Items in bold are current.
The Anti-Racism Commission of Democratic Socialists of America expresses its great concern at the still unsolved September 2001 murders of three Native American persons in and around Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Commission further expresses dismay at the deteriorating nature of relationships in that setting between law enforcement agencies and the community -- with especial reference to persons of color. The Commission vigorously endorses the sentiments expressed in the letter of DSA member Hunter Gray, [Micmac / St. Francis Abenaki / St. Regis Mohawk] which was published as an editorial on October 12, 2001 in the Grand Forks Herald. The Commission calls upon all governmental offices and persons of good will to apprehend the killers of these Native people, to develop democratic and positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the minority communities and the general community, and to work vigorously against racism and ethnocentrism and all other anti-people isms to prevent further such tragedies from occurring.

The October 12, 2001, editorial by Hunter Gray is herewith given for reference:


At least three Native American people -- Robert Belgarde, Damian Belgarde, and Jerome Decoteau -- were murdered this past September in and around the Grand Forks setting. [I knew and certainly appreciated Mr. Decoteau.] No killers, as far as I know, have been apprehended. At the same time -- although I can't speak regarding the sheriff's department and other non-city law enforcement agencies -- I am quite aware via friends and other contacts that the once-high level of police/community relations in Grand Forks [ and very much with respect to people of color] has slumped badly in recent years.

In 1983, I was a UND Indian Studies professor. With the late Professor Doug Wills, and the active support of Mayor Bud Wessman, and with the involvement of other concerned and committed people, we were instrumental in launching the Mayor's Committee on Police Policy. This resulted, in the 1984-85 period, in a new police chief -- Chet Paschke -- and an extremely positive shift into the Sun in the whole broad arena of police/community relations.

Relationships between the police department and the minority communities, students, air base personnel, and citizens in general were very good, characterized by a pervasive and consistent atmosphere of mutual respect. When problems did arise, they were dealt with in a swift and honorable fashion -- very consistent with all principles of due process and social justice in general.

I continued my active involvement in the Grand Forks police situation past my retirement from UND in 1994 and to the very moment we moved in July, 1997.

Not much later, Chet Paschke retired.

It's obvious that there has been substantial deterioration in this very sensitive and critical realm. It's long past the time that concerned citizens, officials, law enforcement officers -- and all other persons of good will -- get the whole police/community relations situation, and all of its collateral relationships, back on track.

It is late -- but it's never too late.

And it's time to apprehend these killers of Native people and to vigorously endeavor, with every ethical resource, to prevent these tragedies from happening again -- to any people.

Hunter Gray [formerly John R. Salter, Jr.] Retired professor and former chair, Indian Studies, University of North Dakota; former head Grand Forks Mayor's Committee on Police Policy; former chair, Grand Forks Community Relations Committee

DSA: www.dsausa.org/antiracism

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