Hopes Dashed

Summary

The article recounts the dashed hopes of young members of the Northern Texas Chippewa Tribe who discovered oil on their reservation but were unable to capitalize on it due to the Elders' refusal to allow its extraction and subsequent legal battles with Aron Oil and the government.

Abstract

The narrative begins with the initial excitement of the tribe's youth upon discovering oil on their land, dreaming of wealth and a way out of poverty for their community. However, their dreams are quickly extinguished by the wisdom of the tribal Elders, who oppose the industrialization of their sacred land for oil extraction. Despite attempts by the younger generation to persuade the Council to develop the oil reserve for financial gain and self-preservation, the Elders remain steadfast. Eventually, a new council is seated, and Aron Oil claims a prior lease, leading to a lawsuit and the loss of the tribe's oil rights to the government, exemplifying the ongoing struggle and injustice faced by native peoples.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of naivety and youthful optimism initially held by the young men of the tribe, which is contrasted with the Elders' deep-rooted wisdom and resistance to change.
There is a clear frustration with the historical and ongoing injustices perpetrated against native peoples, as evidenced by the legal actions taken by Aron Oil and the government to claim the tribe's resources.
The author seems to hold a critical view of the colonial mindset, referring to the actions of the courts and government as "true Occupier fashion," implying a continuation of oppressive practices.
The author's personal interest in fiction and fantasy is evident, as they invite readers to follow their publication "Total Fiction" and promote their children's book, indicating a passion for storytelling and imagination.
The piece reflects a blend of personal experience, advocacy for indigenous rights, and a love for creative writing, suggesting a multifaceted perspective from the author.

An old story of modern injustice to native peoples

At first, we thought we’d struck it rich and that we’d be able to live high, in leisure, and pull our tribe, our families, and our community out of poverty. We started listing all the ways we’d spend the money. We were foolish young men barely out of high school.

Oil it was, and it belonged to Northern Texas Chippewa Tribe. Rick’s Grandparents were two of fifteen tribal Elders. When we told them about the oil, they just laughed.

“Boys, that area of our reservation has been called The Valley of Black Waters for ages.”

Our Ferrari dreams died faster than they had begun. The Elders would never allow the industrialization of Reservation land, especially for oil extraction. Over the years, Rick, Jimmy, and I took a stab at trying to convince the tribal Counsel to develop the Oil Reserve for the financial sake of the Tribe and for our own protection.

“How long do you think the White Man will wait once they truly understand what is here before they do what they have always done and take what is ours.” I had said after returning to the reservation from college.

Then it happened, the old had passed a new council seated, and Aron Oil filed a lawsuit, claiming that ten years ago, the Council had signed a lease with them to extract the oil. In true Occupier fashion, the courts and the White Man’s Government took what was ours.

Hopes Dashed

An old story of modern injustice to native peoples

New World

Perhaps it was a dream, she thought.

Darkness Falls

Shall we continue?

Total Fiction

Total Fiction is an On-Line Publication that publishes Fiction writing. Total Fiction will publish all Genera and all…

Lina Explores: Planet Earth

Lina Explores, Planet Earth, is the first story in the Lina Explores, adventures series. Lina is a young girl…