Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Oglala, South Dakota - The Lakota Student Alliance and the American Indian Movement Support Group of Kansas are honored to announce the 2nd Annual Commemoration of Healing for the Incident at Oglala.

On June 26th, 1975 agents Ron Williams and Jack Coler of the Federal Bureau of Investigation entered the property of the Jumping Bull family in Oglala, South Dakota. A firefight between the agents and members of the American Indian Movement camped on the property, ensued which left both these agents and AIM member Joe Stuntz Killsright dead. It also left AIM member Leonard Peltier falsely incarcerated for the murders of Williams and Coler as well as escalating the fear and intimidation already present on the Pine Ridge Reservation. What has become known as the Reign Of Terror was only boosted by these events.

June 26th, 2001 marks the 26th anniversary of these tragic events and the 2nd anniversary of commemorations of healing for all those involved.

Therefore, we invite the family members of Joe Stuntz Killsright, Leonard Peltier, the American Indian Movement, the entire Indian Nations and, most importantly, all the survivors and family members effected by the Reign of Terror (1973-1976) to come together in Oglala, South Dakota for this healing that must continue in order for us to progress.

The Commemoration will begin at sunrise with ceremonies led by Lakota Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe. A memorial walk from the Jumping Bull property to the cemetary where Joe Stuntz Killsright and Anna Mae Pictou Aquash are buried will take place directly after the beginning ceremonies. Upon our return to the Jumping Bull property, ceremonies of healing will take place and guest speakers will share their feelings and thoughts.

The guest speakers include American Indian Movement co-founder, Dennis Banks; AIM Grand Council Member and President of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media, Vernon Bellecourt; Wounded Knee (1973) Veteran, Doc Rosen; AIM, Leonard Peltier Defense Committee member and Reign of Terror Survivor, Jean Day; Author of Wisdomkeepers and Editor of Leonard Peltier's autobiography, Prison Writings, My Life is My Sundance, Harvey Arden; and Leonard Peltier's daughter, Marquetta Peltier.

In the evening hours a free concert for the youth and awareness will take place at the Loneman School Gym in Oglala, South Dakota. Performers for this concert include MicMac Songstress, Donna Augustine; Native American Music Award Winner, Wayquay; Apache Hip-Hop artist, Redsoul; and long-time activist and folk singer Jim Page. More performers for the concert will be announced as they become available.

For more information on the Oglala Commemoration please contact, Andy Mader, by phone 785-235-9558 or send an e-mail to: AIM2daBone@redpride.com or shadow_chaser316@hotmail.com