About 750 years ago, an Elder passed away and was buried in a sacred place at the foot of the Chinati Mountains in Far West Texas. The Elder’s remains were unearthed in an arroyo in the 1980s due to erosion. The bones were taken by the Center for Big Bend Studies of Sul Ross State University for study.
The Lipan Apache tribe, to which the Elder likely belonged, has historically not been recognized by the federal government, making it difficult for the tribe to repatriate ancestral remains under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). However, efforts were made to bring the Elder back to her people.
Darcie Little Badger, a descendant of the Lipan Apache tribe, shares her family’s history of displacement and resilience. She recounts the struggles faced by her ancestors and the challenges of maintaining their cultural heritage in the face of adversity.
Despite the hardships, there have been recent victories for the Lipan Apache tribe. The return of a sacred burial ground in Presidio and the repatriation of the Elder’s remains signify steps towards reclaiming their cultural heritage and honoring their ancestors.
Through DNA testing, it was discovered that Darcie’s mother was a descendant of the Elder, allowing for the Elder’s remains to be returned to the tribe. The repatriation ceremony was a significant moment for the Lipan Apache people, symbolizing a connection to their past and a commitment to preserving their culture.
As Darcie reflects on the journey to bring the Elder home, she acknowledges the importance of protecting sacred lands and ancestral remains. The burial of the Elder in the Lipan Apache burial ground signifies a sense of closure and respect for their heritage.
The story of the Elder’s repatriation serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Lipan Apache people. Despite centuries of displacement and adversity, they continue to honor their ancestors and preserve their cultural legacy for future generations.