John Wills Act

To:  The Congressional Native American Caucus

We would like to petition the United States to take action to further protect burial grounds and American Indian sacred sites. Due to the recent events as in Arlington, Washington May 20,2005 which has delayed a $1 million road construction already in progress that is not only making it more expensive, but is also making traffic a major concern for the citizens. The graves in Neenah, Wisconsin May 12,2005 has made major problems in the already in progress construction of the $25.7 million water plant, these measures would expedite construction and cause less expensive and disruptive delays for the American people. It would also ensure that these remains would be properly handled. We would like to propose the “John Wills Act". John Wills dream was to preserve for all people the rich culture of the American Indian. He was instrumental in the founding of Native Earthworks Preservation. Sadly he died before seeing his dreams realized.

John Wills Act

1. That before any major construction that sonar be used to said area to ensure that there is not a burial ground or bodies beneath the ground.
2. Once bodies are found the said site must follow the guidelines of the Graves act.
3. Any tribe within the location of the site must be notified.
4. States with no tribal governments must contact the Native Congress
5. Every off reservation find must be noted, be counted and marked by Native American People before excavation.
6. Any native sites with more than 3 bodies in it must be labeled a tribal burial ground.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The John Wills Act Petition to The Congressional Native American Caucus was created by Native Earthworks Preservation and written by Linda Benfield and John Koda Miller (nativeearthworks@comcast.net).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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