The poem centers on a formal and non-binding language used by the US government to address the issues of Indian tribes. At the beginning of the poem, the poet, Layli Long Soldier, explains how a white man taking beer casually joins the discussion about an apology to native people and supports the apology offered by the government. Long Soldier opines that the government partially acknowledges its transgressions but fails to take responsibility for them. The poet quotes an apology assertion where the statement establishes a conflict between white settlers and natives but swiftly jumps to acknowledge the peaceful and mutual interactions between the two communities.
The poet is agitated by the government’s lack of admissibility and formality when looking for resolutions to address injustices subjected to native people. Long Soldier perceives herself as a dual citizen and wonders whether the government recognizes Indian tribes as first American citizens. Through the poem, she deconstructs “whereas statements” found in every document of resolution within the central government offices. The casual use of language shows that the government has never admitted its mistakes.
Formal apologies alongside broken treaties substantiate brutalities committed by the federal government. If the government was committed to offering an apology, it could have done that in an official manner. Besides, President Obama was not supposed to sign in the apology document in obscurity. The formal apology by both legislative and executive arms of the government ascertain perpetual oppression meted out on native tribes.
