Red Road Institute

12/01/2023

✊🏽 We Stand Strong because of Who Stands Behind Us ✊🏽

Our ancestors laid the foundations of our culture and our fight for justice. They passed down traditions, wisdom, and an unyielding spirit that fuels our determination today.

When we raise our fists in protest, it's not just us standing there; it's a legacy of warriors, visionaries, and leaders who paved the way for us. We honor their sacrifices by continuing to fight for our rights, our land, and our future.

We are united in our commitment to protect our environment, defend our sovereignty, and uphold the sacred principle that water is life. Together, we stand strong because of who stands behind us.

11/05/2023

So proud of Ground Control While others talk about it, they're always making moves for our Children.

🚨 ATTENTION‼️ We are Excited to Announce “LAKOTA NATION INVITATIONAL SKATEBOARDING” We are making History with this one!!!! We are Honored to have partnered with LNI to Finally bring Skateboarding to The Big Show. 🦅🛹

11/02/2023

🏹 Buffalo Calf Road Woman: The Fearless Cheyenne Warrior 🏹
Welcome to the first post of our monthly campaign celebrating Native American Heritage Month! We will be highlighting remarkable individuals who have made an enduring impact on Indigenous history and culture.
Our inaugural spotlight shines on the fearless Cheyenne warrior, Buffalo Calf Road Woman.
Born into the Northern Cheyenne tribe, she grew up immersed in the traditions of her people, cultivating a deep love for her Cheyanne way of life. Her life was filled with heroic moments and valor.
During the Battle of the Rosebud, Buffalo Calf Road Woman rode alongside her husband, Chief Black Coyote, and other Cheyenne and Lakota warriors. At a pivotal moment in the fighting, when it appeared that the Cheyenne were on the verge of being overwhelmed by the U.S. Army forces, Buffalo Calf Road Woman rode into the thick of the battle and struck a blow that changed its course.
It not only changed the course of the battle but also saved her brother, Chief Comes in Sight, who was wounded and about to be killed by a U.S. Army soldier.
Buffalo Calf Road Woman rode her horse between her brother and the soldier and delivered a fatal strike to the soldier with a war club, saving her brother's life. Her courageous act boosted the morale of the Cheyenne warriors and helped turn the tide of the battle.
It has also been told by Cheyenne Storytellers that she knocked George Custer off of his horse during the Battle of Greasy Grass (Little Big Horn)
Buffalo Calf Road Woman's legacy serves as a vivid reminder of the strength and resilience of Indigenous women throughout history. Let's honor her and all Indigenous warriors who have defended their people and culture.
Stay tuned for more inspiring spotlights throughout the month as we continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Native Americans!

09/19/2023

🌿 Standing Rock Nation: Healing from the Past, Building the Future 🌿

In the eyes of these children, we see reflections of our ancestors, their pain, and the resilience of countless generations. The trauma from the boarding schools is deeply ingrained, woven into the fabric of our collective memory. Each of us carries this weight, a blend of sorrow, anger, and hope.

However, as we remember the past, we must also look ahead. Our ancestors spoke of the Seventh Generation - those yet to come. It is for them we strive, heal, and rebuild. Our actions today will shape their world tomorrow.

Let's create a future where the scars of the past become the foundations for a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. A world where Indigenous cultures thrive, voices are heard, and dreams are realized. For the Seventh Generation, and all the generations to come, we move forward with purpose.

Together, let's heal, unite, and rise.

09/17/2023

🎬 Constitutional Clash: Kevin Stitt vs Tribal Sovereignty" 🎬

We're thrilled to announce our upcoming series, "Constitutional Clash: Kevin Stitt vs Tribal Sovereignty" 🏛️✊

Article VI Section 2 of the US Constitution states that all treaties are the "supreme law of the land." When such treaties are breached, it’s not only an affront to the aggrieved parties but also a violation of the very Constitution that the US Government vowed to uphold. 📜

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has repeatedly and deliberately broken his constitutional oath, raising serious questions about his ability to lead🔍

Join us as we dive deep into this riveting narrative, exploring the intersection of governance, rights, and the commitments made and broken. 🎥

Stay tuned for release dates and more info! 📆🔔

07/14/2023

Throughout the remainder of this month, we will be publishing a series of blogs known as "The Sovereignty Files". The purpose of these posts is to shed light on the problems that have arisen within Tribal Nations as a result of the U.S. Government's failure to honor its own laws, specifically the stipulation that treaties should be upheld as the Supreme Law of the Land.

Part 1: "Shattered Silence: The MMIW Crisis and its Roots in Tribal Sovereignty Disputes

The MMIW crisis represents one of the most glaring human rights violations in Indian Country today. This crisis is significantly exacerbated by the U.S. government's failure to recognize tribal nations as actual sovereign nations fully. When non-natives commit crimes on tribal lands, they often go unpunished due to a tangled web of jurisdictional issues, leading to a climate of impunity that fosters ongoing violence against indigenous women.

This legal complexity primarily arises from a series of court decisions and laws that limit the jurisdiction of tribal courts over non-natives. For instance, the Supreme Court's ruling in Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe (1978) held that tribal nations could not exercise criminal jurisdiction over non-tribal members. This decision effectively created a jurisdictional gap, where federal law enforcement, often located far away or unfamiliar with the local community, is responsible for responding to crimes on tribal lands.

Contrast this with the way the U.S. treats other sovereign nations. For example, if an American citizen committed a crime in Mexico or Canada, the case would likely be prosecuted under Mexican or Canadian law. Yet, in the case of indigenous tribes within the United States, the legal precedent does not follow the same logic due to the lack of full acknowledgment of tribal sovereignty. This discrepancy not only perpetuates violence but also belittles the sovereignty of tribal nations.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 addressed part of this problem by giving tribes limited jurisdiction over non-Indigenous people who commit domestic or dating violence against Native American women on reservations. However, this law does not extend to crimes committed by strangers or to crimes of sexual assault that occur outside of a domestic relationship. Hence, it doesn't fully close the jurisdictional gap.

The lack of complete jurisdiction over non-tribal members results in many cases falling through the cracks and non-native perpetrators evading justice. This systemic failure significantly contributes to the MMIW crisis and reflects the federal government's ongoing disrespect for tribal sovereignty.

Read Full Article and updated legislation that might help. https://sagesrst.org/sage-articles/part1/

06/24/2023

05/17/2023

Congratulations to Teton Saltes (Oglala Lakota) on winning an XFL championship. What I love about this picture is that it exemplifies Lakota excellency. Every strong Lakota man is held up by multiple strong Lakota women. Love our people!

Shout out and congratulations to Teton Saltes (Oglala Lakota) who helped the Arlington Renegades win XFL League Championship last night. Teton plays on the offensive line. (Pictured with his mom and grandmother)

04/24/2023

Great job by Nick Tilsen and NDNCollective on this great first episode. Unci Madonna Thunder Hawk is my very favorite person to hear speak. Be prepared to be inspired.