Local Residents take on the desecration of Native American Burial Sites
“This is truly a commodification and commercialization of Native culture. If the Kohler Company truly values diversity like they claim, they would not build a luxury golf course on Native American burial grounds. The State Park land they are taking away is used by Wisconsin families who can’t afford a tee time at a Kohler golf course,” Ragins said.
"Kohler officials have an opportunity before them to do what’s right for the people of Wisconsin, Native America and the environment," said Attorney Shannon O’Loughlin.
Read the Wisconsin Law Journal article featuring Attorney for Bureau of Indian Affairs and UWM Diversity Scholar, Dr. Belle Ragins addressing the imperative facing the Kohler Company to do the right thing Read HERE
Articles and Editorials on Native Remains and Kohler Golf Course
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Belle Ragins and Erik Thelen of Sheboygan County, who live within the ecosystem being threatened, have been addressing the issue of Kohler's proposed golf course violating the burial grounds of Native Americans whose villages spanned 10 miles along this Lake Michigan shore. Human remains were unearthed in 2017 on the Kohler land during an archaeological dig required for a permit. Those remains were never disclosed to the public until Ragins and Thelen requested records from the Army Corps of Engineers. The remains have yet to be repatriated.
December 16, 2024: “Kohler moves forward with new golf course plans despite court of appeals ruling.” Wisconsin Law Journal. Steve Schuster. Reproduced in NewsBreak (Paywall-Free)
December 6, 2023. “Kohler golf course permit denied as appeals court upholds lower court.” Wisconsin Law Journal. Steve Schuster.
July 7, 2023: “Kohler golf course in legal limbo after human remains found, environmental impact concerns raised.” Wisconsin Law Journal. Steve Schuster.
Paywall free link: https://dailyreporter.com/2023/07/07/kolher-golf-plans-delayed-human-remains-found/
May 22, 2021: “Ancient human remains unearthed at proposed Kohler golf course site in Wisconsin.” Wisconsin Watch. Jim Malewitz.
Letters to the Editor
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December 7, 2024: Sheboygan Press: “Proposed Kohler golf course presents moral choice with Native burial grounds.” Dr. Belle Rose Ragins
December 5, 2024 The Cap Times “Kohler plans to build a golf course on Native graves a disgrace” Dr. Belle Rose Ragins
June 24, 2021. “Don’t Expect Kohler to Respect Indigenous Remains” The Cap Times Dr. Belle Rose Ragins
August 5, 2021: “Nature Conservancy Disappoints With Kohler Appointment” Dr. Belle Rose Ragins
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