2004: Tribal Court for Anti-Indian Operatives

Four Directions wasted no time in seeking relief when Native voters were being intimidated on the Pine Ridge reservation. Four Directions trained its organizers in how to respond to intimidation tactics. With evidence and affidavits, I was able to help Four Directions resolve the issue in Tribal court. It is Four Directions’ foresight and quick problem solving that sets them apart.

STEVE SANDVEN, ATTORNEY

The Problem

Leading up to the 2004 general election, Four Directions organizers were preparing for the most aggressive GOTV effort in South Dakota history. Then anti-Indian operatives descended on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to film both voters and organizers. The effect was chilling, but what could the organizers do to get the anti-Indian operatives to stop?

The Solution

Seek a restraining order against the operatives in the Oglala Sioux Tribe court.

The Four Directions Approach

Four Directions trains organizers to respond to voter suppression tactics, but often they face local and state elected officials who support the suppression even though they are charged to uphold fair elections.

In 2004 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, however, the anti-Indian operatives had to answer to Tribal court — not anti-Indian elected officials. And in Tribal court, the operatives would face Indian judges. Immediately after our organizers told us of the operatives’ illegal activities, we sought a temporary restraining order.

Within 48 hours, Four Directions had received the order, and the operatives who had been intimidating Native voters had to stay off the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation through the 2004 general election.

The Court having reviewed all pleadings of record it is hereby

ORDERED that Petitioner’s Request for a Temporary Restraining Order is granted; and it is further

ORDERED that Respondent(s) refrain from videotaping or using other means to intimidate the members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe from participating in the electoral process; and it is further

ORDERED that Respondent(s) have no contact with the Four Directions Committee or any of its agents; and it is further

ORDERED that Respondent remain at least 100 yards from any voting location on lands within the Pine Ridge Reservation; and it is further

ORDERED any violation of this Order will subject the Respondent to charges of civil contempt as delineated in the OGLALA SIOUX TRIBE LAW AND ORDER CODE, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 20.28. A hearing regarding this matter shall be held on 12th day of November at 9 o’clock a.m. in the Pine Ridge Tribal Courtroom.

Dated this 29th day of October, 2004. BY THE COURT:

MARINA FAST HORSE, JUDGE OGLALA SIOUX TRIBE