The Related Group has proposed to donate a substantial collection of ancient artifacts and relics discovered at a long-buried Native American town in Brickell. This move has sparked controversy and criticism from archaeologists, Native American activists, and some universities.
In mid-2023, the developer committed to collaborating with Miami’s historic preservation program following public pressure regarding a preservation plan for the artifacts unearthed from the Tequesta Indian village, believed to be around 2,000 years old. However, Related has now failed to meet two deadlines set by the city and indicated that finalizing a plan would take longer than initially expected, although they still express their commitment to the project.
Key issues remain unresolved, including the storage and curation of the roughly one million artifacts recovered from the excavation along the Miami River, recognized as Florida’s most extensive archaeological dig. Related has already invested $45 million into the legally mandated excavation but has not agreed to cover the costs associated with long-term preservation. Independent archaeologists have noted that Related reached out to various universities to explore proposals for the storage and curation of these artifacts, which they legally own. Critically, around 2,000 “museum-quality” artifacts are currently under review by Florida’s recognized tribal groups.
In response to Related’s donation offer, Sabrina Agarwal, chair of archaeology at UC Berkeley, expressed her dismay, advocating for the artifacts to remain as close to their origins in Florida as possible and suggesting the University of Miami as a suitable institution for their curation. University of Miami archaeology professor Traci Ardren, who has been actively involved in advocating for the protection of the site, criticized Related for their delayed response to previous proposals and expressed the need for the company to fund a dedicated conservation and research center in Miami.
The city’s archaeologist also emphasized that the intention has always been to keep the artifacts local, contrasting with Related’s exploratory solicitation to universities. Amid rising tensions, members of Native American tribes have called for the city to hold Related accountable for their delays and ensure compliance with preservation efforts.
Although Related has acknowledged that some tasks remain unfinished, including completing an inventory of the findings and establishing an agreement with the HistoryMiami museum, they maintain that they are dedicated to the ongoing work required for this significant discovery. The city’s preservation board is now set to review Related’s proposals regularly to enforce accountability.
Interestingly, the findings from the Brickell site have revealed that the Tequesta town was more extensive and developed than previously thought, possibly linking it to other significant historical sites in the area. The Archaeologist Bob Carr has expressed confidence in the project’s potential to enhance public knowledge about the rich history of the Tequesta town and its significance to Florida’s heritage.
This situation underscores a broader conversation regarding the responsibility of developers to preserve indigenous history and the importance of maintaining local associations with such artifacts. In the end, the hope remains that this complex matter can lead to a greater recognition and respect for the cultural heritage represented by the artifacts.
Summary: The Related Group’s proposal to donate ancient artifacts from a Native American site in Brickell has triggered backlash from archaeologists and Native American groups due to unresolved storage plans and concerns about maintaining local ties to the artifacts. The conversation highlights the need for developers to balance construction with the preservation of cultural heritage, with hopes for greater public engagement with the historical significance of the finds.