Rights violation leads to prayer

Last January, security forces arrested the Oskibimaadiziwin (New Life) drum in the state Capitol rotunda.

The drum’s owner Sam Morris of the Red Cliff band of Lake Superior Chippewa was cited for disorderly conduct, charges that were eventually dropped.

But Sam Morris, being represented by Glenn “Mac”Stoddard filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging violations of his constitutional rights. The state of Wisconsin argues they have sovereign immunity to this lawsuit because singing on a drum in the capital is not a clearly defined right. The case is now heating up.

On Aug. 9, several members of the Oshkibimaadiziwin drum, including Joe Rose, Tony DePerry, Sam Morris and Mike Forcia are traveling to the Madeline Island Museum on the Apostle Island to build a fire, sing, feast and inform the people about this assault on liberty.

We’re calling for repatriation of several sacred items, stopping the alcoholic debauchery in our midst and turning the island back to indigenous people.

The gathering is not a protest or entertainment. It is a prayer for the water and protection of the motherland.

Tags: community, religion, family