Cheyenne River Treaty Council calls second all-reservation meeting

EAGLE BUTTE – The Oyate Topa Treaty Council issues an urgent call to action in its invitation to the second Reservation-Wide Meeting on February 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Cheyenne River Motel conference room, 24348 US Hwy 212, Eagle Butte, SD. The Treaty Council’s publicity flyer provided by Oscar High Elk calls this an Emergency Meeting and states, “The peoples’ voice must be heard. …All tribes and walks of life (are) needed.”

The February 19 meeting is a continuation of the first Reservation-Wide meeting hosted by the Oyate Topa Treaty Council on January 29, 2025. All CRST tribal members and allies are encouraged to attend the February 19 meeting whether or not they attended the January 29 meeting. The iyapaha (emcee) for the event is respected Lakota elder Ivan Looking Horse, a member of the Treaty Council.

About one hundred people attended the January 29 meeting, according to Vivian High Elk (Cheyenne River Lakota) of Green Grass, SD. The featured speaker was Jonathon Okute Maza (Mniconjou/Oglala bands, Cheyenne River Lakota) of St. John, MN, an Indigenous activist, journalist, and hip-hop artist. Referring to Maza, High Elk said, “…our young relative shared valuable insight and expertise.”

On January 30, Maza posted the following statement on his Facebook page:

“On January 29, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe community held a significant meeting led by Ivan Looking Horse & The Oyate Topa Treaty Council, who set the stage for an open dialogue on crucial topics affecting our community. The gathering attracted community members & leaders, all eager to engage in discussions that matter deeply to our future. …

“Lance Morris, representative of the StrongHold Treaty Alliance, encapsulated the spirit of the gathering by stating, ‘I have never been around so many Traditional Head Women and Naca (Headsmen) passionately speaking with such love, concern and hope for the people. No politician double talk, only True Speak. An honor to be there. Leaders. Knowledge. Not a Vision anymore, we’re in the time of prophecy.’

“The community meeting was not just a discussion, it was a powerful testament to our shared commitment to our future, our sovereignty, and the well-being of our people. Together, we are forging a path forward, guided by our traditions, values, languages and ancestors!

“When I tell you this meeting reflected the spirit of our ancestors and the unwavering need for accountability and a path of solutions forward…Thank you Vivian High Elk, Harry Wakinya Na, Ardyce Taken Alive, Robin LeBeau, Boabbi Jamerson, Oscar High Elk.”

On January 31, Maza posted on his Facebook page, “It was an honor speaking to my Cheyenne River community. I learned a lot & I am so proud to be of service to these leaders who have spent their whole lives dedicated to our communities! As the Director of TACL (Tribal Anti-corruption League), I am dedicated to Tribal Accountability and Tribal Responsibility in every nation! Our next steps are working with community leaders to document and implement solutions where they need it! Our people are in a state of emergency! WE MUST ACT NOW! Visit: Westernhemisphereindigenousnetwork.com To see our ACTIVE initiatives.”

Maza’s website posts a survey for anyone who attended the meeting: www.nextlevelcollaborations.org/s-projects-side-by-side

The February 19 meeting will address the following topics: treaty rights and treaty enforcement, plans of action, solutions/petitions, tribal council accountability, the Oyate Topa Treaty Council statement, and legal counsel and representation.

A special feature of the February 19 meeting will be the honoring of the Traditional Lakota Whipman, Joseph Lafferty. The publicity flyer for the event states, “Calling all Whipmen.”

The title of Whipman is an important role with a long tradition, according to www.powwows.com. The Lakota word for Whipman is icapsinte, pronounced “ee-chahp-seen-tay.”

In the past, among traditional Lakota, when members of the tribe broke the rules the punishment would be administered by the Whipman.  Among southern plains warrior societies, Whipmen (also called whip bearers or whip carriers) have been documented to be among the society officers or positions of authority. Historically, during the warrior society dance ceremonies, the man or men holding the position of Whipman were the custodians of the dance circle.

At modern powwows and ceremonial dances, the Whipman acts as the security official in the dance circle, maintaining proper order, behavior and etiquette among both the dancers and the spectators. He carries a whip or horse quirt, a riding whip consisting of a short, stout stock and a lash of braided leather, as a symbol of his position.

During many southern plains warrior society dance ceremonies, one of the special songs honors the Whipman, the only dancer with the right to carry a horse quirt or whip as a symbol of his office.

For additional information about the Oyate Topa Treaty Council or the February 19 meeting, contact Ivan Looking Horse at 605-863-1454, Manny Iron Hawk at 605-200-0997, Vivian High Elk at 605-218-0962, or Harry Walkinyon Na at 605-218-2308.

 

(Contact Grace Terry at graceterrywilliams@gmail.com)

 

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SOURCES:

 

www.powwows.com/whips-and-whipmen/

 

Posts from the Facebook pages of Jonathon Okute Maza and Vivian High Elk

 

Email correspondence from Vivian High Elk and Oscar High Elk

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