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LaFRAMBOISE ISLAND, PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA - On March 25, 2000, a celebration was held on LaFramboise Island, Pierre, South Dakota to commemorate the year-long occupation of the island by the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota nations. The spiritually-based Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) Camp began March 22, 1999 in protest of recent violations of the Fort Laramie Treaties of 1851 and 1868.

        The latest violation was the passing last year of a federal law (commonly referred to the Mitigation Act) that would transfer approximately 130,000 acres along the Missouri River from federal government management to the state of South Dakota and two of the seven tribal band of the Great Sioux Nation.

        Members from eight South Dakota reservations were invited to the March 25 day-long celebration to reaffirm their commitment as Lakota people to the opposition of this and other legislation that ignores treaty agreements. The celebration began with a prayer ceremony and smoking of the sacred pipe, and was followed by honoring ceremonies during which recognition was given to the young warriors who have stayed to keep the sacred fire burning, as well as to the elders and various camp supporters who have given invaluable guidance and aid.

        CPT was recognized by Charmaine White Face, Media Coordinator for the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, for its role in reducing potential and real violence against camp residents and supporters.

        In the afternoon, the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council met to discuss the future of the camp. With five of the eight reservations represented, there was consensus to keep the sacred fire burning as a continuous reminder of the need to uphold nation-to-nation treaty agreements.

        The council also agreed to accept Standing Rock Reservation's offer to begin the process of a court injunction to block construction access to South Dakota on the contested land.

        The meetings concluded with more prayers and with all participants, young and old, shaking hands with each other in a closing circle of recognition and respect. Other significant activities included shared noon and evening meals, traditional drumming and singing, a sweat ceremony, and sharing of presence and stories around the main camp fire.

Members of the March 20-30, 2000 CPT South Dakota Delegation were Rick Polhamus, delegation leader (Fletcher, Ohio), Carl Meyer (Goshen, Indiana), Jacob Liechty (Dublin, Ireland), Carrie Harder (Kitchener, Ontario), John Harder (Kitchener, Ontario), Dorothy Goertz (Goessel, Kansas), and Vern Riediger (Toronto, Ontario).