Some 2,000 U.S. military veterans traveled to Standing Rock to be part of the resistance to the pipeline. As part of their solidarity action the veterans “took a knee” in a ceremony asking the tribes for forgiveness for what has been done to indigenous people through the U.S. military. That forgiveness was offered in the quest for on-going solidarity in the struggle for Mother Earth and the healing of peoples.
Here is the statement of Redhawk from the Standing Rock Rising Facebook page:
The Forgiven
Today hundreds of veterans from all across the United States, led by Wesley Clark Jr. took a knee and begged for forgiveness for crimes committed toward indigenous people in the name of the United States military. In a moving ceremony led by Arvol Looking Horse, Faith Spotted Eagle, Leonard Crow Dog, Phyllis Young, Ivan Looking Horse and many other natives of Turtle Island, the veterans were forgiven for actions taken to dehumanize the indigenous of this country, and a step towards solidarity has been made.
We stand together as one to defend indigenous rights and Mother Earth. Our journey of solidarity has just begun.
-Redhawk
Awesome transformative initiative
I would like to contact Chief Arvol Looking Horse concerning participation in a conference in Estonia in July, 2018. My primary interest is in the historical importance of the “Forgiveness” ceremony at Standing Rock. Please help!
Sorry, but I don’t know how to contact him directly. I’m sure you can find how on the internet however. Good luck