Observations and ceremonies are being held across the land until June 29 to mark
the 2016 National Days of Prayer to Protect Native American Sacred Places.
In Ohio, observations are being held at the Great Circle and Octagon Earthworks in Newark, Hopewell Culture National Historic Park in Chillicothe, Fort Ancient Earthworks in Oregonia, and Serpent Mound in Peebles.
Preparations continue for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks to become US World Heritage Sites. American Indians are actively participating in the global recognition of these sacred places that represent Indigenous genius and accomplishment. The global focus on Ohio’s American Indian history through World Heritage could shine a light on other Native sacred sites that are in danger of being destroyed. We are all related.
Two thousand years ago, the Indigenous People living in the Ohio Valley region built more than 600 complexes of earthworks consisting of several precise geometric shapes each with specific meaning and purpose. The earthworks are enormous; they were carefully designed and landscaped, built near creeks and rivers, and the People built them to the scale of the physical world around them. Many of the earthworks have walls varying from 3 to 30 feet tall to create a level horizon as seen from inside the sacred spaces, and most are connected by walled earthen walkways.
For more information,
Visit:
- 2016 National Days of Prayer for Sacred Places (Online Word Document)
- 2016 National Sacred Places Prayer Days Happening Now
- Indian Country Today Staff, June 20, 2016.
- Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks Link Page
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