_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' 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 018 O o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 30 April 1994 O o O ( N E W S ) O This issue contains articles from NATIVE-L and NATCHAT Mailing Lists, 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. "Our fathers gave us many laws which they had learned from their fathers. These laws were good. They told us to treat all people as they treated us; that we should never be the first to break a bargain; that it was a disgrace to tell a lie; that we should only speak the truth; that it was a shame for one man to take from another his wife or his property without paying for it." "We were taught to believe that the Great Spirit sees and hears everything and that he never forgets, that hereafter he will give every man a spirit-home according to his deserts: If he has been a good man, he will have a good home; if he has been a bad man, he will have a bad home." "This I believe, and all my people believe the same." __ Chief Joseph, Nee-mee-poo +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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 +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! I have seen in 'News From Indian Country' a feature that teaches how to speak and write Ojibwe by presenting a traditional story in Ojibwe with an English translation below it. I think this is a wonderful thing. As important as the hard news about the people is, I also think it is most important we remember our oral tradition, the tales that were told children, the knowledge that was shared in a group telling, the stories of the ways of the people. I invite all who read Wotanging Ikche to share any traditional stories, and I will include one each issue. My e-mail addresses are gars@netcom.com -or- gars@genie.geis.com If you can write it in both the original tongue and an English translation this is even better. I do not know enough dialects to verify the original version so I will simply trust each of you who share to do the best you can to tell the story in a good way. If you get it from a book, please give full credit to the book, the author and the publisher. I will thank you. Those who read your article will thank you. The grandmothers and grandfathers will thank you for preserving the traditions. There is now something I ask each of you to do. If you never wrote a letter to a government official I now ask you to write at least two. Read the two lead articles in the second half of this newsletter that are echos from mailing lists Native_L. Executive orders may be the only hope left for our brothers Leonard Peltier and Eddie Hatcher. Do not write with anger. Write with compassion. Write from your heart. Ask President Clinton to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier. Ask North Carolina Governor Hunt to grant a parole request for Eddie Hatcher. Mitaquye Oyasin! Night Owl ------------------ clip here for news feature -- 8< ----------- --------- "RE: Treatment of Medicine Bundles by Law Enforcement" --------- Date: Apr-21-94 21:52:04 From: Will Sutter Subj: THE FEATHER ISSUE FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference The following is part of the series previously posted - Hope it helps. > Area: INDIAN_AFFAIRS > Msg#: 9048 Date: 05-31-93 20:14 > From: Teionnion'kwata:se > To: All Treatment of Medicine Bundles by Law Enforcement Officials Once the Medicine Bundle has been touched by someone other than its designated guardian, it can no longer be used in its uncleansed condition. The custodian must again perform purification rites (which may take three or four days and involve the presence of different spiritual Elders) to restore the Bundle's sacredness. fn other words, vital spiritual essence is lost when these items are not treated according to the respect they deserve. In most cases, police and security officials have not been aware of the spiritual significance regarding the Bundle's contents. Nor have they been culturally sensitized enough to the Native Elders' regard of ceremonial accessories which must be treated with the utmost respect. Spiritual Artifacts A Manitoba Elder graciously provided some samples of a collection of 'spiritual artifacts used in sacred ceremonies. The collection, which appears in this guide, should not be construed as being "typical." Contents in Medicine Bundles may vary considerably taking into account the cultural diversity of Aboriginal First Nations across Canada and the U. S. Law enforcement officers are encouraged to contact Elders in their region to determine what spiritual artifacts and practises are current in their localities. Description Eagles' wings and feathers, rawhide gourds, drums, abalone shells, prayer cloths and prints are some of the more common objects in use, in addition to the pipe. Eagle wings and feathers are awarded for outstanding deeds. They may be worn in the hair or on a costume, but normally they are carried in the hand. Indians regard the eagle as a sacred bird. The eagle represents power, strength and loyalty. The four sacred plants, sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco or kinnie- kinnick (red willow shavings) are also often worn in a "medicine" pouch around the neck or pinned onto clothing. Elders may have additional sacred items such as bear claws on a thong or badges that have been given as gifts during ceremonies. Searches Male law enforcement officers may conduct a search of someone wearing these without incident if they ask the wearer to open the bundle. If the person is genu- ine, then the request will be granted. The spirituality of the bundle is only violated if it is touched or opened without the carrier's permission. It is therefore important that police officers be aware that spiritual items of religious significance should be treated with the proper respect and not be touched by anyone except the Elder/Custodian. Female police officers should, whenever possible, have a male officer conduct this search. This is due to the belief that women, during their "moon time", are spiritually far more powerful than men and the simple act of viewing the items will cause them to be desecrated. What is important to remember is that in ever increasing numbers, Natives are returning to their own heritage in expressing their religious beliefs. These sacred objects may be encountered with greater frequency now that spiritual Elders often travel great distances to conduct their sacred ceremonies. While keeping public safety in mind, security personnel and other law enforcement officials should endeavour to make themselves more aware of these traditions and the artifacts involved through increased cross-cultural training and awareness. later. Will ... Have a good un!! ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 --- FLAME v1.0 Origin: Vote for The SANDBOX in BoardWatch's Readers Choice! (1:147/34) --------- "RE: Actions Against Sainte-Marguerite-3" --------- Date: Apr-22-94 21:53:00 From: Agondasha Subj: Actions Against Sainte-Marguerite-3 FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference ACTIONS AGAINST SM-3 Opposition to the Sainte-Marguerite-3-Hydro projects is mounting. The Coalition for Nitassinan (our earth) plans to launch a civil disobedience campaign aimed at reversing Premier Jonhson's decision in February to go ahead with SM-3. The situation is " ominous " said Gilbert Pilot, a spokesman for the Coalition for Nitassinan. Our community has suffered numerous human rights violations, and I think this will keep increasing. Intolerance and racism toward us are on the rise, as we are tensions, " Pilot told a Montreal Native solidarity group ". " As of today, I think we are very far from any kind of understanding, and that we will be seeing some pretty dark clouds before the sun shines again". A demonstration against the SM-3 project is planned for saturday, april 23 in Montreal in the Square St-Louis ( Sherbroke metro) at 1 pm. A public forum has already been held on SM_3 at a Unitarian Church in Montreal on march 24. ( article from Cree newsletter ) --- SLMAIL v3.0 (#1349) Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (1:167/502) --------- "RE: Tera Nulluis Ruling" --------- Date: Apr-22-94 11:13:00 From: Frosty Deere Subj: Tera Nulluis Ruling FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference I am posting this because as you can see it has a direct relationship to the native people of North America. It can also explain a few things that many take for granted on the subject on Native America Indian. Some key things and words are used in this message. The final out come of this case can effect native people living in Canada and the USA in the near future. This case may so have effects on the separation question in the province of Quebec, Canada. As many know the Mohawk people do not want any part of a Separate Country of Quebec. For many years the Mohawk people have expressed the words "Tera Nulluis," but those that came here after to settle still want to claim that which is not there. ========================================================================== Australia Debates Aborigine Ruling. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Johathan Manthrope, Southam News -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sydney, Australia - More than 300 years after Europeans discovered Australia, the country's High Court has ruled that there were people here before the white explorers arrived. The landmark judgement has given a legal footing that might begin to take them out of the cultural, political and social limbo in which they have lived since the explorers decided the island continent was "TERA NULLUIS": uninhabited land containing only people whose culture they did not understand and therefore, choose to ignore. But although Prime Minister Paul Keating received some plaudits fro beginning to redress the persecution of aborigines through legislation and the establishment of a claims tribunal there is no broad consensus the he has opened the door to change. On the other hand the case in which the federal High Court decided that Eddie Mabo has native title to land on the Murray Islands in the Torres Strait off Australia's north coast has unleased a blunt reaction from white Australians especially in the mining and cattle industries, who wonder how far aboriginal claims to land or compensation go will go. "We just have an incredible legal morass thats going to cost a lot of jobs and a lot of investment and do very little to advance aboriginal interest," federal opposition spokesman Peter Rieth said recently, claiming that more than $30 million has already been lost in investment and production. Meanwhile, the premier of Western Australia, Richard Court, fears that up to 80 per cent of his state could be claimed by aborigines, especially as Keating named a Western Australia judge with pro-aborigine credentials to head the claims commission. And Ina McLachlan, opposition spokesman on national development, labeled the new Native Title Act an "unprecedented act of national masochism." But if elements of white Australia have gone into shock, aborigine organizations don't appear to believe the Mabo case hands them an obvious lever to redress centuries of oppression. "The thing about Mabo is that is has very little affect on the the vast majority of aboriginal people because the whole concept of the courts ruling was that native title only applies to people who can show uninterrupted occupation of the land that they still live on in a traditional way," Paul Behrendt, director of the Aboriginal Research and Resources Centre at the University of New South Wales, said in an interview. "Most aboriginal people have been forcibly removed from their land and more aboriginal live in suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne than anywhere else." This point has been taken up by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission, a body though which the federal government channels most of its $1 billion a year assistance to aborigines. Limiting payments for land to traditional and rural people is "administratively naive and politically disastrous," commission chairman Lois O'Donoghue said a few days ago in a leaked letter to Keating. We fail to comprehend how a land fund directed to the dispossessed can fail to cater for the needs of non-traditional, urban aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," she said. Warning the the commission will oppose and land fund administration which divides "status and non-status indigenous Australians," she urged the government to expand the fund to finance urban housing, community centers and other social facilities for aboriginal people. Others are even more adamant that Mabo case and the land claims tribunal are a snare for aboriginal people. "When the Mabo case and the land claims court are about is validation of European land ownership, not about native title," said Paul Coe, head of Aboriginal Legal Service, at his central Sydney office. Coe's organization is launching 13 legal challenges to the Mabo decision on the ground that it is too narrow and still gives government the right to take there land is compensation is paid "We are a captive powerless people," he said. "We are totally dependent on welfare because they have taken our land and didn't give us the resources to live our lives. The feeling of powerlessness in the face of the dominant culture is totally frustrating." ... via DeltaMail v2.20 for SL (#216378) --- SLMAIL v3.0 (#1349) Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (1:167/502) --------- "RE: Naming the Hantavirus" --------- Date: Apr-23-94 18:18:00 From: Patrick Lucas Subj: Illness Name FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference The following was just handed to me :)........ Window Rock, Arizona-23,April "The Navajo Nation Council says that the *hantavirus* that has killed 40 people, including many Navajo Indians, should not be named after a canyon on it's reservation. The council voted 52-0 on Thursday to ask the Centers or Disease Control and prevention not to recommend naming the virus *Muerto Canyon Hantavirus*. The Federal centers proposed the name recently, saying it was following a custom of naming diseases after the place where they were discovered. The agency does not officially name diseases but makes recommendations to an international scientific body that does. Officials of the health agency said the name refers to a site south of Grants, N.M.,a town 70 miles west of Albuquerque, N.M. But Navajo Nation officials say there is no Muerto Canyon in New Mexico, and believe the name is a reference to Canyon del Muerto, or Canyon of Death, in the Canyon de Chelly National Monument on the Navajo reservation in northeastern Arizona. The illness, which progresses quickly from flu-like symptoms to acute breathing difficulty and often death, first appeared last spring in New Mexico and Arizona. Most of the early victims were young, otherwise healthy Navajos. The virus which is spread in the urine and feces of Deer Mice, has caused 69 illnesses, 40 of them fatal, in 17 states around the country, the C.D.C. said The Navajo Council said it objected to the name because it believed that news' organizations `sensationalizing hantavirus to be a Navajo disease' had led to discrimination against the Navajo Indians. Officials in the health agency said they would consider the Navajo objections. `We sought very hard to find a name that was both scientifically and culturally correct', Bob Howard, a C.D.C. spokesman said when the objections were raised. `We are not in the business of offending anybody.'" --- FastEcho 1.40+ Origin: CIRCUIT BREAKER,Canandaigua,NY (716)394-9164 14.4 (1:2613/513) --------- "RE: Document 24, A Century of Dishonor" --------- Date: Apr-23-94 11:32:00 From: Frosty Deere Subj: Document 24, A Century of Dishonor FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference One more for the new people --------------------------------- DOCUMENT NO. 24 A Century of Dishonor' In the introduction to her indictment of the U.S. government for failure to keep faith and treaties with the Indians, Helen Hunt Jackson invoked the conscience of the American people, voicing what has continued ever since to be an important element in the spectrum of White sentiment. The history of the United States Government's repeated violations of faith with the Indians thus convicts us, as a nation, not only of having outraged the principles of justice, which are the basis of international law and of having laid ourselves open to the accusation of both cruelty and perfidy; but of having made ourselves liable to all punishments which follow upon such sins-to arbitrary punishment at the hands of any civilized nation who might see fit to call us to account, and to that more certain natural punishment which, sooner or later, as surely comes from evil-doing as harvests come from sown seed. To prove all this it is only necessary to study the history of any one of the Indian tribes. I propose to give in the following chapters merely outline sketches of the history of a few of them, not entering more into details than is necessary to show the repeated broken faith of the United States Government toward them. A full history of the wrongs they have suffered at the hands of the authorities, military and civil, and also of the citizens of this country, it would take years to write and volumes to hold. There is but one hope of righting this wrong. It lies in appeal to the heart and the conscience of the American people. What the people demand, Congress will do. It has been-to our shame be it spoken-at the demand of part of the people that all these wrongs have been committed, these treaties broken, these robberies done, by the Government. So long as there remains on our frontier one square mile of land occupied by a weak and helpless owner, there will be a strong and unscrupulous frontiersman ready to seize it, and a weak and unscrupulous politician, who can be hired for a vote or for money, to back him. The only thing that can stay this is a mighty outspoken sentiment and purpose of the great body of the people. Right sentiment and right purpose in a Senator here and there, and a Representative here and there, are little more than straws which make money - Helen Hunt Jackson, A Century of Dishonor, Roberts Bros., Boston, 1886, pp. 29-31. --- SLMAIL v3.0 (#1349) Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (1:167/502) --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - offline" --------- Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 22:00 -0500 From: JANS Janet Smith (Evening Star) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows not previously posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L GE Electronic Mail =Powwows= This is only PART of the list of powwows from _News From Indian Country_. This weekly paper carries perhaps the MOST comprehensive powwow list I have seen for the coming three months in each issue. Also excellent coverage of Native American news. U.S. Subscriptions for 6 months are $24 1st class and $16 3rd class mail. Indian Country Communications, Rt. 2 Box 2900-A, Hayward, WI 54843 May 4-6 The Gathering of Healthy Nation Empowering our Native Youth & Families Conf. Minneapolis, MN Info: 612-672-6471 May 5-8 2nd Tannehill State Park Powwow McCalla, Alabama Info: 205-477-5711 May 6-7 Indian Heritage Powwow Lynnwood, WA Info: 206-298-7895 May 6-8 3rd American Indian Festival Charlotte, NC Info: 704-331-4818 May 6 Okolakicye Finals Pine Ridge, SD Info: 605-867-5554 May 6 Institute of American Indian Arts Santa Fe, NM Info: 505-988-6413 May 7-8 13th Turtle Powwow Niagara Falls, NY Info: 716-284-2427 May 7-8 15th United Indians (TRADITIONAL Powwow) Milwaukee, WI Info: 404-384-8070 Send notices of forthcoming powwows, conferences and gatherings to: jans@genie.geis.com gars@netcom.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ all items below this line have already been distributed by our brother, Gary Trujillo, via the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists. --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - online" --------- Date: Thu, 28 Apr 94 22:00 -0500 From: JANS Janet Smith (Evening Star) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows already posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1st INTERTRIBAL COUNCIL OF HAWAII WARRIOR SOCIETY POW-WOW MAY 28 & 29, 1994 - 12 NOON - 9:00PM RICHARDSON FIELD - PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII MC: Tom Phillips HOST DRUM: 1st Nation Singers ALL DANCERS AND DRUMS WELCOME!!!!! FOR MORE INFORMATION: Intertribal Council of Hawaii 1001 Dillingham Blvd. #304 Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 (808) 841 - 7625 FOR TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS CONTACT: Mary and Carol Travel 1541 South Beretania Street Suite 302 Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 PHONE: (808) 941 - 5033 FAX: (808) 951 - 5019 Original Sender: Michael Martin Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Arizona State University AISES chapter would like to announce a "WINNER TAKE ALL ALL-INDIAN MEN'S $1000.00 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT". WHEN: May 13-15 WHERE: Arizona State University P.E. West Gym ENTRY: $225.00 due by May 4 make money order or cashiers check payable to: AISES send to: AISES Engineering Annex Building Box 879909 Tempe, AZ 85287-9909 CONTACTS: Georgia Tsingine Pierce Harrison @ (602)965-8044 Elmer Roanhorse-ASU AISES Prez Original Sender: Michael Martin Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Original Sender: AUEFR@ACVAX.INRE.ASU.EDU =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= From: bbarbora@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Bradley J Barborak) Newsgroups: soc.culture.native The American Indian Council and the Ohio Center for Native American Affairs announce: The Third Annual Intertribal PowWow April 30-May 1 - Front Lawn Ohio Student Union Grand Entry 1:00 and 6:00 Sponsored by: American Indian Council at the Ohio State University Ohio Center for Native American Affairs Ohio Unions Program Office !!!There will be Health Professionals present to provide Native and Non-Native People advice and to discuss Health Related Issues. There will be FREE Diabetes Screenings =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= From: bbarbora@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Bradley J Barborak) Newsgroups: soc.culture.native The American Indian Council at the Ohio State University will be bringing Ward Churchill to speak to the general public on May 13. In light of the recent controversies, to those in vicinity of Ohio State will have the opportunity to come and listen for yourselves as to what you think of his ideas. The American Indian Council, while very conscious of today's issues surrounding Ward and AIM, does not take any position publicly as to any sides that it or its members may hold. As is the rest of Indian Country, we of the AIC are also very diverse and hold differing viewpoints on any issue. We are constantly trying to raise awareness of the issues of Indian people here at OSU and have largely been unsuccessful for the most part but have been making huge strides in the right direction. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Original Sender: "Dana Gray" Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Symposium: The Social and Environmental History of the Eighteenth-Century Southeast April 29, 1994 - 8:30 am - 5:30 pm University of Georgia Tate Student Center - Room 137 Sponsored by the Department of Anthropology and co-sponsored by the Department of History and the Department of Geography, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 Introduction The human and natural world of the eighteenth-century Southeast was composed of a complex social order of Native Americans, Africans, and Europeans living and interacting in the once vast Southern forest. This symposium explores facets of this world--a world swept away by plantation agriculture, the removal of the Native Americans, and the drastic alteration of the natural landscape. Program of Events Morning Session - Dr. Louis DeVorsey, Chairperson 8:30 Dr. Charles Hudson, Introductory Remarks 8:30 - 9:00 Dr. Daniel Usner, The Social History of a Colonial Region: A Lower Mississippi Valley Illustration of Problems and Opportunities 9:00 - 9:30 Dr. Thomas Hatley, World Turned Upside Down? Thoughts on Regional Environmental Change 9:30 - 10:00 Dr. Kathryn Braund, Social and Environmental Consequences of the Creek Indian Deerskin Trade with Anglo America 10:00 - 10:30 Dr. Gregory Waselkov, Current Research on the Archaeology and Ethnohistory of Colonial Alabama 10:30 - 11:30 Dr. Carole Crumley and Dr. Peter Wood, Discussion 11:30 - 12: 30 LUNCH Afternoon Session - Dr. Thomas G. Dyer, Chairperson 12:30 - 1:00 Jon Sensbach, Black and White Moravians in Backcountry North Carolina 1:00 - 1:30 Richard Durschlag, Creek Indians and the Background of the Yamasee Wars 1:30 - 2:00 David A. McKivergan, Jr., Yamasee Landuse and Political Interaction in Colonial South Carolina 2:00 - 2:30 Claudio Saunt, Black-Red Relations in the Eighteenth-Century Deep South Interior 2:30 - 2:45 BREAK 2:45 - 3:15 Robbie Ethridge, The Environment of the Late Eighteenth-Century Lower Creek Towns 3:15 - 3:45 Gregory Keyes, Roads of Water and Paths to the Underworld: Choctaw Ethnoecology 3:45 - 4:15 Daniel Hickerson, Reconstructing the Environment of the Eighteenth-Century Hasinai Caddo 4:15 - 5:15 Dr. Peter Wood and Dr. Carole Crumley, Discussion --------- "RE: Leonard Peltier Freedom" --------- Date: Thu, 21 Apr 94 21:56:24 -0500 From: LISA STALNAKER HELLWIG Subj: Leonard Peltier Freedom Weekend News Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Leonard Peltier Freedom Weekend News Edited by Bobby Castillo International Spokesperson for the LPDC 415-552-1992 FREEDOM NOW FOR LEONARD PELTIER! Sacred Pipe Offered to President Clinton And International Leonard Peltier Freedom Weekend will be held June 25 and 26. Leonard's executive clemency petition is now on President Clinton's desk, and so the days leading up to and including this weekend are critical in bringing the urgency of Leonard's situation into public focus. June 26 will begin with a spiritual walk from Foggy Bottom in Washington DC to Lafayette park, which is directly across from the White House. This spiritual walk will be led by the Keeper of the Sacred Pipe Arvol Looking Horse (Lakota), Joe Chasing Horse (Lakota), Lou Irwin (spiritual leader), Ola Cassadore Davis (Apache Survival Coalition), and many others. Our spiritual leaders will be followed by pipe carriers and sun dances from different nations, then the drum. Lastly, the procession will include people from all Indian nations as well as other supporters. We have offered President Clinton and his wife Hilary the sacred pipe hoping they will look into their hearts and make a fundamental human rights decision to grant Leonard Peltier his freedom. A rally will take place at Lafayette Park after the procession arrives and will include a number of speakers. As of this date, confirmed speakers are Ramsey Clark (former Attorney General), Russell Means (AIM), Thelma Clark (mother of Eddie Hatcher), David Hill (AIM), Bob Robideau (AIM and co-defendant of Leonard Peltier), Steve Robideau (co-founder of the LPDC), Petter Mattheissen (author of In the Spirit of Crazy Horse), Wes Studi (actor), Michael Horse (actor), and many, many others. We will have indigenous music from North, Central and South America. THIS IS A TIME TO COME TOGETHER WITH OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS TO SHOW TO ALL THE GREAT POWER OF OUR UNITY AND SUPPORT OF FREEDOM FOR LEONARD PELTIER! We have organized a Concert for Freedom for Leonard on June 25. Thus far confirmed performers are Corrosion of Conformity, Brother Cane, Tribe After Tribe, Lance Keltner, Something Scaley, Litefoot, Mercy River, Dave Matthews Band, Brother Sun (formerly the Medicine Men), and Tim McHugh. There are a number of other bands that would like to come and we'll let you know who they are in our next Leonard Peltier Freedom Weekend News. We re publishing this newsletter to communicate to all of Leonard's supporters the extreme urgency of his situation and why it is crucial that each of you - our friends and allies - come to Washington DC in June. The newsletter will be published biweekly until June 25 to give you current information on Leonard's case and how to get involved in the Leonard Peltier Freedom Weekend. Organize a caravan to Washington DC; organize a demonstration and candlelight vigil in front of a federal building if you cannot attend. We welcome you into our circle: Leonard desperately needs your support. As the International Spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, I must recognize the many, many supporters from around the world who have been working to help free our brother Leonard, and this day will also be to honor them and thank them for the dedicated time they have put into this case. The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee and Leonard Peltier Support Group network all thank you and hope that you will come to Washington, DC on the 25th and 26th of June. Bobby Castillo Executive Clemency Campaign Intensifies Leonard Peltier's Application for Executive Clemency is currently being reviewed by the office of the Deputy Attorney General. From now through June, it is critical that we all call, write and fax the Deputy Attorney General's office and the President to demand executive clemency now for political prisoner Leonard Peltier! The Honorable Jamie S. Gorelick Deputy Attorney General 10th St. and Constitution Ave, NW Washington, DC 20530 (phone) 202-514-2101 (fax) 202-514-4699 President Clinton The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC 20500 (phone) 202-456-1111 (fax) 202-456-2461 To find out how to help in your area, call: 413-527-3716 (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Upper New York State) 804-790-0166 (New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina) 813-353-2164 (South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama) 614-451-3023 (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky Wisconsin) 501-945-1026 (Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana) 701-387-4797 (N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Montana) 816-436-0782 (Kansas, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma) 801-272-9128 (Utah, Colorado, Wyoming) 505-988-3201 (New Mexico, Arizona) 206-471-1670 (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) 415-552-1992 (California, Nevada) Peltier Freedom Weekend Office - Bobby Castillo, 415-522-1922 Leonard Peltier Defense Committee - 913-842-5774 --------- "RE: Richard Nixon" --------- Date: 26 Apr 94 18:41:55 GMT From: otter@manido.alphai.org (Turtle Heart) Subj: Richard Nixon Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) The man Richard Nixon is now in the earth. Tonight, before his funeral a Native American drum group arrived in CA and is drumming his spirit all night and until he is down in the womb of mother earth. Nixon was pretty good to Native peoples. He signed bills which returned many sacred lands, such as the profoundly sacred Blue Lake at Taos New Mexico. He was gifted a very sacred pipe by the families of some very dedicated native people for his efforts while he was still President. I wish we knew what is to become of that sacred pipe. Whatever shade of fool he sometimes was, he was one of the few presidents to care very much at all about Native People. He is honored across the seven generations by a very powerful and sacred drum. AICAP Turtle Heart otter@manido.alphai.org scicom!manido!otter Land of Kaw-ii-su ancestor: Land of Light --------- "RE: Eddie Hatcher's Mother" --------- Date: Sun, 24 Apr 94 01:03:09 GMT From: wwivgw.ness.com!1-8408 (Deanna #1 @8408) Subj: Last Week I Met Eddie Hatcher's Mother Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) 4/21/94 Last week I met Eddie Hatcher's mother. Someone once asked me if I'd ever heard of Eddie Hatcher, and I said no. But now I have. Eddie Hatcher is a Native American political prisoner, like Leonard Peltier. He's in prison in the state of North Carolina, sentenced to 18 years on charges of kidnapping, charges that had been previously dismissed by the state of North Carolina, but were reinstated once a Federal court found him innocent of all charges stemming from the same incident. Eddie's been in jail for over 5 years already, and, as it is with Leonard, parole is continually denied him, despite the fact that he has a clean prison record, no previous offenses, and has a family, job and place to live waiting for him. Eddie's real crime against the state was that he found evidence that the Sheriff of Robeson County, a man named Hubert Stone, was involved in the drug trafficking that was heavy in the county in the 80's, and in the related "unsolved" murders of dozens of Indian and black young men. He had written information and evidence of this, and tried to take it to the FBI, the DEA, and Federal Customs. That's when the Sheriff and State Bureau of Investigation, according to one Federal trial witness, swore to "get" him. Afraid for his life, Eddie and another man took a forced occupation of the Robeson County newspaper office, to get media attention, and to demand an investigation. That investigation has never been made, but Eddie was charged by the Federal government with terrorism. A Federal court ultimately ruled that Eddie was innocent and that his act was one of desperation. But the state of North Carolina, after previously dropping charges of kidnapping, reinstated them once Eddie was pronounced innocent by the Feds. After two years of legal battles (the chronology is too long to post, but I promise you it makes for an agonizing story, including incredible acts of harassment against Eddie and his family and neighbors, and the fact that he was illegally denied legal counsel for his defense), Eddie accepted an 18 year sentence on the state charges. Harassment and threats against Eddie have persisted in N.C. prisons since he was jailed in 1989. He's suffered a punctured lung in a stabbing by another prisoner who was contracted to kill him. Eddie's mother, Thelma Clark, was told by the previous governor of North Carolina that her son "should stop taking up other people's causes" (Eddie has remained a legal activist in jail). Attorneys who have worked for Eddie's case have been framed by convicted drug dealers, fined, disbarred, had jail terms imposed and other- wise harassed (William Kunstler is one of those lawyers). Eddie's mother and the rest of the Eddie Hatcher Defense Committee continue to crusade for Eddie's release. For the full story, please write or call them at: P.O. Box 1491 Hamlet, North Carolina, 28345 910-582-8113 Fax 910-582-0017 Send tax-deductible contributions to: the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice P.O. Box 187 Enfield, NC, 27823 Write letters urging for parole to: Governor Jim Hunt Office of the Governor Raleigh, NC 27603 or NC Parole Commission 831 W. Morgan St Raleigh, NC 27603 or Franklin Freeman Secy, Dept of Correction 214 W. Jones St Raleigh, NC 27603 At the meeting where I met Thelma Clark, the group there did an honor song and drum for Eddie and Leonard. I asked her for some material, and she gave me the brochure from which I've drawn the above. Call the committee to get a copy for yourself. Read it and find out what horrible crimes against Native Americans are still going on today. {{{Deanna}}} 1-8408@wwiv.tweekco.ness.com --------- "RE: Powwow Rules for First Timers" --------- Date: 22 Apr 1994 20:55:40 GMT From: Whitecoyote@jpl.nasa.gov (Charles White Coyote) Subj: Powwow 16 general rules for first timers. Newsgroup: soc.culture.native Organization: Ojibwe American I was asked via EMAIL to repost this on occasion, so here it goes. It should be noted that every POWWOW is different so the first rule is the most important. The key is respect, and many "first timers" don't have access to the life-long teachings that we take for granted. Here is the "Charley's 16 rules", hope you enjoy. (If this helps, please send me a little Email. I enjoy hearing about Powwow tales and stories.) The following are general rules I give to follow when going to a POWWOW. 1) Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. 2) Do not sit within the arena. The chairs inside the arena are reserved for the dancers. Use the outside circle or bleachers if provided. 3) If you want to take pictures, check with the POWWOW host first, then check with the person you are taking pictures of and ASK THEIR PERMISSION. Under no circumstances may you enter the arena to take photos. Put your camera down for all memorial dances. 4) All tape recording must be done with the permission of the Master of Ceremonies and the Lead (or Head) Singer of EACH drum. When a new drum starts, do not enter the arena to get to the other drum. Don't run. Miss the song and wait for the next one to take your time getting to the drum. Nothing is more rude than "Recorder-runners" ganging around a drum. Many Powwow disallow this anyway (fine by me!). 5) If you are not wearing traditional Regalia, you may dance only on social songs (like Two-Step, Blanket Dance, Honoring Songs, Circle, etc..) Sometimes a blanket dance is held to gather money. You may enter the circle to donate. 6) Only those with the permission of the Lead Singer may sit at a drum. (And it's a good idea to know the songs because it's often a habit to ask the "stranger" to lead one.) 7) Stand and men must remove their hat (unless traditional head gear) during the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Invocation, Memorial, Veterans Songs, and the Closing Song. 8) During the Gourd Dancing, only Gourd Dancers and Gourd Dance Societies are to enter the Dance arena. Owning a gourd rattle does not make one a Gourd Dancer. Check with the local Societies. 9) Please do not permit your children to enter the dance circle unless they are dancing. 10) Do not touch anyone's dance Regalia without their permission. These clothes are not "costumes" and yes we use modern things like safety pins and such because we are a "living" culture, our Regalia is subject to change. Leave your stereotypes at home. (Yes there are some blond tribal enrolled Indians... no ones fault that life goes on!) 11) If you are asked to dance by an elder, do so. It is rude and disrespectful to say, "I don't know how." How can you learn if you turn the elders down? 12) Most all Powwows do not allow Alcoholic beverages, Gold Paint cans, or drugs here. The Powwow is a time of joyful gathering and celebration of life. Alcohol and drugs are destroying our way of life and these "bad" spirits are not welcome. 13) It's funny how much trash we as people drop. Make an extra effort to walk to the trash can. Respect Mother Earth. 14) Remember always: Native American Indian dances are more than the word "dance" can describe. They are a ceremony and a prayer which all life encompasses and produce many emotional and spiritual reactions. Some dances are old, some are brand new... the culture continues to live and evolve. 15) Urban Powwows are much more "tense" than Powwows on the rez. As people are away from the comfort of culture, they tend to take things more seriously. Abide by peoples wishes and requests. We as Indian people believe differently. Some dance around clock-wise, others counter clock-wise. If our host asks, we sometimes voluntarily show our respect by temporarily changing our way(s). Show your respect by doing the same. 16) Have fun. Buy something from the vendors. Donate if you can. And most of all don't be so uptight and relax. The whole universe comes together this day to celebrate. You are invited to join in. Please remember, these are general rules when there is no other ground work to proceed from. Hope this helps. --Charles Phillip Whitecoyote* --------------------------------------------------------------- \|/ The comments above are mine alone. Do not / \ attribute my mad ravings with JPL, NASA, or / o \ CalTech, nor the United States, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Red Lake or White Earth Bands of the Great and Sovereign Chippewa Tribe, my wife (for she maintains her own ravings), nor my dog "Pepsi", nor the New Politically Correct World Order. (Hi Mom!) Chippewa, Anishinabe, Ojibway, Ojibwe, Ojibwa, Otichape, Rabbit-choker, just don't call me late for dinner! --------- "RE: Sky Song (Dog)" --------- Date: 17 Apr 94 09:23:58 GMT From: otter@manido.alphai.org (Turtle Heart) Subj: Sky Song (Dog) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) I have taken stones and gone walking in the clouds I have taken dreams and gone singing to the sky Tobacco Indian Ahnishinabeg Turtle Heart otter@manido.alphai.org scicom!manido!otter The Oxen is slow, but the earth is patience. --------- "RE: Reviews of Native American Books for Children" --------- Date: 25 Apr 94 20:02:59 GMT From: sbrock@teal.csn.org (Steve Brock) Subj: Reviews of new children's books on Native American themes - THE MAGIC WEAVER OF RUGS by Jerrie Oughton - BATTLEFIELDS AND BURIAL GROUNDS: THE INDIAN STRUGGLE TO PROTECT ANCESTRAL GRAVES IN THE UNITED STATES by Roger C. Echo-Hawk Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Here are several short reviews of new children's books: For ages 4-8: THE MAGIC WEAVER OF RUGS by Jerrie Oughton, illustrated by Lisa Desimini. Houghton Mifflin, 215 Park Avenue South, N.Y., NY 10003, (800) 225-3362, (617) 227-5409 FAX. Illustrated. 32 pp., $14.95 cloth. 0-395-66140-4 REVIEW In the beginning, the Navajo people were plagued by cold and hunger, and they feared that they would not survive. When two women pray for help, Spider Woman responds by teaching them how to weave by shearing sheep and dying it with colors from the natural world. The two women learn to put their souls into the weavings by thinking beautiful thoughts as they work. The women do not fully trust Spider Women and do not want their souls to be trapped in the rug, so they leave one thread loose so that their souls may escape from the rug through it. That is how authentic Navajo rugs are made to this day. Lisa Desmini's pictures, though they are more reminiscent of Mexican folk art and include saguaro cactus that doesn't grow as far north as Navajoland, add a mystical feeling to the story. This colorful tale is a celebration of Navajo skill and creativity, and is highly recommended. Oughton and Desmini have also written "How the Stars Fell into the Sky." For ages 12 and up: BATTLEFIELDS AND BURIAL GROUNDS: THE INDIAN STRUGGLE TO PROTECT ANCESTRAL GRAVES IN THE UNITED STATES by Roger C. Echo-Hawk and Walter R. Echo-Hawk. Lerner Publications Company, 241 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401, (800) 328-4929, (612) 332-7615 FAX. 25% discount to schools and libraries. Illustrated, index, maps, notes. 80 pp., $19.95 cloth. 0-8225-2663-8 REVIEW If a scientist went to a graveyard, dug up your relatives bones, and put them in a museum, would you protest? What if your protests were ignored? Roger Echo-Hawk, a historian, and Walter Echo-Hawk, an attorney, combine their talents in a compelling account that points out the double-standard that is perpetuated by white society. The brothers, both Pawnee, document the plundering of graves and battle sites in the name of research, which at one time was official U.S. policy. Other chapters detail efforts by the Native American Rights Fund and other organizations to repatriate the remains and ceremonial items, in light of recent legislation. Although there are many horrifying passages, "Battlefields and Burial Grounds," should be prominently displayed next to children's books on archaeological methods and policies. Highly recommended for middle and high schools, public libraries, and especially government agencies. --------- "RE: List of Stereotypes (Cleaning it up)" --------- Date: Thu, 21 Apr 94 09:31:43 EDT From: Joe Quickle Subj: List of Stereotypes (Cleaning it up) Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) IMHO, we need to agree among ourselves what our primary targets should be in eliminating stereotypes, then do something about it. This process may be aided by having some kind of guidelines for evaluating an image. I'd like to offer a starting point, some criteria. If an image or stereotype does one of the following, I think we should do something about it (letter writing campaigns, product boycotts, etc.) + If it marginalizes the people; e.g., implies we are numerically or culturally inconsequential, or supports such political mythology + If it inappropriately uses something sacred + If it is grossly inaccurate + If it is disparaging (ridiculing, depicting in a very negative manner, or implying a false connection to our people) + If it is racist; it implies inferiority or a lesser status or rights Any suggestions for additions, changes, or clarifications are welcome. Once we set some guidelines for identifying the worst offenders out there, we can pick our primary targets and go after them. Then we can always bicker about the other ones later :-). Joe Quickle Two Crows