Lakota Indians Break Away From U.S.

"We are no longer citizens of the United States of America and all those who live in the five-state area that encompasses our country are free to join us."

~ Russell Means, Lakota Freedom activist

The Lakota Indians, descendents of the legendary warriors Sitting Bull (above) and Crazy Horse, have withdrawn from treaties with the United States, it’s leaders announced this week.

A delegation of Lakota leaders delivered the message to the State Department on Monday. They announced that they were unilaterally withdrawing from treaties they signed with the federal government of the United States, some of them more than 150 years old. They delegation also visited other nations embassies, including the Bolivian, Chilean, South African and Venezuelan embassies, and are planning to take their diplomatic mission overseas in the coming weeks and months.

The new country would issue its own passports and driving licences, and living there would be tax-free -- provided residents renounce their US citizenship, Means said. Lakota country includes parts of the states of Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.

The activists are calling the old treaties nothing more than "worthless words on worthless paper". They say the treaties have already been nullified as they have already been "repeatedly violated in order to steal our culture, our land and our ability to maintain our way of life," writes the reborn freedom movement. Means says that withdrawing from these treaties is entirely legal.

"This is according to the laws of the United States, specifically article six of the constitution," which states that treaties are the supreme law of the land, he said.

"It is also within the laws on treaties passed at the Vienna Convention and put into effect by the US and the rest of the international community in 1980. We are legally within our rights to be free and independent," said Means.

In September, the United Nations adopted a non-binding declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples -- despite opposition from the United States.

"We have 33 treaties with the United States that they have not lived by. They continue to take our land, our water, our children," Phyllis Young, who helped organize the first international conference on indigenous rights in Geneva in 1977, told the news conference.

The US "annexation" of native American land has resulted in once proud tribes becoming "facsimiles of white people," said Means. He points out the long-going history of oppression at the hands of the US government. Many native Americans have suffered from being confined to small areas and being forced to abandon ancient traditions. Lakota men have one of the shortest life expectancies in the entire world at less than 44 years. Teen suicides are 150% about the norm for the US. Infant mortality is also 5 times the US average. Lakota freedom activists believe this can be largely attributed to the substandard living they involuntarily adopted.

"Our people want to live, not just survive or crawl and be mascots," said Young.

"We are not trying to embarrass the United States. We are here to continue the struggle for our children and grandchildren."

Link:

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iVC1KMTOgwiSoMQyT2LwZc9HyAgA

Comments

[beebs]

if this is true and the indians are going to become a free nation inside US borders, then I'm happy to say that this might be exactly what the US and the Lakota people need to get their heads on straight, in and around the surrounding areas. GOOD FOR THEM! WOOHOO!!!

[DON]

I don't think so beebs. This looks like a very dangerous thing to happen in the US. I think it will open a flood gate for others to divide our great country. We are a multicultural nation living together not divided.This is a bad thing. They need to work with this great nation like everyone else. Wish them luck.

[B.B.]

With all due respect DON, we did steal their land out from under them, murdering many of them in the process, so I don't see why they should have to "work with this great nation like everyone else".

No, I'm not volunteering to move back to Europe and give America back to the Native Americans, but at least I'm willing to acknowledge that the "founding fathers" of this land did not really own it in the first place, or at least not until their guns said so.

Natives have been treated horribly in general and have been nearly completely cut off from the opportunity to carry on their traditional way of life. I believe it's more than legal and fair that they want to govern themselves and form their own nation.

Will it embarrass the US government and cause all kind of debate and complications? Yup. Will it be really weird to have a sovereign nation "inside" another nation. Yup, but the things that Ghandi and Rosa Parks did were also "distrubtive" and "weird" at the time, and yet we're proud of them for it. I'm proud of the Lakota Nation for speaking up.

[Michel]

Maybe something like Nunavut in Canada would be a good compromise.

[John Guerrerio]

These are exciting times we live in; for the example the United States sets for the world in its foreign policy is what they should honor at home.
America has been supporting break-away states in Europe, Africa, and Central Europe as part of their foreign policy for nearly twenty years or more. We support Kosovo's push toward independence, Darfur as a sovereign entity, and numerous states breaking away from Russia. As a country, we disapprove of what China has done in Tibet, and we recently gave $100 million to regions in Bolivia that want to break-away from Morales' new constitution which honors indigenous people; why would this situation with the Lakota People be any different? This is simply the same process repeated here in the US.
Americans support indigenous people's rights abroad, that is, the rights of groups to develop their own culture, police their own people, and defend their homeland; we should have the same conscious awareness to see the same pattern here in our own backyard and honor it. I think it is commendable that the Lakota are seeking international assistance much like Kosovo and Darfur are currently doing. This may, however, cause the United States to withdraw from international bodies such as the United Nations if they impose sanctions and restrictions upon the US for not honoring standards of global human rights. If such is the case, the Lakota may face military aggression as the means for the US to hold on to its territory.
The world is breaking apart, the borders of countries, that is, here in the twentieth century; it is happening across the globe. Why should it be any different here in the United States?

[Mirror Man]

I agree with BB and John; amen. however, I'm also sure that a great many more American people will agree with Don's Philosophy, that this is a bad thing. lord knows how the media will paint this as "the breaking apart of our great nation." never-mind the rights of the indigenous peoples and never mind our own foreign policy.

[phil]

Best thing i have heard of so far. Good for them. I hope it works. I pray to our creator too help them with their progress..

[Heather]

I think it's a terrific display of pride on their part. Let's face it, it may actually be MORE inconvenient for them initially to sever ties with the US but the long-term benefits that may come from this, far outweigh any initial costs. We should be ashamed of ourselves for allowing ANY group of people within our borders to live under such deplorable conditions! Although I am not of Lakota descent, some of my ancestors were members of another native tribe with similar issues. Although it is too late to simply give everything back to the native population, I do believe that every effort should be made to preserve native heritage... and that includes their way of life. Although not every tribe is confined to small reserves with substandard housing, there is a widespread sense of hopelessness about the future combined with a deep sense of loss and shame over the past. Residential schools alone expelled a significant portion of that heritage from my ancestors so that by the time I had questions... barely a thread remained from the original richly-woven tapestry that was our culture. Everything I know about native mythology, I learned by Googling! I cannot imagine the emptiness that remains in the hearts of these people who are of pure native descent-- particularly, their youths! It breaks my heart to know that my predecessors once did everything possible to hide their ancestry. The violation of these treaties between the Lakota and the United States speaks volumes to the international community and undermines the "freedom-laced" propaganda we have been trying to sell to the rest of the world. If we are only interested in exporting freedom, instead of practicing it within our own borders, then perhaps succession is the only means through which the Lakota can acquire freedom for themselves. Clearly, this is a cry for help on their part and under the circumstances, I believe they are justified in taking action. Although it is unlikely that their culture will ever be completely restored, we should do everything possible to support them in this endeavor.

[Keith]

Finally a segment of the America populous stands up with the backbone to acknowledge how bankrupt this government is. Prior US governments have been just sorry, regards their claims as natives people. This one is corrupt, shamefully ignorant, callous to life, and no better.

[TOC]

I think it is a mistake to try to force people to do something that has had a detrimental effect on them.
This "Great Country of Ours" argument is absolutely ludicrous to the Native Americans. I would imagine, from the Lakota point of view, holding out any hope of fair treatment from a state that has wage a genocidal war against them by force of arms then by neglect is tantamount to suicide.

I would think this movement will spread and for good reason.

[DON]

OK maybe a poor choice of words "like everyone else". However they might learn something from the tribes here on the west coast. They have stepped up to preserve thier culture and hold positions in government working with us to do so. They have a gaming industry only allowed for native americans that brings in billions in revenue. Do they keep it all, no. They give back to the community regardless of race or culture, that is american, myself and the majority out here support them 100%. Are they completly satisfied, I think not, but it is step in the right direction. Yes our forefathers went about things in a way we cannot agree with. There lies the problem. No body seems to know how to fix it so everybody is happy. I just think a division of country is not the answer, it has been tried before with bad results. If we could solve it we might not have trouble selling it to the world. As is yes, we look like we are selling a double standard.

[Diane]

There appears to be a great deal of sympathy for the Lakota's, however there also appears to be a tremendous amount of myopic, memory-impairment. I never liked History in school, but I remember that well-worn saying: Those who cannot remember history are condemned to repeat it. If there is truly so much sympathy for these people, then let's try not to repeat history, as the last attempted succession was a long, bloody, horrible, family-splitting disaster. And, as I recall,those who attempted succession were CRUSHED. And their real as well as their personal property was demolished.

The lands of this world have been being colonized for millieniums, with other cultures desiring occupied lands and waring over the possession of the land. The losing army, people, culture or "whatever" either being enslaved, annihilated, assimilated, or in some instances scattered to the four corners of the world (quite literally). This has occurred to the point that many previous cultures of the world can only be identified by few, scattered items that have survived time. If the South was unable to prevail despite its access to ocean ports and the rest of the world, then what chance do these Lakota's have boxed into "parts of Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana". As they will border Canada I am mildly curious why they have not reached out to their "potential" neighbors to the north for aid in this ill-conceived venture. Could it be that they realize Canada prefers to be minding its own business? The United States has not forbidden the teaching of culture in the reservation schools. If culture is disappearing in the tribes, I might suggest looking toward the tribes themselves. The drive for success must come from within. . There are a "Bizillion" perks and "leg-ups" for those United State citizens who have just 10% of "Native American blood".

This is America. If you want to live within its defined borders, you become an American. Being American, by definition (back to history, again, America is a "melting pot") does not need a preface of color nor is it fair to label "Native Americans" as such since I am postitve this country was inhabited by someone prior to the Indian tribes having it. History indicates that a more productive path would be to invest the cost of this "withdrawl" in the people who are so "oppressed" and lengthen their life span, counsel the youth to try and stop teen suicides and generally enrich the day-to-day lives of their people.

[B.B.]

Diane, you are delusional. Are you married to Don? What kind of person writes something like, "The drive for success must come from within" when what you really mean is that they should give up and die or join our forced "melting pot"? Give me a break! You are obviously someone with a very carefree life to think something so arrogant and unrealistic.

Let me guess, no one has ever illegally stolen your land, gone back on hundreds of false promises and murdered generations of your minority family, all while treating your people like an inferior race? Let me guess that you aren't currently being treated like livestock. No, my friends, Don and Diane, opening up casinos and "melting" into the pot is clearly not the solution for the Lakotas, because unlike you two, they have something called self-respect.

The Lakotas "drive for success" is coming from "within" and they're using it to stand up for themselves. Good for them. As for Diane's bloody prophecy, why would their be war? The Lakota are going about it peacefully through diplomacy. Oh yes, you meant that our bloodthirsty government could make it ugly. That's true, but I don't think your average US citizen or the rest of the world would tolerate it.

[DON]

OH OUCH A personal attack? That was mature. I can respect your point of view as much as we differ in our opinions. This is why I posted to this site I never expected this type of a response here. Let's keep it off the playground. As long as my generation is in power I don't see this happening. Most of us have fought for this country and are not willing to let go of it. What about the people that have worked hard to build in these states they want back, I don't think they feel they had anything to do with what is wrong with the Lakota people. Do they just give up all they worked for? It is not simple. I am sure there is a solution to be found at some point in time. As long as prejudices and greedy government exist we will never get past it. We can argue about who had land first all the way back to cavemen, who cares? It will not solve the problem, neither will blaming our ancestors for our current problems. I think we can both agree we need to find a solution. Bottom line it will come to a vote, I am ready to cast mine.

[Catsy]

We are a country divided already. We do not live in peace. I am white, and I just read a website that these Native Americans made up, which says that the "White man has destroyed this world". Racism is rampant in this nation. I will NOT own up to a mistake that my ancestors made, before I was even born. That is not far, nor is it right. Yes, the white man made many mistakes when they came here to America, but it isn't my fault. I recycle, I do what I can to help the environment. And do not try and say that the Native Americans were perfect either, because they HAVE made mistakes. There were many battles before the white man even set foot on American soil, and many women, children, babies, the elderly, and men died at the hands of other native americans. Natives of this country sold the white man their land for trinkets. If you want to lay blame, don't just blame the white man who showed up here. Blame your OWN ancestors who traded pieces of land for a coffee pot or a blanket. Now, I am not saying the white man was perfect, they did terrible things. Putting the natives on small pieces of land called "reservations", and bringing sickness and disease with them to pass on to your ancestors. They were terrible! But the white man is not terrible. Native Americans do a lot of things to hurt this land too. I don't see Natives bike riding or using horses to go places. I see you on the buses, I see you driving cars, I see you eating at fast food places, I see you using our roads that we built, I see you using electricity, I see you going to white doctors and I see your kids asking for the same toys my own white children ask for when Christmas, (which most of you celebrate), comes around. That having been said, I must say that racism, anger, and blame is going to get us no where. Everyone knows what was done to your people was wrong, so don't take it out on the rest of us who would love to right those wrongs. As for you becoming your own country, that sounds good until you think about the fact that this country is AT WAR. If we are a country divided, our people are going to be vulnerable, and so will YOUR PEOPLE. We will put everyone who lives on this land at risk. By doing this, our enemies will know that they can get to us, without much of a fight. For the Native Americans, for now at least, you are better off with the USA than without it. Without it, you will have no army to protect you, which many of your fellow Native Americans are part of our armed forces anyway. Get it?

[Cantz]

There was a war. The indians lost. Get over it already, and integrate into society.

[rdbourdillon]

Catsy: That is a truly an insensitive and uncompassionate thing to say. It's outright ignorant. And this is what it is all about; ignorance. The white people of this country have been ignorant by burying their heads in the sand thinking that they could prosecute the indigenous people and engage in activity that is nothing short of Systematic Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing, just like Nazi Germany and the USSR and China and the Khmer Rouge. You might as well as tell the Jews to get over it. These kind of ignorant comments ignite violence and that is why there is so much violence in the world. Ignorance. People need to open their hearts and minds and increase their capacity for compassion and understanding. If the U.S. Government had properly, and in good faith, negotiated and establish an understanding with the indigenous people, then things would be different now.

beebs: Yes, this is bad and so is Systematic Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing. If this is a Great Nation, then it needs to fix things and it has to use more than "chicken wire bubble gum".

To All: This is not the end. No doubt, other tribes will respond. I'm also appalled that nothing was mentioned on the Campaign trails of the competing Presidential Candidates. They talk about the rights of the African Americans and Illegal Emigrants, and justly so, but nothing of the rights of the American Indians. That is truly disgusting.

[Kevin]

Diane: What perks? Oh yeah, we (personal) get money from the government, get a new vehicle every year... if that was the case we wouldn't be in this mess. US has prevented our, until recently, teaching our culture in school. We were not allowed to speak our language and practice our culture. US is not a melting pot and mentioning that people were here before Natives just makes easier (more justified, less guilty) for you.

Catsy: I agree w/rdbourdillon. I am a Native myself and denying what your ancestors did washes your hands clean? I'm sure you are proud what your father, grandfather... did and North American history started in 1492. Yes, the our country is at war and for what reasons. Yes, quite a lot of Natives are in the armed forces because they are proud of this nation. Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. People living below the poverty line are fighting this war.

Cantz: "The winner writes the history" The US should allow us to integrate but racism/bigotry is still prevalent. As it is we are "wards of the US" but US is giving more money to Israel than honoring its treaties w/in its own borders.

[Nat]

I wish the best of luck to these people. I understand what they are doing and I think they have the right to do it.

[Homer]

Lakota Okaye!

[Magdalena]

Dear Lakota people,
I am with you with all my heart. I hope that one day you will be really free with your own country and land. I don't like USA, they think about themselves as about the best nation in the world. Maybe they are strong economically and military but it is not all. How about Iraq?
Lakota people, if you will need support from polish people you will get it. Don't forget about your graet history - it is your strong and legacy. Stay what you are. One day, I am sure, you will be much better then USA.
With the best wishes.

[Lord Carnage]

I love this country....Although I am not native American I like what the lakotas are doing. I wonder why people (sheeple) feel that its UN-american to disagree with our betters the federal government? These people talk a lot about freedom and our forefathers fighting a tyrannical king 3000 miles away but never mention many of these forefathers owning slaves themselves. Now someone could say "hey many of the slaves were sold by tribe leaders to the slave traders" but really does this ligitimize these actions? What I'm saying is the forefathers were willing to take some chances and even being branded as traitors punishable by death which was extremely brave. Today you ll just be called a crack pot/ignored or UN-american if you become large enough quite possibly disbanded or silenced by the military. Which brings me to my final comment I do like their actions but afraid our masters in dc may syc blackwater or some other mercenary group on them. Dont believe me? Just let any state succeed and youll see just how things really are.But their actions couldnt be any more American to me.

[Adele]

heyy

just wondering how has the white people affected the lakota.

and would you gives me about 3 aspects of lakota before the europeans took over thier lands?

and would you kinda help explain when and how the white people came on the lakota lands.

that would would really a great helpp thank youu