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Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 13:34:04 -0500
From: Mike Wicks <Mike.Wicks@MINDSPRING.COM>
Organization: American Indian Cultural Support
Subject: OST Critic Speaks Out - Lyman Red Cloud
via: FIRST_NATIONS@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM

Subject: [Camp_Justice] OST Critic Speaks Out - Lyman Red Cloud
     Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 10:13:44 -0700
     From: "Sandra Matchen" <cle@onlinecol.com>
        To: "Camp Justice One List" <Camp_Justice@onelist.com>

From: "Sandra Matchen" <cle@onlinecol.com>
Lyman Red Cloud -- OST Critic Speaks Out to Supporters:
February 28, 2000

Our family and friends have received many spoken words of concerns against the
Oglala Grass Roots Oyate (OGRO), particularly the Spokespeople for our group,
who have been speaking as leaders and representatives of the elders and
supporters occupying the Red Cloud Tribal Building in protest of IRA government
and much corruption on our homelands here.

I also understand that questions have been asked of my father (Chief Oliver Red
Cloud) and the OGRO elders and leaders that haven't been addressed or
acknowledged.

First, to list the concerns that are coming from many sources and areas:

1. Concerns that the OGRO spokespersons have not answered questions and
correspondence addressed to the Traditional Oyate in letters of concern and
areas of communication. Also, many people who served the people before the
takeover have reported that they are not getting many of their phone messages,
although they are still getting paid to do their jobs.

2. Concerns that the Spokespersons have acted in secrecy on many occasions, and
without full consensus of the OGRO, raising questions of the honor of their
actions.

3. Concerns or fear that bad actions and decisions made while under the prayers
and protection of Sacred Canupa could cause harm, even death to those around.

4. Concern that the Spokespersons have offended people, in public, including
racial and bigoted remarks against persons of different skin color, or ideas, or
their opinions, and by doing so we are showing disrespect to the OGRO elders and
supporters, whom we depend on to help us.

5. Concern that the spokespersons brag publicly, through radio and internet that
we let women and children walk in a snow storm to attend and address the OGRO
council.

6. Concern that the Spokespersons are not acting in leadership on behalf of ALL
our traditional people, who are being oppressed, for whose benefit the Red Cloud
Tribal building is being occupied.

7. Concern that the Spokespersons, through their communications with our
supporters are trying to take credit for the actions of many, instead of
addressing issues, creating unity and an economic sovereignty plans to care for
our people equally and justly.

8. Concern that the Spokespersons have released misinformation, particularly on
the radio and the Internet, and do not follow up on the information given on our
behalf, therefore confusing and irritating many of our supporters, who are and
have spent much time, money and resources, on our behalf, advocating to see our
people succeed.

9. That the Spokespersons have compared our struggles to a "Soap Opera"
setting.  Reality being that this is serious matter and should be addressed as
professionally as possible. Many have expressed this as being most disrespectful
toward walking traditionally as we are trying to do here.

10. The questions of credibility of the Spokespersons have been mentioned to me
many times. Particularly, past and present deeds have been questioned.
Spokespersons' ties with others, well known within our society of being plagued
with accusations of exploiting our people and working with the government
officials and media, to cause dissension, confusion and distraction among our
people by finger pointing and accusations of murder and treason against others
with no proof.

11. The questions of credibility of Wild Horse acting as our Spokesperson on the
list he maintains. We have been questioned many times on this matter. Also,
concern has been expressed that Wild Horse is building a network of supporters
of our people, yet my family nor others involved in the occupation have received
a copy of any comments, conflicts, etc., on our behalf. Members of Camp Justice
and AIM have expressed concern that the group will not post Camp Justice news
releases on the official OGRO in it's entirety as it was sent to us.  I am a
organizer helper of Camp Justice.

12. Concern that the OGRO Spokespersons are speaking for my father, Chief Oliver
Red Cloud, who is the leader of the OGRO.  Our family has publicly stated and
had asked Sandra Matchen to post the fact, which was done, that no one speaks
for the Chief unless they go through a trusted family member, as my father is
hard of hearing and doesn't always understand what is being said.

13. Concerns as to whether OST President Harold Salway can be trusted in light
of the fact ... that it is by a leaders' decisions, for which they are
judged...  People have addressed the fact that during the Presidential visit and
the weeks of unrest, President Salway did not take a stand against the IRA
Government on behalf of our Traditional Society which he serves. Reports are
that he did not return phone calls or address those who questioned his actions
by making the presidential visit another handout, instead of addressing the
issues we have been forced to do through the OGRO.

14. Concern from our brothers and sisters in prisons, and their families, of
being unable to reach those within Tribal Office who have been advocating and
helping to fund these most important programs for them. They report they have
not heard from anyone in the OGRO Leadership as to how their issues are going to
be addressed as many project deadline dates are quickly approaching.

15. Concerns about other ongoing humanitarian programs, and questions whether
people are suffering worse now than before..

16. Concerns for knowing who to trust in leadership, those who are always there
when our people need them, those who stand up for our inherent rights of our
traditional Oyate.

17. Concern that the OGRO does not become an oppressor or dictatorship or that
our Sacred Canupa is never held hostage or abused.

18.  Latest concern is the public threats made to a OGRO active supporter on the
latest OGRO press release.  These concerns should have been addressed through
me, as I am the one that called Councifire to give instructions to post my
fathers address.  I did this, because people forget my father is the elder
leader of the OGRO.  In light of the inexperience of the spokespersons, and
their track record in the communications and financial areas, and the fact that
others have requested to send items to my fathers attention, is the reason I
asked them to post the information.  Everyone knows that my father has great
compassion for our people.

These actions against Councilfire.com may result in 6,000-10,000 Internet
viewers a day losing their ability to keep abreast of the current, day-to-day
events of the Red Cloud Tribal Building Occupation. These viewers not only
include students, educational institutes, non-profit organizations, and over 100
countries who had expressed a willingness to help, but state and federal
agencies as well. Many people have stated to Councilfire.com that they do not
utilize the website maintained by Wild Horse, because they feel the press
releases are too editorialized and stray from the actual facts with personal
opinions and disrespect.

On behalf of the Oglala Oyate and many Traditional Oyate and supporters who
depend on me to speak Truth, I step forward to offer my assistance in
understanding and communication to help us succeed. I am known here among our
people for standing against the oppressor, as I have demonstrated in serving
continuously since 1976, 11 Oglala Chairman, OST Sergeant at Arms and OST 5th
member of the Executive Committee, and OST Critic. As the Oyate Critic, I must
see both sides, to help our people obtain the end result, but must base my
opinion and decisions on what I believe to be in the best interest of the OST. I
serve the Oglala Oyate and it is my intent to continue to help our people
through this, in any way I can.

This is a most important time for us if we want traditional people to survive
and succeed by claiming what is rightfully ours. Many people are standing for
us.  Oglala people are known as warriors.

We will be addressing the questions above, some have already been answered. As
to who to trust in elected leadership, those who will stand strong for the
protection of Traditional Oyate and our agenda, I offer the following roll call
as I see it stands today.

YES - for Traditional Government and our agenda to protect and preserve the
inherent rights and traditions of our people.

NO - is those against us and wish to continue materialistic control of the IRA
(Indian Reorganization Act) government   which is totally against our
traditions.

At this time:
President: Harold Salway - Yes
Vice President: Wilbur Between Lodges - No

District Council Leaders:
Wounded Knee: Mike Her Many Horses - No
Wounded Knee: Emmett Kelly - No
Eagle Nest: Ruth Brown - Yes
Eagle Nest: Blaine Little Thunder - Yes
Pass Creek: Pete Richards - No
LaCreek: Craig Dillon - No
Wakpamni: Bob Red Owl - Yes
Wakpamni: Maxine Lakota - No
Medicine Root: Taylor Little White Man -Yes
Medicine Root: Manuel Fool Head: No
Porcupine: Marlin Moon Weston - No
Porcupine: Phillip Good Crow - No
White Clay: Paul Little - No
White Clay: Floyd Brings Plenty - No
Pine Ridge: Darwin Bogie Carlow - Yes
Pine Ridge: Gerold Jump Big Crow - No
Pine Ridge - G. Wayne Tapipo - No

Our family and friends must stand by, and put our trust in those who are proven,
honorable leaders and those who stand to support us.

We thank the brave true warriors, who have expressed their concern, as many have
been struggling on our behalf for years.

We give honor to those who bravely stepped forward for Truth and Justice
throughout our struggles. We offer prayers and honor to those who have fought
and died for us, those who are not here to give us council.

I have spoken with Wild Horse to inform him that he does not represent or speak
for the Lakota Oyate. Chief Oliver Red Cloud and Traditional Elders of this
movement are our leaders and we are accepting council from many sources. I have
called Waking Dove and Lightowl at the Councilfire web site, and asked Walking
Eagle Network to post this letter for us.

This grass roots efforts on behalf of our traditional people must survive, and
many people are prepared to give their lives on our behalf. To survive, our
respected Traditional people, known for their leadership and compassion, should
step forward and take on leadership roles on behalf of our people. We must
implement our plans. We must continue the fight against genocide, against
oppression....for our people, for our freedom. We can work together to achieve
our dreams and our freedom. We can work with and listen to all nations and
people. We can see our dreams and efforts really be a benefit to our nation.

I will be here for those who have asked me to. My family has asked Sandra
Matchen, of the Walking Eagle Network (WEN) advocacy group to help me compose
and post my words. Our family supports her and Councilfire.  They have provided
the Whispers in the Wind - Reflections Web Site for this platform. I have asked
them, Waking Dove and Lightowl, to send me all correspondence on the Internet in
regards to past and present important issues and matters affecting our people
being discussed or has happened on the Internet.  Evidently, what has been
received and posted on our behalf has not been shared with the entire OGRO.

We will be here at the Tribal Building, which is under the protection of the
prayers to Sacred Canupa, Spiritual Leaders, warriors and supporters, and
welcome all who wish to help us on our most important and history making
efforts.

Offers of Prayers and Guidance should never be turned away from. I stand with
you my brothers and sisters, against oppressions, against genocide, and for the
Unity and success of our Traditional people and our inherent way of life.

Respectfully submitted,
Lyman Red Cloud

Red Cloud
P.O. Box 846
Pine Ridge, SD  57770
Lyman or Teresa Red Cloud: 605-867-2713 or 605-867-1915 or 605-867-5821
 

Support the Oglala Grass Roots Oyate
Support Camp Justice
Standing Strong for our survival and success!!!!

Submitted to Councilfire.com by: Sandra Matchen (Lakota) Native American
Advocate, Walking Eagle Network (Advocacy Group) Grasshopper Chippewa)
Assistant, Native American Advocate

These posts belong to all people.

http://www.aics.org/justice/camp.html
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