(The following is a brief update of events that have transpired since the December 17th, 2007 announcement of the formal and unilateral withdrawal of the members of the Lakotah indigenous nation from all agreements and treaties imposed by the United States Government on the Lakotah People.)
Russell Means
To the Readers of The Final Call:
Thank you for your interest and your offers of support to the Republic of Lakotah and our re-establishment of sovereignty.
The legal team is appealing to the international community with a legal approach and a political strategy. A business plan is being developed for wind energy—beginning with a pilot wind farm of 12-15 wind turbines. We are also assembling a volunteer medical team to utilize the Porcupine Health Clinic to include alternative medicine, podiatry, and an Emergency Medical Team to operate the ambulances.
Also in progress, is an educational plan with a mission to regain control of Lakotah education by establishing the “Total Immersion” concept which will begin to reverse the current devastating statistics. Currently, the average Lakotah speaking person is 62 years of age. The Lakotah male life expectancy is 44 years, and the female life expectancy is 47–52 years. These statistics place our language at risk and possibly to the point of extinction. We must act now!
Here is how you can help. We plan to begin operating the school in the fall of 2008. In order to achieve that, we need $288,200 by July 15, 2008. The amount of $119,000 is needed to finish and equip the 5,000 square foot pre-fab tipi proto-type structure, which is currently at 65% completion. We need $169,200 for school operations, which would accommodate 12 to 20 students. We are pleased to report that we are on our way towards obtaining these funding requirements. This is a crucial first step toward realizing our new found independence.
The initial response has been inspiring and we request your financial support by visiting our web site www.treatyschool.com.
Just as our ancestors signed treaties to secure the interest of Our People for the next seven generations, we, Lakotah, are at that point again. We believe in the human spirit to persevere. With your help, we will continue as a distinctive People.
Thank you for being a part of the survival of the Lakotah culture.
What's
your opinion on this article?
Email this article
