Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Our first march and rally for justice organized by the the D/L/N Human Rights Advocacy Collation and the Ihanktonwan Grassroots Oyate happened Tuesday, July 11, 2000. We marched for Human Rights of all Indigenous people. We wish to thank the Argus Leader for the excellent media coverage and pictures they provided for our first march and rally. The strong and dedicated were patient and understanding and helped us as we became organized to start the march. Thanks to everyone who helped and participated, especially all the youth.

We will march everyday starting at 1.00 p.m. from Lake Andes Pow-wow grounds to the Charles Mix County Courthouse, until we have justice!!! We no longer will accept these godless, lawless and inhumane acts against all Ihanktonwan Grassroots Oyate and all Indigenous people

NO MORE POLICE BRUTALITY, RACISM, DISCRIMINATION, TRIBAL CORRUPTION, UNSOLVED, UNINVESTIGATED MURDERS, RACIAL PROFILING and DUAL SYSTEM OF JUSTICE. We are calling to the WORLD for protection from these ASSAULTS against humanity itself, therefore it begins in the hearts of all mankind to make this change happen.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Right and Dr. Mary Frances Berry has a direct line of communication with President Clinton. President Clinton signed a " STOP LAKOTA ETHNIC CLEANSING" banner. Does he support this or was it just a publicity act?. Dr. Berry said that "Something will be done this time", but things have only gotten worse. Is that direct line too busy or are these words spoken in vain? Our children, women, men, elders, lands, waters, and resources are being snuffed out everyday. Piece by piece we are being dismantled. We are living in an INSTITUTE of RACISM, and crimes against us are getting more horrendous, because everyone allows it to continue.

We are STANDING STRONG on behalf of our people. We are coming together and fighting the sabotage and corruption. President Clinton and officials aren't responding and we are now calling for the WORLD to aid us in our time of DISTRESS.

Mitakuye Oyasin!
(all my relations)
Tokja Ake!

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