Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park

This is a fascinating site. It’s not as grand as Cahokia or Poverty Point, but it is certainly impressive. The museum is built inside of the primary burial mound, with reproduction skeletons placed in the exact position and poses of the originals. The descriptive placards place no judgment or apology for some of the burial practices of these people, including the possibility of human sacrifice and the important man being buried with severed heads. I was thrilled to climb to the top of the temple mound on a beautiful semi-​cloudy day and to have a bald eagle circling me above. The place seemed very majestic. The only thing that somewhat angered me is when a park ranger was discussing how formerly local Natives were involved with the governing of the site. I asked if any Georgia state recognized tribes were involved and he said, «No, only actual full, real Indians». I told the gentleman politely that there are very few «full» Natives of the groups that once lived or do still live in the East, and that states have their own practice for determining recognition. Many state recognized tribes, even in that area, have gone on to receive federal recognition (Poarch Creek). States know their history and residents better than the federal government, which has a severely flawed system of recognition for Native Americans.