Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

           Historically, racism in all forms has been a fact among Tribal nations in North America and it is devastating to all of its victims. To tribal members wherever they are, racism is a combination of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.

           Historical racism in most instances, carry the attitudes of many white Americans who think they are better than the other. And, for Tribal members it is hard to even exist in society back in the late 1800's.

           In 1862, the largest mass hanging or execution in the history of the United States took place in Mankato, Minnesota. The hanging of 38 Dakota Warriors who defended their homelands was carried out by order of President Abraham Lincoln. After the hanging the U.S. order the arrest of Dakotas who were still free and offered boundaries for their scalps.

           Today, we understand racism from one generation to generation. Racism is like a sore it won't go away.

I carry the burden of my grandparents and their parents as we attempt to live in harmony with those who hate us.

           On July 3, 1986, a Tribal newspaper from the Standing Rock Reservation reported, the Dakota Action Committee based in Grand Forks is actively seeking membership for the K.K.K. Its chairman, Adryan Killean, states that, "Everyone is eligible to join the K.K.K if you are a red-blooded Native American citizen and believe with us." On their recruitment materials it states, "If you are a native born loyal U.S. citizen, 18 years old, a white gentile person of temperate habits, of Christian faith, and believe in white supremacy and American, please fill in below.

           White supremacy in the last few years has been moving closer to Indian country. White supremacist type graffiti, swastika and other signs have been growing on or near reservations nationally. Between 1993 and 1994, the Aryan Nations expanded its operations from three to thirty states.

           The history of White Supremacy is rich and growing in areas of where people of color are in large numbers. Many of us think of the devastating effects of racism very often. We live our lives day after day never thinking about the deep scars that incidents of racism leave.

           Finally, in 1968, the Indian Civil Rights Act, also known as the Indian Bill of Rights, was passed. This law provided for statutory restrictions on tribal governments similar to those found in the Bill of Rights under the U.S. Constitution.

           However, this law has not succeeded in stopping racism or hate crimes generated towards tribal members nationally who supposedly are protected by this 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act. So far it hasn't worked.

           In October 1992, the National Indian Education Association put out a call for action the next 500 years. In the call it ask for a re-validation of U.S. government to government commitments via Constitutional amendment, treaty and / or federal legislation that will ensure the recognition and protection of basic human rights of American Indian and Alaskan Native people which includes the practice of religious freedom, the retention of native languages.

And, in today's society we strive for the best we can to survive and continue the life that our creator has given us to enjoy. We try our best to not allow the laws of the "whiteman" to disturb our livelihood as we live in harmony with all creation.