Reservation Family Speaks Out -

There’s another side to the ICWA that until very recently has received little disclosure or news coverage. Just why would a family (2-parent, single-parent, multi-generational, or blended) decide that reservation life is not what they CHOOSE for their family? The reasons are many, but some of the reasons are shocking.  

What cannot be denied is that a large number of Native Americans are dying from alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide and violence. Further, what is being hidden on some reservations is that scores of children are suffering emotional, physical and sexual abuse as a result of the accepted behavior on those reservations, and the ICWA is trapping more and more children into this unacceptable system.

While many tribal governments continue to fund congressional candidates who promise to increase tribal sovereignty, the voices of the children who are at the mercy of corrupt government continue to go unheard. The truth that must be revealed is that some tribal governments are not protecting the children in their “custody.” Some have said that there are children actually being traded and sold by the very people who are being paid to “foster” them. The Spirit Lake tribal government in North Dakota is not isolated in the mistreatment of children.

Though tribal governments claim there are accountability measures in place, in reality many children within the foster system never receive adequate care or any follow-up at all. Some tribal members report that extended family members, social workers, judges, lawyers, teachers, and other “mandated reporters” all seem to participate in this broken system where, as long as a child remains in foster care, the tribe and the custodian(s) receive a check. There is no incentive to permanently place an Indian child in an adoptive home, and no incentive to report abuse. The adults in charge simply turn a blind eye and pretend that the system works, and children are denied the most basic of human needs…real love and a safe place to call home.  

Dying in Indian Country, by Elizabeth Sharon Morris, provides a real glimpse into some of these unacceptable conditions. Dying in Indian Country tells a compelling true story of one family who comes to realize that corrupt tribal government, dishonest Federal Indian Policy, welfare policy, and the controlling reservation system has more to do with the current despair than tragedies that occurred 150 years ago.

“Dying in Indian Country is a compassionate and honest portrayal… I highly recommend it to you.” Reed Elley, former Member of Parliament, Canada; Chief Critic for Indian Affairs in 2000, Baptist Pastor, Father of four Native and Métis children

“He was a magnificent warrior who put himself on the line for the good of all…I can think of no one at this time, in this dark period of Indian history, who is able to speak as Roland has.” Arlene,Tribal Member

“…truly gripping, with a good pace.” Dr. William B. Allen, -Emeritus Professor, Political Science, MSU and former Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (1989)

Dying in Indian Country is available at: http://dyinginindiancountry.com

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Freedom of Speech: Independent Indian Press

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Quoting from the new web magazine - The Independent Indian Press:

"Both Roland Morris Sr. and Bill Lawrence, Minnesota Chippewa heroes of Truth and independent thought, have passed on. The Native American Press / Ojibwe News has printed its final edition. But their legacy and what they taught us lives on.

"We will not be silenced or controlled. We are not owned by Tribal Government. We have a voice, and we will use it.

"This site is open to the writings of Tribal Members and those that love them for the purpose of standing up for Conservative Values, the US Constitution and freedom from over-reaching government.

"Current Federal Indian policy does not work to the benefit of the individual tribal members and their families; it works to the benefit of the tribal and federal government. It works to the benefit of those in power.

"In fact, Federal Indian Policy not only does not benefit tribal members, but it works to their detriment. The evidence is in the ever increasing amount of alcoholism, drug abuse, violence, mental health issues, child abuse and neglect, and suicides within Indian Country. Things aren’t getting better, they’ve been getting worse. It’s time it was admitted. The emperor has no clothes.

"As Roland Morris once said, being treated a child is the worst thing that can happen to a man. As adults and citizens of the United States, there is no reason why we need be considered wards of the federal government or chattel for the tribal government. We want to live with all the rights and responsibilities of every other American citizen.

"No more pretending that we aren’t capable. No more treating us like 2nd class citizens. No more taking control and “jurisdiction” over our children, as if parents who have moved on don’t know what is best for them.

"No more forcing us to live in a socialist system, where assets are controlled by government rather than families. America is up in arms over the Socialism Obama is forcing on everyone – but we’ve been forced to live with it for years.

"No more allowing tribal government to deny those living on reservations Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Press, Freedom of Religion, and Freedom of Assembly. No more living under a system of Nepotism and Cronyism.

"No more living without a separation of powers within tribal government...

"...Further, financial dependence on outsiders must end. Governments have developed a circular need for social service funding, as it is the one area where they are assured outside funds. However, in focusing on getting money for social programs, the governments haven’t been giving economic growth and development any attention. There needs to be a decrease in the primary focus of program and service delivery, and an increase in focus on long-term, strategic goals that develop solutions and reduce financial dependence. With that in mind, workforce dependence on government jobs will also lessen. Reservations are top-heavy in government jobs; the natural outgrowth of a focus on program and social service funding.

"(Does anyone see similarity’s between the current tribal government system and the system President Obama is trying to bestow on us? Can we get a “hello!” recognition as to how and why Obama’s agenda must be stopped, and what must changed on the reservations?) "

To Read More Conservative Writing by Tribal Members - Visit Independent Indian Press