Navajo Nation reminds visitors to parks of its tribal jurisdiction

Thursday, June 28, 2012  

Navajo Nation officials are reminding the public that tribal parks fall under tribal jurisdiction.

Due to cultural taboos, the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department bars the dispersal of human remains at parks. A large sign at the Four Corners Monument warns visitors of the rule but someone dumped some ashes there anyway on Tuesday, causing a stir among elderly Navajo vendors.

"This is not the first time it has happened," Victoria Dee, the park's manager, told The Farmington Daily Times. "It has happened before, and with our cultural beliefs it's taboo. Especially with cremated remains."

Dee said a ceremony was conducted to cleanse the area. Additional ceremonies may be necessary.

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Human remains raise a ruckus at Four Corners National Monument (The Farmington Daily Times 6/28)