It has been a century since the imposition of American citizenship on Indigenous Nations marked a systemic threat to Tribal Nationhood and people. Since the signing of the Indian Citizenship Act on June 2, 1924, we’ve resisted the many waves of attempted erasure of Tribal sovereignty – legal and otherwise – designed to assimilate Indigenous identities into American citizenship. 

Native Nations are not merely American citizens. The rights, privileges, and immunities granted by the U.S. Constitution are not the ultimate aspiration for Native people. Our treaties with the United States were made to uphold our status as sovereign nations, not subjects. Native people’s voluntary defense of the U.S. and its allies in World War I was used as a pretext to impose American citizenship, undermining Tribal sovereignty.

This week, we mark three of the many important anniversaries in our history: As Leonard Peltier nears 50 years in prison we demand his release by the June 10th parole board meeting. And we remember Leonard Crow Dog’s passing June 5, 2021, and the American Indian Movement (AIM) Mount Rushmore Action of June 6, 1971.

While it is good to pursue the rights that America considers inalienable, America will be lost unless it learns from the spiritual foundations of Native Nations and respects our sovereignty. We stand with all those who are willing to stand with Native Nations to defend our collective birthrights in these sacred lands and waters from the poison of corporations and government profiteering.

Free Leonard Peltier: No discussion of the American Indian Movement (AIM) can proceed without advocating for the release of Leonard Peltier, who has been illegally held captive as a political prisoner of the U.S.A. for nearly 50 years. Peltier is a victim of a corrupt FBI and anti-Indigenous Federal policies that caused numerous deaths and conflicts in the 1970s. Why have they not been held to account for this grave injustice? Why has no U.S. President or parole board, in 50 years, freed this man? Who are we if we live in a state of fear and terror of oppressive violent oligarchs? 

Join us in calling for Leonard’s release by the Parole Board that meets on June 10th. It is imperative for restoring faith in justice and upholding human rights. Leonard deserves to spend his remaining years embraced by his community.

Remember Leonard Crow Dog: We honor the legacy of Chief of Chiefs Leonard Crow Dog, who passed on June 5, 2021. As a primary spiritual leader of the AIM, Crow Dog’s influence ensured the survival and pride of our traditional ways. His efforts helped establish a world of allies (Oceti Sakowin) and fortified the Native American Church. Crow Dog’s spiritual strength offers hope for humanity’s future against colonial violence.

Commemorating AIM’s Mount Rushmore Action: On June 6, 1971, AIM leaders, including Russell Means and Madonna Thunder Hawk, responded to Oglala Sioux elders’ call to assert Indigenous sovereignty over the sacred Black Hills. Guided by Leonard Crow Dog, they conducted a ceremony and climbed Mount Rushmore to reclaim their rights. Despite National Guard intervention and arrests, the charges were dismissed, culminating this powerful act of resistance and treaty defense.

In Solidarity, we express profound gratitude to all who stand with Indigenous sovereignty. Upholding Native sovereignty is essential to defending our collective rights to clean water, air, and a healthy climate. This is the Native way.

Wopila tanka — Thank you for your unwavering support.
Chase Iron Eyes
Director and Lead Counsel
The Lakota People’s Law Project