UN Report on Indigenous People in the US; CA Native American Day Sept. 28; Campo Santo Ceremonies

Posted: September 28th, 2012

Reburials at Campo Santo in El Pueblo de Los Angeles National Historic Site in April 2012. The cries of Native Americans and descendants of the Pobladores – the original 44 settlers of Los Angeles — stopped the appalling and horrific excavations of more than 100 people there by the County of Los Angeles.

UN Report

The United Nations has published a report by Special Rapporteur James Anaya on the rights of indigenous peoples in the United States. His summarizes the report as follows:

In this report the Special Rapporteur examines the human rights situation of indigenous peoples in the United States, on the basis of research and information gathered, including during a visit to the country from 23 April to 4 May 2012. During his mission, the Special Rapporteur held consultations with United States officials as well as with indigenous peoples, tribes, and nations in Washington, D.C., Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, Washington state; South Dakota and Oklahoma, both in Indian country and in urban areas. Appendices I and II to this report include, respectively, summaries of information provided by the Government and of information submitted by indigenous peoples, organizations and individuals in connection with the mission.

The Special Rapporteur concludes that indigenous peoples in the United States – including American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian peoples – constitute vibrant communities that have contributed greatly to the life of the country; yet they face significant challenges that are related to widespread historical wrongs, including broken treaties and acts of oppression, and misguided government policies, that today manifest themselves in various indicators of disadvantage and impediments to the exercise of their individual and collective rights.

Significant federal legislation and programmes that have been developed over the last few decades, in contrast to early exercises of federal power based on misguided policies, constitute good practices that in significant measure respond to indigenous peoples’ concerns. Especially to be commended are the many new initiatives taken by the executive to advance the rights of indigenous peoples in the last few years.

The Special Rapporteur finds, however, that existing federal programmes need to be improved upon and their execution made more effective. Moreover, new measures are needed to advance toward reconciliation with indigenous peoples and address persistent deep-seated problems related to historical wrongs, failed policies of the past and continuing systemic barriers to the full realization of indigenous peoples’ rights.

Native American Day

September 28, 2012, is California Native American Day. California is home to the largest population of Native Americans in the 50 states.

Campo Santo Ceremonies

Los Angeles County has identified dates for “consulting parties” (as defined by the County) to commemorate the excavations and reburials at the historic cemetery site. Native Americans and Pobladores who oppose the County’s failure to engage in respectful consultations intend to hold their own ceremony.  The weekend dates provided by the County are as follows:
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The morning of Sunday, October 28, 2012 before noon
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Learn more about the struggle to protect culture, history, and rights for Native Americans and Pobladores at the burial ground in El Pueblo de Los Angeles: Rest in Peace: Ancestors Finally Return to El Pueblo, KCET Departures/Green Justice.
The City Project has published additional records concerning the excavations and reburials. The County has not yet produced other records in compliance with outstanding public record requests. Check back regularly for updated records as they become available.