The challenge:
The land near Lake Minnetonka is home to many Indian burial sites. So, when 5000 yards of soil were removed for Tonka Bay infrastructure projects designated as burial grounds, the reaction was immediate. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) which protects the sovereignty of all 11 Minnesota tribes, has charge over such situations. Under MIAC’s supervision, tons of soil are now temporarily stored near Manitou Park and Tonka Bay City Hall. A permanent relocation site proposed by MIAC and the city is meeting resident resistance. (Background reading: The Dirt on the Tonka Bay Dirt)
What happened?
- Contractors started the first road-water main project without the required archeologist on site. Upon arrival, the archaeologist stopped excavation and ordered the soil stored by Manitou Park until it could be examined for relics. Meanwhile, the project was completed. The soil remains by the park as of January 31.Note: After sifting, no relics have been found.
- An archaeologist who studies Indian burial sites in Minnesota would typically be a bio archaeologist or a prehistoric archaeologist with a focus on Indigenous archaeology. Since Minnesota has many ancient burial mounds, archaeologists working in the state often collaborate with MIAC and must follow Minnesota and Federal laws to ensure appropriate treatment of remains.
- The original plan for the old base layer of the soil from Brentwood and Pleasant Avenue was to haul it out of the city. MIAC ultimately objected to this plan.
What are the challenges?
- Regulations were not in place when 19th and 20th century development altered the terrain, resulting in today’s conflict.
- The challenge is how to balance modern infrastructure, while respecting and minimizing disturbance of Indian burial grounds. In Minnesota, MIAC has the final authority on these matters.
- In this instance, where numerous burial grounds dot the area, it becomes important to plan ahead to minimize disturbance and restore any soil to a MIAC approved site.
- The site chosen must be able to accommodate what could be tons of soil now and from future local projects.
What is the plan?
- The city council and MIAC have agreed to repatriate the soil approximately 4.5-5 acres of non-wetland south of Pleasant Avenue and west of Lilah Lane that is zoned Park District. The site abuts another identified burial ground and stays to the east of the delineated wetland. (see map below)
- Under MIAC’s direction, existing soil would be removed from the proposed spot, and replaced with the protected soil.
- Tribal officials are developing grading and restoration plans, including tree replacement if needed. This will be reviewed and agreed upon by the city.
- Tonka Bay has spent $15k for WSB (the city’s contracting engineer) to complete a wetland delineation and Phase 1 environmental study of the site.
- Additionally, on January 14th WSB solicited and the council agreed to spend an additional $10k on services to proceed with site design. They will further consult with MIAC. It should be pointed out that WSB hadn’t yet reviewed, or provided the council with the Phase 1 study that showed if the site was even suitable for this project).
The Opposition:
- Residents have gathered 135 signatures on a petition opposing the site.
- Several spoke at the January 14th Tonka Bay city council meeting (start at 16:42), questioning the city’s choice for placement of the soil.
- Their concern is disturbance of the forested area, wildlife, wetland, and the disruption created by hundreds of dump truck trips bringing the soil in.
- As confusion and distrust grew, residents organized a meeting with MIAC in late November, to improve communication and reach a resolution. Though the city council was invited and encouraged to attend, Mayor Adam Jennings declined because the meeting was not an “official” city organized meeting.
- Residents asked the council and city engineer at the January 14 meeting if any information was being withheld. The engineer, with the council’s support, assured residents the process was transparent.
Meanwhile, the cost of moving the smaller pile at Manitou Park will be borne by WSB.The overall cost to move and repatriate the city hall soil is unknown and no estimates have been provided.
MIAC has suggested it will find an alternative for the soil if the city and the neighborhood cannot come to an agreement. As it now stands, the city is moving forward with analysis of the viability of the Lilah Lane-Pleasant Avenue woodland.
