Ancient Artifacts Unearthed in North Carolina Raise Concerns Over Preservation
In the beautiful hills of western North Carolina, an unexpected bump in the road has sparked significant concern among archaeologists and tribal officials alike. Scott Ashcraft, a dedicated archaeologist with the U.S. Forest Service, discovered ancient tools from Native American history just beneath the leaf-covered forest floor, all brought to light after a bulldozer inadvertently unearthed them while battling a wildfire in 2021. As Ashcraft examined these findings, he realized there were deeper issues at play regarding the protection of cultural heritage in federally managed forest lands.
A Call for Change
For years, Ashcraft has advocated for a reconsideration of outdated practices by forest managers when it comes to planning areas for prescribed fires and projects. In a heartfelt letter addressed to various top officials, he expressed his urgent concerns about the handling of archaeological findings—specifically, those tied to significant tribal connections. Despite his attempts to raise awareness, he claims that not only did forest managers dismiss his calls, but they also retaliated against him, limiting input from state archaeologists and sidelining crucial consultations with Native American tribes.
The Bigger Picture
While this situation is centered in North Carolina, Ashcraft believes it highlights a troubling national trend where there are insufficient safeguards in place for the protection of Native American heritage sites. “It feels like project deadlines and performance evaluations have taken precedence over safeguarding our cultural resources,” he stated during an interview.
The situation escalated last year when Ashcraft filed a detailed whistleblower disclosure, prompting further scrutiny into the actions of forest managers. Despite being reassured by regional officials that their legal obligations had been met, the hostility towards Ashcraft escalated. Many of his responsibilities were reassigned, and he was even barred from communicating with local tribes.
National Policy vs. Local Action
Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to enhance cooperation with Native American tribes across the nation, the North Carolina case appears to be falling short. There are allegations of neglecting to involve tribes during internal reviews and a disconcerting pattern of failing to adhere to established procedures.
Valerie Grussing, speaking on behalf of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, characterized the findings as egregious and unconscionable. “This isn’t just a minor bureaucratic hiccup; it’s a breach of trust,” she emphasized. James Melonas, who oversees several forests in North Carolina, mentioned that an independent review had been conducted but did not dive deep into allegations against Ashcraft.
The Risk of Irreplaceable Losses
According to Ashcraft and other advocates, the risk to Native American cultural and archaeological sites is escalating. A report of the investigation revealed projects had already commenced before proper assessments were conducted, potentially leading to irreversible damage to these ancient artifacts.
The Center for the Investigation of Native and Ancient Quarries is collaborating with Ashcraft to discover more about the landscape’s deep cultural roots. These uncoverings, displaying sophisticated engineering skills from societies dating back thousands of years, remind us of the intangible cultural energy connected to these places.
Moving Forward Together
With concerns echoed by leaders from various Native American tribes and the legal nonprofit Whistleblower Aid joining Ashcraft’s effort, the call for protection of these cultural sites is gaining momentum. The goal isn’t to freeze all projects but rather to ensure thorough documentation is completed before any changes occur. Ashcraft considers this a shared responsibility among various stakeholders—including tribes, local and federal governments, and civil society.
“It concludes that the preservation of our collective past matters to all of us,” he stated, calling for a unified approach to safeguard not just artifacts but the cultural identity integral to Indigenous peoples. As the community contemplates the uncertainties surrounding these processes, the hope is that greater awareness will facilitate meaningful dialogue and change for the better.
