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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Debate & Discuss => Topic started by: walksalone11 on March 03, 2011, 09:46:06 am
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Cante Tenza Okolakiciye - Strong Heart Warrior Society
Free & Independent Lakota Nation
Box 512, Hill City, South Dakota 57745 605-454-0449 or
605-517-1547 lakotaoyate.net
ACTION ALERT! YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED RIGHT NOW! PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY!
March 3, 2011
TRIBAL GOVERNMENT RETALIATION ESCALATES AGAINST ELDERS, WARRIOR SOCIETY IN ADVANCE OF PROTEST OCCUPATION
Last night Red Society grandmother Wilma Thin Elk was evicted from tribal housing by tribal council member Kathy Janis and tribal police under bogus charges of child abuse. This morning, the road to the home of grandfather Enoch Brings Plenty, has been cut so that he cannot get out to help lead the protest occupation.
Last night tribal police visited Strong Heart headsman Duane Martin Sr.'s home until he asked them to leave.
We need you to act now. We need you to bear witness. We need you to understand the truth and to not believe the lies of the corrupt tribal government officials who are perpetuating these injustices. The Strong Heart Warrior Society is asking all people to help us spread the news about what is happening right now.
NEW LAKOTA OCCUPATION ANNOUNCED HOURS AFTER LIBERATION DAY EVENT
Elders, Warrior Societies, Oyate to Take-Over Elderly Meals Program in
Porcupine
Porcupine Community, Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Mere hours after
dozens had gathered for the “Liberation Day” celebration of the 1973
Occupation of Wounded Knee, traditional elders and the Strong Heart
Warrior Society announced a new occupation is planned for 1 pm Friday
when a group of elders, warriors, activists and concerned citizens
will take over the Elderly Meals Program building in Porcupine
Community.
The planned elder-led march and occupation will be supported by the
Strong Heart Warrior Society as well as the Urban Warrior Society from
Rapid City and various chapters of the American Indian Movement (AIM)
including representatives of the AIM Governing Council.
The occupation is the direct result of a failure of Porcupine District
and tribal government officials to meet with the Elders and their
advocates to discuss a wide range of elder abuse complaints at the
program and to begin to implement much needed changes.
Complaints include unsanitary conditions, inedible food, physical and
psychological abuse of elders, refusal of meals to certain elders, the
mismanagement of program funds and resources, law enforcement abuse,
and the illegal selling of drugs and alcohol by Porcupine center staff
while Elders are present.
“They never treat us good when we go to the Elderly Meals,” said 91-
year-old Cecilia Martin, who is one of two surviving American Indian
Movement Grandmothers from the 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation. “For
over five months I haven’t gone there because the food is no good.”
The current elderly meals staff led by Winifred Janis has taken
numerous retaliatory measures against elders and others speaking out
about abusive and illegal activities. Elmer White Face, 71, was
arrested in February for allegedly“verbally assaulting” Janis at the
center despite the fact he was born mute! Three members of the Janis/
Quiver family physically beat Wilson Coleman Jr., an employee of the
center, after he spoke out about illegal activities including alcohol
bootlegging and the selling of drugs in the Elder Center.
For weeks the Strong Heart Warrior Society, at the request of their
elders, has increased pressure on tribal government by informing the
media and asking concerned people to contact tribal council and meals
program officials to investigate the Porcupine elderly meals program.
Despite numerous calls to tribal, state and federal officials no
action has been undertaken.
Even as late as yesterday, Oglala Tribal Government Vice President
Thomas Poor Bear said, “We don’t have a problem with our Elders.”
“The people are behind us - we are going to walk in and takeover that
place,” said 67 year-old Enoch Brings Plenty, whose wife has been
denied meals by the current meals center staff. He added, “We are
going to do all these things for the elders, so they can have peace.”
Changes to Elderly Meals Program including the construction of a
newer, cleaner building have been rebuffed, delayed, and denied time
and again by officials of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) supported
Oglala Tribal Council which has said the elder’s fate lies solely in
their hands.
“They (tribal council officials) are totally in it in it for
themselves – they are totally for themselves,” explained Brings
Plenty.
“All of these demands have been met with a certain resistance because
they (tribal officials) are not taking the elders very seriously,
“added Duane Martin Sr., leader of the Strong Heart Warrior Society.
“They are living in denial because the poor people, the elders, the
children are left without.”
Elders and activists say the abuse and corruption in the Elderly Meals
Program is a microcosm of abuse and corruption present in many of the
tribal government programs and within the Tribal Government itself.
Corrupt officials and their families work together to threaten and
punish those who seek accountability while at the same time soliciting
additional Federal, State and local funding as well as so-called
“heart donations” from concerned people around the world.
Concerned elders, and others who have stood up to this corruption have
been the targets of violence, verbal threats, and the denial of tribal
government services such as housing and winter heating fuel. These are
the same conditions that led to the 1973 Occupation of Wounded Knee as
well as two previous takeovers of the Red Cloud Building – one in
2009, and a nine-month long occupation in 2000.
“I thank everyone for everything so that this works out good, and I
hope so too,” shared Grandmother Cecilia Martin. “But right now we
need a lot of help.”
Elders and warrior society members have appealed outside of the tribe
for investigations into widespread graft and corruption but some
government agencies are claiming their hands are tied. They said they
are unable to work directly with community activists and traditional
groups because they must work through the corrupted BIA system of
tribal government to implement changes.
Duane Martin Sr. explained further why the occupation was necessary,
"The tribal court system, along with the tribal government, doesn’t
really administer the change in procedures that would create a healthy
system. They are all unhealthy – the police department is unhealthy,
the tribal government is unhealthy, the BIA is unhealthy, and now the
Meals for the Elderly is unhealthy!”
The Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is the size
of the state of Connecticut. Due to decades of abuse, corruption and
colonial enforcement, Pine Ridge faces epidemic rates of suicide,
alcohol and drug abuse, elder abuse, and poverty. Life expectancy for
Lakota men is below 40 years old. Nearly ¾ of the Lakota people have
lost their language, and the traditional language is on the verge of
extinction in Pine Ridge. The reservation has one of the highest rates
of unsolved murders that are widely attributed to violent retaliation
against those seeking an end to corruption and an assertion of Lakota
sovereignty.
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Cante Tenza Okolakiciye also known as the Strong Heart Warrior Society
of the Lakota Nation is an ancient Lakota warrior society as well as a
broad-based civil rights movement that works to protect, enforce and
restore treaty rights, civil rights, and sovereignty of Native people
and their communities across Turtle Island. In addition to activist
efforts to protect the land and people, each year Cante Tenza collects
and freely distributes shoes, winter coats, school supplies, food, and
other support to Oglala Lakota elders, children and families.
"Lakota Oyate" on Facebook. www.lakotaoyate.net @CanteTenza on
Twitter
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Bumped to keep it visible. Take the time to really read this and it will make you ill.
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"To live on the Pine Ridge reservation and make it past fifty is beating the odds for life expectancy there. But to be snubbed by your tribal council when you ask for a safe and clean place to eat and then to be targeted for retaliation by the council is beyond comprehension. That is happening right now at the Porcupine Elderly Meals Center, Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The elders have have taken over occupation of the center and are not leaving until their voices have been heard and action has been taken.
After four years of abuses and calls for remedy from the Bureau of Indian
Affairs(BIA) Oglala Tribal Government, Lakota elders with support from
the Strong Heart Warrior Society, United Urban Warrior Society, and
Rapid City AIM- Grassroots have peacefully taken over, and now occupy,
the Elderly Meals Building in the Porcupine Community of Pine Ridge
Reservation.
In virtually any other U.S. community, physical abuse of elders, the false arrest and persecution of the elderly by police, the forced evictions of elders in the middle of the winter, and the illegal selling of drugs and alcohol by staff of an elderly meals center would be headline news. But not if the community is the Oglala Pine Ridge Reservation, and the people are the poor and traditional Lakota oyate.
“The former president and the cook have discriminated against the elders at the Porcupine Elderly Meals Center. Elders are demanding them to be removed immediately.
“The Elders will be leading this occupation with the support and protection of three warrior societies – the Strong Heart Warrior Society, United Urban Warrior Society, and Grassroots AIM.
“I, Enoch Brings Plenty, as president of the Meals for the Elderly Program at Porcupine, will try my best to please the Elders in my district as best as I can -to bring back honesty, trust and integrity. This is why these three warrior societies are here with us. They are going to teach our children how to protect and remain free with the elders of our oyate. Hoka hey!”
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Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Members of the Oglala Tribal Council have begun a series of retaliatory actions against respected Elders and the Strong Heart Warrior Society in advance of the planned protest occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals center. The occupation is being staged to protest incidents of elder abuse, illegal sales of drugs and alcohol from the center, abuse of police power against elders, and lack of action from the corrupt Oglala Tribal Council.
Oglala Tribal Council Retaliation Escalates Against Elders, Warriors in Advance of Protest Occupation
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye - Strong Heart Warrior Society
Free & Independent Lakota Nation
Box 512, Hill City, South Dakota 57745 | 605-454-0449 or
605-517-1547 | lakotaoyate.net
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 3, 2011
Contact: Duane Martin Sr. 605-517-1547 or 605-454-0449
OGLALA TRIBAL COUNCIL RETALIATION ESCALATES AGAINST ELDERS, WARRIORS
Grandmother Evicted from Home, Protest Leader’s Road Cut, Police Harassment
Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Members of the Oglala Tribal Council have begun a series of retaliatory actions against respected Elders and the Strong Heart Warrior Society in advance of the planned protest occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals center. The occupation is being staged to protest incidents of elder abuse, illegal sales of drugs and alcohol from the center, abuse of police power against elders, and lack of action from the corrupt Oglala Tribal Council.
• On Wednesday night, respected Red Society grandmother Wilma Thin Elk was evicted from tribal housing by tribal council member Kathy Janis and Oglala tribal police under bogus charges of child abuse.
• Also on Wednesday night, Oglala tribal police visited the home of Strong Heart headsman Duane Martin Sr.'s and interrogated him about the protest occupation. He asked them to leave.
• Thursday morning, the road to the home of grandfather Enoch Brings Plenty was cut so that he is unable to travel to help lead the protest occupation.
• Calls to Tribal Council member Kathy Janis about the status of Wilma Thin Elk was met with denials that any actions had been taken against the Red Society grandmother.
Strong Heart Warrior Society headsman Duane Martin Sr. said, “The elders are tired of being subjugated to colonial abuse, and that is what’s happening. This (retaliation) has to stop!”
The Strong Heart Warrior Society is documenting the acts of retaliation by Oglala government officials and said that the lack of media coverage of these stories helps to perpetuate abuse and corruption on Pine Ridge by allowing illegal and abusive acts to go without publicity or accountability.
In virtually any other U.S. community, physical abuse of elders, the false arrest and persecution of the elderly by police, the forced evictions of elders in the middle of the winter, and the illegal selling of drugs and alcohol by staff of an elderly meals center would be headline news. But not if the community is the Oglala Pine Ridge Reservation, and the people are the poor and traditional Lakota oyate.
“Tribal government has never listened to our elders,” Martin explained. “That’s why they (the elders) turn to the Strong Heart Warrior Society - because we are the only ones who will protect them.”
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The Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota is the size of the state of Connecticut. Due to decades of abuse, corruption and colonial enforcement, Pine Ridge faces epidemic rates of suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, elder abuse, and poverty. Life expectancy for Lakota men is below 40 years of age. Nearly ¾ of the Lakota people have lost their language, and the traditional language is on the verge of extinction in Pine Ridge. The reservation has one of the highest rates of unsolved murders. These unsolved deaths are widely attributed to violent retaliation against those seeking an end to corruption and assertion of traditional Lakota sovereignty.
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye also known as the Strong Heart Warrior Society of the Lakota Nation is an ancient Lakota warrior society as well as a broad-based civil rights movement that works to protect, enforce and restore treaty rights, civil rights, and sovereignty of Native people and their communities across Turtle Island. In addition to activist efforts to protect the land and people, each year Cante Tenza collects and freely distributes shoes, winter coats, school supplies, food, and other support to Oglala Lakota elders, children and families.
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IMPORTANT!!!! Message from Duane Martin Sr. (Strong Heart Warrior Society):
The takeover of the food facility on Pine Ridge is being done for the elderly and children who are not receiving proper food or services. This occupation will NOT end until the Department of Health and Human Services agrees to come in and investigate the complaints of the elders on premises! Contact information for the department should go to Courtney Hoskins. Please spread the word! The League of Indian Nations of North America is writing now. The attacks on traditional Lakota will not be tolerated.
Courtney Hoskins
Aging Services Program Specialist
Administration on Aging, Region VIII
1961 Stout Street
3rd Floor
Denver, CO 80294
303-844-7819
courtney.hoskins@aoa.hhs.gov
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Our relatives need as much media attention as possible! & supplies- Please post and circulate- It only takes 5minutes to show you care- 5minutes out of 24 hours....
AIM SoCalifornia
_________________________________________
How can you help?
These are the immediate needs of the elders.
ITEMS NEEDED:
Generators
Blankets, Warm Clothing
Food: Non Perishable Items Only
Peanut Butter, Rice, Instant Potatoes , Grits, Flour, Dry Beans (Any Variety) Oatmeal, Powder Milk, Tuna Helpers with cans of Tuna, Pasta, Pasta Sauce (Hunt’s in a Can is great) Cans of Salmon, Canned Vegetables, Bullion Cubes.
Strong Heart Warrior Society
In Care Of Duane Martin Sr,
Box 512
Hill City, S.D. 57745
605-454-0449 office *******
Duane Martin Sr.
605-517-1547 home 605-454-5552 cell
_________________________________________________
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1094826605
AS OF – Sunday 03/06/11
9:30am ACTION ALERT: The occupation is hard on the elders. We need supportive words from elders, activists, and people from other Nations to give prayers & encouragement for the Pine Ridge elders to hang in there & don't give in until the demands are met. Send us a Facebook message, email them to
Cantetenza13@gmail.com, or call Duane Martin Sr. at 605-454-0449.
Pilamaye/ Thank you!
For Immediate Release Pine Ridge Elders protest
...
Oglala Tribal Council Retaliation Escalates Against Elders, Warriors in Advance of Protest Occupation
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye - Strong Heart Warrior Society
Free & Independent Lakota Nation
Box 512, Hill City, South Dakota 57745
605-454-0449 or
605-517-1547 |
http://www.facebook.com/l/c20a4BEAUHJwwRQeRmob4cpsGgA/lakotaoyate.net
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 3, 2011
Contact: Duane Martin Sr. 605-517-1547 or 605-454-0449
OGLALA TRIBAL COUNCIL RETALIATION ESCALATES AGAINST ELDERS, WARRIORS
Grandmother Evicted from Home, Protest Leader’s Road Cut, Police Harassment
Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Members of the Oglala Tribal Council have begun a series of retaliatory actions against respected Elders and the Strong Heart Warrior Society in advance of the planned protest occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals center. The occupation is being staged to protest incidents of elder abuse, illegal sales of drugs and alcohol from the center, abuse of police power against elders, and lack of action from the corrupt Oglala Tribal Council.
• On Wednesday night, respected Red Society grandmother Wilma Thin Elk was evicted from tribal housing by tribal council member Kathy Janis and Oglala tribal police under bogus charges of child abuse.
• Also on Wednesday night, Oglala tribal police visited the home of Strong Heart headsman Duane Martin Sr.'s and interrogated him about the protest occupation. He asked them to leave.
• Thursday morning, the road to the home of grandfather Enoch Brings Plenty was cut so that he is unable to travel to help lead the protest occupation.
• Calls to Tribal Council member Kathy Janis about the status of Wilma Thin Elk was met with denials that any actions had been taken against the Red Society grandmother.
Strong Heart Warrior Society headsman Duane Martin Sr. said, “The elders are tired of being subjugated to colonial abuse, and that is what’s happening. This (retaliation) has to stop!”
The Strong Heart Warrior Society is documenting the acts of retaliation by Oglala government officials and said that the lack of media coverage of these stories helps to perpetuate abuse and corruption on Pine Ridge by allowing illegal and abusive acts to go without publicity or accountability.
In virtually any other U.S. community, physical abuse of elders, the false arrest and persecution of the elderly by police, the forced evictions of elders in the middle of the winter, and the illegal selling of drugs and alcohol by staff of an elderly meals center would be headline news. But not if the community is the Oglala Pine Ridge Reservation, and the people are the poor and traditional Lakota oyate.
“Tribal government has never listened to our elders,” Martin explained. “That’s why they (the elders) turn to the Strong Heart Warrior Society - because we are the only ones who will protect them.”
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The Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota is the size of the state of Connecticut. Due to decades of abuse, corruption and colonial enforcement, Pine Ridge faces epidemic rates of suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, elder abuse, and poverty. Life expectancy for Lakota men is below 40 years of age. Nearly ¾ of the Lakota people have lost their language, and the traditional language is on the verge of extinction in Pine Ridge. The reservation has one of the highest rates of unsolved murders. These unsolved deaths are widely attributed to violent retaliation against those seeking an end to corruption and assertion of traditional Lakota sovereignty.
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UPDATE from Porcupine, SD: Warriors are needed ASAP at the elderly building in Porcupine, tribal police are threatening to go in.
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Stay safe if you go, Walks. I want to see you back on here!
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Thank you Amy, this morning things seem to be a little calmer then yesterday. Considering the 13 hour drive for me, I have been told to hang loose and see how things progress.
The Elders themselves will be reopening and operating the center for the remainder of the occupation, how ever long that will be is anyones guess at this time.
For members who don't understand tribal politics and see this as a case of our Nations being disfuntional I would like to make the following statement....
In order for a Tribal to recieve federal recognition, certain conditions must be met and some pretty high hoops jumped through.
One such stipulation is that all canidates for tribal government positions must be approved by the B.I.A. which is basically Uncle Sammys puppet masters and the only ones that will get that approval are those who will do the bidding of the B.I.A which is just saying they will vote regulate and act in accordance to the wishes of Washington D.C.
The effect of this is that now you have two competing governments. One being the B.I.A. government which D.C. recognizes and then you have the traditional leaders which pretty much follows bloodlines. This is the leaders that most traditional tribal members recognize.
The B.I.A. puppet government has always been notoriously corrupt and have only the interest of the Fed, first, and their own enrichment second, which the fed turns a blind eye to.
There have been occupations in the past to address abuses by the B.I.A. clowns, many times resulting in violence and even deaths.
Many times when individuals or small groups openly oppose the B.I.A. crowd, there are "unsolved" murders and disappearances. A very dangerous under taking indeed.
I can guarantee you that the Elders, Duane and Mo and other members of the Strong Hearts, will not back down.
When and if asked, I will go there and stand with my Relations.
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Cante Tenza Okolakiciye - Strong Heart Warrior Society
Free & Independent Lakota Nation
Box 512, Hill City, South Dakota 57745 | 605-454-0449 or 605-517-1547
<span>www.lakotaoyate.net</span> | Facebook “Lakota Oyate” | Twitter @CanteTenza
Strong Heart Internet Radio News at <span>http://audioboo.fm/CanteTenza</span>
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 7, 2011
Contact: Duane Martin Sr. 605-517-1547 or 605-454-0449
THE ELDER’S OCCUPATION: LAKOTA ELDERS CRY FOR JUSTICE, INVITE TRUTH TOUR OF ELDERLY MEALS BUILDING, PINE RIDGE RESERVATION.
Occupation Members to Reopen Center For Elderly Meals Starting Monday
Audio interviews of elders and warriors can be found at http://audioboo.fm/CanteTenza
Porcupine Elderly Meals Building, Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Four days into the elder-led occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals Building, bodies are tired from sleeping on the hard floor, but spirits are strong.
The occupation, which began with a peaceful takeover of the building on Friday, resulted from the flagrant dismissal of elder complaints by the Oglala Tribal Government despite public revelations and stories from elders describing physical threats and assault, psychological abuse, denial of meals, and food that was served cold and undercooked. Allegations also include financial wrong doing by center staff, appropriation of center vehicles for personal use that prevented meals from being delivered to homebound elders, and the illegal sale of drugs and alcohol from the building by center staff relatives.
However, as late as Saturday afternoon, members of the Oglala tribal government were still blaming the victims. Scott Weston told an occupation supporter that he did not believe there was any elder abuse occurring. When confronted with stories of abuse, Weston said he “didn’t know” about the incidents described.
“We have a lot of stories and complaints of elder abuse for four years,” explained Lorraine White Face Eagle Elk, 68. “Scott Weston believes we are fighting over crumbs, but we are here for elderly abuse – to stop abuse.”
Newly elected elderly president Enoch Brings Plenty, 69, added,” Its definitely abuse. Most of the elders know about this. Most of the elderly can express their actions to this. I don’t know why Scott Weston is saying that. This is reality. Reality is here – abuse.”
Elders and their advocates have compiled stories from 23 different elders in the district, and each story paints a similar picture of psychological or physical abuse by the disposed center staff led by Winifred Janis.
Eagle Elk said,” Elder abuse is a very serious charge, but it happened here in Porcupine every single day.”
In response to the flagrant disregard and continued victimization of elders by Oglala Tribal Government representatives, occupation participants are inviting journalists, state and federal government officials, and elder advocates on an Elder’s Truth Tour to visit the facility to see and listen first hand to the stories of abuse. The Elder’s Truth Tour is scheduled for Wednesday March 9th in Porcupine.
“We invite everyone who believes in their elders and believes in stopping elder abuse to come to Porcupine and see what is happening here,” offered Duane Martin Sr., headsman of the Strong Heart Warrior Society that is working with others to protect the elders during the occupation. “We need for this tour to be beneficially intoned to what’s circulating here with the elders – and that is stopping abuse.”
Monday also marks the next phase of the occupation as the center will be reopened under oversight of the elder’s themselves to begin serving hot meals to other elderly people in the district as well as providing a safe and inviting space for elders to come and socialize.
Because of the abusive conditions and illegal activities at the center, elder use of the building had fallen dramatically. The reopening of the center in this temporary form will last until the elder’s demands are met.
Journalists, officials and advocates who would like to participate in the Elder’s Truth Tour can contact Duane Martin Sr. at 605-454-0449 (on the ground) or Naomi Archer at 828-230-1404 (offsite liaison).
The elders and warrior societies are demanding the removal of all current center staff, the construction of a new, sanitary building, restoration of healthy meals, expansion of elderly meals to those homebound, and investigation into the graft and corruption in the program no matter where it leads.
“We’ve been everywhere- the councils, treaty people, the district superintendent – we keep trying, and we aren’t going to give up until we get help,” said Eagle Elk.
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The Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota is the size of the state of Connecticut. Due to decades of abuse, corruption and colonial enforcement, Pine Ridge faces epidemic rates of suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, elder abuse, and poverty. Life expectancy for Lakota men is below 40 years of age. Nearly ¾ of the Lakota people have lost their language, and the traditional language is on the verge of extinction in Pine Ridge. The reservation has one of the highest rates of unsolved murders. These unsolved deaths are widely attributed to violent retaliation against those seeking an end to corruption and assertion of traditional Lakota sovereignty.
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye also known as the Strong Heart Warrior Society of the Lakota Nation is an ancient Lakota warrior society as well as a broad-based civil rights movement that works to protect, enforce and restore treaty rights, civil rights, and sovereignty of Native people and their communities across Turtle Island. In addition to activist efforts to protect the land and people, each year Cante Tenza collects and freely distributes shoes, winter coats, school supplies, food, and other support to Oglala Lakota elders, children and families. www.lakotaoyate.net
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This makes me so sad. These people deserve so much better. If the elderly can't rely on their kinsmen to take care of them, who can they rely on? I hope I said that the right way, Walks. Like I've said before, I'm one of the whitest chicks you'll ever meet and I speak from privilege and this is something I know very little about.
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MEDIA RELEASE
March 18, 2011: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Naomi Archer (Strong Heart media liaison) 828-230-1404
Contact: Delbert High Hawk (Strong Heart warrior in the occupation) 605-441-4147
<span>ELDER’S OCCUPATION DAY 15</span>
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER THREAT, ANOTHER INJUSTICE
Warrior Leader’s Trial for Dismissal Delayed Another Day, Now Friday 2:30pm
Council Woman Beverly Tuttle Served Order Keeping Her Away From Elders, Judiciary
BREAKING NEWS from the Elder’s Occupation, Porcupine Elderly Meals Building, Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Strong Heart Warrior Society leader Duane Martin Sr.’s quest for freedom hit a snag Thursday as Oglala Judiciary officials pushed back his hearing for dismissal until Friday. Supporters fear this is another delay tactic that will be used again on Friday to keep him away from the peaceful protest occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals Building for another four days.
Last Friday, Martin was surprised to be confronted with a blizzard of false allegations, illegal detention, and arrest by the Oglala Sioux Government that was intended to remove the warrior leader from a leadership role in protecting the elders, warriors and supporters who are undertaking the occupation to protest elder abuse, profiteering within the meals program, and corruption.
Elders and supporters will be at the court on Friday to voice support for Martin who was unlawfully detained, arrested, and initially denied a bond hearing to keep him separated from the occupation elders for as long as possible. Supporters allege multiple violations of Mr. Martin’s civil rights in accordance with Section 1302 of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 (25 U.S.C. §§ 1301-03) including violations of due process, equal treatment, unlawful warrant, and freedom of speech.
Another occupation elder, Lorraine White Face Eagle Elk, has been threatened with retaliatory arrest if she steps outside the occupation boundary.
Also on Thursday, according to legal advocate Doris Respects Nothing, Tribal Council representative Beverly Tuttle of Porcupine was served an order keeping her away from the occupation elders as well as any further meddling in Duane Martin Sr.’s legal proceedings. One of Tuttle’s relatives led the false charges that have imprisoned Martin, and she has also been active in efforts to divide Porcupine District elders pitting Lakota vs. Lakota. Occupation supporters question Tuttle’s actions and wonder if she has something to hide?
The elder’s occupation is beginning to turn against tribal officials despite attempts to keep a media blackout of the story.
On March 15th, health inspectors from the Indian Health Service (IHS) found a large store of outdated, rotten, and spoiled food as well as food that was improperly cared for at the Porcupine elderly meals building. Presumably, this food and others like it, had been improperly fed to the elderly, some of whom have serious health conditions.
IHS says that all of the spoiled and outdated food is a health hazard and must be destroyed immediately.
According to sources on Pine Ridge, IHS is now expanding its investigation into other elderly meals buildings across Pine Ridge where similar complaints have been recorded.
The clock is also ticking on the Tribal Government who face an April 7th deadline to respond to Health and Human Services Administration on Aging (HHSAOA) concerns about the elder abuse and other allegations. The HHSAOA letter, dated March 8th, has been sent to Oglala Sioux President John Steele, and seeks a fact-finding investigation on the elder’s complaints as well as an action plan to resolve these issues by the April deadline.
Information on the elder-led protest occupation in Porcupine can be found at “Lakota Oyate” on Facebook or www.lakotaoyate.net.
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1. Please call, email Rapid City Journal. Ask them why they are not covering this story:
a) false arrest of Duane Martin Sr.
b) Administration on Aging letter to tribe asking for answers to elder's allegations
c) IHS found spoiled food at the center, expanding IHS probe into the entire program.
michael.lefort@rapidcityjournal.com 605-394...-8314
patrick.butler@rapidcityjournal.com
robert.ohap@rapidcityjournal.com
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Many people do not know because they are not spiritual prayer warriors or doing any active warrior work.
This is the treatment to those in society also, who are not on reservations.
The powers that be find out who is of Native American Spirituality and go about making sure they loose their jobs. Without money then people have no voice.
I am asking people to help me get 2 books printed. They are both a must read for people who are not paying attention to what is happening to them.
thanks for the info. will make some phone calls. :angel12:
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MEDIA RELEASE
March 22, 2011: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Naomi Archer (Strong Heart media liaison) 828-230-1404
Contact: Delbert High Hawk (Strong Heart warrior in the occupation) 605-441-4147
ELDER’S OCCUPATION DAY 19
“NOBODY HEARS US. I CRY SOMETIMES.”
Elder Lorraine White Face Eagle Elk Sends Out Another Plea From the Lakota Elder Occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals Building
Elder’s Occupation, Porcupine Elderly Meals Building, Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – Lorraine White Face Eagle Elk sent out another plea for help and solidarity for the Elder’s Occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals Building in the Porcupine Community of Pine Ridge Reservation. She has been an ongoing advocate for the elderly at the center including her 88 year old mother 88 year-old Ester White Face and 91 year old Cecilia Martin.
Lorraine was slapped with a retaliatory restraining order from the Oglala Tribal Government Judiciary after interceding when she saw elderly abuse. In the years and months leading up to the occupation, she has approached the Oglala Tribal Council numerous times about the elder abuse at the Porcupine Elderly Meals building, but received no action.
Lorraine spoke about why the occupation began, the detention of Duane Martin Sr., and the urgent appeal for help:
Elderly abuse has been going on for four or five years now. We turned to everyone for help. All this time they embezzle all this money and a lot of abuse is going on.
Nobody hears us. I cry sometimes. They treat us like we are dangerous. We aren’t going to harm anyone or do anything wrong. We just want the people to hear us. This is reality. That’s why we are here.
We want help. We want everyone to know.
We didn’t know these things until we got here. We didn’t know they were stealing money until we came here. There is money that is missing. They got money for a vehicle. That vehicle is missing. We didn’t know that until we got here. We had our demands: stop the elder abuse, get the cook out, get a new building. But we didn’t know about those things until we got here.
We only go to Duane (Martin Sr.) to help, and now he is in jail. He was charged with elderly abuse by those three women, but he doesn’t even know them. We need to get Duane out. We are here until they meet our demands, and then we get out.
They (those accused of wrong doing or who are opposing the occupation) hang out at the courthouse like it’s their own. They listen to them more than us elderly here. We are the victims, but they act like they are the victims and we are bad people. They treat us like bad people and they are the good people. But these elderly are old people.
We didn’t do anything to them. All we wanted is for the people to hear us – the real elderly. These are the real grandmas here. The Grandmas are calling for help – they need help here.
If you young people out there are watching. They blame them (the young warriors in the occupation) for the bad things that are going on, but we don’t know these people. They broke the windows of his car (of a young warrior supporting the occupation elders) and put sugar in his tank. Now his motor is locked up and it’s not running anymore. Then Beverly Tuttle says he broke her windows. They are lying and everyone believes them. And they are out there acting like the victims and treating us like bad people.
We’ve been hollering for a long time. Now, they are going to put us in jail – maybe that’s okay too. It’s really scary here. They are hollering at us. The kids (of the former center staff) get drunk and they holler at us.
We miss our grandchildren. I have grandchildren at home. We miss our homes and our families.
We need people to help us. We need them to hear us. We want them to hear us. We’ve been through this along time now. They should come and see us.
The Lakota Elder’s Occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals building has invited members of the media, health and human service investigators, supporters, and other interested parties to come and visit them at the center. For more information, contact Delbert High Hawk at 605-441-4147.
Information on the elder-led protest occupation in Porcupine can be found at “Lakota Oyate” on Facebook or www.lakotaoyate.net.
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The Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota is the size of the state of Connecticut. Due to decades of abuse, corruption and colonial enforcement, Pine Ridge faces epidemic rates of suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, elder abuse, and poverty. Life expectancy for Lakota men is below 40 years of age. Nearly ¾ of the Lakota people have lost their language, and the traditional language is on the verge of extinction in Pine Ridge. The reservation has one of the highest rates of unsolved murders. These unsolved deaths are widely attributed to violent retaliation against those seeking an end to corruption and assertion of traditional Lakota sovereignty.
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye also known as the Strong Heart Warrior Society of the Lakota Nation is an ancient Lakota warrior society as well as a broad-based civil rights movement that works to protect, enforce and restore treaty rights, civil rights, and sovereignty of Native people and their communities across Turtle Island. In addition to activist efforts to protect the land and people, each year Cante Tenza collects and freely distributes shoes, winter coats, school supplies, food, and other support to Oglala Lakota elders, children and families.
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Duane is actually still in jail, and is being held without bond until his hearing. The Oglala Sioux Tribe will hear his case on May 11th. Charges are criminal trespass, breaking and entering, rioting, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct and three charges of elder abuse.
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That is a ridiculous amount of time to be held in jail on false charges.
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That is a ridiculous amount of time to be held in jail on false charges.
The tribal council has used the same tac tic before. The charges will never stand and they know it they just want to keep Duane out of the way as long as possible. They did similarly when they had the road leading into Enoch Brings Plenty's property dug up in an attempt to keep him from leading the Elders in the occupation process. Duane holds the leadership position with in the Strong Hearts Warriors Society, so he was, predictably, a high priority target that the BIA wanted silenced.
Just dumb *bleep* used to prolong the inevitable which in my guesstimation will be the Elders demands being agreed to then some if not most of them will be quietly ignored or put off till the next time people say "enough is enough"
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That is a ridiculous amount of time to be held in jail on false charges.
The tribal council has used the same tac tic before. The charges will never stand and they know it they just want to keep Duane out of the way as long as possible. They did similarly when they had the road leading into Enoch Brings Plenty's property dug up in an attempt to keep him from leading the Elders in the occupation process. Duane holds the leadership position with in the Strong Hearts Warriors Society, so he was, predictably, a high priority target that the BIA wanted silenced.
Just dumb *bleep* used to prolong the inevitable which in my guesstimation will be the Elders demands being agreed to then some if not most of them will be quietly ignored or put off till the next time people say "enough is enough"
And in the meantime, the mistreatment continues.
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Duane was denied bond at his 2pm hearing based on the Attorney General's claim that Duane is a "threat to the community." Only Duane and Doris were allowed in the court. No observers were allowed in. The Attorney General now has till early next week to prove her claim or a bond will be set.
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4:00pm BREAKING NEWS: In a few hours, we will be releasing a major news release with some good news (hopefully with pictures). Wish we could say more, but its ongoing at the moment. We can say, take a deep breath. Smile. Hoka Hey!
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4:00pm BREAKING NEWS: In a few hours, we will be releasing a major news release with some good news (hopefully with pictures). Wish we could say more, but its ongoing at the moment. We can say, take a deep breath. Smile. Hoka Hey!
Good news? Can it be?
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4:00pm BREAKING NEWS: In a few hours, we will be releasing a major news release with some good news (hopefully with pictures). Wish we could say more, but its ongoing at the moment. We can say, take a deep breath. Smile. Hoka Hey!
Good news? Can it be?
still waiting.....
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OK, this is good news but not the good news.......
Allegations of elder abuse against Oglala Sioux Tribe council representative Deborah Rooks-Cook led the OST council to suspend her Tuesday for 20 days without pay.
The council voted 10-7 to suspend Rooks-Cook following an impeachment complaint filed by Darlis Morrison-Crow. The complaint alleges that Rooks-Cook's behavior following an executive committee meeting of the council on Jan. 25 was verbally and physically abusive to Lakota elders outside of tribal headquarters.
Voting against suspending Rooks-Cook were Elaine Martinez, Toby Big Boy, Paul Little, Robin Tapio, Jim Meeks, Beverly Tuttle and Kevin Yellow Bird Steele.
The tribal council is expected to schedule an impeachment hearing, but Rooks-Cook said Wednesday that she suspects one will never be held because the council prefers to let her suspension drag on indefinitely.
Morrison-Crow said she filed the impeachment complaint because of numerous instances of Rooks-Cook's erratic behavior in public. She represents the Oglala District, where Morrison-Crow lives.
"She's been acting crazy," Morrison-Crow said, citing a tribal council meeting in which Rooks-Cook is accused of striking fellow council member Ruth Brown. "She did it in front of the council. She claims she is immune from prosecution, but our tribal council is not above the law," Morrison-Crow said.
Rooks-Cook denies the elder abuse allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. "They impeached me illegally," she said Wednesday. "I was not allowed to defend myself in any way."
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9:00pm BREAKING NEWS 1: BIA Criminal Investigator John Long visited the Elder's Occupation today and had a very productive meeting with the elders. He offered to speak to them every day if necessary. He heard about the illegal acts of the OST Judiciary and Attorney General Red Owl. He took as evidence, the computer and records from the center so that they could not be destroyed. News Release in the morning.
Various US Government agencies are beginning investigations into the wide range of elder abuse allegations and illegal imprisonment of Duane Martin Sr. Additional complaints will be filed tomorrow which will allow other investigations to begin.
Members of the Longest Walk will be stopping in to meet with the Elder's Occupation in the next few days. There have been multiple efforts to sabotage this visit - but everyone is staying strong.
and finally from the Lakota Oyate......
"Wopila and thanks to everyone who has honored these brave elders, stayed strong, offered prayers and positive words, made phone calls, sent emails, donated food or supplies, and didn't turn your head when the slander and sabotage began. This heartfelt action IS making a difference. There is still more to be done - and with this kind of solidarity, we can do it! Hoka Hey! Strong Heart Warrior Society"
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Great news! It is ridiculous that it took so much to bring it to attention, but it looks like some good is going to come of it. At least one can hope, right?
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1:55pm Update 1: Just spoke with Duane. I read through the charges that are alleged against him (he had not actually seen them). He got a good chuckle out of them, and commented how they represent this graft and corruption we are opposing. He says to "stay strong - the Great Spirit is on our side!" He said since the Feds are now investigating on our side, they (OST) will have to answer to the elder's concerns.
1:55pm Update 2: Duane also said, "I continue to stand with our elders. I love them. An ancient warrior society will always stand with those who cannot defend themselves, that's the elders and the children. Send your prayers and blessings and I will see everyone in court tomorrow!" Duane has another bond hearing scheduled tomorrow.
CORRECTION: A motion for bond will be filed tomorrow - but unless we hear otherwise - not a hearing.
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Oglala Band Native Youth Movement and the Strong Heart Warrior Society are
currently occupying a building in PahinSinte Lakota Nation,
(so-called Porcupine, South Dakota) with Elders of the Lakota Nation.
Oglala Band of NYM was called to action after Elders began to occupy this
building on March 4, 2011. Elders requested support to bring
attention to the mental, physical, and spiritual abuse and the neglect of
meal services that they are being excluded from.
The Elders, some 90+ years old, involved in this occupation have tried for
4 years to have their grievances heard and brought forth to the tribal
governments but were completely ignored & disrespected.
The Elders are the knowledge keepers of our Lakota Nation,
traditionally our Elders, Grandmothers and Grandfathers were held with the
upmost respect. It is now time that our Elders are heard, as
Warriors we stand with them to let their voices be heard as a loud war cry
and wake up our Nation.
The tribal government has applied for a vacate order, without any
clear resolution to the initial grievances the Elders are addressing. In
order to intimidate the Elders and Warriors in this occupation and keep
the tribal corruption from being exposed one Lakota man, Dwayne Martin,
has been arrested and detained on bunk charges related to his involvement
in this occupation. Dwayne Martin is being held captive behind enemy lines
as a political prisoner. The Elders demand his
release. The BIA police are being used to also intimidate supporters,
following people from the occupation, stopping and harassing them. We need
support to bring a resolution to these issues and to let the Native
community be aware of this occupation so that the Elders and Warriors are
not isolated and criminalized.
Demand the Elders be respected and their grievances resolved. Contact John
Yellow Bird Steel OST president phone # 6058675821.
For more information about the occupation and to support contact:
Oglala Band Native Youth Movement
Olowan and Ryder Cell on site (605) 454-8439
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FACT SHEET: THE PEACEFUL ELDER’S OCCUPATION AT THE PORCUPINE ELDERLY MEALS BUILDING, PINE RIDGE RESERVATION
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye - Strong Heart Warrior Society Free & Independent Lakota Nation Box 512, Hill City, South Dakota 57745 | 605-454-0449 or 605-517-1547 www.lakotaoyate.net | Facebook “Lakota Oyate” | Twitter @CanteTenza Strong Heart Internet Radio News at http://audioboo.fm/CanteTenza
FACT SHEET: THE PEACEFUL ELDER’S OCCUPATION AT THE PORCUPINE ELDERLY MEALS BUILDING, PINE RIDGE RESERVATION Updated:
April 4, 2011 What is the elder’s occupation of the Porcupine Elderly Meals Building?
On Friday March 4, 2011 a group of Lakota elders led by the Lakota Strong Heart Warrior Society and other warrior groups nonviolently took over and now occupy the Porcupine Elderly Meals Building in the Porcupine Community of Pine Ridge Reservation. Pine Ridge Reservation is the home of the Oglala Lakota Nation.
Why did the occupation start? The elder’s occupation is a nonviolent sit-in protest intervention against elder abuse, profiteering within the elderly meals program, and corruption. Elders and their advocates have tried multiple efforts to get action on their concerns from the Oglala Sioux Tribal Government, the treaty council, and others, but to no avail.
Leading up to the occupation, the elders requested, and had planned, no less than three separate meetings with tribal government officials. These officials cancelled or did not attend any of these meetings. As a result, the elders asked the Strong Heart Warrior Society to protect and defend their concerns by leading them into a peaceful protest sit-in of the elderly meals building.
The sit-in is also a religious assembly - a gathering of elders, warriors, and supporters with the sacred canupa - or pipe - to advance their prayers and calls for relief from abuse and corruption.
Is the occupation consistent with the history of non-violent protest and resistance? Yes, in the rich and respected tradition of non-violent protest, the elders and their advocates:Documented the elder’s claims, Appealed for negotiation to those in power to find a solution.Educated and appealed to the public on the issue including the Lakota people via attempted hearings with tribal government representatives and Porcupine district officials; “Indian Country” via news releases and media interviews; State of South Dakota and the U.S. Government via appropriate agencies; and through news releases and social networking.Publicly described their intention to engage in protest action.Undertook the non-violent protest action - take-over and sit-in occupation of the elderly meals building.
Is this an armed occupation with guns? No. This protest sit-in is a peaceful religious assembly led by the sacred canupa (pipe) with prayers for relief and resolution of the elder's concerns. Guns are not allowed. In fact, OST police are asked to leave their guns behind before entering the Porcupine building out of respect for the canupa and the nature of this protest sit-in.
What are the allegations? More than 25 different allegations of abuse, civil rights, or human rights violations have been recorded. Allegations include, but are not limited to, physical assault, verbal abuse and bullying, neglect, inedible/unhealthy meals, profiteering in the elderly meals program, personal use of center resources, illegal alcohol and drug activity at the center, retaliation, threats, false arrest and imprisonment, and human rights violations centered on the prevention of Native elders to safely gather, eat, socialize, communicate and protest using traditional forms of customary law/leadership, language and culture.
What are the Elder Occupation’s demands? The demands are currently:No negotiation with tribal government representatives without Duane Martin Sr. present. Release Duane Martin Sr.. Drop all charges.Remove all current staff involved in the complaints, including the head cook.Construction of a new sanitary building for the elders in Porcupine, and other districts as needed.Restoration of hot well-balanced, nutritious meals for all elders.Expansion of elderly meals delivery to those homebound by illness, location, or lack of transportation.A full and transparent investigation into the abuses and corruption in the meals program no matter where it leads, and accountability for those responsible.
Has the Oglala Tribal Government offered to meet any of the demands? The Oglala Sioux Tribal Government (OST) has made no serious attempts to meet the elder’s demands. With ongoing threats of legal action, forced removal by police, and continued false detention of Duane Martin Sr., it seems clear the tribal government’s intention is more about removing the occupation, rather than finding resolution for the elder’s demands. With clear attempts by the OST to minimize outside investigations and fact-finding into the corruption and profiteering in the elderly meals program, tribal judiciary and other governmental programs - an honest and fair addressing of the elder's concerns by the Oglala Tribal Government officials seems unlikely. The tribal government’s retaliatory action against the protest occupation has also created a threatening environment for negotiations. On March 14th, warrior leader Duane Martin Sr. was detained, arrested, and denied bail on a series of politically motivated charges led by accusations from relatives of program staff and tribal officials who are likely implicated in profiteering from the elderly meals program. Also, elder Lorraine White Face who has faced previous retaliatory legal action from the tribe for her elder advocacy, has been threatened with arrest if she steps outside of the occupation boundary.
In the spirit of cooperation, on Friday March 11th, the elders agreed to a “peacemaking process” with the current center staff. Those staff have not shown up for any scheduled meetings (to date). Even if this peacemaking process is successful, it does not resolve many of the outstanding complaints, the systematic denial of elder’ claims by tribal government, nor retaliatory action taken against the elders and warrior society members. During the last week of March, OST officials met in consultation with representatives of the U.S. Health and Human Services. News reporters were removed from the meeting, and no representatives of the Elder's Occupation were invited to attend. OST officials maintain all the abuse allegations, a (to date) month long sit-in, and exhaustive efforts for justice are simply caused by "personal issues" between elders and former center staff. The elders have stated they will not negotiate further with tribal government until Duane Martin Sr. is released from his false imprisonment.
How can the occupation end? The occupation will end when the elder’s decide their demands have been met to their satisfaction, or the Oglala Tribal Government initiates police action to remove the elders, warriors and others in the building.
Has there been contact or response from other governmental agencies? Yes. On March 8, 2011, a letter from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging was sent to Oglala Tribal President John Steele asking for the tribe to conduct a fact-finding review on the elder’s claims, and submit a proposed action plan for their resolution to their office by April 7, 2011. In addition, the Civil Rights Division of Health and Human Services is awaiting the official complaint by the elder’s that will facilitate an investigation into Americans With Disabilities Act violations. An online petition has been created at http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-elder-abuse-on-pine-ridge-reservation which is directed towards Oglala Tribal President John Steele; staff at the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging; Leslie Hagan in the Executive Office of the United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice; and Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On March 15th, health inspectors for the Indian Health Services did an inspection of the Porcupine Elderly Meals Building and found a large cache of outdated, spoiled, rotten, and uncared for food. They have deemed it a health hazard and say it must be immediately destroyed. This finding substantiates the elder’s claim they were served unhealthy, spoiled, and inedible food – including to elders with health issues. The Indian Health Service has reportedly expanded their investigation to other elderly meals buildings based on complaints arising from whistle-blowers coming forth as a result of the occupation. The United States Attorney’s Office of the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been notified and an appeal has been made to intervene to free Duane Martin Sr. from these false charges. In the 2009/2010 year alone, Pine Ridge was the recipient of over 1.6 million dollars from the DOJ for law enforcement activities.
Are other groups involved in the support of the elders? Yes. Several traditional headsman (chiefs) from Oglala and surrounding nations have voiced their support for the occupation and the release of Duane Martin Sr.. A large grassroots solidarity network is in place to support the needs of the elders in this occupation. Members of various Native advocacy groups as well as human rights organizations are either involved, or requesting more information. Warrior society members are actively pursuing additional support as well as independent and transparent investigations into the elder abuse, civil rights, and human rights claims. On March 31, 2011 members of the Longest Walk prayer-run across Turtle Island visited and stayed with the elders in the protest occupation in a sign of solidarity.
Are the elders being controlled by other people inside or outside the occupation? No. The elders are leading solidarity action by telling their warrior society defenders, as well as outside supporters, what they need. I have heard this is just about an interpersonal conflict? While there have been interpersonal conflicts within the elderly meals building, the allegations of abuse are far ranging, and have been reported by at least 23 different individuals. As the occupation goes on, additional complaints and evidence of wrongdoing are emerging. Also, the retaliatory action taken against the occupation and its supporters by OST officials goes far beyond any interpersonal problem and are symptomatic of unhealthy government systems and programs that are resistant to accountability and change.
Have these elders faced other hardships or abuses? Unfortunately, many of these same elders have faced disrespect and abuse at the hands of tribal government before. They have experienced arrest, threats of arrest, verbal and physical bullying, neglect, and denial of tribal services such as heating fuel assistance and housing. Grandmother Valeria Apple, who uncovered evidence of fiscal corruption in the elderly meals program, has also faced previous legal retaliation in the form of a restraining order from the tribal government. The occupation is the latest skirmish in an ongoing struggle caused by U.S. colonial enforcement that has pitted groups of Lakota who have corruptly profiteered off the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Reorganization Act tribal government system versus traditional, full-blood, and poor Lakota people, many of whom are fighting to maintain Lakota language and culture in the face of ongoing genocide. The 2011 Elder’s Occupation is in the tradition of the 1973 Occupation of Wounded Knee as well as the 2000 and 2009 takeovers of the Red Cloud Building by many of these same elders and activists seeking justice. Many of these elders have also supported the Strong Heart Warrior Society blockade of the illegal alcohol sales in White Clay, Nebraska.
How can I get further information? The Occupation is being tracked live at the “Lakota Oyate” page on Facebook. See our Notes section for numerous action alerts and other information and the photo section for a selection of photos from the occupation. Interviews with elders, warriors, can be found at http://audioboo.fm/CanteTenza . @cantetenza on Twitter. www.lakotaoyate.net
By: Lakota Oyate
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MEDIA RELEASE
April 6, 2011: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Naomi Archer (Strong Heart media liaison) 828-230-1404
Contact: Doris Respects Nothing (elder’s legal advocate) 605-407-9654
Contact: Lorraine White Face Eagle Elk (elder) 605-441-0086
ELDER’S OCCUPATION DAY 34
LAKOTA ELDER OCCUPATION, PRAYER VIGIL, ILLEGALLY REMOVED UNDER COVER OF NIGHT!
OST President, Tribal Attorney Had Guaranteed Protection, Order Comes From Kyle Judge
BREAKING NEWS Elder’s Occupation, Porcupine Elderly Meals Building, Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – At 2:30am, under the cover of night, Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST) Public Safety police removed the Elder’s Occupation at the Porcupine Meals for the Elderly building by threat of overwhelming force. No arrests were made, and the young warriors defending the building did not resist the large number of police who arrived.
The peaceful elderly sit-in and prayer vigil seeking remedy for elder abuse, neglect, and fraud began on March 4th and is in its 34th day.
Elder Lorraine White Face Eagle Elk had stepped away from the building for a short time, and when she tried to re-enter was told she would be arrested. Other elders had returned home last night in order to get a good nights sleep before today’s continuing legal motions involving their occupation and the false imprisonment of Duane Martin Sr.
“Tribal Attorney Mario Gonzalez said the elders [sit-in] were protected by the Older Americans Act on the council floor [March 31],” explained Doris Respects Nothing, legal advocate for the elders. “Someone has overstepped their authority.”
OST President John Yellow-Bird Steele had also assured elders that no action would be taken against them.
Abusive retaliation against elders participating in Federally funded elder programming is prohibited by The Older American’s Act. The American with Disabilities Act expressly protects the whistle-blowers of discrimination, and the False Claims Act protects whistle-blowers of fraud involving Federal money. Elders claim that over one million dollars in U.S. grant or contract funds may be missing from the Elderly Meals Program.
The court order that removed the occupation reportedly came from Judge Fred Cedar Face in Kyle, South Dakota, apparently avoiding a Pine Ridge Judiciary that is facing an increasing level of outside scrutiny for delaying action on the elder’s complaints of abuse and fraud as well as the politically motivated prosecution of whistle-blower and elder advocate Duane Martin Sr. The order was also served in the early morning hours, outside of normal court procedure.
“What was so bad that they had to do it in the illegal hours of the night,” Respects Nothing questioned. “It should have been served in the daylight.”
The court order removing the sit-in also references a code that no protest can occur within 100 feet of any tribal building. Elders say their action is not a protest, but a prayer vigil and sit-in to get relief for their claims. Traditional Lakota ceremony, prayers, honoring of the sacred canupa (pipe), as well as hosting the Longest Walk prayer run over the recent weekend are all examples of the religious nature of their sit-in.
Also, according to the 2007 United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous people have right to full access of their lands and resources, as well as traditional social customs and judiciary practices.
Chief of Police Pat Mills reportedly told those being removed from the elderly meals site last night the police would have come in the daytime, but it would have been, “more of a problem.” Advocates point out police action in the middle of the day when more elders were present would indeed have been a problem as each act to threaten or physically remove an elderly whistle-blower would be a crime under both OST Law and Order Code and Federal law.
For months leading up to the peaceful sit-in, elders repeatedly sought relief from OST Tribal Council, officials, and Porcupine District officials for their abuse claims, but to no avail.
“We tried to have meetings with them, but when we went [to the meals building] the doors were locked,” shared duly elected Porcupine Elderly Meals president Enoch Brings Plenty. “ They called the police on us and chased some of them elderly away from there.”
Additional actions seeking remedy from multiple claims of elder abuse, neglect, fraud, and discrimination were rebuffed by OST tribal officials, and legal retaliation from the OST Judiciary was used. Continued neglect from OST and Porcupine officials resulted in the peaceful sit-in which began on March 4, 2011 and is currently in its 34th day.
“There has been discrimination against the elders – they have been abused,” added Brings Plenty. “The elders have every right to be in the building. Tribal council recognized that, that’s why we are here.”
Legal advocates for the elders will be seeking an immediate dismissal of Judge Cedar Face’s order in Pine Ridge court today so the sit-in can continue without police intervention. The elders have stated they will continue their prayer vigil for as long as necessary until they get relief for the claims of abuse and fraud and until elder advocate Duane Martin Sr. is released.
Information on the elder-led sit-in and vigil in Porcupine can be found at “Lakota Oyate” on Facebook or www.lakotaoyate.net.
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Cante Tenza Okolakiciye also known as the Strong Heart Warrior Society of the Lakota Nation is an ancient Lakota warrior society as well as a broad-based civil rights movement that works to protect, enforce and restore treaty rights, civil rights, and sovereignty of Native people and their communities across Turtle Island. In addition to activist efforts to protect the land and people, each year Cante Tenza collects and freely distributes shoes, winter coats, school supplies, food, and other support to Oglala Lakota elders, children and families.
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Have you heard yet, Walks? According to the Lakota Oyate facebook page, Duane has been granted bond. Great news!
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Have you heard yet, Walks? According to the Lakota Oyate facebook page, Duane has been granted bond. Great news!
Yeah, I had a voicemail about it when I got out of the dentist office this afternoon. I guess he has to remain in Rapid City until court date tho, which is still going to keep him off the Rez and away from the Center until then. I think the tribal government may have shot them selves in the foot with the move to have the Elders removed tho, which violates tribal, as well as other laws.
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I hadn't read this till just now. I'm speechless.
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April 14, 9:30am Update: Additional acts of retaliation continue against participants in the occupation. Each act is being documented and will be reported as retaliation against elderly whistle-blowers of abuse.
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HUH!!!!!!!!!!!!
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April 20 UPDATE 12:45: A good source has told us that the Oglala Sioux Tribe Government is being investigated at least FOUR YEARS back regarding embezzlement and misuse of funds sparked by the alleged misuse of US Federal 638 and grant money for the elderly meals program. This is not officially confirmed, but the source is well placed in OST.
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STOP THE OGLALA SIOUX GOVERNMENT PERSECUTION OF DUANE MARTIN SR. NOW - DROP ALL CHARGES - RETURN HIM TO PINE RIDGE
On May 11th, Duane Martin Sr. returned to Pine Ridge after 30 days of illegal banishment off the reservation for his court hearing to hopefully once and for all put an end to the false charges instigated against him by members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Government (OST) and Judiciary offices as punishment for Mr. Martin's support of the brave Lakota elders who undertook a peaceful, 34 day sit-in to pray for relief from the documented elder abuse, fraud, and corruption in the Porcupine Elderly Meals Program.
When Duane and his associates arrived at the tribal court, the office was closed, and a sign was posted that read, "Oglala Sioux Tribal Court will be closed Wednesday May 11, 2011 due to Justice Summit at the Prairie Winds Casino. We will resume office hours on Thursday May 12, 2011."
Fortunately, a picture was taken of the sign and the front of the tribal court offices. Grandmother Wilma Thin Elk then went to the Justice Summit to observe the proceedings. Around the same time, Mr. Martin's attorney stopped communicating and ceased contact with Duane and other legal advocates in violation of his legal duties.
At the so-called Justice Summit, OST Prosecutor Don Twiss publicly told people that Duane Martin Sr. failed to show for his May 11th court date. We have heard he was told to spread this lie by OST Attorney General Rae Ann Red Owl who has been central the the false and politically motivated persecution of Mr. Martin. At the same time, OST Council woman Deborah Rooks-Cook was publicly intoxicated at the Justice Summit but no action was taken against her, showing again there is one set of rules for OST officials, and unequal treatment under the law for everyone else.
Just hours ago, a relative of Mr. Martin was stopped by three OST Public Safety police and asked the whereabouts of Duane Martin Sr. claiming he failed to show for his court date.
These actions indicate criminal conspiracy within the OST and a further violation of Mr. Martin's civil rights. This false and malicious persecution, abuse of power, unequal treatment under the law, and ongoing politically motivated retaliation based on cultural and political views IS ILLEGAL and must end now!
1. Contact the Oglala Sioux Tribal Government.
Tell them the false prosecution of Duane must end, and it must end now.
Tell them his charges must be dropped, and those on the tribal council and in the Judiciary who are conspiring in these illegal acts must be removed and held accountable immediately.
Let them know we may have been quiet, but we have not gone away. We demand accountability and relief at the NEXT TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING!
President John Yellow Bird Steele office (605) 441/6350, home phone (605) 867 5474,
Vice-President Thomas Poor Bear (605) 441/6365
You can also try to reach them at (605) 867-5821 extension 268 via tribal council secretary Rhonda Two Eagle. Send council emails through Rhonda at: Rhonda@oglala.org
2. Contact the OST Police
Tell them to enforce the OST Constitution instead of being the lapdogs for corrupt OST officials. Stop the false and illegal persecution of Duane Martin Sr.
OST Public Safety Police Captain Milton Bianis 605-441-7597 (cell)
605-867-8101 / 605-867-8102 (office)
3. Contact the OST Tribal Council
a. Give council woman Ruth Brown (Eagle Nest District Representative) your support and ask her to continue her efforts for justice. Her phone is 605-441-6364
b. Contact the other OST Tribal Council members and tell them their inaction and hypocrisy will not be tolerated.
Beverly Tuttle 605-454-3836 Porcupine District
Troy “Scott” Weston (605)-454-6238 Porcupine District
Sonia Weston 605-441-7120 email: soniaw@gwtc.net Wakpamni District
Debbie Blue Bird 605-454-1892 Wakpamni District
Craig Dillon 605-685-8594 La Creek District
Ella “John” Carlow 605-685-5607 Pine Ridge District
Donn Fire Thunder 605-441-6360 La Creek District
Robin Tapio 605-454-0771 Email: supertap_46@yahoo.com Pine Ridge District
Kathy Janis 605-441-6340 Wounded Knee District, Tribal Housing Office
James Cross 605-454-4693 Pass Creek District
Jim Meeks 605-454-3883 Eagle Nest District
Irving “Irv” Provost 605-441-6374 Pine Ridge District Representative
Austin Watkins, Sr. 605-441-6339 Medicine Root District Representative
James “Toby” Big Boy 605-454-6740 Medicine Root District Representative
Elaine (Poor Bear) Martinez 605-441-6369 Pass Creek District Representative
Paul Little 605-441-6349 Oglala District Representative
Kevin Yellow Bird Steele 605-454-1066 Wounded Knee District Representative
DEMAND HER RESIGNATION Deborah Rooks - Cook 605-441-6355 Oglala District Representative
Wowasakeikcupi – We are taking back the way.
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I agree with what was said above:)