Heartbeat of Red Cliff Band Stifled in Capitol

(Story correction added - Sam was not arrested, he was issued a citation for Disorderly Conduct): On Thursday, January 26, Sam Morris of Red Cliff band was removed from the capitol by Capitol Police Officers and cited with Disorderly Conduct less than a minute into his drum prayer. The name of his drum is Oskibimadizeeg (New Life). He had been told by a police officer up on the first floor of the capitol that he couldn't drum because it would interfere with the Solidarity Sing Along that was taking place at the same time. After an announcement was made about this at the Sing Along, people invited Sam into the Sing Along circle to carry on with his drum prayer. The Singers stood quietly while Sam tapped and chanted. Police quickly moved in and forced him from the capitol. He was initially told by the officer that he was only being removed from the capitol, but after the officer consulted with his superiors, a ticket was issued.

Patty Ann Aiken-Buffalo, descendent of Chief Buffalo, Red Cliff Band: "We're crying out for justice... the drum is the heartbeat of our people. What this man was doing was praying... we are not to be dominated anymore. Pray for us first, then stand beside us, and fight with us."

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Red Cliff Band
• Sam Morris
• Patty Ann Aiken-Buffalo
• arrested drumming capitol
• tribal rights
• mining
• wisconsin
• will williams

[TheHjalmur]

I wanted to add that he was not the first to drum and/or sing that day in the capitol. There were at least two instances of groups from Bad River and other reservations drumming earlier that day; I am not aware that any of them were cited. Perhaps it was an opportunity to make an example -- one man being easier to apprehend than a group of people? Regardless, the big drum remains a voice that cannot ultimately be silenced.

[ladyforward1]

@TheHjalmur I asked Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs about this right after Sam was removed from the capitol and ticketed. Tubbs acknowledged that there had been a drummer in there in the morning, but said he got permission first. The "rule" is that a permit needs to be applied for 72 hours in advance, but special permission can be granted in certain circumstances.

[earthecstatic]

thank you brother sam for standing up for the earth, being a voice of truth and justice, bringing heartbeat into a building lacking heart d/t bad leadership....may this be overturned and the ricebeds rivers and lake be protected, may the sacred contract we have with wI not be sold to corporations for quick profit that kills.....I add my tears and song and strength tonight....this is not over yet

[babaoreilymike]

Personally, I hope every tribe in this nation files a federal lawsuit against this crooked corrupt administration. This is just another reason why the recall WILL SUCCEED.

[wiscokiddd]

The cops & the current establishment are plagued with ZioNazi ideology. I'm a chimookomon by blood but I have many Native friends including a few from Red Cliff & Odanah. I also was a proud hard working miner in the UP. If the mine is so good & important to the economy why don't they give loans & grants to the workers to start up a mine under the old legislation that contained adequate environmental and worker protections? It is a greedy sociopath billionaire from Florida behind the mine SHAME

[3NTINV]

Leave the guy drum, its not hurting anything. Freedom of speech and prayer.. I disagree with the mining. I don't think we need that kind of mess around our pure rivers and lakes. It was ok long time ago, but with advanced ways of removing the minerals, I think it will leave a big mess............

[MrChuckybeef]

ok one feather for sam you cross the boarder line and u are alive way to go sam u have open more attention to our mission as ogitchidah chiefs etc may the manido bleesum you my friend and do not pay the fine they obstructed your prayer 1st amendment civil rts remember the earth is what it is all about the drum represents the earth peace migwetch chief whitebird

[rufingkiddingme31]

howah

[ykedoodl]

@SupportWalker78 Yeah right! Just like the petition failed... WRONG We only got 1,000,000 to sign. Let me say the word that will hit you at your core...

"OBAMA"

It's about that isn't it? Now... that you know we know... don't go and post a BIGOTED comment. This issue is about the land, water and spirit of Wisconsin. The tribes show the ultimate respect for nature. You will not stand a chance with your narrow hack and slash, draconian mindset. Your ulcer will grow, your nose will lengthen.

[ykedoodl]

@SupportWalker78 Walker has done enough damage. There is only respect in this video. When the charges get dropped because the rule that found him disorderly was violating his rights you should re-examine what you think. What you think about this and I am certain many other issues is wrong. I will stand with the tribes of Wisconsin. We will protect Wisconsin from people like Scott Walker and the unknown individual behind this bill.

[lion3p0]

AHO good shot brother, and to make a point with an obscene gesture "fuck the police"