Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
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Hudson, FL - The American Indian Movement of Florida has filed civil and criminal complaints against a construction company who intentionally desecrated a state designated Unmarked Indian Burial site.

The T.L. Hunt Construction Company began bulldozing inside of the known Reedy Burial site in Hudson last week and were confronted by Pasco County AIM members -who notified Pasco County Code Enforcement. Today Pasco County AIM Director Ruby Beaulieu filed complaints against T.L. Hunt with the Pasco County Sheriffs Office and Pinellas-Pasco County State Attorney's Office alleging that T.L. Hunt violated Florida's Unmarked human burial law as well as provisions of Florida's Archaeological and Historical Resources protection laws. Florida AIM staff are reviewing T.L. Hunt's actions and may file federal complaints against T.L. Hunt for violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.

Florida AIM is incensed due to the fact that T.L. Hunt provided assurances to Florida AIM and the Pasco County Planning board that they would act in a manner to protect the known burial site and act responsibly if any unknown sites were found. The Reedy site was ravaged by grave robbers, and protected by Florida AIM in a well-publicized 1994 repatriation. Florida AIM also pursued criminal charges against a Mr. John Rabe-who was videotaped by an AIM supporter digging up the mound in a clear violation of Florida State statutes. The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney provided carte blanche to those who rob Indigenous graves by refusing to prosecute that case.

T.L. Hunts violation of the agreement made has eroded any confidence Florida AIM had that this corporation would act in a responsible manner respecting the cemetery of Indigenous peoples. We are considering demanding that the Pasco County Commission conduct a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the entire construction area, or filing an injunction against further construction if the desecration continues. Further should either the Pasco County Sheriff or Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney refuse to investigate or take appropriate action, as was done with previous grave desecration's at the site, Florida AIM fully intends to file a Writ of Mandamus to force the issue.

Florida AIM will hold a press conference on site to further discuss the issue at 9:30 AM Wednesday September 29, 1999. We know that in order to respect the living one must respect those that have gone before. We are tired of waiting for the respect Indigenous people should have had 507 years ago. The time for change is now.