Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

August 5, 2013

Terrance Nelson: Dakota Unity Ride in Spirit of Dakotas Massacred

Dakota Unity Riders photo by Stephanie Santagada 
Terrance Nelson: "Crazy Horse and many Dakota who fought back did nothing wrong. They fought in their own lands against invaders, professional soldiers, including the Black Buffalo Soldiers. History cannot be forgotten. Maybe a black president can remember that Buffalo soldiers also hunted down Dakotas."

By Terrance Nelson
First Nation Roseau River Anishinabe

Terrance Nelson
Hey John Nelson,

Great News. I am shooting your email out to all my email list. I am very sorry that I could not be there with Gus and the Dakotas. I am however extremely thankful that you have taken on this event and organized it. The Dakota deserve justice and their journey will have results. The Spirit of all those 300 Dakotas who died at Wounded Knee in 1890, the massacres at Sand Creek and the hanging of 38 Dakotas in Minnesota can never be forgotten. 

Sandy Hook is a good place to remember that many Dakota children died in the 1800s, hunted down by the U.S. Calvary. I applaud those Americans who can acknowledge the past injustices against the Dakota people. I recommend that High School students in United States read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown.
 
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  The 38 Dakota hanged in Mankato Minn., December 16, 1862.

Let us hope that the United States Government can do more than sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. I hope that the Government of United States can deliver justice for the Dakota who went to Canada with Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull was tricked into going back to the United States and was executed. Crazy Horse and many Dakota who fought back did nothing wrong. They fought in their own lands against invaders, professional soldiers, including the Black Buffalo Soldiers. History cannot be forgotten. Maybe a black president can remember that Buffalo soldiers also hunted down Dakotas. I would hope that Dakota in Canada can get American people's help to carry out the terms and conditions of the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty. For justice to be done, the Dakota in Canada need to have reservation lands in the United States.
Two Dakotas hanged after the 38 Dakotas hanged.
Thank  you for your efforts.( I don't want to confuse them, we are not related at all. lol) My real name in the Ojibway language is Mushkodahbeshikeese, my last name is my clan or family name beshoo which is LYNX but Terrance Nelson is easier for them to say.

Please remind them that Gus Higheagle and the Dakota with him are spiritual people, not political like myself. They do things peacefully and in ceremony.

Terrance Nelson
Vice Chair American Indian Movement


From John Nelson, organizer Dakota Unity Ride to New York
Dear Terrance,

      My name is John Nelson and I am the organizer of the Dakota Unity Ride to New York. I seem to remember telling you this but just in case.
   Today we faced off with the 2nd Calvary The Connecticut Horse Guard. The last standing Horse guard in the United States. High Military honors were bestowed upon the Riders and Chief Gus Higheagle. They have made the way clear to Washington and every Native American should be proud of what they have already accomplished.

   They are currently camped out in Newtown Conn, the place of the recent shooting of all those helpless kids at Sandy Hook. Many Many of those kids little friends were on hand to witness the incredible meeting with the United States Army. Lets talk more of this if you like. They are headed into the mouth of the lion on Thursday and riding straight across New York City to the United Nations and then on to the White House.   
John Nelson

Update from John Nelson, organizer of the New York Dakota Unity Ride:
 
We ask all people to go to www://livepeaceinternational.org and hit the 1 dollar donate button. Yes that is the only funding we have. This entire ride is not being funded at all. We have done this all on the good will of the people who come to know the riders. We have recieved new shoes for the horses, de-wormed all horses this morning. Ferriers donating their time. Meals providing by diverse groups rom the Black community to Asian. News and media have helped with people knowing about this ride. This is changing history forever. Funding is needed for new equipment and for the return home to Manitoba bigtme.
John