Oklahoma Land Run - April 2008

The time has come many American Indians believe to put an end to the annual Oklahoma Land Run - read this article from 2005 regarding the land run:

Commentary: Is it right to celebrate the Land Run?

Some believe it is a tragic day

TULSA OK
Louis Gray 4/22/2005

Many Oklahoma Schools will be celebrating the Oklahoma Land Run. Some will dress up in costume to depict in detail the clothes of White settlers back in 1889. While many Oklahomans are eager to celebrate the taking of the Indian land, many Native Americans believe it nothing short of throwing a party for thieves.

It would be as unseemly as going to the hometown of Gen. George Armstong Custer and having a victory parade. That would be clearly wrong. In truth there were some Indian people kept to the side by the calvary. They stood and cried. I wonder if the schools will show that? I wonder if they will show the planning of the theft? I wonder if the schools will teach the children the truth?

Some historians might argue that the Indians were paid for their land. It is also reasoned that the tribes were being punished for fighting for the confederacy during the civil war. Of course thousands of Native American Oklahomas fought and died for the Union.

It was their opportunity to rush into Indian territory and stake their claim on the richest grass on earth. The Land Run was always about power, money and greed.

Some tribes were paid against their will as little as 60 cents per acre. Or as some might theorize outright theft. Who would want to sell their home when they didn't want to and only recieve pennies on the dollar for their land?

It is wrong for anyone to object to such a famous event in Oklanoma history? Is it wrong to steal from humble people? Some parents are sending notes asking educators to not humiliate their child by making them take part in the racially insensitive reinactment.

Wrong is wrong no matter how few agree the celebration is incorrect. Oklahoma schools have a long history of selling everyone on the idea it could rewrite history. Why not?

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February 2008 News Reports

Last updated on January 31, 2008