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December 2, 2008 11:50:47 AM CST

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Lakotas Secede From Union

Posted Dec 21, 07 1:34 PM CST in US 

(Newser) – Some Lakota tribesman, led by veteran American Indian activist Russell Means, have declared a sovereign nation within US borders. “We are now a free country and independent of the United States,” Means told the Rapid City Journal yesterday, adding, "This is all completely legal." The group informed the State Department of its “unilateral withdrawal” earlier this week. 

The Lakota Nation would consist of the western parts of North and South Dakota and Nebraska and eastern parts of Wyoming and Montana; the group will file liens on territory it claims was illegally homesteaded. Anyone would be welcome—tax-free—who was willing to renounce US citizenship. The group will seek recognition from local governments, the United Nations and foreign nations. The official leadership of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is not on board with this plan.

Sources Rapid City Journal (SD), Sioux Falls Argus Leader

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Activist and actor Russell Means speaks at a news conference in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, on the Lakota Sioux Indian withdrawal from all treaties with the U.S. government. (AP Photo/Stephen...   (Associated Press)
Oglala Lakota Strong Heart Society leader Duane Martin Sr. cuts his drivers license during a news conference in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, on the Lakota Sioux Indian withdrawal from all treaties...   (Associated Press)
Activist and actor Russell Means speaks at a news conference in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, on the Lakota Sioux Indian withdrawal from all treaties with the U.S. government. (AP Photo/Stephen...   (Associated Press)
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