"Back in 1868, Ulysses Grant declared “Paha Sapa,” the Black Hills, worthless and gave them to the Indians forever by treaty. But in the 1870s, when Gen. George Custer discovered gold in the hills, the government forcefully drove the Indians out, raped the hills of the gold and the tribes were left to run for survival again. How pathetic that our politicians feel the need to attack Native Americans again.

To the Senecas, “the Keeper of the Western Door,” I say: Some of us have found the truth of our history and we support you.

To Gov. David Paterson and our legislators, I say: “The grass is still growing, the water is still flowing.” Honor the 1842 Buffalo Creek Treaty. History demands that you once and for all keep the promise. Leave Native Americans out of this."

Get the Story:
Julie Jensen: State made this mess, leave Senecas out of it (The Buffalo News 12/29)

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