Chase Iron Eyes: Indian Country can join Occupy movement

Thursday, December 22, 2011  

"The Occupy Movement may very well lack in a coordinated leadership, goals, and other hierarchic organization that mainstream is calling for; as if to say the movement is illegitimate until then. How many times have we heard a reporter ask “What are the protesters demands? When will the protesters demands be met? When will they go home? When will everything go back to normal?” I have news for you: the movement is legit and it is already changing the world. Will we change with it?

As I watch livestream of the November 17 “Day of Action” in New York, with all the makings of violent conflict, I must say I do not believe in violence, as that would give the corporatists the excuse they need to fully eradicate the movement. As an Indigenous person I wished the movement was about more than improving Americans lot within the confines of the corporate western artificial existence. By this I mean Indigenous people want true sustainable civilization—true cost economies that value mother earth, not more carbon-economy jobs for everyone; but that definitely doesn’t mean I do not support movement. I genuinely support each and every occupier that is making this movement live.

Many Indians have sounded off about not joining the 99 percent, pointing out the fact that Indians have always been poor, that Indians should sit back and not engage the movement. I do not see it the same way. I believe the best way to make our voices heard is to include them with the 99 percent, there is a great energy that we should be a part of. I understand the “go to” response that the government isn’t honoring the treaties, that the Occupiers are Occupying Occupied land –valid points. However, that doesn’t really get us anywhere. There is plenty we have in common with the 99 percent, including equitable tax burdens for the rich, less consumption/excess for everyone, Let us find ways to join energies, not conflict energies."

Get the Story:
Chase Iron Eyes: Occupy Movement Here to Stay (Indian Country Today 12/21)