Oyate

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Pine Ridge Reservation - The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization performed the first in a series of fact-finding missions on the Pine Ridge Reservation last weekend. The purpose of the mission is to investigate human rights abuses committed by the United States Government against the Lakota People and the IRA government against the Lakota People.

Secretary General, John Nimrod, for the UNPO was sent to the Pine Ridge Reservation where he traveled through most of the districts gathering testimony from the Grass Roots People. The testimony centered around social, cultural, environmental, political and economical human rights abuses.

Nimrod will prepare a report and turn in the testimony gathered to the UNPO on July 15th and 16th where it will become a matter of record. The UNPO will continue their investigations over the coming months and will eventually present their report to the United Nations. In addition, the UNPO hopes to hold seminars regarding Treaty Violations and Indigenous Rights.

The UNPO will also receive a proclamation declaring the formal Red Cloud Building as the first North American Indigenous Embassy. The Proclamation was given to Nimrod who will present it to the UNPO on July 16th.

The Red Cloud building was taken over peacefully on January 16th, 2000 by the Grass Roots People due to wide spread corruption and lack of representation.

The UNPO was created by nations from around the world who were not being represented in the world's principal organizations such as the United Nations. The UNPO was formed in 1991 and currently has fifty members representing 100 million people. The UNPO provides a forum for colonized or occupied nations, indigenous people, minorities, and oppressed majorities who are attempting to preserve their cultural identities. The Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Nations became UNPO members in 1993.

Wallace' Jun' Little (see this tribute), a honored warrior passed away at 3:00am this morning on April 30th, 2001. His partner, Iris, was with him until he passed and many prayers go out for them both and their family. Jun was head Tokala at the Oyate building in Pine Ridge and respected by all who met him.

The Funeral of Wallace ' Jun' Little, honored Tokala, Lakota Warrior, husband and father will begin in Pine Ridge SD at noon on Thursday, May 3rd, 2001. The procession consisting of the Riders on horseback in a team with one horse having no rider, and a carriage carrying ' Jun' will proceed to the Oyate Building in Pine Ridge. There will be a wake for the duration of the night at the Oyate Building; then will proceed on Friday May 4th to the Lone Man School with all night vigil where there will be a Traditional Service and then will be escorted to the family cemetery for b鷌x⫔ƪ��

Tetuwan Lakota Nation. On Sunday - March 18th, 2001 - Germaine Tremmel, member of the Standing Rock band, International Lawyer and Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) representative, visited the Oyate at the "Embassy". Issues discussed included the process necessary for claiming this Embassy as neutral territory, the Proclamation being circulated by, to and for the Oyate in the districts, the laws needed to establish a self-sustainable government to benefit the Tetuwan Lakota Nation as well as other pertinent topics. One point is clear to the Oyate and that is that we can exercise our sovereign rights and that there can be no negotiations.

The Oyate continue with the peaceful takeover. Support is on-going through the Internet's email, letters, telephone calls, etc. In support of our endeavor, different delegates have requested to visit the Embassy. Two monitors are expected to arrive at the Embassy on Wednesday - March 21st to help the Grass Roots Oglala Lakota Oyate from possible further attacks and on-going threats. Additionally, monitors from other organizations, including UNPO, are expected in the near future. These monitors have been to other areas where people are struggling to regain and retain their particular way of life (i.e., culture, government, etc.). With the newly appointed U.S. government cabinet members, it is necessary that the Oyate stand together at this crucial time, especially because one of the goals of the Secretary of Interior is to extinguish treaty obligations.

The dialogue will continue for the youth, elders and all Oyate to become educated within the realm of violations to our treaties, our identities and our way of life. This, too, is necessary for the survival of the Oyate of the Tetuwan Lakota Nation. In a fax letter to the Grass Roots Oglala Lakota Oyate from KILI radio (dated February 28th, 2000), the original hours allowed were for one hour each on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Based on this, a letter is being sent to KILI's Board of Directors requesting that these hours and days be reinstated for the purpose of informing the Oyate on the developments as they occur.

Working Group Sessions are scheduled for every Sunday and committees are being developed that will address the needs of the Oyate. The Grass Roots Oglala Lakota Oyate invite and encourage all elders, youth and supporters to help, attend and provide input -- YOU ARE the Oyate! Under the guidance of the Sacred Canunpa, we reaffirm our stand to ensure the survival of our people.

For more information, contact the Embassy at 605-867-5821. Wopila.

Red Cloud Building, Pine Ridge Agency, South Dakota. True colors shown amongst Grass Roots Oyate towards the cause!

On January 16, 2001; the anniversary of the peaceful take-over of the former Red Cloud Building, a group of the Grass Roots General Council leave to meet with the newly elected Tribal President, John Yellow Bird/Steele at Billy Mills Hall concerning the building. Upon their arrival, on KILI radio was former media coordinator for the Grass Roots Oyate, Dale Looks Twice, now a highly paid Tribal employee with others like him speaking against the Grass Roots General Council.

As the insolence continues towards the Grass Roots General Council, they respectfully walk out of the meeting while the group of original seven whom Dale refers to, act with total vengeance towards the Oyate as they now fitfully graze with IRA Government officials. This is another classic example to the Oyate who listened to KILI that nothing has changed with the new IRA election except the names and faces.

As the Grass Roots General Council enter the former Tribal Chambers where the alter holds the sacred Cannupa used earlier to pray with for courage, many sit silent and numb from what had just been witnessed. As many of those sit and contemplate on what had just happened and what to do next, one thing was clear to the Grass Roots General Council, that there cannot be any negotiations with the newly elected IRA officials.

Another thing was also clear to the Grass Roots General Council, that those former supporters of the Grass Roots Movement who now sit as paid Tribal employees shall be treated as such. Names like Dale Looks Twice, Eileen Janis, Floyd and Natalie Hand, Oliver Red Cloud have now been stricken from any further connection or media contact to the GRASS ROOTS OGLALA LAKOTA OYATE!

PEACEFUL OCCUPATION OF THE FORMER TRIBAL BUILDING CONTINUES WHILE SEVERAL GRASS ROOTS OYATE NOW GRAZE ON THE SIDE OF THE OPPRESSORS!

Oyate Headquarters - Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. At a scheduled meeting between the Grass Roots Oglala Lakota Oyate and General Council and the IRA tribal council, shrewd attempts by several former supporters of the Grass Roots Movement were made to return the tribal administration building back to the newly elected tribal council. Members of the Grass Roots Oglala Lakota Oyate General Council suppressed the attempt by returning to the former Red Cloud Building. In spite of false statements made by Dale Looks Twice over KILI radio of assault rifles in the building, Grass Roots Oyate remember not to long ago when he was using the same intimidation tactics with the last tribal administration officials.

Former members of the Grass Roots Oyate, who we have observed to have no respect for themselves let alone the Sacred Canunpa, genuinely hurt elders. Mrs. Marie Randall stated, "We went to pray with them and talk and we get treated as though this past year being here, holding the building, and praying was nothing! Our hearts and feelings were hurt. We returned here and had a Pipe Ceremony just for what happened at the Billy Mills Hall."

The Grass Roots General Council will continue to stand on their Sovereign rights under the original 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaty; to use the building as an Embassy for all bands of the Tetuwan Nations in their plight to be heard within the World Court level. It is obvious to many that we can no longer wait for the change in the IRA system and that we must move forward, together, now.

Former Grass Roots Oyate members Floyd and Natalie Hand, Oliver Red Cloud, Dale (including his so-called "original seven") who were involved with the take-over, as of now have been officially warranted as of having no affiliation to the GRASS ROOTS OGLALA LAKOTA OYATE! (For names of those original seven, you may contact Dale.)

The Grass Roots Oglala Lakota Oyate will continue to move forward with their goal of establishing the Embassy of the Tetuwan Nation; input from the other bands in this endeavor will be appreciated. The building will be re-named and a dedication ceremony will be held at a future date to be announced for all to attend.

We thank everyone for their continued support. For further information, please contact Wallace Little, Jr. or any Tokala at 605-867-5821. Email address is: groyate@gwtc.net and icq # is 75999256; email and icq are checked daily.

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation - South Dakota. Today marks the 277^th day of the peaceful monitoring of the Red Cloud Building.

The Grass Roots Oyate and Tokalas are still strong mentally, physically and more importantly, spiritually - even through all the personal attacks they have endured since January 16^th, 2000 and in addition to having to put up with threats of eviction. The Tokalas say of the opposition, "How can you fight the power of the Creator and expect to win?"

The on-going federal investigation is still in the process and more indictments are expected. All the OST Committee and Tribal Council minutes from 1995 to the present have been turned over to the FBI from the Red Cloud Building -- to uncover more corruption. (Every tribe in Indian country needs to get rid of all their crooks; jail them and then ban them.)

While the Oglala Sioux Tribe is continuing with tribal council elections, the Grass Roots Oyate still maintain the traditional government they truly are. They do not recognize the colonialism or the election process that the misled tend to follow.

The Oglala Lakota General Council is demanding the federal government to investigate all the bands within the Great Sioux Nation (Tetuwan Nation) for corruption. Every IRA government is so corrupt the Oyate need to immediately relinquish themselves before we are terminated as tribes. Other tribes in the so-called U.S. of A. should consider this move also. We elders feel that to continue with and under the IRA form of government will only place our children's future in jeopardy. We are members of the Red Race that Wakan Tanka placed here in this part of the world and we will always be that Red Race of people that the Great Spirit created. Oyate, be proud of who you are. You are a beautiful people that lived the life of what the good book called 'heaven on earth'. That's the way it was before Christopher Columbus touched the eastern shores of this part of the world. We have a task before us: the rebuilding of our traditional government, the un-brainwashing of ourselves, the uncovering of our roots.

As the mud slinging is continuing with the Lakota bands, the IRA government is forgetting the Indian Trust responsibility, the Black Hills Claim, the Mni (water) rights, and most importantly, our children. It has always been the federal government's position to terminate Indian tribes by the divide and conquer tactics. To date, IRA governments have been enhancing this process of termination.

We need to unite our nation as sovereign through enforcement of our treaties and our people's desire under natural law to follow our own way of life, our own culture and our own GOVERNMENT. We are a treaty tribe. As far as the Oyate are concerned, there are some of us who have relatives in other Lakota bands and/or living on other reservation; we need to strengthen our Tiospayes and keep each other informed of our current situation. Sharing information and supporting each other will strengthen our nation.

The Grass Roots Oyate will continue to occupy the Tetuwan Oyate - Oglala Band headquarters and have no intentions of vacating what belongs to the Grass Roots Oyate. We will continue to be here even through the next incoming administration.

The General Council is asking all Oglala Lakota landowners to immediately relinquish their leases and start utilizing your lands. The Tokalas say that without use of the land by the landowners, we cannot state that we are truly sovereign!

For more information on the Grass Roots Oyate, please contact Media Coordinator Dale Looks Twice at 605-867-5821.

Ho - Hecetu yelo.

On Wednesday - September 13th, the General Council made the decision to rename the building: "Tetuwan Nation Embassy" ~~ and to invite the other six bands of the Tetuwan Nation to set up an office within our/your building.

This action is the result of acquiring a seat in the United Nations as the Sovereign Nation we are. To our relatives from here and from the other bands ~~ we encourage you to get active, get involved. Much information needs to be shared with and disseminated to our Oyate. Everyone will have a better understanding and in this way, we can all work together as one to achieve our many goals…one of which is to establish a traditional form of government that will benefit all of the Oyate ~~ whether you're from the Sicangu, Miniconjou, Oglala or any of our other sister bands.

The Grass Roots Oglala Lakota General Council remains strong and is adamant about keeping the building for the purpose stated herein. They will continue to meet weekly and they encourage all Grass Roots Oyate ~~ on each respective reservation ~~ to do the same. United, we have a stronger voice! Wan-eya, o-un-kiya po!

A member of the Tokalas says: Independent Oglala Nation. As you all know, there was an occupation that took place in a tiny hamlet called Wounded Knee. At that time, there was a commitment made; some of our tribal members took a vow or oath to become or be sovereign.

It was a commitment I myself took to heart and believed others would do the same. The commitment was to be free and independent of the government finances. As time went on, you can see who was committed and who isn't or wasn't.

And going along that line of thought, it comes to this. There's a lot of people that are caught up in the present I.R.A. system of government funding and being caught in the belly of the beast (the banks, credit unions, churches, etc.). And this goes back to the saying, "A dog won't bite the hand that feeds it" -- V.A.; SSI/SSA; BIA; I.H.S.; -- you're all in it.

So let's be sovereign and withdraw from the current greedy and self-centered wasicu rules and regulations. Let's stay with our natural law. Remember, you came here with nothing and you will leave with nothing. Ni wicab huntun. Pila maya pelo.

Approximately ten days ago the long distance lines were turned off at the building, due to non-payment of the bill. The Elders question that, as we are all Tribal Members. The General Council is to meet with the BIA Agent to see what can be done.

Also, the General Council plans to ask the FBI to investigate all other bands within the Tetuwan Nation, for acts of corruption, misuse of funds, etc.

As always, if you have any questions, please call 605/867 5821.

Mitakuye Oyasin.

The Grass Roots Oyate and General Council remains strong on their stand as sovereign based on our status as treaty Indians (Oyate). The Grass Roots Oyate membership consists of landholders. We do not recognize the present IRA council due to proven theft of tribal monies. The Grass Roots Oyate do not recognize the IRA government as our government. Any/all actions being taken by the present IRA tribal government are considered illegal.

The Black Hills are not for sale. We will continue to refuse the 1980 U.S. Supreme Court Settlement. The United States Congress does not possess any colonial powers to abrogate "the supreme law of the land", the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty between the Teton Nation and the United States of America. No western colonial law can force the indigenous people representing the Oglala Band to accept the monies and not the land. Oyate, consider the Sacred Pipe. It means the power of Wakan Tanka is with us; when you think of money in exchange for the H'e Sapa, that power may no longer be there. Don't be foolish; money is only paper. This doesn't pertain just to the Oglalas, but to the entire Lakota Nation as well as the other tribes included in the 1868 Treaty and our relatives in Canada.

Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be happy that our generation never has, never will and never shall accept the illegal monetary settlement from the blue coats or long knife society. We will never sell our Grandmother Earth. We will keep her for the benefit of our future generations. Would you sell your mother or your church?

As caretakers of Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth), we need to educate the public on the causes of global warming. We need to emphasize the need to exercise our sovereignty by growing hemp for paper, other products and to replenish the air. An agrarian society must rotate their crops (corn and alfalfa) annually with hemp. If you do not take care of the soil or let it replenish itself, it turns to dust with no nutritional value and you will have no crops. Hemp will save the trees. That is the main reason for our taking up growing it. We wish to stop the lumber mills from destroying the forests.

Presently, Mother Earth and all our relations are in a world of trouble due to the capitalists who have no regard for our Mother Earth. We urge the taxpayer to think of directing their tax dollars to the National Audubon Society and Sierra Clubs. We, in turn, propose to the two groups to support us in our fight to get U.S. Congress to fulfill our 1868 Treaty Land Claim, which amounts to 64/plus-million acres. We want every square inch of that claim returned to us. The day that was agreed to and signed, Wakan Tanka was there and Wakan Tanka is still here!

H'e Sapa ki wiyop'e unkiya pi kte sni yelo! All Lakotas first should remember that the Sacred H'e Sapas are not for sale!! We cannot and shall not let just a few speak for us nor will we allow anyone to disperse our Lakota beliefs that monetary just compensation is right for the Sacred H'e Sapa ----- NO! NO! NO!

We cannot and will not sell our Mother under any circumstance! It is not in our way to sell something that does not belong to us! Mother Earth was given to the two-legs, the four-legs, the winged ones, the water life. Mother Earth is here for all to live in harmony and to respect all things in life traditionally and spiritually!

The H'e Sapas are not for sale!! We shall and will fight this matter--whatever deems necessary. ALL Lakota people must stand together against the U.S. Government, IRA Council and all outside forces purging this atrocious claim that we gave up our rightful ownership of the H'e Sapas. We, as Lakotas, will forever stand by, fight for and live by our true belief that the H'e Sapas belong to the Lakota and all our relatives.

Our Uncis and Kakalas -- not only on the Pine Ridge, but everywhere our relatives are -- stand strong with us!! Remember your children, their children and grandchildren and think of their futures. This is the opportunity to realize your dreams and to rebuild our nation. Much work needs to be done and we need everyone's input. All support -- in whatever form -- is appreciated. Wopila tanka heca.

The Grass Roots Oyate and General Council meet regularly each Wednesday at 1:00 pm in the Oyate's council chambers, Oyate Building. Everyone is welcome to attend -- come voice your concerns, your opinions, ask questions, etc. If you have any questions, please call 867-5821 and your call will be directed appropriately.

1. Full forensic audit of all OST income including Prairie Wind Casino. This audit must be made public to all Oglala Sioux Tribal members.

2. Enforcement of the OST Constitution & By-Laws; Specifically to Article X - Land: Section XI Use of Unassigned Land. Any income derived from such land shall accrue to the benefit of the Tribe as a whole. That those funds be set aside and distributed equally to each district ($200,000,000).

3. Under the IRA (Indian Reorganization Act), Section 5 provides for the recovery of tribal lands that the Secretary of Interior shall exercise this right in purchasing all land, water rights and surface rights to land within or without existing reservation and turn over OST trust land.

Under this provision the Secretary of Interior shall pay to FHA the outstanding balance of land purchased under FHA loan, further that the secretary and United States Congress return to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, land known as the Buffalo Gap National Grass Land, and all other that Section V of IRA (Indian Reorganization Act) states and carry out to the fullest extent of this section.

4. Secretary of the Interior do whatever is necessary to return jurisdiction to the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Bennett and Jackson Counties.

5. That the U.S. Government honor our sovereignty and refrain from all things that they do, such as, involving the State in any and all actions. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Oglala Sioux Tribe is a sovereign nation within a nation and the supreme law of the land. The Tribe has the right to negotiate government to government which excludes the State.

That the U.S. Government enforces and abides by all treaties and rights of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

6. Secretary of the Interior will honor and see to this as trust responsibility on Oglala Sioux Tribal land, known as "The South Unit", under the General Management Plan Revision/Development, which was signed and approved the OST Council, Dir. Of Rocky Mountain Region, Dir. Of National Park Service and the Secretary of Interior on 1/2/76. The South Unit land belongs to the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

7. The OST Council has violated their Oath of Office to the US Constitution and OST Constitution, therefore all council members and the OST Treasurer are to be removed from office immediately, in the best interest of the OST and its members.

8. All funds owed to programs be paid back in full immediately and programs be left to administrate their programs effectively, without interference from tribal government, except where otherwise stated in the program contract.

9. A full land audit be conducted on the First National Bank of Gordon, Gordon, Nebraska to determine how much tribal land they have obtained as collateral for bailouts, etc.

Upon completion of a careful study of the press releases to learn just what has been occurring at Pine Ridge, it is inconceivable that there would be those who do not support the Grass Roots Oyate in their actions. It is clear that they represent the silent majority, even to an outsider. What most of the members of the OTC (Oglala Tribal Council) have been doing is unconscionable in their quest for their own betterment, not that for the good of all who they represent. Is it a result of the IRA (Indian Reorganization Act of 1934)? Or is it just plain unadulterated greed? Or could it be a combination of the two? What ever the case, one name continually crops up, that of Wesley "Chuck" Jacobs. His actions since the peaceful occupation on January 16, 2000, clearly demonstrate his guilt as well as his attempts to cover it up. The BIA hasn't even chosen the ones they should to support, leaning more toward the OTC in spite of their illegal meetings, attempting to oust the Grass Roots Oyate from the Red Cloud Building. This won't happen. This can't happen. Read on and make up your own minds.

The Grass Roots Oyate have been occupying the Red Cloud Building since their peaceful takeover on January 16, 2000. Since then they have faced much but have stood strong in their convictions. What are some of the obstacles they have faced? Several stand out though there have been others. These standouts include the actions of Wesley "Chuck" Jacobs, OTC Treasurer; Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Kevin Gover; and BIA Superintendent Robert Ecoffey. First and foremost is Jacobs because of threats and attempts at the removal of the Grass Roots Oyate. He alone is responsible for the phone service being cut off in the early days of the occupation though he tried using another name in the order (Vincent Brewer of the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court System). There have been physical threats against the 100 or so men, women and children who make up the Grass Roots Oyate as well as any of those of the skeleton crew who have tried to go in to work. Later there were death threats as noted on January 29, and a bomb threat on February 2. Also, illegal OTC meetings have been called by Jacobs, even after his suspension from duties as Tribal Treasurer. These have resulted in attempts to use outside law enforcement to remove the Grass Roots Oyate as well as cause protests against them in the early days by others on the reservation. Another source for their problems are those actions threatened by Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Kevin Gover. Apparently Jacobs and his cohorts swayed Gover to support them and the renegade OTC on a trip they made to Washington, D.C. As a result, economic sanctions were threatened around March 23. Earlier Gover refused to recognize the state of emergency called by Salway, OTC President. There were also rumblings of a landmark case against the BIA in Gover's threats of economic sanctions, involving the removal of funding from what was termed "noncompliance government programs" and BIA funding for such agencies as the Tribe's Public Safety Commission and Public Safety Programs. Ecoffey is another name which continues to surface throughout this ordeal. He has used scare tactics in his attempts to remove the Grass Roots Oyate, refused to recognize the state of emergency, denied charges that he is biased towards the OTC, and revoked funding for the Tribal Police supposedly because of alleged narcotics sales and lack of follow-up, not because of the takeover of the Red Cloud Building. He has also withheld publication of the draft of the first audit completed.

So why did the Grass Roots Oyate occupy the tribal offices of the Red Cloud Building? It was through a strong desire to make things right for the people of Pine Ridge. They came to protect the files ultimately which will prove Wesley "Chuck" Jacobs' culpability of gross mismanagement of tribal funds. They also came to take a stand against corrupt OTC members. Initially only a few of their demands appeared in a Press Release. As reported in a release dated January 31, they included: the immediate permanent removal of Wesley "Chuck" Jacobs as Tribal Treasurer; a full forensic audit of all governmental fund types conducted by an independent auditing firm; and the confiscation of all records, computer disks, computer equipment, office keys, etc. from Mr. Jacobs' office in the Red Cloud Building, (sic) as well as any tribal property from his home(s) pending a federal grand jury investigation. More demands surfaced as time has passed, bringing the total to nine. The two mentioned as an addition to the above include the suspension of OTC members until they can be permanently removed by a vote as well as an audit of the BIA land office. On February24, 2000, it was noted that Salway suspended 13 Councilmen without pay because of violations as noted in the Press Release:

1. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Council representatives created an over expenditure of their budget effecting the General Fund.

2. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Constitutional violation:

a. By resolution #84-39: The Council will not get involved in day-to-day operation; reaffirm by Ordinance #94-12 states that, "a standing committee is advisory in nature." Making administrative decisions that created disallowable costs place
programs in high-risk status.

b. Violation of Oglala Sioux Tribe Constitutional Article IV Salaries Section 1:

"The salaries and expense payments of the councilmen and other officers of the Oglala Sioux Tribe may be paid out of available funds to the Tribe in accordance with the ordinance duly enacted, provided that no Council shall enact any ordinance increasing the salaries per diem payment of councilmen during their existing term in office." and:

1. The refusing to abide by Council Action and Oglala Sioux Tribal Ordinance Drug Testing by hair follicle.

2. Tribal Council Representative under HHS Line Item spent dollars that have never been deposited by the Indian Health Service. The General Fund has been used for this line item.

3. Vehicle Maintenance Line Item was taken out of the General Fund dollars.

4. Illegal hiring and firing by Council; violating the Ordinance of Oglala Sioux Tribe Personnel Policy and Procedures.

5. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Council operating without an approved direct cost budget; the Indirect Cost Budget and General Fund Budget, which created no check and balance for expenditure of these funds.

6. The violation of their indirect cost provision for Oglala Sioux Tribe Council Representative.

7. Due to the fact that a budget was not approved for the General Fund, thus placing 22 BIA Program Contracts in "high risk" status.

8. The Council Representatives have put a severe financial strain on the Oglala Sioux Tribe's already crippled accounting system, due to over-expenditures.

The Grass Roots Oyate have accomplished some of what they set out to do by the six week mark: the suspension of Jacobs as well as the 13 Councilmen noted as charged above, and the commencement of a partial audit.

In spite of the suspension, Jacobs continues to use tribal funds as he sees fit, and acts as if no suspension is in place. He has withdrawn money so he and others could travel to Washington D.C. to speak with Gover. He has continued to call illegal meetings, most of which have been aimed at removing the Grass Roots Oyate from the Red Cloud Building. He is still ignoring the elders and others instead providing for himself and a select few. Jacobs has also been quoted as saying, "'...if I go down, they all go down,' referring to the Tribal Council." He has tried to protect his retirement earnings and himself. Furthermore, he has tried to take credit for actions for which he is not responsible in an attempt to make himself look good. One such example mentioned was expecting to acquire appreciation for the firewood which was sent to the Prairie Island Dakota Reservation in Minnesota, something which Salway did. He has also tried to blame Salway for the takeover of the Red Cloud Building.

In the meanwhile, the Grass Roots Oyate have experienced some positive actions in terms of their occupation. First of all, the FBI began confiscating records soon after they took over the administrative offices of the Red Cloud Building. The FBI came the day after the occupation to take testimony, and confiscated the first of the financial records to be seized on January 17 and 18. It was difficult to retrieve files from Jacobs' office which was strongly secured. They confiscated more records as noted on February 8. On March 8, subpoenas were issued by agents from the Office of the Inspector General, which resulted in the confiscation of Housing Authority Payroll Records. As a result of this, more charges against the Council and Jacobs are expected.

This takeover of the Red Cloud Building was the last resort left to the Grass Roots Oyate since they had exhausted all other avenues to remove the corrupt Council members from office. Also, they came to put a halt to "long-term gross misconduct and mismanagement of federal funds allocated to the members of the Tribe" as reported in the Press Release of January 27, and to protect the financial files in the office. From the beginning they have been supported by others on the reservation, such as the Tribal Police, the Seven Fires Council (traditionalists from the seven bands of Sioux), and other tribes observing their actions, hoping to learn from them how to deal with the corruption on their reservations. During this occupation they have also decided not to make payments accrued by the OTC or their salaries. They base these actions on an oath Council members take to uphold the Oyate Constitution. Article I, Section 7 was cited as the cause. It states: "It shall be the duty of the tribal council and each member thereof to promote the general welfare of the Sioux of this reservation and to carry out the provisions and purposes of this constitution and by-laws." Another article stated from the Oyate Constitution was Article IV, Section 1:

"the salaries and expense payments of the councilmen and other officers of the Oglala Sioux Tribe may be paid out of available funds of the tribe in accordance with ordinances duly enacted, provided that no council shall enact any ordinance increasing the salaries or per diem expense payments of councilmen during the existing term of office."

Both of these provide sound reasoning for the Grass Roots Oyate's actions regarding these payments. On top of all this, Salway called a state of emergency on March 10, deeming it necessary "'to safeguard the sovereignty of this Nation in the face of immediate danger brought by serious financial and administrative mismanagement and malfeasance by certain officers and members of the Tribal Council, resulting in the freezing of all federal program funds, and for other just causes.'"

In spite of the constant attempts to thwart the work of the Grass Roots Oyate by Jacobs, Gover, and others, they have stood firm on their right to act as they have. Repeated over and over throughout the Press Releases is the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, giving them immunity. This supersedes the present tribal government, especially because of the rampant corruption present. The present tribal government is based on that as stipulated by the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act, admittedly which was formed as "a slow, silent form of genocide." It also makes tribes depend on the government while oppressing them at the same time. The Grass Roots Oyate want to return to a more traditional government which is more amenable to the needs of all the people of Pine Ridge, not just a select few in power. They want a 21 member Council. According to the description in a Press Release dated February 11, this system would "reaffirm and reestablish the alliance and allegiance to one another. The council is governed by an appointed headsman from each tiospaye (extended family). Decision-making shall be determined and conducted according to traditional Oglala Lakota customs and laws." This would bring them back to living a simpler way of life where there would not be the present existing generation gap. Plans are already being made to revamp the tribal government in Pine Ridge. Already Dean Cycon who is a constitutional attorney has agreed to offer his services to aide in accomplishing this goal. This process should begin in the next couple weeks.

As time passes during this peaceful occupation, more have felt free to come forward to talk with those occupying the Red Cloud Building. Some included are the youth of the reservation. This was reported on February 24. Some of the opinions that they voiced included their concern about the mismanagement of funds as seen on the financial ledgers, the hardships they face on the reservation, and the fact that some turn to gangs as a result of the hardships faced here. They also voiced a concern about wanting to learn the traditional ways, something which seems to have been cut off due to the present form of government. All on the reservation know that they can go to the Red Cloud Building and not be turned away. This became evident on February 28 when the Grass Roots Oyate began hanging the "eagle feather and prayer flags of the six direction colors" instead of the US flag, knowing that the elders could feel at peace while in the Red Cloud Building. This made it known to everyone that no one need go hungry or without when entering the Red Cloud Building. Also it is responsible for bringing a sense of peace to the Press Release.

Towards the end of March, statements of fact were made public. The information presented was rather disturbing though expected. Some examples of the information released from the March 28 Statement of Facts include information about the audits, money paid out to Council members as well as amounts of over expenditures of the 1999 budget apparently which was not monitored too carefully. The facts from March 30 provide even more information regarding the results of the audit, noting that a draft was made public this day. All of this must have Jacobs thinking because it was after this was made public that he admitted to some financial problems regarding tribal funds on April 5. Still it appears that he was issuing money to different individuals after admitting this.

Yes, the Grass Roots Oyate have been justified in their actions. Even though many obstacles have entered their path since their peaceful occupation of the Red Cloud Building on January 16, 2000, still they have persevered, standing strong in their convictions. The evidence found in the audits completed on the confiscated financial records have demonstrated their right to stand up against corruption at all levels, and demand justice for all. They continue to provide a model for other tribes to follow while combating the same kind of problems. They do have the right to challenge the rampant corruption. They do have the right to stand up for their people. They do have the right to initiate change for the welfare of all. They have taken on the responsibility to uphold their values and beliefs. They have stood up for all. They stay in the Red Cloud Building with no weapons other than that of prayer. They have said all along that they will remain until Jacobs is removed and a new government is formed. They will meet their goals. The Grass Roots Oyate are to be commended for their hard work, and for the risks they are taking for the good of all in Pine Ridge. They are on the road towards a new beginning which will positively affect all members of the tribe. They will win.