Denying access to Appalachian people to their cemeteries

Maria calls this denying access to her people's culture.

[@ruapraia]

This lady is very well spoken. She seem like a good woman.

[@licksnkicks]

You have to set up an visitation appt. to visit your lost loved one's grave. Pure bullshit!

[@ktmcc4360]

Mountain girl with Cherokee blood and moonshine in her veins. Bless her and this movement.

[@Tribulatus_Rex]

I am descended from mountain folk. The concept of blowing off the top 300 feet of my beloved mountains is beyond repugnant.

[@jcarter3238]

This pisses me off. We just moved to EKY not long ago from WA and my family hadn't been there for 2 generations so I went to hit up all of our family cemeteries... One was completely demolished without even moving the grave, the other was exactly like what this gal is saying. Had to hop through so many hoops it just wasn't feasible for the kids and I. And yeah, a couple, one in particular, was a notable civil war hero. So what the hell... Pisses me off when I know how much they put into those areas literally blood, sweat and tears, and this is the disrespect they and their family line's get.

[@saveaysamoun9030]

Like .ki

[@chrisparlow4450]

J Carter They what to break you ! But most of all you have to start following the higher ups orders this is about control when your given and order by them ! By the way this is only the start of what's to come. Soon you will be rounded up and trucked out of their . Their not going to let you live so close to D.C. For one thing and also your in the way. The big shots heat your guts. Your just trash to them . This has been coming for years ! I'm very sorry you guys half to go though this shit. And coal is going to be on the come back in bigger ways then before.

[@jasonsmith7416]

It's wonderful to see that a true documentary is being conducted with a well spoken and informed guide. I'm from pa, but we live on the next to WV and other areas similar to the ones presented in this film. There are generations and cultures of people being simply erased from memory. How can this happen?

[@DaveAHamptonTraining]

This beautiful lady is telling it straight. Laws should protect these cemeteries. My family has cemeteries all through Wayne, county West Virginia. I hope this does not happen to us.

[@tiedupsmurf]

Dave A. Hampton Training if she was butt ugly, what would you sat Idiot

[@CurtW1962]

Dave A. Hampton Training We used to own a farm "out Wayne"...lol. It was in Lavalette.

[@peggyhill7283]

Oh my goodness! Did you say Quick Mountain? We have a family cemetery there also! Workman family. My Papa grew up there. Later moved to Boone Cnty. Maria is absolutely correct on all accounts! My husband & a good friend took me there (probably for my last time due to health reasons.) Papa & Grannys homeplace barely there due to mudslides & STRIP MINING!!! My brother & I were raised on the mountains! Mountains are in our blood. Had a nice surprise when we got home. Our friends 10 year old son, David took a video of the holler, back up Rt.3 into Charleston. So whenever I get homesick there it is! I learned about the Trail or Tears from my Papa WAY before I was taught it in school. I was taught an old Cherokee saying, "Old Indians Never Die, they just fade away!" Thank you Maria. Sorry I didn't find you sooner.

[@PntrGrl]

Bless Maria for speaking out!

[@fierceslayqueen6359]

I know this is very old but do you know her last name?

[@Dinger154]

Working class people are always crushed and beaten by the politicians and their paymasters. 'Twas ever thus.

[@kristianbroberg]

I believe that's what The Appalachian Volunteers tried to fight, way back when.

[@CubaMiAmor2010]

This really makes me angry. How in the Hell is someone gonna tell these people how, and when they could visit their families that are buried. There should be a law against this Coal company. So damn sad. I feel like going and helping these people.

[@jimmyford4509]

There was a place in the NC mountains, close to Cherokee that was a family run motel. My family and the owners were very close as we went to stay there for two weeks every summer. It was a beautiful area. One year the owners granddaughter took me into the hills behind their property to show me her favorite place. I fell in love with the spot right away. It was like a little fairyland. There was a crystal clear stream that formed from a spring. The area was dappled shade, cool breezes, moss covered rocks, singing birds, with butterflies and buzzing honeybees investigating the wild mountain flowers that were all over. It was a truly stunning place. The next year my family arrived and I couldnt wait to return there. I was so eager that I took off the first chance I had. What I saw when I got there bruised my soul. I was stunned.. The whole top of the mountain had been logged and strip mined. Every living thing, from the trees, to the plants and flowers was gone, even the moss covered stones in the stream had been ripped up. They left nothing. Where the spring had been, there was nothing left but a trickle of polluted water forming into a big mud hole. All that was left were rocks, red clay, mud and rusted, discarded 55 gallon steel drums leaking God knows what into the ground. The entire ecosystem had been utterly destroyed. Even the topsoil had eroded with the loss of the forest that kept it in place, ensuring that it would be many years, if ever, that anything would grow there again. That was the first time in my life I ever had to deal with anything like that. I believe I was just 10 or 11 years old at the time. I am now 73 and even after over 60 years, whenever I think back to that day, it hurts and I still feel the loss from the destruction of that beautiful spot. To be lucky enough to find a truly amazing, magical place like that and then discover that it had been completely ripped from the earth and would never, in my lifetime, ever be the same again still makes me angry and very sad. All, in the name of progress...and profit.

[@MrChuck19941]

Correct me if I am wrong but Federal Law prohibits denying access of anyone to cemeteries in every state .

[@100texan2]

Not if you live in the south. Remember we lost the War so that means you don’t have any rights.

[@robertshanks1152]

But who controls the law is key to controlling the people.

[@robertshanks1152]

But who controls the law is the key to who controls the people.

[@CubaMiAmor2010]

@@100texan2 I don't think this is accurate. No matter what United State you live in you should have access to a cemetery.

[@MidnightWriter8210]

I am from Maine but I will soon be moving to Appalachia in Christiansburg, Va. My heart goes out to the people of Appalachia.

[@dennisquealy1803]

Seems like a good, strong woman.

[@jimksa67]

God bless the Mountain People , and God curse the Corporate land Destroyers and their Agents. My Bible says there will be a judgement some day on those who destroy the earth and her communities who love the Land!

[@meadeskelton3350]

Stop blaming corporations for everything. I believe in free trade and capitalism and if you're a commie, then get out America!

[@tiedupsmurf]

J Moore there is no god...you tool

[@100texan2]

Meade Skelton they control everything, they line the pockets of the politicians so don’t tell me they’re not to blame.

[@robertbolen4139]

Such a shame that ppl can't visit their cemeteries.

[@lghoover9605]

Have you considered going back to this town for a follow up..people would like to know how things are now.

[@bethanyharris3192]

Thank you, MountainJackson! I grew up in Abingdon, Virginia and I completely relate to what you are saying.

[@HRMuffinStuff]

I commend you for your honesty. My family in Texas donated a portion of their land for the town cemetery in order to preserve the sanctity of their families' grave sites in perpetuity. We are Cajun, German, English and Scots-Irish. The family has fought Mexico, the U.S. and Comanche protecting that land. For a century anyone who worked to preserve that land was welcome to be interned there regardless of background or race. It's pretty much full now. PS although she isn't she looks Cajun to me.

[@ireta00000]

@camut476 i too am from eastern kentucky and you are right there are many beautiful small towns here and my family has made a good life here.

[@thestoryplease]

Lot of Cherokee blood in those communities you can hear it as she talks about the land and the cemeteries. Most folks don't have those connections. Most folks connections are to their jobs and their mortgages and investments in businesses they know nothing about. Most folks sold their freedom for their security and comfort.

[@dayleblair3494]

It seems its about ALL people. Drop the native!!!

[@chrissmith2921]

The iñdian blood explains why as you mentioned that working isn't important to them.

[@cheryllesher2761]

total B.S. what they put these people through.....

[@tonlo92]

heartbreaking to not be able to visit the graves of your loved ones.

[@carnut476]

@Sirpeterjames1 Thank you so very much -- And you're so right ! All the best brother !

[@susanbrown4297]

Is their anyone to help them? This is terrible. Why is this happening?

[@fierceslayqueen6359]

No one wants to help Appalachia. We are so stereotyped that people believe we’re just a bunch of bigoted inbreds.

[@theresamiller1376]

My home state of Ohio has many forgotten graveyards on energy company land that is not accessible by family members. Or it is just the opposite, they are totally public, unkept, some even having open crypts.

[@wendybaxter7479]

My grandmother is buried at Baptist burial cemetery on rt 23, east point Ky. There is no rode or way to get into the cemetery unless you can climb a straight up hillside with your knees in your face to get there. Sally Josephine Reed Rowe was buried there in 1984 and her only living daughter and grandchildren can't even get up the hill. I don't understand how they got all those monuments and caskets up there.

[@shadowears]

I sympathize with this lady and the people she represents but this is exactly how the Native Americans were treated a couple of centuries ago! Forced from their homeland and leaving their dead behind!

[@lulubelleish]

What A Sacrilege It's A Bloody Crime For That Mining Company To Do This. What Is Your Government Doing About This. Your Sacred Ground Is Being So Disrespected

[@doommar1970]

and what state is this?

[@fordman7773]

Yeah, I agree.

[@almeggs3247]

And I have great respect for you because of the crucifix you’re wearing!

[@WildHair636]

all i can say is that there must be something at that gravesite that they are covering up, or dont want the people to see. Someone should SERIOUSLY look into this more

[@232323C]

I like her a lot......something about her....

[@washingtonnganga4272]

She's an activist

[@Defender78]

Her voice and pace of speaking is soothing. Oh plus she’s Pretty

[@freddykrueger5503]

eventually these companies will drive the people off their land

[@junicohen7918]

Don't sell then

[@Windyhillfarm71]

How can people like me help

[@fierceslayqueen6359]

What’s this woman’s last name? I would love to know what she does now and what she’s done in Appalachian communities.

[@jaimevick]

Its sad to hear this. There are 2 cemetaries at Marathon Oil in Louisiana that people are allowed to visit without having to go through all of that nonsense. I'm pretty sure they are still allowed to bury there also. With the coal companies its probably a lot of bitterness from labor relations.

[@nc_rockhound]

In NC the clerk of court can issue you a legal right to trespass to visit a cemetery . You don’t need a land owner’s permission

[@MrCantstandliberals]

@Sirpeterjames1 right on brother, I am from Massachusetts amd we love New Hampshire, but people do stereotype people living in rural area, i would rather be where you are

[@carnut476]

In east Kentucky you will find some beautiful small towns nice commities ... people who have made a good life for themselves and their families... its not all bad ! I can know because i'm from there .

[@ellenjefferies7310]

This Pretty woman looks a lot like she has Native American blood in her too, maybe Cherokee??

[@saturn0660]

+Ellen Jefferies Oh, i'll she has had Native American in her... So to speak...

[@thelegate8636]

Ellen Jefferies Everybody has Cherokee in them up here

[@zebrafly8865]

Carolus Rex Lots of Scots and Irish from Europe

[@miketaylor5212]

scots irish not very much cherokee she doesnt have high cheekbones black hair doesnt make you indian but she probably has more than elizabeth warren.

[@portercoogan4862]

Cemetery’s are usually owned by the county,I’d check into that and tell Mines to kick rocks ,miner safety training for a gravesite is just beyond belief

[@justaman6972]

file a diversity law suit!

[@johnbyington3458]

Yep...I'm calling BS on that. Sorry, I'd be visiting anytime I want.

[@carnut476]

@daFattylover Well put , thanks

[@SandyzSerious]

@HeathenCub Amen.

[@HRMuffinStuff]

Well, she doesn't appear to be native american but that should hardly be relevent. Aren't all people entitled to the same basic, inalienable human rights or are these reserved strictly for individual groups with very specific genetic markers who are favored by politicians?

[@otaku1524]

Why she is saying is not unusual and not unheard of. Especially with these smaller and poorer congregations, they are hard up for money and will either sell the access to their cemetaries or sometimes sell the cemetaries themselves to these gravel or mining companies. Especially after their churches or meeting house are lost in a catastrohic fire or twister or what have you.

[@FloridasCracker]

Cool necklace!

[@villagelightsmith4375]

For kinfolk, I believe better laws (more to your liking) can be found in Real Estate law.

[@jshel37]

She speaks truth, they pointed and laughed at our MT. ppl , then they shut down the mines, after keeping our parents and grandparents tird to the company......Now the take every bit of our heritage...

[@budsforyou5908]

Just take what you need. A good dog and favorite gun. That good ol uncle that dont give a shit.

[@nomoreassos]

Shame on you Eagle mining and shame on Obama and his government for allowing this to happen it is a god given right to visit loved ones who have passed on.Could folks not just sign a waiver that if they incur an injury while visiting they do so at their own risk and will not sue the company. nomoreassos Ulster.

[@moheka30]

More power to Maria and her kin and all the people, this is not uncommon I'm afraid.

[@wildbill21a]

It is so sad that you can not see the graves of your family

[@paulupton8347]

You go get em girl.

[@robwooly]

How crewel this Eagle organization is, brutally crewel to the locals. Bad Kudos to them for sure.

[@radhadas3339]

This makes me so sick.

[@bwinston3270]

Sad

[@CherokeeTwilight]

If Big Companies dont respect the land, why would they respect the people. All they care about is the Dollar.

[@ares3052]

Who exactly is denying the access?

[@amaruzu466]

She's gorgeouse. She looks French and Indian. Yup, it's sad. But the land belonged to the Chatahootsee Have any reparations been made to those people who lost the original title? I guess all in the name of easy come and easy goe...or maybe a little Karmic activity

[@lisacolbert5987]

amaru Zu She is beautiful, indeed. And with so much dignity and self restraint . If I were her I'd be cussing my guts out, stomping up and down with the bare-bones ugly injustice of corporations and profit over the basic rights of us human beings. It's sickening and heartbreaking...and karma? I sure wouldn't want the karma of these inhuman thugs hanging over my head...if not in this life , at the very least, when they meet their maker. Although, I'm not so sure that whatever or whoever made these thugs is the same Creator that made you and me . Windigo ! Come for them !

[@lisacolbert5987]

amaru Zu Have a listen to Buffy Sainte-Marie's 'The Priests of the Golden Bull' here on KZbin . She says it all in that song . Be well .

[@Eastside___89]

Crazy how y’all talk about reparations this Country did African American horrible things unbelievable terror...Karma

[@davidemerson104]

sounds like the governments rules on the mining companies.

[@jennyvanniekerk9600]

Why are they mining coal in day and and age when it f...ks up the environment. That shud be banned

[@ricardo340]

Don't worry, most of the coal companies are going out of business now. The Karma wheel turns.

[@bridiereynolds2553]

ricardo340 j

[@fierceslayqueen6359]

And people are losing their jobs. Honestly both sides are ruining Appalachia. Now there are so many abandoned coal towns that I’m afraid our culture is dying.

[@murrismiller2312]

this happens all throughout Appalachia... its illegal to mandate anything of those that have rights

[@FrankMonzon]

I would be dammed if anyone is going to tell me I can't visit my Pop's, I will plant them in the ground and send the rest of them packing back to their office trailer in a hurry...

[@rapidtx]

i know that in texas that if you have a grave yard that people have been using for many years the state makes sure you can get to it..where my mothers grave is in the last 15 years has become a rock dig.....to get gravel and they tryed to keep us out the same way but the state said we have been using the place for so long we have every right to be there

[@akashley]

to hell with them .... Just go .. and dont ask anybody

[@needparalegal]

@carnut476 He man handled bankers.

[@christinaokeefe1133]

That's f...ing .crazy.you want to see your dead relatives. You have every right.should not need permission to visit a grave yard.

[@lesnmatt]

Unfortunately what is killing the end of MTR is Gunnoe. I am a advocate against MTR and coal mining if it is done illegally. In this case it was not. The cook cemetery had a newly constructed road for the Cook family and all who wants to visit that can now be visited via automobile and the company has done exceptional work around the cemetery. MTR will stay forever due to the inconsistent and blatant false accusations by Mrs. Gunnoe and her enormous salary she receives. Everybody has a price.

[@Xalgucennia]

Yes well I get that much, but surely a)If anything is worth spending money on, surely it would be, the preserve the environment you are currently living in, I mean for these people this isn't some far off wilderness, its where they live b)Surely they must realise that renewables are a new technology that requires time to mature, we wouldn't find fossil fuels that economical either if we were using the same technology we were using 80 years ago when combustion was being invented say 80 years ago

[@marxismisforfools]

Might I add, any type of human qualities also!!

[@Xalgucennia]

I don't mean to turn this into a political debate, cause there's tonnes of it on youtube already, so please no pointless political hating on EITHER side, but if people here are so concerned about the environment, then why do people in these states oppose renewable energy? It seems if we had solar and wind at levels similar to say Germany or Denmark, we would need to dig up a lot less coal

[@samWC2003]

to hell with the coal company!!!

[@dennyravenscraft8288]

that's a bunch of horse shit! i'll be damned if anyone would/could stop me from seeing my fallen kin!

[@marlenalinne7958]

This is WRONG on every level.

[@carnut476]

I don't understand -- This is one of only many positive you tube sites concerning southerners, and site gets a mere 16.000 hits -- But if this was a negative site about the south it'd 30 million hits --- why is that ??

[@lowerself6689]

Because racism and violence is a disgrace, and that’s all southern blood.

[@vanessaherber7799]

Damn she is pretty. Coal fuels the economy they got to have it. Hope everything works out

[@jaysilverheals4445]

her claims sound preposterous and I dont believe them based upon the comments below which says she is not telling the truth about having to take courses and wear steel toed boots. They say she represents an antimining company and is paid well

[@caleighg13]

doubtful. many of us in the coal region are not a fan of him.

[@mikeczarnecki1000]

That ain't right y'all...

[@theopinionchannelbycarlo9433]

That's bull those minkya heads hurting y'all

[@232323C]

u got a dog in this fight?

[@CalvinsCorner72]

She’s so pretty! Wow I’m blown away! Gorgeous and strong minded is so attractive! Lindy town ky?

[@littleweloosmom]

@azzuro79 Come on down!

[@nc_rockhound]

That forehead tho 😭

[@carnut476]

@needparalegal No good workin at the bank - no good at slappin on paint - or makin an engine crank and at 64 i'm no good at diggin coal anymore ...lol

[@rickyknight315]

Corn poke!

[@craigpeters5034]

Cherokee nation will return..

[@user-it8on1qp9m]

Im confused. Im hearing all this stuff about coal this, coal that. Seems like everyone in Appalachia is for the coal companys. Now Im hearing people(like this beautiful woman) downing coal companys and dont want that industry around. Mercury from burning coal poisons water and I hate that but Im not getting into the politics. Im just wandering why coal is good one minute and its not, the next. Just curious.

[@MyHorridVoice]

I love camping in cemeteries!

[@xray6667]

Destroying History that doesn't suit the Narrative

[@jimmymolo]

I disliked this because of what the coal companies are doing ,not because of the video

[@earthchild75]

I agree that this is nothing new. It was nothing new at the time of the TVA incident, either. However, one atrocity happening doesn't justify another. Bottom line: We didn't wait for "bleeding heart liberals" to come here and speak for us. Use you own voice so that others will join you. And keep using it whether they do or not. I wish you peace.

[@carnut476]

@Tinyoak2 t < I'm no racist i hate racing even Nascar ...lol Remerber the banana -- when it left the bunch, it got .

[@carnut476]

who would Jesus bomb??