The Sacred Red Rock is finally home. After sitting in a park in Lawrence for 95 years, the giant boulder that belonged to the Kaw Indian Nation, that was moved from its location near Council Grove, was finally given back to the Kaws. Nearly 400 people attended a Rematriation Celebration, Saturday, June 22nd, at the Sacred Red Rock’s new home: on Kaw land at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove. The park was part of the last reservation the Kaw people had in Kansas before they were completely removed to Indian territory.
The rock, known as ee(n) zhoo-jay wah-ho-bay was returned in 2021. The Kaw Nation requested return of the 25-ton boulder from the city of Lawrence. The city and Douglas County agreed to unconditional return of the stone. It was relocated thanks to a $5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, who launched the monuments project initiative in 2020 with a $250 million commitment to help preserve stories of people often denied historical recognition.
