Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Dear Partner in Heritage Preservation

In an effort to address the problem of looting and vandalism of archeological sites on Indian and federal lands, the Hopi Tribe and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are hosting a class entitled Archeological Law Enforcement on October 10-13, 2000 at the Kykotsmovi Community Center in Kykotsmovi, Arizona.

Law enforcement officers, rangers, prosecutors, and other tribal and federal staff whose job places them in the field are invited to attend the class. Students will be presented an overview of the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and the serious looting problem of archeological sites on Indian and federal lands. The class will further provide exposure to the characteristics of looters and vandals, criminal investigative techniques, and prosecution strategies.

Additional training will include introducing students to archeological resources in the area and a mock crime scene exercise.

Senior Instructors for the class are Messrs. Martin McAllister and Elwood Jones, long-time instructors formerly associated with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. They will be accompanied by Mr. Dennis Kennedy, Assistant U.S. Attorney from the State of Virginia. These individuals are nationally recognized for their efforts in combating looting throughout the United States and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to present this class.

Congress passed the Archeological Resources Protection Act in 1979 to protect irreplaceable archeological resources on Indian and federal lands. The law provides for both criminal and civil penalties, including a maximum fine of $250,000 and five years in prison, plus the forfeiture of all vehicles and equipment used in the commission of the crime. A $500 reward also is granted for information leading to a conviction.

Travel and lodging are the responsibility of the class participants. The closest accommodations are approximately ten short miles away at the scenic Hopi Cultural Center, 520-734-2401 on Second Mesa or in Winslow at the Best Western Adobe Inn, 520-289-4638.

To ensure a quality learning experience, class size is limited to forty students. Registration is first come first serve.

For further information contact Mr. Kurt Dongoske, Tribal Archeologist, Hopi Tribe, phone: 520-734-3761, e-mail: kdongoske@hopi.nsn.us, or contact Mr. Garry J. Cantley, Western Regional Archeologist, BIA, e-mail: GarryCantley@bia.gov, phone: 602-379-6750.

The Navajo Nation will be doing same, October 16-20, 2000. For more information contact Ronald Maldonado by e-mail: rpm_crcs@yahoo.com