In a historic event on Saturday, the ancient Hopewell culture's reach and significance were highlighted as the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in southern Ohio dedicated eight sites that recently became UNESCO World Heritage sites. The 90-mile stretch of earthworks sites, where Indigenous North Americans celebrated their culture and honored their dead, now join the ranks of wonders such as Greece's Acropolis and Peru's Machu Picchu. This designation serves as a testament to the genius and importance of the Native Americans who have long been misunderstood and misrepresented.

Chief Glenna Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma expressed her pride and joy at the recognition, stating, "We stand upon the shoulders of geniuses, uncommon geniuses who have gone before us. That's what we are here about today." The 84-year-old Chief Wallace, who grew up witnessing the derogatory labels and stereotypes associated with Native Americans, emphasized that this honor allows the world to recognize the true genius and cultural richness of Indigenous peoples.

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, described as a blend of cathedral, cemetery, and astronomical observatory, captivated archaeologists and historians with its grandeur. Spread across 90 miles south and east of Columbus, these ancient sites were crucial gathering places and attracted Indigenous peoples from all across the continent. The presence of materials such as obsidian, mica, seashells, and shark teeth further emphasized the significance and reach of these ceremonies held 2,000 to 1,600 years ago.

The inscription ceremony took place against the backdrop of Mound City, a sacred burial ground near the Scioto River. Four other sites within the historical park, including Hopewell Mound Group, Seip Earthworks, Highbank Park Earthworks, and Hopeton Earthworks, were also included in the UNESCO World Heritage designation. These sites, along with Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve in Oregonia and Great Circle Earthworks in Heath, form a network of historical and cultural importance.

Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio expressed his wish that visitors from around the world would be inspired by the genius and perseverance that went into creating these structures. He described them as awe-inspiring and emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring the past.

Nita Battise, the tribal council vice chair of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, shared her excitement about this global recognition for ancestral sites. Reflecting on her time working at the Hopewell historical park 36 years ago when visitors were scarce, she emphasized the significance of this acknowledgment on a world scale.

Kathy Hoagland, a long-time resident of Frankfort, Ohio, expressed the local community's need for this recognition, both culturally and economically. She believed that having the eyes of the world on their community would help residents embrace their past, boost businesses, and foster unity.

The National Park Service Director, Chuck Sams, who is also the first Native American to hold this position, acknowledged the importance of showcasing the accomplishments of the ancient Hopewells to a global audience. He stated that it would help in telling the complete story of America and its diverse cultural heritage.

Overall, the dedication of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park's sites as UNESCO World Heritage sites is a significant milestone in recognizing the cultural, historical, and spiritual importance of Indigenous North Americans. It serves as a reminder of their genius, perseverance, and contributions to the world, dispelling the derogatory stereotypes that have plagued their history.