Despite not getting support from recognized tribal officials, the Republic of Lakotah will gather for a victory celebration today.

Supporters of activist Russell Means' declaration of independence for a "Lakotah" nation will meet at noon today in St. Francis on Rosebud Indian Reservation.

"All the members of the Lakotah Freedom Delegation will be there," including Means himself, organizer Alfred Boneshirt said Friday.

Rosebud Sioux Tribe Chairman Rodney Bordeaux said Means does not represent his tribe. He also said the tribe's formal trust relationship with the federal government depends on the treaties.

However, most Lakota tribal presidents and chairmen have not responded to requests for comments from the Rapid City Journal.

Last month, Means and other organizers delivered a document to the U.S. State Department declaring that "Lakotah" was renouncing treaties with the United States.

A "Lakotah Freedom" Web site is announcing that liens will be filed against government property in a five-state treaty area that includes all of western South Dakota. (No liens will be filed against private property, the Web site says - at least, not yet. Landowners are invited to discuss the issue with the Lakotah Freedom Delegation.)

The U.S. government has not responded to the declaration, and so far, the "Lakotah" declaration of independence has had no effect except to generate a worldwide response. Gay Kingman, executive director for the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Association in Rapid City, said she had fielded inquiries from Russia, Canada, South Africa and other countries.

Means is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and he lives on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. But he does not represent a tribal government.

Boneshirt said today's "Victory Celebration" would show widespread support for the idea of secession. "I want people to understand it's not just Russell Means and his activists," he said.

Activities at the St. Francis community center will continue into Saturday evening, Boneshirt said, with a supper and a dance.

Boneshirt also is the coordinator of the Sicangu Grassroots Oyate, a Rosebud-based organization.

On the Net: Republic of Lakotah: www.republicoflakotah.com

Contact Bill Harlan at 394-8424 or bill.harlan@rapidcityjournal.com