Our Way of Life Cannot Be Arrested

Political arrests are woven throughout the Native history, particularly for tribal leaders, chiefs and advocates. These incidents underscore the challenges those standing against the expansive might of globalist agendas and administrative states face.

The experiences of these Indigenous leaders, along with their allies, are sobering reminders of the costs often paid by those who resist assimilation and dispossession. The fact that many of these figures were arrested or suppressed for standing up for their beliefs, people, and lands brings to light the broader context of today’s political arrests.

For NASP, it’s a poignant reminder that our ancestors have faced formidable challenges, especially when confronting expansive state and global powers. However, it’s not just about the past. The lessons here are timeless and universal. People everywhere should be reminded that standing up against systemic forces is challenging, but it’s a fight that has been waged—and sometimes won—throughout history.

For those witnessing recent political arrests, remember our own resilience, from Geronimo’s determination to Standing Bear’s force, or Chief John Ross’s unwavering commitment. These stories teach us that even when facing overwhelming odds, there’s strength in unity, conviction, and a commitment to truth, justice and freedom.

Geronimo (1829-1909): A symbol of Native American resistance, Geronimo led campaigns against Mexican and U.S. forces seeking to suppress Apache sovereignty. His indomitable spirit made him a target for authorities, leading to his eventual capture and political imprisonment, a federal attempt to end an era of Native American military resistance.

Samuel Worcester (1798-1859): Worcester’s commitment to the Cherokee nation transcended religious duties. Arrested by Georgia for residing in Cherokee territory without a license, his case, Worcester v. Georgia, spotlighted the legal battle of Native American rights against state interventions.

Chief Poundmaker (Pîhtokahanapiwiyin) (c. 1842-1886): Recognized for diplomatic efforts, Poundmaker’s pursuit of peace between the Cree and Canada was ironically met with suspicion. His unwavering stance for his people’s rights led to his political arrest and an unjust charge of treason, culminating in his premature death.

Chief Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotake) (c. 1831-1890): Renowned for his leadership and resistance against U.S. policies, Sitting Bull’s influence grew, especially with the Ghost Dance movement’s rise. Fearful of his power, U.S. authorities orchestrated a fatal attempt to arrest him, an attempt to silence a powerful Indigenous voice.

Chief Standing Bear (c. 1829-1908): Standing Bear’s act of defiance—returning to his ancestral land for a burial—saw him arrested for leaving a reservation without permission. His subsequent trial became a landmark case, illuminating the political struggle of Native Americans against U.S. governmental restrictions.

Chief John Ross (1790-1866): As a staunch advocate for Cherokee rights, Ross confronted U.S. governmental policies head-on. Despite his efforts to resist the forced removal using legal means, the governmental machinery prevailed, underscoring the political suppression of the time.

Leonard Peltier (born 1944): As an active member of AIM, Peltier became a symbol of the U.S. government’s crackdown on Native American activism in the 1970s. His contested arrest and continued imprisonment shed light on the lengths the state can go to suppress sovereign voices.

It is crucial to understand that these arrests, whether past or present, often serve as instruments to stifle opposition. The intent is to imprison a body and silence a movement or idea. But, as history has shown us, our views can’t be imprisoned. They grow and evolve, finding their way into the collective consciousness and inspiring subsequent generations.

The resilience and indomitable spirit of our voices throughout history is an inspiration. These leaders stood tall despite immense adversity. So, to all those who witness or experience political suppression, draw strength from the past. Recognize that you are part of a long legacy of resistance against overreach and authoritarianism.

We fuel our resolve by remembering and honoring our ancestors and their struggles. We recognize that history has a way of vindicating those who stand for justice and truth. Today’s suppressors might hold sway, but tomorrow’s history books will testify to the bravery and determination of those who dared to push back. Stand tall, face the fear, and be ever proud of our collective history of resistance.