Poverty Conditions on Native American Reservations

Targeting: The President of the United States, The U.S. Senate, The U.S. House, see more...

Started by: Nancy ONeal

I have written twice to the White House about this issue, and I have yet to hear a reply, although I am sure they are being inundated with mailings.

Most Americans, when Native Americans are mentioned believe they are all wealthy because of gaming, this is tragically not the truth. I am not so sure that astute Europeans are not more aware of these deplorable reservation conditions then US citizens.

Our white forefathers forced Native peoples onto the poorest lands and instructed them to be "farmers." There is nothing to reap on these lands.

The present conditions (and past) are statistics (the highest in the country) of unemployment, alcoholism, illnesses, non-education, teenage suicide, and domestic abuse. When there is no hope, what is an individuals future?

Some of the most deplorable conditions you can see for yourself by renting a copy of "Skins," a feature length film in very limited distribution within the US. The other is a video entitled "Standing Silent Nation," a brave attempt by the Lakota to grow industrial hemp and provide a livelihood for their reservation. By the way, we are the only industrial country in the world that does not grow industrial hemp. Why?

Please write your Congressman, Senator, and the President.

Sincerely,

Nancy O'Neal

Tribal member of the Chickasaw Nation

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Petition Text

Poverty on Native American Reservations

Dear President, Senator, Representative

Dear Sirs/Madams:

Please address the deplorable conditions that exist right here, right now on certain Native American reservations.
It is time to right the wrongs of our white forefathers who forced these peoples onto the poorest lands and instructed them to be "farmers." In the past there was nothing to reap on these lands as it is today.
Native American are proud people they are not looking for a hand out, they are in some cases in desperate need for "real" jobs.
Please address this very urgent need, for education, health reform, and joint cooperation to find meaningful employment.

[Your name]

Karen Sheaffer Vandergrift, PA

Sent letter to Jack Murtha , Barack Obama , Arlen Specter , Bob Casey , John Thune , Tim Johnson and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin

Jan 18
sara gaspar lisbon, Portugal

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Jan 18
Kevin Silvey Seminole, FL

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Jan 18
Sandra Hutchison Lewistown, MT

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Kim Carter Van Wert, OH

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Jan 15
Shannon O'Hare Atlanta, GA

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joan yielding st louis, MO

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Beth S midwest, MI

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Jan 14
Christina Jones Wichita, KS

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Jan 14