"the People's Paths!" NAIIP News Path! - Camp Justice/White Clay March & Pow Wow

'Wopila' to the Viet Nam Veterans
"And to all who Marched for Justice."

White Clay Update from Tom Poor Bear
the People's Voice ~ Wednesday, June 13, 2001

I would like to offer a big "Wopila" to the Viet Nam veterans and all others who came from the Four Directions to join us in unity for our White Clay March For Justice. This march, and your presence, opened the eyes of the world and the State of Nebraska to the fact that we are still seeking Justice for the murders of Wally and Ron and all the other unsolved murders of Indigenous Peoples.
I was very honored that the Oglala Lakota Viet Nam Veterans Association gave me the honor of carrying the Red Feather Society staff even though I am not a Viet Nam veteran. The Red Feather (an eagle feather) is analogous to a Purple Heart. When a soldier is wounded he receives a Purple Heart. When a warrior goes into battle and returns home he receives a Red Feather for blood shed for his people. I felt very honored to lead the march carrying this staff.
Approximately 400 people joined us for the march. The Lakota people, and their allies from other Nations, came in from the North. The Nebraskans for Peace came in from the South. We joined in a circle in the center of White Clay. Our joining sent a powerful message of unity.
We then unveiled a plaque which memorializes Wilson Wally Black Elk, Jr. and Ron Hard Heart. The plaque reads:

In memory of
Wilson Wally Black Elk, Jr.
and
Ron Hard Heart,
two Lakota brothers
who gave the ultimate sacrifice
so their people will have the strength
to stand up and seek justice
for themselves
and the future generations.

Camp Justice

For more information contact:
Tom Poor Bear, phone: 605-462-6662
Related path:
Contact Information for Camp Justice ~ Pine Ridge/Whiteclay
Authorized Information and Donation Sources'