Thanks to the supporters of this petition. You all are extremely important to our cause. We welcome all supporters locally, nationally, and internationally! Please continue to sign and/or share this petition.
As mentioned in the previous update, the Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska has failed to support the Native American community in Lincoln and this community's numerous allies. As indicated in the Omaha World Herald article that accompanies this update:
"The mayor [Leirion Gaylor Baird] announced this week that she will sign off on the zoning changes and land annexation that will allow the Wilderness Crossing Development…. The land, which is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, is across the road from a Native sweat lodge on private property that’s within the park’s borders.
A group of Native community members who oppose the development set up a prayer camp early Monday....
The Niskíthe Prayer Camp group disagreed, however, [that their concerns had been addressed] saying its input was not included until design of the development was essentially finished.
'(W)e disagree that the existing modifications to the design of Wilderness Crossing represent a responsiveness of the developer to Native people’s concerns,’ the statement said. ‘Responsiveness to our concerns would have meant we were actually brought to the table and engaged with over the 5-year lifespan of this development, which we were not. Responsiveness would have required asking the Native American community direct questions about accommodations to protect the sweat lodge, and that did not happen.'...."
[end of quotes from the article]
(Please read the article, which is attached below, in its entirety).
Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to send an email to the mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska (to mayor@lincoln.ne.gov) indicating your support for the Niskithe Prayer Camp. We ask that you only send emails in solidarity with the camp that are respectful. As indicated in the Niskithe Prayer Camp statement, "(W)e welcome [support from] those who come with a good heart and a prayerful intention." So, in your email, please write something respectful like:
"Dear Mayor Gaylor Baird,
I am writing you from [insert your city/state/country]. I support the requests of the Niskithe Prayer Camp. The people and community of the Niskíthe Prayer Camp are disappointed that you decided to support the Wilderness Crossing project rather than protect the spiritual and environmental integrity of the lands that are sacred to their purification ceremonies/lodges. I stand in solidarity with the Niskithe Prayer Camp."
[end of sample email]
Thank you again for your crucial support!
If you have not yet read the statements from the Niskithe Prayer Camp, or would like to stay updated on the camps activities please check out the website below: