Police, volunteers await word on legality of blockade

By Carson Walker
Associated Press

PINE RIDGE - 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 Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol is banned.

Reservation residents buy about 4 million cans of beer every year from four stores in Whiteclay, Neb., a border town 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 develop a plan.

They met the next day, and Martin said that after 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 whether 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 is optimistic an agreement can be achieved, though it may take a few months.

"We're all working towards resolving all of these issues so we can have a lawful and safe blockade," he said.