Defenders of the Black Hills

April, 2012 Newsletter - 2nd Quarter

Defenders of the Black Hills

He Sapa O’nakijin

Hello Defenders,

Many urgent situations are occurring and deadlines for comments are very soon. Please consider making copies and then signing the enclosed comment form and mailing it immediately! Ask your friends and relatives to also sign and send a comment. The more people that participate, the better the chances of protecting and preserving some of the environment. Thank you. Charmaine White Face, Coordinator

U - R - G - E - N - T National Guard Training Camp U - R - G - E - N - T

There is an urgent matter that will affect the people of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and others with the contaminaton of the water and air. The South Dakota Army National Guard is planning on moving into the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands near the Cheyenne River and the northwestern border of the Reservation. We are very concerned about this project for the safety of the people as well as the destruction to this fragile ecosystem.

Individual Rights Only, for Indigenous Peoples at the UN

Sioux Nation Treaty Council

Since 1984, the Sioux Nation Treaty Council has been sending delegates to the various committees of the United Nations seeking the upholding of lawful and viable treaties made between the Great Sioux Nation and the United States. Meeting after meeting were attended such as the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Update on Pesla Road Project

There are some meetings scheduled for the Pesla Road Project. Information was sent to you before about plans to blacktop this road through an area that is sacred to many Native American nations. Called Pesla, meaning Bald, the area is in the west middle portion of the Black Hills and can clearly be seen by satelite. It is being handled by the Pennington County Road Department.

If you can, please attend both of the meetings and voice your concerns. More sacred places in the Black Hills should not be impacted by paved roads.

1. A Community Information meeting will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012, from 5 - 7 PM at the Rochford Firehall in Rochford, SD.

2. A Public Scoping Meeting to begin the Environmental Impact Study process will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012, from 5 - 7 PM at the Hill City High School in Hill City, SD. This will be the most important one to attend.

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