And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Subject: Press Conf. Statements/Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 10:20:52 -0600
From: Bernard & Feather Rock <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: Minnesota Indian Affairs <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Today, the United States has kept a promise."
Press Conference Statements
by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians
Executive Branch of Tribal Government
Press Conference on Supreme Court Decision
March 24, 1999
Marge Anderson
Chief Executive
I want to say first mii gwetch , which means "thank you" in my People's
language.
Mii gwetch to the members of the Mille Lacs Band, whose belief in our
cause
never faltered. Mii gwetch to our ancestors, who struggled against all
odds to preserve our culture and our traditions. And mii gwetch to the
Great Spirit, for guiding us during the long, difficult journey we have
made, and for showing us safely home.
Today, the United State has kept a promise. A promise that our rights
are
not just words on paper. A promise that agreements are made to be
honored,
not broken.
In the months leading up to this historic decision, I have spoken to
Band
members and to many others in the region. I have urged them to respect
whatever decision the Supreme Court rendered, and to respect the very
real
feelings this decision raises.
We cannot afford to pull away from each other at this critical time.
Instead, we must make the effort to reach out to each other, so that
together, we can heal the old wounds and care for the lands and the
lakes
that we all love.
In the days and weeks ahead, as we all adjust to the news of the Supreme
Court's decision, I hope we can remember the words of the Ojibwe prayer:
Grandfather,
Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion, and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other.
Mii gwetch.
*****
Herb Wyaus
Secretary/Treasurer
As a tribal government official, it saddened me that my People were
denied
their rights.
As an American Indian, it saddened me that my People were cut off from
our
culture and our spiritual traditions.
Today, my sadness is gone.
We are thankful that the nation's highest court has seen things our way.
We are thankful that everyone in the country now knows that our rights
are real.
As a sovereign nation, we accept the responsibility that comes with the
Supreme Courts's decision.
We understand that we are all part of the sacred hoop of the world.
And we are ready to work with our Band members and our non-Indian
neighbors
to protect the natural environment. Mii gwetch.
****
Don Wedll
Commissioner of Natural Resources
The Mille Lacs Band's goal from the very beginning of this legal process
was to uphold a long tradition of care and respect for the natural
environment.
Long before there was a state called Minnesota or a country called,
America, the Mille Lacs Ojibwe hunted, fished and riced respectfully and
responsibly.
The Ojibwe culture taught Band members to be good stewards of the
environment, and to protect and preserve the resources. Band members
learned these lessons well, and they passed them on through the
generations.
Today's Mille Lacs Band members share their ancestors" commitment to the
natural environment.
The Mille Lacs Band tribal government has enacted responsible management
plans so that everyone, Indian and non-Indian, can continue to enjoy
this
regions's natural resources. We pledge to continue these efforts, and
we
welcome the opportunity to work with our neighbors in the region as we
move
forward.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians
HCR 67
Box 194
Onamia, Mn 55357
320-532-4181
320-532-4209 (fax)
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