Osage Nation Reconquers Sacred Ground in St. Louis, Awaiting Transfer of Sugarloaf Mound Property

Together with the NGO Counterpublic, the Osage Nation has been able to gradually reclaim a portion of their heritage in St. Louis with Sugarloaf Mound, the last of the once-many mounds in what was once referred to as the “Mound City.” The Native American tribe will now receive a portion of this historic location according to a recent arrangement. The Art Newspaper claims that this action represents a cultural reclamation as well as a land transfer, returning a site of holy significance to Indigenous management.

Homeowner Joan Heckenberg, who has occupied the mound for over 80 years, has committed to giving the Osage Nation ownership of the land either when she moves out or passes away. According to FOX2now, Heckenberg’s choice is a sincere act that honors the land’s spiritual and historical value, where she lived for most of her life. To entirely return the site to the tribe, however, talks with the last property on the mound, which is owned by the pharmaceutical fraternity Kappa Psi, have not yet resulted in an agreement.

Beyond its physical location, Sugarloaf Mound holds significance as a link to the ancestors of the Osage Nation and a ceremonial past that predates European colonialism. In a statement obtained by St. Louis Public Radio, Andrea Hunter, director of the Osage Nation Historic Preservation Office, emphasized this point by pointing out that thousands of their ancestors are interred throughout the region.

The Osage Nation still has a lot of work to do in order to fulfill their goal of constructing an interpretative center on the mound. Its historic form will probably need to be carefully studied and preserved as part of this endeavor. In addition to being an instructional tool, an interpretive center would be a physical representation of the tribe’s commitment to preserving their history and culture. According to FOX2now, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen is anticipated to advance this cause by adopting a resolution endorsing the Osage Nation’s sovereignty, which is backed by Mayor Tishaura Jones.

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