Ancestors stored in metal shipping box at construction site in Utah

Tuesday, February 8, 2011  

Dozens of ancestral remains have been uncovered at a construction site in Utah but instead of being reburied they are being stored in a big metal shipping box.

Work began on the water project more than a year ago. Since then, 54 ancestors have been removed from their resting place.

"When it comes to human remains, those are very, very sacred," Forrest Cuch, the director of Utah Office of Indian Affairs, told KSL-TV.

The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, the Hopi Tribe and the Paiute Tribe have been working with archaeologists and the Kane County Water Conservancy District to determine how to handle the situation. The tribes agreed to reburial on a plot of land near the site but KSL said that hasn't happened yet.

"There's definitely an issue of trust," Rep. Mike Noel (R), the executive director of the water district, told KSL. "The Indians historically have not had a lot of trust in white men."

Get the Story:
Modern-day project disrupts ancient burial site (KSL-TV 2/7)