"With graduation season upon us, I am forced to realize a school on my reservation is threatened. I am a proud member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and graduate student at MSU-Bozeman. The tribal government of my reservation has decided to wage war against a successful private school, St. Labre, serving my nation -- a school that has supported me and many others pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, engineering, math and science.

The lawsuit hinges upon the historical abuses of St. Labre, without regard for the progressive school it is today. For these grievances, they make outrageous financial demands. Repeatedly, St. Labre has offered generous settlement agreements. These olive branches have been ignored; they demand blood.

The punitive damages my tribe seeks will probably extinguish a good school. With its destruction goes the extensive outreach programs St. Labre operates. I, and other college-bound graduates, benefit from the support this school provides. Support includes generous scholarships and a counselor who makes regular on-campus visits."

Get the Story:
Michael Running Wolf: Destroying school would hurt reservation (The Billings Gazette 5/24)

Relevant Links:
St. Labre Indian School - http://www.stlabre.org

Related Stories:
Northern Cheyenne Tribe's lawsuit questioned (03/15)
Northern Cheyenne Tribe sues church and school (3/14)
Retired Franciscan priest speaks at Haskell (3/8)