IN THE LAND WHERE MY FOREFATHERS LAY BURIED

In the land where my forefathers lay buried, now has the highest incarceration rate of Indigenous peoples in the United States. I am only one story of this disturbing fact, one story amongst many, and one voice locked in the system for the most critical years of my life. Although, I been imprisoned since I was a youth, and I know little of life beyond my prison cell, I still try to imagine a better tomorrow!

I've utilized my time here, and used books and stories from some compassionate people I met as a great escape from my cold reality. Each day is a struggle to try and make sense of this world behind these four walls, but the teachings of my ancestors have given me strength to follow in their foot-steps. I come to the most vital decision of my life, and I decided to help my people and all people who struggle! Please listen to my plea:

I am seeking an advocate, a supporter, and friend to help me bring awareness to the plight of the Indigenous Peoples imprisoned. The person I hope has a heart that's heavy with love for all people, believes in the humanity for all! I've learned throughout these years that many can commit, but few have the ability to fulfill the spiritual contract for true change.

I would like to share a sacred word in my Lakota language that expresses so much, and jumps over all the stigmatizing, labeling, and connects us to our original centers, "Mitakuye Oyasin". (We are all related). I hope you can breathe life into my cause, and help me bring awareness to this struggle.

How can you help? With social-media being at its peak, I want to build networks, create a website, use truth gatherings to educate people, and develop a long term plan for an organizing strategy.

I know with the right person behind me, I know things can change for the positive for Indigenous prisoners. Our plight and struggle can be a ugly thing of the past. Education, religious freedom, and human dignity can be common as the morning sun.

In the land where my forefathers lay buried, I hold faith happiness and equality can become a reality. Although, Native history is dark, and the suffering was great, we are still part of this ever changing world!

Let us together dedicate ourselves to this project of caring and concern. One world, one voice!

Mitakuye Oyasin!

Robert A. Horse
Oglala Lakota (Sioux)