_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' 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 015 O o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 9 February 1994 O o O ( N E W S ) O This issue contains articles from NATIVE-L and NATCHAT Mailing Lists, Internet Newsgroup alt.native, FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference 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 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. "They came with the Bible in one hand and the gun in the other. First they stole gold. Then they stole the land. Then they stole souls." __ Ginger Hills, Navajo +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | Indian Pledge of Allegiance | The Indian Pledge of Alleg- | | iance was first presented | I pledge allegiance to my Tribe,| on 2 December '93 during the | to the democratic principles | opening address of the Nat- | of the Republic | ional Congress of American | and to the individual freedoms | Indian Tribal-States Relat- | borrowed from the Iroquois and | ions Panel in Reno, NV. NCAI | Choctaw Confederacies, | plans distribution of the | as incorporated in the United | Indian Pledge to all Indian | States Constitution, | Nations. | so that my forefathers | | shall not have died in vain | Walk in Beauty! Night Owl +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ Lunar Reminder: April 25 will be the next full moon. O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! This is a very special time for me. My wedding April 8 makes my personal circle much more complete. For all those who share our joy I say, "Thank you, dear friends." There are obviously multiple standards throughout Turtle Island. Three articles in this issue bring that truth to light, each in a different way. Each reminds us we must close the hoop. Division serves none of the First People. There is also a forward of words from a Mohawk elder. They remind us to hold to our beliefs and traditions. Mitaquye Oyasin! Night Owl ------------------ clip here for news feature -- 8< ----------- --------- "RE: Inuit Fashion Show" --------- Date: Wed, 30 Mar 94 18:46 -0500 From: A.HOROVITCH Suzan Horovitch (Sosa;n) Subj: Inuit Fashion Show GE Electronic Mail Here is an unusual feature of fashion news ..... According to Montreal Gazette Article by Jane Gyorgy the Inuit Women from across Canada's North and Greenland staged a very special fashion show recently. Featuring the work of 200 women artisans both traditional and modern designs were found on the runway of Inukshuk School, Iqaluit, Northwest Territories. From the western arctic cam elaborate patchworked fur coats with unique, starburst halos. Caribou amautiks ( or women's parkas ) were featured. This coat features a large hood which is useful for carrying a baby and is traditional worn by young women when they assume adult status. Part clothing and part art, the traditional Inuit clothing combined utility and beauty with their unique spirituality. The clothing speak " of function and magic, of harmony with nature, of knowledge of animals, of understanding of animals, of understanding of materials and of unshakeable confidence in past traditions" wrote George Swinton, and Inuit art expert. Mail Order Sources: Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts has an excellent mail order catalogue that includes jewelry, hats, sweaters and tapestries all made in Pangnirtung. Sales directly benefit the Inuit artists who make the products. Write BOX 453, Pangnirtung, N.W. T. X0A 0R0 call (819) 473-8870 or fax (819)473-8634. Toonoonik Sahoonik Co-Op based in Northern Baffin Island community of Pond Inlet will also complete mail orders. Kamiks or traditional boots are made to measure for about $400. Sealskin parkas and mittens are also available. Contact Tununiqmiut Co-op, Box 1859, Iqaluit, N.W.T X0A 0H0 D.J.Sensations specializes in Inuit jewelry. Deigns often represent animals or traditional activities, ranging from tiny narwhal earrings to large pins of stylized women in amautik. Materials used include ivory from walrus or narwhal tusks, bone and baleen from whales ( Note: the animals from which these materials come are not protected species here. Inuit are meticulous in using all parts of the animals they kill). For mail order write: Claire Kennedy, Box 1000, Iqaluit, N.W.T. X0A 0H0 Cal (819)979-0650 or fax (819)979- 0045. For Arctic style outerwear, a catalogue is available form Polar Parkas, Box 1385, Yellowknife, N.W.T X1A 2P1 Night Owl... I feel that any of the businesses... especially the coops that promote native crafts and art work are very worthwhile. Sosa;n [Agreed. Night Owl] I am posting this for all to read since some seem to think they have --------- "RE: Karoniaktajen, Mohawk Elder Speaks" --------- Date: Apr-02-94 21:10:00 From: Frosty Deere Subj: Karoniaktajen FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference greater knowledge than our Mohawk Elders. I do not post this to insult your beliefs but these are mine and many people like me. I have tried to speak to some of those that post here in a mature way but still I get insulted. If do not like what I say then don't bother to answer my messages is all I have to say. These are the words written by Karoniaktajen and I think you will enjoy this Mohawk Elder has to say. WHO MADE YOU ? The white man says Indians came from Asia by way of the Bering Strait. If they were Indians maybe, an Indian being a native of India. The particular Indian we're talking about is the Onkwehonwe, you know the native American. They say the red man crossed over from Asia on a "land bridge" or steppings islands ( like stepping stones ). Our mighty ancestors took mighty strides. The master story tellers say the time of this migration was 12,000 years ago. Since it's a scientific estimation, therefore, its impressive. They came to this conclusion by reading the rocks. Now you guys, you wanna watch out and avoid rocks. They can betray your passage even if you passed 12,000 years ago. The scientists can even detect, if slightly, your ancient fragrance that you left behind as you passed the rocks. Another set of scientists, after much reading and smelling the rocks, said that many moons ago, there was an Ice Age that lasted about one million years and covered the north American continent with a sheet of ice four miles high, half way down to Mexico from the Canadian border. They estimated that the ice receded 10,000 years ago. If thats so, then simple arithmetic tells us the the ice bound Canada was covered with ice over four miles thick. Let us envision the ancestors coming over in the rarefied air, four miles high and refrigerated atmosphere at least 100 below zero, in thermal suits and space helmets with bottles of oxygen strapped to their backs. It was a tremendous trip of thousands of miles. Scientists are resourceful fellows. The first bunch decided to stick to their guns regarding the 12,000 year estimate. They took a leaf from the Holy Scriptures where Moses with his magic wand struck the Red Sea which, thereupon parted and allowed the Israelites to walk through, after which the sea returned and swallowed the Egyptian army pursuing the Israelites refugees. The Egyptian protest the story saying there's nothing in their history about such an event. The scientists disregard that and have the leader of future Indians in possession on an equally magical wand which parted the ice and allowed the wanderers through. The scientists didn't say it in quite that way but they revised the ice picture and have an ice free alley through which they have our ancestors walling out the Bering Strait theory. We, too protest there's nothing in our history about such an event. As far as we're concerned, our ancestors made their debut into this valley of happiness right here on this land of Onkwehonwekeh (America) just as the white man originated in southern Europe, the blacks in africa and the Asiatics in Asia. The Bering Strait theory is a tongue in cheek propaganda to make the Onkwehonwe think that they also are aliens in their own land and that they, the Europeans have just as much right to be in America. The scientists are trying to justify in the white people's mind their presence on Red man's land.. By Louis Hall --- SLMAIL v3.0 (#1349) Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (1:167/502) --------- "RE: Racism on Canadian Radios" --------- Date: Mar-31-94 11:44:00 From: Frosty Deere Subj: Racism on Canadian Radios FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference You may not like this report but the facts are facts and anyone can get a copy of an article written by Alexander Norris of the Montreal Gazette. It seems that Radio Stations CKRS and CJMT are fanning racism and anti- Indian information on the air waves of Quebec. The government point of view, "No one has made any complaints." Words like savages to describe the Montagnais living at Point Bleu and the "Lets get some rifles and kill a few Mohawks. The words in the paper are of Transcripts say, quote "That if Claude Ryan, then public security minister, wasn't able to get his act together, I think we should give it to two, or three French Canadians, give them two, three rifles and go and settle the problem in Kahnawake. Also one quote is that "I think there are going to have to be a couple of guns to come out. And after that, I know the Indians, I've studied them for 500 years, the very minute one falls ( DEAD ), the others will run." Anyway this is QUEBEC.......You know the place everyone that lives here claims they treat native better than anyplace in Canada. Help the Native people and stay away, don't spend your money in this place, its not worth it. If your State plans on buy power, stop them, sell their Bonds if you have them. And travel anywhere but here. Peace --- SLMAIL v3.0 (#1349) Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (1:167/502) --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows" --------- Date: Thu, 31 Mar 94 22:00 -0500 From: JANS Janet Smith (Evening Star) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows GE Electronic Mail =Powwows= Again, this week's powwow-event list is taken exclusively from on-line sources. These events are listed in more detail, as they are special indeed -- a rally to help save ancient forests, a powwow for children, and a Memorial Day powwow. Our thanks to the Internet subscribers who provided information. Western Ancient Forest Campaign, Oregon Natural Resources Council, and the Forest Reform Network are hosting the 8th Annual National Forest Reform Rally (formerly called the Forest Reform Pow Wow) at Eastern Oregon State College in La Grande, Oregon June 16-19. This year's Rally will be the kickoff for the new national forest reform campaign, and a large turnout of activists from every corner of the country is expected. Activists will not want to miss this historic event! 1994 will also be the first year the Rally has been hosted in the Northwest region, and we are looking forward to showing activists the beauty of eastern Oregon. La Grande, Oregon is surrounded by the Blue Mountains and pine forests of the Eastside, and is not far from Hells Canyon, the deepest river carved canyon on earth. 1994 Rally Agenda The National Forest Reform Rally agenda should be finalized during the next two weeks, and mailed out to activists soon after. A detailed agenda will also be sent out to WAFC's mailing list with the Report from Washington. The final agenda will include: Kickoff for the new national forest reform campaign A growing coalition of grassroots, regional, and national environmental groups have been developing a comprehensive strategy for reforming the Forest Service and ending the mismanagement of the nation's federal forests. This national forest reform campaign will be officially launched at this year's Rally with the presentation of a campaign platform and strategy. A key goal of this year's Rally will be to build support for this sweeping reform campaign among grassroots activists and organizations across the country. Workshops, panel presentations, and strategy sessions will be held to gather grassroots input and formulate an action plan for moving this campaign forward in the coming year. Focus on the Eastside Ecosystem Management Project Hosting the 1994 Rally in the Eastside of Oregon will bring national attention to the experiment in "ecosystem management" currently beginning east of the Cascades. In conjunction with several federal agencies, the U.S. Forest Service has begun the Eastside Ecosystem Management Project (EEMP), a plan to implement "ecosystem management" across all forest lands in eastern Oregon, Washington, and the Interior Columbia River Basin including Idaho and Montana. Ultimately the EEMP will define the Forest Service's vision of ecosystem stewardship. It remains to be seen whether the Forest Service is truly committed to reversing the destructive management practices of the past, or whether "ecosystem management" is merely a new buzzword for business as usual. In either event, Chief Jack Ward Thomas has clearly stated that this ambitious effort will become the agency model for protecting and managing federal lands across the rest of the country. Grassroots activists need to be watching the EEMP process closely to be prepared for the impact this process will ultimately have in the rest of the country. Workshops and presentations on "ecosystem management" and the EEMP will be offered at the Rally to prepare activists for responding to similar management plans in other regions. Keynote Speakers Invited speakers include the inspirational Dave Foreman, Director of the Wildlands Project, and noted author and naturalist Terry Tempest Williams. Field trips and Lighthawk flights Hikes, tours, and overflights are scheduled for all day Friday. Tim Lillebo with Oregon Natural Resources Council will be coordinating hikes to see Eastside old growth, selection forestry, and native fish habitat. Hands On Workshops Workshops will cover a variety of topics, including watershed restoration strategies, using GIS mapping systems, coalition building, understanding "ecosystem management," and combatting the wise-use movement. Both shorter and longer intensive workshops will be included on the agenda. Getting to the Rally La Grande is on the I-84 corridor and is accessible by car, plane, and train. Shuttles and carpools will be available for activists flying into Portland, Pendleton, and Pasco. Additionally, some travel scholarships will be available to activists based on need. For more information contact Samantha Mace at 509/527-0471. Registration Costs Conference expenses will be relatively low to keep the Rally affordable for grassroots activists. Activists may choose to stay in dorm rooms or camp in tents on the campus. A few different meal packages will be made available to fit participants schedules. Official registration forms will be sent out with the final agenda. Conference costs are as follows: Early Registration (before June 1): $35 Late Registration (after June 1): $45 Meals: $12/day On site lodging: $13/night On site camping: $10/week-end (est.) Conference Sponsors Needed! The success of the Forest Reform Rally depends on the combined support and hard work of many environmental activists and organizations. Activists and organizations can help support the Rally by becoming an official sponsor. Sponsors are asked to contribute to the travel fund to assist speakers and grassroots activists with travel costs. Generous contributions will help meet travel expenses for speakers and make the Rally affordable for grassroots activists traveling long distances to attend. While all support is welcomed, grassroots organizations are requested to give $25 or more, regional groups $100 or more, and national organizations $250 or more. Rally sponsors will be listed in all conference literature and other promotional information. Contributions to the grassroots travel fund may be sent to Western Ancient Forest Campaign, P.O. Box 1541, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Organizations can also help publicize the Rally by including registration forms and/or conference announcements in mailings to their members. Contact Samantha Mace at 509/527-0471 to receive a registration form and/or announcement to include in your newsletter or magazine. Original Sender: gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us (Gary S. Trujillo) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) A card just arrived in my snail-mail box which contains the following information: N.A.C. Pow Wow Committee's 3rd Annual Contest Pow Wow Memorial Day Weekend 1994 Saturday, May 28 10am - Booths Open: arts, crafts, food 1pm - Grand Entry 7pm - Grand Entry 10:30pm - Closing Ceremony Sunday, May 29 10am - Booths Open: arts, crafts, food 1pm - Grand Entry 7pm - Grand Entry 10:30pm - Closing Ceremony Monday, May 30 10am - Booths Open: arts, crafts, food 12 noon - Grand Entry Open to the Public Rain or Shine Everyone Welcome! Featuring: Authentic Arts & Crafts - Native American Food - Raffles Tipi Village McHenry County Fair Grounds Rte. 49 and Country Club Road Woodstock, Illinois Contest Pow Wow - Open Drum Registration Dancers & Drum Groups 9:30 am - 12:30 pm for more information please call: Don Perret 414-862-6742 (evening) Anthony Yazzie 708-740-9270 Joanne Perret 708-317-0637 (daytime) Donation: 13 & over $5 12 & under; 65 & over $3. Weekend Pass: $12 12 & under; 65 & over $7 children under 3 FREE Not for profit No drugs or alcohol allowed Not responsible for theft or injury "Let brotherly love continue" --Hebrews 13:1 N.A.C. of Illinois P.O. Box 456 Round Lake, IL 60073 -- Gary S. Trujillo gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us Somerville, Massachusetts {wjh12,bu.edu,spdcc,cdp}!gnosys!gst Original Sender: polaris.unm.edu!wakinyan (Wakinyan Chikala) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) >From the Albuquerque Indian Center: The 1st Annual AIC Children's Banquet is scheduled for April 20, 1994, Wednesday, at the Elks Lodge at 1642 University NE, near Indian School Road, beginning at 7:00 p.m. and ending at approximately 9:00 p.m. The purpose of the Children's Banquet is to recognize the vast and varied talents of Albuquerque's young Indian artists and achievers. Children and youths from ages six to sixteen will be honored for the accomplishments they have made culturally, academically, and artistically. At a time when many Indian children and youth experience feelings of insecurity and displacement, the AIC Children's Banquet promises to assist in building self-esteem and establishing multicultural sensitivity. Understanding that education is important to the success of our children and youth, we intend to press beyond the educational process as it is currently designed and provide an additional outlet for recognition and encouragement on a culturally specific level. The evening's events include: a traditional Pueblo dinner (catered by Colleen Montoya from Santa Domingo Pueblo), a grand entry by the children, an invocation in Indian sign language, dramatic skits by the youth as coached by Bonnie Jo Hunt, academic awards to six Indian children and youth with the help of the Albuquerque Public School Education Program, a silent auction (donated by local artists and businesses), and an art show by young Indian artists as coordinated by Sam English Jr. Reporting the evening's events will be a young Indian Master of Ceremonies who will share this honor with a media personality, Conroy Chino. With the proceeds received from this event, AIC hopes to better meet the needs of our American Indian children and youth. Basics like food, clothing, and housing are continued areas of concern for the Albuquerque Indian population. With the support of participants and donors to this event, AIC plans to go beyond the basics to provide better transportation, academic support, cultural programming, language classes, literacy enhancement, self-esteem building projects and events, and a process for increasing awareness to the hidden problems that Indian youth and children face each day. For program information call Albuquerque Indian Center at 505-268-4418 or call the Committee Chair, Jean Roach at UNM Native American Studies Center 505-277-3917. Send notices of forthcoming powwows, conferences and gatherings to: jans@genie.geis.com gars@netcom.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ --------- "RE: BIA Attacks Navajo Protesters at Big Mountain" --------- Date: 5:36 pm Mar 27, 1994 From: Navajo Nation Subj: BIA ATTACKS NAVAJO PROTESTERS/BIG MOUNTAIN Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) BIA OFFICIALS ATTACK NON-VIOLENT PROTESTERS AT BIG MOUNTAIN; ONE WOMAN INJURED On Thursday, March 24, a group of Dine' (Navajo) from the Big Mountain area were meeting at Alice Benally's place when they learned that the BIA rangers were in the area impounding livestock. Some people attending the meeting went to investigate. When the first group of people got there, they saw the BIA rangers confronting a Dine' elder who was the owner of the stock. They saw the BIA agents physically struggle with this elderly woman and rough her up as they loaded six of her cattle into a trailer. As more Dine' arrived, mostly younger people, they started standing in front of the BIA truck. When the BIA driver tried to move forward some of the Dine' put their hands on the front of the truck and dug their feet into the dirt. The driver raced his engine, as if he was going to run over the protesters. The Dine' did not moving move, but continued to block his way. Anna Rondon, Earl Tulley, and the reporter Marley Shebala, all Dine', were in Mr. Tulley's truck behind the livestock trailer. The BIA driver looked back, then backed the trailer into the truck, hitting it on the door. Anna Rondon said later that she saw the driver look back again and then back the trailer into them again, hard. Ms. Rondon is certain the driver knew there were people in the vehicle he was ramming. Soon after that, several carloads of BIA police and Hopi Rangers arrived. By then, four of the cattle had got away and things had cooled down a little. The BIA left with one cow and one calf. Anna Rondon was injured and was taken to the Indian Health Service hospital in Gallup, where she was treated for contusions and neck injuries. Although there were Hopi Rangers and BIA Police at the scene, no arrests were made. Dan Jackson, an attorney with the U.S. Solicitor's Office in Phoenix was quoted on the radio as saying the U.S. is going to prosecute the Dine' involved in federal court. Always before, when there have been arrests of Dine', the matter has been handled in Hopi Tribal Court. Patterson Joe, an attorney for the Navajo Nation, said that the Navajo Nation is going to request an investigation of the conduct of the BIA rangers. The Navajo Nation feels that BIA personnel deliberately assaulted and injured non-violent demonstrators and/or bystanders, including a reporter. Mr. Joe stated that if any charges are filed they should be against the BIA, not the demonstrators. If the United States goes ahead with the threatened FBI investigation, arrests and prosecution, it could spark further confrontations in the Big Mountain area. This is seen by many people as an inept move on the government's part. Mediation ordered by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has been making progress toward a settlement of the 110-year old Navajo-Hopi "land dispute." This latest confrontation, and the intensive livestock impoundment which was its cause, have had a chilling effect on these negotiations. For details see the NAVAJO-HOPI UPDATE:3/27/94 in the PeaceNet conference gen.nativenet. Or contact: Navajo-Hopi Land Commission Office P.O. Box 2549 Window Rock AZ 86515 (602) 871-6441 jon norstog --------- "RE: Big Mountain Update : Spring 1994" --------- Date: Sat, 2 Apr 1994 16:46:17 -0800 (PST) From: William Faulk Subj: BIG MOUNTAIN UPDATE : SPRING 1994 Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) BIG MOUNTAIN UPDATE : SPRING 1994 Thank you for your support. It has been a while since our last update. We have had a dry Winter. Not much rainfall at all. We believe in Summer the drought will continue and cause hardship for our livestock, our people and our food crops. CALL FOR PEOPLE TO COME: We need help with people to eyewitness harassment, we need help with livestock, sheep herders, and people to help on the land. Sheering season is coming and planting season. Please write for more information and bring your cam corders, cameras, film, binoculars and food. Also food runs and material aid drives would be most helpful. CURRENT STATUS: We, the Big Mountain and Cactus Valley communities have Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and tribal police visits all the time, trying to provoke us to action. About once a week someone has their livestock confiscated. We are facing aggressive livestock impoundment with a release rate 10 times the past rate. What used to take $100.00 to release our livestock now takes $1,000.00. and the Navajo Hopi Land Commission says that it has no money to help us out. We are being punished for not accepting the Agreement-In-Principle (AIP), (75-year lease) and for voting against it last August 5, 1993 by a vote of 250-1. In the Low Mountain area especially, people are facing wood confiscation and wood cutting tool confiscation. MEDIATION. We have been participating in the mediation meetings. We as a sign of good faith fulfilled the 10 demands, pre-conditions. In return they gave us an Agreement-In-Principle (AIP), (75 year lease) that we rejected last August 5, 1993 because it was not good for our people. Our demands concerning our natural ways and religion were never listened to. Our civil rights have been violated. While we have been participating in these meetings, we have continued to be denied home improvement, we have endured harassment, an aggressive campaign of livestock impoundment, wood confiscation and wood cutting tool confiscation. We have received no support to stop this. We have been asked to map our sacred sites. We are responding that every inch of this ground is sacred. We want to withdraw from the Mediation meetings as nothing new has been put on the table since last August and the Babbit brothers (family of Interior Secretary Bruce Babbit) pulled to CO Bar Ranch out of the AIP without putting anything in its place. Also, there is no Congressional support for this agreement. What we want to see is a sign of support and good faith before we return to the mediation process. We as resistors are facing a Water Crisis. We have our aboriginal rights to go places where our livestock can get water and that means being able to move our camps (Summer and Winter camps). This is our traditional way. We need to be able to build wells for people that need it. We need to be able to water harvest, build swells & gabions. We need to be able to fix our homes & build new homes as needed. We are abused, harassed & subjected to environmental racism. We need our human and civil rights respected. We are not part of the proposal & maps that cam out with last August 5,1993. We were never notified about any of the details of this proposal. We will not continue with the mediation meetings until we are heard. We cannot map our sacred sites and define our borders because we love the land and hold all the land as sacred. We believe in a borderless land. We will remain here on this land so that we can preserve the beauty and natural way on the whole Black Mesa. In our demands we said if our demands were not met we would take down the fence, rebuild our hogans ourselves and withdraw from the mediation until we are heard. We stand behind this as resistors. TELL THEM TO REPEAL P.L. 93-531. NO RELOCATION! Please support us by sending letters to: Senator McCain and Rep. Bill Richardson 111 Russell Native American Affairs Sub-committee Senate Office Building 2349 Rayburn Washington, DC 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 Fax # (202) 228-2862 Navajo Hopi Land Commission Attorney General Janet Reno John Norstog 10th and Constitution Ave Room 4400 PO Box 2549 Washington, DC 20530 Window Rock, AZ 20530 Fax # (202) 415-4371 Fax# (602) 871-7297 Senator Daniel Inouye Hon. Ada Deer Senate Select Committee Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs on Indian Affairs BIA 1849 C. St. NW Interior Bldg Hart Senate Office Bldg Mail Stop 4140 Suite 722 Washington, DC 20240 Washington, DC 20510 Fax# (202) 208-6334 Fax# (202) 224-6747 Senator Joseph Biden, Chair Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt Senate Judiciary Committee U.S. Dept of the Interior 221 Russell 18th and C St. NW Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20240 Fax# (202) 224-0139 Fax# (202) 208-6956 STRUGGLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: We are presently fighting for enforcement of the law against OSM obstruction of justice that has allowed Peabody Coal Company to operate illegally for years. We have learned that we have rights against serious violations of the law. We have also learned that we have strong citizen's rights provisions in the Surface Mining Coal Reclamation Act (SMCRA). We have been helped a lot. October 9-12, 1993 Water Information Network, (WIN) sponsored some technical experts and Citizens Coal Council (CCC) to attend a conference on the land. CCC told us about permit violations by Peabody Coal Company and taught us how to do Citizen's Complaints to call for enforcement of the law and to hold Peabody Coal Company accountable. CITIZEN'S COMPLAINTS: Since this conference over 270 local people have signed these complaints. We have been joined by Citizen's Coal Council (CCC), Water Information Network (WIN), Peabody Watch, and Dine' Hopi Alliance who have formally signed on. The citizen's complaints are for Peabody's un-permitted coal-water slurry line, railroad and access roads, wells and water quality and reclamation/revegetation. The UNPERMITTED coal-water slurry line is the only one in the country in a desert aquifer. It is pumping over one billion gallons of water every year. These illegal practices by Peabody Coal Company has gone on for years and for various reasons the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) has allowed this to happen. SUPPORT LETTERS NEED TO BE SENT: In Washington, DC letters to Sec Bruce Babbitt and various officials and our citizen's complaints about illegal practices by Peabody Coal Company has prompted an investigation of OSM by the House Committee on Natural Resources. Please send letters to Interior Sec Bruce Babbitt (see above) and to: Robert Uram, Director Office of Surface Mining 1951 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20240 Fax# (202) 208-2882 PLEASE SUPPORT US AND SEND LETTERS NEW DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING TO REVERSE THE DECISION OF ANNE SHIELDS TEMPORARY ACTING DIRECTOR OSM, WHO MADE A HASTY DECISION ON THE COMPLEX TRANSPORTATION ISSUES BROUGHT FORTH IN OUR CITIZEN'S COMPLAINTS. Anne Shields decided to deny the need to require permits for the slurry line, railroad and access road. These transportation facilities should be permitted. OSM allowed Peabody Coal Company to operate illegally without the proper permits for years. This can cause our people significant environmental harm. We have a water crisis and slurrying potable drinking water to carry coal is unconscionable. These transportation systems have been under investigation in response to our citizen's complaints, and rather than correct past mistakes they are trying to pretend that slurrying coal in a desert environment will not cause any significant harm. The slurry line is an environmental disaster, pumping over one billion gallons of precious drinkable water every year; over 26 billion gallons of water already pumped, in a desert environment. USGS has recently come out with a report that their reason to believe that the water supply may be in question for our future survival. The Hopi and Navajo tribal councils have come out against the slurry line saying there is a water crisis. Tell Robert Uram, Director OSM that it is up to him, not Anne Shields temporary acting director leaving her position to decide on such an environmentally critical and complex issue. Tell Robert Uram that he must show us a sign of good faith in his intentions to fulfill his new position to truly exercise OSM's trust responsibility to every citizen in the coal fields. We want to know that he is working in the best interests of the people in the coal fields and not working for the energy companies who were his only supporters. We need to demand accountability by our government office and exorcizes officials and exercise of their trust responsibilities. Also, Robert Uram must reverse Anne Shield's decision to uphold Robert Hagen's, OSM's Field Office Director, Albuquerque, NM, non-enforcement order. Robert Hagen has violated a federal directive not to interfere with the job performance of his field office inspectors and has told them not to write up violations against Peabody Coal. We want our Individual citizen's complaints about water quality, water quantity, air quality, diseases in livestock and people to be adequately addressed and investigated. We call for inter-agency cooperation between OSM and the EPA to ensure equal protection for Native and non-native people and for Native and Non-native lands. PLEASE SEND LETTERS AND FAXES TO: Robert Uram (see above) and Rep George Miller and Staff House Natural Resources Committee Longworth Bldg Room 1324 Washington, DC 20515 Fax# (202) 225-1931 WHAT WE ARE DOING: We are presently traveling with OSM field inspectors and providing translators, who have been conducting investigations into our Citizen's Complaints. In addition to the initial complaints filed with OSM we are now working with many people here and filing complaints about air quality, sicknesses in our livestock and people, and toxics in our environment. WASHINGTON DC TRIP TO ATTEND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SYMPOSIUM: Recently some people went to Washington, DC to attend an environmental justice symposium. It was a great learning experience. There were a lot of people there, grassroots, low income inner city people. They were of all colors and nations. We had an opportunity to join other people and address Carol Bronner, head of the EPA at an open mike session. At this time we also formally submitted to the EPA a call for enforcement of their 1984 Indian Policy and for them to take the action they are legally mandated to in protection on Native Lands. PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: During the conference, President Clinton issued and signed an Executive Order for Environmental Justice. In a press statement issued by Attorney General Janet Reno and Ms. Carol Bronner, head of the EPA, they state that they have been told by President Clinton to make environmental justice a priority. INDIGENOUS RESPONSE TO EXECUTIVE ORDER: Even though no one participated in the drafting of the order at this conference, we formed an Indigenous response to the executive order to address our concerns in being able to be involved on a grassroots level with implementation of this policy. We are now creating a response to the executive order dealing with mining concerns. WHO WE ARE WORKING WITH: We are presently developing channels of communication with the EPA in Washington, DC, Navajo EPA, and Region 9 EPA, calling for a full and immediate investigation into our complaints. We also had an opportunity to meet with the staff people of the House Committee on Natural Resources and thank them for investigating on our behalf. We also met many new allies and friends to help us return to Washington, DC in early May. PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO CAROL BRONNER, ADMINISTRATOR, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, AND TO ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO: Request that the implement the 1984 EPA Indian Policy and take immediate and effective action on the BLACK Mesa Mining Complex issues, ensure inter-agency cooperation with respect to the Environmental Justice Executive Order recently issued and signed by President Clinton to make environmental justice a priority. Also request that the meet with our delegation when we come to Washington, DC, and come to the land to meet with us. Please write to: Carol Bronner, Administrator and Elizabeth Bell Environmental Protection Agency American Indian Affairs 401 M Street SW Office of Environmental Justice Washington, DC 20460 Environmental Protection Agency 401 M Street SW Attorney General Janet Reno Washington, DC 20460 (see above) Fax# (202) 260-0852 BIG MOUNTAIN, CACTUS VALLEY, RED WILLOW AND FOREST LAKE DELEGATION WILL TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON DC MAY 1994: About twenty grassroots residents from the communities of Big Mountain, Cactus Valley, Red Willow and Forest Lake with EPA and Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt set for confirmation as soon as we know specific dates. WHY THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO GO TO WASHINGTON DC: We feel that especially in light of the recent Executive Order signed by President Clinton we are in a good position to be heard. We request immediate and effective action be taken by OSM, EPA, and other agencies for situations that can cause us significant environmental question why there are different laws for protection of Native and non-Native people and Native and non-Native land. We request equal protection for Native and non-Native people and environmental justice for all people of color. We will be coming to Washington DC to speak for ourselves, hearings scheduled with Congressmen and Senators, and OSM. WHAT WE ARE DOING: We have letters being signed to the head of the EPA, EPA officials, grievance against the head of the OSM office in Albuquerque, NM for violating a federal directive to not interfere with the performance of their OSM inspectors ability to do their job. This is directed to Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt. We are also in communication with various organizations and people in Washington, DC that will be helping us to make the most of our cross-country trip. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THE DC TRIP A SUCCESS: Please help us to make this trip to Washington, DC in early May a success. We are asking the Navajo Nation for two vans, but we still need a gas credit card, or gas money, motel along the trip for 4 nights for 10 rooms, a few airplane tickets for Elders to fly, money for food and metro fares. We have already found a place to stay while we are there. BIG MOUNTAIN DINE' SPRING GATHERING, APRIL 21-24, 1994: We are presently making preparations for the Spring Gathering, April 21-24, 1994. April 21, Earth Day we will be having a demonstration in front of Peabody Coal Company office, 1300 S. Yale, Flagstaff, AZ at 1:00 PM walking to the Black Mesa Pipeline office, 1590 E. Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ. April 22-24, 1994 will be at Camp Ana Mae. Please join us (see attached flyer). We are calling upon people from the four directions to attend the Spring Gathering. At the Spring Gathering we will be discussing water issues, Black Mesa Mining Complex issues, permaculture, accountability training sessions to hold with key officials, drumming, there will be updates from other land struggles in the Southwest... Please join us and bring your camping equipment. Some of us will be leaving for Washington, DC from there. THERE IS A SUN DANCE CEREMONY COMING UP: In the beginning of Summer we will be needing help. Also other personal ceremonies are coming up. Please come and help us with food, cooking, and cultural exchange. HELP SUPPORT OUR OFFICE ON THE LAND: We now have an office on the land and need your support! Please help us by sending money to pay for postage for support materials, office supplies, copies, gas money for transportation to visit people, meetings, and monthly electricity bills. We need a phone system and due to the remoteness of the area, we need to purchase a phone system that we can use here. We will also need help with monthly telephone bills, so we can communicate directly with our voice to the outside world. We need to communicate with our technical and strategic advisors, schedule meetings in Washington, DC, work with OSM, EPA, etc. WHERE TO SEND DONATIONS: Please send all donations of money for this office and the trip to Washington, DC to: Don't Waste Arizona for Dine' Alliance: They have a 501(c)(3). Stephen M. Brittle Don't Waste Arizona Inc. 6205 South 12th Street. Phoenix, AZ 85040 Phone # (602) 268-6110 Fax # (602) 268-0915 CLEARING HOUSE FOR INFORMATION: We wish for this office to be a clearing house for information about our struggle. We ask all support organizations, individuals, and groups to help support and maintain our office until we are able to fund ourselves in part by grants and foundations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact us here for all Big Mountain information, updates, food and material aid drives, and write to us if you wish to receive a full information packet. We are asking $10.00 donation to cover copies, postage, and help the struggle. Also, any help with the cost for this mailing would be most appreciated. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE SPRING GATHERING! THANK YOU, John Benally and Louise Benally Box 773 Box 1042 Hotevilla, AZ 86030 Hotevilla, AZ 86030 or call Seeds of Peace at 602-774-3645 --------- "RE: Eagle Feathers Denied at Border" --------- Date: 6:07 pm Mar 28, 1994 From: nsen@web.UUCP in igc:web.native Subj: Eagle Feathers Denied at Border Posted on behalf of Sulain Stone Eagle Herney, Mi'kmaq Warrior Society =================================================================== FREEDOM OF RELIGION ================================================================= Recently Mi'kmaqs and Maliseet in the east have been harassed by u.s. customs officials regarding Eagle Feathers. Customs is saying that it is now illegal for anyone to have eagle feathers unless they have a permit from the u.s. government. They are also stating that because of a new law protecting eagles no new permits are being issued. CONCERNS: The people have relatives on both sides. People travel to Ceremonies. This is interference with Spiritual/Religious freedom. It means we can not take our Feathers to burials. Example: A Mi'kmaq elder recently was told to take the Eagle feathers out of his bundle and leave them on the "canada" said. The elder turned around instead. Example: Maliseet man harassed because of Eagle feather hanging in car. Finally told to hide it in the trunk and go ahead this time but next time feather would be confiscated. Example: Maliseet woman car searched thoroughly. As stood there all First Nations were pulled over for searches. Non-natives waved through. Does this mean First Nations people south of the "line" are no longer allowed feathers?? This is outrageous!! It is a clear violation of Freedom of Religion. It is also a violation of the 'Jay treaty'. We are interested in getting a copy of this law and any other laws that pertain to this. We also want to get in touch with people who are working on this issue. Any help or information appreciated. email: indnsc@web.apc.org snail: Sulian Herney, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia, B0A 1H0 fAX: 379-2629 --------- "RE: Adjoinment" --------- Date: 2 Apr 94 23:50:21 GMT From: otter@manido.alphai.org (Turtle Heart) Subj: Frozen Snakes Newsgroups: alt.native Adjoinment: After many months of examining Native American news and list groups it is obvious that more remains to be done to increase their effectiveness and value. There is far too little participation by reservation residents and formal tribal contributions are nearly nonexistent. I feel the challenge for each user of these nets is to help bring and expansion of the participants and a recognition that the great value of this resource is being detrimentally affected by the stagnant and minuscule contributor base. The voices of the generations are not really silent, and there are yet steps nearly everyone who accesses this forum have yet to take. Turtle Heart Ahnishinabe American Indian Computer Art Project Turtle Heart otter@manido.alphai.org scicom!manido!otter Ahnishinabe: American Indian Computer Art Project --------- "RE: Washington Orders Tuscarora Bingo to Close" --------- Date: Sat, 2 Apr 1994 18:49:22 -0700 (MST) From: "Dave (Kayoshk)" Subj: Washington Orders Tuscarora Bingo to Close Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) WASHINGTON ORDERS TUSCARORA BINGO TO CLOSE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I have been asked by Ben Cusick of Tuscarora to relay the following --Dave ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ After disputes between the Tuscarora Chiefs and Joe Anderson, a Tuscarora removed from the rolls, Washington has stepped in and ordered Joe Anderson to close his bingo hall in accordance with the traditional Chiefs. It is unclear whether Anderson will comply with the order. In response, Anderson has started a campaign to overthrow the traditional chiefs, and establish an elected government on Tuscarora, and claims that if successful, he will run the Tuscarora Nation. The response from the Grand Council at Onondaga has been in full support of the current traditional chiefs. Onondaga, Cattaraugus Seneca, Allegheny Seneca, and Tonawanda Seneca have promised full support of the Tuscarora council in every way. Reaction in the area towns has been strong. Many churches and volunteer fire depts. rely on bingo to raise money. Since the bingo hall on Tuscarora has opened, the local organizations have suffered intense losses. Area residents are preparing a petition to take to Gov. Cuomo to impose the same state restrictions on gambling on the reservations, as are imposed off the reservations. The Grand Council, as well as those nations involved are highly against state interference, citing that it would seriously threaten Iroquois sovereignty. The only step left to prevent violence from breaking out, is for Joe Anderson to comply with Washington's orders, and those of the traditional chiefs - CLOSE THE BINGO HALL. _ _ Kayoshk@eros.unm.edu @ @ Don't water your seeds of Kayoshk@bootes.unm.edu > resentment, with your tears Kayoshk@UNMB (bitnet) \__/ of self-pity --------- "RE: Compiling List of Stereotypes" --------- Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 00:08:46 -0500 From: FreeNet.Carleton.CA!aj096 (Michael Patterson) Subj: Compiling list of stereotypes/logos/ Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) I went to Fluffs and Feathers yesterday at the Museum of Civilization(Ottawa). It's a gathering of stereotypes and appropriations. It seemed odd that it was in the room next to an exhibit on the Innu of Eastern Canada, who have been the object of much concern here recently i.e. They have been ignored and pushed around by governments for so long that they are plagued by suicide and starvation. These are living people, but to the public at the museum, it's just another display of pictures and exhibits of tents (it's called "How We Live") This Innu exhibit is most disturbing because it is an attempt to neutralize the Innu experience through a neat little exhibit. I heard one British bureaucrat explaining to his civil-servant cohort that "Of course, we did the best thing for them (By moving them to barren, gameless tundra reserves) because they were starving anyway... We made some mistakes, of course (but that is to be expected). This is 1994 !! OK back to Fluffs and Feathers. I started with older ads - one was for the Santa Fe Chief from Chicago to Phoenix (does it still run ?), another was for the infamous Indian Days at the Calgary Stampede. I moved on to old movie posters from the late 50s: Tomahawk Trail with Chuck Connors, Disney's Tonka, and Taza, Son of Cochise starring Rock Hudson. At least we don't have to watch these anymore. Then, in an area called How Much Is That Indian in the Window ? we have products like Iroquois Beer (1950), Maryland Chief Collard Greens (1970), Red Man Plug Chewing Tobacco (1990), a Butterick Indian Costume Sewing Pattern #6881, and Corn Mother Blue Corn Chips (1988). Most of these products are American, but I must add that in Ontario now, one of the biggest selling draft beers is called Algonquin. Current books include Cherokee Nights, and Savage Thunder by Avon books: Harlequin-type romances with blue-eyed heroines and stoic, chiselled savages.: "He had seen cultured, pious and sensitive Easterners shocked into demented states by the raw savagery of Plains Indians before..." American comic books include Scout (1987) Scout: War Shaman (1988) and Scalphunter (1980). My favourites are the toys. There is the Playmobil Indian Village and Figures set (#3395, 1990) from Germany. The "Chief" sits in his rocking chair beside a Plains tipi which is decorated with Haida motifs from the West Coast. Beside the birchbark canoe stands a totem pole. And the Germans are supposed to be such Indianists ! Thinkway Toys of Toronto sells a 50-piece bucket of warring cowboy and indian figures, Prarie Glen of England sells a Wigwam Kit and Tonto dolls come from China and Aurora Toys (1974). Of course, Pez has an Indian candy dispenser (1990). But I was blown away by the Super Naturals Eagle Eye Action Figure from 1988 (if anyone knows where to get one, I want it). This is a transformer-type figure, about the size of the old G.I. Joe, that "changes from a Chief to a soaring Eagle." Wow. I think, as Gary says, that we will have to pick our targets. There is so much out there, and we haven't even begun with the geographic names (Erie, Mississauga, Mississippi, Ohio, Canada, etc. etc.) and there are lots more sports names. Will we pick one of these appropriators when the list is compiled ? Ona, Mike P.S. Nice to be back, Gary... -- >>>>>>>Michael Patterson>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ALGONQUIN>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>1705-251 Donald St. Ottawa K1K 4B7>>>>>>>>>TERRITORY>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>(613) 749-9873; e-mail: aj096@carleton.freenet.ca>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Fax: Spirit Voice Radio (613) 788-4060>>>>>>>>>>>>>>` --------- "RE: Urgent Appeal for Action for I.C.I.E." --------- Date: 03 Apr 94 20:07 PDT From: occpehr@web.apc.org Subj: URGENT APPEAL FOR ACTION FOR I.C.I.E. Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) URGENT APPEAL for ACTION from: International Campaign for the Innu and the Earth (ICIE) 1. WRITE LETTERS TO EACH OF THE 177 FEDERAL LIBERAL MP's. 2. SUPPORTERS TO PHONE LOCAL LIBERAL CONSTITUENCY OFFICE'S all day, MONDAY, APRIL 11. The federal Liberal caucus meets again in Ottawa on Monday, April 11, 1994. All 176 Liberal Members of Parliament could be in attendance. The next few weeks are critical to the Innu and the Earth. Tell the MP's you are very upset Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay, Labrador was not one of the Bases designated to be closed in the recent Liberal budget. This is a human rights and native rights issue because it concerns the Innu people of Labrador and Quebec. Are Liberals really committed to a new partnership with Canada's native peoples? This is a peace and disarmament issue. Continued low-level military flight training (LLMFT) from Goose Bay by German, Dutch and British Air Forces remains an offensive practice for war. Do Liberals agree the Cold War is over? This is an environmental issue because militarism is destroying the pristine wilderness of Nitassinan (Innu for "our land") in Labrador and Quebec. The federal Liberal Party will soon make a decision that will affect the Innu and the Earth for generations to come. Make sure they understand their responsibilities to the Innu and the Earth. In 1980, a Liberal government allowed LLMFT'ing to start. Tories wanted to establish the first NATO Base ever in North America at Goose Bay. NATO cancelled those plans on May 22, 1990. Will the current Liberal government sign the agreements to extend LLMFT'ing until next century? Urge the federal Liberals to do the right thing and cancel continued LLMFT'ing. This issue links all issues from disarmament and peace to ecology to human and native rights. We must respond this week. Or we may be working on this issue for the next 10 years. By that time, the destruction of Innu culture could be complete. Innu are land-based people. Many no longer go into the bush as their ancestors have for over 6,000 years for fear of being overflown by the military jets. Daniel Ashini, Director of Innu Rights and Environment often has stated there will either be continued low-level military flight training or there will be protection for people, animals and the environment. The current bilateral agreements with the German, Dutch and British Air Forces expire March 31, 1996. Demand they now be cancelled and that new agreements are not renegotiated. Canada's Department of National Defence is working hard to extend military flight training beyond 1996. Already, DND has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the German Air force extending LLMFT'ing to the year 2003! Our appeal is urgent! It is critically important that we all write a letter of protest against continued low-level military flight training and in solidarity with the Innu and the Earth. Please write your letter on your organization's letterhead stationery. Explain who you are and the number of individuals and other groups you represent. Address it to "Dear Liberal MP". Make 177 copies of your letter. Mail one to each of the 177 federal Liberal MP's (we include Jag Bhadurian since he still considers himself a Liberal). Get a list of all Liberal MP's from your local federal constituency office, whether it's Liberal or not, they can provide it. Address each envelope to the specific MP, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6. No postage required. Please encourage other local groups to write a letter. If necessary, copy it for them and stuff it in your envelope to save them the time of addressing 177 envelopes themselves. Please help facilitate the greatest number of responses to this urgent appeal. Your letter need not be long; even one or two paragraphs is sufficient. Most importantly, please just send it so that it is received by April 11 or soon there after! Please get your members to flood the local Liberal constituency office with phone calls in support of the Innu and the Earth on Monday, April 11. Please make sure that all Liberal MP's know about your concern. What do you think they will be talking about in that caucus meeting on April 11 in Ottawa after they have received dozens of letters and phone calls, including yours? Your contribution could help tip the balance in favour of peace and disarmament, ecology and human and native rights in this country. Thank you. TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE INNU AND THE EARTH. ps. please send a copy of your letter to the International Campaign for the Innu and the Earth (ICIE), 736 Bathurst Street, Toronto Ontario M5S 2R4. Fax it to (416) 531-5850. Phone us at (905) 849-5501, (416) 531-6154, (519) 767-1781, (416) 537-9343 or (514) 844-0484. The Innu Nation can be reached at (709) 497-8794 or by fax at (709) 497-8396. pps. The Innu will be occupying the Minipi Lake bombing range sometime on or around April 11. Elizabeth Penashue is leading this campaign. --------- "RE: Lumbee Under Attack" --------- Date: Tue, 5 Apr 94 21:10 EDT From: pembvax1.pembroke.edu!BRETTA Subj: Lumbee Under Attack Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Greetings friends from Lumbee land. I trust that each of you are doing well. This letter is in response to a recent publication in the March 1994 edition of GQ magazine. The article entitled "Reasonable Doubt", written by Scott Raab is an article full of deception, derogatory connotations, and hurtful accusations toward the Lumbee people. Due to the recent publicity of James Jordon's death, my community, Robeson County-Pembroke, NC, and my people have been the target for many slanderous remarks and exaggerated statements. The media has allowed for itself to be the appetizer for such garbage. When is enough, enough? During Raab's research, he interviewed the two alleged criminals, Larry Dimery and Daniel Green on trial for the murder of Jordon, and the Sheriff of Robeson County-Hubert Stone. First of all, this case is an open and shut case. There is no factual evidence to convict these two boys, yet they will be convicted. All the evidence is conflicting-the time the murder took place, the botched Lexus investigations, the absence of physical evidence or witnesses, and so forth. However, in Robeson County, as Raab stated, "Sheriff Stone has all the evidence Robeson County ever required: Two poor boys, one Indian and one black...such things don't fit and therefore do not matter." Another conflicting interview was that of our Sheriff, Hubert Stone. Stone made some awful remarks about the Indians of Robeson County as well as other minorities here within the county. Some examples are: "If you see an Indian and a Black together, you've got a crime." Another one is in reference to an Indian boy walking down the street; "You see that boy, he's gonna cause you some pain. He will kill you." All of these are lies. To perceive Indian and Black friends as being criminally deviant is immoral and dehumanizing. To look down the street and see an Indian boy walking is normal. Robeson County is vastly populated by Lumbee Indians; I walk down the street a lot. I have not yet been convicted of a crime and such accusations are resentful and vile. My people have suffered enough. The media, the lies, the slanderous interviews, and the bigotry is must cease. Until some positive news is illuminated by the media and some positive credited interviewees are used as sources, my people will continue to be perceived as brutes and ardent individuals. The future generations are crying out for something positive to observe, and I think that it is time to give them what they want. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Consequently, I feel a need to tell you that Sheriff Hubert Stone is up for an election to gain tremendous power over the Lumbee as well as other indigenous people and others within his area. He is up for US Marshall and that is scary. Bigotry has no need in politics; this has to stop for the younger generations of all races so that our country will continue to prosper. It is a necessity! If you have any comments on how we can start a new change, please let me know. I have sent letters to GQ headquarters, local newspapers, and I have spoken openly about the article, both in my community and at a conference in which I was a guest speaker. Communication is the greatest healer and we must start utilizing this source to create a new beginning. Thank you for your time and your input in my endeavor to create a better atmosphere for Robeson County. --------- "RE: AFSC Job Openings" --------- Date: 31 Mar 94 18:55 PST From: Margaret B. Phillips Subj: AFSC Job openings Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Two AFSC Job Openings, Iowa and Missouri Please circulate. Midwestern Long-Term Recovery Program The American Friends Service Committee, an independent Quaker organization working for peace and justice throughout the world, seeks applicants for two positions in a new, time-limited program that was developed to respond with long-term initiatives in selected urban and rural communities to the 1993 Midwestern rain and flood disaster. 1. PROGRAM COORDINATOR. Full-time; excellent benefits. Coordinator for the Midwestern Long-Term Recovery Program headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The program coordinator is responsible for the Midwestern Long-Term Recovery Program. The program coordinator will supervise the office manager (also based in Des Moines) and a Field Organizer based in Missouri. The coordinator has primary staff responsibility for administering the work and for developing and implementing recovery initiatives serving low-income constituents in Des Moines and family farmers in Iowa. She/he is responsible for management of program finances, media outreach and interpretation of program work. This program will continue through October 1995; applicants should be aware that no promise of employment beyond that date is implied. Excellent community skills, with an emphasis on community self- empowerment and community-based economic development, are required. Good written and oral communications skills are essential. Prior administrative and supervisory experience is required. 2. FIELD ORGANIZER. Full-time; excellent benefits. The Field Organizer will be based in or near St. Joseph, MO and report to program headquarters in Des Moines, IA. The Field Organizer is responsible for working with selected urban communities hard hit by the rain and flood disaster in Missouri and along the Quincy, IL -St. Louis, MO corridor. She/he is responsible for community outreach, working with communities to do needs assessments and selection of priorities, providing staff support to community recovery initiatives and interpreting the work to a variety of audiences. The program is funded through October 1995; applicants should be aware that n o promise of employment beyond that date is implied. Excellent community organizing skills, with an emphasis on community self-empowerment and community-based economic development, are required. Good written and oral communications skills are essential. The AFSC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. For a complete application package, please call or write: American Friends Service Committee Midwestern Long-Term Recovery Program Search c/o North Central Regional Office 4211 Grand Ave. Dse Moines, IA 50312 515/274-4851 FAX: 515/274-2003 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: April 22, 1994 Specify which job you are applying for.