Dakota Unity Riders meet US Calvary

Photo: Historic meeting in Newtown, Conn., with the last remaining Calvary connected with the Battle of Little Big Horn, the 7th Calvary. At the same time the Governor of Conn. deputized the Dakota Unity riders, and returned the flag !

“The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples”

Grand Chief Murray Clearsky

Southern Chiefs Organization

Censored News

I wish to extend acknowledgement and wishes of well-being to all Indigenous people on Turtle Island. On this day in 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the first International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples to be celebrated every year by all United Nation member states during the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (1995-2004).

In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a second international decade, from 2005 – 2014, with the theme of "A Decade for Action and Dignity." The focus of this year's International Day is "Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements."

The theme aims to highlight the importance of honouring arrangements between States, their citizens and indigenous peoples that were designed to recognize indigenous peoples' rights to their lands and establish a framework for living in proximity and entering into economic relationships. Agreements also outline a political vision of different sovereign peoples living together on the same land, according to the principles of friendship, cooperation and peace.

It is disappointing that the Canadian government has not issued a formal statement of acknowledgment and recognition for the Indigenous peoples of Canada and our huge contributions which have made this nation the most peaceful and richest country on Mother Earth.

It is very disappointing that the focus of this year’s International Day is not even remotely on the radar of the Stephen Harper government. The ongoing expansion of natural resource extraction projects while ignoring the internationally recognized Treaties which created this country and are ongoing colonial constitutional obligations are a demonstration of the ongoing colonization and assimilationist agenda of the Government of Canada.

I call upon the Stephen Harper government to step up to the plate and truly begin to meet your constitutional and international obligations by honouring the treaties and embark on a true nation to nation partnership with the Indigenous Treaty holding nations of Canada so we can thrive off the bounties of our ancestral homeland and make this nation stronger and more successful than ever before. For as long as the sun shines, the grasses grow and the waters flow, we will remain the true and original Indigenous peoples of this land commonly known as Canada.

Grand Chief Murray Clearsky

Southern Chiefs Organization