Native America Calling: Protecting sacred sites in urban areas

Indianz.Com > News > Native America Calling: Protecting sacred sites in urban areas

Native America Calling

Listen to Native America Calling every weekday at 1pm Eastern.

Alternate Links: Native Voice One | NAC

Native America Calling: Protecting sacred sites in urban areas

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

nativeamericacalling.com nativeamericacalling nativeamericacalling

Protecting sacred sites in urban areas

Sacred sites sometimes get lost in urban settings as cities prioritize the needs of non-Native residents and commercial interests over the historical and spiritual value for Native Americans.

But tribes and Native organizations are having some success connecting with city officials to see that sacred spaces are protected and accessible. After years of restoration work, what were known as the Indian Mounds in St. Paul, Minnesota, have a whole new look, a new Dakota name — Wicaḣapi — and an educational cultural center.

Over in St. Louis, Missouri, the city just solidified a transfer of property that signifies its first-ever recognition of tribal sovereignty. The sacred Sugarloaf Mound is being returned to the care of the Osage Nation, whose people were removed from the land.

Tune into Native America Calling to talk about the difficult work to recognize and preserve sacred places in population centers.

Wicahapi in St. Paul, Minnesota. Photo: McGhiever

Guests on Native America Calling

Maggie Lorenz (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and Spirit Lake Dakota Nation), executive director of Waḳaŋ Típi Awaŋyaŋkapi in Minnesota

Ke’eaumoku Kapu (Native Hawaiian), executive director of Nā ‘Aikāne o Maui Cultural Center of Lahaina and cultural specialist for Lahaina Town, both in Hawaii