Oglala leader targeted over veterans' comments

Wednesday, May 23, 2007  

A council member for the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota has caused an uproar for his comments about veterans and people who serve in the military.

At a recent council meeting, Jason "Jake" Little voted against a motion to fund a veterans powwow. He said it would be better to devote money to youth programs.

According to unofficial minutes of the meeting, Little then accused soldiers of killing children during wars. His comments offended other council members who have served in the military and other veterans on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

"I didn't kill no babies," Kim Clausen, a veteran, said at the meeting. "I grew up always believing that the veterans held a high place in our society," said Craig Dillon, another council member.

Little served in the U.S. Army and the South Dakota National Guard but said he opposes all wars and conflicts. "The people of Oglala District have known for years ... that I detest being occupied by the United States, and I detest this colonial rule we're under," he said.

Get the Story:
Tribal official's criticism of veterans causes uproar on reservation (The Rapid City Journal 5/22)

Relevant Links:
National Native American Veterans Association - http://www.nnava.org
Oglala Sioux Tribe - http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe