For perspective, let's first discuss what true First Nations are. (Many of
you know these things, for you I'm talking over your shoulder.)
Before the Europeans came, this was our home. We had well organized governments,
treaties between our Nations and Tribes. We had peace and yes, we had wars. We
had organized bodies of Law and punishment, our Councils and Elders were our
courts. We submitted ourselves to that Law, it was our own, we had a clear and
distinct voice in its creation and evolution. Many of our Peoples had written
language and even mathematics. Even so, ours is still an oral tradition. I
wish that I could say these things to you, that you might look me in the eyes
and know I speak the truth. Given the distances and that time flows away from
us, we must use this media as our Ancestors used the Council Fire. This was
our way, to many of us still the way these things should be done. I say this
in truth. In that lost time, we had our histories, memorized to keep them
alive and part of a living being. In this way we touched the past and gave it
to the future. Many still feel this in their blood, even those of small blood
quantum. To us, like the Jew who reads Deuteronomy, those are our Mothers and
Fathers, our Sisters and Brothers, it is us.
The mixing of blood and time have not quenched the fires of our Spirit. Still,
we must learn from the past, let the pain of our Ancestors pass through us and
remind us of the price that was paid by all. We do not relish the pain and death
of even our enemies, all men have a right to live. Even the documents written
by the founders of the White Nation recognized this truth. This is indisputable,
the Creator of us all tells us this is so.
Yet we have much in common, pehaps it is there where we shall find our Council
fire. There is now no more time for hatred. We must be endure each other's truth
and see that we all God's creations.
As I see it, there are but three paths for us to take, each having its merit
and fault. It is my intent here to present the facts, as I see them, trying
to give equal attention to all. Being human, being Indian, I would be dishonest
if I protrayed this as unbiased...
It should be evident that the avenues open to us are:
To some this is the only option, to many not an option at all. There are those,
in all Nations and Races, who simply do not want to "rock the boat." I undestand
this to some extent, after all, history has not been kind to us, perhaps if we
keep to ourselves, seek a low profile, pehaps we will be forgotten and left to
our own devices.
Thus was the thought of our Old Leaders as they sat in Council. Perhaps if we
let the White man have a little more land he will be satisfied. He never was.
The point can be made that we are small in number, without a loud voice to tell
our side. Even small victories are won in the courts are at great cost of money
and time. It is pehaps a sure way though, to work within the system and become
part of it. Slow change, it is said, is sure change. Permanence comes from deep
roots, roots take time to grow. Maybe we will lose no more, not risk what little
we have left to us.
This is where we now are. The courts sometimes in our favor, but even then there
may be no change. In 1980, the Supreme Court found in favor of the Lakota Nation,
stating that the Tribal lands of the Black Hills had be taken by deceit and fraud.
The White government offered $150 milliion in settlement. Even though that sum
has increased to $380 million (for 60 millilion acres of land), the Lakota
still seek the return of their homelands. The money offered pales in
comparison to the $250 BILLION in gold taken from the Hills over the last
100 years.
No wonder many Indians have no trust in the courts of the White Government.
Yet many believe that we should allow ourselves to be assimilated into the
population, disappearing like the buffalo. I see no wisdom in this path.
But there is some truth in this way. With each generation there are less of
full blood. In yet a few, there will be none. The Indians believe that even
diluted blood is better to the Nation than none. Many of us know in our hearts
that mixing does not quench the fire, only speads it.
There are those who think the past is dead and we should go the way of the Old
Ones. Maybe it is inexorable. All things pass. They feel it is time to return
to our Mother's bosom and find rest in oblivion.
Whether the fire grows or is extinguished, that Light still once shone.
One thing is clear. The treaties forced upon us guaranteed our sovereignty. The
Nations were to be that, Nations, not merely counties within states. We promised
autonomy, yet with each year that diminished. It would be impossible for the
government of the United States to honor all its pormises within those treaties,
but one remains within its power. Many of us still call for the recognition of
the Tribes as the sovereignties they are.
While this may seem incongruous, given that we dwell within the confines of the
United States, it must be remembered that we were adn remain captive Nations.
I know that this concept is difficult and unpalletable for many, but it is the
simple truth. The First Nations of the country were subjugated by force, and held
captive against our will. Even as late as 1890, within the lives of some today,
they were still hostile actions against our Peoples. The Wounded Knee Massacre
occured on December 29, 1890.
Then as now, the question was that of autonomy. Lands had been taken and lands
promised. How many treaties does it take to secure a small piece of ground, how many
lives?
The recognition of Sovereignty will secure the rights of all Indians. There
are many though that feel the need to seek redress through the White courts.
Many of those suits are of just cause, but why turn to the courts that imprisoned us
to seek freedom? Maybe all men have grown, their hearts softened with time. I do
believe in my heart that men can change -- I am living proof.
Pehaps we can win our freedom within the courts, when we are free men, we will
submit ourselves to that law or accept any punishment they mete. It is the
principle of all Western law that men can not be held account to a morally offensive
law or an unjust system.
We were once a free People, a free Nation of our own destiny. We shall be again,
whether or not we survive to see it, or rest in the Creator's bosom. I shall
strive to see my children free.
Jim Hickinbotham, Oklahoma Choctaw. September 9, 1997
To Abide the Status Quo
Succumb to the Pressures of Government
Continue to seek Sovereignty