Sicangu Lakota Oyate and Lakotah Freedom Delegation Victory Celebration
October 21 2006 meeting of Sicangu Lakota Grass Roots Oyate on exploitation of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe and resulting petition.
A meeting was convened by the Sicangu Lakota Grass Roots Oyate on October 21st, 2006, at the Rosebud Casino Conference Room located on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Central South Dakota. Approximately 100 people were in attendance from the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Oyate which included Naca Itahcan Ominiciye, Traditional Chiefs and Headsmen, Treaty councils, Tetuwan Sioux Nation Treaty Council, Spiritual leaders and other organizations and lineal descendants of our chiefs, elders and First Ladies of our Nation. The highlight of discussion included: Exploitation of Sacred Ceremonies with Wolakota Foundations’ overall coordinator and promoter, Paula Horn-Mullen and her questionable activities. Read more.
South Dakota Ordered to Comply with Voting Rights Act
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Protects Rights of Native American Voters, Says ACLU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2006
Contact: Erica Pelletreau, ACLU National, (212) 519-7829, 549-2666; media@aclu.org; ACLU Voting Rights Project, (404) 523-2721
ST. LOUIS, MO -- The American Civil Liberties Union today welcomed a final federal appeals court decision affirming the redrawing of legislative district lines in South Dakota to ensure there is no discrimination against Native American voters. The decision came in Bone Shirt v. Hazeltine, a case originally brought by the ACLU on behalf of four Native American voters in December 2001, after the South Dakota legislature redrew the boundaries of the state's 35 legislative districts.
"This is a victory for all South Dakotans because it reaffirms the importance of fairness at the ballot box, which benefits everyone, Indians and non-Indians alike,” said Bryan Sells a staff attorney with the ACLU Voting Rights Project and lead counsel in the case.
A year ago, on August 19, 2005, U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier ordered South Dakota officials to implement a redistricting plan that was fair to Native American voters, but the state refused and appealed the decision. Schreier’s ruling was upheld today in a unanimous 3-0 ruling by the Eighth Circuit in St. Louis.
"All voters want the integrity of their community preserved, not fractured, by redistricting. This decision will ensure that legislative districts in South Dakota keep communities together and will give Indian voters the opportunity to elect representatives of their choice. When citizens have confidence that their vote counts and that their voices will be heard, then democracy works better for everyone,” said Sells.
The Eighth Circuit ruling in the Bone Shirt case is the second decision issued by the federal appeals court this year upholding the rights of Native American voters. In an earlier case, Cottier v. City of Martin, the court ruled in favor of Native Americans who claimed that the City of Martin had violated the Voting Rights Act and the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments by drawing city council districts that dilute Indian voting strength.
"This decision will give our Lakota people an opportunity to elect our candidate of choice to the state legislature,” said Alfred Bone Shirt, a named plaintiff in the case. “Discrimination against Indians has been part of South Dakota politics for so long that it is only through cases like this that we have been able see any positive change."
South Dakota is one of 16 states covered in whole or in part by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires specific jurisdictions to get federal approval before making changes to their election laws and procedures.
In 2002, a three-judge court held that the state had failed to submit its 2001 redistricting plan to federal officials for pre-approval. The state then submitted the plan to the U.S. Department of Justice, which cleared it for implementation, but the ACLU said it was discriminatory nonetheless because it created a 90 percent supermajority of Indian voters by "packing" them into one district. Judge Schreier later agreed with this claim and in a lengthy 144-page opinion issued September 15, 2004, she gave the state an opportunity to fashion a new plan that did not discriminate against Indian voters. After the state refused to do so, the judge issued her August 19, 2005 remedial order that new lines be drawn to comply with the Voting Rights Act. It is this decision that was affirmed today.
"This decision clearly shows that Congress did the right thing last month when it voted to reauthorize the temporary provisions of the Voting Rights Act," said Sells.
Patrick Duffy of the Rapid City, South Dakota, law firm of Duffy and Duffy also served as counsel on the case.
Read the 8th Circuit Opinion of Alfred Bone Shir; Belva Black Lance; Bonni High Bull; Germaine Moses Camp v. Joyce Hazeltine in her official capacity as Secretary of State of the State of South Dakota; Scott Eccarius, in his official capacity as Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives; South Dakota House of Representatives; Arnold Brown, in his official capacity as President of the South Dakota Senate; South Dakota Senate
SUIT FILED TO END DISCRIMINATORY PROSECUTION OF NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS The ACLU has filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against the Winner School District in South Dakota, charging that the District maintains an environment hostile to Native Americans by, among other things, disciplining Native American students more harshly than Caucasians and by forcing them to sign “confessions” for minor rule breaking, exemplifying a national “School-to-Prison-Pipeline” trend.
ROSEBUD TRIBAL MEMBERS ENACT CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP
The Owl Bonnet Civil and Human Rights group met at the St. Francis community center on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose was to elect officers for the rights group while considering future initiatives that the group might engage itself in... View PDF file.
2006 FEB MISSIVE FROM ARVOL LOOKING HORSE ON EAGLE HUNTER
SPIRITUAL GATHERING (CAMP SOVEREIGNTY) APRIL 2 2005
Ward Churchill
Read the article by Tim Wise (Counterpunch) on the Churchill controversy, "Didn't We Get Rid of Those People Years Ago?"
Reflections on Empire and Uppity Indians"
Dead people of color, the world over, or right here in the U.S., whose ashes they step over every time they walk out the door of their homes, mean nothing to them. Their deaths are cause for no tears, no contrition, no recompense, and certainly have never served to disqualify those responsible (or those who applaud the carnage) from positions of authority, in colleges, or government. Nor will schools now move to block dear Madame Albright from speaking on their campuses, as happened to Ward; nor will Ann Coulter find herself a pariah for fantasizing about the incineration of folks whose only crime was to be born North Korean... But Ward Churchill, who has merely laid out the facts about America's murderous ways around the globe--facts that have not been disputed even once by any of his critics--is to be silenced. Those who do the deed are cheered, re-elected and get buildings named after them. Those who merely tell of their exploits and suggest that perhaps there may be consequences, get crushed. Read more.
"Some People Push Back" On the Justice of Roosting Chickens by Ward Churchill, at Dark Night Press. The article at the supposed heart of the controversy.
More news at SF Bay Area Indymedia.
LEWIS AND CLARK RE-ENACTMENT PROTESTS, SEPT 2004 NEW:
Natives to protest Lewis and Clark at Pierre this weekend - Freedom Thinking Native Nations Protest the "Dawn of Genocide of
Lewis and Clark"
Federal Court Rules South Dakota Violated Voting Rights of Native Americans
September 15, 2004
PIERRE, SD—In an historic victory for voting rights, a federal court today ruled that South Dakota violated the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act when it approved a statewide redistricting plan that dilutes the voting power of Native Americans.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - ACLU Secures Major Victory in Landmark Redistricting Case
PIERRE, SD—In an historic victory for voting rights, a federal court today ruled that South Dakota violated the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act when it approved a statewide redistricting plan that dilutes the voting power of Native Americans.
“This is a landmark victory for the voting rights of Native Americans,” said Bryan Sells, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Voting Rights Project,which had challenged the plan. “Redistricting has historically been used to disenfranchise minority voters. Today’s decision will help rectify this longstanding problem.”
The ACLU filed the case on behalf of four Native American voters in December 2001 after the state legislature drew a new legislative district map that packed Native Americans into a single district. As a result, District 27, which encompasses the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian reservations, has an almost 90 percent “supermajority” of Native Americans. The ACLU argued that packing the two reservations into one district disenfranchises Indian voters under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits abridging the right to vote on account of race or ethnicity.
“If the state had drawn districts more fairly, Native Americans would have been a majority in two districts instead of a 90 percent supermajority in only one,” Sells said. “The people on those reservations deserve to have at least one more person fighting for them in the legislature.”
The ruling in favor of Native American voters in South Dakota comes at a time when the country is closely monitoring the state’s current high-profile race between Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle and his Republican challenger, John Thune. According to political observers, Native American voters have been aggressively courted by both political parties and, in part as a result of successful court battles led by the ACLU, they are increasingly regarded as a growing and important electoral constituency.
In today’s ruling, U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier wrote that the “current legislative plan impermissibly dilutes the Indian vote” and denies Indians in Districts 26 and 27 “an equal opportunity to access the political process.” The court gave the state legislature 45 days to submit proposals to rectify the disenfranchisement of Native American voters in South Dakota.
The ACLU said that although today’s decision may not directly impact the November election, it could help strengthen voter confidence among South Dakota’s Indian population and drive increased turnout at the polls.
In an earlier decision in May 2002, Judge Schreier ruled in favor of the ACLU and its Native American plaintiffs when she found that the South Dakota Legislature violated Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires jurisdictions to get federal approval before making changes to any election laws or procedures to ensure that states do not disenfranchise voting populations that have experienced a history of discrimination.
“The Voting Rights Act was created to ensure that state governments do not discriminate against traditionally marginalized and oppressed populations,” said Jennifer Ring, Executive Director of the ACLU of the Dakotas. “Unfortunately, South Dakota has repeatedly flouted this important law at the expense of its Native American citizens. We applaud today’s decision and we will continue to monitor any election laws that may impact this population.”
Alfred Bone Shirt, a Sicangu Lakota activist and lead plaintiff in the case, also applauded Judge Schreier’s decision. “This is a milestone in correcting a system that has alienated my people from the political process for decades. We have the right to have a say in the direction of our future.”
Bone Shirt v. Nelson is one of six lawsuits brought against state and local officials inSouth Dakotain federal court by the Atlanta-based ACLU Voting Rights Project since 1999. To date, five of these cases have been resolved in favor of the ACLU and its Native American plaintiffs and one remains pending.That suit challenges a redistricting plan which the ACLU argues dilutes Native American voting strength in the city of Martin, South Dakota (Cottier v.City of Martin,SD).
Rapid City attorney Patrick Duffy served as co-counsel with the ACLU.
To read a copy of this ruling, go to click her.
For more information on the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, go to http://www.aclu.org/VotingRights/VotingRightsMain.cfm.
CBS NEWS STORY ON THE LACK OF ADEQUATE HOUSING AT ROSEBUD
Phil Stevens of the Walking Shield organization was here on the Rosebud
Sioux Indian reservation, in South Central South Dakota with a producer
from CBS news and did a story on the plight of the lack of adequate Housing
on this Reservation.
They interviewed Alfred Bone Shirt, the Black Spotted Horse's & a family in
the Parmalee,South Dakota area.
The segment is scheduled to air this Friday September 17, 2004 in the morning.
Conclusions and recommendations of the Seminar on Treaties, Agreements and Other Constructive Arrangements between States and Indigenous Peoples (Geneva, 15-17 December 2003: Note by the Secretariat). The file will appear in a separate browser window.
Meeting announcement for the Ceremonial, and cultural
Protection Coalition
From Bernard Red Cherries jr (bredcherries at yahoo.com), 4 June 2004:
Quarterly Meeting of the Inter-Tribal Protection Coalition, to Protect and Preserve Sacred Sundance, and related spiritual Practices of Native Americans. This meeting will be hosted by the Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapahoe Nations, of whom are members of the Coalition. For more information please contact Chester Whiteman 405-884-5586, William Lee Pedro 405-422-1725. The meeting dates are June 19th & 20th Sunrise Sweat and Prayer Ceremony. Important topics are, enforcement of current legislation ie., American Indian religious Freedom Act, how can we better "Understand its meaning", how it is currently manipulated in conjunction with the Constitutional right to Religion by Non-Natives. At issue currently is the Sundance at Hoosier National Forrest, in Bloomington, Indiana. A supposed Lakota Sundance run by a non-native, this supposed Lakota Sundance ceremony is allowed under a special use agreement with the National park services and a special use permit was again authorized by the National Park service to this non-native, fears are that this will open a "Flood-gate" for other non-natives to follow suit. Questions and concerns" What impacts can this cause for us in Indian Country", will this non-native individual and others like him "Become keepers of our ceremonies and links to the past for our future generations?", how can we address this concern and others like it, and still respect the boundries of our Traditions and customs of our respective Nations. Who do we turn to for resolve? What has National Congress Of American Indians involvment been since the passing of the resolution supporting our efforts to Protect and preserve The Sacred Sundance, sweat-lodge and related healing ceremonials?, report and update. Presenting of proposed actions, ie trip to Washington, D.C. seeking assistance from Senator Inouyah, Committee on Indian Affairs, rersponse from Hoosier National Forrest Officials. Highlights from the 1st Quarterly Coalition meeting in Ethetee, Wyoming.
Lodging will be provided:
Current Board Members:
Bernard Red Cherries Jr-Northern Cheyenne
Gilbert Whitedirt-Northern Cheyenne
Lenny Foster-Navajo Nation
Leland Littledog-Sicangu Lakota, Rosebud Sioux Nation
Alfred Boneshirt-Sicangu Lakota, Rosebud Sioux Nation
Ned Metcalf-Sicangu Lakota, Rosebud Sioux Nation
Chester Whiteman-Southern Cheyenne
Roland Haag-Southern Cheyenne
Joe Bigmedicine-Southern Cheyenne
George Sutton
Lee Pedro-Southern Arapahoe
Jerry Redman-Northern Arapahoe
Darrell Lonebear-Northern Arapahoe
Nelson White-Northern Arapahoe
Spiritual Advisors: Northern Arapahoe Sacred Four oldmen
Joseph Waterman Jr-Northern Arapahoe
Tommy White-Northern Arapahoe
Harold Smith-Northern Arapahoe
Leonard Moss Sr-Northern Arapahoe
Spiritual Advisor:
Arvol Lookinghorse-Keeper "White Buffalo Calf Pipe" of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Nation.
All other Tribes are welcome to attend and become members, however we must respect the fact that the goals and directions of the coalition are undisputable and firm in regards to our efforts of Protecting and Preserving Traditional Ceremonial Prayers ways of our Native Peoples for our Future Generations. We know and respect the fact that "All" Peoples have the Creator given rights to pray regardless of Color, we choose NOW as Native American Spiritual & Traditional Leaders to excert our Sovereign rights to Protect these ways that are our "Life-ways", and that were handed down in Traditional customary process by our Grandfathers and Grandmothers.
Haskell Cemetery : A Symbol for Healing and Growth
American Indian families being broken up and children feeling lonesome, homesick, and often abandoned and unwanted has a long tradition with Indian boarding schools. Often this phenomenon is spoken to in the many myths and ghost stories that are told about children of long ago who haunt the boarding schools today. An essay by Stephen A. Colmant, MA, LPC
Peaceful Spiritual Gathering and Rally, Pierre, SD, 22 April 2004
A peaceful Spiritual Gathering and Rally was held on 22 April 2004 at the State Capital in Pierre SD to focus attention on racisim and dual standards of justice in the South Dakota goverment, courts, judicial offices, jails, prisons, law enforcement agencies and Indian Child Welfare agencies.
Redistricting lawsuit news, See the Redistricting Lawsuit News page for articles for the Bone shirt v. Nelson trial April 2004 in Pierre South Dakota.
Bone Shirt v. Nelson
Please pass the word to as many People as possible. We can use all the help we can get to use this opportunity to Bring out the Unequal or duel standards of Justice here in South Dakota.on as many of the Human rights violations as possible. If we can Rally, Protest, demonstrate or do something during this time. I think it will help. There are many days of trial awaiting us, I will look into getting the permits. We can use as many supporters as possible, even if People can only come for a day. We do need all the Prayers and thoughts to help us through this trial
Alfred
Dear Friends,
Bone Shirt v. Nelson, the lawsuit against the state of South Dakota challenging the 2001 legislative redistricting that failed to create single member House Districts in District 26 thereby enabling the Oglala and Sicangu people living in that area to elect a Representative of their choice, is up for trial this month in Pierre. The trial will run April 12-15, 22-23, and 26-29 (maybe even April 30). The state will be arguing, in part, that Indian people don't care about legislative representation and that they don't stick together on elections. I am encouraging as many people as can to attend the trial and show the judges that having more of a say in how South Dakota is run is something that Indian people do care about.
The trial will be in the Federal Building in Pierre and should run most days 8 am until 5:30 or 6 pm. The Plaintiffs (our side) will present their case first. The entire line up of witnesses sound really exciting. However, if you can only come 1 day the 14th-15th and 22nd are the best days for indicating support. The Respondents (the state officials) will make their case second. Even though that testimony is not likely to be as much fun it would be good to be there to watch these people while they say some of the things they are likely going to say.
If you are able to come please be prepared to go through a metal detector. Even pocket knives or camera's will not likely be allowed in.
Also people who are witnesses in the case will not be allowed in the courtroom until after their turn to testify. They can stay after they have testified unless the lawyers say otherwise. (They might think they are going to need them again.)
In addition to showing support in the courtroom some folks are working on a demonstration outside the Federal Building. The focus of the demonstration will be broader than just this case and will be on unequal treatment generally. (For details contact Alfred Bone Shirt at 605-747- 4443 or by email at huhoogle at gwtc.net.)
Your presence can make a difference.
Please feel free to spread the word on this as far as you wish.
Take care,
Jennifer Ring
Executive Director
ACLU of the Dakotas
Drugs in Indian Country - What gives the feds jurisdiction?, by Hazel Bonner, 2004 April 7.
Free Peltier! A Position Statement from Carter Camp March 14, 2004. Offsite link to "The Case of Leonard Peltier" website.
Arlo Looking Cloud Interview, February 2004, Pennington County Jail, Rapid City, South Dakota. By David Seals
The United States of America vs. Fritz Arlo Looking Cloud
Court Trial Transcripts
Offsite link to the duplication of the original court trial transcripts in the case of The United States of America vs. Arlo Looking Cloud. 476 pages.
ALL ABOUT ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) December 20 2003 resolution
JOHN GRAHAM DEFENSE COMMITTEE Offsite link to the John Graham Defense Committee website. Check for the latest news.
Read more about the DLN and Advocacy
