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MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2002

South Dakota state law makes it a felony to knowingly disturb burial grounds but the protections haven't always applied to tribal sites, according to tribes.

Tribal leaders and members differences in treatment when disturbances of Native sites are brought to attention. They cite a case where the state Supreme Court prohibited development on a site where non-Native remains were discovered.

The law doesn't require studies to be conducted prior to digging on private land.

Get the Story:
Tribal graves at risk on private land (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/23)
State applies double standard, tribes say (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/23)

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Editorial: 'Offensive' stance on remains (6/17)
Sacred site protection topic of debate (6/13)
Judge halts work at S.D. site (6/12)
S.D. tribe happy with court action (6/12)
Judge refuses to dismiss burial lawsuit (6/11)
Tribal members insulted at hearing (6/10)
Hearing scheduled on Sioux remains (6/7)
S.D. tribe files suit over remains (6/6)
State admits moving tribal ancestors (6/5)