THE ARROW AND JUSTICE

Robert pulled back the bow string, aimed, held for a moment, then let the arrow loose. The metal tipped arrow cut through the dark night air, over the asphalt one-lane road, punching through the plate glass window, glass shattering everywhere,
abruptly ending its 200 foot journey into the wall of the administration building.....Vibrating. Robert smiled.

No one was in the building. It was after closing time. Robert knew that. He just wanted to make a statement. He wanted to get the attention of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He wanted to be heard.

Robert was a twenty-year-old Pomo Indian (Native American), from Northern California. He was not a considered a "trouble maker," by others. He just wanted to get the attention of the all white staff, of which I was one. Robert simply cared about how people were treated....not just himself, but everyone.

When the arrow was discovered the next morning by the staff as they approached their desks, all attention focused on "who could have done this? Are we targets?" Robert's anonymous arrow was terrifying to some, a strong message to others.

Staff meetings were held daily, questioning what inspired the arrow event. Even the native students were asked for feedback. Several weeks of meetings resulted in a new "policy."

Listen to everyone. Honor. Respect others. Hold sacred all relationships. Speak directly to everyone, even if shaking in your boots. Avoid side taking, or gathering evidence that you are right. Be wrong sometimes. Respect every voice, no matter the age, even those you do not understand. Assume you are human too.

Robert was never discovered...and didn't need to be.