Tribal members must protect soveriegn nation
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Editor:
I am writing this as an honored member of the Confederated Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai Tribes. I would like to suggest that everyone just calm down. I don’t know why everyone assumes that the CSKT wants to own all the water, wants to own all the land and drive people away. I believe that we as a people have always welcomed those who choose to live with us on our Reservation. As hard as it might be to fathom, this is our Reservation for which we have a right and duty to protect our resources.
I have lived here all my life and have seen so many changes in the area. One thing that has not changed is our tenacity to protect our sovereignty. That’s right; we are a sovereign nation, a nation within a nation. I know that is a tough pill to swallow for some people but it is true.
We are not going away. This is our home and we owe it to our ancestors who tolerated so much more hatred, misunderstanding and violence against them yet kept strong and persevered to protect the best interests, needs and welfare of the Tribes.
You know if you don’t agree with our politics you have a right to voice your opinion as much as we have a right to fight against intolerance and just plain ignorance. Most everyone concentrates on one specific area instead of looking at the whole picture. People see what they want to see.
One more thing addressed to Tim Orr: Your ancestors fought hard for this land and I realize you are only trying to protect what is yours. As a Tribe we have to protect our very existence, almost daily. So as a Tribal member I think you should stop attacking the Tribe and ask yourself if you want to be a member of this Tribe. You do have the option to dis-enroll yourself. I’m also sure you enjoy the benefits of grazing land leases, Tribal Credit, Per Capita and the Salazar money. Ask yourself this question, “Would my tribal ancestors be proud of me?”
Brenda Santos
Ronan
