Republic of Lakotah facts for kids
A group of Native Americans decided to call the place where they live the Republic of Lakotah. This group is known as the Lakotah Freedom Delegation. They believe the Republic of Lakotah should be treated as a separate country. However, at the moment, no other country in the world agrees that it is.
Contents
History of the Lakotah People
When people from Europe first came to North America, the Lakotah people, a native tribe, had already been living there for thousands of years. The Lakotah legally had nothing to do with the USA until they made special agreements, called treaties, in the 1800s.
Since then, the Lakotah people have lived inside the borders of the USA. On December 17, 2007, the Lakotah Freedom Delegation announced that Lakotah should become a separate country again. They said it should be like it was before they made treaties with the USA.
They drew up new borders for their country. These borders include parts of North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. For now, most people still consider these areas to be part of the USA.
Why Lakotah Wants to Be Independent
In December 2007, the Lakotah Freedom Delegation went to Washington, D.C. to talk to the US government. They announced that the Lakotah were ending the treaties they had with the USA. They said the USA had not been following these agreements, which caused problems on Lakotah land.
For example, the USA and the Lakotah made an agreement called the Treaty of Fort Laramie. This treaty said the Lakotah could keep the Black Hills. The Black Hills are a very sacred and special place for the Lakotah people. But the USA broke this agreement and entered the Black Hills when they discovered gold there. Today, the Black Hills are home to the famous mountain carvings of Mount Rushmore.
The group says that the Republic of Lakotah is not a new country. Instead, they say it is an old country that is simply being brought back to life. However, some members of the Lakotah tribe were not told about these plans. Many of the traditional leaders of the Lakotah tribe were not asked beforehand. Usually, a vote needs to happen if a treaty is going to be changed. Also, 75% of Lakotah men need to vote in favor of the change. But a vote was not held when the plans for the Republic of Lakotah were made.
The Lakotah Freedom Delegation argues that Lakotah has the right to be its own country. They use international laws and agreements to support their plans. They mention the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, Article Six of the United States Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Lakotah Freedom Delegation says they might follow the example of the Philippines or the Marshall Islands. These countries used to be connected to the United States but later became independent.
How the Government Would Work
Anyone can become a citizen of the Republic of Lakotah. However, they must give up their citizenship of the United States. The group plans to create its own passports and driving licenses.
The government would be run in the traditional Lakotah way. Elderly people, who are highly respected in Lakotah tradition, would choose the leaders to run the country.
Right now, people who support the Lakotah Freedom Delegation are discussing the country's name. Some like Republic of Lakotah, while others prefer Lakotah Oyate. Oyate is the Lakotah word for "nation".
The government plans to use solar energy and wind power to make electricity. These methods are good for the environment because they do not cause pollution.
International Recognition
A place does not truly exist as a country until other countries in the world recognize its borders or its government. They must treat it as a separate country. The Lakotah Freedom Delegation has contacted the embassies of Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile and South Africa. They asked these countries to recognize Lakotah as an independent country. The group has also mentioned Russia, Finland and Iceland. They also said that Ireland and East Timor are interested in their plans. But for now, no other country in the world is treating Lakotah as a separate country.
The US government is unlikely to support the Republic of Lakotah. This is because it would mean the USA would lose some of its land. The US government has stated that the group's plans do not have any legal meaning.
Images for kids
-
Map of North America with the proposed Republic of Lakotah
See also
In Spanish: República de Lakota para niños
