{"id":4573,"date":"2020-05-08T18:15:24","date_gmt":"2020-05-08T22:15:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianz.com\/covid19\/?p=4573"},"modified":"2020-05-08T18:20:59","modified_gmt":"2020-05-08T22:20:59","slug":"chairman-harold-frazier-cheyenne-river-sioux-tribe-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/covid19\/2020\/05\/08\/chairman-harold-frazier-cheyenne-river-sioux-tribe-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Chairman Harold Frazier (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Dewey County Sheriff’s Office are seen at a checkpoint on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Photo courtesy Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe<\/p><\/div>\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/b><\/p>\n

May 8, 2020<\/b><\/p>\n

Chairman Harold Frazier statement on Governor Kristi Noem letter regarding Health Checkpoints on reservation.<\/b><\/p>\n

Eagle Butte, SD \u2013 The English definition of consultation is \u201ca meeting with an expert or professional, such as a medical doctor, in order to seek advice.\u201d In the Lakota language, w\u00f3glakA means \u201cto speak about something.\u201d In meeting with county commissioners, municipal, South Dakota Department of Transportation, Public schools and Federal agencies we have met the definition of consultation in both of our languages.<\/p>\n

We have continuously worked with the county commissioners and municipal leaders to ensure all members and nonmember issues have been addressed. We have not stopped any state or commercial functions as you claim in your request<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many have been inconvenienced by the current situation but the virus does not differentiate between members and non-members. It obligates us to protect everyone on the reservation regardless of political distinctions. We will not apologize for being an island of safety in a sea of uncertainty and death.<\/p>\n

Article 16 of the Ft. Laramie Treaty signed in 1868 by your government and our respected ancestors dictates the following, \u201cstipulates and agrees that no white person or persons shall be permitted to settle upon or occupy any portion of the same; or without the consent of the Indians first had and obtained, to pass through the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

I absolutely agree that we need to work together during this time of crisis, however you continuing to interfere in our efforts to do what science and facts dictate seriously undermine our ability to protect everyone on the reservation. Ignorant statements and fiery rhetoric encourage individuals already under stress from this situation to carry out irrational actions.<\/p>\n

We invite you to join us in protecting the lives of our people and those that live on this reservation. I regretfully decline your request. I stand with our elder Councilman Ed Widow that the purpose of our actions is to, \u201csave lives rather than save face.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Amid a spike in #COVID19<\/a> cases in #SouthDakota<\/a>, the Republican governor is threatening legal action unless @CRSTChairman<\/a> and @OSTOfficial1<\/a> remove checkpoints that are keeping their communities safe from the #Coronavirus<\/a>. See @govkristinoem<\/a>\ud83d\udce8\ud83d\udc47#KristiNOem<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/F8cqQivGO3<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tsm8o7mQ9b<\/a><\/p>\n

— indianz.com (@indianz) May 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n