Brothertown Indian Nation supports the “Truth Riders.”

The Menominee Nation welcomed the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe from California to the Menominee homeland on September 23rd.  They rested for a few days and then continued their journey to Washington, D.C., to press for federal recognition. They call their journey the “Trail of Truth.”

The Menominee tribe, AIM (American Indian Movement), and supporters from other Wisconsin Tribes came to support the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe on their cross-country journey.  

Brothertown and AIM member James Pendleton represented our Tribe by carrying the Brothertown Indian Nation flag, given by the Council, to show our support. The ‘Trail of Truth” journey which began in California and continues to Washington, DC, where they will arrive on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 14th.

Please view the Videos and photos about the event at the bottom of this article.

About the Trail of Truth and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe:”…We, the Muwekma Ohlone, along with other unrecognized tribes throughout California, don’t have access to educate our children for free,” Chairwoman Nijmeh said. “To uplift them from the generational trauma that we have faced, the poverty that we still live in. It’s real. It’s very real for us. We’re not going away. And that’s what this truth is about and this journey.” Click here to learn about the Truth Riders, the Muwekma Ohlone, and their struggles…  

About the Menominee: The Menominee Indian Tribe’s current reservation was created in 1854 through a treaty with the United States of America. On June 17, 1954, Congress implemented Public Law 108, known as the “Termination Bill,” which President Eisenhower signed into law.

Despite many barriers, the Menominee persisted. On April 20, 1972, Wisconsin US Senators introduced Senate Bill No. 3514 in response to the Menominee’s ambition to seek reversal of termination. With the dedication and persistence of Tribal members and a coalition of supporters, President Nixon signed the Menominee Restoration Act into law on December 22, 1973. The Restoration Act was passed after two and a half years of congressional testimony. It provided for the federal recognition of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, thereby returning the nation to trust status and sovereign immunity. Learn more about the Menomonee Tribe here….

About AIM (American Indian Movement): AIM stands for the preservation of culture, language, ancestral lands, and treaties and for ending the exploitation of Native American spirituality and cultural misappropriation. We serve our tribal communities, protecting our women and children while honoring our MMIP. Learn about AIM and their efforts for the benefit of all Indigenous Tribes

Event Photos and Videos:

“As a Brothertown Member, I am honored to stand in solidarity with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and the Truth Riders passing through the State of Wisconsin on their trip to Washington, DC. I want to especially thank the Council leadership for allowing me this distinction in representing our Tribe.” – James Pendelton

James Pendleton, Brothertown and AIM member, carried the Brothertown flag in the Truth Riders’ honor guard.

The Truth Riders video of thanks… (Credit Menominee Indian Tribe Facebook)

Drone View of the Trail of Truth Arrival (Credit Menominee Indian Tribe Facebook)