Open Letter to the U.S. Government

Dear Fellow Citizens and Esteemed Leaders,

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our shared history. Recently, President Biden has issued a formal apology to Native Americans for the atrocities committed in Indian Boarding Schools. While this apology represents a step towards acknowledging the pain and suffering endured by our ancestors, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Native American descendants today.

The Indian Boarding Schools were part of a systematic effort to erase our identities, encapsulated in the horrific mantra, "kill the Indian, save the man." These institutions were designed to strip us of our languages, cultures, and connections to our lands. Thousands of Native American children were forcibly taken from their families, subjected to harsh conditions, and denied the right to practice their traditions. Many children never returned home, their lives tragically cut short by neglect, abuse, and disease.

This history is not merely a distant memory; it is a personal story for many of us. My own great-great-grandfather was one of those children taken from his family and forced into a boarding school. In a courageous act of defiance, he faked his own death by sinking a boat with his clothes in it. He survived by living off the land as he made his way back to his tribe and family. His story of resilience and determination is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people.

While President Biden's apology addresses the historical wrongs inflicted upon federally recognized tribes, it regrettably overlooks the continued discrimination faced by many Native American descendants who remain unenrolled due to restrictive and racist blood quantum laws. These laws, rooted in outdated and racist ideologies, continue to fragment our communities and undermine our identities.

Unenrolled Native American descendants face systemic barriers that deny them recognition and access to resources that are rightfully theirs. The apology did not address the exclusion and marginalization that our people experience, nor did it acknowledge the ongoing impact of forced assimilation policies that persist today.

We have taken a step forward by renaming our tribe from the Una Nation of Mixed-Bloods to the Sakochee Tribe of Native American Descendants. This change reflects our rejection of divisive terminology imposed by the U.S. government and our commitment to reclaiming our identity and asserting our rightful place as descendants of Native Americans.

Today, I call upon the state of Oregon, one of the most progressive and democratic states in the country, to recognize the Sakochee Tribe as a legitimate and integral part of the Native American community. Oregon has long been a leader in championing social justice and equality, and recognizing our tribe would be a powerful affirmation of these values.

Recognition by the state of Oregon would acknowledge the resilience and strength of our ancestors, who fought to preserve our heritage despite immense challenges. It would empower us to continue their progressive legacy, ensuring that our languages, cultures, and lands are protected and revitalized for future generations.

Let us honor the memory of those who suffered in the boarding schools by advocating for justice and healing. We must work together to preserve our languages, celebrate our cultures, and reclaim our lands. This is not only a fight for our survival but a battle for the future generations who will carry our legacy forward.

Thank you for standing with us in this journey towards reconciliation and renewal. Together, we can ensure that the voices of all Native American descendants are heard and respected.

Sincerely,

Chief Alexander Ziwahatan
Sakochee Tribe of Native American Descendants

www.Sakochee.org