DVD available from Nebraskans for Peace.
Film Study Guide available for DOWNLOAD.
Check UPCOMING SCREENINGS for public showings.
The Battle for Whiteclay was awarded Best Political Documentary at the 2009 New York International Independent Film Festival.
Two bills have been introduced in the 2010 session of the Nebraska Legislature. Check LEGISLATIVE UPDATE for info about public hearings and other matters.
Published Sunday February 7, 2010
BY JOHN KREJCI
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
I was encouraged to read that “State leaders, others focus on Whiteclay” (Jan. 31). The problems of alcoholism and Nebraska’s shame of profiting from beer sales to Natives need to be addressed. When Nebraskans for Peace raised the issue in 1999, few even knew the Nebraska beer sales were contributing to Native alcoholism.
Although it is encouraging that Nebraska’s governor and state legislators have begun to address the problem, their initial solutions - a town cleanup, a recycling center and a mini-mall - do little to address the tragedy of Nebraska’s skid row of the Plains. Read the rest of this entry »
Published Sunday February 7, 2010
BY RICK R. GALUSHA
THE PUBLIC PULSE (Letters to the Editor)
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
I want to thank Gov. Dave Heineman for leading a group of elected officials to meet with Lakota Sioux tribal members in regard to the problems on the Pine Ridge Reservation, as well as problems related to the sale of alcohol in Whiteclay, Neb.
State Sens. Brad Ashford, Russ Karpisek, Colby Coash and LeRoy Louden have taken a step forward with the introduction of legislation that may provide, in part, much-needed alcohol treatment. Read the rest of this entry »
Published Saturday February 6, 2010
STAFF EDITORIAL
LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
In a year in which spending measures are squashed in the Legislature almost before the ink dries, it’s encouraging that a few bills have been introduced to do something about the festering problem in Whiteclay.
As many Nebraskans know after a decade of media attention — including a film, “The Battle for Whiteclay,” directed and produced by Mark Vasina of Lincoln — four stores in the tiny village sell about 4 million cans of beer a year. Read the rest of this entry »
Published Saturday February 6, 2010
BY KERRY L. BELDIN
THE PUBLIC PULSE (Letters to the Editor)
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
I’d like to express my appreciation for The World-Herald’s focus on the problematic issue of alcohol sales at Whiteclay, Neb. Read the rest of this entry »
Published Thursday February 4, 2010
BY PAUL HAMMEL
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
LINCOLN — Even lobbyists for the liquor industry agreed Wednesday that it was a good idea for the state to help establish an alcohol detoxification center near Whiteclay, Neb.
The lobbyists, though, said there were better ways to do that than earmark a portion of sales tax revenue generated by the 3.4 million cans of beer sold in the notorious, unincorporated town known as the “skid row of the Plains.” Read the rest of this entry »
Published Tuesday February 2, 2010
BY DAVID ROOKS
RAPID CITY JOURNAL
Early Monday I looked out my window: It was snowing again, of course. Is it simply my age or are winters growing colder, longer? The scene of black, gray and white seemed sketched with charcoal on notebook paper. I thought to pray for ranchers and their livestock. In a moment, I added anyone suffering from this bitter cold to my supplication. It’s a loveless world out there.
I related the desolate picture through my window to an article in Monday’s Rapid City Journal. Once again, White Clay, Nebraska is in the news just for being White Clay, Nebraska. Read the rest of this entry »
Published Sunday January 31, 2010
BY KEVIN ABOUREZK
LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
Bruce BonFleur sees more than desperation, more than sadness in the eyes of the men and women he meets every day on the dusty streets of Whiteclay.
He sees hope, and he sees a desire to improve their lives.
“The street people of Whiteclay and Pine Ridge matter,” he said. “They are entitled to our help, and they are able to help themselves.” Read the rest of this entry »
Published Friday January 29, 2010
BY PAUL HAMMEL
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
LINCOLN — Gov. Dave Heineman and a contingent of other state officials flew Friday to Gordon, Neb., to meet with Lakota Sioux tribal officials about a legislative proposal concerning Whiteclay, Neb. Read the rest of this entry »
Published Friday January 29, 2010
BY KEVIN ABOUREZK
LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
A host of state officials flew to western Nebraska on Friday to meet with Oglala Sioux tribal leaders to explore solutions to massive alcohol sales at Whiteclay. Read the rest of this entry »