April 5, 1995
Civil Rights Office
Denver, Colorado
I have addressed this letter to whom it may concern, as it needs to be referred to the appropriate office there.
This is in concern of American Indians and the legal system here in South Dakota, particularly the Rapid City, or West River area.
It is the belief of the Native Americans here in this state that they are not only un-necessarily charged in situations, but also handled and sentenced differently. Several attorneys have also commented on the way the minorities are dealt with here as well.
We, as Native Americans, would like someone from the Civil Rights office to monitor and sit in on the trials of the Native Americans and also check to see how many times Native Americans have sat on the jurys in cases involving Native Americans. The law does state that we are entitled to a jury of our peers.
Peace Chief
Richard Grass