The serenity of grief was shattered for a Laguna Pueblo family following the tragic death of their 21-year-old daughter, Alicia Waseta. A series of events, initiated by a devastating accident and compounded by a state agency’s oversight, forced the family to endure the anguish of burying Alicia twice, a profound violation of their cultural and spiritual beliefs. This heartbreaking ordeal highlights the clash between modern medical practices and deeply held indigenous traditions, raising questions about respect, communication, and the rights of Native American families in the face of bureaucratic processes.
Alicia Waseta, a young woman from the Laguna Pueblo tribe, had recently celebrated a significant milestone: her graduation from the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe. She was described by loved ones as vibrant and full of promise, ready to embark on the next chapter of her life. However, her dreams were tragically cut short in September when she was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing a street near her alma mater.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Marcelino Toersbijns, a criminal investigator employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The circumstances surrounding the accident were undoubtedly complex, and the investigation that followed would further complicate the Waseta family’s already immense grief.
Following Alicia’s death, her body was released to the family for burial, a traditional ceremony deeply rooted in Laguna Pueblo customs and spiritual beliefs. The initial burial provided a measure of solace, a space for mourning, and a way to honor Alicia’s life and spirit. However, this fragile peace would soon be irrevocably disrupted.
Unbeknownst to the Waseta family, the state Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) had conducted an autopsy on Alicia’s body as part of what they described as a criminal investigation into her death. While autopsies are often performed to determine the cause and manner of death, the OMI’s actions, specifically the removal of Alicia’s heart, would prove to be a source of immense pain and outrage for the Waseta family.
Two months after Alicia’s initial burial, the OMI contacted the family with a request that would reopen wounds and plunge them into further turmoil. An OMI employee inquired whether the agency could retain Alicia’s heart for medical research. This seemingly innocuous request revealed a shocking truth: Alicia’s heart had been removed during the autopsy without the family’s knowledge or consent.
This revelation was particularly devastating for the Waseta family because it directly contradicted their deeply held Pueblo beliefs. Traditional Pueblo cultures often view the body as a sacred vessel, and the removal of organs is considered a desecration that can disrupt the spirit’s journey in the afterlife. The heart, in particular, holds significant spiritual importance, often seen as the center of life, emotion, and connection to the ancestors.
The OMI’s explanation that the heart was removed to determine if a pre-existing heart condition contributed to Alicia’s death provided little comfort to the Waseta family. While understanding the cause of death may have been important for the investigation, the OMI’s failure to communicate with the family and obtain their consent before removing the heart was seen as a profound act of disrespect and a violation of their cultural and religious rights.
Faced with this agonizing situation, the Waseta family demanded the return of Alicia’s heart. The OMI complied, and the family was forced to undertake the painful and emotionally draining task of burying Alicia a second time. This second burial was not merely a matter of procedure; it was a deeply spiritual act aimed at restoring harmony and ensuring Alicia’s spirit could find peace. The emotional toll on the family was immeasurable, as they were forced to relive their grief and confront the insensitivity of a system that had failed to respect their cultural beliefs.
The case of the Pueblo Family Forced to Bury Twice raises significant ethical and legal questions. It highlights the potential for conflict between modern medical practices and the religious and cultural beliefs of Native American communities. While autopsies may be necessary for legal and medical purposes, it is crucial that state agencies respect the rights and beliefs of families, particularly those from marginalized communities.
The Waseta family’s experience underscores the importance of communication and consultation. The OMI’s failure to inform the family about the autopsy and the removal of Alicia’s heart was a critical error that could have been avoided with a simple conversation. Establishing clear protocols for communication with Native American families regarding autopsies and organ retention is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Furthermore, the case highlights the need for cultural sensitivity training for medical professionals and state employees who interact with Native American communities. Understanding the cultural beliefs and practices of different tribes is crucial for providing respectful and appropriate care. Such training can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that families are treated with dignity and respect during times of grief.
In the aftermath of this traumatic experience, the Waseta family has taken legal action, suing the OMI and planning to sue the Department of Interior. Their lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and to ensure that other Native American families are not subjected to similar violations of their cultural and religious rights. The Pueblo Family Forced to Bury Twice hopes that their case will lead to policy changes and greater respect for Native American cultural beliefs within the legal and medical systems.
The decision not to bring charges against Marcelino Toersbijns, the BIA criminal investigator who struck and killed Alicia, further compounded the family’s sense of injustice. While the legal proceedings surrounding the accident are separate from the OMI’s actions, they contribute to a larger narrative of systemic failures and a lack of accountability when it comes to the deaths of Native Americans.
The related story, detailing a $46 fine levied against a BIA officer for a death, highlights the disparity in justice often experienced by Native American communities. The seemingly insignificant fine underscores the devaluing of Native American lives and the lack of serious consequences for those responsible for their deaths.
The case of the Pueblo Family Forced to Bury Twice is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Native American communities in navigating a system that often fails to understand or respect their cultural beliefs. It is a call for greater cultural sensitivity, improved communication, and a commitment to justice for all. The Waseta family’s story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring importance of honoring cultural traditions in the face of adversity.
This incident involving the Pueblo Family Forced to Bury Twice reveals a painful truth about the interaction between state institutions and indigenous communities. It serves as a call to action for reforms that prioritize respect, communication, and cultural understanding in all interactions.