The article below appeared in the Daily Mining Gazette on 30 June 1997. It
is posted here with permission.
For more on these developments, and a history of this struggle (now in its
23rd month) see Rose Edwards' home page at
("http://www.edwards1.com/rose/native/ffj/ffj.htm").
You can also consult earlier postings to Native-L at
("http://bioc09.uthscsa.edu/natnet/archive/nl/keweenaw-bay.html").
PROTESTERS RENEW CALL FOR DAKOTA OUSTER
by VANESSA DIETZ
ASSININS - Fight for Justice will ask Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal
Chairman Fred Dakota to step down from the council.
The tribal dissidents, who took over the former tribal center almost two
years ago to protest the nullification of a December 1994 election,
gathered Sunday at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins to discuss
strategy and renew goals. More than 100 packed into the church basement to
ask attorneys about Dakota's federal conviction and their own legal
problems that have resulted as part of the turmoil over the sovereign
nation's current governmental policies.
The group will ask Dakota to leave his tribal post, based on his conviction
Friday on bribery and tax evasion charges. The petition will be submitted
at the next tribal council meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, July 11.
Dakota's sentencing is set for Sept. 30 in Grand Rapids. He faces up to 19
years in prison.
Previously, protesters called for Dakota's ouster. A recall petition was
filed about a year ago calling for a tribal-led investigation and
prosecution of Dakota for allegedly violating tribal laws.
When contacted by The Gazette this morning, Dakota had no comment on his
current status or future plans.
Tribal Spokesman Rich Rossway noted, "Today (Dakota)'s the tribal
chairman," and said that situation would only change based on tribal
council action.
Dakota's conviction left FFJ members with a renewed sense of confidence and
determination, openly expressed at Sunday's meeting.
"Fight for freedom isn't just during the war. You have to be on guard for
your freedom all the time," Councilman Gary Loonsfoot told the group.
Loonsfoot joined the council in March 1996 and since then has challenged
some of its actions.
"This is your government. Take it back. This is the time," Loonsfoot said.
Other speakers had praise for protesters' efforts to bring issues to light.
"It's a tragedy that (Dakota) has been convicted over greed and power," FFJ
attorney Steve Pence of Marquette said. You have credibility, hope and each
other and that's all you've really ever had. You guys have always taken the
high road."
FFJ member Karen Curtis attended the Grand Rapids trial. She told the group
to "pray for peace and walk for justice. As long as we're working for all
our people, the Creator is at our side."
She said she cried when Dakota's verdict was announced.
Remembering the good old days when Dakota was friends with her father,
Louis Picard, she said. "Somewhere along the line he (Fred) lost his way."