Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all of your support and continued commitment to gaining freedom for Leonard Peltier. In two weeks the TWENTY-FIVE YEAR MEMORIAL AND HONORING FOR THE PEOPLE OF OGLALA, A CALL FOR PEACE, FREEDOM, AND RECONCILIATION will occur on Pine Ridge.

If you are attending the June 26 and 27 gathering at Oglala, below is a general protocol for those who have not been to Pine Ridge before. The gathering is being held to mark 25 years since the shoot out occurred. Ceremonies will be done for both Joe Killsright Stuntz and the agents, as well as all who lost their lives during the "reign of terror". There will be a giveaway to honor the people of Oglala as well, and all who are attending are encouraged to bring gifts. If you are not attending, but would like to send a gift ( such as blankets, crafts, tools and utensils) you can send them to our office address: LPDC P.O. Box 583 Lawrence, Kansas 66044 and we will take them to Oglala.

Camping is available at the Lakeside Campground in Oglala, which is Native owned. The phone number is: 605-867-2374. Robert Quiver, the coordinator of the LPSG on Pine Ridge, has put up a site dealing with other logistics for the event.

Visit " Youth Awareness Concert 25th Year Commemoration of Incident At Oglala: Calling for Peace, Reconciliation and Freedom for Leonard Peltier"

Again, we want thank you for your perseverance in supporting Leonard Peltier and we hope to see you this October 27 in Washington D.C., if we do not see you at the gathering on Pine Ridge.

/S/ LPDC

Protocol Honoring the People of Oglala

In most traditional Native societies, "intelligence" is measured by one's ability to learn and understand through observation, rather than one's ability to ask "smart" questions. Always wait until someone is finished speaking before you speak. DO NOT INTERRUPT. Your question may be answered before you know it. Listen more than you speak. Do not question people's reasons for doing things you do not understand. Ceremonies start on time. Please be sure you are respectful by being punctual.

Women, dress modestly. Do not wear short shorts or bare shoulders or tight and revealing clothing. You should wear a dress or a long skirt when attending a ceremony. Also do not attend any ceremonies while on your "moon" (this includes the sweat lodge.) The preparing of food is also taboo while on your "moon". Always ask before taking any pictures. Never take pictures of shrines, ceremonial objects or anything relating to spirituality. Do not exploit the spirituality.

If someone shares traditional knowledge with you, about religion, personal stories, sacred ways, etc., it is for YOU and YOU alone to know (unless otherwise specified). Do not talk or write about it. Always greet everyone with a gentle handshake and a warm hello. Be polite, gentle at all times. Do not be intrusive or challenging in your actions or questions. Do not question people's reasons for doing things you do not understand. There may be some religious significance they do not care to speak about. Do not ask personal questions.

You may encounter racism or resentment. Consider all that Indigenous people have been through and try to understand it. Ignore racism---it may only be a test of your character. Do not be sensitive or defensive about it. Work hard with an open heart-give reason not to be racist.

Do not wander around. Do not travel on the reservation at night. Remember you are on private property. Respect people's privacy. This is their home.

Respect your camp area by keeping your space clean and cleaning behind yourself wherever you go. Do not leave cigarette butts on the ground. Leave your space it better than you found it.

Never use or bring drugs or alcohol to the reservation. Alcohol has been used as a very effective tool for destroying many, many lives and breaking down the spirit and culture.

No weapons of any sort are to be brought on the grounds.