04 January 2008

Mapquest, Google scramble to add Lakota to maps

Oh, would it were so. But it's gonna take more than a press release to make the defining of a new country's borders a reality.

Lakota Oyate, a Native American activist group that just a couple of weeks ago declared the sovereignty of Lakota Sioux land in the north-central U.S., has issued a map outlining the newly free and independent nation of Lakota. It's shown below, click on image for a larger version...

The press release says "the Lakota people begin the process of recovering their natural land-base without U.S. government interference. Protection of sacred sites and confrontation with exploitative government and private enterprises that have been removing or polluting Lakota lands comes to the forefront."

"Lakota" takes big chunks out of five states and that's one hell of a tall order to try and fill. But hey, native peoples were here first and Anglo settlers just had to crash the party. As comedy legend (and Oneida tribesman) Charlie Hill joked, "Don't you hate when you have company over and they never leave?"

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great plan! Let's.......

1. Build a wall around it. Set up border patrols and immigration stations.
2. Recall all state and federal agencies, support and law enforcement including medicare, FEMA, state patorols, national guard, etc.
3. Cut access to all outside provders or electricity, water, gas, food, etc. until a trade agreement can be passed by congress.
4. Immediatly deport all Lakota Indians to Lakota if they happen live outside Lakota. Use all acquired land to house US citizens currently living in Lakota.

5. Then, declare the Lakota nation as terrorist, invade, and use the Patriot Act to confiscate all land and belongings.

Wheeee!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Dude,
Your fear and ignorance is showing.
Typical of insensitive and uneducated americans.
The treatment of the Lakota and all indigenous people by whites is a scandal.
This was their land before we ever set foot here, remember??
It is about time for a sovereign nation to be carved out where the broken 'treaties' no longer hold power over any human being.
Yes, any outsider will need a passport to enter and walls will be built to keep your kind out.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, I think you'll get that same response anyway because Lakota looks like it's enroaching on Cheney's ranch in Wyoming. Big Dick ain't gonna stand for that, he may go a-huntin' with nucular weapons.

Anonymous said...

Hogwash, it's illegal to secede from the Union; that's why the Civil War was fought.

It's unfortunate that white racists 150 years ago chose to dump the indians into reservations, which are nothing but desert ghettos. Better to have taken ALL the land and let them integrate into society. The Hawaiians have, and quite well.

Anonymous said...

If you think the native Hawaiians have not experienced ill effects of colonization, you are sadly mistaken.

Anonymous said...

anon-
yer a dumbass

Talapus Pete said...

I wonder if Russ Means is getting a little nervous about the reopening of the Anna Mae Aquash case and the upcoming trial. I think the some of the AIM muckymucks ordered her murder because they were duped by the FBI into believing she was a snitch. And I wonder if Russ wasn't involved in that decision. If so, this Lakota Oyate Nation...hmm.

Terrible said...

Anonymous@5:19, except they AREN"T 'seceding' from the Union! Indian reservations themselves aren't part of the Union to began with. But as far as the rest they are reclaiming property due to broken contracts which is their LEGAL right to do.

And the Republic of Vermont can leave the Union any damn time they please too because it is in the agreement that was signed to put them in the Union.

Study before you spout off!

Unknown said...

An interesting concept. Unfortunately unworkable. They are a landlocked "nation". They have no ports of access, no open borders to other means of commerce except a river which is non-navigable for commercial vessels. They have no free, accessible airspace or corridors to free airspace. They are virtually landlocked.
If the "United States" were to play hardball, how would this "Nation" survive? They would have no commerce by land, sea or air. They have a limited economy, primarily agricultural and ranching, possibly mineral resources, but again, with no way to convey these resources in "commerce" they have no GNP. Where would they get energy without decimating their environment in oil shale, oil or other earth resources? They very well could be "sanctioned" so no other trade could be conducted, like Cuba, again no access to their nation. This is a very difficult situation they have placed themselves in if they go forward. The dynamics just wouldn't work. And really what Anon #1 says is true. When all American infrastructure were severed, power, water, highways, this would be a tremendous obstacle to overcome. Racism aside. It is likely what would happen. Federal agencies would have to be removed as it would not be "America" any more. No federal power projects, agriculture, conservation, etc. Trade agreements would have to be made and signed. It would have to be. This is the modern way of global commerce and international relations.

Unknown said...

Yeah, well, Austria and Switzerland are landlocked nations too, but they seem to do just fine.

Anonymous said...

Where can I apply for a passport?

Anonymous said...

This is the modern way of global commerce and international relations.

These are your words. Indians live by the ancient ways, not by the modern ways. This is what they have been telling us ever since the 1800's. They don't want to live like white man. They want to live like Indians. Therefore, all they really need is the land and the water and the buffalo and the deer and the antelope and the open sky above. That is something none of us white people or The Great Father in Washington really understand. The white man's way is not thier way. You can cut off thier electricity and post guards around Lakota and anything else you want, but you are never going to make them agree to live as the white man does. They want to celebrate thier heritage and thier ancestors in the way they choose without interference from us. They call that Freedom. It is unbelievable to me that all you modern people can understand that the Iraqis want to be free but you can't understand that the Indian wants the same thing. Freedom. Can you understand that?? Freedom...thats what they want and I for one hope they get it. We owe it to them and thier ancestors. We are always tripping all over ourselves to apologize for slavery and the wrongs committed on the black man, but what we did to the Indians was 100 times worse. We didn't enslave them, we killed them in a genocidal mania. The remnant which remain today are worthy of our respect and our friendship, to the extent they want it. Let them have what is rightfully thiers.

Anonymous said...

If Hawaiians 'integrated' so well, then why do they drive around with bumper stickers that say 'Aloha also means goodbye' and 'Welcome to Hawaii, now go home'? Obviously you are not aware that they are also trying to split from the union very much like the lakotas are. Do a little research on the Akaka Bill and THEN try and say they are integrated nicely.

Anonymous said...

in response to jacques..

the one resource they could use for power would be to harness wind power..if you have spent any time in Pine Ridge you know that is one commodity they could bank on.
just a thought..
another anon..

Anonymous said...

"waaaa, we all want our own nation"
seems to be a common theme around the world one day. Why dont we all just govern ourselves fairly and respectfully to all peoples in all areas and with the same regard we would hold for ourselves and maybe no one would WANT to leave. "God bless america, but YOU suck, we're out of here" should maybe tell that nation something about hows its treated its own, or rather the ones that took thier nation from them to begin with.

Anonymous said...

just like john lennon said, Imagine there's no country...

Anonymous said...

I wanna be a Lakota tooo..

:(

Anonymous said...

Yes, there are Hawaiians that want to be a separate nation again. There are at least 2 movements, both of whom say they are the only real movement and the other isn't. Most Hawaiians are fine with being Americans, they just want the stupid tourists to go away. That same attitude can be found in most places that get a lot of stupid tourists.

The percentage of Hawaiians that support the secession movements is even smaller than the percentage of Lakota natives that are following the leaders of this so-called nation.

This "movement" is not supported by any of the actual selected leaders of the various Lakotan tribes. It is being lead by a man with no actual authority to make any statements for the tribes. But he does get attention.

Attention can be good. None of the Native Americans were treated well in the past, most of the are still treated poorly, and this should be addressed. But thinking this will be some magical cure-all is just silly.

Anonymous said...

"Attention can be good. None of the Native Americans were treated well in the past, most of the are still treated poorly, and this should be addressed."

Psst, Anonymous. Just between you and me, I think this is what they're after.

Anonymous said...

The Lakota are attempting to correct centuries of transgressions by the US. It is their right as part of the host culture to try to reclaim stolen lands. It's a tall order to accomplish this task, but still within their rights as native Americans. Treaties always gave the US an advantage.

As for the Native Hawaiians, there where no treaties, the monarchy was hijacked at gunpoint by the US. There was no choice but to integrate. The Hawaiian monarchy was a progressive government respected by many nations, the US got greedy and took it by force. Are Hawaiians mad about this? generally 'yes'. Hawaii's potential to be a successful independent economic and social hub of the pacific was stifled (to put it mildly) by it's 49 other sibling states. Now the US Government is trying to legislate the title of 'Native Hawaiian' be replaced with 'Native American' in attempt to marginalize both cultures into a flawed federal system of shared monies. (This would be the Akaka Bill, sorry previous poster, I know you meant well). If Hawaiians agree (or are tricked, which IS the case here) into relinquishing their native title, so goes their inherent sovereignty. It's political castration, basically.

Lakota sound like they want none of that, and want their rightful lands back. More power to them.

Anonymous said...

In 1813 days 2 Suns will shine in the sky.
The way of the Animal will fall wayside.
GrandFather is returning the lands to his people.
Tell the Elders, tell everyone!
Blessed Be

Anonymous said...

I don't know how ultimately feasible this move will be, but I absolutely support the Lakota, and if it does come down to confrontation, I would hope that courageous American citizens would take whatever action necessary to help the Lakota, legal or otherwise. "Tiocfaidh ár lá"....

Anonymous said...

Right on Anon!
Beidh ár lá linn

Anonymous said...

Though the amount of land that this plan asked for might be very difficult or next to impossible at one point it might be plausible in chunks over a period of time. I support any people asking for their land back. I am Puertorrican and Cuban and dream of the day I can visit my countries freely without them being owned by the US or limited by the US. I know that there are people that feel the same way in American Samoa and Hawaii. I wonder when the average American will realize that they are living in an empire that takes people's land away and that they need to give it back. Good luck with your plan and know that others stand with you.

Anonymous said...

Y'all need to get a grip.

Withdrawal from US treaties enjoys little support from tribal leaders
© Indian Country Today January 04, 2008. All Rights Reserved
Posted: January 04, 2008
by: Gale Courey Toensing / Indian Country Today


Legitimacy of 'Republic of Lakotah' questioned

ROSEBUD, S.D. - Tribal leaders in the northern Great Plains said that actor and activist Russell Means has accurately portrayed the federal government's broken promises to America's indigenous peoples. But when Means and a group of fellow activists recently announced a Lakota withdrawal from all treaties with the U.S. government, they were not representing the Lakota and other Sioux tribes of the area, the leaders said.

http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096416411

and
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2008/01/04/news/top/doc477ec9768e680993877180.txt

Anonymous said...

This is what happens when unemployed alcoholics have too much time on their hands.

Anonymous said...

"Withdrawal from US treaties enjoys little support from tribal leaders"

Lakota Oyate has already taken that into account. They're not interested in their support anyway, I think they spelled that out quite clearly.

Anonymous said...

"This is what happens when unemployed alcoholics have too much time on their hands."

As opposed to you, the nuclear physicist posting using his full name on an obscure blog.

Have another beer, dumbass, and try not to spill it on your Burger King application, it'll smear the magic marker. Plus, mom'll get mad and all that.

Anonymous said...

If you just wanted kansas I doubt anyone would even care.

Anonymous said...

The joining of Hawaii to the United States, I suspect is not so simple. Though it is documented that the French militairly tried to invade and possess it. It sits in an absolutely key strategic place. One that all major powers of the time knew, and fought for. Some of the discussion of why Hawaii CHOSE to become part of the US is very interesting, such as sometimes why a woman might choose a man for a husband, that the union of those two possess a greater force for the good of all, than each alone. Thus it seems strange that not all people in power at all times think exactly the same. Some people even in Government throughout the history of the US, have fough for human resolutions to human problems, not bestial solutions for human problems.

Anonymous said...

No, Guzman, my point is that so many are presuming to know what is best for the Lakota and are enamoured by a scoundrel, and cozy up to a sensational story, who can't speak Lakota, who has little support within his own Nation.

Do you know who the other Lakota leaders are and how their government works? I've yet to see a blog carrying this story that does. Russell Means in not a Lakota leader. He's a megalomaniac. And you're helping.

Please, y'all go find some other First Nation, maybe the one who's land you're living on, to "help".

Anonymous said...

im moving to lakota soon - like frank zappa

Anonymous said...

i say the indians should be free after all they were here before we were the govenment dont care about anyone but themselves, i myself am married to an indian and he is sick about how they are treated, let them live in peace and treat them with the curosity the deserve vickie

Anonymous said...

"Do you know who the other Lakota leaders are and how their government works? I've yet to see a blog carrying this story that does."

What's stopping you from doing this? Why waste your time and help draw more attention to Means here when you can use your critiquing skills to compose a helpful blog post with counterpoints that I'd be happy to link to? You seem to be the expert.

Whatever else you want to say about Means, he knows how to get attention. And last time I checked, the BIA/US government was still moving at a glacial pace as far as fulfilling their (financial) obligations to native peoples. Renewed focus on their plight is what he's really after, and to a degree, it's working. They now have a net presence where there wasn't much of one before, and I'd venture to say they are gaining many, many a sympathetic ear.

"Please, y'all go find some other First Nation, maybe the one who's land you're living on, to 'help.'"

"Y'all?" Well at least you're not claiming to be 1/64th Cherokee, pardner. Now get working on that awesome blog post of yours and enlighten all us ignorant wasichus.

In Russet Shadows said...

So this really isn't legit in the first place, so what's the deal? You can't both salute the guy's efforts and act as though it were real, and then backpedal and claim that he's just asking for attention.

In any case, the Indian nations should NEVER have been allowed to keep their sovereignty in the first place. That was the first mistake. But if these folks are willing to succeed and fight for their freedom -- good luck. A few M-1s and stealth bombers will pound them into dust pretty quickly.

Anonymous said...

"So this really isn't legit in the first place, so what's the deal?"

It's legit as far as they want to take it, but again, I think the main thing here is to draw attention to a situation that has been festering for DECADES.

"But if these folks are willing to succeed and fight for their freedom -- good luck. A few M-1s and stealth bombers will pound them into dust pretty quickly."

Hell, let's give em the Sherman treatment, yeehaw! Er wait... just noticed your flag.

Alihikaua said...

Hawaii didn't chose US..US chose Hawaii..when the Hawaiians didn't go along with their broken treaties..they had their "moles" create a John Wayne scenario, of americans being in danger, then used the US Marines to support the take over....Ohana

Alihikaua said...

Hawaii didn't chose US..US chose Hawaii..when the Hawaiians didn't go along with their broken treaties..they had their "moles" create a John Wayne scenario, of americans being in danger, then used the US Marines to support the take over....Hawaiian Chiefs & Ohana supports Lakota Nation..PS. Aloha to
Charlie Chips and the sweat lodge...
Alihikaua Ali`i Sir Kalikolehua Kanaele K.C.K.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe some people are taking this so seriously. It's just amusing how natives didn't believe in land ownership but can go THIS IS OURS NOT YOURS GTFO n00b.

High five for hypocrisy!

Anonymous said...

I live in Bismarck, North Dakota, which from what I can tell is encompassed by the new 'nation' of Lakota.

I don't plan on going anywhere, so they can take their self-pity attitude and stick it up their ass.

We fought them and kicked their ass, so now it is our land. The history of MANDKIND has followed this. Besides, they were not indigineous to that area. They all came from Mongolia and shit ages ago. Who's to say they didn't take it from someone else?

Call me ignorant, but the self-pity attitude that we owe them really brings my piss to a boil.

Anonymous said...

"We fought them and kicked their ass, so now it is our land."

I commend you, anonymous sir, for making it through that fiery, asinine rant of yours with nary a mention of "injun," "redskin," or "cotton-pickin'" for that matter. Your restraint is admirable.

Alihikaua said...

Poor excuse better than nothing... you didn't fight to win this land you murdered and plundered like your ancestors...and like your ancestors you have plenty of lies and excuses for your murdering ways..just remember.. it wasn't us that said "violence doesn't settle anything" cry babies, when we started to kick your asses you guys started crying foul..guess who flys those stealth bombers and are in the Black Opts you fool..guess what its us..you guys are bumbling idiots, coul;dn't even find food, we had to train your dumb asses. Guzman that surely is a fictious american name like your fake country your a bunch of fakes and killers.

Anonymous said...

i didnt read all the comments so this may have been said but, i always hear natives say "this was our land you stole it from us", if russia invades france who owns france? the russians they took it over, the french couldnt defend themselves, catch my drift. its not yours if you lose it

Alihikaua said...

Algiers,Bosnia, Timor..on and on are being sovereign..you can never lose your land. only if you don't care enough; all the lies in the world and all the liars won't make a lie true..its still a lie.,,and its still stolen no matter how long you have stolen it. The Hebrews had to wait
1947 years before they got their state started again. Anonymous thats what you are and your poor poor excuses and lies...not even a nice try..just a great big bull shit...freedom from you liars and thieves..life life to the Lakota Star Nation

Anonymous said...

"Guzman that surely is a fictious american name like your fake country your a bunch of fakes and killers."

alihikaua, sorry to disappoint you, but Guzmán is definitely not a fictitious name. And I'm not sure why you're spewing venom at me, but whatever.

Alihikaua said...

e kala mai (sorry) guzman got it wrong, guzman is a real name..should have reviewed my post....accept my apologies....America is not the name for Moku Honu or in english Turtle Island thats what I meant about fake country,

Anonymous said...

"e kala mai (sorry) guzman got it wrong, guzman is a real name..should have reviewed my post....accept my apologies"

no sweat

Alihikaua said...

mahalo (thanx)guzman, but I do sweat lodges
aho

Anonymous said...

wonder when they will use the OWL and not the EAGLE for their maskot.. ? then they will WIN back their land..


ah ho WIO

gunslingerpladin said...

I am a white man and i agree with the Lakota's. It doen't matter if secession is legal or not. In 1776 we didn't ask the British if it was legal for us to seceed from them and form our own nation. We just did it. There was lots of bloodshed, but that's the price of freedom (which we have lost now). The United States has been overthrowed by our dictator anyway. And we have lost most of our freedom and as soon as Dictator Bush diclares martial law, we will lose the rest of our freedom The most of the American people have been so brainwashed and dumbed-down that they are to scared to fight for their freedom aymore. I may just move to Lakota myself and renounce my U.S. citizenship if Lakota will accept me. At least I would be with people like myself that are not afraid to fight for freedom. I'm sure it would be no problem for Lakota to get foreign allies if need be.

gunslingerpladin said...

I am a white man and i agree with the Lakota's. It doen't matter if secession is legal or not. In 1776 we didn't ask the British if it was legal for us to seceed from them and form our own nation. We just did it. There was lots of bloodshed, but that's the price of freedom (which we have lost now). The United States has been overthrowed by our dictator anyway. And we have lost most of our freedom and as soon as Dictator Bush diclares martial law, we will lose the rest of our freedom The most of the American people have been so brainwashed and dumbed-down that they are to scared to fight for their freedom aymore. I may just move to Lakota myself and renounce my U.S. citizenship if Lakota will accept me. At least I would be with people like myself that are not afraid to fight for freedom. I'm sure it would be no problem for Lakota to get foreign allies if need be.