Field of White Crosses At Zero Tolerance Camp on the Border of White Clay, NE Symbolizes Pine Ridge Native Americans Harmed by Alcohol

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May 24, 2013, 06:00 ET

PINE RIDGE, INDIAN RESERVATION, S.D., May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to Alcohol Justice, Oglala Sioux Tribal President Bryan V. Brewer, Sr. is encouraging concerned tribal members and allies to join him at Zero Tolerance Camp this Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. (MST) for a peaceful demonstration and prayer vigil for all those affected by the wraths of alcohol.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO )

Zero Tolerance Camp organizers are encouraging tribal members and allies to bring white crosses for a family member that they have lost due to alcohol addiction or an alcohol-related accident. The crosses will be placed along the highway leading into White Clay, NE, the unincorporated hamlet that contains four liquor stores that reap large profits from the neighboring "dry" Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Organizers have maintained a full-time encampment along the border since April 30, 2013, to document illegal activities committed by White Clay liquor storeowners, such as selling to intoxicated patrons and solicitation.

What: Demonstration & Prayer Vigil

When: Saturday, May 25, 2013 12 p.m.

Where: Border of Pine Ridge South Dakota and White Clay, Nebraska

Who: Representatives from:

Oglala Lakota Nation
Community Supporters

Why:

Life Expectancy on Pine Ridge Reservation in 2007 was estimated to be 48 for males and 52 for females
2/3 of Pine Ridge Reservation adults suffer from alcoholism
25% of Pine Ridge Reservation youth suffer from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
White Clay alcohol sellers participate in alcohol smuggling into the Pine Ridge Reservation
White Clay alcohol sellers trade alcohol for sex
White Clay alcohol sellers sell alcohol to minors
White Clay alcohol sellers sell alcohol to intoxicated people