Message of Solidarity Presented on Anniversary of Narragansett Smoke Shop Raid

A 10-person delegation from The Rhode Island Peoples Assembly Civil Rights Action Committee traveled from Providence to The Narragansett Nation near what is now the Town of Charlestown, in the searing summer heat on Sunday, to present a framed Message Of Solidarity to Chief Sachem Mathew Thomas, First Councilman Randy Noka, and other Narragansett Tribal Leaders at their event marking the 10th Anniversary of The Smoke Shop Raid of 2003. 

On July 14, 2003, Rhode Island State Troopers invaded the land of the sovereign Narragansett Nation on orders of then Governor Donald Carcieri, for the purpose of shutting-down their newly opened Smoke Shop. As captured on video for the world to see, 51 members of the RI State Police attacked Tribal Police, Leaders, and Elders at the site, including Chief Sachem Mathew Thomas.

Despite being outnumbered 4-to-1, the Narragansetts put up a valiant struggle until overwhelmed by the State Police's superior numbers, suffering injuries, including broken bones, and the indignity of being publicly attacked and arrested on their own land. In a pattern all too familiar to People of Color in the U.S., the resisting victims were then charged with crimes. 

On Sunday, members of the RI Peoples Assembly read aloud and presented a framed statement to Chief Sachem Thomas in front of the 50 gathered supporters and members of the media. The plaque reads as follows:

Message of Solidarity With the Narragansett Nation From the R.I. Peoples Assembly On the Occasion Of the 10th Anniversary Of the Smoke Shop Raid

The Smoke-Shop Raid on July 14, 2003 was an invasion of the sovereign land and an attack on the sovereign people of the Narragansett Nation by the Rhode Island State Police by the orders of Donald Carcieri. Sadly, this was a 21st Century continuation of the 500 year old pattern of invasion and attack against Native Americans for the purpose of seizing and occupying their original lands, or preventing their self-determination within what remains of their lands, whenever the commercial interests of the white elite and their profit-system dictates.

And sadly, in the pattern which all People of Color in this country are so very familiar, the victims of the attack, the abuse, and the violations of their rights were charged with crimes. All justice loving people in Rhode Island, around the country, and around the world, were outraged to see Tribal Council Members and Chief Sachem Thomas suffer blows and broken bones, in the indignity of arrest at the hands of the R.I. State Police.

The R.I. Peoples Assembly is comprised of All-Peoples: Black, Latin, Native, Asian, and White. We believe in, and fight for, the equality of all people. We wish to express our sincere solidarity with The Narragansett People and Nation and we affirm your right to your Land and Self-Determination.