Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

May 16, 2013

Red Nations shut down US 'consultation' on tarsands in South Dakota

Department of State “Consultation” Shut down by Red Nations Opposing Tar Sands
By Kent Lebsock, Owe Aku International
Censored News

RAPID CITY -- This morning at 9:00 a.m. the United States Department of State attempted to hold what they call a consultation with tribal representatives of the Great Plains Red Nations regarding the effects of the Keystone XL Pipeline on sacred sites.  However, tribal, traditional and community members from the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Nez Perce, Ponca, and Pawnee demonstrated unprecedented unity and declared that our people would not participate in what was designed to appear to be a negotiation with Red Nations .  
Oglala Sioux Tribal President Bryan Brewer made a statement dismissing the gathering as a sham because no leadership of the United States was present.  Instead Obama’s administration sent low level clerks to meet with our tribal and treaty leaders.  
This disrespect to the provisions of the 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaty between the Lakota, Arapahoe, Cheyenne and the United States, as well as violations to international law and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, will not be tolerated.  
We will not negotiate about our sacred sites or any assault on Unci Maca (Mother Earth) or Mni Wicozani (Through Water There is Life).  As tribal officials left the room the grassroots people of Owe Aku’s Moccasins on the Ground began to chant “Sacred Sites, Worth the Fight, Territory by Treaty Right” until the U.S. functionaries were forced to shut down the meeting.
For more information please contact Kent Lebsock, Moccasins on the Ground, at 646-233-4406 or 720-469-1178

Photo 1:  Moccasins on the Ground resistance banner, Photo 2:  Oglala Sioux Tribal President, Bryan Brewer addressing the State Department, Photo 3: State Department bureaucrats looking a little bewildered by the solidarity of Red Nations

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Native land is the choke point for this whole tar sands project. I am grateful for the leadership demonstrated here and in much more of the stories you cover. Thank you for the powerful news coverage!

Unknown said...

Listen to the Earth and she shall teach you
Listen to Red Nations your children beseach you