August 17, 2023
This week, we moved a step closer to the return and relocation of Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe to the Kaw Nation. An expert crew from Belger Cartage Company painstakingly prepared to remove the Sacred Red Rock from the base upon which it has sat since 1929. With careful planning and preparation, Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe was lifted from the base with a small crowd gathered to observe at a safe distance. The next step will be to begin disassembling the base, removing the smaller rocks, and placing them in bags so they move with Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe to Council Grove, Kan.
Now that the Sacred Red Rock has been separated from the base in preparation for its journey to Council Grove, we turn our attention to the official Return of the Rock Event, which will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, in Watson Park, 727 Kentucky Street. We encourage the public to attend and utilize the Vermont Street Parking Garage, along with street parking in the area. See map below for an overview of the event location and nearby parking.
The Return of the Rock event on Tuesday, August 29, in Watson Park is the only public event in this process. All other events are closed due to their sacred nature. We ask that both media and observers respect the privacy of the Kaw Nation.
Last spring, the Mellon Foundation announced a major grant to the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe / Sacred Red Rock Project for the return of the 24-ton red Siouxan quartzite boulder, which has sat in its current spot for 93 years, to the Kaw Nation. The City of Lawrence is pleased to support the Kaw Nation in their efforts and has apologized to the Kaw Nation people for having taken its sacred prayer item.
We invite you to learn more and follow this historical event at sacredredrock.com.
Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.org
