Guest Commentary from Della Eastman
Copyright © 2000 Eastman
On 8-17-00 at Sisseton Wahpeton, Della Eastman takoyate duda Camp justice descendants of Little Crow in alliance with Alfred Bone Shirt, Francis Zephyr Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Human Rights Coalition and the Ihanktonwan Grass Roots Oyate, AIM and White Swan descendants Camp held a peaceful march on the Sisseton courthouse and BIA and protested against racism, discrimination, unsolved and uninvestigated murders, dual justice system, hate crimes, Indian and Non-Indian government corruption, the JDC (Juvenile detention Center) and crimes against humanity.PROFILE OF TWO DEATHS...TWO SENTENCES In late May of 1999, Mark Appel, a white man under the influence of alcohol struck what he says he thought was a deer with his vehicle... what he struck, was Justin Redday , a Sisseton tribal member. He backed up to the form in the road and picked up the bleeding form of Justin (at this point stating he thought he was one of those test dummies) and threw his breathing bleeding split open body into the back of his pickup, then drove around for the next three hours before finally taking Justin to the hospital in Fargo. By this time Justin was dead. Mark Appel pleaded guilty and received 30 days in jail, a $330 dollar fine and a suspended driver's license.
Melanie Sea Boy, under the influence of alcohol, drove into the vehicle occupied by Don Enderson, a white National Guard member killing him instantly. Melanie was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
We protest against Henry Cameron, Sheriff Long, Robert County Court to hold these officials responsible for using political power to show favoritism and white washing of the Mark Appel crime.
We will continue to protest and let the world know that we will no longer tolerate these unequal and inhumane acts against all indigenous people and that these officials be removed for their neglect and failure to uphold the law.
These were some of the issues we remind tribal and BIA officials. When they turn their backs on their people that trust them, they are beating down and oppressing, and that only cowards stand behind their desks and political power. BIA's incompetence is devastating to all indigenous people, our land, water, resources and humanity. They need to open their hearts and minds to see how much they are hurting their people.
During our protest, Martha Renville, we found was running for tribal office came and was belligerent to us. She defended the corruption and officials. This is a typical reaction of a guilty person.
On September 4, 2000 we will unite once again to protest and march at a Sisseton Council Meeting to address these issues.
From: Della Eastman takoyate duda Camp justice descendants of Little Crow, in alliance with Alfred Bone Shirt, Francis Zephyr Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Human Rights Coalition and the Ihanktonwan Grass Roots Oyate, AIM and White Swan descendants Camp
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For more information contact: Frances or J.L. (Zeph) Zephier, phone: 605-384-5945 Email: John Zephier, ishnajin@webtv.net |