Hello Everyone,
A few reports on what has been happening are in this newsletter, but the most important of all are plans for a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12th in Kyle, SD, on the Pine Ridge Reservation. It has been a while since we had an in person meeting for a number of reasons. But let’s continue to the other reports first.
1. Secretary General Candidacy
As mentioned in the last couple of Newsletters, there was an effort by our relatives to the South, meaning Central and South America and Mexico, to have an Indigenous candidate be considered by the United Nations General Assembly (UN) for the Secretary General’s (SG) position. The current SG’s term expires in December. This effort was to show the General Assembly that we are still Nations who are not even given any kind of recognition as Nations, when the UN Charter states that the UN is “for all nations great and small.” In other words, having an Indigenous candidate was an act of Self Determination.
Although we hoped to meet in New York with the UN to complete this action, the United States would not grant the visas for the Indigenous representatives from the South to enter the US. This is not the first time. Denying Indigenous delegations from the South has occurred since 2002 with the meeting of the first Permanent Forum on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The General Assembly is currently meeting in New York. At this time, I’m not sure how we are going to proceed as I am the candidate for the position. In our Oceti Sakowin culture, I cannot promote myself. Will let you know what happens.
2. Canada Trip
From Sept. 6th to the 11th, my cousin, Edward Valandra, and I attended a meeting of the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty 6 Nations at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan, Canada. Their Treaty was made with the British Crown, meaning King Charles now, not with Canada. Their Treaty is quite a bit different than ours and we learned a lot. The main question all the leaders were asking was what can they do now that Canada is increasing their colonizing efforts through Canadian law. It is what we have experienced for decades with the US.
It was a great meeting with about 500 people in attendance. It was outdoors in big tents and many people camped on site. It was also a time to be with old friends that I haven’t seen in decades, to have a meal together, remember funny situations, and catch up. It was also a time that we were able to make new allies.
3. O’Chiese First Nation Visit
One of the new allies we made in Canada were the leaders of the O’Chiese First Nation. The were already planning a visit during the Black Hills Pow Wow on Oct. 9-10-11. We will meet with them to discuss the International work and what other avenues we can take. We are also planning to pray at Bear Butte for all of our people and nations while they are here.
4. Powertech Uranium Mine Plans
Some of you might remember when Defenders of the Black Hills was fighting against new Uranium mining in the Southwest Black Hills starting in 2012. (Defenders is still the fiscal agent for this Treaty Council.) After fifteen (15) years without being able to get the water permit they needed, Powertech has withdrawn its application. We did prayers in the Black Hills asking for protection of the land and water, and I hope our prayers are still holding as there is a possibility of a new mining company stepping in. But for now, that area is safe. I would ask that we all keep praying for the good health and protection of the sacred Black Hills.
5. US Weapons in Space
On another note, the US has begun sending weapons into space around Mother Earth breaking a Treaty they made in 1967 with the other Nation-States in the UN. Russia and China have protested against this as it is deadly for the entirety of Mother Earth. Russia tried to help us years ago during a meeting of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Geneva. China is the Nation that also led the efforts at the UN to eliminate the negative effects of colonialism. We sent them a thank you letter.
6.Treaty Meeting – Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
Finally, our meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Youth Center in Kyle on the Pine Ridge Reservation. In March, 2025, I was invited to present on the Treaty and the International work. It was a great meeting and they asked for a Treaty meeting there. I was so impressed by their Youth Center and their projects that I hoped we could have a meeting there. Enclosed is a Poster to share with your relatives and friends. Looking forward to seeing you then.
With good wishes for a wonderful Autumn,
Charmaine White Face, Spokesperson Zumila Wobaga. Itancan
