Pine Ridge
Occupation Peoples
Grass Roots Oyate
January 16, 2000
Until we Win
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Pine Ridge Occupation Peoples Grass Roots Oyate January 16, 2000 Until we Win |
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Current Pine Ridge Weather
GRASS ROOTS OGLALA LAKOTA OYATE Red Cloud Building, P.O. Box 51, Pine Ridge, S.D. 57770 Phone (605) 867-5303 Fax (605) 867-2115 https://members.tripod.com/GrassRootsOyate May 24, 2000 VIA FACSIMILE Honorable William J. Clinton Dear Mr. President & Secretary Babbit: Under the provisions of the active 1868 Treaty at Fort Laramie, we are in the process of reformulating our governance system to more adequately reflect the culture and spirituality of the Oglala Lakota Oyate. Like your forefathers, we also seek to promote and preserve justice for all. To that end, it is imperative that we begin the process of addressing the United States on a true nation-to-nation basis. Therefore, we respectfully request a meeting with you in the coming weeks to reaffirm our treaty rights and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis at Pine Ridge. We have selected a delegation of treaty elders and interpreters to travel to Washington, D.C. The delegation includes: Chief Oliver Red Cloud Marie Randall Tentatively, we are planning on arriving in D.C. the third week in June to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn (June 23, 1868). Mr. President, as you have personally witnessed, our reservation is in a severe state of economic depression. Our elected IRA officials have traveled to D.C. at the tribal member’s expense numerous times, to no avail. The resolution to this crisis lies within our traditional people. Therefore, we are requesting transportation and lodging assistance to make this journey. Perhaps we could utilize two of the bureau’s vans for the trip? Any assistance your office can provide would be greatly appreciated. In the past administrations, the U.S. has always maintained an open door policy with treaty tribes. We are confident that you will uphold this policy. Please contact our Coordinator, Natalie Hand, at (605) 867-5762 to schedule this historic meeting. Sincerely, Oliver Red Cloud
Cc: Dean Cycon, Esq.
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