Andrew Yellowbear: Indian inmates being ignored in state

Andrew Yellowbear Jr., a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming who has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his 22-month-old daughter, says Indian inmates are being ignored:
I am an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe writing in regards to the veracity of two supposed "representatives" of the Arapaho -- state Rep. Patrick Goggles, D-Ethete, and Northern Arapaho Tribe Liaison for Wyoming, Gary Collins. At the outset, I have sent correspondences to these individuals on the matters described below, but I have received neither a response nor an acknowledgement to them.

From these esteemed titles, it sounds like these people have been vested with considerable authority in their respective duties. The definition of representative states in part "one that represents a constituency as a member of a legislative or other governing body." In short, Goggles is an elected official, voted into that position by the people to represent the people.

Similarly, the liaison defines a person who acts as an intermediary between parties, usually for the benefit of all involved. I, of course, realize that the Northern Arapaho Tribal Liaison was appointed to act as such by Gov. Matt Mead, and that the position might even be considered a token position with only illusory authority.

Get the Story:
Andrew John Yellowbear Jr: Where is the help from state officials? (The Casper Star-Tribune 3/21)

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