Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
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PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA - Christian Peacemaker Teams is ending its presence at the Oceti Sakowin Camp on La Framboise Island in South Dakota,following the repeal of the first Mitigation Act and a new focus by the Oceti Sakowin on other treaty issues impacting the Great Sioux Nation.

On Monday, October 4, about 35 people representing seven bands of the Lakota and Dakota kicked off the new focus by meeting Senator Daschle at a boat landing. He was touring the river with South Dakota media. Daschle has instigated most of the legislation which presently challenges the Treaties, and denies the validity of Lakota Treaty rights.

People stood in the fall sun at the boat ramp, holding signs with messages like "Leave our land, you greedy greedy man" and "Mitigation Act is as illegal as the Act of 1889." Across the river, others held a tarp with the painted message, "Stop the Mitigation [Act], Honor the Treaties."

Daschle, Senate Minority Leader avoided looking at the gauntlet of Native American elders and youth on either side until one Lakota lady stepped in front of him. As he shook hands with elders, a Dakota woman, Stella Pretty Sounding Flute, explained the group's concerns about violations of treaty rights and ended, "You should let us walk this land in peace." He responded with a lame, "I appreciate the fact that you feel as strongly as you do. Thanks for coming here today."

On September 30, President Clinton signed a bill which included the repeal of Title VI of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1999, or the Mitigation Act. The repeal was Section 605 of the Energy and Water Development Authorization Act.

Reflecting on the repeal, the media coordinator for the camp, Charmaine White Face, said that prayers for the repeal had been answered. The precise purpose of the camp has been fulfilled. However she added, there are other attacks looming on the Great Sioux Nation's treaties with the U.S. CPT is leaving in part to give space for the campers and the Coalition to develop this new strategy and focus. Besides serving as a deterrent to harassment of the camp by local racists and law enforcement, CPTers have helped campers to think about new possibilities for direct action as part of a nonviolent struggle. They have partnered with supporters of the camp on several public witnesses drawing attention to the violations of treaty rights.

CPT will maintain contact with the camp and its supporters, the Red Earth Coalition, and respond to requests for presence.