Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

The American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council vehemently condemns the recent acts of violence and terrorism perpetrated against innocent civilians in the United States. We condemn similar acts of violence and terrorism perpetrated by all governments and organizations against innocent civilians worldwide.

On Sunday, September 16, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. central time, Indian people will be standing with thousands of Minnesotans at the State Capitol to join our prayers and spirit in the wake of these horrific and tragic events. We request that all of our Indian peoples and others join us in our offerings and prayers at this time.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we mourn with them the loss of their loved ones. As a people who have historically suffered similar crimes against humanity perpetrated against peaceful Indian villages in the North America, and continuing today against Indian civilians in several countries of Central and South

America, we nonetheless at this time grieve and join our prayers and spirits with the families of the innocent victims of these acts of violence in both New York City, and Washington D.C.

However, we caution and remind the U.S. Government leaders that all faiths of the world are taught that violence begets violence. Mahatma Ghandi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. have proven the power of non-violence. Our great chiefs like Blackhawk and Chief Joseph, in the face of great adversity, were men of peace and non-violence. Blackhawk, who correctly observed at that time, when he asked the question, "Why is it that you Americans always insist on taking with a gun what you could have through love?"

With acts of love, we can become the most respected government and people in the world, and we will prevail. If we continue the cycles of violence, we will continue to be the most despised in many parts of the world, and we will fail. We must continue to pray for justice and world peace.