{"id":22329,"date":"2022-03-22T12:44:43","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianz.com\/News\/?p=22329"},"modified":"2022-03-22T12:46:40","modified_gmt":"2022-03-22T16:46:40","slug":"ivan-star-comes-out-taking-a-closer-look-at-our-tribal-flag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2022\/03\/22\/ivan-star-comes-out-taking-a-closer-look-at-our-tribal-flag\/","title":{"rendered":"Ivan Star Comes Out: Taking a closer look at our tribal flag"},"content":{"rendered":" \"Oglala<\/a>
The flag of the Oglala Sioux Tribe features a red background with nine stylized tipis in white. The blue border is a recent addition, dating to the early 1960s. Image courtesy Oglala Sioux Tribe<\/figcaption>\r\n
What the new Oglala Sioux Tribe\u2019s flag means to me<\/div>\r\n
Tuesday, March 22, 2022<\/div>\r\n
By Ivan Star Comes Out<\/div>\r\n
Native Sun News Today<\/div>\r\n
nativesunnews.today<\/a><\/div>\r\n

<\/P>\r\n The Indian Reorganization Act, and its so-called constitutional governing system and its flag, always rubbed me the wrong way. \r\n

<\/P>\r\nWith regard to all who champion the new red, white, and blue \u201ctribal\u201d flag<\/a>, I have a very difficult time accepting it as a symbolic representation of the Ikce Oyate<\/em> (Human\/Natural Man Nation). I am merely stating historical realities.\r\n

<\/P>\r\nAfter digging into the history of federal-\u201cIndian\u201d history, I see it as a symbol of conquest of the Ikce Wicasa<\/em> (Natural Man\/Human). I write this with deep respect for the creator of this flag, former President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the late Enos Poor Bear and his late son Webster, who flew a small replica in Vietnam.\r\n

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<\/IMG> <\/DIV>\r\n
Ivan F. \r\nStar Comes Out. Photo courtesy Native Sun News \r\nToday<\/A><\/FIGCAPTION> <\/DIV><\/DIV>\r\n

<\/p>\r\nRealistically, very few see it as the obliteration of our ancient yet equitable tiospaye<\/em> (extended family group) governance system. The ancient wapaha<\/em> (eagle feather staff) still holds more meaning for the steadily diminishing traditional people.\r\n

<\/P>\r\nToday I see an implied acceptance of the federal Oglala Sioux Tribe\u2019s (OST) distinctive \u201ctribal\u201d flag among younger populations. Bumper stickers, decals, screen prints (T-shirts), and bead work have been glorifying this symbol since it was created. This colorful flag is always present at gatherings like \u201ctribal\u201d inaugurations, parades, powwows, funerals, and now at the annual Wounded Knee gatherings. \r\n

<\/P>\r\nIn the same year Custer was wiped out in Montana, the Canadian Parliament enacted the Indian Act which compelled First Nations to renounce their sovereign status and join Canadian civilization. The law basically banned indigenous people from identifying themselves through self-governance and culture. The United States Congress followed suit by assimilating \u201cIndian\u201d children into American society in the 17th century.\r\n

<\/P>\r\n \"Tribal<\/a>

Tribal flags are seen at the Pierre Learning Center in Pierre, South Dakota, during an exhibition titled \u201cHonoring Native Pride and Spirit \u2013 Yesterday, Today and Forever.” Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Theanne Herrmann \/ U.S. Army National Guard<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n

<\/P>\r\nThis explains the acts of intimidation and violence to older \u201ctreaty men\u201d throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many were stopped on the road, pulled out of their vehicles and brutally beaten. A couple of these men (who are no longer here) gave me some historic government documents which inspired me dig deeper into the history of this reservation.\r\n

<\/P>\r\nMy research led me to \u201csee\u201d this \u201ctribal\u201d flag as a rallying point for those who continue to oppress the consistent resisters to total assimilation. It is that inhumane government rule which younger generations are unwittingly promoting, simply due to their unawareness. Yes, we do those who aspire to the federal racial extermination mandates directed at the Oyate<\/em> treaty-signers and their descendants.\r\n

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