Dear Editor,This is the second time I have sent this letter.
I sent it nearly a year ago and was saddened that there was with no attempt in understanding the draw down issue nor further education to the community of the complexity of the issue. I have faith that my community can be sympathetic if given all the information as they are now facing what many of my family has been dealing with for years. The right to clean water and a future for their children.
I have been a community member for 36+ years and as well registered Sisseton Native. I was appalled at the lack of compassion and full understanding of the water issues of much of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and parts of California are facing now. While, I understand the communities unrest of the water quality, but it does not warrant this level of atrocious behavior that I have witnessed at the informational meetings the defendants and plaintiffs have graciously provided our towns.I urge yourself and other members in the community to gain a broader perspective on the situation at hand as many of the complaints the community members have been echoed through Native history. (Not having access to clean water, access to fishing, recreational, cultural practices, and lack of communication from officials to the public for a few).This is a very difficult situation as I don’t appreciate mud in my water either, but as native I understand how deep the wounds go in trying to remedy to this problem. I would much rather be part of a community that shows compassion in such a difficult situation and chooses to right the wrong rather than continuing to ignore those who suffer in the name of profit or being comfortable. My family is very much in the middle of this issue and are deeply tied to both sides of the injunction. I myself have been faced with some horribly unkind words from my own community members regarding my choice to support my native neighbors.
I do not ever wish for my children to have to choose between their culture and their community as I feel I have.I feel a better understanding of the full picture (beyond US Army Corps and Environmental groups) can ease some of the civil unrest my community feels and if anything at all gives a voice to the Native American tribes that surround us.I have provided a link to a wonderful documentary made by the Nez Perce and their side of this lawsuit. Please share to anyone and everyone!We are all in this difficult time together and attempting remedy what we have done to the earth for the betterment of future generations to come. We can do better!Thank you for your time,
K. Anderson