Ivan F. Star Comes Out
What does our future hold for us?
By Ivan F. Star Comes Out I tried hard to see the good in our tribal government. But to be frank, I have to say that it has not been favorable to the majority of Lakota people. It never has and I don’t think it ever will. We have continually endured poverty since its inception here in 1935. Truthfully, it has always benefited a few politicians and their families and friends. Government corruption is as common as alcohol on the homeland highways. There are several not-so-positive traits that came with this constitutional government. First, our tribal government is established and controlled by a congressional law called the Wheeler-Howard Act of 1934. Although a majority of Lakota people at that time showed their rejection of the law by turning their backs on it, the law was ratified by congress anyway. Although the voting bloc was drastically reduced to ensure the law’s “acceptance” on the home land, the result still did not meet the new “30 percent of all qualified member” voting requirement. The mere fact that this voting amendment was done just three days prior to congressional action is an indication of devious manipulation by the authors of the IRA. Next, a constitution was written and put to a vote of the Lakota people under the pretext of future prosperity. This vote did meet the 30 percent voting requirement and was “accepted.” In actuality, the new constitution was designed to undermine and obliterate any and all semblance of sovereignty, specifically the ancient traditional, sovereign government. Although a constitution is defined as a compilation of the people’s laws, this one was written and executed by a foreign government. Although our constitution has been amended recently (2008) to give it more of a people’s government and an independent status, it may be a day late. Too many have become dependent. We can no longer carry ourselves with the same pride and dignity our ancestors had. Many others refer to it as a puppet government. In other words, the new constitutional government is endowed with outward symbols of authority but is directed and controlled by another power, in this case, the federal government. Thus, our tribal council is granted very limited “sovereign” powers and answers to the Department of Interior, a branch of U. S. federal government. This constitution does not acknowledge the Oglala as a sovereign. Instead, it renamed the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) as the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Naddowessi is of the Annishinabeg Nation, or Chippewa/Ojibway, and is a disdainful term directed at their enemy, the Dakota. The French added their plural suffix (oux) thus the term, Naddowessi-oux. This is the origin of the demeaning “Sioux.” The noun Tribe refers to a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture, dialect, and a recognized leadership. Taking that a bit further, Tribe is a taxonomic classification or ranking which is below that of a nation. In contrast, Nation is defined as a relatively large group of people organized under a single, usually independent government. Also, it refers to a large collection of people united by common descent, history, culture, or culture, inhabiting a particular country or territory. In other words, Nation ranks above and over the lesser noun Tribe. Although we are allowed to elect our officials, they are technically subject to and are essentially directed by a higher authority that could impose its will on them, or plenary power. Yes, voting is a key principle of democracy. However, due to this peculiarity, the “people’s power and authority” reverts back to the national government that authorized this “tribal” constitutional system. Also, I have repeatedly witnessed tribal officials carry out their personal agendas and even vendettas. Even with protests by voters, the corruption persists. Even the federal government, when asked to intervene, refer to “exhaustion of remedies” and often cite, “It is tribal business.” Consequently, federal government seemingly condones such corruption. The bottom line is that it keeps us subjugated. The various tribal services and programs are funded through the various departments and agencies of the federal government. I see our tribal government constantly “jumping through hoops” to keep from jeopardizing future funding. Most of the time, tribal programs are underfunded and corrupt officials have frequently manipulated these funds at their discretion. When I say this government benefits only a few, I am referring to family members, relatives, and friends of the elected officials. Friends may be people of financial influence, cohorts in some secret scheme involving land of other natural resource, or local non-Lakota ranchers. Meanwhile, voters have been herded into central housing projects and white ranchers are moving into their tiospaye home sites. I have yet to see genuine accountability implemented by our tribal government. Since 1936, the, corruption has advanced from occasional covert activity to aggressive and open misuse of federal/tribal funds. “Body guards” have been hired for protection as wayward government activities were exposed to the public. This is a classic example of government abuse of power and funding. The tribal financial accounting system is a general fund type, which is similar to a general ledger account where all assets and liabilities not assigned to a special purpose are deposited. It is a catchall fund meaning “earmarked” money loses its identity and can be used for any purpose. This money has been used to pay for administrative and operating expenses and supplemented tribal council travel and salaries. Even the delegates of the National Sioux Council are appointed by the tribal council and are essentially controlled of the federal government. I once thought this organization was actually representative of Lakota sovereignty. This organization does not come close to being self-determining or autonomous. As a result of this all-encompassing domineering atmosphere, the majority of Lakota have become a pitifully dependent group of people. We are subject to the overbearing policies of the federal government which has no vested interest in our dilemma or our prosperity. Congress will keep giving us minute amounts of money, or as someone once said, “Table scraps,” just as long as we don’t “rock the boat.” Those certain genres of people who are aware of these things are steadily diminishing. Most were afraid to discuss, even in private, these issues for more than 80 years. I am putting this out in the public for whatever it is worth. Although we have some very capable, honorable officials, I don’t have any kind of faith in this government system. (Ivan F. Star Comes Out, POB 147, Oglala, SD 57764, (605) 867-2448, mato_nasula2@outlook.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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