Pierre, SD -- Lakota people and CPTers camped at La Framboise Island are
celebrating a U.S. House of Representatives vote to overturn Title VI, or
the "Mitigation Act." The Act, if allowed, would transfer 200,000 acres of
land -- belonging to the Great Sioux Nation according to Treaties -- to just
two tribes and the State of South Dakota.

For four months, The Lakota, Native peoples of other nations, and CPTers
have been camping on La Framboise Island and praying that the House or
Senate would hold oversight hearings on the Act, but a vote to overturn
Title VI was more than anyone dared hope for. The action was passed as
Section 505 of an energy and water development appropriations bill, HR 2605.
The South Dakota representative, John Thune, spoke out against the bill and
asked that comments against Section 505 from South Dakota Governor William
Janklow be included in the Congressional Record.

Our presence continues and the sacred fire remains burning on the island
since the repeal must now pass the House and Senate Joint Committee, where
similar versions of bills are "reconciled." Then the bill must pass both the
Senate and House again. Opponents of Section 505 may try to have that
section removed in the Joint Committee or before the Senate or House vote
again. CPT South Dakota will issue an action alert with the names of
congresspeople who could be encouraged during the upcoming votes as soon as
possible.

Apologies to those provided with an incorrect web address. To access
information on the web regarding the House of Representatives, go to
www.house.gov. Please continue to pray for justice in this struggle.