Please note the following letter which is being distributed w/permission:
Robert D. (Bob) Cheyne
Director of Community Relations
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Corporate Offices
702 S.W. 8th St.
Bentonville, AR 72716
September 12, 1996
Mr. Rod Whited
150 Seagrove's Road
Lacey's Spring, AL 35754
Dear Mr. Whited:
Please allow me to respond to your letter to Mr. David Glass, President/CEO
of Wal-Mart Stores. We really do appreciate your concern for the protection
of valuable historic sites, especially those of Native Americans.
Upon locating human remains at the site we have selected at Catskill (Leeds),
NY. we immediately reported the findings to the appropriate(sp) State agency
in New York. As a result of these findings, we are committed to protecting
these remains in a way consistent with the wishes of both the State of New
York and the Mohican Nation.
We have not started construction, and will not do so until the plans for
protecting these remains are complete. Several alternatives are being
considered.
You are correct in stating that Wal-Mart has observed this practice in the
past. We have many associates now employed by Wal-Mart who trace their
ancestry to a Native American past. We could do no less than to honor their
heritage.
Incidentally, as you already know, we are right in the path of the "Trail of
Tears" that the Cherokee Nation took many years ago. Again, many thanks for
your letter of concern.
Sincerely,
Signed
Bob Cheyne
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Wal-Mart HAS NOT abandoned plans to build their store at Leeds Flat as has
been previously intimated...
I urge you all to visit http://www.netgate.net/~jsd/winch.html so as to
object to Wal-Marts ongoing plan...an input form is available for your
convenience.
Best regards to all,
Jordan