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WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2003

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers halted work at a burial site on the Missouri River in South Dakota after Yankton Sioux tribal members effectively blocked construction.

Tribal members say the Corps has failed to properly consult the tribe about remains and artifacts uncovered at the site. They stood in front of tractors and construction equipment yesterday, with tensions rising early in the morning, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reported.

Eventually, armed agents from the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks left after threatening to arrest the protesters.

The land was transferred to the state, which is turning the area into a recreational site. The Army Corps maintains responsibility for repatriation and cultural resources and said it would wait for further guidance from a federal judge.

Get the Story:
Tribe stops recreation construction (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/14)
Indians try to stop North Point job (AP 5/14)

Related Stories:
Yankton Sioux protest work at burial site (5/13)
Additional remains uncovered at Missouri River site (05/08)
Judge allows some work at S.D. burial site (04/22)
Editorial: Solutions needed on burial site (07/02)
Judge: S.D. tribe not consulted (7/1)
S.D. grave protection uneven (6/24)
Editorial: 'Offensive' stance on remains (6/17)
Sacred site protection topic of debate (6/13)
Judge halts work at S.D. site (6/12)
Judge refuses to dismiss burial lawsuit (6/11)
Tribal members insulted at hearing (6/10)
Hearing scheduled on Sioux remains (6/7)
S.D. tribe files suit over remains (6/6)
State admits moving tribal ancestors (6/5)
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Tribal members insulted at hearing (6/10)
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