Pine Ridge police await word on legality of beer blockade7
Posted: Thursday, July 06, 2006
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Oglala Sioux Tribal Police and organizers of a proposed blockade are awaiting word on whether they can legally work together to keep vehicles from carrying beer onto the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol is banned.
Reservation residents buy an estimated 4 million cans of beer every year from four stores in Whiteclay, Neb., a border town just south of Pine Ridge.
On June 28, Duane Martin Sr. of the Strong Heart Civil Rights Movement and other tribal members had planned to set up a blockade, stop vehicles and confiscate beer bought in Whiteclay.
But after arguing along the roadside with Acting Police Chief James Twiss about the legality of it, Martin agreed to meet with Twiss and work out a plan.
They met the next day, and Martin said once the legal issues are resolved, he and his volunteers can help enforce the alcohol ban.
"I'm happy with this because now the (Nebraska) state liquor commission and the people who drink on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation are going to fear the Strong Heart Civil Rights Society and the police department because we're working together," he said.
Twiss is out this week and could not be reached for comment.
Police Capt. Harold Brewer said department lawyers are trying to determine if volunteers can legally report to police the description of vehicles that stop in Whiteclay to buy beer. Liability issues likely would prevent that, Brewer said.
"We can't have civilians on a roadblock with us," he said. "We're waiting for a decision from the district office."
Mark Vasina with Nebraskans for Peace, which wants to help with the blockade, said he's optimistic an agreement can be reached, though it may take a few months.
"We're all working toward resolving all of these issues so we can have a lawful and safe blockade," he said.
Reservation residents buy an estimated 4 million cans of beer every year from four stores in Whiteclay, Neb., a border town just south of Pine Ridge.
On June 28, Duane Martin Sr. of the Strong Heart Civil Rights Movement and other tribal members had planned to set up a blockade, stop vehicles and confiscate beer bought in Whiteclay.
But after arguing along the roadside with Acting Police Chief James Twiss about the legality of it, Martin agreed to meet with Twiss and work out a plan.
They met the next day, and Martin said once the legal issues are resolved, he and his volunteers can help enforce the alcohol ban.
"I'm happy with this because now the (Nebraska) state liquor commission and the people who drink on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation are going to fear the Strong Heart Civil Rights Society and the police department because we're working together," he said.
Twiss is out this week and could not be reached for comment.
Police Capt. Harold Brewer said department lawyers are trying to determine if volunteers can legally report to police the description of vehicles that stop in Whiteclay to buy beer. Liability issues likely would prevent that, Brewer said.
"We can't have civilians on a roadblock with us," he said. "We're waiting for a decision from the district office."
Mark Vasina with Nebraskans for Peace, which wants to help with the blockade, said he's optimistic an agreement can be reached, though it may take a few months.
"We're all working toward resolving all of these issues so we can have a lawful and safe blockade," he said.
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cari wrote on Jul 6, 2006 8:53 AM: