2009 Oglala Commemoration Recap

Oglala Commemoration
Press Release
2009 Recap

Facing many challenges this past year, with much prayer and hard work,the Committee again was successful in putting on another great event.

June 26th began with greeting old friends, and making new ones, as we began to gather at the Little Family Cemetery. We began with the prayer ceremony, remembering all those who have crossed over, the health and freedom of Leonard Peltier, and the safe journey for all those in attendance. Fred Cedar Face once again led us in prayer, and an honor song was done by Elk Nation. We welcomed Betty, Leonard's sister, and Kari Ann, Leonard's niece, from the LP-DOC and Jim Robideau, Bob's
cousin.

The Memorial Walk followed to the Jumping Bull Property. It was a warm day with the storms moving across the south of our walk. Many walked while others rode in cars. The security team under Owen Black Elk's direction did a great job in directing traffic and keeping the walkers out of harm's way. We had many passer by's join in as well as some parked along the road giving encouragement. We also had some observers across the highway on the plateau noting our progress. At the property, Ivis Long Visitor hosted the gathering, Joe Stuntz was remembered. The LP-DOC read Leonard's statement. And a memorial for Bob Robideau, who crossed over early in the year, was conducted. Jim Robideau spoke on behalf of Bob. Pilar, Bob's widow called in all the way from Spain to share her thoughts and feelings. Though it was very difficult to hear, it was the feeling behind her call that made it so special. We shared memorial cakes and the Committee sponsored a give-away in Bob's memory, at the conclusion a beautiful blanket was presented to Jim in honor of Bob. At the end of the event, the school supply back packs were given out to the kids.

Moving on down to the Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge, we once again welcomed Oasis Sound back, as they were set up and raring to go. A delicious meal was prepared, pozole, beef stew,fry bread and wojopi. After the meal the youth concert began. Our returning artists, Lady Hope opened the night, along with her crew from Rapid City: Dayloc, Dion-Tycoon, Angel, featuring Miguel Jon. Also back was Mista Futuristic who honored us with a song which he wrote for a recently passed friend. and rocking out the evening was SpydarZback. In between, the LP-Doc and Tom Poor Bear shared words.

Please remember, Leonard goes up for Parole in just a few weeks, July 28th. Visit the LP-DOC's website http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/ to see what you can do to help make Leonard's freedom a reality. As always, this event is held each year in remembrance of all those that were victims during what is known at the "Reign of Terror" as well as those who have crossed on while living and fighting in the struggle, Remember Wally Black Elk and Ron Hard Heart, murders that remain uninvestigated and unsolved.

A thanks goes out to all who helped, worked, performed, cooked, spoke, served, protected, prayed, and those who gave special words of encouragement.

We would also like to welcome Owen Black Elk to the committee, as community Liaison, working locally with the venues and musicians etc.

Our Special thanks to:

Jumping Bull Family, Cedar Face Family, Black Elk Family, Robideau Family,Leonard Peltier, LP-DOC, Good Voice Elk Family, Little Family, Tom Poor Bear, Marla Under Baggage, Jeanette Richards, Owen Black Elk, KILI Radio, Cakes & Etc, Oasis Sound, Pilar Robideau, Parchcorn Family. Karen Doris Wright, Censored News, Dara Miller, Sara Finke @ KHDX-St. Louis, NAICCO-Columbus, OH, Wal-mart, Candy, Paula, Juliet, and Hannah Wahwassuck, Debbie Smith. Elysia Landeros-Thomas and David Pearson, Mario ? Bunky Echo Hawk, Cedar Elk Woman, Susan Duhn, Kari and Johanna Best of the West, St. Charles Community College. Ruth Kenndy, To everyone who donated to the auction and to everyone who bidded. We couldn't do this without you.

And last but not least our wonderful Security Crew:

Filmore He Crow, Rayford Featherman, Kenny Kane, Terry Two Lance, Elgin Young Bear, Ylene Two Lance, Paula Wahwassuck, Owen Black Elk, Kenny Black Elk.

Goals Meet:

School Supplies were divided up to 3 communities
Scholarship awarded to Cryintha Clifford
1000 Book donated to Loneman School by Ruth Kennedy

The School supplies are in great need, so thanks to Dara and everyone who collected the supplies this year.

Since supplies are cheaper at the beginning of the school year, I will begin collecting them again.
Stay turned for details.

The OCC
www.oglalacommemoration.com