All American Indians deserve recognition

I have loved American Indians all my life, and I love them more than life. But from the beginning, we have not loved them as we should. We put them on reservations and lied about their treatment. The tragedy of the Trail of Tears should have never happened. One race should never try to kill another race. We as Americans should try to live as one nation under God.

All American Indians should be recognized by the federal government as recognized tribes, and should have benefits according to the law. I do programs about American Indians at Trinity Oaks, where I am a resident.

— Julie Blackburn

Salisbury

On death of nephew

On Jan. 6, my brother’s son was shot. He died the next day. There was evidence of homicide, but the Sheriff’s Office claimed suicide. I have made repeated efforts to get the SBI involved. They have refused. Here is the history of this effort:

Feb. 13: I wrote a letter to our sheriff and asked 13 questions relevant to this death. He has never responded.

March 3: I wrote a letter to our district attorney asking for investigative help. She would not see me. I met with an assistant who emphatically said there would not be an investigation.

March 15: I gave a report about suspicious events before and after my nephew’s death to the district attorney’s office. I have received no response.

April 21: I wrote a letter to the FBI in Charlotte. After no response I called and was told that incident did not violate a person’s constitutional rights.

Sept. 23: I wrote a letter to our chief medical examiner.

Oct. 6: I wrote to Gov. Pat McCrory to ask for an SBI investigation.

Oct. 13: I received a letter from the medical examine which is crystal clear that two facts do not support suicide.

Oct. 14: I received a letter from the SBI as a result of my letter to the governor. They said they have no jurisdiction and could not investigate unless asked by local law enforcement.

Oct. 23: I wrote a letter to N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper. No response.

Oct. 26: I wrote another letter to Governor McCrory. No response.

Evidence from our state medical examiner in his letter to me is contrary to suicide. Our Sheriff’s Office has a budget of more than $15 million. How can doing nothing be justified? It is certainly not because they don’t have enough help or money.

— Delmar McDaniel

Salisbury

Editor’s note: Sheriff Kevin Auten responds: “We have thoroughly investigated this case and we stand by our conclusions.”