Lakota Lake Encampment Development
The following letter was sent to this company which is developing Lakota Lake Encampment in the middle of the Black Hills.
Defenders of the Black Hills
P. O. Box 2003, Rapid City, SD 57109
(605) 399-1868 Fax: (605) 399-1851
Jan. 9, 2006
Richard Knecht
Knecht Lumber Co.
320 West Blvd.
Rapid City, SD 57701
Dear Mr. Knecht:
First of all, to introduce our organization, Defenders is an international, volunteer, non-profit organization without racial or tribal boundaries, whose purpose is to preserve, protect, restore, and respect the territory . encompassed by the Fort Laramie Treaties of 1868 and 1851 made between the United States government and the Great Sioux Nation. The Black Hills happen to be at the center of both of those agreements.
We are writing to respectfully request you reconsider your plans for the development of Lakota Lake Encampment in the Black Hills. There are a number of reasons for our request.
1. Land Ownership: We are not sure that your are aware that the legality of land ownership has never been resolved. The violation of the Treaties by the U.S. government that allowed non-Indian trespass into this area was a violation of Article VI of the US Constitution as well as a violation of a federal law, the March 3rd Act of 1871. In that Act, the federal government specifically stated that treaties with Indian nations made prior to that date would not be abolished.
This issue was taken to court under the 5th Amendment of the Constitution. The Supreme Court ruled in 1980, that the Black Hills were indeed stolen land. The remedy was to try to pay for this stolen land with money which we have consistently refused, leaving the irresolution of land ownership.
2. Sacredness of the Black Hills: A part of the reason why the Black Hills will never be sold is that they are sacred We know this is not an understanding of the non-Indian people. Nevertheless, as an ancient people from this area for more than 13,000 years, we must inform everyone of this so that they will not desecrate the sacredness, or cause irreparable harm. There has already been considerable harm done and there are consequences to everyone for such actions. The Black Hills are sacred, were used for prayers by more than 60 nations from the North American continent, and are also an ancient cemetery. The area in which you plan to develop Lakota Lake Encampment is not exempt from this status.
We know that most people with integrity will not purposely harm another's churches or cemeteries, or violate their human rights. We also know that people with integrity will not purposely violate the law. Therefore we are hoping that after receiving this request, you will consider changing your plans for the development of Lakota Lake Encampment, or any further development by your company in the sacred Black Hills.
Sincerely,
Charmaine White Face, Coordinator
Defenders of the Black Hills
Contents
January 2006 Reports
Last updated on January 25, 2006