By: Gary Walker
Several years after the hallowed burial grounds of a Native American tribe were unceremoniously unearthed on the way to the construction of a residential development in Playa Vista, the caretaker of the tribe's remains has found them a new home.
Like a guide in search of an oasis, Robert Dorame has been tirelessly exploring different sites where his ancestors can be reburied. As the caretaker for the reinterment of his sacred elders' remains, Dorame says selecting the site, as well as preparing them spiritually for their journey home, is a task he takes very seriously.
"The most important thing for me as a most likely descendant, as designated by the Native American Heritage Commission, it is my responsibility to the tribe, to the Indian community at large and to the general public, to make them understand it is very important to us that our ancestors have a peaceful restful place for their repatriation," he said.
The designation "most likely descendant" is a title issued by the commission that empowers Dorame with the discretion to select the final resting place for the remains of his Native American ancestors.
In an exclusive interview with The Argonaut, Dorame was joined by his daughter Mercedes at the site that he has chosen for his ancestor reburial a plot of land at the base of Loyola Marymount University, where centuries ago, the Gabrielino/Tongva lived, hunted and fished. After months of meeting with representatives of developer Steven Soboroff, the president of Playa Vista, the process of finding a resting place for Dorame's ancestors has begun to move forward.
Get more here: http://www.argonautnewspaper.com/articles/2008/06/19/news_-_features/top_stories/2pv.txt
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