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Why is Our Colleague Facing 17 years in Prison for Protesting?
Eighth Generation is a proud partner of NDN Collective and their CEO Nick Tilsen, a highly respected community leader and advocate for Indigenous rights. This is why we are outraged that our colleague and ally is facing 17 years in jail for "trumped up" charges.
Nick Tilsen speaks to press at the NDN Collective headquarters in Rapid City. Photo taken by Arlo Iron Cloud from NDN Collective blog, "Nick Tilsen Statement Upon Release from Arrest: 'We have to Act in Courage and in Bravery.'"
On July 3rd, Tilsen was among 200 Indigenous Land Defenders present at the sacred Black Hills when President Trump spoke in front of the iconic Mt. Rushmore. The indigenous presence carried a strong message for those of us watching from a far: President Trump is unwelcome in the sacred Black Hills - from which the faces of 4 Presidents were cut and blasted - and that to most Indigenous people, those faces are often more symbolic of looting and oppression than of liberty.
Land Defenders in the Black Hills on July 3, 2020. Photo taken by Willi White from NDN Collective blog, "Nick Tilsen Statement Upon Release from Arrest: 'We have to Act in Courage and in Bravery.'"
A few meters away, these ideas were validated when law enforcement met the indigenous Land Defenders with force (read more here). Twenty Land Defenders, including Tilsen, were rounded up and charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Tilsen is facing 17 years of prison for charges that include second-degree robbery, second count of simple assault and grand theft (read more here).
Tilsen states in his opinion piece from Newsweek, "To us, it is simple: We want our land back, and we want to dismantle the system of white supremacy and racism that was created to steal our lands in the first place."
Land Defenders in the Black Hills on July 3, 2020. Photo taken by Willi White from NDN Collective blog, "Nick Tilsen Statement Upon Release from Arrest: 'We have to Act in Courage and in Bravery.'"
To help, sign the petitions below to demand change.
David T. O.
Oct 26, 2020
The black hills are a beautiful land to behold. The smells , the wind as it caresses your face. You can see and feel why the real Americans Natives fought and continue to fight so hard to get it back. To walk amongst that sacred land amongst the trees you can feel the power and energy those hills have. Drop the charges against CEO Nick Tilsen. White Americans leave that land to the rightful owners of the black hills.
Tammy Jeffres
Sep 28, 2020
The Black Hills ARE sacred. You can walk it and feel the spirit. All Americans should honor and restore it to its indigenous gatekeepers, who understand how to protect it. Mt Rushmore is elitist graffiti and dishonor the beauty and wildness of the land.
zapaktli5
Sep 14, 2020
Do not continue disregarding the ancient tradition of honor that all people have in common. The honorable thing to do is to drop the charges release the innocent. Listen to their concerns and resolve with mutual equity for everyone. Think of the message of dishonor you send to the next generations. Mexica Tiahui!☺️😌👍🏽😎
Patricia Parvin
Sep 13, 2020
Please drop the charges against CEO Nick Tilsen and all of the land defenders. Return the Black Hills public land to its rightful owners, the Oceti Sakowin. This is the right thing to do. Thank you.