Return of the Tuscarora Ancestors

This is important for the reconciliation of the genocide, cultural loss, and devastation of the Tuscarora Nation in our anceint homeland by centuries of intrusion, conflict, and manipulation by the State of North Carolina. Although prior historical accounts assume that the Tuscarora migrated by large force to the Northeast in the early 18th century, modern academics and a long trail of records confirm that thousands of Tuscarora remained. Published archaeological research by Dr Larry Tise and Dr David Phelps about Fort Neherooka states that only 20 percent of the Tuscarora Nation was subdued during the campaign of the Tuscarora Wars 1711-15. Another study about the Contentnea Creek Drainage states that the more scholarly estimate on 18th century pre-war Tuscarora was about 8000 people. Earlier accounts by Surveyor General John Lawson noted about 1500 Tuskeruro fighting men. That estimate equated to about 5000 people and is roughly off by as much half of the modern arcaheologically derived estimate. The migration trail navigated by the Tuscarora families leaving the reservation in Bertie County and adjoinging counties were traveling and stopping in Sampson, Cumberland, Harnett, Robeson, and Duplin counties. Archaeological digs at burial mounds, village sites, and other cultural zones estimate that the Tuscarora have been in NC for at least 1200 years. Whenever these mounds were dug up, the Tuscarora Nation of NC was never consulted. Fort Bragg military base, Camp Lejune military base, the Department of Transportation, the CSX Railroad System, UNC Chapel Hill, ECU and many more institutions and agencies have been involved in the removal, housing and display of Tuscarora remains and artifacts for decades. The digs done in the earlier 20th century were sent all over the United States. This is essential to understanding the ongoing relationship between the Tuscarora Nation and the NC Community. Since before the creation of this country, the Tuscarora Nation have been generous to colonists, fought against their kin to save the NC colony, and even sent warriors to aid South Carolina against the Yamassees in 1715. My ancestors fought in the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. At every significant moment in American History, the NC Tuscarora have played a major role in the development, security, and freedom of this great nation. The time for reciprocity, balance and reconciliation is now! The Native American Graves and Repatriation Act 1990 is very recent and the State of NC has not upheld the longstanding rights of the Tuscarora. Dozens of burial sites have been desecrated, ancestors removed, and artifacts sold or auctioned without regards to families and communities. The Tuscarora Nation of NC have been treaty indians since 1712, gained Federal Recognition through the Indian Reorganization Act of the 1930s, and the East Carolina Indian Organization (Tuscarora group) had those rights reaffirmed regardless of the Lumbee Act in the Maynor Vs. Morton case of 1975. Repatriating Tuscarora remains and artifacts is the right course of action because NC began silencing my ancestors through active legislation in 1778, but also because thousands of Tuscarora ancestral spirits deserve rest and Tuscarora People need healing. This is an opportunity for the Roanoke River, Neuse River, Tar River, Cape Fear River, and Drowning Creek Tuscarora settlements to take part in this petition to reclaim our lost ancestors. Their return will awaken us. May the Great Spirit Bless you. Nyawe (thank you). Ooneh (One People)