November 28, 2016

VIA DELIVERED MAIL

Boise City Hall
150 N. Capitol Blvd
Boise, ID 83702
Attn: Dave Bieter
Boise City Council
RE: STANDING ROCK SIOUX AND SACRED STONES CAMP
Dear Mayor Bieter and Boise Council Members,
Too much of the rich and unique culture of the native nations of North America has been irretrievably lost
due to the advancement of Euro-American settlement and with it, the encroachment of its industry. While it may
be convenient to say that this fact is squarely behind us, the sad truth is that the attitude of the US government
and those agencies under its jurisdiction is one that continues to promote the marginalization and oppression of
Native Nations. The de jure autonomy and self-rule that Native Nations exercise today continues to be disrespected
and disregarded as the destructive forces of modern industry continue to desecrate tribal lands. We here, right
now, are not free from blame as the Idaho Legislature continues to grant mineral rights to oil and gas companies for
resource extraction on public lands (SB 1339). It is only a matter of time until these operations encroach on tribal
lands here in Idaho.
We trust that you are very well aware of the current struggle of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe at the
Sacred Stones Camp in North Dakota to resist, not only for themselves, but for us all, the impediment that fossil
fuel extraction places on our nations health and safety--and, indeed, that of our planets. It is a fact that humandriven climate change is the result of increased extraction and burning of fossil fuels that poses an imminent and
existential threat to the health and safety of all biological life on our planet. The unfortunate reality of climate
change and its effects are felt not by those of us insulated by the wealth of our nation, but rather by the most
vulnerable among us. It has been shown by organizations and agencies such as OXFAM, UNESCO, OHCHR, and
many others, that the first to be affected by climate change are those who are historically marginalized; the poor,
minorities, and indigenous peoples. As stated by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Climate change
exacerbates the difficulties already faced by vulnerable indigenous communities, including political and
economic marginalization, loss of land and resources, human rights violations, discrimination and
unemployment.1
It is for these reasons and many others that we respectfully request that you, the Boise City Council, in
response to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council as led by Tribal Chairman David Archambault II who, on August
15, 2016, called upon Tribal nations and Indigenous people around the world to issue resolutions in support of the
Standing Rock Sioux and the Sacred Stones Camp, respect and comply with the request and issue such a resolution.
We ask that you join the ranks of many other great cities and councils such as Portland, OR; Oakland, CA; the Twin
Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN; as well as many others who have done similarly. Remember that not only
was the Boise Valley once a part of the tribal lands of the Shoshone and Bannock Tribes, but that it is the current

1 Climate Change and Indigenous People. UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples. Accessed November 17, 2016.
http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/pdf/Bagkgrounder_ClimateChange_FINAL.pd. Pg. 1.

home to more than seven thousand native and indigenous peoples. 2 It is incumbent upon us, as such a diverse and
inclusive city, to help amplify the voices of those who wish to be heard but whose voices are diminished by the
silencing forces of racism. As we amplify those voices, we send strength to those brave individuals at the Sacred
Stones Camp.
Indeed, we ask that you issue a resolution in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Sacred
Stones Camp as recognition of the importance of water as a natural resource and in reverence to the historical and
sacred significance of their lands. Such a resolution would not only serve as a declaration of solidarity, but would
also serve as a foundation on which to build a more equitable and just relationship with Native tribes here in Idaho.
To that end, the passage of a resolution would speak volumes to the capacity for community and partnership
between Native tribes and the city, and would clearly demonstrate the citys deference to native values and history;
and would acknowledge the recognition of dignity to which this Valleys original inhabitants are entitled.
Sincerely,

2 Boise Valley Economic Partnership. Demographics of the Boise Valley. Accessed November 17, 2016. http://www.bvep.org/facts/demographics.asp