Lakota Law and Sacred Defense Fund director Chase Iron Eyes visits so-called "Founders Park" — an obvious misnomer, since Native People have occupied the territory now known as South Dakota for millennia — and dissects some of the real history of Rapid City.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ZsyVpi8ip-U
As I think you’d agree, the state of our nation — and the world — is also troubled, to say the least. That’s why we’ve dedicated so much time and energy over the past months to creating content and action opportunities aimed at tackling pressing, society-wide issues. We can’t stand idly by and watch, for instance, while our (mostly southern) relatives are harassed, deported, and abused without due process or respect to their human rights and dignity.
That said, I believe it is always worth taking time to explore the conditions — and the colonial history and systemic barriers put in place to keep our people subjugated and subject to those conditions — within our own homelands. Taking a good, hard look at the real history of Rapid City as a microcosm for communities across our territory is an excellent lens through which to explore these difficult but important topics. And, of course, the struggles of Indigenous People locally, nationally, and globally are interrelated. They share so many of the same causes and effects.
Our plan is to release several more of these over the coming weeks, using the setting of Rapid City — often called “Racist City” around here — as a jumping-off point to look at other Native perspectives on history. You’ll hear more about my family’s struggle, the boarding school era, and much more.
So I hope you’ll watch this video and the ones to follow, think on the context and lessons they provide, share with your friends on social media, and even write to tell us your thoughts. Whatever community you call home, we think of you as a relative, and we value your input. We are all in this together, and by staying connected and aware, we will persevere through the challenges we face. By acknowledging and learning from our past, we can create the future we need for ourselves, our children, and the generations to come.
Wopila tanka — thank you for your attention, your voice, and your solidarity
Chase Iron Eyes
Executive Director
Lakota People’s Law Project
Sacred Defense Fund
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