The Trail of Broken Treaties

asheville | rights and freedoms | feature Sunday January 27, 2008 22:24 by Clare Hanrahan - Activist at Large

Lakota Declare Independence

FROM THE NEWSWIRE: Canupa Gluha Mani, leader of Strong Heart Civil Rights Movement speaks in West Asheville on Lakota independence.

With the stiff cold winds blowing and the snowfall covering my garden, I'm thinking again of the brave Lakota, who have so long endured hardship and oppression, and have now so boldly again declared independence from the treaty-breaking U.S. government. These First Nation people of Turtle Island have had enough of subjugation. They have reclaimed their sovereignty, and have invited all freedom-loving people to join them in the resistance.

At the West Asheville library last week, well over 150 heard Canupa Gluha Mani (One who walks as he protects the fight), aka Duane Martin, Sr., a warrior leader with Cante Tenza, the Strong Heart Civil Rights Movement. He was just back from Washington, DC where with eight other delegates of various Lakota tribes, they delivered documents to the U. S. State Department advising of a unilateral withdrawal from the trail of broken treaties.
"I never ever seen a man's face stretched as long as a rubber band," he said of the State Department employee on whom the Lakota served notice of their independence.

Calling the colonial oppressors by Lakota words meaning, "the people who like to steal fat," and "guy that can only smile for greed," Canupa Gluha Mani detailed some of the dire circumstances endured by the Lakota, including an epidemic of alcoholism, the removal of thousands of Lakota children to foster homes off the reservation, and the diminished life expectancy of Lakota men, many of whom fought in U.S. wars. "To this Godforsaken day it is always people of color going off to kill poor people."

Canupa Gluha Mani delivered no ordinary message and held the rapt attention of Asheville folk for over three hours. He's a story-teller, a keeper of native chants, and a fluent speaker of his native language, which he slipped into often during his presentation, gracing listeners' ears with the long-suppressed tongue of the Lakota.

Wearing a black beret adorned with sacred feathers and with two coal-black braids draped over his shoulders, this hefty warrior leader, with disarming humility, challenged listeners to act boldly in defense of all the people, particularly the elders and the children. "Enough is enough. Your rights are being targeted," the Lakota warrior said. "My people did the undoable. It's time for you people to take back your freedom."

"I'm not a holy man. I'm no spiritual person. I'm a warrior," Canupa Gluha Mani, asserted. His grandfather was a police chief on the Pine Ridge reservation, and he is a veteran of the 1973 Siege at Wounded Knee. He spent nine years in Alcatraz. His artwork, raffled at the West Asheville gathering, reflects his experiences. Among other native imagery, one piece depicted the guard tower at Alcatraz and the weapon he used to hold the ground at the Siege at Wounded Knee.

"Sometimes its difficult being who we are as red people in America," he said. "We're going to be feeling great repercussions. "I'm ready for it." Canupa Gluha Mani alluded many times during his presentation to the possibility that he might not make it back to his home. He seemed resigned to whatever the outcome. "Whether I live tomorrow, I am honored to be here to give you this teaching." And later he added, "If I should leave while I'm doing this, I'll know I'm on the right track. When I finally reach the star nation, I'll look down and thank you people for listening to me. Thank you for believing in freedom."

"Any Federal informants here?" he asked, somewhat tongue in cheek. "I've been monitored, phone tapped, and watched, just like I was outside when I first got here," he said. "We have tried everything in our power. ...At least I'm doing something to save my people. What are you doing to save yours?"

"If you are met with violence," one listener inquired, "will you respond non-violently?" The warrior replied, "I will revert to violence if they give me no alternative."

Asked how supportive people could help the Lakota independence movement, Canupa Gluha Mani was clear: "Rise up and do the same. ...It's up to you." And pointing to some of the many children sitting at his feet, he said, "These kids' freedom is at stake. It's coming."

This remarkable Asheville event was made possible through the efforts of Naomi Archer, a liaison for the delegation, and the group Sustainable Asheville.