Texas Indigenous Groups Strive to Preserve Coastal Settlement Site

The recent rediscovery of a historical Indigenous settlement site in Texas has intensified efforts by local Native American groups to secure its preservation. Known as Donnel Point, this location is among the few remaining untouched areas along the 70-mile stretch of shoreline along Corpus Christi Bay.

Importance of Donnel Point

Once surrounded by rich Indigenous cultures, the coastal settlement now faces threats from industrial development. The site, covering several hundred acres of undeveloped land, was documented in the 1930s but was presumed lost due to dredging activities in the 1950s. A local geologist, Patrick Nye, stumbled upon it last summer during a boating trip and has since collaborated with historians to verify its significance.

Indigenous Heritage at Risk

• Tribes Involved: The Karankawa and Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribes of Texas are leading the charge for preservation.
• Historical Context: The settlement at Donnel Point is a crucial link to Indigenous heritage, combating narratives of extinction that often cloud Texas history.
• Legal Maneuvers: Lawyers for the tribes have formally requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revoke an existing permit for an oil terminal, which threatens the site.

Local leaders, such as Love Sanchez, have emphasized the cultural and historical importance of preserving the area. Sanchez, a descendant of the Karankawa, founded the Indigenous Peoples of the Coastal Bend in 2018 to advocate for the acknowledgment and protection of Indigenous heritage in the region.

Facing Industrial Threats

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority currently holds a permit to develop the site into an oil terminal, a project that has drawn considerable opposition from Indigenous groups. Experts, including Texas A&M University historian Peter Moore, note the archaeological significance of Donnel Point, highlighting its potential as an archaeological treasure trove rather than just a development site.

Challenges to Preservation

• Political Landscape: The Texas Historical Commission, which would need to flag the site for preservation, is influenced by political appointments, including those from Governor Greg Abbott, who has strong ties to the fossil fuel industry.
• Legal Hurdles: Preserving the site in its current state is challenging, as laws generally require artifacts to be excavated before development can proceed.
• Community Resilience: Indigenous leaders emphasize their long-standing ties to the land and remain determined to fight for its preservation.

Despite the considerable obstacles, the movement to protect Donnel Point symbolizes a broader struggle to maintain Indigenous identity and heritage. The site serves not only as a physical reminder of the past but as a crucial venue for reconnecting with a rich cultural legacy that many thought was lost.

As efforts continue, the hope among Indigenous groups is that Donnel Point can emerge as a site of learning and remembrance, allowing future generations to connect with their ancestral roots and the natural environment.