A new sculpture planned for the entrance of a Native American burial site in West Michigan is being relocated after a tribe raised concerns it would disturb sacred ground. Construction was already underway to place the 16-foot granite sculpture titled "All My Relations" in the Old Indian Cemetery in Muskegon. The sculpture was crafted by Anishinaabe artist Jason Quigno.
Members of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians recently expressed disapproval of the decision and advocated for a different location. Cemetery caretaker Joseph Genia says the cemetery is a sacred place to the Ottawa people. He says placing a statue in the cemetery would ruin its integrity. City Manager Frank Peterson says groups reached a consensus to find a new location for the sculpture.
The new site is expected to be announced soon.