"The Racism That Caused Wounded Knee Massacre Remains"
As Lakota riders end their 15-day journey from the Standing Rock Reservation to the site of the Wounded Knee massacre, the racism that created the tragic slaughter of 300 innocent men, women and children still remains in our country.
And while the idea of teaching the truth of our past may seem abhorrent and unpatriotic to many, reality is – both past and present.
For example, on the 6th day of the annual ride to honor those who died at the hands of the U.S. Army on December 29, 1890 South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced that the state’s schools “should teach our children our nation’s true history. They should teach about our successes in establishing a country that is a beacon of freedom to the world and our mistakes along the way. Our children should not, however, be taught the false and divisive message that they are responsible for the shortcomings of past generations and members of our respective races.”
I absolutely agree. No one in the 5th grade now was responsible for killing any Native American during the 19th century. But let’s focus on that “AND our mistakes" that have been omitted from the history books for generations.
Here’s one. The awarding of 20 Medals of Honor to U.S. Army troopers for “gallantry” displayed while assisting in the slaughter of those unarmed Lakota men, women and children at Wounded Knee. And since such commendations don’t reflect well on the values of a country that’s a “beacon of freedom” to the world, shouldn’t they be rescinded?
Kristi?
Then let’s tell children about the problem with the word “squaw’ and finish changing South Dakota geographic place names with that word in them.
That current racism topic came up on the 8th day of the Wounded Knee ride when it was reported that the South Dakota Board of Geographic Names was pleased to be ahead of the federal government’s new push to “solicit, review and recommend changes to derogatory” geographic and federal land unit names.
According to the board’s spokesperson, South Dakota is “way ahead of the game” on this one.
Or…maybe not.
In 2013, Reuters reported that there were 13 place names in South Dakota that used the word “squaw’ or “Negro”. Now the board spokesperson says “nearly all” those locations with the word “squaw” in them have been changed.
Why “nearly all” almost 9 years down the “we’re on top of it” road?
I’m sure if a South Dakota geographic location referred to a woman in Kristi Noem’s family in a derogatory fashion - as the word squaw does, be it as a part of the female body or simply a general insult, you can bet your Rodeo Queen cowgirl hat that the site would have had its designation scrubbed clean way before now.
But current racism doesn’t just exist in South Dakota.
On Christmas Eve, or 10 days into the ride intended to heal future generations from the historical trauma of Wounded Knee, news came via national media outlets of an Idaho sheriff who aimed his pistol at a youth church group that was going door-to-door in his community taping “thank you” messages on people’s front doors.
Why?
Because he thought they were some of those “drunk Indians” from the nearby Shoshone-Bannock Fort Hall Reservation.
None of them were.
The sheriff also pulled the group’s adult leader out of her car by her hair.
She also isn’t Native American.
Oops.
You really want to make sure you get your targets right if you’re going to publicly display your racist tendencies.
Maybe guys who engage in such blatant acts of racism will now be called “Craigs”, after the perpetrator in this case; Idaho Sheriff Craig Rowland.
Although some area officials are calling for Rowland’s resignation, the Bingham County Sheriff’s office has avoided commenting on the issue, calling instead for “strengthening ties” with the tribal community – which wasn’t an actual part of the incident. And no word of apology to the non-native victims who actually were the subject of the incident.
You see how confused people get when they’re trying to hide the truth and cover up racist behavior?
Yes, I know I’ve “only” mentioned three instances of current racism against Native Americans that have been reported on in the past couple of weeks, but I was always taught that even one instance of racism is unacceptable.
It’s pretty much the same as instances of sexual abuse, domestic violence, child molestation, bullying…and the list goes one.
“Only” is never an acceptable quantifier.
Right, Kristi?
Let’s not tell only some parts of our past history, because the truth is never “only”.
Jim Kent is an award-winning freelance writer and radio producer who lives in Hot Springs, S.D. His commentaries have appeared in Indian Country Today, the Lakota Times, the Rapid City Journal as well as regional and national publications across the country. He is the former editor of The New Lakota Times. His stories have been heard on National Public Radio and other national radio outlets. Jim can be reached at kentvfte@gwtc.net
I think this article is right on time and appropriate. And it is well-written.
Aside: Please 'tighten' up the formatted white space between paragraphs to facilitate reading the article.
Thanks CB - damn formatting for me has always been a pain - even as carefully as I try - whoops.
Sorry.
Yeah, Jim does some good writing on subjects not many wish to discuss.
Unfortunately, from the lack of comments from our members, Native Americans are not to be discussed
Well, it's early yet!
Nobody in their right mind is attempting to make children accountable for the lies, abuses, and murders caused by their outright ignorant and cruel and usual ancestors or family members. Noem is a carrying propaganda talking points.
She is basically suggesting we FEEL nothing towards what history tells us for those it happened to and for those who suffered (and continue to do so) when the past is silenced-even though it is still in print!
Now then, we won't be holding our collective breath to see if she will condemn the books of the Bible ( a historical reference) for its shortcomings of historical importance. She definitely will not fix her lips to criticize 'the Book.' Even when it criticizes itself through its own writers' imprimatur.
I will take the UNUSUAL stance to suggest she 'blow it out of her. . . Whatever.' Strong language? Yes, and we will not let her or anybody else be dismissive of OUR shared history with HER so-called people. . .whom she wishes to hide in plain sight from the truth!
More to the point. Ms. Noem is part of a group of people suggesting people FEEL nothing for Native Americans (and "Others") for the simple and INSULTING fact that they have every INTENTION of recreating those heinous, injurious, and deadly acts of the past all over again!
There is a saying: "Those who forget the past. . . are DOOMED to repeat it again." Yes, it can and will happen AGAIN. . . because each succeeding generation won't remember-because individuals (MAGA supporters) like Noem told their parents to forget!
Noem, highly possibly is a Christian Nationalists.
maybe nobody wants to discuss racism towards NA's with NA sellouts that vote for those that persecute them ...
Far reach Dev - got any examples?
... in general, or here in this article?
Either 'cause I don't remember reading/hearing 'bout those folks.
Didn't think so.
You can easily fix the white space between your lines (and paragraphs) by opening up the article ("Update Article") and using your mouse cursor going to the end of any of your lines and hit the DELETE key until you can observe movement of the text below your location: UP.
No blank lines for paragraphs internally. Two lines between paragraphs.
If you have any problem doing this let us (me) know. Will be glad to help.
Note: Fixing the spacing will encourage readers. . . to read. Otherwise formatting can be a 'gross' distraction that can cause an article to 'fail.' This article is a "goody" and should be read.
As to why some NT commenters are missing from this article-I am pretty sure it is because they have nothing to add or say positive; disagree with its conclusions, or may think its appearance is too long (that is an illusion nevertheless).
Well, primarily, if it don't bash Trump or this administration, many don't have the mindset to go above that.
Truly sad.
You could paste the article into ChatGPT and ask it to format it for you.
TiG - Know absolutely nothing 'bout ChatGPT - really - and probably more than nothing 'bout this new AI craze going 'round.
Thanks - will do some "research" on it and see how much more stupid 'bout this new technology I can be/get.
Even yesterday (New Year Eve) I heard of ChatGPT formatting or 'fixing' a woman's resume for her. My, my, my. Now I have heard about two 'new' things AI can do for us. How nice! (And yes, I do worry about job security in light of this new force to be reckoned with and enjoyed.)
Happy New Year!
I used your suggestion and am totally pleased with the results! I shared it with 1st Warrior via private note.
How nice! Thanks TiG!
.
CB:
There may be a reason for the formatted white spaces between paragraphs, in the author's view.
I found this piece to be one of the most profound, informative, and gifted pieces I have ever read.
Writers are, in a way, artists, also. They express themselves in a variety of ways, which may not be familiar or standard for readers.
Remember that adage, "To Each His Own, To Have and Hold", it applies in many ways to a lot of things.
There is no doubt that this is the product of a GIFTED WRITER and a humane, understanding individual.
It is nice to hear from you.
I have recently been diagnosed with the onset of Dementia, so I am rapidly catching up with "DIRTY DIAPER DONNIE."
My friend, my spirit is with you. I have a dear family member that I have concerns of dementia regarding that I 'hold in abeyance'. . . .
What we can do is pray about it. Yes! Prayer can change things. . . even make days of wellness extend to months and years. . . it just seems to work.
"Lord, this year 2026, I petition help for the masses of cases of dementia that will be called out. . .and ask for new and improved medications that are rumored about right now to come to fruition-even full fruition. Lord, our brothers and sisters affected need this: body, mind, and spiritual 'deliverances' as they continue to go forward into aging. And God, you will receive glory (for glory belongs to You) for the lives 'saved' and continuing in wellness from individuals, families, extended families, and friends because of it."
- A prayer for healing and medical science achievement.
What a great sharing! I feel privileged to read it today.
I probably could understand man's inhumanity to 'man' in times gone by, and am totally lost by such inhumanity in today's world. Yet, as you look around it seems 'everybody' is fighting. . . and even the U.S. wants to set the stage for its own internal war! Rumors abound.
CB, you indeed are a brilliant, compassionate warrior for GOOD!
I am humbled you think so! I try to be consistent and reasonable despite the complexities of issues and situations. We must remember what comes first: People!
At the end of the day. (All) People need that 'curious' thing as a balm: Love. Everything else is temporary. Love never fails.
Thank you for seeing my 'heart' for people. It is 'all' I can ask for from another person. A virtual legacy.
I pray for you the best 2026 every and good mental health!
Although, I do not use the word: "Squaw" ever (as I do not have occasion to need to do so in conversation, I am just now learning that it has fallen out of favor in modern usage (since 1992 thereabouts) by reading this article. AI informs me that in 2021 the word officially became a racist term. I did not know this!
Even though it's been declared "racist", many in the mid-western/NW states refuse to adhere 'cause to them, we're "still invisible" and can be treated as they wish.
I find that odd behavior, when should an occasion come for any type of name change or word usage comes up for Mid-westerners I am certain they would not like it if people insist on use 'aged out' terms. That is, call people what they wish to be called. . . not what we, I, 'wish' them to be called when appropriate.
Why are Native Americans still invisible? Easy enough: Drop the "Cloak."
I'll get back with you on this tomorrow - if you don't mind.
Meds kicking - getting "drowsy""-)
Archaeologists have determined that the "so-called" Indians arrived on this continent nearly 17,000 years ago.
Now, really, my Fellow New Talkers. commie, who are the migrants?
1st Warrior, at nearly 84, I know that feeling, too. Love your profound comments!
Actually, there is evidence that the Natives have been here for over 25,000 years - well before EU's became established..
Native Americans are invisible because we have been "governed" into the background - our lands, religions, heritage, customs, and history are not discussed in schools or other forms of socializing. We are the only ethnic group in the U.S. that has over 312 "laws/regulations/policies" in Federal actions with the rest of the U.S.
No one can find a law for any other ethnic group that regulates making a personal will that has to be reviewed and approved by the Fed government to get that personal will authorized. There are many others - but, again norther ethnic group has to have the actions/life's choices approved by the Fed government.
That's one reason why we are "invisible".
?
I understand the reason(s) Native Americans may be invisible or in the background. My comment implies Native Americans openly and persistently join the fight to be seen, heard from, and in the foreground.
Sometimes its racism, but occasioally there's a misunderstanding due to "regionalisms".
Sometimes people in different parts of the country might use diffferent words for the same thing:
Can We Guess Where You're From In The US Based On How You Speak?
Great article. Thanks for posting this!
Thank you Ma'am - means a lot.
Indeed, it is!
And, you, too, are a GREAT COMPLIMENT to the world with this offering, "The NEWS TALKERS.com".
It has given great offerings to those of us who need to express ourselves and learn from others.
You, girl, are a SAINT!
Good seed.
Nations make mistakes, sometimes. Do bad things, sometimes.
Then there are two possibilities: either face the evil that has been done, or sweep it under the rug. I know two countries pretty well: the United States of America, and France. The US will soon celebrate its 250th anniversary. France is well over a thousand years old. Both countries have had time to do some very bad deeds.
France has primarily religious and colonial crimes on its record.
America has primarily race and greed as sources for its crimes.
In both countries, there is plenty of information available. It's up to the people to decide if they will recognize the past and accept their nations' responsabilities... or deny history.
Bob - what the Native Americans ask for is - honor the 276 treaties that you have broken and treat us with the respect and honor that we treat you.
How can you want respect for Native Americans, but refuse it to other ethnic groups? I really do not understand you.
Point out the disrespect or lack of respect.
They're your posts. I'm sure you know what you put in them.
Do you support Trump's executive order (issued: 2025) that tosses transgendered servicemembers out of the military for not serving in their biological sex and was supported by the SCOTUS (as presidential prerogative)?
You're not going to come over and try to totally disrupt this thread - as you do on so many others.
I will block you out.
Sorry - not part of the topic. Racism against Native Americans - not even close to the same game.
Keep it on topic - Racism against Native Americans.
You asked Bob about (dis)respect. So I gave you a relevant example instituted in "MAGA-land USA."
RESPECT is given to those individuals and groups which give respect to Others in this country. If any Native American wants respect: Earn it by respecting Others.
But I've seen instances where someone is merely expressing a different opinion and its perceived by others as "trying to disrupt the thread".
Sometimes its a bit difficult to tell the difference as its a matter of opinion . . .
OK CB - please we don't need this crap.
Read Bob at 5.1.1 - his comment - not mine "How can you want respect for Native Americans, but refuse it to other ethnic groups? I really do not understand you."
No - I asked for proof which I knew he could not/would not deliver - and he didn't.
Don't try to start something. Stay on topic or stay off thread.
I'm out.
Are we to take that to mean that you've finally outed yourself, finally decided to come out of the closet?
(If that be the case-- Congrations!
)