Unfortunately, there is ample precedence for the federal government and universities denying native peoples access to their holy sites. The November/December issue of "Sierra" magazine has a cover article on "Holy Lands - Native America's Sacred Sites." It reports on a volcanic tower in Wyoming where "the Sioux must now get permission from the National Park Service to go onto their own sacred land, officially know as Devils Tower National Monument."
On Mt. Graham, the University of Arizona has two telescopes and is erecting seven more. Apaches wanting to pray to their Mountain Spirits on the Big Seated Mountain are told that they need written permission from the university.
Lava flows west of Albuquerque, N.M., contain 25,000 petroglyphs, the largest concentration in the country. New Mexico's 19 Pueblo tribes consider them spiritual messages left by their ancestors. "Sierra" reports that "Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez considers them an impediment to a planned six-lane highway." The Sage Council, a tribal and environmental coalition ( like the one growing on the Big Island) opposes the highway.
Difficult as it is to imagine that the University of Hawai'i would even consider restricting access by native worshipers to their temple, other universities and governments already made such restrictions.
On Mt. Graham, the University of Arizona has two telescopes and is erecting seven more. Apaches wanting to pray to their Mountain Spirits on the Big Seated Mountain are told that they need written permission from the university.
Lava flows west of Albuquerque, N.M., contain 25,000 petroglyphs, the largest concentration in the country. New Mexico's 19 Pueblo tribes consider them spiritual messages left by their ancestors. "Sierra" reports that "Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez considers them an impediment to a planned six-lane highway." The Sage Council, a tribal and environmental coalition ( like the one growing on the Big Island) opposes the highway.
Difficult as it is to imagine that the University of Hawai'i would even consider restricting access by native worshipers to their temple, other universities and governments already made such restrictions.