Anglo Violence Against Native Americans is Still Remembered

To the editors:

As a Native American, I am writing to you in regards to the story you printed on University President Lawrence H. Summers’ comments about Native Americans. I was very hurt by the comments that he gave about the “coincidence” of the outcome of Anglo people coming to our soil. He was right that it was “nobody’s plan,” but the Anglo people did come here to take over the land and to conquer.

I am a straight descendent of those in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864-1865, in which Union troops massacred my people, the Cheyenne. They severed body parts and cut the unborn babies from the women’s wombs and wore them as if they were medals of honor. Over the years, there have been so many plots to “kill the Indian and save the man.” And where does this leave us? In oppression, that’s where! And people wonder why we live the way we live.

Next year, I hope to be applying to SHarvard’s chool of Education for a Master’s degree. I want to be a teacher because educating people about the history of Native Americans will prevent further misconceptions of the Native people. I commend you on writing this article because personal opinions should also be heard, including Summers’ opinion. Thank you for bringing this to our attention and getting it out there for people to read. Ha`ho.

DELENA OTHER BULL

April 20, 2005