Chiefs Vs.

Mayors
Will Brako
The relationship between Native Americans and United States government officials has
been far from great. There has been mass oppression, incredible deception, and general
untrustworthiness. Nevertheless, there have been some cases when some select individuals
have been very cooperative and helpful to the native people. This photograph displays a time
when two government officials one American and one Canadian are cooperating with a native
man representing his tribe and its rights. Even though the government has not been the biggest
supporter of the native people's rights, there have been times when cooperation and respect
have been necessary.
One could not describe this photo as a classic photo. Very rarely are there
photographs as influential and as remarkable as this photograph with a Native American chief
clasping hands with two government officials. Especially with one white mayor wearing a very
stereotypical native head dress for a white politician to wear. It is a rich privileged white man
culturally appropriating an indian headdress. This shows some of the disrespect presented by
white rich powerful men to native americans. This image portrays the change of perspective
happening in the 60s that brought more respect and cooperation to both parties. The 60s were
a time of unity which started to solve a lot of pressing issues with the world. Native people and
the government were beginning to understand each other and get along better although the
injustices have still not ended in today's day and age.
The three men in this photo are mayors E. Dent Lackey and Robert F. Keighan and
Chief Clinton Rickard. E. Dent Lackey was the flamboyant, extravagant mayor of Niagara Falls,
New York. He was a very strong worded man that some described as him using a lot of blue
language meaning he was sloppy with word choice but what ever he said came out powerfully.
He was a rousing orator and spoke at any event he could. He was an ex-Methodist Minister as
well. He was the mayor for 12 years. Robert F. Keighan was the mayor of Niagara Falls,
Ontario. He was the mayor for only one year which happened to be when this photo was taken.
Chief Clinton Rickard was the chief of the Tuscarora tribe near Niagara Falls. He was the
founder of the Indian Defense League and a major advocate for the Border Crossing
celebrations. The border crossing celebrations were when Native american people crossed the
border between the U.S. and Canada to remember the days when they could cross whenever
they pleased. A day before the white men told them where they could be and go. Chief Clinton
Rickard led most of these border crossings and was the native peoples voice to the government
and media. Chief Clinton Rickards native name was Loud Voice which directly correlates to
his influence with the U.S. government and ability to represent his people.
These border crossing celebrations prove that Native Americans and government
officials can collaborate and do things beneficial for both parties. There have been many
misconceptions about these two parties ever getting along but it is possible and has happened.
This photograph proves that both parties can interact and work things out civilly and
productively. A photo is worth a million words but this one is worth more.

Works Cited:
"Chief Clinton Rickard Remembered as Border Crossing Reaches 87th Milestone Local Two
Row Times." Two Row Times. N.p., 15 July 2014. Web. 20 May 2015.
"Activist Roots Still Thrive in Canada Border Crossing." Indian Country Today Media
Network.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2015.
"Natives Exempt from Passport Rule." Niagara Falls Review. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2015.
"Coll. P 003: Theodore Hetzel Photos: Indian Defence League, at FLC Center of SW Studies
(full Page View)." Coll. P 003: Theodore Hetzel Photos: Indian Defence League, at FLC Center
of SW Studies (full Page View). N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2015.