Under the scorching August sun, Lorraine Eiler, flanked by journalists, issued a cautionary message. The Trump administration was hastily building a second border wall at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, located southwest of Tucson. If the bulldozers arrived, she claimed, they would inevitably disturb the last resting spots of her family and Hia-Ced O’odham tribal forebears. “Humans once inhabited this area,” the 234-year-old remarked. Fifteen days afterwards, her concerns were proven valid. ProPublica has verified that Native American remains were discovered in Organ Pipe after border wall contractors stirred the soil. The finding, previously unpublicized, occurred on September. According to a statement from the National Park Service, there were 25. The University of Arizona, adhering to standard procedures, performed an examination and determined that the discovered remains are of human origin and correspond to indigenous tribal customs of cremation, as stated by the agency. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act outlines the procedures that organizations must follow when they unintentionally come across Native American remains on federal property. The steps involve stopping any activities that led to the discovery until tribal communities are consulted. The National Park Service stated their commitment to respecting tribal rights and traditions, and they are working hard to identify the culturally affiliated tribe and ensure the respectful return of the remains, allowing the tribe to observe their religious and cultural practices. Eiler learned about the discovery from a cultural affairs specialist belonging to the Tohono O’odham Nation, a bigger tribe whose territory is situated to the east of Organ Pipe. He was subsequently informed by the Organ Pipe superintendent’s office. Her family debated their future course of action.
