Miami Tribe, Indiana University to co-host National NAGPRA Review Committee meeting
The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, together with Indiana University, will co-host the Department of the Interior’s annual National Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Review Committee Meeting in June. The conference will be held in the Indiana Memorial Union on the IU Bloomington campus in June. This is one of the few times in the meeting’s more than 30-year history that a university has co-hosted the event with a tribe and the first time it has been held in Indiana or any Midwestern state from which native populations were removed in the 1800s. The collaboration further demonstrates the university’s continued commitment to strengthening relations with tribes and to ensuring compliance with the university’s legal and ethical obligations.
Tribes and university representatives from around the country will convene from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7 and 8 in Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union. The meeting is free and open to the public.
NAGPRA created a Federal Advisory Review Committee in 1990 to monitor and review its implementation. The act requires institutions receiving federal funding to treat human remains with “dignity and respect”; recognize that human remains and other cultural items removed from federal or tribal lands belong to lineal descendants, Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations; and partner with those parties in determining the disposition of those remains and cultural objects.
IU has also prohibited all research on Native American remains held by the university and is actively consulting with tribal nations on the large collections housed at IU. Cate said that plans and the timeline for repatriation and reburial — including documentation and collections care — are developed collaboratively and conducted with the university’s tribal partners.
Bloomington Infrastructure Project Update
Griffy Loop Trail Dam Crossing – Scenic Construction Services was awarded a contract in March to construct a new trail crossing along the Griffy Lake dam. The dam crossing is part of the Griffy Loop Trail project that was initiated in 2022 with the construction of an accessible sidepath and fishing areas along Headley Road near the Griffy Lake boathouse. Funding for the dam crossing, not to exceed $344,700, is provided through the North Kinser Pike/Prow Road Tax Increment Finance (TIF) area. Construction of the trail along the top of the dam, along with the installation of fencing and a new stairway access point to the trail system from the parking lot below the dam, is scheduled to begin May 24. The third phase of trail construction, an improved 4-mile trail on the south shore, will begin later this summer.
East Allen Greenway Connector (Morton to Madison) – The City is pleased to announce an upcoming project aimed at enhancing the connectivity between the existing East Allen Street Neighborhood Greenway and the recently approved West Allen Street Neighborhood Greenway. The plan involves creating a final stretch of pathway that will seamlessly link these two sections, benefiting pedestrians and cyclists. For more information about the location of the planned connector, please visit: bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/west-allen-connector
A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the intersection of the B-Line and Allen St., allowing community members the opportunity to actively participate in shaping this important connector. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for Thursday, May 25th, at 5:30 p.m. Furthermore, an open comment period is currently underway, welcoming community members to share their thoughts and ideas regarding the proposal. You can find the open comment form at: https://bton.in/XAOjr
17th Street Multiuse Path (Monroe to Walnut) – Work continues on a multiuse path that is being constructed along the north side of the street, and accessible sidewalk curb ramps are being installed. The street will be resurfaced, and the existing traffic signal at the intersection of 17th Street at Madison Street/Kinser Pike will be replaced. Construction began in April and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. Next week traffic will be shifted from the southern side of 17th Street to the northern side to accommodate the installation of curb ramps on the southern side of the road. On or after May 30th, the left turn lanes will be reopened between Walnut and College, and work will continue into the intersection of 17th and Kinser Pike. The intersection of 17th and Kinser Pike will be closed to through traffic from May 30th to July 14th. Access to all local businesses will remain open, and a detour will be in place. More information is available on the project webpage at: https://bton.in/1D30T
West Allen Neighborhood Greenway – Construction of the Greenway is beginning on West Allen Street from South Patterson Drive to South Walnut Street. Beginning on May 22nd, and continuing for seven days, the intersection of South Rogers Street and West Allen Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during working hours. The closure is required for the reconstruction of the traffic island on Rogers Street. More information is available on the project webpage at: https://bton.in/N6baS
Hopewell Phase 1 East Infrastructure Project – On Monday, May 15th, the City of Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved Resolution 23-42, which provides the necessary funding for the Hopewell Phase I East Infrastructure Project. At the upcoming Board of Public Works meeting on May 23rd, the Board will have the opportunity to approve the agreement with Milestone Contractors for the construction of Hopewell Phase I East. The contract amount is $13,373,284.90. Construction of the project is anticipated to be completed in late 2024. More information regarding the project is available on the project webpage: bloomington.in.gov/engineering/projects/bhru-ph1east
Resurfacing Project – During the week of May 22nd, weather permitting, the Department of Public Works Street Division crews are scheduled to resurface South Madison Street from W Country Club Dr to Dead End, and West Coolidge Drive from S Rogers St to S Bryan St and S Bryan Street from Camden Dr to Dead End. The Division will prep streets prior to resurfacing and will have restrictions during work hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Signage will be posted. View an interactive map of 2023 paving projects at: https://bton.in/tpNzZ
Indiana Arts opportunities to keep an eye on:
- (May 30) NEA Heritage Fellow Nomination Deadline
- (June 2) 2024 Accelerator Awards
- (June 9) Kirklin Main Street Art Fair Booth Registration
Calls for Artists:
- (May 19) Public Art Sculpture Project, City of Madison
- (May 22) Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities
- (June 1) Indiana Artisan Application 2023
- (June 23) Greenwood Parks and Recreation Art on The Trail Juried Exhibit
- (Rolling) RFQ Art This Way Fort Wayne
- (Rolling) White River State Park Visitor Center Artist Consignment
This Week in Hoosier History
1946 – Over 20,000 people went to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to witness the first day of time trials since 1941. The 500-Mile Race had been halted during World War II. Winning the pole position was Cliff Berger, with an average speed of 126.471 mph. George Robson was the winner of the race.
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