Wayland Gray is seen in this photo from 2012. Photo from Save Hickory Ground / Facebook
Wayland Gray, a member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, was cleared of criminal charges over an incident at a casino owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama. In February 2013, Gray was arrested for trying to bless Hickory Ground. The historic Creek burial site happens to be located below the $246 million Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Wetumpka. Gray was found guilty of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. But a jury voted unanimously to overturn both convictions after a hearing on Wednesday. "I knew I had the creator on my side and my ancestors and all my people and the thousands of prayers from around the world on my side," Gray told. AL.Com. "It shows we do have a voice, we are human beings." Get the Story:
'Mvto, mvto!': Conviction overturned in ancient Indian burial ground blessing dispute at Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Wetumpka (AL.Com 1/15)
Breaking: Jury Overturns Hickory Ground Activist Wayland Gray’s Convictions (Indian Country Today 1/15)
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