Lakota Nation Delegation - Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, January 2008

LAKOTA NATION DELEGATION - Contrary to a number of reports on the internet that are spreading misinformation, the LAKOTA NATION has NOT seceded from the US, and does not intend to secede from the US.

It has been overlooked and under-reported that, following the buzz of a December Press Release by the Lakotah Freedom Delegation of four individuals, the Lakota Nation, which is formed of Seven Fires located on eight reservations, and has both democratically elected (Tribal Councils) and organized traditional leaders (The Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council,) denied and denounced the validity of statements emanating from the Lakotah Freedom Delegation whose members have not not really consulted with the Lakota people or their representatives, and have not been appointed as spokespeople for the Lakota Nation.

First, there was a statement made by the spokesperson of the Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council, indicating that the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 contains an important provision, which has relevance today. Article 12 of the Treaty stipulates that no change can be brought to the terms of the Treaty without the approval of three fourths of the adult male vote of the Lakota Nation. Such a stipulation is there to protect the land, the people, and the Lakota way of life. Charmaine White Face, speaking for the Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council, an organization created in 1893 to conduct all diplomacy concerning the treaties with the US, further stated that Russell Means is but one man, and that he has not secured the required three-fourth approval of the Lakota male vote necessary to change the terms of the Treaty.

Second, a historic meeting was held on Pine Ridge Reservation from January 28 to 30 bringing together delegates of all seven fires of the Lakota Nation, both elected members of tribal governments and traditional elders of the eight reservations. The meeting was called by the Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council in conjunction with the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council. This meeting re-affirmed the importance of the terms of the treaties between the Lakota Nation and the United States of America.

Photograph of the Lakota Delegation , shown here, was published in the Lakota Country Times newspaper.