Indigenous prisoner demands rights
Published Mar 13, 2011 11:07 PM
Following is a statement from Jason Campbell, an Indigenous inmate
in Ohio State Penitentiary where Lucasville uprising prisoners Siddique
Abdullah Hasan, Bomani Shakur and Jason Robb recently won significant
improvements in the terms of their confinement through a 12-day hunger strike
and an international support campaign. Campbell chose to start his hunger
strike Feb. 27 because it is the 38th anniversary of the struggle of Wounded
Knee led by the American Indian Movement against the U.S. government.
Campbell’s religious necklace was taken, even though this had been
approved as a religious accommodation. To sign a petition to support Jason
Campbell’s demands, go to
iacenter.org/prisoners/campbellpetition.
Thank you for your interest in my current plight. I am grateful that there is
at least one voice still willing to speak up on behalf of those in my
position.
Since my incarceration in 2003, I have diligently fought for the religious
rights of incarcerated Native Americans in Ohio prisons. I feel, seeing that I
have the ability, that it is my responsibility to insure that we have the same
protections under the law that other faith-based groups generally enjoy.
Personally, I have requested everything I could think of, trying to get as much
approved as I could — as I know it would set the tone for what others
will be allowed in the future. Basically, I am being prevented from practicing
my Native beliefs in every way. I have requested and been denied all of the
following: tobacco, tobacco ties (twists), moccasins, feathers, beads (sewn
into objects like a head band or medicine bag), fur, animal hair (such as horse
and buffalo), head band (of a color other than white — where beads are
concerned), sacred objects (for Medicine Bag and Medicine Bundle), Native
American flute, hand drum, rattle, access to sweat lodge (for purification),
and to have a “Sun Dance” ceremony.
I also have requested and have been approved for a “prayer pipe,”
Medicine Bag, and a Medicine Bundle, but I must point out that these are
useless without tobacco for the prayer pipe and sacred objects for the Medicine
Bag and Medicine Bundle. Without tobacco, I am unable to pray. Without sacred
objects for the Medicine Bag and Medicine Bundle, they are just empty vessels
— void of their purpose.
One last thing. My hunger strike is not considered “official” until
after I refuse my ninth meal — which will be March 2 at breakfast. When I
get to the ninth meal and refuse to come off of the hunger strike, I will be
moved to the segregation block (the Hole). I’m told it is to prevent
other prisoners from giving me food. In fact, I believe that it is to punish me
into coming off of the hunger strike by putting me in a cell with no
electricity. If you can find a way to address this as well, it would be much
appreciated.
I hope, fervently, that this information can help you in assisting me —
and through me — all other Native Americans in Ohio prisons. Present and
future. Thank you again for your help.
“Mitakuye Oyasin” (to all my relations)
Sincerely,
Jason Campbell #476-229
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