Collaborative Action Blog Part 8

Call me crazy...but intuition is most times in a spiritual sense The Creator giving foresight...( some call it manifestations of Visions ) everything that will be making it's way into this ongoing blog will generate a very clear view, of just how much we do not hear or see of "NDN Country" Things like this never make it into National News...or as another example...The Longest Walk...it is happening as we speak again...there is no coverage of this at all...seemingly, have native people, still a better chance in knowing what goes on within their culturally communities by possibly reverting to smoke signals...The few stories I am touching on and bringing forth here, are almost enough material, for extremely wonderful movie making...and guess what...the European market would probably eat this up...anyway...treat yourself, to yet another article from the depth of Lakota Country , please read it in it's entirety including the comments...Nick white Swan is in there again...gotta love this brother so here it is courtesy yours truly Cherrie aka WayOfTheSpirit

From The Rapid City Journal

Sioux urged to take Hills payment

Attorney seeks Native people willing to accept lawsuit settlement

By Kevin Abourezk and Travis Coleman, Lee Enterprises Monday, May 05, 2008

131 comment(s) Normal Size Increase font Size

As a young Lakota man, Gary Montana's elders told him about the Black Hills.

About the land the Lakota considered sacred and believed had been stolen from them. About a 1980 U.S. Supreme Court decision that awarded the Sioux people more than $146 million for the theft by the government of the hills and lands east of them.

And about the Sioux people's refusal to accept the money.

The reason, they told him, was simple: To accept the money meant accepting the loss of the Sioux Nation's sacred land.

"The hills are not for sale, and we will not accept any payment for them," said Montana, an attorney from Osseo, Wis.

Sioux people have wrestled for years with the question of whether they should take the money.

Now, a Yankton attorney is resubmitting the question.

On Saturday, about 80 Native people attended a meeting at a church in Sioux City, Iowa, where attorney Doug Kettering spoke to them about trying to get their share of the Black Hills settlement.

"They're favorable," Kettering said of those who attended the meeting. "I think people are interested."

With interest, that settlement stands at more than $863 million, according to Huffington Post columnist Tim Giago.

Other sources could not confirm that number. The staff of Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., was unable to provide a number.

Tom Young, a fiduciary trust officer with the U.S. Department of Interior Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians in Rapid City, said he has the number but can provide it only to tribal council members.

Figures from Kettering indicate the total amount could be well over $1 billion.

No opposition was voiced at the meeting. And several people approached by a reporter at the meeting said they are in favor of accepting the settlement money.

Michelle Barrientos, a Santee Sioux from Sioux City who attended the meeting, said she worries about how she'll pay her college tuition and take care of her five children.

"I'm not out to get rich," she said. "I need the money."

Kettering said he hasn't decided whether to file an intervention action seeking to have the courts or government address the settlement question. He said he wants to gauge how much interest there is among Sioux people first.

He plans to host meetings later in the South Dakota communities of Sioux Falls, Yankton, Flandreau and Mobridge.

He said he was approached by Sioux people who wanted to accept the settlement money, people who felt their own grandparents had failed to benefit from the large pot of money sitting in the fund.

If 90,000 Sioux tribal members sign up, each could get about $12,000, he said.

Kettering said it's OK if people disagree with paying out the settlement. But he wants to help those who wish to get their share.

"We're just trying to get as many people as possible," he said.

Most people left the meeting Saturday with copies of the agreement that retains the representation of Kettering's law firm.

According to the agreement, clients would pay $20 each as a retainer. The firm and counsel of record would then be paid 20 percent of all proceeds at the conclusion of any court proceedings.

But some wonder whether a legal action could really free up the settlement money.

Young, the trust officer in Rapid City, said the various Sioux tribes who were awarded the money would first have to agree on how it would be distributed before the money would be dispersed.

If the tribes failed to agree on a plan to accept the money, Congress could enact legislation that would disperse the money, he said, citing the Indian Judgement Funds Distribution Act of 1973.

Young said he knew of at least two failed attempts to enact such legislation in Congress, the first of which occurred in 1988, when then-South Dakota Sen. Larry Pressler introduced a bill to disperse the money.

No action was taken on Pressler's bill.

Then, in 1990, Rep. Matthew Martinez of California introduced a similar bill. No action was taken on that bill either, Young said.

For his part, Montana said he questions the motives of anyone who attempts to accept payment for the Black Hills.

"I personally, as a Native American attorney, will oppose vigorously any attempted distribution of those funds to any individual or tribe," he said.

Debra White Plume, an Oglala Lakota activist, said she had heard about the meeting but did not attend.

"In our traditional way of thought, we have a trickster named Iktomi," White Plume said. "I think that's the role this law firm is playing. They're trying to trick our people into being foolish, because only a foolish person would accept money for the Black Hills."

White Plume said she favors a resolution such as that proposed by Sen. Bill Bradley, D-N.J., in the 1980s, which would have returned 1.3 million acres of the Black Hills national forest land to the Sioux people.

"We attempted that 20 years ago as a way to peacefully settle this issue between our people and the United States government, because we knew it wasn't the current landowners' problem. It was the government's problem," she said. White Plume said the majority of Oglala people would not accept the money.

"In the face of this great poverty, our spiritual connection to the Black Hills is much more powerful. The money would be gone in a day or two, and we would have to face our ancestors."

Lori-concrete indian-LAKOTA first wrote on May 6, 2008 6:44 AM:

" I have read most of the comments here, they are the same. It sounds like an echo. The ignorant say 'get over it', the activists say'never', what I don't here is a solution or ideas for a solution. Me, I say DON'T TAKE THE MONEY!. Change is coming. I can see it. I can feel it. The Lakota and every other native people of this land need to stick together. The natives in the city need to know that we are all one. We are family. We move off the rez because of housing, jobs, education and to just plain get away. The money may help for immediate needs but not for long. The hills are being destroyed by tourists and local greedy people who say that they are native to the hills because they moved there. The US took advantage of the Lakota along time ago, but they won't today. Not unless we as people stand up for ourselves. That means all tribes and concrete indians across the land. We have a voice, we need to use it. "

IKTOMI wrote on May 6, 2008 5:54 AM:

" RE:IFLYSEL
IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD THAT YOU HAVE STUDIED THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, AND FOR THAT FACT ALONE I COMMEND YOU. MY PROBLEM IS THAT YOU STOP AT 1700. THE HISTORY OF THE SIOUX GOES BACK MANY THOUSANDS OF YEARS. THE TIME PERIOD OF WHICH YOU SPEAK IS BUT A DROP IN THE BUCKET. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN NATIVE HISTORY OR MORE SPECIFICALLY SIOUX HISTORY I SUGGEST LOOKING INTO OUR CREATION STORY, STAR KNOWLEGE, AND THE HISTORY OF OUR LANGUAGE, AS WE HAVE A WORD FOR THE MONKEYS FROM SOUTH AMERICA, THE GREAT LAND OF ICE TO THE NORTH, AND THE SHELLS FROM THE OCEAN. SO WHERE DID WE COME FROM BEFORE WE WERE IN OHIO? DID WE LEARN THESE WORDS FROM LIVING IN OHIO? OUR CREATION/POST CLEANSING STORIES SURROUND THE HILLS, OR MORE SPECIFICALLY THE WIND CAVE. FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, THAT WAS AROUND 2000 YEARS AGO. WE HAVE CROSSED THIS CONTINANT MANY TIMES. IF YOU WENT ON VACATION AND CAME HOME TO FIND PEOPLE LIVING IN YOUR HOUSE WOULD YOU SAY IT'S THIERS? WHAT WOULD YOU THINK IF PEOPLE TOLD YOU THAT SINCE YOU WERE GONE ON VACATION, THAT THESE PEOPLE WERE THE OWNERS, BECAUSE YOU WERE NOT THERE? THERE ARE ARROW HEADS IN THE HILLS THAT ARE ATTRIBUTED TO THE SIOUX. I WONDER IF SOMEONE COULD DATE THESE ARROW HEADS. I THINK THAT WOULD BE PROOF POSITIVE FOR THE NEY SAYERS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO COMMENT ON THE BEAUTIFUL WORDS OF THE PEOPLE ON HERE. IT IS VERY INSPIRATIONAL TO HEAR. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I HAVE BEEN SO PROUD OF THE PEOPLE. THE VOICES ARE GREAT ON THIS ONE. THE CREATOR IS WITH US NOW AND FOREVER. BILLION IS TOO LITTLE, THAT WAS A GREAT COMMENT, AND GIVES JUSTICE TO THIS STORY. "

Native America Forever wrote on May 6, 2008 3:27 AM:

" This is our country-native peoples have the highest enlistment in fighting for our country. Our ancestors were 100% in defending this country. For the record-no one gave us sovereignty. We already had it, U.S.government recognizes it.We hold dual citizenship and we don't "get things" from the government, it is in kind for land in each tribes territory. We make up such a small percentage of the U.S. population ,we are like a few grains of sand on the whole beach. Yet we warrant some peoples' attention and hate. "

Oglala Woman wrote on May 6, 2008 12:36 AM:

" This is all you got from what you read over all the other comments? Yes I am American but I am first an Oglala Sioux. Have you never looked at profiling when you fill your paperwork out? Do we still have Black as an option? NO, they are now African American! That is my point at how ignorant and biased people can be. Let say we can no longer call ourselves Native American or American Indian in the future. We are now Bi-racial or Indigenous American. That was my point but then again it is a clever way to draw away from the main point isn't it? It is so subtle how easily we are turned. Owe me something? Never said that. I take care of my own. I do what I can when I can. So quick to judge.



Reply to BC:
Are you not American? Linked to Native american, are you kidding. Wow what have we done to you lately, and what do we really owe you? " "

BEWARE wrote on May 5, 2008 9:56 PM:

" In 1978, a mining company reported there was an estimated 8 million pounds of uranium in western South Dakota, mostly in the Black Hills, worth an estimated $800 Billion. At todays going price of uranium, that amount is well over a Trillion dollars. Counting the loss of $4 Billion in gold, the loss of Sacredness, timber, etc., the measley $6,109.00 each is not worth it. "

I say.... wrote on May 5, 2008 7:15 PM:

" Dis-enroll any Tribal Memebers who want to take this money. Show them the same disreguard they'll be showing our ancestors when they take this money. "

Tshunka Witko wrote on May 5, 2008 5:48 PM:

" You might as well dig my bones up as well and sell them to the white man. "

Slap in the face wrote on May 5, 2008 5:24 PM:

" To take this money would be to slap in the face to each and every ancestor we the Sioux have, and all they've sacrificed for us. Shame on all you Concrete Indians who want to make a quick buck. We're ALL broke, you guys aren't the only ones, but still some of us refuse to sell our Heritage for a mere $12,000 dollars. You people need to go to a sweat, ceremony or sundance to remind you of why we shouldn't sell and why we haven't sold our sacred Hills. Pray for the sellouts, they're pitiful. "

READER wrote on May 5, 2008 5:17 PM:

" Divide and Conquer.....tactics from the beginning.....read the history and see, listen and feel why our ancestors shed blood so you could call yourself a Lakota and not a "immigrant" or visitor like everyone else! "

To iflysel wrote on May 5, 2008 5:16 PM:

" No one. Unlike the governement the Sioux had never entered into any type of financial or otherwise agreement with the Arikara, Hidatsa or the Mandan. There was never any binding contracts. Now, the government had entered into SEVERAL documented treaties and agreeements with the Sioux then violated everyone of them. Since they wre going to take the land away, why enter into a legal binding contract? THIS IS WHY THE SIOUX HAVE A CASE. Had the government not left a huge paper trail of misdeeds, we the Sioux wouldn't have been able to come up with evidence helpinf their cases. Enough about the Arikara, Hidatsa and Mandan, that was PRE AMERICA, PRE TREATIES, PRE EVERYTHING GOVERNMENT, the SIOUX never promised them anything on paper that they can them take to court and say "look they broke their promises too" because THERE WERE NEVER ANY. "

BC wrote on May 5, 2008 4:20 PM:

" To Ogala woman,

Are you not American? Linked to Native american, are you kidding. Wow what have we done to you lately, and what do we really owe you? "

iflysel wrote on May 5, 2008 4:00 PM:

" Just asking the question??????? Who did the Sioux/Lakota pay when they took control of the area now encompassing the Black Hills? According to information I have read the Sioux/Lakota first moved in to the area around Lake Traverse and the James River Valley, in eastern South Dakota, in the early 1700s. They migrated to this area from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and prior to that came from areas south and east of Ohio. In the 1700s the strong Arikara, Hidatsa and Mandan presence generally kept them from crossing in to the area west of the Missouri river. In the mid 1700s Sioux/Lakota moved further west and first saw the Black Hills. Later the Sioux gained control of the area west of the Missouri river after defeating the Cheyenne in the latter half of the 1700s. (The Cheyenne had taken control of this area by defeating the Kiowa.)Which brings up another question, did the Cheyenne pay the Kiowa for the land? Now tell me again why the Sioux should be paid for something they took from another tribe to begin with? If the US owes the Sioux the Sioux owe the Cheyenne, and the Cheyenne owe the Kiowa, and the Kiowa owe ??? "

Nick Carroll C Swan Jr wrote on May 5, 2008 3:21 PM:

" The answer still is "NO". 12g's per person?

...the gold taken; the water, timber, grazing and other natural resources stolen; the miseducation of our young; the ecomonic highjacking of our economies i.e. tourism, agriculture; and taxes collected; not to mention the sick imbalance of justice for you and injustice for us, not to mention your disease of all forms and imagination...you think you can wave it all away with one fell swoop of 12 grand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You who would like to see us accept this insult could at least let us fish, hunt, and partake of our environement for free as some guesture of apology and comepensation.

Yet I am glad you have not, because you in being complicit with your own political adultureous forefathers keep the embers stoked.

To you of my people, if ONE person gets any of this money - then the argument for our treaty rights dies instantly and forever! Moreover, it would be tantamount to a blanket of forgiveness for their genocidal policies that have been heaped upon us.

Do not give up. Do not give in.

Stay the course.

And thank you Kevin for this article - I was wondering when you would begin emerging!

Pilamyaye "

China Gets It wrote on May 5, 2008 1:00 PM:

" The indigenous people of Chinese descent crossed the Bering Strait from Mongolia 12,000 years ago, and populated North America. China;s population is 1 billion, and the Chinese Army is 1 million. China is waiting for us to become vulnerable with all of our military concentrated in the Middle East. Then, the Arabs can shut-down world oil supply; and, the Chinese, with Russia's approval, can cross over the Bering Strait again, and take the Black Hills, from both, the Natives and Euro-Americans. "

Whitney M wrote on May 5, 2008 12:57 PM:

" To the numbers & facts person: thank you & well put. In other words, the only person who will benefit greatly will be the lawyer and the law firm. Say NO! Paha Sapa is not for sale! "

Oglala Woman wrote on May 5, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Do any of our people really know what is at stake with acceptance of money? What could so little do for anyone, an amount not even equal to a years salary? Do you realize that IHS and other benefits are tied to this treaty and acceptance would be total dissolution of your ability to call yourself Sioux? You would be "American" with ties to Native American heritage. Assimilation has always been the Grand design of the US Government. They are waiting as our youth absorb the outside world, losing their cultural heritage and pride. The families are slowly disintegrating as mothers and fathers no longer marry or take responsibility for their children and teach them to loyalty to the tribe FIRST above everything else. Add drugs, alcohol, and dysfunction in hopes that we will tear ourselves apart as they sit back and watch. Find yourselves, be educated, but always be loyal to the tribe. That is what I was told and tell my own children. Sell the only thing that keeps our people going. Unspeakable. Our ancestors shed blood, fought honorably. We have warriors today who continue that fight. This is not a past issue as some have said. This is an ongoing issue for time to come. Be there for your children, teach them, and NEVER SELL THE BLACK HILLS! Ask yourselves what this law firm wants? It said they sent papers home and could retain for $20 dollars. Do you really think that he has YOUR interest at heart? He is looking to make MONEY. Watch out for he may charge you for every phone call, paper copy, and perceived hours that he "works" and you may be the only one left paying a bill on something that won't happen in your lifetime!I am a proud and honorable Sioux Woman and I will not sell our Black Hills! "

Nervous CRST Member wrote on May 5, 2008 11:59 AM:

" I hope and pray that this money is not accepted by our tribal leaders who do not have the ability or want to speak on the peoples behalf! Our tribal Council is slowly but surely selling us out! We have out right thieves sitting on council and you all know who you are!! Our representatives can NOT be trusted with finances look what happened to our Buffalo Program, Si-Tanka/Huron college and our Elderly Village!! It's to the point where we will be soon known as the Cheyenne River Shakopee Sioux Tribe! "

wrote on May 5, 2008 11:40 AM:

" Ok let's put all the emotions aside and use cold, unsympathetic numbers here. Unless something changed since 1980 only the tribe as a whole can take the money and not individuals. According to the last census taken in 2000 there are about 113,000 Sioux members and according to the article the money awarded in 1980 now sits at $863,000,000 give or take a million.

Mr. Kettering and his law firm want $20.00 per individual for a retainer plus 20 percent of proceeds at the end. I'm assuming that proceeds mean the $863,000,000.

Since only the tribes can get this money that means that all 113,000 members will probably have to pay the $20.00 retainer and that Mr. Kettering's law firm just made $2,260,000. (20 times 113,000)

The money gets awarded and the tribe's get $690,400,000 which is the amount after the law firm gets their 20 percent. BTW the law firm just made another $172,600,000.

$690,400,000 is then divided by 113,000 so every Sioux member gets about $6109.

Mr. Kettering will probably get some type of compensation for earning his law firm $172,600,000. While I don't know how much they will award him (if any) lets say that his firm gives him 10 percent, that means that Mr. Kettering will get $17,260,000. Maybe his firm won't be that generous and they instead give him 5 percent and he receives $8,630,000. Or maybe his firm decides that he should receive only 1 percent so he receives $1,726,000.

So, here is what everyone concerned gets.

Tribal member: $6109 actually $6089 because you paid a $20.00 retainer
Mr. Kettering: Anywhere from $0 to $17,260,000
Law firm: $172,600,000 plus the $2,260,000 retainer

To those who are thinking of taking the money, if this amount is ok with you then give Mr. Kettering a call. I for one will be joining "The Black Hill are Not for Sale" crowd.

Lastly for those of you concerned about losing your land in the Hills from the proposal made in the 80's, that land was for FEDERAL and not private land so you wouldn't lose anything, although I suspect that you wouldn't be happy with this arrangement either. "

get over it wrote on May 5, 2008 11:01 AM:

" we didn't give the british any land when they lost the war. Instead, our government gives away tons of money and resources to those who want to be a soverign nation.
Seems like something is wrong with the way our government has handled this situation for way too long.
I say keep the land and don't pay a dime... "

question wrote on May 5, 2008 10:55 AM:

" Question for the Black Hills residents with a little chunck of land. When and from whom did you obtain your little chunks of land? And who said the indian where going to live in the hills? How many people live in there churches? The Black Hills are not for Sale. "

Black Hills Native wrote on May 5, 2008 10:49 AM:

" No, not a Native American. I was born and raised here and consider myself a native of the Black Hills, and I am sick and tired of people who live in California, New York, and other parts of the country saying that the Black Hills should be given back to the Sioux. This is absurd. How would they like South Dakotans telling them to give the land they live on back to the Iroquois, the Delaware, or the Erie tribes? How about we give California back to the Achomawi, the Serrano, or the Shasta tribes? Let's face reality people. The Black Hills are federal land. Treaties have been broken since the dawn of time. Move on.

Nobody is prohibiting anybody from accessing the Black Hills. The public land is available for anyone to use. Both Indian and non-Indian have access to the land. Who cares whose name is on the deed? Do you wish to collect taxes from white men who wish to enter the sacred land, or prevent them from stepping foot in the Black Hills? Is that what this is all about? If the land is free, it should be free to ALL people. "

Good Words wrote on May 5, 2008 10:46 AM:

" Debra White Plume's words about Iktomi are right on! Also her words about "facing our ancestors". The Black Hills Are Not For Sale. "

Im not gloating wrote on May 5, 2008 10:41 AM:

" You missed my point entirely. I'm just saying that a lot of people think that because their forefathers moved here back in the 1800's or early 1900's, that they have a better right to live here than we newcomers do. They cite their old-time "South Dakota values" as being superior to the more liberal values of the new people. These are the same people who refuse to see that the Natives claim that their forefathers were here WAY before the white man, and that THEIR values are superior to the white man's is the same arguement that they are using. You can't have it both ways. Against newcomers, you say "Go away! We were here first!" And yet, when the Natives say that, you think it's bogus.


Not all "locals" feel that way. I made friends with a long-time local right here last week. We agreed that a respectful dialog is far better than pointless name-calling . This person is a conservative, and I as a liberal respect this person. We ALL love the Hills, and anything we can do to preserve their beauty, MUST be done together. "

deminn wrote on May 5, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Good for you, don't take the bribe. Hold out. "

Wheres Chairman Rodney Bordeaux wrote on May 5, 2008 10:19 AM:

" We need to hear it come directly from his mouth: "The Black Hills are not for Sale!". Tribal officials should quit being afraid of telling the United States government that Native Americans in South Dakota are not red headed step children. Chairman Bordeaux told our Sicangu elders that he stands on the 1868 Treaty so they voted for him. Now is the time to keep your word and talk not as a victim but as a Lakota man who will stake himself to the battlefield and stand for the people! "

NDN Judas-Never wrote on May 5, 2008 9:52 AM:

" $12,000 is a slap in the face when you consider how much land was taken and the gold and other natural resources which have been exploited. May be $12,000 each for Mt. Rushmore but anything else is laughable. But some would sellout for 30 pieces of silver . "

another american wrote on May 5, 2008 9:50 AM:

" I am sure we all are Americans by now. The native people pay taxes and get their share of
government programs. Get an education, get a job, obey the laws and knock the chip off your
shoulder. If the Black Hills was "given back"
it would look like a giant garbage dump in no
time. You will never get it back. This beautiful land is available for all of us to enjoy including the Lakota. "

RST MEMBER wrote on May 5, 2008 9:40 AM:

" DIDN'T LARRY PRESSLER RUN SOME KIND OF A POLL AMONGST THE LAKOTA BACK IN THE EIGHTIES AND THE MAJORITY OF LAKOTAS WERE AGAINST ACCEPTING THE MONEY OR WAS IT SOMEONE ELSE WHO RAN THE POLL. THE IKTOMI LAWYER MUST NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT THAT POLL. "

Oglala Lakota Woman wrote on May 5, 2008 9:32 AM:

" I am enrolled as an Oglala Lakota Sioux and I WILL NOT ACCEPT the payment...I was just wondering how much money this attorney will get from EACH individual?! Then what, he will just laugh and walk away a rich man...What happened to your family pride, your respect for your great great grandfather? Those of you who are in favor of this do you know what struggles your ancestors had but still they thought of you and never backed down for you and your grandchildren...instill this into your children, remember it's hard to be a Native American especially today and taking this payment will not get you accepted into the white world, they will still stereotype you and never accept you, because they were raised to value money not family or the fight to reserve what was our according to the 1851 and 1868 Treaties. After the money is gone then what are you going to do? The BLACK HILLS ARE NOT FOR SALE!!! "

inhumansquirrel wrote on May 5, 2008 9:28 AM:

" and remember money is spent and its gone..land will be here forever! "

inhumansquirrel native animal by choice and birth wrote on May 5, 2008 9:26 AM:

" OMG..how many of you actually know whats involved here there is 40,000 enrolled members in the Rosebud alone and from Pine Ridge maybe 20,000 from what im told and idk how may more in the other reservations entitled to this money "IF" we choose to except it there are 7 tribes involved in the suit and 1 billion isn't enough to cover tribal operating cost for one year for each tribe or even give over $100 apiece to each member,our only option it to try to negotiate to get back federal lands in reality we will never see privatively owned lands in the black hills from ppl who had nothing to do with things in the first place, and to never except the money or except it and use it to buy any and all lands up for sale in the black hills lots, small acreages,farms & ranches and possibly business's for sale, but yeah our elected leaders never think out side the box or anything other than cattle or family we need to expand into places were there is money not wait for it to casually pass by nobody wants to come to the reservation only because we don't appeal and make them feel safe while in our casino ventures in rosebud we have ppl coming up to you as soon as you win with hard luck stories like they can't pay for food " why the hell you at the casino 30 miles from any were then?" then there are those who stagger in drunk and and are allowed to stay and the place is soo saturated in smoke ..then the restaurant the waitress's act like your taking up their time and its all so ugly i come though and sometimes compare the casino to a prison its only missing the guard towers, and this is only how we manage our casino our so called money maker how would we manage the black hills? i shutter to think how much infighting would be involved in who gets what or who gets to do what and how much they going to get paid to do what.. if we got the black hills back. "

Tyrant wrote on May 5, 2008 9:11 AM:

" To those that are advocating the "Sale" of the Black Hills, SHAME ON YOU. I am a proud Western Shoshone and like the Lakota we have been refusing the sale of our Homeland that encompasses most of the state of Nevada and parts of Idaho, Utah, and California. Our settlement offer is up around the same figure and we still say NO. At some point you have to say, our land, our heritage, our people are not for sale. I pray to the Grandfather every night to give my people the strength to stand up fight, I will also be praying for all the "Sioux" to do the same. You might think a paltry $12,000 a person is something great, but when you have to face your children and grand-children and tell them that you sold their heritage for practically nothing you will be doing it with your head hung low and tears in your eyes. People want to put a white man's price per acre, when they do they don't factor in such things as gold or other valuable minerals, and they certainly don't factor in how sacred the site is. These crooked lawyers stand to take a huge cut of the money, that is the only reason they are trying to push for a sale, they are not trying to help based on some noble purpose, they are just thinking of that FAT cut they will get for brokering a deal that doesn't need brokering. The deal is already in place, you don't need some crooked lawyers to set it up for you. "

Lakota Teacher wrote on May 5, 2008 9:08 AM:

" We must never compromise what our ancestors died for. The Black Hills are forever ours and must never be sold. I have told my children and they have told theirs. Charmaine has said "we will face our ancestors" in the Spririt World, and I will..... with a courageous heart. The lawyer is an agent provocateur (Iktomi) and this will pass; no true Lakota will pay him any heed. Ho!! Hecetu Welo!!!! "

RE JUST A THOUGHT wrote on May 5, 2008 8:47 AM:

" I said I was sorry last week....you already changed my views. "

TO OGLALA LAKOTA wrote on May 5, 2008 8:41 AM:

" You best get your facts straight here on which tribe want and received ANY money for the BLACK HILLS. I'm from CRST(Eagle Butte) and we are on record as opposing any SALE and have never received any money. All you want to do is to cause trouble and split the Nation up more with your Weak, Uninformed, Comments. Those comments are typical of someone who supports the sale and also supports the US GOVT's side of this issue. "

Whitney M wrote on May 5, 2008 8:12 AM:

" To me, being Lakota, means never selling the Black Hills. And $12,000 per person is a paltry sum. Allotted Indians were to receive 160 acres on the reservations, I would rather have my 160 acres in the Hills.

$12,000 could be spent very quickly! In some instances, it would barely cover a year's tuition at some SD Universities. You cannot buy a home for 12 grand, or even a brand new car (which would only last you 10 years if you're lucky).

No, better to think in terms of a lifetime, but...

With that said and to play the devil's advocate, what will happen if the USA decides to withdraw this settlement money? Or decides to allocate it towards IHS or BIA programs?
"

american wrote on May 5, 2008 8:03 AM:

" I thought we were all Americans by now, those looking for college money and money to raise their children should look elsewhere, I don't get money handed to me for these things I had to work for it. And I think if the natives would clean up the rez we might have a better opinion of them in general, people feel the same way about certain parts of towns that are treated with the same disrespect as you treat the land which you were given to live on. Seems to me no matter what race, gender or sect, if people are just handed things-they don't respect those things-for the most part-not all people but most. Take the money -keep the land-whatever the decision make it and be happy with your choice-move your life forward-quit living in the past. "

Leon M wrote on May 5, 2008 12:22 AM:

" Maybe some of you know me and some do not. I am Follower of Christ or Christian Lakota man living on the Pine Ridge. It is my choice to live here because we have a very beautiful people. The issue of taking money or not taking it has been part of my life since the judgement in 1980. The U.S. government used a philosophy called Manifest Destiny. If you are not up on this philosophy I hope you will study it because it is EVIL. You need to understand Greed is the value held by many Americans and because of this we as Lakota have been devastated. I am sure many of the racist comments are done with ignorance and this is sad. I have many friends that are white Americans and they love our people unfortunately not all of them live close. I believe the Land is cursed now and people cannot see outside of their own ignorance. People have talked about Pine Ridge but it is not the people's fault we struggle with Garbage. It is the system that was set up and we need to work to change the system. We have Great people working on these issues and we have great young lawyers and doctors and teachers and the list goes on. It will take a bit of time but the Sacred Hoop will be mended by the seventh generation. I hope you will take the time to understand the policy of the United States, It was in 1978 where the Lakota and other Indians were given some keys to success. The Indian Child Welfare Act, The Freedom of Religious Act and the all inportant Self Determinatin Act. these are three important if not vital Acts of Congress. You see our people were smart enough to make sure 3/4th of the male would have to be there for another Treaty. We as Lakota won the War and then were fooled or tricked by the U.S. Government and it was the thought of the said government to seek out to destroy through ethnic cleansing and other terrible policy. I choose to live here to make a better life for myself and for my people. We need to be clear about what is being talked about. The Hills were taken illegally and as a person who studied ethics and philosophies of the western mind I can tell you with a clear mind, if you are living in the western part of south dakota, parts of wyoming, montana, north dakota, and nebraska you are living on stolen land because the Great Sioux Nation was never sold but it was Stolen. If you would like further dialog look me up in Pine Ridge and I would be happy to come and discuss these issues with you. Leon Matthews "

kolyne wrote on May 5, 2008 12:07 AM:

" I too favor a resolution like the one proposed by Sen. Bill Bradley, D-N.J in the eighties. How dumb does Kettering Law firm think us Oglalas are? Why don't they come up with a plan to pay us Oglala a monthly per capita check for using our SACRED PAHA SAPA? That area has so much worth and to this day there is still gold being pulled out of the Black Hills,why don't we ask the US Government to start paying us lease?Why don't this law firm set all this up instead thinking that we will all go for the money. Those that want to take the money and run are not real Oglalas. Remember the stipulations for tricking our ancestors into signing the treaties was free health care and free education. As it is we have people in the top jobs at our IHS hospitals selling us out and one of those reasons is that we need to get our own health insurance. Remember two years ago our service unit director told an elderly lady that since she didn't have health insurance she would only get minimal care. After it was recommended by the head dentist here in PR that she needed her teeth pulled and there was money for false teeth. "

Think About It wrote on May 4, 2008 10:01 PM:

" I am an enrolled Lakota tribal member and up to now I have not been in favor of taking the money. I am now inclined to believe we should consider taking the payment. Since we have had so much embezzlement and dishonesty from our tribal officials, it makes me think, do we want to leave this money for the tribes to get ahold of? They would borrow it, squander it and embezzle it! The feds will not stop this thievery. We need to vote as individual tribal members as to whether we should take the money. Let the majority vote of the enrolled tribal members decide this one once and for all! Pilamayaye "

Tanya Kindle wrote on May 4, 2008 8:22 PM:

" I am a Native American from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. I feel that we should take the settlement because what our ancestors had is gone. There are too many people already living in the Black Hills. Even if the Native people were given the land back what good would it do there would just me more fighting about how to disperse that between all the tribal members. The money would help a lot of younger Native kids to go to college. The best thing would be to take the settlement and give those members under the age of 18 a trust fund. So when they get old enough to take responsibility for it, it will be there for them. Rather then those who have parents that are irresponsible with money would not have access to it. I have two children and I would like for them to have college money set aside. "

Native wrote on May 4, 2008 7:37 PM:

" It is pure hypocrisy to recognize that the traditional Indian beliefs are based on the fact that we are merely visitors to Mother Earth which should belong to no one. Yet when a method is presented to enrich onesself the traditional thinking can be easily discarded to now recognize the concept of ownership of this land. We all know this concept was from the white settlers, whom we condemm for their invasion, yet we willingly abandon traditional ways when we think it might come to our individual benefit. Those who shout that the Black Hills are not for sale are correct in the traditional sense. As public land it belongs to us all irrespective of tribal affiliation. This is how the Great Spirit intended it and this is how it should be. One cannot claim ownership to this anymore than one can claim ownership to the sun and the moon. The spirituality of this land does not exist solely in the hearts and minds of the Sioux merely because they were here at a time when the white man's treaties were inked. You can continue to hold out for another hundred years or more in hopes to gain ownership, or you can accept reality and use the money for the well-being of the people. "

john stover wrote on May 4, 2008 6:33 PM:

" regardless of how wrong i may be in my sarcastic rant, unlike some people i am man enough to let you know those are my words. like so many others sacred is left to interpretation by the phrase it is utilized in... sacred in this particular context means "holy" as in the churches of Rome and the hill where Jesus Christ was crucified. so i guess you can use that statement how you want...lol... hahahhahahaha "

Censored wrote on May 4, 2008 6:03 PM:

" Don't take the money. But maybe its time for the reservation's to be done away with and native americans intergrated into the general population of the USA.

Life on the reservations living on goverment welfare surely don't lead anywhere but to more welfare. "

Indian biker wrote on May 4, 2008 4:20 PM:

" Even though the indian people are suffering and enduring hardships we are atill going to refuse to except the money.
Hey how about trying to pay us with Gold bars from Fort Knox, kentucky..
The Oglala's still refuse to accept it.
My personal opinion to you other indians is say NO! to the money.
The Black Hills Are "Not for Sale".

"

Lawyer Says..... wrote on May 4, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Sioux should accept the money. Your ancesters are long been dead. Why not take the benefit and improve your lot in todays life. "

Zipadee wrote on May 4, 2008 3:19 PM:

" The comments found on this board only prove why reconcillation will not happen until it is no longer based on land returns. It would wise if the RCJ stopped running such patently biased articles regarding the issue; it never fails to stip up a giant, non-productive stink. "

Re bc wrote on May 4, 2008 3:05 PM:

" bc wrote: "If you are not Lakota then your voice has not real importance here. "

What a racist attitude! Yes, reverse-racisim is also alive & well in the Black Hills. Your comment is like suggesting that only PROVEN 100% pure native americans who are tribally registered can get the money.....because IF NOT, you must not be lakota.
"

toto the Gap wrote on May 4, 2008 2:21 PM:

" It will never happen the entire country will block any attempt to let a national forest get turned into a landfill. "

reinterested party wrote on May 4, 2008 2:19 PM:

" The hills are in no way broken, Take a little trip to the southeast and you will see a broken land. "

reJust a thought wrote on May 4, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Alot of locals buy land or have owned land in this area for decades dont get a big head because your a transplant buying land. its really not a big subject and this is the first I've heard anyone gloating about it "

Jeff wrote on May 4, 2008 2:14 PM:

" How and why is this land the Sioux Indians? If my history is correct, they were not the first settlers in the Black Hills. They masacured the people on the land before them. If they think we owe this land to them, they are wrong! If anyone should get it, it is the people whom the Sioux Indians took it from. If that doesn't happen, then the white man has just as much right to it as the Sioux. We didn't do anything to them , that they didn't do to someone else. period!! "

al wrote on May 4, 2008 2:10 PM:

" Here come the big speeches with slams within the text. Practice what you preech. "

fluffy indian guy wrote on May 4, 2008 1:42 PM:

" heys is that going to be a paper check or direct deposit, mcdonalds here i come "

Lakota member wrote on May 4, 2008 1:31 PM:

" History books, we often struggle with past accounts and aspects of what really happen in our history and often at times we question how things was recorded and are being taught in mainstream america, One can argue the fact that in most cases; events and stories can be one-sided, altered, or organized in a way to benefit other special interests. The question of who was here first will always come up in debates, or we found evidence that the Sioux came from the east, etc...but in our oral accounts, we have been a revolving nation, traveling and roaming across the whole US trading and gathering. look at the ornaments on our shell dresses for example and stories that tie us here. no one can argue that we weren't here to begin with. Think about it. The other issue, the point of interest(s) is actually when the Government has to make ammends with all individual Indian Nations at the time they done Indians wrong in changing their way of life reqardless of who or what nation they did it to. Turning things around and tribe against another are historical know facts of what the dominate race did to indians in general. These tactics are still going on in the land grab issues we currently have overseas. That is why europeans view America as being a wolf. Lastly, It would be a dominal effect of termination of reservation status and obligations the government owes our people that is specifically stated in the treaties if we lay down and except the offer. Don't be blind Indian people. All other tribes and the world is looking at us, the great loss that was illegally taken from the Sioux Nation. In studing history, it got to a point that I hated the word forced, it's listed over and over what our people were subject to. Their are negative consequences if you are a sell out. The Black Hills are not for sale!!! "

native wrote on May 4, 2008 1:01 PM:

" honestly how are we going to take care of it. we are to currupt but i say leave it the way it is we don't need to sell it why not put it up for rent lol i rather not take the money. why not be like everyone else and earn a living an stop complaining about no jobs if you really need money for you family get up get out and find something. stop blaming we got to move on. if we ever get rid of these old currupt old guys and maybe if you people vote in the young ones with educations we could be a better people and stop waiting for someone to take care of us. "

BLACK HILLS HOLY ROLLER... Sunday Driver wrote on May 4, 2008 12:32 PM:

" On the land that is sacred to the Sioux, it is here- where a monument is built. This monument (a monument in honor of men that represented a nation). A nation that is known in words that describe freedom and justice for all. Many people of all nationalities view it. I think of the blood that has been shed for it and yes, it brings a tear within. This Sunday driver has seen a majority of products sold here, "Made in China". How does that make "Americans" feel? I see people of many different nationalities living in America who call themselves Americans. This land is occupied by many people who have foreign ancestry. Individuals risks their lives to "get across the border" to live the American dream. What has America become? A land of opportunity, for who-? I see a country helping others gain their freedoms at the costs of Americans' lives. A country in dire-straits on verge of recession... is this the nation called America, hmmm! On this Sunday drive... I reflect on the Sioux Nation in contrast. The Sioux have had their land taken in name of land of opportunity. The Sioux, left in a land of recession (reservations). The Sioux Language once spoken now heard in English- in order to survive in a ever changing world. Must they be taught another, such as Spanish, German, etc... to exist in modern America! Reservations- a governments' land base in answer to control the existence of a "civilized" society. What is America? Reflections from a Sunday Driver... that knowns the price of gas and what it has costs the people in the land of opportunity! Go "GREEN"... is a man made slogan and so is the "Bill of Rights". Ask yourself now... Is America becoming it's own Reservation? "GO NATIVE"... May the Great Spirit watch over the land. "

Oglala Lakota wrote on May 4, 2008 12:28 PM:

" In My Grandmother and Grandfathers time the land was taken. It was never for sale then nor is it now. For the Santee Sioux that needs money, how can you even consider such a thing. Surely you are of a generation that does not understand the meaning of this whole issue. Please educate yourself on this matter immediately. Your Council should be ashamed of such a thought and such a comment.

however a few of the Eastern Tribes pulled out along time ago like the Yankton and accepted money. I believe Eagle Butte also. Now the measly amount they accepted is gone and what do they have? Nada. You can't even begin to put a monetary value on the Paha Sapa. A 150 years of taking gold out and what about the coal and the stripmining of the beautiful land?!!

To the one that holds the "FALSE TITLE", the government should offer you and other wasicu money because you people have a material instinct as we Lakota have it in our hearts. That is why the satellite image of the Black Hills is shaped like a human heart. The beat of our people Hoka Hey "

interested party wrote on May 4, 2008 12:26 PM:

" The Black Hills are broken.

Forest lands are choked by an infestation of ponderosa pine, mine ruins leach heavy metals into riparian zones; and, invasive species, like cattle, have decimated grasslands.

It would, however, be within the character of the Federal government to cede scorched earth to an impoverished autochthonous people. "

To John Stover et al wrote on May 4, 2008 12:18 PM:

" First, "reservation" is NOT short for "federal game reserve." The first federal game reserves were established decades after the first Indian reservations. The first "preserves" were established decades after THAT. Very weak attempt. As for your equally feeble attempt to be clever (and to those who I'm sure will pick up on your theme), there is no hypocrisy whatsoever regarding illegal immigrants. The white man came here, supplanted the "native" populations (who had been doing so to each other for centuries already), and established a new government, borders, and immigration policy. Of course, this means nothing to those who have invested their entire identities around victim status. Tomorrow I will be looking to improve my lot. You will be complaining about generations-old wrongs. Who will be in a better place by the end of this week? This year? For such ancient civilizations, some of you certainly have a LOT of growing up to do.

"

to the Gap wrote on May 4, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Too bad for your 35K per., that is the risk you take went buying land. Anyone who owns land in the Black Hills should have checked the full history of the land they think they own. Things may change the value of your land sooner than you think. This east river attorney may have started a ball rolling that he can't stop. Lakota, forget the money and get the land. Take it to the courts again. You will never get private land but you have a good chance of the getting all the federal land. "

Just a thought wrote on May 4, 2008 11:57 AM:

" I think a lot of the people who say "get over it", and that they have as much right to the Hills as the natives, are the same ones who complain about new people from the coasts moving in. Guess what? We new people have as much right to move here as your ancestors did. More actually, because we are buying the land, not stealing it. You think we "liberals" from elsewhere don't belong here because you were here first, and yet the natives don't belong here, even though they were here first? Pick one. They can't both be right.

"

Ma tweni sni wrote on May 4, 2008 11:38 AM:

" here we go again, somebody says "maza ska" and all the worms start coming out of the ground like after a nice rainshower. Somebody is already spending the money on college already. before the ink is dry somebody says a weak figure of 12,000 clams apiece and were all suppose to be happy, I could just imagine what the active drinkers in white clay are saying as they hustle for change,"tok-sha black hills money iwik ju ki". gimme a break, Lakota's He' sapa is not for sale
period. "

M.L wrote on May 4, 2008 11:29 AM:

" LEAVE THE MONEY RIGHT WERE IT IS!!!! "

Native wrote on May 4, 2008 11:28 AM:

" I am not Sioux but I am a native American, and am disturbed that the Sioux are being recognized as having private ownership to these lands merely because they were the indigeous occupants when the white settlers came to this area. The true Indian thinking is that is we can only borrow some time on this Mother Earth and cannot truely own what is not ours to own. The ownership of this land is a concept conceived from the white settlers. Now, in recognizing this as a method to increase ones worth, this becomes a non-traditional concept introduced by the white settlers that becomes acceptable. This land, including the Black Hills, is as sacred to me to me as it is to someone of the Sioux tribe. If the Sioux were to take physical possession of these areas that are now provided for all, we of non-Sioux origin could be deprived of our spirituality if if they denied our presence. I am sorry my Sioux brothers and sisters, I do not side with you on a goal of Sioux ownership of the Black Hills. The treaties issued by the white government granting the ownership to certain tribes was to provide regions to control the people by confinement. The traditional Indian way finds this concept laughable, as this land belongs to Mother Earth and it could not be theirs to grant the ownership of to anyone. The leaders of that era recognized that they were being imprisioned by these treaties and fought against them until forced to succumb to avoid the complete genocide of their people. The prison doors of the reservations have been open for many years and there is no good reason to now expand the size of the prison. This land is now designated as public, thereby protecting the interests of all, not just those who find their origins from the Sioux tribe. The Sioux are not deprived of their cultural spirituality of this area by the presence of others who are from other origins. Whether or not the tribe accepts the monentary judgement is realy no concern of mine. However, I feel it shameful that the people are deprived of this while the value will be depleted by lawyers planting faint hopes. "

Disconcerted sympathetic and practical wrote on May 4, 2008 10:57 AM:

" No statement here by anyone will full articulate the injustice that has been done to the natives. To understate it considerably, it was wrong; the natives should have the land; and, money should be paid to them. That being expressed, the US government should also provide compensation to African Americans, Chinese, Japanese and Germans. What 'should' be done, ethically, and what can and will be done are two very different things no matter the arguments made to the contrary. Though giving back the land could be in the right, logistically it's exponentially less pragmatic than deporting 12 million illegal immigrants.

It's unfortunate that a group of people is injusticed when two cultures literally collide, such was the case in the 19th century. Though the US didn't abide by the same rules of war (and thus culture) as the natives, that doesn't deny that force was used to acquire the lands pre-Anglo Americans, and ultimately the victor took the land.

In one post below, a native tribesman writes to "tribalism", which seems a vital, valued component to the natives, and thus about doing right by the tribe's ancestors. I don't believe the US government is asking the natives to sell their soul, give up their relationship to the land or forsake their ancestors. Given the impracticality of getting back the land, accepting the money and investing it into the natives and their land would be the wisest thing one could do to preserve tribalism and therefore honor native ancestors. Money is superficial. However it is a means to provide better life.

Money is fleeting only insofar as it isn't spent wisely. "

Being a Victim wrote on May 4, 2008 10:05 AM:

" is what you will get if that is all you ever do.

Let's see who just really does own the land? The Sioux? The Crow? The Ree? Is it the Siouxs because they faught and killed for it? So if that is how land is aquired maybe that is how this should be settled?!

Use common sense and quit your bickering. Respect is earned not grandfathered. So many call for repect, for what? I repect individuals not groups of people. My repect is earned by anyone of any race or creed only if they show me that they have proved to be worthy of it through hard work and overcoming. Take an example that is in the paper of the recent award winner from Rosebud. "

rebc wrote on May 4, 2008 10:03 AM:

" And where would you be with out this government? Let me guess. In the hills littering all the roads with beer bottles old furniture and car bodies, I dont care what anybody says I see how Natives treat the "sacred land" that phrase has become nothing but lip service "

The gap wrote on May 4, 2008 9:53 AM:

" I paid 23K an acre near the Custer State Park. IF the land is given to the natives it will be in ruin and I will lose my investment. "

Faith Spotted Eagle wrote on May 4, 2008 9:52 AM:

" It made me sad to hear about someone getting $12,000 which is not a lot. If someone needs to get money for college, there are Pell grants and other funds to attend college. The issue is not beneffiting from something that "our grandfathers didn't". They didn't want the money, they wanted the spiritual connection, which we lose when we are bought off. If we raise our children to be self-sufficient we don't have to accept money or beg in the face of poverty. WE are proud people. Faith Spotted Eagle "

concerned member wrote on May 4, 2008 9:33 AM:

" I am a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and peoud of it, but the issue of the Black Hills Claim has been the subject of discussion for ages. Because our ancestors took issue with the US government abusing our sacred lands.The US Govt. does not hold clear title to the Black Hills, only a quick claims deed and even that is clouded. The white people who purchased the BH lands for thier own personnal use have no right there, The whole deal with the Louisana Purchase does not have clear title and no one understands what the US Govt. did with the Country of France.Several yrs. ago the people were messing with the issue of the BH claim and they found out, they would lose thier boundaries to thier reservations, just as they did when they accepted the Mississippi Sioux Claim. We all need the money, but money doesn't last long and the land will be under some else's control. If we accept the BH Claim our homeland boundaries will disappear and the State will be there to control us. We must teach our young people the value of our homelands, because they may be the ones who give up our sovereignty as Indian governments or elected officials.We cannot be taken in by a bunch of staving lawyers, who prey on our peoples weaknesses. "

RK wrote on May 4, 2008 9:22 AM:

" That is a good point--give all those that "own" land/homes in the Black Hills $12K, move them to some unoccupied land (maybe parts of Nev, Wyo, Utah), tell them to accept it and get over it. "

Sicangu Warrior wrote on May 4, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Take the money and tie your hands like the prisoner they want you to be. You then become not the assimilated indian but a valued consumer worthy of respect only due your net worth. I'd rather be their perspective of poor than have credit card bill collectors lighting up my phone every night. Take the Black Hills extorition monies and natives might as well put the spirit of the buffalo nation aside and become superficial sheep in the world economy. "

crow and Ree wrote on May 4, 2008 8:47 AM:

" what about them , do they get $$ ?? they had their BH land stolen by the Sioux "

bc wrote on May 4, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Most whites and other races that live here do not, and cannot comprehend the situation with these hills and this land. They think that because they have lived here a while, in some cases several generations) that their voice counts for something. In reality their land was not illegally taken by a government that is still alive and well, the very same government that violated their own laws to get this gold rich land. It does not matter how many years have passed. This government that violated its own laws out of greed is still here. If we consider our constitution to hold any truth and honor then we must take seriously this violation of law and must consider the return of at least the land that our government has control of. Nearly 1.7 million acres. If you are not Lakota then your voice has not real importance here. "

GET OVER IT wrote on May 4, 2008 7:54 AM:

" First of all this attorney is after his 20 percent of the settlement. He is not doing the Sioux any favors. If they do take the settlement of 12,000 per Sioux member you still have to pay taxes on it, which will cut it by 30%. Only in America would the goverment ever feel obigated to pay money for a broken treaty, most other goverments would just say yes we broke the treaty but so what. The Sioux tribe needs to get into the 21st century and organize themselves to utilize this money to better there future and grow. Holding on to this issue will require alot of effort that could be utilized elswhere. The eventual outcome will be that they take the money anyway. "

Lakota Veteran wrote on May 4, 2008 7:52 AM:

" Yes it is true Natives have a higher rate of volunteering for military i done it cause my family has a history of volunteering. Now ask all the Vets what kind of Discharge they recieved. They also have a higher rate of getting kicked out and recieving a Other than honorable discharge. The vets that brag about being in the military are the ones that got kicked out. As for the Hills look at all the building going, so you will not get the total amount of acres back that was taken. What would the sacred hills turn into if given back. A big land fill with a beautiful back drop. I remember a day when the Feds raided Grand River Casino under the management of Gary Montana. Allegations of embezzlement but who better to doctor the books than a Attorney. I worked with fellow security officers who told me of the parties and how money was taken from the casino to his residence. We talk about how the US Government stole from us. When our own Native Elected Council members are conficted of misuse and theft of government money. Think of all the new toys they would have if the payment was accepted. "

Never wrote on May 4, 2008 7:47 AM:

" Government is trying to rip ndns off again, with their hired gun(lawyer). At least the oyate stand for something in which to be proud, they never gave in to greed. "

A Billion is way too little wrote on May 4, 2008 7:44 AM:

" What if the US government announced that the treaties of the 1800's that were made with the Native Americans for white settlers to stay out of the Black Hills were suddenly going to be enforced, and anyone who is not a Native American would be given $12,000 and relocated to a wilderness development in Oklahoma? Would that $12,000 shut you up, end your hurt, and heal your wounds? The US government is pixxing away $3.5 Billion every week in Iraq so why shouldn't you ante up... say, $100 Billion for the Black Hills? You staying in the Black Hills is worth that much isn't it? In fact, given the remarks about staying and fighting it out to the death, means no price would be too much to pay. Right? So quit trying to screw the Native Americans... again... it really isn't becoming of white folk to behave so basely. "

Huh wrote on May 4, 2008 7:08 AM:

" God only made 1 Earth. Everybody deserves their share. As the breeding and subsequent over-population continues, each denizen of Earth gets a little bit less. Nobody owns any land, each just "rents" it from a person or persons in a more lucrative position. My recommendation is.....take the money, get an education and become a land baron yourselves. "

RE RESPECT wrote on May 4, 2008 6:52 AM:

" Has it ever occurred to you, the main reason why no one will take the lakota people seriously, is because they like to preach honor, respect, etc, but the only lakota that are seen, are the ones that tend to be drunk, beligerent, and anti-social?
The last time the native american people tried to occupy a campsite, what happened, do you remember? Yellow Thunder Campground?
It was so badly trashed, that they had to haul out the garbage for weeks, trying to clean it up.
Most Americans, would hate to see what Native Americans would do to the Black Hills, considering most have seen how well the Tribal people function on the reservation. Ask yourself the great question: If you knew how the reservations looked, and are taken care of, would you trust yourself to take care of the black hills?
I wouldn't. It would be wrecked. "

Ree wrote on May 4, 2008 6:45 AM:

" My ancestors were here first and the Sioux stole our land. Why are these thieves going to receive money for land that wasn't theirs to begin with? Where is my share? "

shafaben wrote on May 4, 2008 6:17 AM:

" " this world is not my home,I'm just a passing thru. My treasures are laid out some where beyond the blue"
" the things that I own and are dear to my heart, are just borrowed, they're not mine at all."
Everything is here for us just to use for awhile. You cannot take them where ever you go when you die........ Sacred???? to whom???? I live in another state, but a S.D. native. I love the Black Hills too, BUT do any of you remember a few years back when a piece of land was given to the "natives", and the land turned into a dump???? How sared is that??? Mmaaannn. GET OVER IT "

Stop the enabling NOW wrote on May 4, 2008 6:13 AM:

" I agree with "Learn from the Past". My ancestors have been persecuted also but that has nothing to do with me today trying to raise my childern and keep a roof over our heads. It in fact has given me more incentive to strive for a better life for them and myself. Today with what I have, right here and now. I sincerely think the US gov should make all res obsolete and thus quit ENABLING this victomization attitude. I dub the Black Hills sacred to ALL. If you want some of it, get a job, get a life, get on with living it and go buy yourself a couple acres like I had to. Tens of thousands of my relatives and myself have existed only because ONE man in our history survived a purposly downed prisoner ship. He was imprisoned because he was fighting for his spiritual beliefs against England. As far as I know, not one of my relatives, to this day, has sued England nor accepts handouts from them. We intergrated and moved on. Stop the enabling now! "

Re Respect wrote on May 4, 2008 6:09 AM:

" RESPECT
wrote on May 3, 2008 11:08 PM:

" Have you all noticed that every time there is an Indian issue in the paper, you get at least 30 comments, most of them racist and negative? Thanks for making my point about how racist this city is. Treaty land is treaty land; natives were not conquered. There was either a settlement, or the land was taken through miscommunication of terms. For those of you who think this does not affect you because you "own" your land and "get over it", may the time come when everything you dished out, comes back to you. And oh yeah, Lakotas are tribal citizens AND AMERICAN Citizens who, per capita, represent themselves defending "your/our" land six times more often than you and your relatives ever have. If you want respect, earn it; to give respect is to get respect. "

-------------------------------------

-------Re: Respect-------------

Thank you for your comments. The reason why these people from Rapid City that are racist to the Native Americans is that ignorance is based on the uneducated not knowing what else to say. Most of these negative Rapid Replies do not even know the historical relevance behind the taking of the Black Hills. How that was accomplished by the U.S. in an underhanded way.

These same negative comments do not suggest or bring up any meaninful way to resolve the Black Hills issue. Some even think that Tribal members are not citizens of the U.S. Indigenous Tribes and their members are sovereign nations with their own laws and customs and that is how the United States dealt with these sovereign Tribes as sovereign nations.

The Sioux Tribe do not have to take the money as payment for the Black Hills and they never will. This latest attempt by some White Attorney from Yankton, South Dakota is only an attempt by that Attorney for settlement to get their 1/3 settlement for such a case.

So negative and positive Rapid Repliers, let's all look at the history of the Black Hills before we start bringing comments to this Rapid Reply.

Have a good day.
"

to The money was not accepted by the Sioux wrote on May 4, 2008 5:31 AM:

" Truthfully I don't think it was all about the land....It was all about the GOLD. "

who cares about the color wrote on May 4, 2008 5:28 AM:

" I guess I am tired of the issues in this area so often coming down to color or race. Just because I am white "I can't be able to understand what the Black hills means to the Sioux" Just because someone is Sioux "they are lazy and looking for handouts" The courts found in favor of the Sioux. That money was put into a trust. When the Sioux decide that they want to take that money and start dividing it they should. I do understand the anger that people that own land in the area feel, because I also own land, although not in the black hills, and I wouldn't want someone coming in and telling me I have to leave and the land no longer belongs to me. That is the reason for the monetary settlement. The reason that is the only fair way of settling this injustice. Lets all stop the hatred, the name calling and the grouping of all peoples into a negative light. Take each person for what they have done in their lifetimes and begin to heal. "

ken wrote on May 4, 2008 5:17 AM:

" The United States land grab was illegal as is the settlement. The U. S. government cannot decide in courts the outcome of a Treaty between them and other nations (Indians). I t was a biased court decision in favor the United States. "

Pahasapa wrote on May 4, 2008 1:29 AM:

" We must speak with one voice and I for one will never give my voice to what our ancestor fought for, to hold on to this sacred land. No amount of money will keep this land intact. Do not let the dominate societies greed and words confuse you my people, they are only interested in what they can gain for themselves. Look around you and see what they have done to this country already, with money...greed. Mother Earth is speaking to you, listen to her. Our sacred hills are about who we are as a people as a nation, and a reminder that this government that came with hands extended, has never...never kept a treaty with any tribe in its history this is a fact. Ever promise that it has made, it has failed to honor. It has attempted to cover up, deceive, and openly lie to the people that entrust their lives to it. Trust no man that tells you that you'd be better off if you take the money...it will be gone before you can blink. Would you sell your child, would you sell your grandmother or grandfather? The blood that has been shed by our fore fathers for this land is worth far more than you can possible imagine. How can be let their spirits rest with honor and respect if we forsake our relatives , if you forsake your heritage because of money, for surely our kola will never forgive us in the next life. We are all related in this fight; let no person make you think this is simply about money. It is the dominate societies way of again, trickery, lies and misdirection. Our sacred hills are not worth all the money that this country has to offer. This is our home, this where our dead lie buried, this is where our ancestor fought, be proud of your heritage, be proud of who you are. I can assure you those that think they would like to have the money are those that we still today call "hang around the fort Indians", they more than likely have a whiskey bottle in one hand and telling you how much Indian they are in the other. These voice do not speak for the Lakota people, and never will.

As long as there is one voice in the wilderness that can speak, 'THESE HILLS ARE NOT FOR SALE'
will be shouted loudly so as to be heard by all people.

Hoka Hey. "

Long Road wrote on May 4, 2008 1:23 AM:

" Dear RCJ Staff, Thanks for all the great work you do. The following is piece writing out of inspiration from your article and blogs. It is ment to be a tool of healing and understanding. I would greatly appreciate it being posted in your blog. Thanks in advance, Dustin Twiss

________________________________________

All swept away in a landslide of misunderstanding. A clash of cultures, tolerance thwarted in a squall of ignorance, truth forsaken and cooperation exiled in a blinding blur of social decay. The cheek of respect turned, away from sight of the beast of destruction that lies within and between us. The spine of courage twisted, crippling the back bearing the brunt of the load which deceives us. The hands of generosity bound, by the blood ridden ropes which have hanged us. The breath of wisdom choked, from the lungs of the ways which may heal us. Let a glimpse down the road we willing to walk, deflect the flint from piercing our hearts. D.T. Lakota "

Oglala Lakota Siyo wrote on May 4, 2008 1:11 AM:

" ANY Lakotas who even think about accepting money for our land should be ASHAMED of themselves!! What's happened to our tribalism? Being a tribal person means thinking about the whole tribe, not one's self! And if we're thinking about our whole tribe, we have to think of our ancestors. What did our HONORABLE ancestors fight and die for? The answer is, FOR YOU! They're the only reason YOU'RE here now! When the white power structure of America is overtaken WE WILL GET OUR LAND BACK!! Just hang on, and keep hope!! "

Bill wrote on May 4, 2008 12:13 AM:

" Lets face it, they are not going to get the land back, so take the money. "

Ralph wrote on May 4, 2008 12:00 AM:

" Never take the money regardless if the land is ever given back.Which in Reality will not happen in my life time. The land is forever the money is not. Think about it that is why the people who own land in the hills now days are not going to give it up or sell. People need to live in the now and stop living and rehashing the past.The past is the past. It is not meant to re-live it. I am native/indian and grew up on the reservation. I have lived off the res since High school and never needed any type of federal or state government assistance and made my own way as I was taught by my family. So I know if I can do it and do it without any money from the past others can too. And by the way you don't hear this to often from an indian. but I'm proud to be American and consider myself a patriot. If it wasn't for America we we wouldn't be here. Now of course with that comment you will see reverse prejiduce in action as someone of native/indian descent will react with some negative or prejiduce comments. Again don't take the money it doesn't last forever..... "

Leon M in Pine Ridge Village wrote on May 3, 2008 11:59 PM:

" Wow, everytime I turn around I see ignorance and I can't wait to see all of the racial issues that will come from this article. The Great Sioux Nation was established in the 19th century and the lands were illegally taken. The Supreme Court ruled the lands were STOLEN and this is why there is a dollar value. Money is not the God of the Lakota! The law firm is a joke. Everyone can see they stand to become very rich while the Great Sioux Nation loses. As an Oglala Sioux Tribal Member I will remind everyone we are not fully assimilated. It is the principle and we as the PEOPLE do not need to accept this payment. We are not children and we will rise as a great NATION once again. Thank you "

Too Much Money wrote on May 3, 2008 11:53 PM:

" The Sioux were only in the Hills a short period. Look at your history folks. They want claim to something that they lost in battle, treaty or no treaty. If you want money then invest in your future and get off the alcohol. If you take the offer invest it in your people verses a fast HIGH. "

wapahaluta wrote on May 3, 2008 11:46 PM:

" "MAN BELONGS TO EARTH, EARTH DOES NOT BELONG TO MAN"
THE BLACK HILLS ARE NOT FOR SALE!!
If we sell its like selling our MOTHER! "

tooRESPECT wrote on May 3, 2008 11:43 PM:

" Go live in a city with over a million people. Then report back to us what kinda hate crimes were inflicted upon you. Nothing racist about anyposts on here. The old saying is "actions speak louder then words" its human to judge others by their actions. "

The money was not accepted by the Sioux wrote on May 3, 2008 11:13 PM:

" No deal. If these legal minds would actually look at what transpired during the Treaty making days alot of this could be settled. The United States stole the actual Black Hills from the Sioux with the discovery of gold in the area. So let's all look back at the historical records and reconstruct what happened and figure this out and settle it.

Any of you out there with some sense should understand the ineptness on the part of the United States for dealing with a people in such a wicked and dishonest way.

It was all over land. "

Chubby Native wrote on May 3, 2008 11:10 PM:

" Greed, the only way "

RESPECT wrote on May 3, 2008 11:08 PM:

" Have you all noticed that every time there is an Indian issue in the paper, you get at least 30 comments, most of them racist and negative? Thanks for making my point about how racist this city is. Treaty land is treaty land; natives were not conquered. There was either a settlement, or the land was taken through miscommunication of terms. For those of you who think this does not affect you because you "own" your land and "get over it", may the time come when everything you dished out, comes back to you. And oh yeah, Lakotas are tribal citizens AND AMERICAN Citizens who, per capita, represent themselves defending "your/our" land six times more often than you and your relatives ever have. If you want respect, earn it; to give respect is to get respect. "

Not about the land or the money wrote on May 3, 2008 10:35 PM:

" Its about maintaining the lakota's claim to being persecuted. That will continue to reap more money than any settlement will. "

The rest of the Hills wrote on May 3, 2008 10:29 PM:

" I don't know if the rest of the Black Hills is for sale or not but the chunk I own is NOT for sale. And it sure isn't for "giving back to the Indians" at any price. At least any price other than armed conflict. Of course I would have to lose the armed conflict and that's not likely. "

Kaboom wrote on May 3, 2008 10:14 PM:

" I could not agree more. The Black Hills are not for sale. Not at any price and not to any one. The Hills belong to the people of the United States without racial qualification. Sorry dudes, no "Balkanizing" here. "

Re Black Hills not for sale wrote on May 3, 2008 10:08 PM:

" The Attorney that is mentioned in this story, Doug Kettering, is one of the Attorneys involved in another big case against the United States entitled, Wolfchild, et al. v. United States.

That case is on the internet and you can find the case history at: mklaw.com and read more about it if you want.

Personally, I have an opinion that the Black Hills will never be for sale. The Elders always talked about its sacredness and the power and strength that the Black Hills have.

Take care. "

kumbaya is right wrote on May 3, 2008 9:52 PM:

" We have abused the Black Hills. We should give it all back so the rest of it can look like Pine Ridge. Only the Indians can care for the land properly and Pine Ridge is a shining example of what they can do when given the chance. The photos show that when Custer came through here we didn't have nearly the number of the "weeds" some people call pine trees. Most of the Hills were barron of those nasty plants that do nothing but harbor pine bark beetles.
"

To Oglala Lakota Tribal Member wrote on May 3, 2008 9:47 PM:

" Ummm, I was under the impression that you (Indians) are "us." But it seems that some of "us" want to make the rest of "us" give them something for a thing that happened many years ago. And almost a billion dollars isn't enough for a few of "us." The trouble is you don't see yourself as "us." You see yourself as "me" and "I" owe you something. If "you" want it that way, well, then "I" think we have a problem that will only hurt "you." I notice "you" are "Oglala Lakota Tribal Memeber" and not "American Citizen." Too bad for you, America is a great place to live if you are a citizen, try it sometime, the offer is always out there. "

Trusty wrote on May 3, 2008 9:30 PM:

" why are people in eastern sd and iowa discussing this? They have no right to this. They did not lose out on anything, they already lived over there. That is like me voting on how Austria runs there economy. Throw all lawyers at the bottom of a deep lake for a good start. "

Oglala Lakota Tribal Member wrote on May 3, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Now I can understand why the United States is not well liked in the eyes of the world. The "I'm better than you and over my dead body" mentality exhibited by the posters in this blog speak volumes.
Then Americans wonder why don't they like us? "

Hey Kumbaya wrote on May 3, 2008 9:20 PM:

" You do realize that the land you hope they get back is the same land you are living on right? Start a movement. Give your land back to the Indians. No one is stopping you. Be the first one. Stand up, be a man. Sign it over to the Tribe, It's theirs anyway right? You can always move to, well, where can you move to? Just move. I'm sure they'll take you back in Norway or Germany or England or wherever you came from. Just tell them your great great great grandfather used to live there and they'll all move over for you. You can probably build a house on that little potato farm your family owned in the 1840's back in the old country. "

kumbaya wrote on May 3, 2008 8:56 PM:

" I can't wait until these heroes get the land they deserve. We whites have abused their ownership for way too long. God Bless The Native Americans!! "

Alan wrote on May 3, 2008 8:53 PM:

" The FEDS do not have to pay interest. In "THEROY" the $$$$$$ was put into a trust fund and this is the interest it has collected. YEA RIGHT. Their is no way in well you know that those in DC have not found a way to get their gredy hands on that money. They could not leave the Social Security Trust alone!!! If they had we would not be in the mees we are in with this fund. The other thing is that is any SENATOR or REP get's their hooks in this some how or some way they will be the only ones who will truely be ER-RICHED! The law firm is also going to be EN-RICHED more than anyone in DC. They want $20 a head and pretty much $200mil and the fact is they will find a way to get more than that for EXPENSES and all manner of whatever. The Native Americans will more than likely need up with a FREE PAKING PASS to MT. Rushmore and and an annual pass to the other NATIONAL PARKS AREAS and that will be it.... I am sorry to say but I hope the Native American are smarter than this...... Just because someone in the law firm is Native American does not mean he is looking out for anyone but himself and the firm. I agree with White Plume and Montana DO NOT DO IT! Not to metion if the were demand the land and the courts gave it to them we would be back in the same place all our FOREFATHERS were in just a FEW YEARS AGO! Also this has been tried and the courts have always ruled against the Native Americans. SORRY this just the way it has been. "

wolapi wrote on May 3, 2008 8:43 PM:

" game over "

im lakota wrote on May 3, 2008 8:43 PM:

" the comment .. "I have five children"...i am so tired of hearing that excuse. i hear people using that excuse for everything...i have five children so i cant pay my phone bill...i have five children so i cant do this. i have five children so i cant come into work today...i cant do this...i cant do that....blah blah blah..well.. I HAVE FIVE CHILDREN..it's called get a job and work your hardest and do without things that YOU REALLY DONT NEED. i dont need no black hills money for nothing. i work. its called GET A JOB. work double shifts if you have to. the black hills shouldnt be for sale for no reason at all no matter what the price. the black hills are considered sacred. every time i drive by bear butte, it makes me sad to see motorcycle bars popping up left and right. how would the newell/sturgis people feel if i went and bought land next to a cathlic church and built a loud, noisy, motorcycle bar next to it?? im sure they wouldnt be to happy about that. anyway.....dont use the excuse of having kids, i have that many. and i love them all. i work hard and i get what they need and i even have eneough left over for their education. no offense to anyone out there...just my point. "

I need the money wrote on May 3, 2008 8:42 PM:

" I don't know about you but I need that money and I live in section 8 housing anyway so I don't have a part of land anymore. But who's going to pay the $20 filing fee? I think the government should pay that. Why shoudl I have to pay $20 to get my money. Answer that. "

PINE RIDGER wrote on May 3, 2008 8:41 PM:

" In the face of this great poverty, our Spiritual connection to the Black Hills is much more powerful. The money would be gone in a day or two, and we would have to face our Ancestors." Debra White Plume's words are full of truth and meaning! NO SALE! "

Learn from the past wrote on May 3, 2008 8:33 PM:

" you don't need to keep living in the past though. I think if everyone would look into the lives of another they would see that some how someone wronged them. I know I sure can do this. If I sat around long enough and contemplated it I would surely learn to be one to blame another for my problems and I am sure I could go back a few generations and see how my ancestors were wronged and find someone else to blame also. There are many things in my own family's history such as the persecution of Germans in Russia, severe drought I, World War I, Potato Famine, severe drought II, World War II, and so on. Life is and has never been easy for most in this world. People are born everyday from the start of time with severe and mild health issues. What one has to remember is that living as though the world owes us only hurts ourselves. If I waited for all that have wronged me to pay up or appologize I would be a very depressed person living a very defeated life. No one truly owes us anything but the right to the pursuit of happiness, life and liberty and nothing more. Treaties have been broken for centuries, Indians have done as much wrong as any other race. The Sioux pushed out other tribes and warred with many also. Should then the land of the Sioux be given to the ancestors of the tribes that were there before them. The things that were done were done to many generations removed from the ones living today aren't responsible for us now. Most of the ones living today haven't a clue about what it all means. It does become a welfare program and not a retrobution. I am not responsible for what happened to all the generations that came before me. My ancestors didn't live here then. If one just decides to let the past go and forgive and get on with their lives then they can see that life could be much better. If there are no jobs on the reservation then integrate and go to where the jobs are. I certainly can't stay where I want and forgo a job just to stay close to my family. No one should hold your heritage against you as long as you work hard and lead a good life. What I see though is blame for no jobs, no health care and the lack of motivation to go where it can be provided by working and buying your own health care and income like the rest of americans. You have to decide that this isn't what you want and change. Seek out a better life and hold your head up high for your accomplishments. And yes there will always be those who will try to remind you of where you came from, what your heritage is and what your past history is and try to say that that is who you are. I have had to learn to ignore it myself or it will just get me down. Take responsibility and be proud of who you are! "

amen to bikerdude wrote on May 3, 2008 8:31 PM:

" i agree w/ bikerdude "

by the way wrote on May 3, 2008 8:28 PM:

" no land is sacred... if it were.. where are all the pixies?.. it's the mind-state of the people and the culture that is sacred.. land is just dirt. i am a Lakota responding to all this media coverage of the bar/liquor store that was suppose to go up below bear butte. i say build it! it's money in the bank! nevermind the mis-led people who have too much time on their hands! looking for a quick buck! build it! i'm sure they'll be in there looking for a good time once it's built!.. real natives don't believe dirt in certain areas is sacred!.. please believe me!
real natives don't value dirt! we value our families and culture! what's left of it anyway!
"

Robert J. Boinski wrote on May 3, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Before knowing what the Black Hills meant to the native Americans, I had no idea or understanding of the importance of this location. Having watched several documentaries concerning the manner in which the United States has dealt with the indians, and after learing of Paha Sapa, it is much clearer to comprehend the sacred spirit and why this land should be returned to them. To accept payment of any amount would be to betray their ancestory. "

Wow wrote on May 3, 2008 8:12 PM:

" What a haul for the lawyer involved if the Lakota people accept this. I hope the Lakota Nation doesn't take this suckers deal. Think of the Billions of dollars in gold extracted from the Black Hills all these years. "

Bikerdude wrote on May 3, 2008 8:10 PM:

" Let me get this right, they refused to accept the money in 1980 of 146 million. Why does the federal government have to pay the interest on that. It was the choice of the people not to accept, shouldn't we be talking about dividing up the original amount? One more thing, could the money be divided among those tribes that actually lived in the black hills at the time of the take over and have proof of such residency. Rather than saying I am a member of that particular tribe, a little proof positive of actual ownership would be needed when talking about that much money. "

The silent majority wrote on May 3, 2008 8:01 PM:

" I would bet with the younger generation running the show that we actually may see a settlement out of this. It's time to take the $ and move on with life. 12000 could do a lot of good for a lot of people. I'm sure as the work passes on there will be no more quiet meetings, the protesters will surly make an appearance at the next ones. DONT GIVE UP DOUG, PLEASE. There's no way that we'll ever see anthing other then a settlement offered. Its the best case scenerio for us. Please post some contact info for those of us out there that are realists. "

kumbaya wrote on May 3, 2008 7:42 PM:

" I don't know who is doing the math, but it isn't $12,000 each. $863,000,000 divided by 90,000 people is only $9500 each. if you take off the 20% the lawyer is going to get ($172 million), you are talking only $7600 each. the lawyers on the other hand get filthy rich. of course he wants them to settle. but, bc is wrong. they will never get ALL of their land back. they won't be getting my 4 acres. "

bc wrote on May 3, 2008 7:07 PM:

" Don't give in you will eventually get all or part of this land that belongs to you. "

LAKOTA wrote on May 3, 2008 7:06 PM:

" The tribe's need a new initiative, leave the money alone, invest it so it accumulates more interest and negotiate for federal lands in the Black Hills be returned to the tribe's. "

Really wrote on May 3, 2008 7:00 PM:

" I think that us Indians have better values with our lives instead of accepting just wants handed to us,but in the best days of the old ways money was nothing to us we valued and took care of what we owned and had...just knowing it belong to us Indians is always remember that we have something so valuable that greed always gets the best of our people,but with the ways things are now it'll always be a issue,if you need money for this and that go get a job,so you can pay for nessecities instead of looking for that hand out...values and pride is always suppose to be the Indian ways,cause it sure is for ME!!!! "

john stover wrote on May 3, 2008 7:00 PM:

" you do realize that a "reservation" is just shortened word for federal game reserve?...guess you know now what the government had in mind all along with the whole "res" accumulation.. and by the way if the government is also so keen on removing illegal immigrants than i guess all you Anglo Saxons would have to go back to Europe and the Hispanics who are indigenous to the north Americas are more than welcome to stay... ha... "

Hey Gary wrote on May 3, 2008 6:52 PM:

" I've got news for ya..I have a deed, to "MY land" and I pay taxes on "MY" property and it's mine. Get over it!! I have no control wover anything that happened MANY years ago so get on with your life, like the rest of us. Quit blaming your problems on someone else..Hate will get you nowhere.. "

What if wrote on May 3, 2008 6:34 PM:

" 1.3 million acres for the accumulated $863 Million dollars is about $660 per acre. Not a bad price for land worth $5 or $6000 an acre.

What would happen to that land if the Sioux Nation owned it?
Would it turn into another reservation? "

USAeva wrote on May 3, 2008 6:26 PM:

" OK - You accept the terms, we accept the terms. No more whining, complaining, griping, suffering. We both agree!! Tomorrow is a new day!!! "

Spearfish wrote on May 3, 2008 6:11 PM:

" You might as well take the money because you will never get the land. "