Indigenous peacemaking

Tribes' conference focusing on mediationTribes are reaching into their pasts to resolve present-day disputes, a speaker said Monday at a national American Indian conference on indigenous peacemaking.

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby gave welcoming remarks to more than 100 tribal leaders from around the country who have tribal peacemaking or mediation programs.

The Ada-based Chickasaw Nation recently established a peacemaking program within its 13-county jurisdiction. It offers mediation services in lieu of tribal court.Comment:  Events such as this contradict the stereotype of Indians as uncivilized, warlike savages.