NFP Statement on the Whiteclay Blockade

NFP

The Board of Nebraskans for Peace unanimously voted to support the Whiteclay alcohol blockade organized by the Oglala Lakota at the Pine Ridge Reservation border near Whiteclay. The blockade is the result of a genuine grassroots movement on the Pine Ridge, and represents a coming together of both the traditional (Treaty Council) and the federally established (Tribal Council) institutions of the Oglala Lakota.

NFP has made a strong and longterm commitment to ending the illegal alcohol sales in Whiteclay and working with the leaders of the Pine Ridge on this and other matters of social justice. Nevertheless, to date our combined efforts have produced no concrete results. In fact, recent actions by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, the Sheridan County Board of Commissioners, and the Nebraska Supreme Court have demonstrated continued official disregard of the cause of justice in Whiteclay and have resulted in widespread alarm and frustration on the Pine Ridge. This blockade, in our view, is a significant positive step toward resolution.

We recognize that this effort by the people of the Pine Ridge to enforce their constitutional ban on alcohol and determine their own destiny will not take place without challenge. Nevertheless, this blockade is first and foremost an action originated and carried out by the Oglala Lakota under the authority of their traditional and tribal institutions. In accordance with NFP’s long-held commitment to nonviolent action, NFP members may serve as spotters in Whiteclay to identify vehicles transporting recently purchased alcohol onto the Pine Ridge, but will not participate in the stopping or searching of vehicles, the confiscation of contraband alcohol, or any other enforcement actions at the blockade site.

The Whiteclay blockade is admittedly a disconcerting action because it does indeed create confrontation. However, since the goal of this action is to uphold just law and promote justice, NFP supports the blockade, just as we continue to support other efforts to address the problems posed by Whiteclay, such as securing Nebraska funding for alcohol treatment on the Pine Ridge. Should the conduct of the blockade at any point become inappropriate, NFP will reevaluate its participation.

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