Standoff at Lac du Flambeau Tribal Center in Wisconsin

March 26, 2008 elders, men, women…even children have taken over The Lac du Flambeau tribal offices in a peaceful resolution of internal problems.

Declaration of Oshki Ogimaanag Owaaswaaganing

The repeated abuse of governmental power, the dictatorship of seven members of the tribal counsel, and the rampant corruption of these seven counsel members have caused the Lac du Flambeau Indian reservation to become a seat of poverty.

Over one hundred tribal members have either lost their jobs or their programs. Students attending higher education have lost their benefits. Tribal elders have lost needed services – all because of the wanton spending and graft of these seven people. No one will receive per capita, especially the young ones, for many years to come.

On this day March, 26, 2008, We declare that these people no longer have the right to represent the members of this great Ojibwe nation.

We have secured the tribal center in a sincere effort to force the changes that are necessary to ensure a future for us and the coming generations. We ask for full support and participation from the young and the old of our homeland in this effort. We ask of our elders that they offer prayers for us, that they take part in the appointment of the interim tribal government, to take the reins of this tribe, until such time as a constitutional convention can be conceived, in order to establish a general counsel, composed of all the tribal adults; and following that, a general election to be held to determine new leadership for our people. Now is the time for change!!!

Let’s all support Waaswaaganing as we can, in action and in prayer! Please contact tribal friends and relatives for additional information. Gakina indinawemaaginag.

According to Vilas County Emergency Management, several people were observed entering the tribal center at approximately 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

It was later confirmed that no one had permission to be on the premises. Tribal police and deputy sheriffs responded to the building and determined that several subjects forced entry into the building. The suspects apparently broke a window to gain entry through the building’s courtyard.

They chained doors shut and glued locks to prevent doors from being opened. The group has barricaded itself inside a small office and have told law enforcement they have tribal elders and children with them.

The suspects told law enforcement they had intended on completing a religious ceremony at sunrise.

Law enforcement and respected members of the Lac du Flambeau band are in voice contact with these individuals and are attempting to negotiate a peaceful solution.

As of 9 a.m., law enforcement says there is no indication or threat of violence.

Posted by ShiftShapers
Welcome to (A)utonomous Resistance, GNN’s exclusive one-stop infoshop for radical resources and information. This blog primarily serves as a vehicle with which to bring greater exposure to repressed and marginalized voices and ideas. Much of what I post here...