Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

CAMP JUSTICE, Oglala Lakota Nation, South Dakota:

On July 4, 1999, the Oglala Lakota Nation declared it's independence with the development of CAMP JUSTICE. 16 days later, the encampment remains; gaining National and International support and recognition in it's efforts to find justice for the Oglala Lakota Oyate (people).

CAMP JUSTICE will continue to exist until justice is served and our demands are met with Federal and Nebraska state officials. The CAMP and the WALK FOR JUSTICE are reminders to the Nation and the State of Nebraska that we must not forget the brutal murders that have taken place in and around Whiteclay, Nebraska:

Wally Black Elk, Ron Hard Heart, Martin Young Bull Bear, Francis Thunder Hawk, Rich Big Crow, Little John Means, Thomas Twiss, Don Bordeaux, Dennis Cross, Raymond Yellow Thunder, and others.

Representatives for CAMP JUSTICE provided the Federal and state officials with the following list of demands for justice:

           1. Demand a full and complete investigation on all human and civil rights violations which have occurred in Sheridan County, NE since the legalized hanging of Lakota people ceased, to the present day murders of Martin Bull Bear, Ron Hard Heart, Wally Black Elk, Little John Means, and many others.

           2. Immediate closure of all alcohol establishments in White Clay until a license is issued by the Secretary of the Interior or his representative. See 1904 Presidential Executive Order.

           3. Return of original designated Pine Ridge Agency lands (which includes Whiteclay, NE) as noted in the 1868 Treaty with the U.S. Government.

           4. Creation of a permanent Civil Rights Office in Sheridan County, NE to address human and civil rights violations against indigenous Lakota people.

           5. Immediate removal of Sheridan County Sheriff Terry Robbins for cover-up of Deputy Randy Metcalf's criminal activities against indigenous Lakota people.

           6. Establish a law requiring data collection on all traffic stops to include state, county, and municipal law enforcement to record the race of every motorist they stop. See North Carolina law.

On July 10, 1999, on the WALK FOR JUSTICE, eviction notices were posted on four alcohol establishments and 1 grocery store in the controversial village of Whiteclay, NE. Treaty law states that alcohol cannot be sold within the proximity of an Indian Agency. Pine Ridge Agency is a dry reservation. To date, there are 20 days left to vacate the premises. Appropriate measures will be taken if these business owners fail to comply. Organizers are calling for an ECONOMIC BOYCOTT of Nebraska retailers until demands are met.

Recently, rumors indicated that CAMP JUSTICE was shutting down. On the contrary, the Camp will remain until justice prevails! Additionally, organizers say they will continue the WALK FOR JUSTICE every Saturday until justice is served.

This release will serve as an open invitation encouraging all Spiritual Leaders, Clergymen, Alcohol/Drug Treatment/Prevention Programs, OST Dept. of Public Safety, OST Council Representatives, concerned citizens of Nebraska, M.A.D.D., etc. to join the WALK FOR JUSTICE to bring national awareness of the ethnic cleansing that is taking place in this border town called Whiteclay, NE. The next march is scheduled for July 24, 1999 at Bill Mills Hall in Pine Ridge Village. The march will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by a peaceful rally in Whiteclay, NE.