SHOULD THE U.S. ARMY TEACH SOLDIERS ABOUT WOUNDED KNEE?

Editorial: Incident shows need to learn about Indian people
Wednesday, May 5, 2010

"It seems as though overreaction successfully was avoided last weekend after a controversy at the Wounded Knee memorial.

The Colorado Army National Guard unit seeking to land its helicopters at the site didn't know much about the site's history. In fact, the reason the Guard members were there was to learn more about the 1890 massacre.

The helicopter unit's commander, Capt. Todd Stansbury, sought permission to land at the memorial from Oglala Sioux President Theresa Two Bulls. In turn, she asked for input from Wounded Knee District representatives. Not hearing anything back, Stansbury's request was approved.

Despite her efforts, the Guard unit's three helicopters were greeted by protesters as they attempted to land. Not wanting confrontation, the unit instead flew to Rapid City.

The fact that there's still so much serious mistrust in Indian Country highlights the need for efforts such as the Year of Unity to take hold at the ground level. There need to be even more attempts, however awkward, on the part of non-Indians to learn more about Native American history."

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Doesn't the United States Army teach its soldiers about history? Could this be a real blunder by some members of the U. S. Army?'

Native Americans should be outraged. Is this another example of where Native Americans need to unite? Does what happens at a reservation in South Dakota have an effect on tribes in other parts of the country?

Native Americans need to stand together. If something is done to one group, should other groups come forward and stand up and be counted? What do you think?

ARTICLE COPIED FROM http://www.indianz.com/.