The earth holds secrets, whispers of lives lived long before our own. In October 2012, a railway construction project near San Jose, California, unearthed a poignant chapter in the region’s history. During the initial phases of the Berryessa Extension Project, part of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) expansion, construction crews inadvertently stumbled upon a burial site containing the remains of 17 Native Americans, individuals who lived and died centuries ago. The discovery, along with associated artifacts, has offered a glimpse into the lives and customs of the area’s earliest inhabitants. This article explores the details surrounding the unearthing of these remains, the subsequent investigations, and the respectful handling of the find in accordance with California law and Native American cultural sensitivities. The Remains of 17 Native Americans, Hundreds of Years Old, Found During Railway Construction Project highlights the importance of respecting ancestral lands and working collaboratively with descendant communities.
The discovery occurred during the relocation of utility lines, a necessary precursor to the main construction phase of the BART extension. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), responsible for the project, immediately halted work in the area upon the discovery of what appeared to be human remains. VTA spokeswoman Bernice Alaniz explained that the priority was to protect the site and ensure the remains were treated with the utmost respect.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office was promptly notified, and forensic analysts were brought in to assess the age and origin of the bones. Their investigation revealed the remains were those of 17 individuals of Native American descent, buried at the location for well over 200 years. The examination also uncovered several artifacts interred alongside the bodies, providing further clues about the cultural practices and material life of the people who once called this area home.
Following the initial discovery and assessment, a decision was made to keep the location and specific details of the find confidential. This was done to prevent potential looting or disturbance of the site, ensuring the preservation of any remaining artifacts and the overall integrity of the burial ground. The VTA recognized the sensitivity of the situation and understood the importance of protecting the Remains of 17 Native Americans, Hundreds of Years Old, Found During Railway Construction Project and associated artifacts from any potential harm.
California law mandates specific procedures for the discovery of Native American remains and burial sites. Recognizing its legal and ethical obligations, the VTA contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) in Sacramento. The NAHC plays a crucial role in these situations, acting as a liaison between state agencies and the Native American community. Their primary responsibility is to identify and contact the "most likely descendants" (MLDs) of the deceased, enabling them to participate in decisions regarding the respectful treatment and disposition of the remains.
The process of identifying the MLDs can be complex and time-consuming, often involving genealogical research and consultation with tribal elders and cultural experts. Once identified, the VTA engaged in collaborative discussions with the presumed descendants to determine the most appropriate course of action. This consultation process is a critical component of ensuring that the Remains of 17 Native Americans, Hundreds of Years Old, Found During Railway Construction Project are treated in a manner consistent with the cultural beliefs and wishes of their ancestors.
The discussions between the VTA and the MLDs focused on the relocation of the remains and associated artifacts to a more secure and respectful location. This process was undertaken with the utmost care and sensitivity, adhering to protocols established by the Native American community. The specific details of the relocation process were not publicly disclosed to further protect the sanctity of the reburial site.
The broader context of the discovery lies within the ambitious Berryessa Extension Project, a 10-mile, $2.3 billion initiative designed to extend the BART system further south into the South Bay. This extension, the first phase of which connects the Warm Springs BART station in Fremont to new stations in Milpitas and the Berryessa area of East San Jose, aimed to improve transportation options and accessibility for residents of the region. The extension was slated to begin running BART trains to Daly City and Richmond by approximately 2017. Upon completion, BART would operate the trains, while the VTA would retain ownership of the land and stations.
While the project promised significant benefits for the community, the discovery of the Native American burial site served as a stark reminder of the region’s rich and complex history, a history that predates modern development by centuries. It underscored the importance of careful planning and environmental review processes to minimize the impact of construction projects on cultural resources and ancestral lands. The discovery of the Remains of 17 Native Americans, Hundreds of Years Old, Found During Railway Construction Project forced a temporary pause in construction but ultimately led to a more respectful and collaborative approach to development.
The incident also highlighted the broader challenges faced by developers and government agencies when working on projects that may impact Native American cultural sites. Balancing the need for progress and infrastructure development with the responsibility to protect and respect ancestral lands requires careful consideration, open communication, and a willingness to engage in meaningful consultation with descendant communities.
The discovery and subsequent handling of the Remains of 17 Native Americans, Hundreds of Years Old, Found During Railway Construction Project provide a valuable case study in responsible development and cultural resource management. It demonstrates the importance of:
- Thorough Environmental Review: Conducting comprehensive environmental assessments before commencing construction projects to identify potential cultural resources and minimize impacts.
- Collaboration with Native American Tribes: Establishing strong relationships with local Native American tribes and engaging in meaningful consultation throughout the planning and construction process.
- Respectful Treatment of Remains: Adhering to strict protocols for the handling and relocation of Native American remains, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Protecting and preserving Native American cultural sites and artifacts for future generations.
The Remains of 17 Native Americans, Hundreds of Years Old, Found During Railway Construction Project serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between the land and its earliest inhabitants. The respectful and collaborative approach taken by the VTA, in consultation with the California Native American Heritage Commission and the presumed descendants, sets a positive example for future development projects in the region and beyond. It highlights the critical importance of balancing progress with the preservation of cultural heritage and the respect for ancestral lands. The story serves as a reminder that even in the midst of modern development, the echoes of the past can still be heard, and it is our responsibility to listen and learn from them.