Voices of the Elders meet at the Prairie Wind Casino to gamble on justice

PINE RIDGE, S.D. – Thursday morning, August 22^nd, 2024, fifty plus people gathered in the conference room at the Prairie Wind Casino for an all-day meeting organized by Wakan Tahoki Omniciye or Voices of the Elders Committee.  The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with many people arriving closer to 10:00. 

Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out was unable to attend so the opening prayer was given by Darla Black, the Liaison to the President’s Office.  The Words of Encouragement were given by Voices of the Elders member Wilma Thin Elk.  Ata Jack served as moderator of the organized panel of law enforcement officers and members of the community.

Darla Black clearly stated that reform is needed, that the Lakota ancestors changed leadership when it was necessary as it is needed now to create a safer community for our children.  This is a time for change.  President Star Comes Out supports Voices of the Elders and their work and his staff will be attending their meetings on his behalf.  There is tremendous concern over the violence happening on the Pine Ridge Reservation and thanks go to the Voices of the Elders Committee for doing this important work.  A $750 gift was made by White Men for Racial Justice to help underwrite this event.

Wilma Thin Elk said that there are problems out there that need to be addressed and asked that everyone work together.  There is no room for apathy at a time when hope seems scarce.  The recent killing of Thomas Thunder Hawk at the powwow on Pine Ridge several weeks ago, was tragic reminder of why this committee was formed.  Wilma stressed that this may be the last chance for the Oglala Sioux Tribe to get a grip on what is going on.  Moderator Ata Jack stated that the reservation is a microcosm of this country.  It will take time and effort to turn this ship around to the point where residents can see a difference.  The people are at odds with law enforcement.  It is time to work together with respect and cooperation.  “It’s like the Wild West out here,” Jack said. “There’s gunfights, shootouts, you name it.”

The desire of this committee is to be heard and ensure that the residents of the nine districts are heard as well.  The Voices of the Elders want accountability.  They feel that little is getting done which is frustrating to the residents of Pine Ridge and a danger when people face lawlessness daily within their communities.    Everyone needs to be safe.  The abuse of drugs and alcohol on the reservation is the primary contributing factor to violence and crime.  The younger generation of Lakota have no idea what their elders have been through.

Surveys were handed out to people when they arrived and collected at the door.  Attendees were asked to identify their major concerns which turned out to be gun violence, drugs, alcohol abuse and bootlegging.

The panel consisted of representatives from the Oglala Lakota County Sheriff’s Department, the Bennett County Sheriff’s Department, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and Highway Patrol Kevin Rascher, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Law and Order Committee Robin Tapio, Jackie Siers and Sonia Little Hawk-Weston.  Acting chief of police for the Oglala Sioux Tribe John Pettigrew shared his views.  Discussion circled around the fact that once a law breaker is arrested, he or she is handed over to the court system and the arresting officer has no part in the future decisions taken.

Veteran Bryan Brewer, a retired educator and Tribal President from 2013 to 2014 shared that the Lakota Veterans have created a 501c3 organization and have set up a food pantry to support the community.  He discussed the fact that virtually everyone is carrying a weapon at this time, not to break the law but to defend themselves just in case someone is coming to cause trouble.  People are afraid to go to sleep at night.  They are afraid to leave their house and go to work.  Why are things so bad?  In comparison to the surrounding border towns, located just a few miles away, the violence is far less because they don’t put up with the same problems.  We need solutions.  Gun shots can be heard at any time, day or night, around the reservation.

Marine veteran and former Pine Ridge Reservation senior law enforcement officer Wendell Yellow Bull addressed the need of the Tiospaye to be actively involved.  He described a situation in Pine Ridge where two women chased two juveniles in a car and told them to go home.  The kids listened to them and went home.  The tiospaye teaches not to steal and to know the difference between right and wrong.  With a lack of resources, the participation of the extended family is critical to a safe community.  Without parental supervision there can be only partial success.  Take a look at the parents of our youth.  Much valuable information can be gathered in the process.

Richard Broken Nose asked the law enforcement officers present if they they actually do the job they are assigned to do.  He asked if bootleggers are busted.  He went on to refer to the 1868 Treaty that states that no alcohol or other substances are allowed on the reservation.  He believes that the legislation that allows for marijuana should be rescinded and these dispensaries should be closed.

Firearms being discharged during ceremony and other events is a common occurrence on the reservation.  One man’s brother was shot walking down the street.  The need for transparency is great along with the need to communicate with community members working together to eliminate people on meth in the house next door.  Violators need to be ejected from the reservation.  Too many Lakota children are harmed by bootlegged substances that are extremely dangerous and often deadly.

The creation of a violent offenders list was discussed as one way to identify who the troublemakers are within each of the nine districts.  Can they be identified and can that information be put to good use?  People were encouraged to make a stand and never apologize for speaking out.  People need more than a slap on the wrist for their crimes, they need real punishment along with a treatment program that actually works.

Wilma Thin Elk thanked the attendees and panel for coming.  The Voices of the Elders Committee was glad to see everyone there and is grateful for the attention given to the concerns and suggestions of the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation.

The next meeting of the Voices of the Elders will be held on Saturday, September 14^th at Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation.

For additional information, please contact Voices of the Elders at WTOmniciye@gmail.com.

(Contact Mia Feroleto at mia.feroleto@gmail.com)

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