Elder abuse on the Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation has reached epidemic proportions. Seeking justice, a group of respected elders have revealed abuses in the Elderly Meals program that these elders depend on for food and cultural sharing!

Shamefully, the Oglala Tribal Government has dismissed the abuse claims despite public revelations and stories from the elders describing physical assault, psychological abuse and threats, denial of meals to elder visitors and the home-bound. Unhealthy food is being served cold and undercooked to elderly suffering from diabetes and other health problems.

Elders have had to brave a center plagued with financial mismanagement, and incredibly – – the illegal sale of drugs and alcohol from the building center staffs relatives while they were present!

Tribal government dismissal of abuse against elders threatens the safe transfer of cultural traditions between generations that preserve a soveriegn  Lakota Oyate – – people. This is a human rights violation. These human rights violations must be addressed now, before any more elders are harmed!

On March 4th, 2011, the Elderly Meals Program building was peacefully taken over and is now occupied by a stalwart group of elders and members of traditional Native warrior societies. These elders have asked for support.

Abuse and human rights violations of these elders MUST end and those responsible brought to justice!

For more information and updates please contact the Strong Heart Warrior Society as ‘Lakota Oyate’ on Facebook, or www.lakotaoyate.net.

Source Article w/Petition

Submitted by Luc Majno