Tetuwan Oyate

Rosebud

Fort Pec

March 14, 2000

For many years, the Tetuwan Oyate has struggled for the aboriginal rights of the Lakota Nation including compliance with treaties and the recognition of the traditional government of the people. The imposition of the Indian Reorganization Act tribal councils has always been viewed as an effort to destroy a race of people. Preservation of the Lakota Nation and the lifeways of the Tetuwan Oyate are dependent upon a return to the traditional, sovereign governance under the Natural Law by our chiefs, councils and societies.  The Tetuwan Oyate therefore supports the occupation of the tribal council offices at Pine Ridge by our leaders and elders.

Since 1984, the struggle for Lakota sovereignty has been carried to international forums by the Tetuwan Oyate (Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council).  This strategy was approved by the traditional elders and treaty descendants of the Tetuwan Oyate in order to seek true justice from the world family of nations under the United Nations and the World Court.  It is believed that only through these efforts can our Lakota people find relief from the oppression of the United States federal system.  We are not a nation within a nation.  We are a nation protected by international law and we file our grievances internationally and through the United Nations.

On March 21, 2000, we are convening a meeting in order to discuss possible strategies and methods designed to encourage and support the occupation of the Pine Ridge tribal council offices. Representatives of Rosebud, Cheyenne River and Crow Creek will attend in support of the traditional Tetuwan Oyate.  Also, at this meeting representatives of the American Indian Law Alliance will offer suggestions and receive input on possible assistance to the occupation with an emphasis on international intervention. With the intention of replacing the Indian Reorganization Act tribal council with the traditional system of government of the Tetuwan Oyate, these strategies will hopefully help in a peaceful resolution to the occupation.  The occupation is an historic attempt to assert the sovereignty of the Lakota Nation and it is our duty to support it.

 Strategy Meeting

When:                   March 21, 2000, 10:00 a.m.

Where:                  Pine Ridge Grass Roots Oyate Takeover

Information:          605-867-5938