Janurary 8th, 2024
Gila River Indian Community
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Tohono O’odham Nation
We, as O’odham and Piipaash, have been witnessing the deliberate atrocities being done tothe Palestinian People of Gaza for the last ninety-three consecutive days and can no longer stay silent to the current genocide which is being funded and supported by our colonizer, the United States government.
While we acknowledge that our tribal governments have sworn oaths and made contracts with the federal government, we want to state clearly that these agreements are not superior to our moral obligations as Indigenous People, to both our Creator and communities. We, as Indigenous People of this land, will not support an entity who has a longstanding reputation of committing genocide to obtain land and resources for their own economic benefit and
development.
The United States government is putting civilian lives, including our own, in danger with their involvement in escalating the conflict taking place in the middle east and ignoring International Law. We cannot give the implication that we are in favor of the destruction and terrorism of another Indigenous population in their own homelands.
While we understand that speaking in opposition towards the United States is intimidating, may we remind you that the world is watching and showing solidarity with Indigenous Peoples all over the world, more than ever.
As O’odham and Piipaash, we are demanding our tribal leadership represent the voice of the people, as it is their responsibility to do so, and call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
In Solidarity,
O’odham and Piipaash