Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

South Dakota - Ihanktonwan Grassroots Oyate, D.L.N. Human Rights Advocacy Coalition, and A.I.M. will continue our march for Justice. Today's Friday, July 14, 2000 Spiritual peaceful march was powerful, because of the (Wankanize or Sacred also) children that marched so hard. I'm passing on words of wisdom from Black Elk, Oglala Lakota, C.1949, "The heart of little children are pure, and therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss." That held true today, our children showed us all endurance, dedication, loyalty, courage and strength of true leadership.

I thank all the Wankanize and all Marchers for their support. Remember, "We do not walk alone, Great being walks beside us. Know this and be grateful." Polingaysi Q. Yawayma, Hope 1964. I thank all the people that are supporting us with their prays and words of encouragement.

All though many could not be there in body, they were there in spirit. Most of all thank you Great Spirit for answering our prayer's, by sending us Alfred Bone Shirt , his wife, and children. Their Strength, Selflessness, Sensitivity, Loyalty, Honesty, Wisdom, Spirituality, Courage, Dedication, and Compassion has given me and many others the ability to March with our hearts, and minds.

We began at the Pow-wow grounds in Lake Andes, where we marched through the housing area. Then to the spot where a Ihanktonwan couple was taken from. They were murdered and 3 months later their bodies were placed 200 yards from where they disappeared from. I received permission from the parents to offer tobacco and pray for answers to who murdered them and why?

We continued onto the Jail, where again we offered tobacco and pray so that the tyrants that hold our people prisoners, have strong hearts and minds. Also prayers of strength for our people locked up and their families that these prisoners of war will be freed with their SPIRIT intact.

The police officer who publicly abused one of our youths by picking him up by the throat and shaking him was charged with simple assault. That is not punishment enough. The officer needs to be charged with child abuse or aggravated assault on a federal level. This is a federal charge. The City Council Officials voted to let him continue to work, which only insults our intelligence.

We the Grassroots people are pushing for removal and federal charges against him. We are calling to all our brothers, sisters, and the world to support us in our movement for Justice and Freedom.

Mitakuye Oyasin!
(all my relations)
Tokja Ake!

Sincerely, Frances Zephier, Secretary of
Dakota/Lakota/Nakota Human Rights Advocacy Coalition,
Ihanktonwan Grassroots Oyate, & A.I.M.