The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians celebrated the return of a sacred mound that is considered the birthplace of the tribe.

The tribe regained Nanih Waiya, which means "leaning hill" or "place of creation" in the Choctaw language, through state legislation. The site was part of a state park that closed due to lack of funds.

"Nanih Waiya is the cultural and religious center of the tribe and is the birth place of the Choctaw people," said Miko Beasley Denson at a ceremony last Friday, The Neshoba Democrat reported. "Our mother mound was taken from the Choctaw people long ago, but it has now been restored to her children."

The mound is believed to have been built between 100 B.C. and 400 A.D.

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Sacred mound returned to Choctaw tribe (The Neshoba Democrat 11/19)