_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' 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 02, ISSUE 004 O o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 22 January 1994 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. "Good words do not last long unless they amount to something. Words do not pay for my dead people. Words do not pay for my country, now overrun by white men. They do not protect my father's grave. They do not pay for all my horses and cattle. Good words will not give me back my children. Good words will not make good the promise of your War Chief. Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves." I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises. There has been too much talking by men who had no right to talk." -- Chief Joseph, Nee-Mee-Poo O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! Cree and Innu continue the long fight to keep Hydro-Quebec from forever altering their ecosystem. The U.S. Forest Service still builds roads, with court approval, across sacred lands. As guardians of Mother Earth our vigil is unending. At times it seems hopeless. Never forget the Great Mystery made this beautiful place by and for Himself and chose to share it with the First People. That gives those on the Red Road a special voice and knowledge that, as guardians of Mother Earth, we will ultimately succeed. There have been some successes to bolster that belief, such as lands being returned to the Penobscot in Maine and sacred Blue Lake returning to the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico. Keep the vigil and hold to that you know to be true. Mitaquye Oyasin! Night Owl ------------------ clip here for news feature -- 8< ----------- --------- "RE: Lenape Call to Fast & Prayer" --------- From: J.AUDLIN James D. Audlin (Chief Distant Eagle) Subj: Lenape Call to Fast & Prayer O'siyo, brothers! The following general letter is from Robert Three Eagles Shrewsbury, the Chief of the United Lenape Nation. With his support, I am giving it to you, as also under my name for the Free Cherokees, for \Wotanging Ikche\. --D.E. ============================= RECOMMENDATION FOR THREE DAY FAST WITH PRAYER, UNIFYING TOGETHER ON THE THIRD DAY FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS Our request for a three day prayer is for the gathering and unification of the Lenape people, all Native American people, and all good people of the world. We of the United Lenape Nation have taken responsibility for the well-being, gathering, repairing, and restoration of our people and all good world peoples as much as possible. It is and was our ancient and present commitment and covenant with the Creator to be shepherds, spokespersons, peacemakers, counsellors, healers, teachers, and warriors for the benefit of all life. We ask at this time, in spite of our many shortcomings and faults, that we as a Nation and respective peoples receive: the necessary goodness; love and respect for one another and all life; compassion and understanding; knowledge, wisdom, and adequate provisions for the work to be done by the Nation's peoples, leaders, and friends to accomplish our covenants with the Creator and keep our commitments. What we would like to do is to coordinate a prayer for the Nation in which everybody fasts (who can fast) and also make personal offerings and prayers starting at noon on 16 February 1994 and ending at noon on 19 February 1994. Those who can will gather on the third day at or about noon for local prayer circle meetings. We ask that all who participate in the prayer circles handle any problems they may have with others first so that these prayer circles are whole and effective and are not broken. When people come together in a prayer circle and one or two or more people have bad feelings against each other or another in the circle then the circle is broken to some degree and the spiritual effectiveness and fidelity is reduced. A lot of people believe and expect that the responsibility for all humankind is only for certain leaders, organizations, churches, or groups. That is simply not true. Responsibility for all humankind and all life is the responsibility of every man, woman, and child, regardless of his or her race, religion, or level of education. The work, the job, and the rewards go to those people who roll up their sleeves and just get in there and help out in any way possible - not listening to "it can't be done", "it's not for you", or "somebody else should do it", or any other calls from the Dark. Liberty, free-agency, and justice were never achieved without the help of the Creator, and I don't believe the Creator ever helped a people who did not acknowledge the Creator and ask for help and were willing to care for their fellow human beings and personally give in their behalf. Many hands, many hearts, and many prayers make any worthy task possible and come out with more speed and less effort. When applied to a creator-based value, it becomes a form of righteous power. We have many good, talented, and sincere people in our Nation and among our friends. There are many Lenape-based groups in various places and we need to find solidarity and support one another on important issues concerning peace and the welfare of all life. We believe it is good to pool our talents, knowledge, and prayers in behalf of our Mother Earth and all life. We sincerely pray that our Nation will have the provisions, knowledge, and wisdom to conduct its affairs and help many good people and life forms in a good way and become a great teacher - by example and practice. + + + A note: Traditionally, adult fasting was done with preparation, knowledge and often without water. Because of (modern) conditions such as health, age, inexperience, and pollution, you will have to choose a form of fasting appropriate to your circumstances. Some possibilities include water, herb teas, fruit or vegetable juices, fruits or vegetables, a single type of food, deliberately missed meals, etc. Your prayers are still welcome if for some reason you are unable to fast. People in a poor state of health should consult a physician before fasting. Prisoners may not be able to comply with all the suggestions of this prayer/fast, but we only ask that they remember the purpose and spirit of the prayer/fast, and do the best they can under their circumstances. Wanishi (thanks) to all in this united prayer, The Nation Leaders of the United Lenape Nation P.O. Box 1198; Fredonia Arizona 86022 Additional Note: I, Distant Eagle, Tribal Council Chief of the Free Cherokees, am distributing this letter from my brother Chief Three Eagles as being from me too, encouraging all Free Cherokees, all Cherokees of whatever tribal organization, all Native people, and all people of good heart of whatever ancestry, to join in this fast and prayer time. Wado (thanks)! --------- "RE: Eyewitness Report from Chiapas" --------- From: gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us (Gary S. Trujillo) Subj: Eyewitness Report from Chiapas Mailing List: NATIVE-L Written 3:24 pm Jan 15, 1994 by ww@blythe.org in igc:carnet.mexnews EYEWITNESS REPORT FROM CHIAPAS, MEXICO By Gloria La Riva San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico Jan. 12--Signs of a war against the poor are everywhere here in the heart of the impoverished state of Chiapas. Today the army opened its roadblock on the mountainous road to Ocosingo, and this reporter was in the first car out, together with a videographer and a freelance investigative reporter from San Francisco. Refugees from the fighting pointed out a bus on the side of the road and told us several occupants had been killed by the Mexican army. There were bloodstains in the bus but the bodies had been removed. Another 200 yards down the road we came on four Indian women carrying white flags. They pointed into the woods and told us a body was there. We walked in and saw a young person dressed in a guerrilla uniform. The body had been on the ground for several days. Today's El Tiempo newspaper, published in San Crist"bal, reports that yesterday 15,000 army troops, armed with 18 tanks and artillery, were advancing on Guadalupe Tepeyac. This is the mountain village where a large force of Zapatista guerrillas is reported to be concentrated and where the population is openly sympathetic to the peasant uprising. The army offensive seems to give the lie to conciliatory statements by the government's newly appointed "peace negotiator," Manuel Camacho Solis, that the government wants a truce and might even recognize the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) as a legitimate force. Military roadblocks have prevented food and medicine from getting to 200,000 people in rural areas sympathetic to the EZLN. People who have eaten nothing but tortillas for eight days are now warily making their way along the recently opened road. On the outskirts of San Crist"bal, a makeshift camp has been set up for refugees from the village of San Antonio de los Ba$os, which was bombed by the air force. People in the camp were afraid of having their pictures taken, saying they feared reprisals from the army. Not far away is the prison El Cerezo, which was attacked by the rebels on New Year's Day. Its 179 inmates, almost all of them Indians, were liberated by the Zapatistas. It stands empty now, the windows in its guard towers shot out. In another direction is the Rancho Nuevo army base. There was still some shooting there last night. It is hard to tell from here what the military is doing further back in the mountains. But as recently as Sunday and Monday, villagers told us, the air force was bombing in the mountains right around San Crist"bal. -30- (Copyright Workers World Service: Permission to reprint granted if source is cited. For more information contact Workers World, 55 West 17 St., New York, NY 10011; via e-mail: ww@blythe.org.) +----------------------------------------------------------------+ + 212-675-9690 NY TRANSFER NEWS COLLECTIVE 212-675-9663 + + Since 1985: Information for the Rest of Us + + e-mail: nyt@blythe.org info: info@blythe.org + --------- "RE: AIM - Edgewood Declaration" --------- From: milo@scicom.AlphaCDC.COM (Michele Lord) Subj: AIM - Edgewood Declaration THE EDGEWOOD DECLARATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF AUTONOMOUS CHAPTERS OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT We are the American Indian Movement. AIM. We walk into the future in the footsteps of our ancestors, following the principles of our traditional spirituality, sovereignty, self-determination, sobriety, and mutual respect. Hence, we are firmly committed to the time-honored indigenous political perspective of the inalienable and inherent right of the people to decide for themselves, by a grassroots, democratic process, the nature of their destiny. It follows that we hereby declare and reaffirm that we are, in the manner of those who have come before us, an international confederation, an alliance of fully autonomous but reciprocally supporting chapters. Accordingly, each chapter of AIM agrees to advance the cause of indigenous sovereignty and self-determination within its own context and regional conditions. Decisions of local and state chapters are made independently and, given a legitimate local base and constituency, such decisions are to be accorded respect by other chapters. Our reasons for making this declaration, regarding matters which many people might consider self-evident, concern certain recent assertions and resulting public confusion fostered by a small group of individuals based mainly in Minneapolis, Minnesota, calling itself the National American Indian Movement (N-AIM, or "name"; founded, by its own account, in July, 1993). Because of the nature of the false claims lately advanced by these people, and the publicity they have received on the basis of such lies, it has become necessary to publicly address and repudiate them. This is especially true with regard to the notion that there exists either a legitimate AIM "National Office" or "National Officers" with authority to appoint or remove local AIM members from whatever positions they occupy on the basis of chapter affirmation, or to dictate "policy" to the movement as a whole. Let us be perfectly clear. There has not been a genuine national membership meeting of the American Indian Movement since 1974. Therefore, no membership authorization for a national office or national officers can possibly be said to have been obtained since that time. To the contrary, it has been specifically determined on at least two separate occasions during the intervening two decades that such a structure and/such titles are contrary to the interests of the movement and of American Indian people more generally. AIM leadership has always come from the bottom up--on a chapter by chapter basis--not from the top down. And the sporadic self- ordained "AIM National Leadership Meetings" conducted during the 1980s and '90s have done nothing to change this essential fact. Again we must be clear. AIM is not--despite statements lately issued by Vernon and Clyde Bellecourt, Carole Standing Elk, and others--a corporate entity, under the laws of the United States, the State of Minnesota or any other foreign government. Nor is it an entertainment enterprise, a personal fiefdom, a "career option," a medium for private profit, or any of the other things this fringe element seems to believe. Instead, AIM is a bonafide national liberation movement--open to the participation of all indigenous people, regardless of the "status" or "recognition" bestowed upon them by our oppressors--oriented specifically and exclusively to reasserting the sovereignty and self- determining dignity of our nations. Because of all these factors, we state without hesitancy or equivocation that we collectively reject all pretense to legitimacy or authority by N-AIM and/or those individuals it has unilaterally appointed to positions of regional or local "leadership" over the past several months. Let it be understood by all those reading this document that we will no longer tolerate the divisiveness and disruption brought about by N- AIM or any similar entity. Beginning now, we have commenced the process of doing what is necessary to maintain the integrity of the American Indian Movement and the struggle it represents. All those who consider themselves allies, supporters or advocates of indigenous rights will respect our position, and respond accordingly. Adopted by consensus at Edgewood, New Mexico December 18, 1993 New Mexico AIM Colorado AIM Oklahoma AIM Florida AIM Northern California AIM Southern California AIM Texas AIM Southeast AIM Northwest AIM Also endorsed by telephone by Chief Billy Tayac, Mid-Atlantic AIM ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*+ "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: Ramsey Clark Statement on Chiapas 1" --------- From: gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us (Gary S. Trujillo) Subj: Ramsey Clark Statement on Chiapas 1 Mailing List: NATIVE-L Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit INTERNATIONAL ACTION CENTER 39 West 14th Street #206 New York, NY 10011 (212) 633-6646 (212) 633-2889 fax e-mail iac@blythe.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 15, 1994 ATTENTION: Assignment Editor PRESS CONTACT: Deirdre Sinnott Sue Bailey (212) 633- 6646 INITIAL STATEMENT FROM RAMSEY CLARK REGARDING HUMAN RIGHTS IN MEXICO'S CHIAPAS REGION. At a press conference in San Cristobal, former U.S. Attorney General, Ramsey Clark, made an initial statement about the human rights situation he and the others in the delegation observed during their travels in Mexico's Chiapas region. "The Zapatista uprising was a shot heard round the world in defense of the indigenous people throughout the hemisphere. Peace and reconciliation is impossible without a guarantee of respect. An International War Crimes committee must be established. There has been indiscriminate bombings, summary executions and torture." There will be an eyewitness report in New York City, Saturday, January 22nd at 6:30 pm at the Newspaper Guild Hall, 133 West 44th Street. Clark has headed other fact-finding missions in the past such as a trip to Panama after the U.S. invasion, and a tour of Iraq in January 1991. -30- +----------------------------------------------------------------+ + 212-675-9690 NY TRANSFER NEWS COLLECTIVE 212-675-9663 + + Since 1985: Information for the Rest of Us + + e-mail: nyt@blythe.org info: info@blythe.org + --------- "RE: Book Reviews of Interest to Native Americans" --------- From: sbrock@teal.csn.org (Steve Brock) Subj: Short review of Over the Earth I Come (History) Short review of Changing Woman: The Life and Art of Helen Hardin Short review of Indian Water in the New West (Water Policy) Short review of Neon Pow-Wow (Literary Anthology) Short Review of Once They Moved Like the Wind (Apache History) Subj: Short review of Over the Earth I Come (History) OVER THE FIELDS I COME: THE GREAT SIOUX UPRISING OF 1862 by Duane Schultz. St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Ave., N.Y., NY 10010, (800) 221-7945, (212) 420-9314 FAX. Illustrated, index, map, notes, bibliography. 320 pp., $12.95 paper. 0-312-09360-8. Hardcover is out of stock. REVIEW Schultz gives fair treatment to one of the first battles in what were later labeled the "Indian Wars." In this recent paperback release of the 1992 hardcover edition (which won a New York Times "Notable Book of the Year" award), he describes how the Sioux (Lakota) were left to starve while traders hoarded food in warehouses, refusing to let the Indians purchase on credit. As a result, they went on a rampage, killing an estimated 400 to 2,000 settlers. Later the same year, 38 Indians were hung for the crimes, in the largest mass execution in U.S. history. Schultz tells the story with compassion and discernment. Recommended for libraries and classes in Native American history. Subj: Short review of Changing Woman: The Life and Art of Helen Hardin CHANGING WOMAN: THE LIFE AND ART OF HELEN HARDIN by Jay Scott. Northland Publishing, P.O. Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389, (800) 346-3257. Illustrated, selected bibliography, list of works. 176 pp., $19.95 paper. 0-87358-567-4 REVIEW Hardin (1943-1984), a Santa Clara Pueblo artist and daughter of artist Pablita Velarde, packed a lot of art into her short life. Constantly in the shadow of her mother, she began to receive individual acclaim shortly before her death. Sixty-two color plates depict Native spirits from many tribes: Hopi katchinas, Mimbres rabbits and fish, Hohokam and Anasazi figures (including Kokopelli). The overriding theme in Hardin's paintings, prints, and etchings, though, are the colorful and evocative Tewa faces that reveal the personality and mysticism of this complex woman who lived in both the Native and white worlds but never comfortably in either. This highly recommended version of "Changing Woman" is a reprint of last year's softcover edition; the hardcover edition of 1989 is out of print. Subj: Short review of Indian Water in the New West (Water Policy) INDIAN WATER IN THE NEW WEST, edited by Thomas G. McGuire, William B. Lord, and Mary G. Wallace. University of Arizona Press, 1230 N. Park, #102, Tucson, AZ 85719, (800) 426-3797, (602) 882-3065 in Arizona, (602) 621-8899 FAX. The University of Arizona Press online catalogue and order form may be accessed from the Internet by telneting to INFO.CCIT.ARIZONA.EDU. Login as INFO. From the Main Menu choose 5 (On-line Information Services), 3 (University of Arizona Information), 1 (Campus Services), and 4 (University of Arizona Press). Index, notes. 253 pp., $35.00 cloth. 0-8165-1392-9 REVIEW Can Indian tribes, either through negotiation or litigation, get the water rights to which they are entitled? And once quantified, can they put the water to use through marketing or the construction of projects? In an era of dwindling allocations for water projects and as a result of several landmark court decisions, the essayists of this impressive volume, (engineers, economists, policy analysts, lawyers, Indians, and anthropologists, many of which are ex- classmates and professors of mine), assert that as the quantification process is finalized, the problem of putting the water to use will take much accommodation. Several case studies are included, such as the Central Arizona Project (whose ultimate goal changed several times during construction), the Animas La Plata Project (which has yet to be built), and attempts at water marketing and irrigation. The concluding essay by Charles F. Wilkinson underscores the need for a sense of community and Indian homeland to govern future settlements, with an ethics of keeping promises. This is an exciting and powerful work, with a strong message for those working in any aspect of Indian water policy. It also serves as a fitting text for classes in Indian water rights, environmental policy, and water law. Subj: Short review of Neon Pow-Wow (Literary Anthology) NEON POW-WOW: NEW NATIVE AMERICAN VOICES OF THE SOUTHWEST, edited by Anna Lee Walters. Northland Publishing, P.O. Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389, (800) 346-3257. 131 pp., $12.95 paper. 0-87358-562-3 REVIEW Twenty-two up-and-coming Native American writers and poets are spotlighted in this compact anthology that rides an emotional mountain range from the lofty San Francisco Peaks to the Valley of the Sun, where young Natives attempt to reconcile their ancient stories with those they live every day. The stories and poems are occasionally superficial, but all contain a fresh perspective or an innovative approach. Lorenzo Baca's "Word Circles" contain endless phrases in a circle, so that the last word runs back into the first word, such as "earth is our mother." Most entries are two-to-three pages long and are a fast read. It's the feelings the reader takes with them after putting the book down that appear more slowly, but consistently. These are the Leslie Silko's and James Welch's of tomorrow. Watch them bloom. Subj: Short Review of Once They Moved Like the Wind (Apache History) ONCE THEY MOVED LIKE THE WIND: COCHISE, GERONIMO, AND THE APACHE WARS by David Roberts. Simon and Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, N.Y., NY 10020, (800) 223-2336, (212) 698-7007 FAX. Illustrated, index, bibliography, notes, map. 320 pp., $20.00 cloth. 0-671-70221-1 REVIEW A friend of mine told me about the time he was hitch-hiking through the White Mountain Apache reservation when a young Indian picked him up. A bit later, an animal ran across the road and though the driver tried to avoid it, it was hit by the car and killed. The Indian pulled over and performed a blessing ceremony, apologizing for the delay. This story illuminates the ones told by Roberts in his new history of the Apache wars: everything done by an Apache is grounded in their sacred traditions; there was no such thing as revenge for white atrocities, their exploits were "along the lines of a sacramental act." The lives of Geronimo and Cochise are related within the backdrop of skirmishes and campaigns between the U.S. Infantry and the last band of Native Americans to be conquered by Manifest Destiny in the years from 1861 to 1886. Roberts doesn't go near the territory suggested by other writers who say that Geronimo was actually many people and the one that was captured and escaped was not the same one that said "Once I moved like the wind" when he made his final surrender. Sordid at times, compelling throughout, the writing is straightforward, though little is new. Recommended. --------- "RE: Sweat Lodge Advisory" --------- From: J.AUDLIN James D. Audlin (Chief Distant Eagle) Subj: Sweat Lodge Advisory O'siyo, folks -- This is another article that I got from Chief Robert "Three Eagles" Shrewsbury, Chief of the United Lenape Nation. It's a good reminder, so I'm passing it along for possible use in \Wotanging Ikche\. The original was a personal letter Three Eagles wrote and cc'd to me. I asked him for permission to give it to you folks, which he granted. With his permission I've edited and amplified it throughout for clarity and to add some more important information. Wado! --D.E. =============== SWEAT LODGE AND DRUG/ALCOHOL USE -- Chief Robert "Three Eagles" Shrewsbury (United Lenape Nation) Remember that as you work with people who have had a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse that they have an underlying nutrition depletion. This underlying lack of nutrition will tend to cause a relapse to drug abuse if not guarded against. A multiple vitamin with minerals can prevent about 50% of relapses alone. If people like the Sweat Lodge much, their bodies will detoxify themselves from drugs, but their bodies will also lose oils, minerals, and vitamins. If not supplemented, this can cause a relapse into drug or alcohol abuse. People sweating more than once a month need a tablespoon of cold pressed oils such as safflower, all-blend, etc.; a multi-vitamin with minerals; and extras such as potassium, zinc, copper, and salt. Taking vitamins C and A, pantothenic acid, or B-50 complex are also advisable. Vitamins are, of course, best taken in or with food. Finally, lots of good water, or other liquids high in electrolytes, is a must. Symptoms of dangerous depletion of necessary nutrients include a craving for junk foods, headaches, cravings for cigarettes or other drugs, sleep loss or too much sleep, and loss of regular bodily habits. These symptoms may occur temporarily as a part of the detoxification process while sweating, but they should go away in time. If they come back, they can be symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. This was not a problem in the old days, because we did not have several thousand chemicals and toxic substances in our systems which cause mineral depletion. Furthermore, even good food today has been depleted of its natural mineral value: a carrot grown in 1920 had four times the nutritional value of a carrot grown today, and tomatoes today are a much higher percentage of water than natural tomatoes. Foods are bred today to be big and pretty with a long shelf life, not to be nutritional, because big and pretty sells better. One person who had been going to a sweat several times didn't want to go back because he suffered from severe headaches for six to eight hours afterwards. This is usually caused by a severe depletion of potassium and minerals lost by profuse sweating. A simple cure is to eat a banana or a pickle. This is information that any responsible person running a sweat lodge should have for the overall spiritual and physical well-being of the people involved. --------- "RE: Great Law of Peace" --------- From: Kayoshk Subj: Great Law of Peace Mailing List: NATIVE-L According to: Original Sender: "Richard L. Haan" Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Grinde has been connected with the common belief that the Iroquois Confederacy was the source of the founding fathers views on the federalism of the Constitution. His most recent work is in a collection of essay EXILED IN THE LAND OF THE FREE. But see also Elizabeth Tooker's essay on the League and the Constitution in ETHNOHISTORY (citation not at hand, but it was in late 80s or early 90s. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Iroquois Great Law of Peace (known as the Iroquois Constitution) can be obtained through FTP sites all over, plus through the commercial computer services. It is DEFINITELY the source of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the United Nations Charter. Not only do many historians agree, but the similarities are much too striking to ignore. There is a story (oral tradition here) that says that an Onondaga, and a Seneca Sachem went to see Thomas Jefferson about using the Great Law of Peace in the U.S. Constitution. I don't know if there is any documentation to support this, but it is a part of our history. //:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\\ || || || David Ashelman (Kayoshk) I work to preserve the Creation. I refuse to || || Seneca Nation take part in its destruction, because man has|| || Niagara University responsibility, and not power. || || S920539@vax.niagara.edu || \\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*/:\*// --------- "RE: Internships Available" --------- From: milo@scicom.AlphaCDC.COM (Michele Lord) Subj: Internships Available 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 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. The Spiritual Elders from the Four Directions of Turtle Island brought a much needed voice to the United Nations for the first time. Manuel Hoyungowa, grandson of Hopi Elder Monongye, closed his statement with these words: "And in fulfillment of our mission here, both with the spirit of my grandfather, Monongye, and I. We firmly believe that coming together today like this is a fulfillment of one of our prophecies. So we hope that you will listen to our warnings and act accordingly." In order for the world's policy makers to "act accordingly," they must have the transcripts and video footage from the 3-day meeting available to them. The Wittenberg Center For Alternative Resources urgently needs people to transcribe tapes and edit video. They also need funds. The Center has internships available that will provide housing and an opportunity to learn new information and skills. Please, if you have any time to give to this very significant, crucial project, please contact Betsy Stang at the phone numbers above. Our 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. [I posted the entire statements by Manuel Hoyungowa and Martin Gashweseoma of the Hopi Nation last month. If anyone missed them, I will e-mail them to you. -Michele] ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*+ "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: FWDP: Canadian Statement at UNWGIP" --------- From: jburrows@halcyon.com (John Burrows) Subj: FWDP: Canadian Statement at UNWGIP ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :: This file has been created under the loving care of :: :: -= THE FOURTH WORLD DOCUMENTATION PROJECT =- :: :: :: :: Questions and comments on FWDP can be addressed to: :: :: :: :: John Burrows jburrows@halcyon.com :: :: P.O. Box 2574 :: :: Olympia, Wa Fido Net 1:352/333 :: :: 98507-2574 206-786-9629 :: :: USA The Quarto Mundista BBS :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: C A N A D A The Permanent Mission of Canada La Mission Permanente du Canada to the United Nations aupres des Nations Unies at Geneva a Geneve U N I T E D N A T I O N S WORKING GROUP ON INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS ELEVENTH SESSION, JULY 1993 STATEMENT BY THE OBSERVER DELEGATION OF CANADA DELIVERED BY GERALD E. SHANNON AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE JULY 29, 1993/29 JUILLET 1993 Madam Chairperson, I appreciate this opportunity to make a statement on behalf of the government of Canada. I would first like to commend you, Madam Chairperson, and the other members of the Working Group, for the work which you have performed in drawing attention of governments in the United Nations to indigenous issues. Last week, a member of the Canadian observer delegation, in his address on standards and principles, referred to the negotiation process which Canadians favour to give life to the legal concepts which frame our nation. To paraphrase what he said: 'The challenge which we have is to design concepts (of self- determination) which oblige states and Indigenous people to work out harmonious arrangements for sharing.' Today, I want to share with you what this concept can mean in practical terms. A year ago we informed you of the process in which the Prime Minister, premiers and representatives of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, were actively engaged in a process to develop comprehensive proposals for constitutional change. Over _ __ month period, Aboriginal representatives participated in 14 meetings of ministers and First Ministers. The result was an agreement referred to in Canada, as the Charlottetown Accord. The Accord was the subject of a national referendum on October 26, 1992. Unfortunately, Canadians, including most Aboriginal Canadians, decided that the Accord should not proceed as the basis for constitutional change. The government of Canada respects that decision. Nevertheless, the government of Canada remains committed to making progress on self-government and other Aboriginal issues within the existing constitutional framework. To that end, ministers continue to meet and work with Aboriginal representatives, provincial and territorial governments. Madam Chairperson, Real progress continues to be made under the Native Agenda, a government-wide initiative to accelerate the resolution of longstanding grievances of Aboriginal Canadians and to engender a new relationship. Canada is committed to: settling land claims; improving conditions on reserves; nurturing a new relationship between the government and Aboriginal peoples; recognizing and enhancing the role of Aboriginal peoples in contemporary Canadian society. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, which I described in detail last year, has held several rounds of hearings and will be reporting in 1995. LAND CLAIMS Given the importance of land matters, I would like to discuss recent developments and overall approaches. In the past year, significant results have been achieved -- a total of 25 specific land claims have been settled, 14 treaty land entitlement claims in Saskatchewan have been reached and six comprehensive land claims have been settled with the Gwich'in, the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut, and four Yukon First Nations. In addition, the Sahtu in the Mackenzie Valley voted this month to ratify their agreement. Canada's comprehensive land claims agreements are modern day treaties negotiated with Aboriginal groups that wish to settle claims based on Aboriginal rights to land. Since 1973, when the comprehensive land claims policy was developed, a feature of this process has been the stress on negotiations in achieving final agreements. The process involves several milestones. After a claim is accepted, the federal government and the Aboriginal groups enter into and conclude: preliminary negotiations; a framework agreement; an agreement-in- principle; a final agreement, and an accompanying implementation plan. For each agreement, there must be formal approval by the Aboriginal group, provincial or territorial governments and the federal government. Then final settlement legislation must be agreed to by Parliament. This can be a long process, but a necessary one given the constitutional protection for these agreements, which ensures that all parties are comfortable with the settlement. Processes have evolved as a result of lessons learned from earlier negotiations and the different situations of communities. For example, due to experiences with the first settlement, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) in which different interpretations were placed on the agreement, an implementation plan is now a part of settlements to ensure common understandings of all aspects. Also, I would note that a new community is under construction for the Ouje- Bougoumou Cree. Some would speak ill of the Canadian predilection for negotiation and compromise. Yet it works because agreements result and these agreements are not static. For example, last January the Crees of Quebec signed the eleventh agreement complementary to the JBNQA, in which they agreed to continuation of portions of La Grande hydro development project in exchange for $75 million. This settlement will be worth $110 million by the time the last payment is made. At the time of signing, Grand Chief Mathew Coon-Come stated: "When called upon, the Crees and Hydro-Quebec can sometimes find ways to resolve practical problems. We both must continue to monitor and to deal with the impacts of the La Grande complex." Other negotiations continue while I speak. I would like to focus on several significant achievements in the area of comprehensive land claims over the past year. They indicate that land claim agreements can secure a brighter future and provide Aboriginal groups and non-Aboriginals with the means to pursue shared objectives, such as self-government and economic development. - BRITISH COLUMBIA TREATY COMMISSION In the province of British Columbia, there are many land claims by various Aboriginal groups. A major step towards resolving claims was taken with the creation of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. The Commission is a tripartite organization composed of members appointed by the First Nations, the provincial and the federal governments. Its mandate is to oversee the treaty negotiations process, and coordinate the start of negotiations and monitor their progress. The federal government expects to negotiate over 30 treaties with British Columbia First Nations over the next decade. - NUNAVUT Last month, an historic agreement between Canada and Aboriginal peoples was concluded with the passage by Parliament of two acts: - the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act; and - the Act to Create the Territory of Nunavut. These two acts, which are closely linked, will redraw the map of Canada by 1999 and will provide for a new political and economic future for the Inuit and other residents of the eastern and central Arctic. The NUNAVUT LAND CLAIMS AGREEMENT ACT recognizes title to 350,000 square kilometres of land in the eastern Northwest Territories (an area larger than Finland) to the Inuit and will provide financial payment of more than $1 billion, over 14 years. Other benefits in the agreement include: wildlife harvesting rights; subsurface rights; and participation on wildlife and other resource management boards within the territory. Nunavut will be a public government with a commissioner, cabinet, legislative assembly, public service and territorial court. In accordance with basic democratic principles, residents of the area, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, will have greater control over decisions affecting their daily lives and the challenges ahead. The creation of Nunavut is a good example of the partnership between the Inuit of the eastern Arctic and the government of Canada. Origin: *-=|The Quarto Mundista BBS|=-* V32b/V42b Olympia, WA (1:352/333) --------- "RE: What Is A Nation?" --------- From: Margo Schulter (To: Lee Young) Subj: What Is A Nation? FidoNet conference Indian Affairs In a msg on , Lee Young of 1:124/6104 writes: LY> A Native person, having an understanding of the evolution of LY> Turtle Island's indigenous peoples, the injustices and cruelty endured LY> over the past several hundred years, acknowledges that recognition by LY> the oppressor, while not completely desirable, is necessary to LY> continue as a Nation. As I've mentioned, the Traditionals who have spoken about this either to me or in my presence have emphasized the ways the BIA can meddle in the affairs of a Sovereign Nation, and expressed a desire for total independence from the federal government as a _goal_ -- while also recognizing, as you do, that the strategies for survival are a matter for the Elders and People of a Nation to decide. It's very difficult to decide how best to resist genocide, especially when it seems accepted as "business as usual" by a very large percentage of the population in one's occupied country. The Jews of Poland and other places had very difficult decisions to make 50 years or so ago -- they tried to survive, which might mean fighting in the streets of Warsaw, hiding in a house in Amsterdam, accepting the help of the non-Jews who joined in nonviolent (and successful) resistance against deportations from Bulgaria, or even accepting some rations from the oppressor. As a person of Jewish descent, I wouldn't try to second-guess the people of the Ghettoes of occupied Europe -- and nor would I try to second-guess the Elders and People of occupied Turtle Island. In peace and respect, Margo --- Squish v1.00 Origin: A newcomer near K'ademma & Sekumne, Nisenan Nation (1:203/289.7227) --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows" --------- From: JANS Janet McNeely (Evening Star) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows GE Electronic Mail = Publications Worth Watching = My November-December issue of _Whispering Wind_ finally tracked me down (I moved in December, so it had to be forwarded). Among their excellent articles is an illustrated one entitled "Beadwork: A Problem Solving Checklist," that appears to be a fine resource for craftspeople among our readers. Also this issue includes several color photos from powwows held last fall, and an list of powwows coming up around the country in the first quarter of 1994. This ranks as one of the most attractive "glossy" Native American publications I've ever seen, that also includes a lot of useful information. Subscription Info: 1 yr (6 issues) - $16.00 2 yr (12 issues)- $28.00 Send to Whispering Wind, 8009 Wales St, New Orleans, LA 70126 They suggest 5-8 weeks be allowed for first delivery. =Powwows= Jan 28-30 Indian River Native American Festival New Smyrna Beach, FL Info: 904-424-2175 Feb 5-6 Hawks Flight Inter-Tribal Powwow near Perris, CA Info: 909-923-3353 Feb 12 Joliet Jr. College Powwow Joliet, IL Info: 815-436-4950 Same Date, Same Place: Mascoutin Society of Chicagoland Winter Benefit Dance Info: 708-822-1644 Feb 12-13 Algonquin Social Providence, RI Info: 401-421-0888 Feb 19-20 Annual Tony White Cloud Memorial World Champion Hoop Dance Competition The Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ Info: 602-252l-8840 ext 512, 545, 565 IMPORTANT - LEONARD PELTIER BENEFIT! Mar 5-6 Leonard Peltier Benefit Powwow N. Little Rock, ARK Info: 501-945-1026 (ICFA/LPSG-AR) Send notices of forthcoming powwows, conferences and gatherings to: jans@genie.geis.com janet.mcneely@f1706.n133.z1.fidonet.org wa4mei.atl.ga.us!kd4dts!owlstar!gars