GPR Report Statement
On May 18-23, 2022, Marsha Small (Northern Cheyenne) and Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc. (OVAI) carried out Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) on the campus of Red Cloud Indian School. The scan served to demonstrate the GPR technology to the Pine Ridge community on the front lawn as well as scan one testimonial site of a possible grave.
Report Findings
The report indicated two major findings: 1) The area front lawn shows no signs of grave-like anomalies. 2) The testimonial site in Drexel Hall does indicate two anomalies that cannot be definitively identified and recommends further investigation. The full report from Marsha Small and OVAI is available below.
Next Steps
Marsha Small and OVAI provided the following recommendation for moving forward: “Though definitive indications of graves are not present in the radar data, areas of small, distinct differences are visible in the slice maps from beneath the concrete. Removal of the concrete and careful excavation of the sediment below is recommended to test this area for indications of graves.”
Red Cloud is committed to a transparent and full process of investigation. We will be working again with Marsha Small and OVAI to follow their recommendations. The removal of concrete and excavation will take place in October 2022 where law enforcement, spiritual advisors, and the community member who brought forward the testimony will be present.
GPR is one step in our commitment to Truth and Healing. We will continue to keep the public updated as the process moves forward. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Maka Black Elk at makablackelk@redcloudschool.org or by phone at (605) 867-5491 ext 2212.
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