Three years later, Ancient One still unearthed Three years after they were uncovered and removed from their grave, the remains of the Ancient One are no closer to their rightful and respectful return to the earth. And this case is about respect.
Indian people revere the dead.
They conduct three-day funerals that last through the night and involve the entire community. Events and meetings are canceled when a tribal member dies. An Indian woman recalled her astonishment at a white man's funeral when those attending left the cemetery before the casket had been lowered into the grave and buried. Indians' connectivity to the earth cannot be overstated. Remains are meant to stay in the ground once they are buried.