Rename Custer and Black Hills National Forests to "Sitting Bull National Forest"
USER SUBMITTED ARTICLE. SOURCE
We hereby propose that both the Custer and Black Hills National Forests be formally renamed to the
-Sitting Bull National Forest-
The National Forests of the United States of America are a collective sanctuary for all the peoples of our country, and historically many of these cherished territories are sacred homelands of the indigenous peoples.
The Custer and Black Hills National Forests are positioned within a small portion of the home territories of the northern plains Indians, including the Sioux and Cheyenne. The Ft. Laramie treaties of both 1851 and 1868 created the Great Sioux Reservation, both of which included these future national forests as within the Sioux territory. These lands were later confiscated unilaterally.
Sitting Bull rose during his lifetime to become the most respected and inspirational of chiefs among his people. He was steadfast in his struggle on behalf of his people to maintain independence, dignity and the traditional way of life.
This name change offers a strong gesture of respect and reconciliation by the citizens and government of the United States to the indigenous peoples of the country, and takes a bold step towards acknowledging historical events. A step that is long overdue.
If these notions resonate with you, please join in the collective effort to enact this change.
First, please Sign this Petition!
Secondly, please pass along this idea, and the links to this petition and the website dedicated to creating the Sitting Bull National Forest to as many of your circle as you see fit. Thank you expressing your solidarity with this goal!
Links-
http://www.sittingbullnationalforest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sittingbullnationalforest/
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