March 5, 2010

BCU to Host Viewing of “The Battle for Whiteclay”

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The award-winning documentary “The Battle for Whiteclay,” featuring Indian activist Frank LaMere, will be shown at Briar Cliff University at 7 p.m. in the Assisi Room in Stark Student Center on Monday, March 8, 2010. 

The documentary, which was awarded “Best Political Documentary” at the 2009 New York International Independent Film Festival, deals with the effort to stop the illegal flow of alcohol from Whiteclay, Neb., to the Pine Ridge, S.D., Indian Reservation, where no alcohol is sold. After the viewing, LaMere will be on hand to address any questions in response to the documentary.

“Whiteclay has a population of 14 people, yet four stores in town sell millions of cans of beer annually, mostly to residents of the Pine Ridge,” said Social Work Club president, Cat Nelson of Sioux City.

A member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, LaMere is a noted social and political activist from South Sioux City, Neb. He has been involved in efforts to empower Native people and others on matters important to quality of life. Director of the Four Directions Center in Sioux City, LaMere continues as the architect of the effort to stop the illegal flow of alcohol from Whiteclay to Pine Ridge. 

Sponsored by BCU’s Social Work Club, this free event is open to all.

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic institution with an enrollment of more than 1,100 students from 28 states. Students are educated in the Franciscan tradition of excellence in the liberal arts and career preparation in an environment of care and compassion. For more information, please visit briarcliff.edu.

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