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act by failing to consult with the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. The tribe's ancestors were removed from a work site along the river.

Get the Story:
Pact to aid sites along Missouri (AP 4/14)

Related Stories:
Missouri River Master Manual documents - http://www.nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/mmanual/mast-man.htm

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