City of Lawrence votes to return sacred prayer rock to Kaw Nation

LAWRENCE, KS— The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution that formally apologizes to the Kaw Nation for the appropriation of its sacred In´zhúje´waxóbe. The resolution also solidifies the prayer rock’s return without any condition.

According to city attorney Toni Wheeler, the resolution is in response to a letter from the chairwoman of the Kaw Nation, Lynn Williams, requesting the return of In ́zhúje ́waxóbe that was formally received by the commission at their January 19, 2021 meeting.

“Adoption of this resolution tonight really is the first step,” Wheeler said, “and it’s a very important step for the people of the Kaw Nation.”

The sacred rock has been in Robinson Park across from Lawrence City Hall since 1929 after Lawrence officials and community members took the boulder from its original place along the Shunganunga Creek.

James Pepper Henry, a representative of the Kaw Nation said, “the Kaw Nation is grateful for the city council’s confirmation of our claim and unconditional return of In ́zhúje ́waxóbe.” Henry said that Wheeler and the Kaw Nation will continue to work together to ensure the sacred item is returned safely.

Several members of the public lent their support to the city and congratulated the Kaw Nation including Kerry Altenbernd who said it was important for the city to pass this resolution to “mitigate a bit of the nearly 100 years of shame that’s fallen on the city for having done this.”

By Meaghan Boyd

January 19, 2021