SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District released the Obelisk Alternatives Analysis Report for a 30-day public review on June 9, 2025.The analysis addresses the cultural effects of removing the obelisk from a burial site, determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Place, located at Brady Park at the St. Marys Falls Canal (Soo Locks), Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
The Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan conducts cultural and religious practices at the burial site. Those practices in the presence of an obelisk celebrating the semi-centennial of the construction of locks, which destroyed most of the burial site, continue to have an ongoing negative effect on their members. The Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan have requested that the Corps of Engineers remove the obelisk from the burial site to mitigate this effect.
“The Corps of Engineers recognizes the cultural and spiritual importance of the burial site to the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and other Tribal Nations,” said Corps of Engineers, Detroit District Tribal Liaison Curtis Sedlacek. “In response to longstanding Tribal requests, the Corps of Engineers is considering alternatives to address their request, including removing the Obelisk from the burial site to support the Tribes' ability to practice their cultural and religious traditions.”
While the Obelisk contributes to the National Historic Landmark designation of the Soo Locks, the Corps of Engineers is committed to evaluating options that minimize harm to both historic resources and Tribal cultural practices.
The decision-making process is guided by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and includes close consultation with Tribal Nations and other stakeholders.
The Soo Locks will retain its status as a National Historic Landmark and National Register of Historic Places property.
Copies of the Public Notice, Alternatives Analysis and Draft Memorandum of Understanding may be viewed online at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll15/id/9737.
Anyone with concerns is encouraged to review the report and submit comments that will help inform the final decision.
Feedback received during the public review will be considered alongside input from consulting parties including the State Historic Preservation Office, National Park Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and Tribal Nations to ensure the final decision reflects a broad range of perspectives and expertise.
Please provide all comments via email to LRE-NHPA-Comments@usace.army.mil.