EDC AIM

AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT
EAST DAKOTA CHAPTER
P.O. BOX 323
PEEVER, S.D. 57257

November 1999

*****************

Wednesday December 08, 1999
Action Promised on Indian Claims
BY PAUL HAMMEL
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Rapid City, S.D. - After hearing more than 12 hours of complaints
about the treatment of American Indians in South Dakota and
neighboring Nebraska, a national civil rights official gave one
promise.
All that talk would result in action.
Mary Frances Berry, chairwoman of the U.S. Civil Rights
Commission, pledged that the panel would complete its report
and recommendations within 90 days to address allegations of
unequal treatment of Indians.
Unlike a similar set of civil rights hearings held in Rapid City in
1976 after political unrest and violence on the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation, Berry said the new report would not sit idly on a shelf.
Steps are already being taken, she said, comparing the testimony
that concluded late Monday to complaints the commission has
heard at other "forgotten communities of America" like those in
Appalachia and the Delta country of Mississippi.
It was just worse in South Dakota and Nebraska, Berry said.
"The sense of powerlessness, hopelessness and the number of
complaints about police brutality were enormous compared to
places we've been," she said.
The commission visited South Dakota and nearby Nebraska
communities of Whiteclay and Rushville to investigate a series of
deaths of Indian men over the past several months.
Indians told commissioners that the deaths - including those of
two Pine Ridge residents near Whiteclay - illustrate an unequal
standard of justice for Indians and whites in the region and lack
of sensitivity to Indian concerns.
Deaths of Indians are not investigated as vigorously and unsolved
murders are soon forgotten, some testified Monday, leveling
criticism at understaffed and undertrained tribal police and,
especially, the FBI, which is widely distrusted by most Indians.
White officials, meanwhile, acknowledged that there are problems
in Indian-white relations in South Dakota, but conditions are improving.
"Thirty-five years ago, if we found a drunk Indian on the street
you'd put him in a garbage can and let him sober up," said Rapid
City Police Chief Thomas Hennies.
"I personally know that there is racism and discrimination and
prejudice among all people," Hennies said, "and those of us who
head these agencies are trying to eliminate that behavior. But it's
not something that happens overnight."
Complaints from Indians ranged much broader than recent
events. Some speakers asked the commission to investigate the
broken treaties of the 1800s that took western South Dakota away
from the Sioux. Others said the panel should probe the dozens of
unsolved murders in the 1970s following the occupation of Wounded
Knee by American Indian Movement activists.
Others gave more recent and more personal stories: A sobbing
Wagner, S.D., couple said local authorities refused to investigate
the alleged sexual assault of their 13-year-old daughter at the hands
of a non-Indian; a wheelchair bound, 90-year-old Sisseton, S.D.,
grandmother said she was assaulted by a town and tribal cop.
"We need justice today, not tomorrow, today," the Wagner woman
said. "You've got to do something about it."
As testimony continued, Berry left her chairwoman's seat and
walked to the couple from Wagner, consoling them and directing
them to provide nformation to an FBI agent waiting nearby.
She said Native Americans need to realize that as depressing as
conditions are, they have improved, and the visit of the commission
has already resulted in some action.
The FBI, Berry said, will immediately look into allegations of
uninvestigated criminal matters, and civil rights staffers will explore
claims of police brutality.
She said she was encouraged to hear a Bureau of Indian Affairs
official say Monday that it is looking at using $1.5 million in funds
originally intended for prison construction to build a detoxification
center at Pine Ridge. Berry and other commissioners said during
a Sunday visit there and to nearby Whiteclay that an overnight detox
center was sorely needed to get vulnerable intoxicated people off
the streets.
She was also encouraged to hear the attorney for one of the men
killed at Whiteclay say that he expects arrests soon in the slayings.
"Objectively, there has been some change," Berry said. "Twenty
five years ago, people wouldn't have cared that eight men fell into
a creek and died. Now, we have three agencies forming a task force
to investigate."
Eight homeless men - six of them Indians - have been found dead
in Rapid Creek, which runs through Rapid City, in the past 18 months.
As far as recommendations, Berry said it appears a reconciliation
effort is sorely needed to improve Indian-white relations. Such an
effort was begun under the late Gov. George Mickelson's administration,
but was dropped when current Gov. Bill Janklow took office.
Speakers suggested several things: more Indian FBI agents and
police officers; formation of police oversight committees; better public-
relations efforts by the FBI; investigation of unequal jail sentences
and arrests of Indians; and forcing local judges to allow the use of
bail bondsmen.
Because judges won't allow the use of bondsmen, Indians lacking
their own bail funds must remain in jail. Often, they plead guilty to a
crime so they can be released rather than wait up to 180 days in jail
for a trial, said Brad Peterson, a legal-services attorney from Fort
Yates, S.D.
"It's hard to explain that 'you have rights' as opposed to, 'I just wantto
go home to my family,' " Peterson said. He added that Indians are
targeted by police. He said he's had clients pulled over by police for
things as minor as a bent license plate and an air freshener hanging
from the rearview mirror.
The actual civil rights report will be written by a South Dakota advisory
committee with the help of federal civil rights staffers. The federal
commission, headed by Berry, a Philadelphia college professor and
lawyer and former University of Colorado chancellor, will decide how
to proceed and suggest action by government agencies.

****************

December 01, 1999
Weekly Vigil's in D.C. will Christmas for Peltier!!!

Starting tonight (December 1st) we are having a vigil every wednesday night
untill Christmas. We will meet at 6:30, with the vigil starting around 7:00
and lasting till 8:00pm. There is a large crowd this time of year around the
whitehouse because of the national christmas tree in Elipse Park, our
presence each week could prove to bring alot of attention to Leonard's case.
Next week at 5pm, Clinton will light the national tree, this is a big photo
op for him and a good chance for us to demonstrate on Leonard's behalf and
bring attention to his case. We are encouraging people to arrive to the
vigil, early so we can make our presence known, get the word out about
Leonard Peltier, and let Clinton know we are there.

for info:
Positiveforce@onelist.com

*************

Help Needed in New Hampshire
Thu, 2 Dec 1999

CALL TO ACTION !
DEAR FRIENDS

Please let us know by e-mail (freedomcampaign@aol.com) or phone
(603-588-2916) of any dates you would be available during December and
January to join us in New Hampshire. Presidential candidate events are
ready-made opportunities to spread Leonard's story to the people and the
press. We get a short lead time on dates and times of events, so knowing who
is availabe when is necessary for us to be as effective as possible. The
goal is to focus press attention on Leonard Peltier during the first in the
nation primary season. We especially need drummers, trucks of any size, and
free Leonard Peltier banners. Help with gas is available...as well as food
and housing. Let us know your needs.
Thanks.
Bonnie Winona
Shelley Nelkens...no answering machine, keep trying!

The New Hampshire Leonard Peltier Support Group
e-mail: FreedomCampaign@aol.com
   phone: 603-659-8888
               603-588-2916
us mail: po box 4111, portsmouth, nh, 03802
     po box 263, antrim, nh, 03440
www.freepeltier.org
www.LISN.net

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
PO Box 583
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-842-5774
www.freepeltier.org

**********

NOVEMBER 15, 1999
PRESS RELEASE

DENNIS BANKS, 70, ANISHINABE, TO BRING IN MILLENNIUM
AT HISTORIC SITE WITH
TORCH RUN
________

TORCH RUN TO END AT BATTLE POINT, SITE OF THE LAST
RECORDED WAR BETWEEN
NATIVE PEOPLE AND US MILITARY

DENNIS BANKS 70, ANISHINABE WILL DIRECT NATIVE
CEREMONIES ON DEC 31st, NEW
YEARS EVE, AT BATTLE POINT
MINNESOTA, THE SITE WHERE U.S. MILITARY TROOPS FOUGHT
THE LAST RECORDED WAR,
IN 1890, BETWEEN THE US AND NATIVE PEOPLE. HIGHLIGHT
OF THE EVENING
CEREMONIES WILL BE THE FIRST ANNUAL 'TORCH RUN' FROM
THE ANISHINABE TRIBAL
HEADQUARTERS AT CAS LAKE MINNESOTA, TO BATTLE POINT ON
THE EASTERN SHORE OF
LEECH LAKE, A DISTANCE OF 36.8 MILES.

DENNIS BANKS SAID " EMMET EASTMAN, 68, DAKOTA WILL
CARRY THE TORCH THE FIRST
5 MILES". BANKS WILL CARRY THE TORCH SEVERAL TIMES
DURING THE 36 MILE RUN. "
ALL RUNNERS', HE SAID 'ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN
THIS MOST HISTORIC RUN"
"FROM ONE CENTURY TO THE NEXT', BANKS SAID, 'WILL BE
THE THEME OF THE RUN
FOCUSING ON THE CONTINUING OF TRIBAL CULTURES." THE
RUN WILL ADDRESS THE NEED
FOR SOBRIETY, AND CLEAN LIVING,
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT
P O BOX 134 FEDERAL DAM, MN 56641
P O BOX 06167 COLUMBUS, OHIO 43206
OR
AIM4JUSTCE@AOL.COM

************

November 12, 1999
NATIONAL TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN FOR
NOVEMBER 99 PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH
http://www.freepeltier.org/lpfreedommonth.html

Dear Friends:

We are quickly approaching our November 1999 Leonard Peltier Freedom campaign in Washington DC. So far we are very pleased with the response and support that has been coming in nationwide. The national telephone drive is going to play a very important role in these efforts.

Throughout the years, many of us have become disillusioned with making phone calls and writing letters. Many people think that this is a wasted effort, without any real impact. However, recent experiences have proved to the contrary. If we all act in a unified and organized way, these calls in fact are in fact a very powerful grassroots organizing tool. For example, if a few people call the White House comments line on a given day with diverse messages, there probably will not be much impact. However, if thirty people call on the same day with the same message, a note goes to President Clinton that the matter is of public interest. If we can get 100 calls going each day with the same messages, people really sit up and pay attention. After all, elected officials do need the vote of the people. We just need to remind them that we are here, and that there are many of us.

We need people to organize local groups of about twenty people to call the White House comments line (and if people are willing, other numbers, as discussed below), once a week from November 1 through Thanksgiving. Try to get five friends together who are serious about helping you. They in turn are responsible for finding four friends to make the calls. Make sure everyone gets a copy of the basic fact summary about Leonard,s case. No one needs to know the details inside out, but people are more confident if they know a bit about the story, and it is a good way to do public education as well. Make sure they also receive these instructions, about who to call, and the most important points to mention.

We have found that it helps to give everyone a reminder call the day before, and to tell them about anything new in the case, or about any changes or updates in how things are going. We will be sending e-mails and faxes to all the coordinators about new developments, how the hunger strikers are doing, what officials are saying, etc., etc. It is also IMMENSELY helpful to us all if your group can call you back and tell you how things went. What did the people at the White House comment line say, and how did they react? This helps us gage how much they are feeling the pressure. (In the beginning they will just sound bored or formal but later some of them begin to chat with the callers.) More importantly, every so often, a receptionist will talk a little about the case and even ask questions. This helps us find out what the other side is saying. So please e-mail us and give us feedback.

Perhaps the most important part is helping everyone in the group understand how important their calls are. Not only do they have great political impact when tightly coordinated in this way, they also give huge support to the Freedom Fasters in Lafayette Park, and of course to Leonard himself. We are
all part of one team.

1. WHEN DO WE CALL?
We must, of course, organize our calls in a reasonable way. If 1,000 calls come in on Monday, and none of the rest of the week, it won,t have the same consistency and impact. The schedule can of course be flexible, but we should try to keep things on a fairly even course. To make things easy, we have divided the caller groups up by region. As new people offer to do a calling session, they can simply start in on the day assigned to their region. If the day assigned to your area is impossible for you, go ahead and choose a different one. Let us know if you can. Once again, it is very helpful if each group coordinator can give their members a reminder call or e-mail the day before their calls.

MONDAY CALLS: Northeast Region (North of Philadelphia)
TUESDAY CALLS: Southeast Region (Philadelphia and south)
WEDNESDAY CALLS: Central Region
THRUSDAY CALLS: Northwest Region
FRIDAY CALLS: Southwest Region

2. WHO DO WE CALL?
The most important call is to the White House comments line, 202-456-1111. This should be the first call made. If people have time and are willing to make a second call, we very much need tons and tons of calls going into Congress as well. Please call you U.S. Senators and Representatives. You can call their local offices close to you, or you can call the Washington DC offices. The switchboard number for all Congressional offices is
202-224-3121.
There may be times when we need a particular office or official to receive calls, either to thank them for their help, or to press them. We will be sending information like this out to all group coordinators.

3. WHAT SHOULD WE SAY?
It is important to keep the message short and simple and just take a few basic points. The receptionist at the White House will usually sound bored, formal and disinterested although this may start changing as the calls pour in. You may also get a voice mail. This is all just fine. Their personal reaction in the comments office does not matter. What matters is that they have to keep track of how many calls are coming in, and they have to send a message upstairs every night that there is a matter of serious public interest specifically, Leonard,s case. Each person should take a look at the fact sheet if they have time. But it is not at all necessary to know all the details. It is just important to call with the same message. The key points to make are these:

a. We are calling to demand that Leonard Peltier be freed immediately. He has been imprisoned for 23 years for a crime everyone knows he did not commit, and he is now 55 years of age, and in deteriorating health. He is overdue for parole. WE WANT HIM RELEASED AT ONCE. (Note: We know Clinton is a big chicken about clemency, even more so after the backlash about the Puerto Rican case. But insist on clemency anyway. If we push hard enough, he will rush to the parole board to give Leonard parole to get him and Gore off the hook during an election year).

b. The FBI carried out many abuses against minority leaders throughout the 1960,s and the 1970,s right through Waco. Leonard Peltier is one of the victims of FBI misconduct and abuse of power. The FBI agents forced a witness to sign a false affidavit and concealed important ballistic information from the defense at trial that would have showed Peltier was innocent. Even the prosecutor has admitted they do not know who killed their agents.

c. This case is not about being soft on crime or terrorism. It is about being tough on corruption and obstruction of justice.

d. We want to know what both Mr. Gore and Mr. Clinton plan to do about this. Time is running out for Leonard Peltier. Again, the person will just note your comments and probably not say much. That is just fine. If you can, please call your group coordinator back and let him or her know how the call went and what was said, if anything. The feedback is really helpful.

CALLS TO CONGRESS:
If you call your congressperson, the message should be similar, depending on whom you are speaking with. You can ask them to push for clemency for Leonard., or to look into the Parole Board,s unfair denial of parole. (The prosecutor had already admitted in open court that no one knew who had committed the murders, but Leonard was denied parole on the grounds that he was a "cold blooded killer obviously a contradiction.) Congress has the power to oversee the conduct of all U.S. agencies, including the parole board. They can also press Clinton and Gore for clemency. Some of these people may already be helping us. If so, thank them. If not
offer to send them the six page fact summary for their information and tell them this is a very serious and urgent matter.

CALLS TO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:
If any of the presidential candidates have an election office near you give them a call and tell them about the case and ask them what they plan to do about this. Let,s make Leonard an election issue.

IMPORTANT: ALL OF US WERE HAPPY ABOUT THE FREEDOM GRANTED TO THE PUERTO RICAN LEADERS BUT MANY OFFICIALS ARE AFRAID OF THE BACKLASH. REMIND THEM THAT LEONARD,S CASE IS A WACO KIND OF CASE AND SIMILAR TO THE UNJUST IMPRISONMENT OF GERONIMO JI JAGA PRATT (THEY MAY KNOW HIM AS GERONIMO PRATT, RECENTLY RELEASED AFTER 27 YEARS IN PRISON AS A RESULT OF FBI MANIPULATION OF EVIDENCE). THIS IS ABOUT FBI MISCONDUCT AND FALSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE. THIS IS ABOUT REPRESSION AGAINST MINORITY LEADERS. THIS IS ABOUT VERY SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHT VIOLATIONS GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE. WE WILL KEEP IN TOUCH. LET,S MAKE NOVEMBER REALLY COUNT.

***************

Civil Rights Panel to Investigate Indian Deaths
   The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com
   7 November 1999, p19.

   The United States Civil Rights Commission has decided to hold a hearing
   in South Dakota to investigate the recent deaths of American Indians in the
   state. The commission, an independent fact-finding agency that approved the
   action on Friday, tentatively scheduled a visit to South Dakota for Dec. 5
   and 6, with a public hearing in Sioux Falls. Among the deaths to be investigated are those of
   eight men -- six of them Indian -- whose bodies were found in a creek in
   Rapid City over the last 18 months.
   The commission can make recommendations but has no enforcement power.

**************

Oglala Lakota Oyate will unite For Justice & Accountability
                   Saturday, November 6th 1999

Camp Justice sends greetings to all and we wish to tell our many
supporters throughout the world, that we are very grateful for your
friendship and support during a most crucial time for our people.

November 6th will mark the 21st weekend of "March for Justice" to
White Clay, Nebraska. World attention is drawn to the unsolved murders
of Wally Black Elk and Ronnie Hard Heart. These two Lakota men were
found dead, brutally beaten and mutilated a few feet from the
Nebraska/South Dakota border. It was in their honor, that Camp Justice
was established.

Camp Justice is sponsoring an Honoring and Gathering Rally of Concerned
Oglala for Accountability and Justice being held on Saturday, November
6th. A march to White Clay will start at the Billy Mills Hall in Pine
Ridge at 10:00 am. The Rally will start at 1:00 pm when marchers return
to the hall. All supporters are invited and welcome.
There is lots of room to camp and volunteers have gathered plenty of
food. A traditional meal of buffalo, wojapi and fry bread will be served
after the rally.

Upon request of Elders, special invitations has been extended to; Lakota
Spiritual Leaders, Oceti Sakowin Camp on La Framboise Island, Justice
for Boo Camp, Camp Strong Hold, all Camps for Justice, all Lakota
people, OST Council Members, OST Executive Committee, Veterans,
Clyde & Vernon Bellecourt, Dennis Banks and the American Indian Movement.
Clyde and Dennis will arrive by Friday.

Elders have asked that Camp Justice help unite our people so that we can
stand together to accomplish the many tasks that lay ahead for Lakota.
For the sake of our children and their future they ask us to continue
to stay standing strong against the many injustices occurring today.
We thank everyone who has helped us as we defend the rights of the
people of our Nation.

The World is still watching as Nebraska, South Dakota, FBI, BIA, Federal
and Tribal Officials are attempting to apprehend a murderer(s), people
who are freely walking among us today.   Camp Justice organizer, Tom
Poor Bear states that the Tribal Officials are working full time on the
investigation, with little to no help or communications from the other
agencies involved.

Tom reports families and friends have still not heard from the Federal
or State officials, and that they seem to be covering up important
information. He states that there is still no proof or explanation as
to why the suspects have been cleared, nor have they received answers
regarding pervious leads from the community.

Tom and supporters have still been meeting daily with people and
organizations in districts throughout the Pine Ridge homelands. The
Wounded Knee District Council has written a resolution in full support
for the agenda of Camp Justice and the White Clay issue. The resolution
has been signed and was passed unanimously by the Oglala Tribal Council on
October 25th, 1999.

Last month, Oglala Tribal President, Harold Salway met for fifteen
minutes with Attorney General Janet Reno in Washington. We understand
that Janet Reno seemed more concerned about Waco and the Clinton
scandals then addressing the investigations of our unsolved murders and
the White Clay issue. She had no answers or input.

We understand that Ms. Reno has been under a lot of stress and has had
to defend herself and her actions of the past. Again our people are
put on the "back burner" in hopes that we will go away. Our people
throughout the United States and the world are coming together for
Justice and Unity. We, along with our supporters, will not go away.

If Ms. Reno doesn't want another Waco incident, she better look and
see...the racial tensions around our boarders and the anger within our
communities is clear to see. We ask all supporters to write to her to
let her know that you want her to take Lakota issues seriously. Tell
her the people of the United States expect Lakota Human, Civil and
Treaty rights be upheld and protected and that our issues should be
addressed immediately.
Attorney General Janet Reno       Phone: 202-514-2001
United States Department of Justice,
950 Pennsylvania Ave,
N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530

Director of Public Affairs of Attorney General Janet Reno:
Mr. Myron Marlin 202-616-2777
http://www.usdoj.gov

Meanwhile, the Tribal Council has said that this month, they will file
an injunction in Federal court against the town of White Clay, Nebraska.
White Clay is part of the Oglala Lakota Homelands according to Lakota
Treaties of 1851 and 1868, the 1889 Dawes Act, and the 1904 presidential
order. The Oglala Lakota people want this land back. Camp Justice will
issue a press release when the injunction is filed.

Warriors still plan to stay at Camp Justice and continue our weekly
marches through the winter months. Warm clothes, comforters, wood stoves,
tents, batteries, camping equipment and miscellaneous items are still
desperately needed.

Again, Wopila to the many individuals and organizations who have helped
us and have shown us respect and confidence for the Lakota during our
struggles to seek Justice and Accountability.

In the Spirit of Justice, CAMP JUSTICE
Camp Justice Organizers:
Tom Poor Bear, Loren Black Elk, Tom Clifford, Dave Clifford, June
Little, Alberta Black Bear, Faye Cedar Face, Dale Looks Twice, Tony
Brave, Sandra Matchen

To Supporters:
   It is in honor of the Spirits of two Oglala Pine Ridge men; Wilson
"Wally" Black Elk, Jr. and Ronald Hard Heart and their brave family and
friends, that Camp Justice was established. During Leonard Peltier
Month, we ask that you give honor to all those who have, and are, giving
their life to see justice prevail for Native American people.

Worldwide, Native American advocates, human and civil rights supporters, are
pulling together, to see justice prevail in the investigation of unsolved
murders and other injustices as well. Native American people have many
issues with America, that we need to address now before anyone else is hurt,
or there are no more of us left. Help stop Lakota Ethnic Cleansing.
Supporters continue the struggle to make things right, anyway we can.

   Please fax, e-mail, mail and talk this message to many people. Please
get out the word to your friends and co-workers, the media, elected
representatives, Church, Veterans, Political, Youth, Educational,
College, Environmental, and Minority groups. Some will help us. This is
most important! WE NEED TO GET OUT THE WORD! Track
your efforts! Very important. Keep a file on your efforts, who you have
contacted and talked with. We may need it later. Mail a statement of
efforts and copies of your letters to Camp Justice address listed
below. Good Luck finding good people!   All of us in this struggle
really appreciate all efforts toward helping us.
Wopila! Many special Thanks to you!

Send money, even if you can only send $5... anything you can, to help
with maintaining Camp Justice, along with letters of Support you have
written to:
Camp Justice
c/o Tom Poor Bear
P.O. Box 823
Pine Ridge SD 57770

   If you can, when you come to march or help maintain Camp Justice please
bring lots of food, camp supplies of any kind. Money sent will be used
to continue our efforts and pay the expenses.

Send Donations of food & supplies for Camp Justice:
Camp Justice
c/o Fay Cedar Face
200 Eastside Rd.
Pine Ridge, SD 57770

BREAKING NEWS

LATEST PINE RIDGE RALLY NEWS AND CLIPPINGS
SPIRIT WALK/RUN 99' TO D.C.
TRAGEDY IN PINE RIDGE/WHITE CLAY
URGENT CALL FOR TORNADO RELIEF
TREATY VIOLATIONS - PRESSURE MOUNTS TO FORCE SETTLEMENT

See below for details.

SPIRITUAL/ WALK/ RUN 1999 EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA AIM announces an event for ...

"THE DAKOTA PEOPLE "

LEAVING SISSENTON ,S.D. ON JULY 14 ,1999 FOR THE WALK /RUN TO WASHINGTON .D.C. SPONSORED BY THE EAST DAKOTA AIM CHAPTER
SPIRITUAL WALK /RUN FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 1999

Information contact :
DELLA EASTMAN
P.O. BOX 323
PEEVER, S.D. 57257

SMITHORG@BELLATLANTIC.NET

NATIVE ISSUES

PROTECTION OF TREATY RIGHTS

INJUSTICE OF COURT ROOMS

LAND RIGHTS / DEEDS

Everyone know that they can join in with or without Regalia and that any type of support or help will certainly welcomed. Should anyone know or have MEDIA SOURCES to contact, PLEASE CONTACT THEM FOR HER. She will be sending out more information soon and the route they are taking to Washington, D.C. is available online below. Everyone can meet up with them for the Spirit Walk/Run. Just join up along the route or rendevous there!!

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS EFFORT ON BEHALF OF THE DAKOTA PEOPLES!!

SPREAD THE WORD, JOIN IN THE WALK, CONTRIBUTE WHAT YOU CAN OR JOIN US IN WASHINGTON D.C. TO BRING THE MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO HAVE FOR TOO LONG IGNORED OUR PLIGHT AND OUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

IF ANYONE CAN HELP IN ANY WAY, WANT TO PARTICIPATE , TO JOIN IN, COMBINE EFFORTS OR JUST WANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

E.- S.D. AIM AT THE ADDRESS ABOVE OR

THE AMERI-ADVOCATE C/O SMITHORG@BELLATLANTIC.NET / AOL-IM SMITHORG / ICQ# 22499125

FOR NEWS AND UPDATES WATCH THE AMERI-ADVOCATE WEB SITE AT

https://members.tripod.com/~ellis_smith/ameri-advocate.html

FOR NEWS UP TO THE MINUTE JOIN THE DISTRIBUTION LIST AT

http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/ameri-advocate

~~~~~~~~THANK U FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT~~~~~~~~
ELLIS SMITH IN STRUGGLE, IN SPIRIT, IN DEED

AND ALL THE FOLKS AT AMERI-ADVOCATE
~~~~~~~~THANK U FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT~~~~~~~~

NEWS FROM PINE RIDGE - PRESS CLIPPINGS

Numbers range From 300 to 2000 attendee's demonstration and march to White Clay NE. Some looting and a small fire were set along with the welcome sign being torn down. State Police called and barracades were set up. This is not the end, only a beginning. Click over to "E.DAKOTA AIM PRESS CLIPS" for the latest updates on these events. for more detail and the latest reports From the area.

Wednesday, June 23, 1999

Executions of Oglala Sioux - Sheriff Suspected

A Sheriff is suspected in White Clay Nebraska for the execution of two Oglala Sioux men and suspected of seven more. Ron Hard Heart and Wally Black Elk of the Oglala Lakota Nation were found shot in the back of the head execution style and Denver AIM has called for a mass rally and march June 26th, 10:00 a.m. From Pine Ridge Reservation South Dakota to White Clay Nebraska to demand justice and an end to these blatantly racist atrocities and abuse of governmental authority. Scheduled speakers include: Clyde Bellecourt, Dennis Banks, Russell Means and the families of the victims.

Genocide and ethnic cleansing executions are not the American Way, at least not in light of our adventures oversea's recently.

Ellis Smith Ameri-Advocate N.J./ C.A.

June 23, 1999
Rally for Justice

Rally for Justice Saturday June 26, 1999 10:00 a.m. Billy Mills Hallin Pine Ridge on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD

Support the struggle. The Indian Wars are not over. The American Indian Movement, Denver is calling for all warriors and supporters for Ron Hard Heart and Wally Black Elk of the Oglala Lakota Nation.
Both men were murdered execution style by a Nebraska Sheriff in White Clay, NB. A town whose sole purpose is to destroy the Oglala People through alcohol. A peace march From Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge to White Clay, NB will take place on June 26, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. Scheduled
speakers include: Clyde Bellecourt, Dennis Banks, Russell Means and the families of the victims.

A caravan will depart From the Texaco gas station at Colfax and Mariposa
at 7:30 p.m. on Friday June, 25 1999.

For more information concerning this event please contact: John Old Horse enrolled Oglala Lakota Nation member #U-37439 Interim Director AIM-Denver.
303-825-3305.

Don't allow the deaths of our people to continue. We need your support.

In SD, contact: Tom Poor Bear 605-867-5821: Dave Clifford 605-867-5428 or
KILI radio 605-867-5002.

These men were murdered, shot through the back of their heads! The person
responsible for this action is still the sheriff of Sheridan County in NB.
He has turned himself in but NO ACTION has been done. He is allegedly
responsible for SEVEN other deaths of FN people. Support the Oglala
People in this cause. We need as many people that can make it there.
Mi-gwetch

A subscriber of AIM One List did a search of all the available articles in newspapers in Nebraska for anything on this story and this was the only mention. It is common here in the East Dakota Reservation that when incidents of this sort happen, a "news blackout" occurs. So, in effect, there is nothing out of the ordinary. Unlike the happenings at Pine Ridge, here, the executions appear as "accident" victims. Just two weeks ago two men had an "accident", they run over by a vehicle. They actually apprehended the man who did it and he was charged and convicted of .... DWI. Pretty incredible but sadly true.

Anywhere else, vehicular manslaughter would have been the first charge followed by a DWI. Certainly not a DWI alone when a death is incurred. Not to mention multiple deaths.

The number of un-investigated homicides on the Reservations is unbelievable high. To even think that a homicide would not be investigated is probably foreign to anyone outside the Reservation system but to those within the Reservations it is all too common. Living in fear has become a way of life and its apparent that until we all unite and bring these tragedies to the nation and the worlds attention it is not going stop. It will only get worse. On with the article.

Ellis Smith - Ameri-Advocate

The Lincoln Journal Star,

The Sheriff of Sheridan County, Terry Robbins, denies any knowledge of
Indians being mistreated by residents or law enforcement agents and
when questioned about unsolved Native murders said that they were just
rumors. He answered, and this is his quote: "I don't know how many
unsolved murders they have on the reservation. We don't have any in
Sheridan County, unsolved deaths, you might say."

LAND ACQUISITIONS, PROPERTY SEIZURES and USE ISSUES

The following are a series of communications and writings on the numerous problems occurring today regarding land, property and use issues in the diverse area of property rights and the regulating agencies involved in usurping these rights. To get your opinions or experiences included on this page please participate in the discussions on the list either here or through our affiliate Ameri-Advocate Sites and list. When interest dictates we'll be setting up conferences with the assorted player's in this arena so you may present your views in person to those who may have some input in getting these views heard and where they can be addressed.

LAND - PROPERTY ISSUES

______________________________________________________________________
BREAKING NEWS

Update on SD relief effort

I just got word that coming From Michigan are cooking utensils, food, one or two generators for power and assorted stuff. Hawk has arrived in SD with cooking utensils, generator, food, UPS took From NJ blankets, clothing and more is being gathered for an additional shipment. From Tenn. a shipment went out today which included a Tent, cooking supplies and clothing.

So relief is not only on the way but is already arriving.

The Michigan caravan is leaving Friday night/Saturday morning. Anyone en route that has things to be picked up to be delivered then send me a note and we'll try to arrange a rendevous.

Thanks to all and lets keep the effort going. There's still actions we're combating over there in SD and disasters like this weather event only mean we have to double our efforts.

Current needs are toiletries, soaps, shampoo's, dish soaps, baby items are in desperate need.

Ellis

-AMERI-ADVOCATE -

______________________________________________________________________

The Loneman School, in the Oglala District has been set up as a center for distribution of donations for victims of the tornadoes that has almost completely destroyed Oglala. Wilma Black Smith, of the Loneman School, said that right now they're concentrating on the 22 families who were left homeless after the disaster.

Items that are needed include clothing for children and adults, blankets, diapers (desperately needed), toiletries, non-perisherable food items, cooking pots and utensils; sleeping bags would be helpful.

These families have been left with absolutely nothing.

They've been informed that their power will be out for another 3-4 days, so they are also in need of lamps, oil, flashlights, and candles ASAP.

Donations can be sent to:

Loneman School P.O. Box 50 Oglala, SD 57764

and

Loneman School C/O Black Smith P.O. Box 322 Oglala, SD 57764

Assistance is greatly appreciated.

In Struggle, Kathy

______________________________________________________________________

There are three major land stealing efforts underway domestically in the US. Our concern is primarily the Sioux Nation where the pressure is every bit as forceful as the Serbians exercised but is receives NO media attention what so ever. Following is a series of posts From what we've heard for the past six months or so of this American Ethnic Cleansing campaign.

SOUTH DAKOTA - HOW TO STEAL 200K ACRES, BECAUSE YOU CAN

From: "Ellis Smith"

I just got word From Della Eastman From AIM Sissenton S.D. who has relayed to me that in addition to having the power cut off, Banks shut down and phones disconnected (the phones are now reconnected but they are unable to call outside the reservation unless its collect); apparently in their attempts to force them off the reservation they are now intercepting food shipments both commercially and FDA surplus commodity shipments. Additionally, already one elderly man has died as a result of these "motivational techniques" but a child has as well.

Since they managed to survive the winter with no power or heat, now the deprivation of food and communications is hopefully going to succeed in moving them off their land and canceling the treaty that has been legally in effect for some time.

NARF (Native American Resource Foundation) apparently was responsible for getting the phones turned back on in the limited capacity they currently have. However, recent developments in food supply Deprivation is going to take some significant and expedite action in order for these people to get through this... ALIVE. They have reported that the Power Company is already beginning construction on Native Treaty Land in anticipation of its being overturned and the Sioux being chased off their own land. The whole deal is about stealing land to thread power lines thru it without having to pay for it. I'd wager that the power company made some significant financial contributions to the South Dakota legislature not to mention the Governors Office.

I would like to close this note in not only a plea for everyone and everyone you know, their mother, distant relatives and causal acquaintances contacting these villain and demand they stop this atrocity but to take note, this event, now taking place not only in South Dakota but in Arizona and Minnesota and many, many other places domestically is absolutely NO different then the fiasco in Kosovo... namely the removal of a people based upon their cultural heritage From their own land by a more powerful nation who's only goal is personal gain without out any capital investment.

In My Humble Opinion,

Ellis Smith

Tuesday, April 20, 1999
200,000 acre treaty land transfer

Dear Peltier list, Because Leonard is concerned about the following, we are putting it out on the list. One of the key figures in this land transfer is the self proclaimed "Indian fighter" William Janklow. There are websites with more information listed at the bottom. ---LPDC staff (anyone please feel free to cross post on this)

The government in SD are trying to transfer 200,000 acres of Lakota land to the state of SD. There are protestors camped in the state capitol. The protestors are asking for congressional oversight hearings, as required by law, on Title VI of the 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Act, also called the Mitigation Act. Under the terms of the Ft. Laramie Treaty, the land can't be transferred without the signatures of 3/4 of all adult males of the seven tribes. The government is trying to expedite this through congress this week, before the Greater Sioux Nation has a chance to challenge this in court.

Here is a list of names, phone numbers, faxes and e-mails to help protest this illegal transfer. The more people who protest this, the more the politicians responsible for this will have to listen. I would suggest to call or fax or e-mail often.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs 838 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC20510 Attn: Patricia Zell or Paul Moorehead Tel:202-224-2251 Fax:202-224-5429

Honorable Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Chairman U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs 828 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Attn: Patricia Zell Tel:202-224-5852 Fax:202-224-1933 E-mail: administrator@campbell.senate.gov

The Honorable Tom Daschle (D-SD) 509 Hart Senate Building US Senate S-221 Washington, DC 20510 Tel:202-224-2321 Fax:202-224-2047 E-mail- senator@daschle.senate.gov

Honorable Daniel Inouye, Vice-Chair (D-HI) U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs 722 HSOB Washington, DC 20510 Tel:202-224-3934 Fax:202-224-6747 E-mail: senator@inouye.senate.gov

Honorable George Miller (D-CA) U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources 509 O'Neil Annex House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Attn: Steve Lannich Tel: 202-225-2095 Fax:202-225-5609 E-mail: george.miller_pub@mail.house.gov

Honorable Don Young, Chairman(R-AK) U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources 1324 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Attn: Tom Glidden Tel:202-225-5765 Fax:202-225-0425 E-mail: don.young@mail.house.gov

Again, please feel free to post this information so many people can see it and respond.

Thank-you all for your support. Laura

-=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=- Related URL's: -=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=-

NAIIP News Path! "North American Indian & Indigenous People"

http://www.YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net/news.html

Federal & State Governments "Trying To Expedite Land Transfer" Written by CPT Peacemaker Corps member, Joanne Kaufman and Reservists Rick Polhamos and Kathy Kern. Saturday, April 17, 1999

http://www.YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net/News99/0499/CPT990417gov.htm

CPT Ask Senators to Honor Treaty Rights of Sioux Nation Written by CPT Peacemaker Corps member, Joanne Kaufman and Reservists Rick Polhamos and Kathy Kern. Tuesday, April,13 1999

http://www.YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net/News99/0499/CPT990413honor.htm

Mitigation Act Or Sold Out! by Candace Ducheneaux Wednesday, April 7, 1999

http://www.YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net/News99/0499/990407soldout.htm

Brief Chronology of the La Framboise Island Occupation From Robert Quiver Sunday, April 4, 1999 http://www.YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net/News99/0499/BH990404chronology.htm

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-5774

__________________________________________________________________

I am writing on behalf the Ameri-Advocate Newslist and myself in order to protest the U.S. Congressional bill transferring 200,000 acres of Treaty land to the state of South Dakota. We want Congressional committees to hold oversight hearings on the bill (Title VI of the 1998 Omnibus Appropriations Act) to determine whether it is in fact legal. We overwhelmly support any efforts that respect and assist the legal and intrinsic rights of Native Americans. The Christian Peace Teams and the Lakota/Dakota Sioux Nation are now currently protesting this blatantly obvious attempt to illegally steal land from a Nation who legitimately has claim and title through treaty of this land since 1868. We also want to ask that you help to ensure that the local and national authorities refrain from harassing the protestors who are camped on land granted them by the U.S. government and be part of the solution that is legal and morally right by respecting their right to protest peacefully without harassment, intimidation or harm. Lastly we would like to point out that this attempt to usurp the treaty of 1868 and steal the land out from under the Lakota/Dakota Sioux Nation differs very little from the current war in Kosovo. A more powerful neighboring nation, by sheer will and force, pushes the local population off their own land without regard to the human tragedy that will inevitably follow. Let us not continue to introduce hypocrisy as our national political heritage.

Thank you , Ellis Smith / the Ameri-Advocate Newslist

Dances with Derelicts Kevin Costner has decided to build a huge recreational complex with his brother on...you guessed it, Sioux Territory by treaty (which was in fact recently upheld by the Supreme Court no less). When is enough, enough? When does NO, mean anything other then NO? Due Process. The Right to own property. A nation under LAW. It is obvious that the Department of the Interior and the State of South Dakota have decided that if one item of the contract is in dispute then therefor the entire contract is invalid.

Redefining the Territorial Borders, harassment, legislating in direct conflict of the Treaties is purely an effort to intimidate and illegally coerce an unconscionable settlement. In the city this would be considered fraudulent and extortion. However, here, its considered business as usual.

Since when does the State of South Dakota feel it no longer has to abide by the Supreme Court? Follow along and you'll see there's far more going on then meets the eye.

KOLA - Costner & Black Hills and don't forget to fill out the petition at No Casino in the Paha Sapa