New Book Announcement - Shokhí: A Kanza Relative, a Monument, and Rematriation

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Sept. 15, 2026 - PRLog -- The University Press of Kansas announces the forthcoming publication of Shokhí: A Kanza Relative, a Monument, and Rematriation, edited by c. huffman, Tai S. Edwards, and Jay T. Johnson. This visually rich and deeply moving collection brings together essays, poetry, oral history, and art to tell the story of a grandfather rock, and the people who worked together to bring him home.

For nearly a century, a 28-ton quartzite boulder stood in Lawrence, Kansas, commemorating settler history. But to Kanza people, Iⁿ'zhúje'waxóbe is a relative with a much longer story—one rooted in ceremony, place, and relationship. Shokhí reclaims that narrative, centering Indigenous voices and tracing the rematriation of the Rock to Kaw Nation.

Through a blend of scholarship, poetry, and other creative expression, contributors document the collaboration among Kaw Nation citizens, artists, scholars, and local institutions that led to the Rock's return in 2024 to Kaw Nation's Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park. The collection also confronts the complex histories behind Kanza removal, offering a powerful reflection on memory, responsibility, and repair.

At once a historical account and a call to action, Shokhí speaks to national conversations about monuments, Indigenous sovereignty, and the meaning of home. It is a story of return—of land, of relationship, and of communities telling their histories.

For more information about the Sacred Red Rock Project visit https://sacredredrock.com.

Key Features & News Angles

• A landmark story of rematriation: Chronicles the 2024 return of a Kanza grandfather rock to Kaw Nation after nearly a century of displacement.
• Timely national relevance: Connects to ongoing debates about monuments, Indigenous sovereignty, and historical reckoning across the United States.
• Multidisciplinary storytelling: Blends oral history, poetry, visual art, and scholarly analysis to create a deeply immersive reading experience.
• Indigenous-led collaboration: Highlights the leadership of Kaw Nation citizens working alongside community members, universities, local governments, and cultural institutions.
• Regional story with national impact: Rooted in Kansas history but also speaks to broader conversations about land, memory, and justice.
• Rich visual and artistic content: Features extensive color artwork, photography, and creative contributions that bring the story to life.
• Educational and community resource: Includes curriculum materials and primary documents, making it valuable for classrooms and public programming.

Learn more about the book here: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700641994/