_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' O ( N A T I V E A M E R I C A N ) O o O ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ O o O / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' O o o o o O / /-< / /--/ /-- VOLUME 01, ISSUE 033 O o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 6 November 1993 O o O ( N E W S ) O This issue contains articles from NATIVE_L/NATCHAT Lists and by members of the Invisible Band. <----<<<< >>>>----> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters of the Invisible Band and those who share our spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. It is hoped that our presence will be rewarded with a Native American RoundTable on GEnie. It is archived at the Native American FTP site ftp.cit.cornell.edu in the directory /pub/special/NativeProfs/newsletters; and is being sent to gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us (Gary S. Trujillo) should he wish to include it in his NATIVE-L or NATCHAT lists. "You who are so wise must know that different nations have different conceptions of things. You will not therefore take it amiss if our ideas of the white man's education happen not to be the same as yours. We have had some experience of it." -- Canassatego O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! The lead article in this issue tells of the reconvening of a council after 150 years of silence. Another tells of the gifts to various people by Wakan Tanka. The saving of sacred traditions and the closing of the sacred hoop; these are the things I pray will be in such abundance there will be no place for greed and rancor. A time when all will come together and Walk in Beauty is the place I seek. Mitaquye Oyasin! Night Owl ------------------ clip here for news feature -- 8< ----------- --------- "RE: International Council Reconvenes 150 Years Later" --------- From: Michele Lord Subj: International Council Reconvenes 150 Years Later This article is from the twice monthly newspaper, News From Indian Country. It is published by Indian Country Communications, Inc. with offices at Rt.2 Box 2900A, Hayward, WI 54843. They may be contacted by calling (715) 634-5226; FAX (715) 634-3243. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Mid Oct. 1993 International Council Reconvenes 150 Years Later by Shelly Davis Oklahoma Bureau, News from Indian Country They assembled from all over the United States to discuss issues which affect their people and to learn from each other during the Commemoration of the 1843 International Tribal Council held in Tahlequah, OK and sponsored by the Cherokee Nation. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller welcomed more than 300 guests who represented about 109 federally recognized tribes. "This event commemorated the original 1843 International Indian Council," said Mankiller. "During this meeting, our hope was to attain those goals which were accomplished at the 1843 council, namely the renewal of old friendships and the discovery of solutions to problems common to indigenous peoples." The 1843 council was called by the Cherokee Nation with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief John Ross presiding. The conference lasted four weeks and was attended by approximately 10,000 American Indians representing 18 tribes. Panel discussions at this year's council ranged from the environment and ethnocide to sovereignty and cultural preservation. Viewpoints, ideas and responses to problems were brought to the attention of participants by authorities on many different subjects. Hollywood has created the mainstream idea of the Indian, said Rennard Strickland, Osage/Cherokee. Strickland is Director of the American Indian Law and Policy Center and Professor at the University of Oklahoma. Strickland said the movie images have portrayed Indians as villains, plundering white settlements, or as servants to a white master, like the Tonto character. He said the Apache and the Sioux have received the most screen time, providing the standard enemy for Indian war movies. He said the image of the exotic and erotic "barbarian" is an extension of "tomahawk envy." "Indians are represented as people on the road to disappearance," said Strickland. Gary Fife, Creek/Cherokee, said the news media, too, is responsible for shaping an image of American Indians. He said too often the mass media focuses on the dysfunctional Indian families, etc. Fife said there is little coverage on the tribal governments which control multi-million dollar economies and the government-to-government relationship tribal nations have with the United States government. "We are the fastest growing people in this nation," said Fife. "We are beginning to exercise vast quantities of self determination, making our own choices." Fife added that more Native Americans are emerging in all professions and these are the types of stories which should be used to change stereotypes. He added that Indians must fight and work for that change. "It's within our grasp, now," said Fife. Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation Oren Lyons said, "we're nations as long as we say we are," when he spoke on cultural preservation. Lyons said strength lies within unity and it is the responsibility of tribal leaders to preserve their unity combined with cultural spirituality. He said US treaties are weak because they did not use the whole spiritual law, and that is what makes you stand up. "If you don't have that, you're not going to last," said Lyons. "We will outlast them." Lyons said the children should be taught that when making decisions, the decisions must be for those generations waiting their time and the responsibility is that those future generations should have the same things this generation enjoys. Another emotionally charged topic was that of repatriation. One of the reasons there are human remains and ceremonial burial objects in museums is that in the 1800's federal government bounties were placed on Indians when the US Army was trying to eradicate the Native Americans, according to Simon Brascoupe, Mohawk/Algonquin. He is first advisor of race relations to Carleton University in Ottawa. Richard Allen, Cherokee, said that Indians must make a commitment to repatriation or someone could be "digging you up" in 100 years. Many other issues were explored during the three day council including health care, education and the environment. Curly Bear Wagner, Blackfeet, said he had heard many important issues and ideas that could be taken back to his people and that was the purpose of the council. The last day of the council, an important message was sent out: "We won't vanish." "We are here to remind ourselves that we have a mission of survival," said Onondaga Chief Lyons. Two resolutions were signed by tribal leaders during closing ceremonies. One resolution for the United Nations, the other a resolution of "peace and friendship" signed to preserve relationships between nations, tribes, republics and individual citizens. >~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~> Resolution Of Peace And Friendship International Indian Council, 1843-1993 WHEREAS, the removal of the various Indian tribes and nations, from the homes of their fathers, east and west of the Mississippi, has there extinguished our ancient council fires, and changed our position with regard to each other; and WE, THE DELEGATES, ATTENDEES, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SEVERAL INDIAN TRIBES, NATIONS AND REPUBLICS, parties hereunto, assembled around the great council fire, kindled in the West, in the Cherokee Nation, in order to preserve the relations between our several communities, to secure to all our respective rights, and to promote the general welfare, do enter into the following resolutions: Section 1. Peace and friendship shall forever be maintained between the Indian tribes, nations and republics, parties to these resolutions and between their fellow Indian citizens. Section 2. Revenge shall not be cherished, nor retaliation practiced for offense committed by individuals. Section 3. To provide for the improvement of our people in agriculture, manufactures, domestic arts and preservation of our land and culture, to promote the comfort and happiness of our peoples and our children yet unborn, a fixed and permanent location on our lands is an indispensable condition. In order, therefore, to secure these important objects, to prevent any future removal, and to transmit to our posterity an unimpaired title to the lands guaranteed to our respective Indian tribes, nations and republics, by the United States, we solemnly pledge ourselves to each other, that no Indian tribe, nation or republic shall cede or in any manner alienate, to the United States, any part of their present territories. Section 4. The use of ardent spirits, being a fruitful source of crime and misfortune, we recommend its suppression within our respective limits, and agree that no citizen of one Indian tribe, nation or republic shall introduce it into the territory of any other Indian tribe, nation or republic. Section 5. We acknowledge that the survival of our Indian tribes, nations and republics, as well as that of humankind, depends on appreciating the teachings and lessons of those who have gone before us in all subjects and disciplines. Section 6. We agree to have direct and constructive talks and discussions about issues important to our meaningful survival and prosperity including: ethnocide, sovereignty, cultural preservation, health, economic development, reclaiming the land, and education. Done in General Council, around the great council fire, in the Tahlequah District, Cherokee Nation, this 15th day of September, 1993. Delegates, attendees and representatives of the various Indian tribes, nations and republics. [Note: Preamble and Sections 1-4 re-edited from the Preamble and Sections 1, 2, 7 and 8 of the Compact between the Several Indian tribes, nations and republics approved at the International Indian Council of 1843.] ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+* "When we walk upon Mother Earth, we always plant our feet carefully because we know the faces of our future generations are looking up at us from beneath the ground. We never forget them." -Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+* milo@scicom.alphacdc.com Michele Lord Alpha Institute +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ --------- "RE: A Prophecy" --------- From: RCHVMW2.VNET.IBM.COM!SHUPE Subj: A Prophecy. Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) ----------The Following was written by Don Coyhis ------------------- A long time ago our creator came to Turtle Island and divided the people into four directions and said, "You must go through the cycles of time separately, but one day you'll come back together to share the lessons you've learned while you were apart." He gave tablets to certain people living in each of the four directions, and held people in each of the four directions accountable to something unique and special. To the red people he gave accountability to be keepers of the land, and to know mother earth. They were told all about plants, land, interconnectedness and relatedness. These tablets are kept by the people at Hope, on Third Mesa. To the yellow race he gave people the accountability for the air, or breath. The yellow race was to learn all about air, meditation, and awareness. And we're told that those tablets are in Tibet. To the black race he gave accountability to be keepers of the water. Plasma was discovered by a black scientist. We're told that those tablets are at the foot of Mt. Kenya with a tribe called the Kaklua. That tribe has a Medicine Wheel which is said to be very similar to the Sioux Medicine Wheel. Then to the white direction he gave accountability to be keepers of the fire. They were to learn about the fire power, which is used, for example, in machines, and rockets and the like. As we go through these cycles of time we enter the cycle of the human being, where we are today. The prophecy says we were to come back and form a circle, and to share all the knowledge that we have learned while we were apart. And at this cycle of the human being we must come together in this circle to establish peace. At a council of elders held during the last two years they told us that a great stirring was going to take place in the universe. They told us that a distribution of gifts that the human being has not known before would be made to all the people. Thousands of people would become instrumental in the healing that these new gifts made possible. They said that many people would think they had become crazy during this time. And these people would be seeking the answer to three questions: One is why am I? One is who am I? and one is Where am I going? These people would think that something had grabbed their rug of life and just pulled it out from under them. A great searching would start to take place among the people. And in this searching, something Fool's Crow said should be kept in mind. He said, "In order to use your power well you need to become a hollow bone." You need to be a conduit-you've got to be clean inside. The elders said that these new searchers would have all their secrets come to the surface. And this would happen because you cannot use that power of the new gifts unless you are cleaned out. Mitakuye Oyasin, Waya Gola. | J.T. Waya Gola Shupe | SHUPE@RCHLAND.IBM.COM -- The Mysteries and Magics of -- | Dept. 45n : Performance Tools III -- the world are far simpler -- | Professional AISES member, juggler, -- than we make them out to be.-- | story teller, Associate Programmer, | all around interesting person! ;) --------- "RE: Leonard Peltier Benefit Gathering" --------- From: pcwf@web.apc.org Subj: Leonard Peltier Benefit Gathering Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) SOCIAL BENEFIT GATHERING Dedicated to the Freedom of Leonard Peltier - Nov. 5, 1993 IN THE SPIRIT OF CRAZY HORSE THE BATTLE FOR JUSTICE CONTINUES TO FREE LEONARD PELTIER, NORTH AMERICA'S FOREMOST ABORIGINAL POLITICAL PRISONER Leonard Peltier is a North American Indian serving two consecutive life sentences in Leavenworth federal penitentiary in Kansas even though there is no evidence that he is guilty of any crime. On June 26, 1975, two FBI agents and an Indian man were killed in a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Within hours, hundreds of combat-clad FBI agents and U.S. marshals staged a dragnet to avenge the deaths of the FBI agents. Because the FBI's COINTELPRO program had previously identified Leonard as a leader of the American Indian Movement (AIM), they immediately connected him with the June 26th deaths. Leonard, fearing an unfair trial, fled to Canada. He was later arrested and extradited through affidavits manufactured by the FBI that the government now concedes were false. Although two other Indian men charged with the agents' deaths had been found not guilty by reason of self-defense (and a third had been released due to lack of evidence), the U.S. Justice Department decided to concentrate the "full prosecutorial weight" of the federal government against Leonard Peltier. In a case fraught with abuses (FBI intimidation of witnesses; fabrication of evidence; concealment of evidence that would have proven Peltier's innocence), Leonard was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. As a result of these abuses coming to light, the government has had to change its theory on Peltier's guilt to keep him in prison. In the recent appeal, the prosecutor even admitted in open court, "we have no idea who killed those agents." Despite all this, the courts have once again denied Peltier a retrial, as well as dismiss the objections filed in U.S. courts from 55 Canadian M.P.s who condemned Peltier's illegal extradition based on an FBI-created fraud and called for his immediate release. After 18 years of appeals, his judicial avenues are presently exhausted. We appeal to the people to demand from the Canadian government that it conduct an immediate inquiry into the extradition treaty fraud as well as seek a full clarification of these abuses from U.S. president Bill Clinton along with the recommendation that the president grant Leonard Peltier his freedom. The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Canada would like to invite all people to come and share their support in an evening of commemoration for 18 years of the peoples' struggle to demand true justice. On February 6, 1994, Leonard will begin his 18th year of false imprisonment which began with his arrest in Canada on this day in 1976. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1993, 7:00 pm. HARBORD COLLEGIATE 286 Harbord St. (at Euclid) Toronto, Ontario Suggested admission $5 "I appeal to the conscience of the whole world to free Leonard Peltier, a symbol of all Indian political prisoners" - Rigoberta Menchu, Nobel Prize winner speaking in Montreal, November, 1992. SPEAKERS: Frank Dreaver, LPDC-C representative Dianne Martin, Canadian attorney for L. Peltier Lew Gurwitz, U.S. civil rights attorney Lennox Farrell, civil rights activist, Toronto Art Solomon, Ojibway elder, and others M.C.: Brian Wright-McLeod, native broadcaster, CKLN KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Warren Allmand, Liberal Member of Parliament; & Solicitor General during L. Peltier's extradition proceedings. SPECIAL GUESTS: The Leonard Peltier Freedom Drum and Singers ** Petition & Letter-Writing Campaign ** Refreshments ** The LPDC-C will be co-sponsoring a public forum along with other actions in support of Leonard Peltier in Toronto on February 6, 1994. For more information as to how you can support ,including volunteer help, contact the LPDC-C at (416) 439-1893, or e-mail at lpdccfd @ web.apc.org. Sponsored by the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Canada with assistance from Turtle Island Support Group, CKLN Radio and various social justice networks of Toronto. --------- "RE: Cry of the Earth: Prophesies of Turtle Island" --------- From: Michele Lord Subj: Cry of the Earth: Prophesies of Turtle Island Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) The Wittenberg Center For Alternative Resources 188 Wittenberg Road, Bearsville, NY 12409 PH: 914-679-9764 FAX: 914-595-7813 CRY OF THE EARTH: THE LEGACY OF FIRST NATIONS THE PROPHESIES OF TURTLE ISLAND November 22, 1993 United Nations, New York City A conference for the presentation of traditional prophesies and Earth-based value in accordance with the United Nations Resolution 45/164 declaring 1993 the Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples In accordance with United Nations Resolution 45/164, declaring 1993 as the Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples, and in accordance with the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, especially with reference to Principle 22, stating "Indigenous peoples and their communities, and other local communities, have a vital role in environmental management and development because of their knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and duly support their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participating in the achievement of sustainable development." The Cry of the Earth Conference will seek to provide a forum where holders of ancient traditions, and innovators in sustainable development can meet in a spirit of mutual interchange and cooperation, seeking to foster a greater understanding of shared concerns pertaining to our common future. The Cry of the Earth Conference is a response to an initiative by several traditional indigenous councils who have felt that it is imperative that their concerns and traditional prophesies relating to the Earth be heard at the United Nations during the Year for the Indigenous Peoples. It is hoped that this conference will be a first step towards a continuing dialogue between traditional indigenous wisdom keepers and the United Nations and representatives of its member states. As Chapter 26 of Agenda 21 states, indigenous peoples "have developed over many generations a holistic traditional scientific knowledge of their lands, natural resources and environment...In view of the interrelationship between the natural environment and its sustainable development and the cultural, social, economic and physical well-being of indigenous people, and the national and international efforts to implement environmentally sound and sustainable development should recognize, accommodate, promote and strengthen the role of indigenous people and their communities." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Proposed Conference Schedule Day 1 November 20, 1993 - The Giving of Thanks observance celebrating the Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, New York City 2:00 PM - Children's Program 6:00 PM - Giving of Thanks Both programs are open to the public with reservation. Preferred seating available: $35-$55, call 212-768-1430 Day 2 November 21, 1993 - Tree of Peace planting ceremony in Central Park. 1:15 PM - Processional from the steps of the Cathedral of St. John to the park. * Everyone welcome. Cathedral Information 212-662-2133 Day 3 November 22, 1993 - Cry of the Earth: The Legacy of the First Nations --The Turtle Islanders-- A presentation at the United Nations by the traditional spiritual elders of the Four Directions on the prophesies and their knowledge regarding the Earth and the environment. *Open ONLY for accredited U.N. and N.G.O. delegates and representatives* Day 4 November 23, 1993 - Cry of the Earth: Meetings and discussions on the implications of the traditional knowledge relating to policy and sustainable development. *Open ONLY to accredited U.N. and N.G.O. delegates and representatives* 6:00 PM - Presentation of the Hopi Prophesies NY University Law School Auditorium Open to the public with reservations. Call 212-439-8027 [We welcome one-page statements from grass-roots indigenous organizations on issues and events that have happened during the 1993 Year of the Indigenous Peoples (i.e. environmental, cultural, human rights issues and events) that might be dealt with through international agencies. In order for statements to be distributed, 30 copies must be received by Betsy Stang, c/o Cry of the Earth, 10 W. 66 St., NY, NY 10023, no later than Nov. 15, 1993] By necessity, at this time we are focusing on North American (Canada, United States, Mexico) for this event. It is envisioned that this gathering will lead to a wider global conference of indigenous leaders in 1994, and will facilitate further representation by indigenous representatives in forums such as the General Assembly. Co-ordinating Organizations Wittenberg Center for Alternative Resources - Betsy Stang Cresenterra - Corina Courtright Endorsing Organizations *American Indian Institute *National Museum of the American Indian *American Indian Ritual *Natural Resource Defense Council Object Repatriation *Temple of Understanding Foundation *Tree of Peace Society *Cathedral of St. John *UNICEF the Divine *United Nations Centre for Human *Earth Circle Foundation Rights *Giving of Thanks to the *United National Development Programme First Peoples *United Nations Environment Programme *Fund of the Four *World Uranium Hearing Directions *International Labour Organization *Instituto Nacional Indigenista ^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ October 22, 1993 Much time and energy has been dedicated to the realization of the dream of having the prophesies of Turtle Island (North America) be told at the United Nations during 1993 - The Year of the Indigenous Peoples. Now this dream seems like it will be a reality but we need your help. Our expenses toward creating this conference are mounting, and we cannot divert our energies from the organizing process at this time. Will you send us your contribution of $50, $100 or whatever you can? Please, we cannot do this alone. Contributions are needed to cover travel and expenses in New York for representatives of the indigenous nations and peoples. We need your prayers, as well, that the Cry of the Earth be truly heard at the United Nations this year and that we might affect healing of the Mother Earth. Please, take a moment from your busy day and respond now. The future depends on all of us. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: The Wittenberg Center for Alternative Resources 188 Wittenberg Road, Bearsville, NY 12409 (marked Cry of the Earth) Thank you for your support. [For additional details and information, please, contact me, Michele Lord via e-mail or call me at Alpha Institute, 303-343-4114. Thank you] ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*+ "When we walk upon Mother Earth, we always plant our feet carefully because we know the faces of our future generations are looking up at us from beneath the ground. We never forget them." -Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation *~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~* milo@scicom.alphacdc.com Michele Lord Alpha Institute +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ --------- "RE: National Association of Friendship Centres" --------- From: freenet.carleton.ca!ae165 (Chris Corrigan) Subj: National Association of Friendship Centres Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) in response to a number of inquires over the past couple of days: The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) represents the concerns of 111 Friendship Centres across Canada. Friendship Centres provide social, cultural and recreational services to urban Aboriginal populations, a group of people that traditionally fall through the cracks between federal and provincial funding. The NAFC is the largest national Aboriginal service delivery advocacy organization. We spend a great deal of time dealing with government on issues such as justice, crime prevention, AIDS, solvent, alcohol and drug abuse, family violence. We are also the first national Aboriginal organization to have electronic access through the Internet. Questions and concerns about our organization, and Friendship Centres in general can be directed to myself. Thanks for your indulgence! Chris Corrigan. -- ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((o)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) | Chris Corrigan ae165@freenet.carleton.ca (Ottawa, Ont.) | | Policy Analyst - National Association of Friendship Centres | ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((o)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) --------- "RE: Resolutions: Inter-American Indigenous Conference"--------- From: Preston Hardison Subj: Resolutions: Inter-Amer Indig Conf To: Multiple recipients of INDKNOW RESOLUTIONS as drafted at the Third Inter-American Indigenous Congress on the Environment and Economic Development Vancouver, BC, Canada September 18, 1993 The year 1993 being proclaimed by the United Nations as the "Year of Indigenous Peoples;" Recognizing the commitments of United Nations member states to Agenda 21 and other conventions emanating from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which maintain that sustainable development requires Aboriginal Peoples to participate fully and without hindrance or discrimination in matters affecting them; Recognizing that as indigenous peoples, we have always cared for the planet and its environment and that our traditional knowledge and practices, reflect our harmony with nature and our spiritual understanding of the union and interconnection of all living things; Affirming that indigenous peoples are Peoples subject to and protected by international law; Affirming that indigenous peoples throughout the world have the right to self-determination; Recognizing that indigenous peoples have a natural and inalienable right to retain our traditional lands, territories and natural resources as granted us by the Creator; Affirming that indigenous peoples retain the right to preservation and development of ethnic and cultural characteristics and distinct identities, including the right to maintain traditional economic structures, livelihoods and ways of life; Affirming the right to environmental protection to ensure that indigenous peoples' cultures survive and flourish; Recognizing that indigenous peoples play a unique role in the protection of the earth's ecosystems and renewable resources; The Third Inter-American Indigenous Congress on the Environment and Economic Development strongly advocates that the United Nations, national governments, intergovernmental agencies and other official international institutions address and recognize the following: 1. The Congress recommends that the Organization of American States (OAS), its member states, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights consult fully with regional indigenous representational organizations giving full measure and consideration to their views in the participation of its future Inter-American Legal Instrument on the Rights of Indigenous Populations, 2. The Congress recommends the budgeting and creation by the General Assembly of an international center for the promotion, preservation and study of Indigenous cultures, including the direct participation of indigenous peoples, 3. The Congress recommends that the United Nations and its member states include the views of Indigenous peoples in the elaboration of the protocols for the Biodiversity Convention, and that Indigenous peoples participate fully in its implementation, 4. The Congress recommends that the United Nations Sub- Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and other related organizations develop, jointly with indigenous representatives, guidelines and instruments to protect Indigenous peoples' rights to their traditional knowledge and ensure just compensation for the use of their knowledge, 5. The Congress recommends that indigenous peoples should be guaranteed a role in the protection of the earth's ecosystems and renewable resources, 6. The Congress recommends that the United Nations Sub- Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities disseminate copies of the Draft Universal Declaration on Indigenous Rights to indigenous representational organizations for their consideration and approval. ============================================ For more information, contact: Harry Bombay National Aboriginal Forestry Association Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Tel: (613) 233-5633 Fax: (613) 233-4329 Harold Derickson Intertribal Forestry Association of B.C. Suite 201 - 515 Highway 97 South Kelowna, B.C., Canada V1Z 3J2 Tel: (604) 769-4433 Fax: (604) 769-4866 --------- "RE: Innu Chief Katie Rich Quits" --------- From: A.HOROVITCH Art Horovitch Subj: Innu Chief Katie Rich Quits GE Electronic Mail INNU CHIEF KATIE RICH QUITS Katie Rich, the Innu chief of the Davis Inlet band in Labrador, has left her post, citing frustration with lack of progress with the federal and provincial governments on the question of relocating the band to a more favorable site, and overcoming the social problems in the community. Rich said, in a recent interview with CBC radio, that every proposal put forward to the government has been rejected. Problems in the community continue: Last week , four young people attempted suicide, and one man threatened to shoot his parents, but was stopped by the intervention of tribal police. Four of the youngsters who were sent to Poundmakers Lodge in Saskatchewan last spring for treatment after the gas-sniffing incident are now drinking heavily. (That incident last spring was carried in the world media.) The chief said they had sent a letter to the authorities in Oct 92, identifying 42 youngsters they felt needed treatment for gas-sniffing, but only 17 were sent with their families to the treatment center, the others were left in the community. Two of these had been in a correctional center, but have been released and are sniffing gas. She said that Davis Inlet "is a disaster waiting to happen." When asked her opinion of Clyde Wells, the premier of Newfoundland/Labrador where Davis Inlet is located, she could not find the words to adequately express the frustration she felt with him in the protracted negotiations which have led nowhere. She says Well does not recognize the Innu as a separate people with their own tradition, culture and values which are different from that of white society. Wells himself has said that people attempting suicide are not going to sway the government in its decisions. As far as the move to Sango Bay on the mainland, which the Innu themselves have requested, Wells says this is not really feasible, because they want the Innu to move to an area where government services and economic opportunities are greater. --------- "RE: Native American Month at the Smithsonian" --------- From: SIVM.SI.EDU!SECSI003 Subj: Native American Month at the Smithsonian Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) November is AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH AT THE SMITHSONIAN Theme: Leadership role of women in the American Indian Community Nov 3, 6:30 pm A panel discussion, "From Beadwork to the Boardroom: Native American Women as Leaders". Speakers: Ada Deer(Menominee) assistant secretary for Indian affairs at the Interior Dept, LaDonna Harris (Comanche) director of Americans for Indian Opportunity, Leona Kakar, former chair of the Ak-chin Indian Community, and Janine Pease-Windy Boy(Crow) President of Little Big Horn College. Films shown at noon in the Ring Aud. Nov 7 "Separate Visions" "Jaune Quick-to-see Smith" and "Daughters of the Anasazi" Nov 15 "The Learning Path" Nov 16 "To Protect Mother Earth" Nov 17 "Wilma P. Mankiller:Woman of Power" and "Rigoberta Menchu: Broken Silence" Nov 18 "Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief" and "Ten Dollars or Nothing" Nov 19 "Words of Wisdom" and "Sun,Moon,and Feather" Nov 15, 8 pm Slide-illustrated lecture by Chiricahua Apache sculptor Allen Houser Natural History's Baird Aud. Info: For reservation and info call (202) 357-3030. Nov 2, 1 pm Lecture: "Anglo Myths and Pueblo Artists" William Truettner, curator of painting and sculpture at American Art. NMAA's Lecture Hall Nov 5, noon Illustrated lecture: "Sitting Crow Sculpture," Sihasapa Lakota sculptor Ted Garner Baird Aud. Nov 15, 1 pm Lecture: "Between Pleasure and Pain:The Art of Kay Walkingstick" postdoctoral fellow Erin Valentine NMAA's Lecture Hall. Nov 19 Lecture: "Enduring Spirits: Women of the Great Plains Emma Hansen (Pawnee), curator of the Plains Indian Museum in Cody, Wyo., Baird Aud. Nov 19, noon Lecture: Native American Ceramics by artists of the San Idelfonso Pueblo, N.M. The Renwick's Allen Bassing MNH, the gallery. Nov 26, noon Discussion: totem pole carvings,drums, boxes, screens, and jewelry by Kwakiutl artist Richard Hunt Baird Aud. Hunt will demonstrate his work on Nov. 23 and 28 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 4:30 PM in MNH's Evans Gallery. Nov 8, 7PM Performance: "The death of King Philip", Romulus Linney's poetic drama Portrait Gallery's Great Hall. Discussion afterward by Suzan Shown Harjo, Cheyenne/Hodulgee Creek poet Reservations: call (202) 357-2729. Nov 19, Noon Performance "Native American Women's Music" Nov. 20 1&4 PM American History's Carmichael Aud. Singers from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation Ore., and cometmporary singer-songwriter Pura Fe. Films: "The American Indian Collection" at NPG. Nov 1 "Geronimo and the Apache Resistance" Nov 2 "Seasons of a Navajo" Nov 8 "The Spirit of Crazy Horse" Nov 9 "Myths and mound builders" Nov 15 "Winds of Change, a Matter of Promises" Nov 12, noon "In the Land of the War Canoes," in Baird Nov 20&23, 1PM "The Pueblo Presence" in NMAA's Lecture Hall Nov 23,29,30, "Roanoke: The Unsolved Mystery of the Lost 12:30 Colony," NPG Nov 26 2PM "The Crooked Beak of Heaven," Baird Nov 27-28 1PM "Box of Treasures" Baird Nov 27 1:30 Nov 28 2:30 "Franz Boas:1858-1942" Baird Nov 27 2:30 "Kleena" Baird Nov 28 1:30 "Potlatch:A strict Law Forbids Us Dance" Exhibits include Now to Mar 6, 1994 "Chiefly Feasts:The EnduringKwakiutl Potlatch" NMNH Now to March 20 The Arvin Gottlieb Collection:SW paintings at NMAA Now to Nov 29 "Pueblo Indian Watercolors" and "Prints and Drawings from New Mexico" at NMAA Nov 6,7,13,14,20,27 "Flights of Fancy:Stories for Children" 2PM Air & Space, Looking at Earth Gallery. Nov 13 1-2:30 Tour and hands on workshop for kids aged 8-12 NMAA. Reservations (202) 357-3111 by Nov 8 At the Museum located 3753 Broadway at 155th St. NYC Nov 2, 3, 9 & 10 Demos by Sioux dollmaker Ina McNeil 10:30am - 12:30 pm Nov 4 & Jan 4 Performance by Andean wind instrument musician 10:30AM to 12:30PM Pepe Santana will perform Nov 13 Performance of Aymara music by Jose Montano 10AM to 4PM Nov 16,17,23,24,30 Quillwork by Donald Jackson (Cherokee) 10AM to 12:30PM. Events are free unless otherwise indicated. For info or a complete calendar call (202) 357-2700, voice, or (202) 357-1729, TTY. Thanks to Steve Smith, who from whose Internet post this information was taken. --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows" --------- From: JANS Janet McNeely Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows GE Electronic Mail =POWWOWS= Nov 20 Mashpee Wampanoag Winter Social & Potluck United Church Village Community Center Info: (508) 477-0208 Nov 20 National Native American Heritage Day Powwow Concord, MA Info: (617) 884-4227 Nov 20 All Nations Indian Youth Powwow Tulsa, OK Info: (918) 762-3962 Thanksgiving Powwows: Thanksgiving Weekend: Annual Powwow, Fort Duchesne, UT Info: (801) 722-5141 Thanksgiving Weekend: American Indian Market, Phoenix, AZ Info: (602) 252-1594 Thanksgiving Weekend: LIHA Powwow Folsom, LA Info: (504) 246-3742 Thanksgiving Weekend: Native Arts and Crafts Show and Sale Aboriginal Artisan Art & Craft Society Edmonton AB Canada Info: (403) 846-0069 Nov. 25-27 NFICS Annual Thanksgiving Gathering Orange Springs, FL Info: (904) 799-7981 Nov. 26-28 Thanksgiving at Chicopee National Native American Festival and Powwow, Gainesville GA Info: (404) 822-1180 Nov 26-27 Thanksgiving Powwow, San Bernadino CA Inland Native American Assn. Info: (714) 889-2444 Nov 26-28 Thanksgiving Season Indoor Powwow Tucson, AZ Info: (602) 622-4900 Academic Meeting/Conference Feb 4-5,'94 Annual meeting/conference,Association of American Indian and Alaska Native Professors. Arizona State Univ. Information & Registration: Center for Indian Education, 602-965-6292. Send notices of forthcoming powwows, conferences and gatherings to: jans@genie.geis.com jans%glsdk@wolves.durham.nc.us ....duke!wolves!glsdk!jans