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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 8, 1972)
-v jf " . k .,. W . :. . ... ' .... i 'a " f.-JL. "W. i "4. V i "r Y.-'t-'M t lUfAma "v' W f ' , .1. '.(V., . , . .' ,V- .' 1 .. "v:..,.,. ,i '. .. ' 4. . ' 1 Wednesday, hbvember 8, 1972 .ff- At- r - --- ft.- r .5 -J .1 v ... 1 V - ;. r - y I ' : AlMed support As the bells of St. Mary's Catholic Church rang Tuesday, Indians gathered on the steps of the State Capitol and began beating their drums and chanting. About 35 Indians participated in the demonstration, organized by local American Indian Movement (AIM) chapters. Onlookers ranged in number from 15 to 40. Some non-Indians joined in dancing and chanting, but most just watched. One woman declined to comment on the demonstration, because "I don't want Indians on my throat." The Indian demonstration was planned as a show of support for Indians in Washington, D.C. People on the grass roots level are in favor of recent actions in Washington, according to John Two Birds Arbuckle. Indians have occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) building in Washington since Thursday. Rumors have suggested that they may destroy the building. Arbuckle read a 21 -point list of demands that Indians in Washington have drawn up. It included demands for Indian jurisdiction over non-Indians on Indian reservations, the abolishment of the BIA, honoring of all unratified treaties and relief against treaty violations. The demands stressed that only the federal government and not local governments should have anything to do with treaties and that Indians must be recognized as having the same rights as other Americans. photos by Gail Folda story by AJ. McClanahan 'We're not a militant people, but we can become militant," Arbuckle said, as some of the members of the crowd yelled, "Easily, easily." When asked if he would support the Indians in Washington if they blew up the BIA building, Arbuckle said, "Of course, I will, they're my brothers." A-Go Sheridan, director of the Lincoln AIM chapter said, "I'm not in favor of them blowing up the building, but if that is what it takes to get the government to recognize us, then blow the damn thing up." Owen Young, coordinator of the Omaha AIM chapter said Indians are the landlords of the United States, "and it's about time people started noticing it. "We've really been mistreated, and I'm not afraid to say anything against the government. They still talk with a forked tongue." Sheridan said similar demonstrations took place that morning at Pine Ridge and Scottsbluff. If Indians in those areas needed support, southeast area support could be gathered, he said. The Tuesday demonstration was only to show support for Indians in Washington, he said. There was supposed to be a meeting Tuesday night to discuss Lincoln and Omaha problems, according to Sheridan. "We won't plan anything else until we get word from headquarters." He added that if problems arise in the Omaha or Lincoln area as many as two or three thousand Indians could be brought in to show support. daily nebraskan page 9
