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Ed Menard, Park Ranger
A United Nations official says sacred lands -- like the Black Hills of Dakota, which includes Mount Rushmore -- should be returned to Native American control.
The United States must do more to heal the wounds of indigenous peoples caused by more than a century of oppression, including restoring control over lands Native Americans consider to be sacred, according to a U.N. human rights investigator.
James Anaya, the U.N. special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, just completed a 12-day visit to the United States where he met with representatives of indigenous peoples in the District of Columbia, Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, Washington State, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. He also met with U.S. government officials.
"I have heard stories that make evident the profound hurt that indigenous peoples continue to feel because of the history of oppression they have faced," Anaya said in a statement issued by the U.N. human rights office in Geneva Friday.
That oppression, he said, has included the seizure of lands and resources, the removal of children from their families and communities, the loss of languages, violation of treaties, and brutality, all grounded in racial discrimination.
Anaya welcomed the U.S. decision to endorse the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2010 and other steps the government has taken, but said more was needed.
'History of oppression'
His findings will be included in a final report submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council. While not binding, the recommendations carry moral weight that can influence governments.
"It is clear that this history does not just blemish the past, but translates into present day disadvantage for indigenous peoples in the country," Anaya said.
"There have still not been adequate measures of reconciliation to overcome the persistent legacies of the history of oppression, and that there is still much healing that needs to be done," he said.
Game hunt for sacred white buffaloes riles Native groups
In Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, where some Native Americans depend on hunting and fishing, Anaya said tribes face "ever-greater threats ... due to a growing surge of competing interests, and in some cases incompatible extractive activities, over these lands and resources."
"In Alaska, indigenous peoples complain about a complex and overly restrictive state regulatory apparatus that impedes their access to subsistence resources (fish and wildlife)," he said.
Native American tribe gets permit to kill bald eagles
Mining for natural resources in parts of the country has also caused serious problems for indigenous peoples.
"Past uncontrolled and irresponsible extractive activities, including uranium mining in the Southwest, have resulted in the contamination of indigenous peoples' water sources and other resources, and in numerous documented negative health effects among Native Americans," he said.
Mount Rushmore
He said indigenous peoples feel they have too little control over geographic regions considered sacred to them, like the San Francisco Peaks in Arizona and the Black Hills in South Dakota. Anaya suggested such lands should be returned to Native peoples.
"Securing the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands is of central importance to indigenous peoples' socioeconomic development, self-determination, and cultural integrity," Anaya said.
"Continued efforts to resolve, clarify, and strengthen the protection of indigenous lands, resources, and sacred sites should be made," he added.
How genocide wiped out a Native American population
Mount Rushmore, a popular tourist attraction, is located in the Black Hills, which the Sioux tribe consider to be sacred and have territorial claims to based on an 1868 treaty. Shortly after that treaty was signed, gold was discovered in the region. U.S. Congress eventually passed a law taking over the land.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1980 that the seizure of the land was illegal and ordered the government to pay compensation. But the Sioux rejected the money and has continued to demand the return of the now public lands.
Anaya said he will make specific recommendations on these and other issues in a full report later this year.
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Some posters are so jingoistic they hate the truth. Sad for you guys to be unwilling to own up to your own historical acts of barbarity. Your aboriginals as well as mine had their own religion and culture. While Canadians treated our native people a tad better than you guys we still robbed them of their religion and made them all Christian. Americans and Canadians by robbing them of their hunter gatherer culture made them physically unwell. Many of them now suffer from diabetes and obesity from their reduced level of activity and the western diets they eat. Shame on all of us. I have no profound love for the UN but in this case their report hit the mark. Act like adults and except reasoned criticism when it only serves to make you a better nation.
Please finish your post...so does it mean that you're going to give back your personal land and home to the natives??? Sounds like that would only be fair!!
It couldn't be the high amount of alcoholism in these tribes that is making them physically unwell could it?
Yes because the UN is saying give up your house and bank account and whatever else you may own and get the hell out of America. Sacred land usually means something religiously significant, which in native American culture usually means land that's far away and over the hill where most of us wouldn't live. Now if they were all Christian Native Americans it'd be a completely different reaction, because; y'know, religious freedom.
Fascinating! Canadian Jack makes a point, and the nut cases respond like 3 year olds.
Some of my ancestors just may have been cannibals. I'm sure glad I'm a christian today or I may just have to eat your loved ones.
Canadian Jack...you don't know jack...Native american diets are much worse than the average western diet...and define western diet. How do you think hunters and gatherers survive in the present world? Do you know the average life span of of "hunters and gatherers"? There is nothing wrong with being proud of one's culture and holding on to traditions, but you need to move on, be educated, be informed, open your mind to opportunities, and use the many modern advances to better yourself. The government already provides free education, health care, and numerous subsidies to native americans. Move on.
I don't care one way or another for the UN, but these comments are funny.
The guy points out a legitimate beef, and its all "tell em to mind their own" or "screw the UN". I imagine the Chinese these same posters bash say exactly the same thing in response to our criticism.
I live in the Black Hills of South Dakota now home to Mt Rushmore. The Sioux claim the Black Hills as sacred yet they conquered the land from the Cheyenne in 1776. The US Supreme Court years ago gave millions to the Sioux in settlement of their claims yet some Sioux won't accept the money and they won't let others who want to accept the money! All land everywhere in the world has been conquered many times over so everyone needs to get over the crazy idea of giving back land anywhere to the original owners--no one really knows who the original owners are in most cases!!!
Hope, I agree in the fact that land is always conquered but I'll make an analogy. Let's take their house down the block because they fight too much. Instead of them fighting for ownership we'll just take and and settle it all. In this case, two wrongs will make a right.
What is the right and moral thing to do?
Why exactly? so they can put up a Casino?
People are out there dying today, and these pricks are worried about people who got screwed 150 years ago. Seems like a reasonable use of resources. Here's a thought, since the original settlers of north America came across from Asia, maybe we should give America to the Russians.
George W. Bush already sold us to China.
It would be the right thing on both moral and ethical grounds to do
Without a doubt. It will likely not happen that those lands be returned but it was a true observation in many ways. The truth is, we are hypocrites when "we" say we are for freedom and democracy when this Indian subject comes up. Always will be.
Rob99--Please read my post on pg 1 to Will 109--will answer your questions and help you get over your guilt trip!! Thanks!
Hope,
You would perfectly agree to this. Let Peter rob Paul and then say how Paul is better off. Then say how much you hate robbers. It just doesn't have any logic too it. It's not guilt here but logic I am pointing out.
Rob99--What I said was very logical. I'm saying that we can not change the wrongs of the past but we have tried to make things better for Indian people for over 200 years and yet sadly not much changes. They live in the past and can't get over it. It happened and that never will change--MOVE ON. They have freedom and democracy now and sadly most vote liberal Democrat to have the government give them more "free stuff" and therefore things will never change for them which makes me very sad!! As my econ professor said "there is no such thing as a free lunch"!! We ALL need to work hard to improve our country and our lives!!!
No Hope, you are not listening. You are talking about your feelings of history and I'm making a logical argument. You are not talking logic and I am. Do you know what logical reasoning entails?? Doesn't sound like it.
I wonder what the Neanderthals would have to say about their land being taken away. Their ancestors probably want it back. History is history, you cant change it.
We stick our nose's into every-ones business and tell them how to live. Now we get this thrown back into our face. Bottom line GREED. Rember judgement day, we will all have to answer to this someday.
I believe Archaeologist findings indicate the Native Indian Americans were here first.So what is our land?What isn't scared land to the Native Americans?The American Government through treaties and War have pushed the Indians into "Reservations",which are nothing more than subsidized and forgotten slums.I don't agree with the U.N. meddling in U.S.domestic issues,but as a Nation that has stated in the Constitution,"to establish Justice,promote general Welfare,Blessings of Liberty to our selves and our Posterity,what does these words mean to the encamped tribes of America?As a Nation of "FREEDOM Loving People"why is it so difficult for some to recognise the Injustice that has been perpetrated on the Native People,and other Minorities ?Why not return Lands to the Native Tribes ,where THEY have tradionally designate as Sacred?It would be Good for our National soul !
Smokein--Please read my post to Will 109 on pg 1. Will help you feel better and less guilty!! Thanks!
No-Hope,What other Nation,that declares all of the Slogans of peace and freedom& justice in it's founding documents,yet treats it's minorities like we have since our founding?I have shame not guilt,as an American. Thanks but no Thanks !
Of course, Smokeinmyeyes, how foolish of me, that's why minorities don't want to come here to the U.S. We are a clear example of mistreatment of minorities...... huh?????
Smoke, it's time to get it out of your eyes and read some world history.
RealLamePerson,Thanks Professor for your expert opinion on World History,it's about time I put on the ROSE COLORED Glasses and see things as they appear to YOU.Damn I missed all the Good Times Recorded concerning Slavery and what would be Considered GERM WARFARE by,the Standards of today,as it relates to Smallpox and typhoid fever,I just didn't realize the INDIANS deserved this treatment.Yes many peoples want to come here,to escape persecution in their Home land,but,why do we continue the persecution,I know its not as bad but can a little compassion be so wrong?
It's just a part of Agenda 21, people. Where have you been?
Big fish eat little fish. From day one somebody took what once belonged to someone else and somebody got the shaft. Am I sorry that we did not listen to the great chief's of long ago and co-existed? Yes, in fantasy world it would have been awesome.
Everyone seems to forget that this world has been declared a secular "Darwinized" world; one which was populated by evolution, which decrees "Survival of the fittest." You only "own" that which you can defend and maintain control. Boundaries change; nations come and go, but few "give back." You want it, come and take it! And, oh yeah, UN, "Go screw yourself."
Oh man I've seen some gems in my time but you. You're special. Darwinism applies to animals; at least the survival of the fittest rule does. You know; birds, pigs, monkeys, reptiles and so on and so forth. Human beings can empathize and moralize and we've moved beyond Survival of the Fittest. At least most of us have. I don't know about you and some of the other posters here though.
Bart-3089599 you have demonstrated by your statement that you are nothing but an ignorant, big mouthed BONEHEAD!!! If ripping off people of what was legitimately theirs is "survival of the fittest", then you belong with the long lost Neanderthals and therefore, just quietly crawl back under the rock you were hiding under...you buffoon!
Patric, I got a big stick, let me wack you on the head and take all of your stuff. Complain and I'll wack you again. You have no stick so shut up.
Maybe certain "Native Americans" (and others) need to just move on, instead of being yet another group who feels they are the perpetual victim?
I teach my children they are responsible for their OWN actions. Not their parent's, not their grandparent's, and so forth. The past is past, do something with your future instead, there's a lot of potential and promise if people would just stop telling each other how wronged your are and how bad things are.
Return what was forcefully and illegally ripped off you crooks and return any profits you obtained from that rip off!!!
Who votes to wack Patric with a stick? Let's see them hands.
The most stupid thing I've heard since allowing them illegal gambling casinos. Free school, college, dentist, doctor....I always thought we were equal !! BIG JIM is right, there is evidence and has been that they weren't the first humans to live in North America. They should be treated like any one else and not given a free life because of something that happened 100 years ago. I wasn't there and I shouldn't have to pay for it. This is OUR LAND !!! Who in the hell said that it was ever theirs in the first place. They are a conquered people that were allowed to exist. If not the US would not be the US but a French or British colony and the Indians wouldn't be anything but French or British citizens. The Gov't has no right to take my taxes to support Indians. Most of whom are shells of a person, drunks after living off a life of gratuity. They need to gut up off their lazy butts and work for a living like everyone else ! !
Is it just me or in the modern world are we expected to bend over backward to appease every crybaby that comes along whining about how they were done wrong in the past? Native Americans protected "their" land with inferior armies and a superior force came along and took it away. That is the way it works in the real world. My family has been in this country since the first "invaders" started landing on eastern shores and I love the fact that many of my ancestors have married the Native American peoples that they have lived with. Face it - treaties or not, Native Americans were a conquered people and get far too many special considerations by the government of their conquerors to begin with. While things aren't perfect anywhere, I think the majority of Native Americans would have to agree that they are much more comfortable in their air conditioned homes eating what they want and raking in their share of casino revenue than sitting in a wigwam in the middle of the elements wondering just what they did to offend the great spirit to result in the poor hunt and endless drought.
This is the same UN that said "drone strikes may be illegal."
The UN always seems to work against American interests regardless of what the specific issue is. It's amazing that we tolerate them for so long.
It has been proven repeatedly that all "Native Americans" are descendants of people with nearly identical DNA as eastern Europeans, notably Siberia. Therefore, there are absolutely ZERO native Americans. It is just a matter of who was here first. And if we are to give back all the land we took, stole, won in war or whatever, then how about the tribes themselves giving back all the land they took, stole, won in war or whatever from OTHER tribes. The Sioux were very prevalent here in Minnesota for hundreds of years until the Lakota in Wisconsin got tired of their raids, came into Minnesota and kicked their asses into the Dakotas. War between tribes was a constant threat for centuries all over the continental US.
If we need to give the Indians land, give them some land somewhere. Let them build THEIR schools, hospitals, roads, hospitals, THEIR doctors, teachers, dentists. Not OURS ! They want a Nation, let them build THEIR Nation and not use ours. PAY us for use of our services...Giving them land is one thing, but supporting them for another hundred years is total BS !@ @$#$^*&$ Parasites !
When this nation will owe up to the Indian lands
No, they're not giving them back. I wish they would but they won't. The only other alternative is philosophical and moral. We as humans cannot go around and talk seriously about the folowing:
Liberty
Freedoms
Democracy
And have the rest of the world take us seriously.
Give me a break, these people have had numerous chances at a better life and they can't control themselves from doing the wrong thing. You give them this and they will just ruin it like everything else we have given them including housing, just drive through a reservation. Give them jobs and they do no good if they don't actually show up to work.
Of one thing you can be certain. Change is inevitable. Who or what was on any land at sometime in the past is kind of mute. If we want to do atonement then I need my families vast holding in what is now Germany returned to us. I in return will return them to those that were there before me and so on.
The UN is a joke which is not even remotly funny. That being said who should we give persia to or England or for that matter Russia.
It will never happen. UN can suggest anything they want but the US Goverment doesnt listen to anyone let alone admit they screwed over the native americans.
Funny. We like the UN when they back our positions on Bosnia, Israel, Iran, Iraq, China and any number of issues, but when they point out the dirt in our backyard...
The UN needs to shut the hell up and mind their own business. We do their work all over the world for them because they're inept.
believe me obozo and the extreme left agree