Justice for Hickory Ground

(image: Mekko)

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What is Hickory Ground?

Hickory Ground, known as Ocevpofv by the Muscogee (Creek) people, is a historic Tribal Town site located on the east bank of the Coosa River in present-day Wetumpka, Alabama. It served as the last tribal capital of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation before their forced removal in the 1830s. The site includes a ceremonial ground, council house, plaza, and burial sites with graves containing the remains and funerary objects of the ancestors of the Hickory Ground Tribal Town. Hickory Ground is a state-registered archaeological site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its profound cultural and religious significance.

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Why is it Important?

Hickory Ground holds immense historical and cultural importance for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Hickory Ground Tribal Town, and the United States. It was central to the formation of the United States, with President George Washington signing treaties with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to affirm the sovereignty of the new country. The site is a testament to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s rich heritage and their ancestors’ enduring legacy. The desecration of Hickory Ground for casino development violated the sanctity of this sacred site and disrespected the cultural heritage of the Muscogee (Creek) people. Protecting Hickory Ground ensures that such exploitation of sacred sites is not repeated, upholding the integrity and rights of Indigenous peoples.

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Why Justice for Hickory Ground?

Justice for Hickory Ground is essential to rectify the grave injustices committed against the Muscogee (Creek) people and their ancestral lands. The desecration of Hickory Ground for commercial gain, without the consent of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation or the Hickory Ground Tribal Town, represents a profound violation of their cultural and spiritual heritage. Achieving justice means holding those responsible accountable, restoring the sanctity of the site, and returning the remains and artifacts to their rightful resting places. It also sets a critical precedent, reinforcing the importance of respecting Indigenous rights, cultural heritage, and the promises made to protect sacred lands. Justice for Hickory Ground is not just about rectifying past wrongs but also about ensuring a future where Indigenous communities are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, safeguarding their sacred sites from exploitation and harm.

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