By Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News Boulder City Manager Frank Bruno has officially apologized to American Indians involved in a New Year's Eve sweat lodge ceremony that was broken up by authorities. Bruno, as well as other city and county officials, met Friday with members of the American Indian Movement of Colorado to hash out ways to prevent similar incidents. Bruno agreed to put his apology in writing. The city and county also will pay for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by sweat lodge participants, including food and portable toilets, and will work toward developing an ongoing dialogue regarding cultural issues related to American Indians.Robert Cross, a Lakota spiritual leader, has led the ceremonies on Valmont Butte about once a week for years, with city and county permission. But sheriff's deputies and police interrupted the ceremony on New Year's Eve after seeing a bonfire because the participants failed to show a permit. Bruno said he had alerted police about vandalism in the area - not related to the healing ceremony or its 25 participants - prior to the event, which may have affected their response. "This incident was an affront to all American Indians who continue to practice our traditional ways," said Glenn Morris, Colorado AIM Leadership Council member, in a statement issued Sunday. Bruno blamed the incident on miscommunication and misunderstanding but added that Friday's meeting was positive and a good starting point. Other issues under discussion include additional cultural competency training for law enforcement authorities and city and county employees; an ongoing dialogue with the American Indian community; and potential discipline against the officers involved. Copyright 2004, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved. |
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. The American Indian Movement of Colorado has no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of this article nor is American Indian Movement of Colorado endorsed or sponsored by the originator.