Governor Laura Kelly joined Kaw Nation Leaders, City of Lawrence Officials, Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas representatives to commemorate the return of the iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, (een-zhoo-jay-wah-ho-bay) or “Sacred Red Rock”, to the people of the Kaw Nation. Kelly says the Sacred Red Rock has long been part of Kansas’ history, and she was honored to participate in its return to its rightful stewards. She added that the event marks a significant step forward in ensuring Kansas respects and honors indigenous peoples, cultures, and traditions.
Several hundred thousand years ago, a glacier took the rock from an area in what is now southwestern Minnesota to the Kansas River Valley, where it became an important part the Kaw Nation’s spiritual life. In 1929, the Sacred Red Rock was transported to Lawrence. It currently resides in Buford M. Watson jr. Park. It will now be returned to Kaw Nation land near Council Grove.
