I have written twice to the White House about this issue, and I have yet to hear a reply, although I am sure they are being inundated with mailings.

Most Americans, when Native Americans are mentioned believe they are all wealthy because of gaming, this is tragically not the truth.  I am not so sure that astute Europeans are not more aware of these deplorable reservation conditions then US citizens.

Our white forefathers forced Native peoples onto the poorest lands and instructed them to be "farmers."  There is nothing to reap on these lands.

The present conditions (and past) are statistics (the highest in the country) of unemployment, alcoholism, illnesses, non-education, teenage suicide, and domestic abuse.  When there is no hope, what is an individuals future? 

Some of the most deplorable conditions you can see for yourself by renting a copy of "Skins," a feature length film in very limited distribution within the US. The other is a video entitled "Standing Silent Nation," a brave attempt by the Lakota to grow industrial hemp and provide a livelihood for their reservation. By the way, we are the only industrial country in the world that does not grow industrial hemp.  Why?

Please write your Congressman, Senator, and the President.

Sincerely,

Nancy O'Neal 

Tribal member of the Chickasaw Nation