Defenders of the Black Hills
Water Management Board
Water Management Board
South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Ground Water Quality Program
523 E.Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
Ground Water Quality Program
523 E.Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
Re: Comments on Amendments to the Rules for Underground Injection Control Class III Wells
Dear Board Members:
The following are general comments on amending the rules for Underground Injection Control Class III Wells in which we give a recommendation for continuation of the Hearing. However, if the hearing is not continued, then we also will submit specific, detailed recommendations on many of the Rules and will present those as each rule is read.
In response to the Press Release by Russell MeansThere is a provision within the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 that our ancestors, including my great-great grandparents, had included. Article 12 says the Treaty of 1868 could not be changed except by three-fourths of the adult male vote. This was done expressly to protect the people, the land, and our way of life. What are now called reservations, were originally created as prisoner of war camps by the USA when they invaded our territory. We are living as an occupied nation similar to the situation in Iraq where the USA imposes its own form of government.
In the late 1870s, two other leaders, Spotted Tail and Red Cloud, were coerced into trying to change the 1868 Treaty by the USA. Even though they eventually signed what the US wanted, they also knew that without three-fourths of the adult male approval, the 1868 Treaty could not be changed. Russell Means is only one man and has not received the three-fourths adult male approval. However, Russell Means efforts remind the world that we still have an international treaty with the USA. Thank you for your interest in this issue. Sincerely, Charmaine White Face, Spokesperson Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council (established in 1893 by Chief He Dog) Pacifying the Public“Pacifying the Publicâ€By Charmaine White Face ©
|
More Articles...