Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

February 17, 2018

PINE RIDGE -- Celebrating Young Social Change Makers, Gathering on the Homeland









CELEBRATING YOUNG SOCIAL CHANGE MAKERS OF YESTERDAY and TODAY

PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION, South Dakota
The "Gathering on the Homeland: Solidarity, Decolonization and Celebrating Acts of Resistance" is a two-day event being held in the heart of native resistance in Indian Country, the Oglala Lakota Nation.

"Along with the beauty and power of 10,000 people coming together in 2016 along the riverbanks at Cannon Ball, ND we experienced the chaos that emerged, as it became apparent that the understanding of MOVEMENT was as diverse as the people gathered there. We have brought together folks from many Red Nations and allies from the four directions who have led, founded, and/or participated in movements in order to examine, explore, and discuss how their experience can teach young emerging social change makers, community leaders, students, families, and our youth," stated Debra White Plume, Co-Organizer and Director of Owe Aku.

The gathering, in conjunction with the 45th Anniversary of the 1973 Liberation of Wounded Knee, is scheduled for February 24th a25th at Wounded Knee District School in Manderson. 
Surviving veterans of the occupation of Wounded Knee, along with the decendants of Wounded Knee veteran activists will celebrate 45 years of modern resistance against the injustices brought by colonial oppressors throughout Turtle Island. The annual Four-Direction Walk to the Wounded Knee Massacre Site will start at 10 a.m. on February 27th.  The Independent Oglala Nation Powwow and meal will follow the walk at Wounded Knee District School in Manderson, SD.

"Native artists from California and Arizona will host a youth workshop to create art that teaches not only art skills, but the philosophy of art and the preservation of ancient life ways. There are also a number of native musicians coming to perform a free youth concert who promote an alcohol/drug free lifestyle as well as using music to inspire youth to reclaim their ancestral identities," added White Plume.

Dine'/Oglala/Omaha rap artist Nataanii Means, The Peace Poets of Bronx, NYC, Annishinabe singer/songwriter Tracy Bone and other artists to be announced are scheduled to perform. A range of activities are featured at the event. The schedule includes:

February 24th:
 Noon:                         "GuREALIa Media on the Frontline"
Panel includes: Rose Stiff Arm (Canada), Lorenzo Serna (Black Snake Killaz), Rosebud White Plume (Lakota Media Project)
                                    4 Film Reviews & 4 Film Makers
                                    Do's and Don'ts on the front line
                                    Discussions/Q&A
                                    Indigenous Resistance Media Caucus
                                    Native Artist in Action- Resistance Art Workshop for Youth
7 pm-11 pm:               "Sounds of Resistance" Youth Concert (free admission)
February 25th:
Noon:                          "What is Movement?"
Panel includes: Nina Waste' (co-founder of Idle No More), Kim Smith & Nakai (Dine' Activists), Mark Tilsen (SR Oceti Sakowin Camp), Tyrell Iron Shell (Int'l Indigenous Youth Council), Deja Red Cloud (SR Oceti Sakowin Camp)
                                    Panel Discussion
                                    Indigenous Women's Caucus
The Peace Poets, Tracy Bone and other artists were confirming at press time. 
February 27TH:           
10 am:                         Four Direction Walk, Horse Ride and Caravan into Wounded Knee
                                    Independent Oglala Nation Pow Wow @ W.K.D.S.

Gathering on the Homeland event is sponsored by Owe Aku and Red Robin Hood Fund.  Contact coordinator Olowan Martinez at (605) 407-1381, Debra White Plume at (605) 454-2105 or visit www.oweakuinternational.org for more information.
Four-direction walk & powwow, contact AIM Grassroots at (605) 381-3535 or Iva Black Elk at (605) 441-6657.

"The more dependent you become on centralized power, the more easily you are led around."- Russell Means (Oglala Lakota).


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