_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' 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 020 O o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 14 May 1994 O o O ( N E W S ) O This issue contains articles from NATIVE-L Mailing List, Internet alt.native newsgroup, 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. "Each individual has to have a vision for the future, ... for the children coming." __ Jake Swamp, Akwesane Mohawk +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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: The next Full Moon is 24 May. There will also be Lunar eclipse beginning near 10:30 pm on the California coast and ending about 12:20 am (25 May) in Nova Scotia. O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! School will soon be out. This is not a time to quit teaching children. This is a time to intensify the lessons from the elders to the next and the next beyond generation. It is our way. It is a sacred trust. Mitakuye Oyasin! Night Owl , , (*,*) Gary Night Owl gars%owlstar.UUCP@mathcs.emory.edu (`-') P. O. Box 672168 gars@genie.geis.com ===w=w=== Marietta, GA 30067, U.S.A. gars@netcom.com ------------------ clip here for news feature -- 8< ----------- --------- "RE: Quebecois Culture Questions" --------- Date: May-01-94 09:39:00 From: Frosty Deere (frosty.deere@f502.n167.z1.fidonet.org) Subj: Quebecois Culture Questions FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference Yesterday I raised a few questions to some friends and then today I am reading the paper and it kind of re-enforces those questions. I see where Breanard Landry has pointed out that the Parti Quebecois opposes multicultuarlism in Quebec. Meaning that if they come to power that there will only be one culture and there is no room for any others. According to his words, other cultures will slowly integrate into a single common, public "Quebecois Culture" instead. Is this not Germany 1994? I mean do you want to be melted as they have pointed out that all cultures will melt into the Quebec culture ? I don't and I don't intend to see my family melt also. In fact what he is saying is just what was said, going back to 1492. After the invasion of the North America ( America being a Italian word ), they took the children and tried to force them to become good white people. Is this now some of the same, saying that everyone of any race will become of one culture appointed by the government of Quebec ? For over 500 years they have forced native people to look and act white and now they want those living in Quebec to live and act like French. Are you willing to start over? Now in the same paper a few pages in I found this bit of information and once again, it must make you think. And I will post the whole thing in case you missed it. ============================================================================ Ottawa... The Bloc Quebecois has radically altered the way it handles Indian issues after identifying tensions with Quebec Indians as a major hurdle for the sovereignty movement. The parties new approach surfaced recently in the House Of Commons. After frequently attacking the Liberal government for failing to control smuggling on Indian reserves, the BQ has suddenly fallen quiet. It has only raised a handful pf questions about Indian issues since mid-March. The Bloc along with the Parti Quebecois is scrapping its antagonistic approach to Indian affairs to convince Indian leaders they will be better off in an independent Quebec. After all, the international community is watching. Daniel Terp, chairman of the BQ's strategy commission, has said the Quebec Cree could persuade other countries to delay recognition of an independent Quebec until it deals with native claims to self-determination. BQ MP Claude Bachand, the party critic on aboriginal affairs has been told to flesh out party's three page position paper on Indian issues. The paper already suggests the party use such language as "lets complete the circle" and nation "belong to the Earth" when speaking on Indian issues. ============================================================================ Now after reading both, I wonder if the two party's are really speaking together. I know they are in the same bed but are they speaking and printing something else. ... via DeltaMail v2.20 for SL (#216378) --- SLMAIL v3.0 (#1349) Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (1:167/502) --------- "RE: Kansas vs. Shawnee Indian Country" --------- Date: Thu May 05, 1994 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.geis.com) Subj: Kansas vs. Shawnee Indian Country GE Electronic Mail From: Janet Smith on behalf of Shawnee Reserve 206 Subject: Re: 10th. Cir. Surround v. Treaty Abrogation Jimmie D. Oyler sent the complete brief of his Motion to Reconsider or Certify for Appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. Court of Appeals in his suit against FRED ALLENBRAND and the ATTORNEY GENERAL OF KANSAS. I can't quote the entire brief--it's too long, and Jimmie D. has agreed to a summary with selected quotes. Jimmie D. Oyler claims that he is the "sole remaining Shawnee" in the state of Kansas. I don't have the course of events leading up to this appeal--they aren't spelled out explicitly, but in reading the brief, some of what's been going on and what Jimmie D. wants are clear. Jimmie D. Oyler has obviously been convicted of selling non-tax-paid cigarettes and tobacco, and his property was appropriated as part of his sentence (this latter is based on a vague reference, but it seemed pretty clear forfeiture of property was one of the issues). He claims that, as a Shawnee living on territory granted by treaty to Shawnees independent of state regulation, he is not subject to taxation, and presents an impressive array of treaties and legal decisions to support that view, and, in fact, to support his contention that he's not subject to =any= criminal or civil authority in the state of Kansas. Jimmie D. vows that the State of Kansas will have to kill him to remove him from his home, Shawnee Reserve 206. Snippits follow: 11. . . . What must an Indian protected by the Constitution do to receive justice in the United States, When Indian Treaties were, and remain today, the Supreme Law of the Land, Superior to the Laws of any state, and protected by Article VI of the United States Constitution, and Only the Congress, through the exercise of its plenary power over Indian affairs, may terminate Indian treaty rights, and should the abrogation of such rights occur, however, the affected tribes would be entitled to compensation under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. See: Menominee Tribe v. United States, 391 U.S. 404. 12. . . ."Powers delegated to congress" ...To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;... 15. When, Article VI, Clause 2, The Federal Supremacy Clause states as follows: ...2. This Constitution and the laws of the United States which shall be made pursuant thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding... 19. The United States Supreme Court has established the following Canons of Indian Treaty construction as published in Felix S. Cohen's Hand Book of Federal Indian Law, 1982 Edition, at page 222, as follows: ...1. Treaties are to be liberally construed to favor Indians; 2. Ambiguous language in treaties must be resolved in favor of the Indians: 3. Treaties are to be construed as the Indians would have understood them... 20. Appellant's vested treaty rights, guarantees and privileges contained in the following Shawnee Treaties are complete and definitely accrued to the Appellant and to the Shawnee Indians that own, live, occupy, work and do business on restricted Indian Country known as Shawnee Reserve 206, by the Constitution of the United States as the Supreme Law of the Land. The vested treaty rights, guarantees and privileges contained in the Shawnee Treaties are as follows: . . . guarantee that the said lands shall never be within the bounds of any state or territory, nor subject to the laws thereof: And further, that the President of the United States will cause said tribe to be protected at their intended residence, against all interruptions or disturbances from any other tribe or nations of Indians, or from any other person or persons whatever... 29. Appellant, Shawnee Indian Jimmie D. Oyler is the owner of restricted Indian Country known as Shawnee Reserve 206, a continuing and enduring agent of the Shawnee Nation, as the Shawnee Nation existed in 1854 and, an heir and descendent of Newton and Nancy McNeer, as, a Shawnee Indian by blood, a Loyal Shawnee by roll and a member of Cherokee, as a Cherokee Shawnee, as authorized by the Act of Congress enacted May 28, 1830, with treaty privileges, rights and guarantees as contained Treaties with the Shawnee. See: Treaty with France, April 30, 1803, called "The Louisiana Purchase" (8 Stat. 200), Treaty with Great Britain, December 24, 1814,(8 Stat. 218), Treaty with the Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, Shawnee, Potawatomi, Ottawa and Chippewa September 29, 1817, (7 Stat. 160), May 28, 1830 Act of Congress of the United States, (4 Stat. at L. p. 411 chap. 148), Treaty with the Shawnee, August 8, 1831 (7 Stat. 355), Treaty with the Shawnee dated May 10, 1854 (10 Stat. 1053), and this Courts Opinion dated April 28, 1994. 30. Appellant incorporates the finding of the Court that states: "Petitioner is a Loyal Shawnee by roll and a tribal member of the Cherokee as a Cherokee Shawnee, ... on his restricted Indian Allotment on land classified as Indian Country." See 18 U.S.C. Section 1151... and Opinion at page 3. ...Congress has defined Indian Country broadly to include formal and informal reservations, dependent Indian communities, and Indian allotments, whether restricted or held in trust by the United States. See 18 U.S.C. Section 1151... 33. Appellant incorporates the finding of the Court that states: "Article X of the Shawnee Treaty pledged that the Shawnee would never be within the bounds of any state or subject to state laws. We have found no evidence that this treaty has ever been formally abrogated...." Opinion at page 6 & 7. 34. Appellant would then ask this Honorable Court the following question. If the Treaty with the Shawnee, August 8, 1831 (7 Stat. 355) has never been formally abrogated by the Congress how can this Honorable Court place Indian Country known as Shawnee Reserve 206 to be within the "Bounds" of the State of Kansas and make Appellant subject to Kansas criminal/prohibitory and Kansas civil/regulatory jurisdiction? See Opinion and, How can this Court state that Shawnee Reserve 206 surrounds any of the other Indian reservations? See: map of Kansas and How can this Court allow the State of Kansas to impose tax and regulation jurisdiction on Appellant, bootstrapped to criminal/prohibitory jurisdiction? See: California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, 480 U.S. 202 (1987) and When, this Honorable Court does not have the authority under the Constitution to abrogate United States Treaties, See: United States Constitution and, When the United States Supreme Court only confirmed that the State of Kansas had criminal/prohibitory jurisdiction over Indians of the four tribes within the State of Kansas. See Negonsott v. Samuels, 113 S. Ct. 1119, 1123 (1993). . . . . 66. If this Court will not comply with the Constitution and the Shawnee Treaties as the Supreme Law of the Land, it is demanded this Court certify this case for appeal to the United States Supreme Court. --------- "RE: Calgary Indian Awareness" --------- Date: May-01-94 07:11:48 From: Marisa Broughton (marisa.broughton@f17.n134.z1.fidonet.org) Subj: Calgary Indian Awareness FidoNet Indian Affairs Conference Qf: Calgary Sun, May 1/94 Calgary-area Natives will get down to business this month as speeches by the president of Syncrude Canada Led. and several senior bankers highlight Native Awareness Week. Syncrude president Eric Newell will be the keynote speaker May 20, when he talks about how business can create investment opportunities for Natives. His address, co-sponsored by the Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Society (CAAS) and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, will be given at the Commerce Club, 517 Centre St. S. Although Native Awareness Week will be held May 15 to 22, an introductory seminar dealing with financing issues within the Native community is slated for May 10. Also co-sponsored by CAAS and the chamber, the breakfast meeting will feature bankers who help finance Native businesses. The two groups will also co-sponsor a dinner May 26 at the Commerce Club aimed at creating links between Native and non- Native businesses in the Calgary area. Several other events are planned for Native Awareness Week, including an exhibition of contemporary Native art at the Triangle Gallery, 800 Macleod Tr., a Native film festival and a youth conference. Native folksinger Buffy Sainte-Marie will also participate in the week-long celebration. She'll present a display of computer- generated art May 15 at the EM Media centre, 116 8th Ave. S.W. End Quote Sure, they can't solve all the problems in a week..or even address all the issues, but at least it's a beginning. Marisa --- Blue Wave/Max v2.12 [NR] Origin: EXCESS-CALGARY AB CANADA (403)285-7338 *HAYES 28.8k* (1:134/17) --------- "RE: Salmon Fishing" --------- Date: Thu May 05, 1994 From: J.CASTO [JimC in OR] (j.casto@genie.geis.com) Subj: Salmon Fishing GE Electronic Mail Here is a copy of a message I posted on the Indian Affairs net on Fidonet. Just in case some of you don't get that network. -=-=- In a four-hour meeting on Tuesday (4 May 1994), it was agreed by all parties that the four tribes of the Columbia River area be allowed to return to their fishing places between Bonneville and McNary Dams and be allowed to fish in the traditional manner with their nets until Saturday, 7 May 1994. The question of the Indian's right to fish in the Willamette has been tabled for now. A proposal might be worked up by as early as Thursday, 5 May 1994. There is quite an article in "The Oregonian" for Wednesday, 4 May 1994 on some of the reasons why the salmon runs have fared so badly in recent years. Some of the factors include drought and El Nino. You have to keep in mind that the salmon returning this year are four and five year olds. And then there was this in today's (Wednesday, 4 May 1994) paper: ------ Salmon Redux ------- "The fish populations of the Columbia River have been decimated by the development of commercial fisheries, the deterious effects of the various industries which have developed in the basin and the direct loss of spawning areas.... The problem of providing a suitable habitat for the adult spawners, the eggs and the young is more complex and can be solved only by coordinated planning and adequate fish protection at projects which interfere with proper conditions in regard to fish life." --- From "History and Development of Columbia River Fisheries," U.S. Department of Interior, 1940. Yes, you read it correctly. Nineteen Forty. Fifty Four years ago. Jim -=-=-=-=-= End of Message -=-=--=-=-= To add just a little: Some NAs fished with no problems from either the authorities or others on Tuesday. No citations were issued and no arrests were made. As far as I know, there were only the two citations issued on Monday. No one was ever arrested (as in being incarcerated). There was no violence. (Other than the _unsubstantiated_ report of a platform being destroyed. I tend to think this was not true.) As for the meeting held today (Thursday). They _will_ be allowed to fish at Willamette Falls between May 9 and May 28. They will be allowed to catch a total of 2500 salmon. These 2500 will be deducted from the 10,000 they will be given at the end of the season. (There was never a question about the ten thousand. They would have received those in any case.) All four tribes, the BIA, the U.S. Wildlife Service and the Oregon Fish and Game all agreed. There were only two sports fishermen that showed up at the meeting to protest. The dates indicated could be extended if the required 2500 fish are not caught by May 28 and the period could be shortened if sufficient fish are caught. The four tribes will meet to discuss each tribe's share. There was a very minor protest from the Nez Perce due to some limitations in the "gear" that could be used to catch the fish and the agreement may yet be modified to take care of that. The state officials and the tribes will meet later to discuss the dis- position of the two citations. As I may have said before, this is kinda like a "ticket" for "fishing without a license" only it carries a larger fine ($613 I believe I read.) As Tim Weaver, an attorney for the Yakama Nation said: "This is a historic day." This is the first time since 1940 that the NAs have been allowed to fish at Willamette Falls. This whole situation has been "handled" very well by all parties concerned. Naturally, as with any potentially controversial subject, there will be dissenters on both sides. Even the media (newspapers, T.V., radio) have been very fair. It did bring to the forefront a problem that has concerned a lot of us for many years. To repeat a saying attributed to the Cree Indians that hangs over my desk: "Only when the last tree has been felled, the last river poisoned, the last fish caught, will you recognize that you can't eat money." Jim P.S. The wolves are going to return to Yellowstone!!! (and Idaho and Montana. ) --------- "RE: Roberta Blackgoat Statement to Peabody Coal" --------- Date: 6 May 94 22:30:06 GMT From: milo@scicom.AlphaCDC.COM (Michele Lord) Subj: Roberta Blackgoat Statement to Peabody Coal Newsgroups: alt.native This article is from the twice monthly newspaper, News From Indian Country. It is published by Indian Country Communications, Inc. with offices at Rt.2 Box 2900A, Hayward, WI 54843. They may be contacted by calling (715) 634-5226; FAX (715) 634-3243. Late March 1994 - NFIC Help Us Preserve and Maintain Our Traditional Lifestyles by Roberta Blackgoat From a speech given in London, England, Jan. 25, 1994 Yaa'teh'eh Hello, honorable distinguished leaders, shareholders, and fellow relatives. We are divided by great waters, time, distance and belief. But, in the beginning and the end we are one and the same, I greet you as brothers and sisters. I come from the southwestern Arizona desert of the United States. I, along with my people, the Navajos, live in peace, tranquillity and harmony. Our land lies atop vast amounts of coal with the highest quality. Our land has been ravaged to get at our coal, with very little or no compensation, and without our consent. The coal has religious significance in our belief. The earth is alive, its a living organism - like us. The coal is regarded as the liver. It stands to reason that it's a natural aquifer. We depend on it for our water supply. The Black Mesa coal region lies in the midst of the four sacred mountains; Mt. Blanca to the east, Mt. Taylor to the south, San Francisco to the west, and Hesperus to the north. We have a 'give-and-take' philosophy that we adhere to. I hope you do the same. That you leave something in its place - the coal that you have removed. Leave an offering - something dear and of value. What could that be? It could be, by keeping the traditional caretakers and guardians on their land. Let our children run in the midst of the fields, like I did and as my ancestors before me. I used to be independent but now I myself subsist merely on what the government sends me every month: SSI (Social Security Income). My livestock have been reduced. I have been told by the U.S. government to vacate my land in accordance with a Public Law 93-531. My water supply has been capped, I have to haul water fourteen (14) miles. I get harassing letters and visits from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a branch of the United States government. I submit to you that I hope you, the English people, are more humane, just, and equitable. Maybe you can help us preserve and maintain our lifestyles, culture, language, and our dignity. I humble myself, I plead with you. Support our way of life, put monetary profits aside and look at the humanitarian assistance of the traditional Navajos and traditional Hopis. They, we, have been ignored, even detained by our own tribal governments. Despite our recommendations, there have been no settlements nor solutions. P.L. 93-531 is a misnomer in its title: "Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act" of 1974. There is no settlement when we have to compromise our traditions, values, and ideologies. Please limit your take of coal, limit the amount the amount of water pumped with the pulverized coal to distant lands; the water is not readily replaced. Power generated from our coal goes to supply distant cities and benefits a diverse populace. The profits and revenues from electricity goes to big corporations and energy companies without even the slightest of gratuity to the people most directly affected - the traditional people living on the land or in proximity of the open pit coal mines. Why are you even involved with our natural resources? We invite some of you to come and spend a day or two and see for yourselves the conditions that we live in. Visit our sheep camps, haul wood and water, and sleep in a hogan. I guarantee your perspectives will change for a better understanding of who we are. Thank you for letting me speak. I shall remember your hospitality, generosity and most of all your respect. Thank you. Hagoonee Roberta Blackgoat Navajo Nation ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 2 Mid-April 1994 Blackgoat Appeals to Peabody for Corporate Commitment to Traditional Lifestyles (ICC) London, England - On January 25, 1994, addressed the shareholders of Peabody Coal at their meeting in London. The text of her appeal to them was printed in the last issue of NFIC. Here are the 10 requests she made at the time to the President and Vice President of Peabody Coal. 1) A corporate commitment to a very honest and real dialogue with families directly impacted by present and long term mining i.e., revealing current long-term plans, agreements and proposals; addressing real issues in the current crisis (land use, water, etc.); not hiding behind tribal councils or employment opportunities. 2) Immediate need for water be addressed; water for remaining communities on HPL (immediate permit to drill be acquired by Hopi Tribe). 3) Preservation of sacred land; Dineh traditional culture and sacred religious sites; preservation of community land base. 4) Extended land rights permits to daughters and granddaughters; future generations. 5) Increase livestock permits for each family; allow adequate livestock for survival. 6) Encourage a humane approach to resisting residents, encouraging BIA to halt inhumane ranger activities; families must be permitted to gather wood. 7) Bans on construction and home improvements be lifted. Summer and winter hogans for each family be acknowledged and protected as part of traditional way of life. 8) Increase in traditional land use for each Dineh family, providing land base not only for survival but, foremost, an adequate land base to provide for the preservation of cultural and traditional religious ceremonial life as well. 9) Immediate cease of harassment and genocidal activities to halt all suffering from these hardships. 10) All negotiations between resisting families and Peabody be carried out with honesty, integrity and goodwill. A schedule of meetings be determined in order to continue dialogue and make way for significant change for the highest good of existing families. ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*+ "When we walk upon Mother Earth, we always plant our feet carefully because we know the faces of our future generations are looking up at us from beneath the ground. We never forget them." -Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~ milo@scicom.alphacdc.com Michele Lord Alpha Institute +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ --------- "RE: Kahnewake Gas Stations Forced to Close" --------- Date: Thu May 12, 1994 From: Art Horovitch (a.horovitch@genie.geis.com) Subj: Kahnewake Gas Stations Forced to Close GE Electronic Mail May 11, 1994 Montreal, Canada KAHNEWAKE GAS STATIONS FORCED TO CLOSE IN TAX DISPUTE WITH QUEBEC GOVERNMENT Pumps at the gas stations in Kahnewake, a Mohawk community south of Montreal are expected to run dry in a few days, after the owners were notified by the Quebec Revenue department that their permits were being revoked due to unpaid back taxes. The Montreal Gazette, in an article by Graeme Hamilton, reoprts that one owner, Mathew Lazare, said he closed his service station and restaurant immediately after being handed the tax notice by a Mohawk Peacekeeper. (The Surete de Quebec are still reluctant to enter the reserve after the Oka crisis in 1990). To increase the pressure further, Quebec has threatened to fine companies that deliver fuel to unlicensed stations. Revenue Minister Andre Vallerand said yesterday that the 250 suppliers across Quebec have been advised not sell gas to the stations at Kahnewake. Failure to comply could mean jail terms, fines of up to $25,000, and the loss of the suppliers own operating permit. Phillip Jacobs, A band councillor, accused the government of using strong-arm tactics at a time when relations between the Mohawks and the government were beginning to thaw. (last month a joint operation by the Peacekeepers and the local police from the neighboring community of Chteauguay led to the arrest of a Mohawk man on the reserve after police found a stolen tractor trailer and it's cargo near his house.) Jacobs said there is no justification for government action. "Gas has been sold here for 50 years, and there has never been a problem. There is no law anywhere that says we have to collect taxes." He is concerned the Revenue Department will target other Mohawk businesses after taking on the dozen gas stations in the community. At issue is the provincial sales tax charged on gasoline. Owners maintain that they do not have to charge tax nor collect it for the government. The Government maintains that the Mohawks must charge and remit tax like any other business in Quebec. The underlying issue really is sovereignty in Mohawk territory. While the French are engaged in the process of promoting sovereignty for the province of Quebec in a possible move that may split Canada, they fail to accept that the Mohawks have had the same aspirations for many years. This has the potential for a crisis developing which will make Oka seem mild by comparison. Further statements by the revenue department suggest that Kahnewake gas stations can sell gas as much as 5 cents per liter cheaper and this has been viewed as unfair competition by gas station owners in neighboring communities. However the Revenue Department remained silent last fall when a price war in nearby Longueil drove the price below even what the Mohawks were selling it at. The opposition Parti Quebecois yesterday entered the fray in the National Assembly in Quebec. MNA Jean Filion said " government should end the double standard and laws should apply equally to all citizens on Quebec territory." However, Stuart Miyow, a Mohawk activist , said yesterday that Indian reserves are a federal responsibility, and the province has no business interfering with events on the reserves. "The Mohawks have been made to look like villains, like we're trying to get something for nothing. The real villain is your government." he said. Gas station owners are meeting to plan their next move. Some have suggested legal action to force the government to lift the suspension of licences. The minister of Indian affairs , meanwhile, says that his office has heard nothing of a plan to blockade the Mercier bridge, thereby blocking access to Montreal by close to 100,000 commuters daily and forcing them to make a long detour around the reserve as occurred in 1990. In a somewhat tongue -in-cheek comment, one resident of the reserve has suggested that the Mohawks contact a Lybian oil tanker and arrange for it to off load gas at the reserve since the St. Lawrence seaway runs through the reserve itself. --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - offline" --------- Date: Thu, 12 May 94 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.geis.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows not previously posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L GE Electronic Mail =Powwows= May 15-18 First Nations Development Institute's Fifth Annual Oweesta Conference Albuquerque, NM Info: 703-371-5615 May 20-21 The First Peoples International Indian Fair and Trade Exposition, Warren, MI Info: 313-756-1350 May 14-15 San Diego Indian Cultural San Diego, CA Info: 619-281-5964 May 20-22 14th Annual Tuscarora Nation Powwow Maxton, NC Info: 919-844-3352 May 21-22 The First Annual Native American Indian Festival and Pow Wow, Chrisfield, MD Info: 1-410-352-3128 May 27-29 18th Annual Odawa Native Friendship Center Powwow Ottawa, Canada Info: 613-238-8591 May 28-30 Msi-kah-mi-qui Lodge Memorial Day Pow Wow Nelsonville, OH 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, 12 May 94 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.geis.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows already posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L Powwow listings from the Internet: Original Sender: "George T. Crafts" Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) May 20-22 14th annual gathering of the Tuscarora Nation, Maxton, N.C. Head dancers: Onyas Locklear, Chawona Emanuel Special Guest: Heart Land Band, Sat. night 8:00 PM Friday 7:00 to 11:00 PM Social dancing and drumming Saturday 10:30 AM Parade in Maxton noon Grand entry 8:00 PM Country, Bluegrass, and Gospel music Sunday 11:00 AM Church services noon Grand entry 4:00 PM close For information call Leon Locklear, Rt. 4, Box 172, Maxton, NC 28364, phone (910) 844-3352 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Original Sender: cats.ucsc.edu!lgc Mailing List: NATIVE-L May 14-15 The Student Alliance of North American Indians Third Annual Pow-Wow at the University of California Santa Cruz Host drum: Fly-in-Eagle (Cutknife, Saskatchewan). Canadian host drum: Blackstone (Sweetgrass, Saskatchewan). Local host drum: All Nations. Master of Ceremonies: Alvin Windy Boy (Chippewa Cree) Arena Director: Gary Middle Rider (Blackfeet). The Pow-Wow will be located on the East Field at the UC Santa Cruz campus. Grand Entries will be on Saturday at 1pm and 7pm, and on Sunday at 12 noon. Inquiries should be directed to Joshua Horowitz, Emily Haozous, or Erin Pilkinton (vendors) at (408) 459-3494 or to Don Hankins at (408) 459-2296. No Drugs or Alcohol allowed. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Original Sender: anchor.esd.sgi.com!lyn (Lyn Dearborn) Mailing List: NATIVE-L April 29-May 1 "Mariposa's First Annual Chi-tock-non Kote-u-pu "94" aka Mariposa's First Annual Spring Celebration "94" PowWow; sponsored by the American Indian Council of Mariposa County. Place: Mariposa Fairgrounds Time: Friday, 6 pm to 11 pm; Traditional Dancing, AIMC Giveaway & Awards. Celebration '94 is a family event. For the safety and enjoyment of all attending, no alcohol or drugs allowed. Tobacco Free Zones (no smoking) exist in the dance arena, craft and food service areas. Persons under the influence or in possession of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed entrance. Professional security is on duty at all times. Tickets are $2/day per adult; $1/child under 12. Hours for Sat April 30 and Sunday May 1 are 10 am to 11 pm. Grand Entry at 12 noon, followed by Invocation/Round Dance/Introductions. 3pm will feature Exhibition Dancing in the Arena and "Sacred Use of Tobacco" presentation by Elders. 4 pm is Contest Dancing in the Arena (Men's Traditional, Men's Fancy, Women's Traditional and Women's Fancy (includes Jingle). 6 pm will feature Frank La Pena's Maidu Dance Group. 7 pm Dance contest continues. Further info: Les James 209/ 379-2829 or Michael Raymond 209/ 742-6642. Limited camping permitted in the fairgrounds. There are a lot of Forestry Service Campgrounds in the area as well (up & down high way 49 and various other roads toward Oakhurst and Northfork, Bass Lake, etc. Good time to visit this area; BEFORE the summer tourists come... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Original Sender: wwivgw.ness.com!1-8408 (Deanna #1 @8408) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Leonard Peltier Freedom Rally June 25-26, 1994 Lafayette Square, Washington, DC Mark this weekend! Details to follow, after May 6 Contacts: Bobby Castillo, International Spokesperson for Leonard Peltier; California AIM 415-552-1992 Renee DeGrasse, Executive Director, AIM Support Group 804-790-0166 Leonard Peltier Defense Committee 913-842-5774 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Original Sender: anchor.esd.sgi.com!lyn (Lyn Dearborn) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) May 6,7,& 8 STANFORD UNIVERSITY 23(?)rd Annual PowWow. Sponsored by American Indian Organization. Fri: Grand Entry around 7 pm. Sat: Grand Entry at 1 pm and 7 pm, more or less*. Sunday: Grand Entry might be at 1 pm. Kiowa Gourd Dancers. CAMPING. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AS USUAL NOTE: Please follow all common courtesy rules regarding photographs and tape recordings. The Stanford PowWow is one of the largest in the Western U.S., and as a result, there are many traditionals and medicine people who attend. Please caution your friends to pay close attention to the M.C., and if he says "No pictures or electronic recordings," please make sure they observe this. This would include Honor songs, Flag song, Gourd Dancers, or any Spiritual ceremony (prayers, in case a feather drops, etc.). Visitors are asked NOT to take photographs of any individual without first obtaining their permission, and if you plan on using that photo in a commercial way, make sure you get a release form. IF YOU WISH TO CAMP, YOU NEED TO NOTIFY THE GUARDS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE POWWOW AREA, AND THEY WILL OPEN THE GATE FOR YOU AND GIVE YOU A PARKING PERMIT. --------- "RE: Beaver Chief Reclaims Europe" --------- Date: Mon, 2 May 1994 23:24:30 -0800 From: halcyon.com!nraven (night raven) Subj: Beaver Chief Reclaims Europe Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Fred Beaver Chief Jameson is going on a pilgrimage to Europe. Born into an Indian doctoring family, he is a spiritual leader and keeper of the teachings of indigenous peoples of the Northwest. Beaver Chief will plant his native flag to reclaim Europe for all indigenous people and offer his message. His medicine teachings from the Earth are a wake-up call for all people under the sun and moon to unite. "It is time to come together as individuals within a global community," says Beaver Chief. "We can help all people with an open mind and heart and call upon the healer within to make the changes necessary to be open channels for the healing spirit of the creator. While following and strengthening our individual ways, we can recognize that all people are united by the sacred breath of life." The first stop on this month long sojourn is London. On May 5th at 10am, there will be a Soap Box Presentation and Northwest Coast Native American Ceremonial Drumming at Hyde Park. At 2pm, a Flag Planting ceremony will take place at the House of Commons, Parliament Building. Other stops include Ireland, France, Holland, and Geneva. Drumming Circles and Workshops on Teachings from the Northwest Coast Native American Sisiwis medicine teachings will be held at The Alternative Therapy Centre, 16 Avenue Wendt, Geneva, Switzerland. For more information on drumming circles and workshops in Europe, please contact: Sandra Bertecco 26 rue H Mussard 1206 Geneva Switzerland all my relations, night raven --------- "RE: Book Review: Indian From the Inside" --------- Date: Sat, 23 Apr 1994 03:46:00 GMT From: axe.humboldt.edu!NR275226 Subj: Book Review: Indian From the Inside Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) On that topic, ethno-metaphysics that is, specifically referring to Native American Studies: Currently I am taking a course here at Humboldt State University called Native American Epistemology, and for the culmination of the course we are examining the connections between Euro-American and indigenous science (indigenous science meaning that way of traditional thought which allows one to look at past knowledge in a spiritually meaningful way.) ..... Is there really a connection? If one thinks of the rituals and ways of learning in terms of ethno-metaphysics, one will see that there is a connection, albeit one which is beyond the normal realm of our perception. Despite the apparent paradigm gap, one can look at the basic Euro-American scientific methodology from a perspective not unlike that of an indigenous person. In examining a hypothesis, a laboratory scientist often may say, "Is this thing I am examining "A" or "B"?" That person may find, for example, that the answer to his question lies in the discrete solution "B." However, for that person to even begin the process that led to the conclusion, "B" had to be examined -- IN RELATION to "A." In like fashion, the indigenous people of the land when following traditional methodologies as passed down or as complemented by spiritual phenomena unexplainable by modern science would tend to observe their world NOT in terms of themselves as objective observers, but as subjective people in a universally interconnected realm in which spirit could be seen, felt and heard in the everyday world, in which individuals had songs literally come to them, and where what was sacred could be humorous. To explain my claimed connections, I ask you to look at the necessity of the subjective for interpretation of modern scientific evidence... look at the subjectivity of in fact all people. Look at the necessity for the relational aspect of "A" to "B" in order to discern "B", and look at the interconnectedness so fundamental to traditional knowledge, which openly admits the relational aspects of all things. Mostly though, look at the plain and basic fact that we are ALL HUMAN and in this sense, certainly related. Those who exercise divisiveness in their thinking, rather than inclusion, will not come to a full, comprehensive, and connected understanding of society --- and themselves. --------- "RE: Employment Opportunity" --------- Date: 03 May 94 15:55 PDT From: nafc@web.UUCP Subj: Employment Opportunity Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Employment Opportunity Policy Analyst/Communications Officer This employee reports directly to the Executive Director of the National Association of Friendship Centres. Accordingly, this position is considered to be a management position with the organization. Qualifications As this employee is responsible for many of the policies and assists in the preparation of many of the formal documents that are produced by the Association, it is important that he or she have post secondary education, preferably at the degree level. Effective communication skills are a requirement as this employee must understand and interpret the various federal and provincial acts of legislation, regulations, bylaws and policies that affect the Friendship Centre Movement. The employee must be able to provide effective strategies that promote the beliefs of the Association. Independent thought and initiative are necessary requirements if this employee is to be effective as a representative of the Association at the many meetings that he or she will be required to attend. Duties The Policy Analyst/Communications Officer will be responsible for the following: - to gather, classify and assess data within specified parameters, for use by the Executive Director and Board; - to establish contact with Friendship Centres and relevant government departments to understand implications of proposed policies; - to develop positions on proposed policies for review and consideration by the Executive Director and Board on relevant issues; - to prepare reports, briefs and position papers as required; - to consult with centres to examine the effectiveness of existing policies and conduct such studies and reviews as are necessary to identify improvements; - to develop alternative methodologies that might improve policy frameworks that affect Friendship Centres and urban Aboriginal people; - to act as a representative, facilitator, technical support person, or spokesperson as directed by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in forums and meetings on behalf of the Association; and, - any other job related duties that may be required. Start Date: 4 July 1994 Salary commensurate with experience Please submit a resume and cover letter by June 15 to: Terry Doxtator Executive Director National Association of Friendship Centres 396 Cooper St., Suite 204 Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H7 --------- "RE: Clinton Memo: Government to Government Relations" --------- Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 18:34:24 -0500 From: ssc.wisc.edu!sweeney (Kim Sweeney) Subj: Clinton memo: govt to govt relations Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) This document was forwarded to me by Luke Jones, who thought we might want a complete set and told me to go ahead and forward it to the list. __________________________________________________________________________ THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release April 29, 1994 MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES SUBJECT: Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments The United States Government has a unique legal relationship with Native American tribal governments as set forth in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, statutes, and court decisions. As executive departments and agencies undertake activities affecting Native American tribal rights or trust resources, such activities should be implemented in a knowledgeable, sensitive manner respectful of tribal sovereignty. Today, as part of an historic meeting, I am outlining principles that executive departments and agencies, including every component bureau and office, are to follow in their interactions with Native American tribal governments. The purpose of these principles is to clarify our responsibility to ensure that the Federal Government operates within a government-to-government relationship with federally recognized Native American tribes. I am strongly committed to building a more effective day-to-day working relationship reflecting respect for the rights of self-government due the sovereign tribal governments. In order to ensure that the rights of sovereign tribal governments are fully respected, executive branch activities shall be guided by the following: (a) The head of each executive department and agency shall be responsible for ensuring that the department or agency operates within a government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribal governments. (b) Each executive department and agency shall consult, to the greatest extent practicable and to the extent permitted by law, with tribal governments prior to taking actions that affect federally recognized tribal governments. All such consultations are to be open and candid so that all interested parties may evaluate for themselves the potential impact of relevant proposals. (c) Each executive department and agency shall assess the impact of Federal Government plans, projects, programs, and activities on tribal trust resources and assure that tribal government rights and concerns are considered during the development of such plans, projects, programs, and activities. (d) Each executive department and agency shall take appropriate steps to remove any procedural impediments to working directly and effectively with tribal governments on activities that effect the trust property and/or governmental rights of the tribes. (e) Each executive department and agency shall work cooperatively with other Federal departments and agencies to enlist their interest and support in cooperative efforts, where appropriate, to accomplish the goals of this memorandum. (f) Each executive department and agency shall apply the requirements of Executive Orders Nos. 12875 ("Enhancing the Intergovernmental Partnership") and 12866 ("Regulatory Planning and Review") to design solutions and tailor Federal programs, in appropriate circumstances, to address specific or unique needs of tribal communities. The head of each executive department and agency shall ensure that the department or agency's bureaus and components are fully aware of this memorandum, through publication or other means, and that they are in compliance with its requirements. This memorandum is intended only to improve the internal management of the executive branch and is not intended to, and does not, create any right to administrative or judicial review, or any other right or benefit or trust responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable by a party against the United States, its agencies or instrumentalities, its officers or employees, or any other person. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. WILLIAM J. CLINTON --------- "RE: Being Human" --------- Date: Wed, 27 Apr 1994 12:01:56 GMT From: Jackie Brown Subj: Being Human Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Just received the April Delaware News. Thought the following might be of interest: Ten Indispensable Tools For Being Human YOU WILL RECEIVE A BODY -- You may like it or hate it but it's yours to keep for the entire period. YOU WILL LEARN LESSONS -- You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called "life." THERE ARE NO MISTAKES, ONLY LESSONS -- Growth is a process of trial, error and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work". LESSONS ARE REPEATED UNTIL THEY ARE LEARNED -- A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go to the next lesson. LEARNING LESSONS DOES NOT END -- There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned. THERE IS NO BETTER A PLACE THAN "HERE" -- When your "there" has become "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here". OTHER PEOPLE ARE MERELY MIRRORS OF YOU -- You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself. WHAT YOU MAKE OF YOUR LIFE IS UP TO YOU -- You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The Choice is yours. YOUR ANSWERS LIE WITHIN YOU -- The answer's to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen and trust. KEEP LOOKING AHEAD -- There are still so many good books to read, things to learn, beautiful places to visit, people to meet and new opportunities for growth and discovery. I have reprinted this without permission. Lots more in the news about the separation efforts and federal recognition but seems there is some contradiction between supporting statements made by the Cherokee Administration and negative actions taken by the Cherokee Nation on this issue. I will write more if anyone is interested but must stop now. Time to work. Sincerely, Jackie Brown --------- "RE: Native Poetry" --------- Date: Tue, 10 May 94 12:10:51 EST From: mail.lmi.org!gwelker Subj: Native Poetry Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) I recently did a 'Veronica' search on the word "Indian" and found the following information: Two gopher sites: 1. "Native American Resources" at George Mason University in Virginia absolut.gmu.edu dir = /free_info 2. "Costanoan-Ohlone Indian Research" in California scilibx.usc.edu at the Univ. of So. Calif. Noso-n Newsletters - concerning indigenous tribes in California Anne Marie Sayers - MUTSUN Tribal Chairperson Glenn Here are few poems from that source: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCING SPIRITS Grandfather, many have tried to destroy what you have created. The Dancing Spirits have reached deep within my heart. They shall protect the Sacred Circle you have created in my heart. Your gift of such a Sacred Dance is as a precious breath of Mother Earth. The rage of her nostrils shall not harm the ground the Dancing Spirits have danced on. My Grandson, know that the beauty of this Sacred Circle, you are just a part of. Your brothers build along side of you, take this hand and increase your strength. Seek his wisdom for a river runs swift when streams become as one. You shall honor his deeds for his hand reaches for yours as the Mighty Redwoods reach for the Sacred Skies. Old One, I shall be as the Standing Bear, his strength has carried him through harshness. Your teaching of the Great Warriors that have turned into dead trees is wise. In how many seasons will they turn into stone? Those before me shall keep the Dancing Spirits buried in my heart. Young Warriors, what you have built let it stand Mighty as the Paha Sapa. We can not change the past but Father Sun shall guide our tomorrows. It is I that has granted you the Dancing Spirits. You have learned well my sons that Warriors turn into trees and then stone. Listen to the words the Great Winds Have carried to your ears. You cannot live on the empty promises of those that cause hunger to your women and children. My son, let no man break the Scared Circle of the Dancing Spirits. Thank you Grandfather, Crying Wolf ============================================================================ SACRED FLIGHT Grandfather, the Mighty Eagle has much wisdom, for it follows the footsteps of the old one. Your new journey takes you beyond the Great Waters. You shall always walk at my side, for in you I have found my way. I have listened to the trees their song has touched my heart. This sacred place among the mountains and clouds shall be filled with your spirit? Grandson be as the fresh winter snow for it provides new waters. For it is I, Eagle Guides His Arrows, that shall provide for you. Keep your visions keen as the sight of the Eagle, your strength as his great wings. Our paths are of the same, the sky has many shades. When the sacred rains come they are for your pleasures. Grandfather your bow has much strength, your arrows have soared to great lengths. Your great shield has protected your heart, from many enemies. In all my strengths I shall find the wisdom to carry my own shield. The White Eagle has left me with a saddened heart. In the Scared Sky I shall see your face, Father Sun shall carry your warmth. Young brave go and hunt well for many go hungry it is you that shall become as I. The Mighty Eagle always grasps for the arrow of wisdom. Feed not your people the meat that fills their stomachs. I have gifted you with the many ways a spirit can be filled. My lance has found the hides that have kept your people warm. We have found much wisdom in the many seasons throughout our journey? Grandfather my heart has cried and my tears are silent as this Sacred Flight. I shall see the Eagle catch his meat and my arrows shall fly in the same winds. Have a safe journey grandfather, for the footsteps you leave I shall follow. Thank you Grandfather, Crying Wolf Crying Wolf is an Indian poet and artist living in Southern California. These three pieces speak to the eternal struggles we face and the strengths we find in our ancestors. ============================================================================ Song for the Ohlone We have walked these hills and valleys long before your time When the waters ran clear, the forests stood tall The earth gave us all we could ever need And we lived our lives in dignity When the padres came into our land We met them with a smile We shared what we had And we learned what we could They came to save us we were told Our sacred ways were not the way To save our souls In this land of the brave and the home of the free Tell me what freedom means for me My land is gone, my people scattered And no one seems to think it matters That the sacred ways we lived our lives Are now only told through the white man's eyes We built the missions, worked the land Toiled for days on end When we tried to return to the life that we loved They beat us and chained us We did not understand They said we no longer belonged to the land In this land of the brave and the home of the free Tell me what freedom means for me My land is gone, my people scattered And no one seems to think it matters That the sacred ways we lived our lives Are now only told through the white man's eyes And if crumbling mission records do not clearly show Our births and deaths from then 'til now Then the government says we cannot be What we've been, who we are, the Ohlone Our habitat destroyed, our numbers thinned, It doesn't take too much to see If we were four legged or winged or finned You would call us an endangered species Martha Robrahn January 20, 1993 ============================================================================ Kanyon's Song ( the Element Song ) pire kan'ama Earth My body sii kanpatytyan Water My blood hitrtrew kannosow Wind My Breath sottow kannossow Fire My spirit Mutsun children's song, rendered by Richard Levy, PhD. --------- "RE: Urgent Appeal for Leonard" --------- Date: 5 May 94 18:46:01 GMT+1000 From: "stuart" Subj: Urgent Appeal for Leonard Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Forwarded message: | From: Jacob.Eagle.Eyes@f263.n3603.z1.fidonet.org (Jacob Eagle Eyes) | Date: 03 May 94 00:52:02 -0800 | Subject: Urgent Appeal for Leonard | Organization: Helix: FidoNet<>Internet - Seattle (206)783-6368 | To: pnews.d@world.std.com ============================================================================ * Forwarded for your edification from INDIAN_AFFAIRS * From : John Walter, 1:167/502 ============================================================================ *Please Read ! * (Excuse length, it's justified) * Please Read ! * Urgent news about Leonard !!!! .......the process to get Bill Clinton to grant Leonard an Executive Clemency setting him free has already started, with a recommendation to grant him that clemency having been given the White House by the Deputy-Attorney-General. All who ever hoped for Leonard's freedom are asked to *please!* put the thought to action, now like never before! Please take the few minutes from your life it will take to write to Bill Clinton and/or Janet Reno and declare your support for the granting of clemency. A stamp is a few cents and the addresses of both the president and the attorney-general are available with a local call to US govt offices in your locality, so it wouldn't cost most of us any long distance charges. Leonard's Defense Committees and 30,000,000 supporters around the globe are requested to write *and mail* those letter now. Snail-mail makes a bigger impact than e-mail, (which also requires trigger-words before getting through the auto-reply filters at the proverbial presidential monitor. "Leonard Peltier" and "Executive Clemency" may not be on the hot-file of the day list.) Many members of the US upper & lower houses of govt are taking tough (but sometimes thoughtless) stances on "crime" with their re-elections in mind. The administration needs their support on other issues and the denial of Leonard's clemency could become a bargaining chip in the ongoing game between the administration & the right wing on some other issue. So all are asked to let the administration know that you support his granting clemency to Leonard Peltier. We are asked to please not rant or threaten, but firmly mention your support for the extension of Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier. (For any reader unfamiliar with the case I can send a short fact-sheet & book referral on request.) You can also mention that Leonard was listed as a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International, and petitions of over 30,000,000 supporters worldwide have been sent to the US govt supporting his freedom, and more and more legitimate politicians and govts around the world have added their support. It is our turn to do something for him. Whether you agree with him or not should not matter; no one than was alive before AIM and saw the avalanche of pride and straighter backs that swept the Nations, some almost gone, can deny the impact that AIM had when it tapped mainstream society on the shoulder. He has not broken, knowing he is standing as inspiration to thousands, but he is getting worn by the concrete & the pain inside the walls and the wire. Since his stroke his vision is almost gone in one eye, and the brutal inner destruction of doing 'hard-time', coupled with yet another appeal denial a few mths ago has 'bent his back'. Leonard has served over 18 yrs in the tightest, toughest maximum security prisons in the USA, for a crime he did not commit. Please, give just 18 minutes of your life and write and mail those two short letters that could bring him home to his family. Many, many thanks... Forwarded message: | From: Jacob.Eagle.Eyes@f263.n3603.z1.fidonet.org (Jacob Eagle Eyes) | Date: 03 May 94 00:54:03 -0800 | Subject: Slight correction re Leonard | Organization: Helix: FidoNet<>Internet - Seattle (206)783-6368 | To: pnews.d@world.std.com ============================================================================= Forwarded for your edification from INDIAN_AFFAIRS From : John Walter, 1:167/502 ============================================================================= *Correction* to the msg re the letter writing campaign for Leonard Peltier. A phone call to get more info revealed the fact that the Deputy Attorney-General has not yet recommended that the President grant Executive Clemency to Leonard, but a "Pardon Attorney" has made that recommendation to the Deputy Attorney-General. Other than that the msg stands as is. For those who want to e-mail and access Internet: Internet address; Clinton@whitehouse.gov Here are the addresses and voice & FAX no's: President Clinton The Honorable Jamie S. Gorelick The White House Deputy Attorney General 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue 10th St. & Constitution Ave N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Washington, D.C. 20530 phone: (202) 456-1111 phone: (202) 514-2101 fax: (202) 456-2461 fax: (202) 514-4699 For more details contact Bobby Castillo, International Spokesperson for Leonard Peltier; California AIM 415-552-1992 Renee DeGrasse, Executive Director, AIM Support Group 804-790-0166 Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (USA) 913-842-5774 Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (Canada) 416-439-1893 + Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (1:167/502) ============================================================================ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stuart Russell Stuart@uriah.law.mq.edu.au School of Law fax (61)(2) 850-7686 Macquarie University tel (61)(2) 850-7861 North Ryde N.S.W. 2109 AUSTRALIA "Ce n'est qu'un debut!" ============================================================================ --------- "RE: Supporters of the Hopi Traditional Elders" --------- Date: Fri, 29 Apr 94 20:37:22 MDT (-0600) From: Michele Lord Subj: Supporters of the Hopi Traditional Elders Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) TO ALL SUPPORTERS OF THE HOPI TRADITIONAL ELDERS >From those attending the meetings with Hopi Spiritual Leaders -April 22-24, 1994 IT IS NOW TIME FOR ALL OF US TO COME FORWARD WITH OUR SUPPORT We are now entering the last days. The Hopi Spiritual Caretakers have spoken their urgent warnings and message to the United Nations and around the world., yet there has been no response. The sacred lands of the Hopi are being desecrated by water and power lines. The bulldozers are on the land. Soon the Hopi will be unable to conduct their ceremonies. Listen to their words. Then respond. The leaders say it is our turn to act. "The Government of the United States only recognize the illegally elected tribal council. These are not our leaders; this is not our way. We must be left alone and allowed to follow our original instructions without the interference of western ways. We must protect these sacred lands, these sacred ways. If these instructions are not followed, the Purification will begin. Already the signs of the days of Purification are beginning. "For the sake of the Mother Earth and her children, for the sake of all your children and your children's children action is needed now. "Hopi's Ancient Knowledge and Prophesies are warning, through many signs that we have entered a dangerous period in our lives. Mankind must return to Peaceful ways, and halt Destruction of Mother Earth, or we are going to destroy ourselves. All the Stags of Hopi prophesy have come to pass, except for the last, the purification. The intensity of this purification will depend on how humanity collaborates with Creation. "We must Correct and Change our ways, and take care of Mother Earth. If we do not, we are going to face terrible destruction by Nature, wars will come like powerful winds, bringing Purification and Destruction. The more we turn away from the instructions of the Great Spirit, the more signs we see in the form of earthquakes, floods, droughts, fires, tornados; along with wars and corruption. "If we do not Correct and Change these things, we are all gong to suffer; there is no way we will be able to help each other after this. The World problems, and the Destruction of Mother Earth will be so terrible, there will be nothing left on this Earth. "We do not want to see this happen. "We hope that by bringing these warnings to the attention of the people of this Land, and around the World, that we will understand the Seriousness of this moment, that we will be able to help one another, and to help bring about a better way of life." Hopi Traditional Caretakers including: Dan Evehema, Martin Gashweseoma, Manual Hoyungowa, Emery Holmes, Sr., assisted by spokesman Thomas Banyacya. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ JOIN US IN ACTION TO SUPPORT THE SPIRITUAL CARETAKERS OF THE HOPI NATION As Brothers and Sisters from the Four Directions, we share the Concern for the Healing of Mother Earth, and of all her people. Visions, Prophesies, Warnings, Teachings of the Traditional Leaders from the Four Directions point to the same message, spoken in beautiful variations. They all speak of the Knowledge of these times; of the urgent need for each of us, as individuals, to search our hearts, to recognize and act upon our serious responsibility to protect Mother Earth. We need to heal, to awaken to the danger of these times. We need to take action and sacrifice to protect our grandchildren and all living beings. The Elders have had final signs from Mother Nature and from the Great Spirit, declaring this time to be our last and final chance to help one another, heal and work together. It is urgent that we respond in every way we can. Please search your hearts, your talents and your resources to find what you can do. Find ways you can contribute to this urgent call. Organizational actions, liaison work, media awareness and communication strategies are critically needed. Network this communication to your network. Write to your leaders, your legislators, congressmen, and senators now. Write to your president, the Department of the Interior, Secretary Bruce Babbit, Attorney General Janet Reno, the Department of Justice. Tell them that you demand an immediate cessation of the disruption of Hopi sacred land and ancient spiritual practices. Write to your Ambassadors and Human Rights Representatives to the United Nations. Tell them that you support the preservation of Hopi Hopi traditional practices, lands and ceremonies, and that you hold them accountable for following up on this action. It is time also to contact your press and media contacts and tell them that this is the last opportunity to get this message out. If the sacred lands are allowed to be disrupted, there will be no more chance to put things right. The bulldozers are on the Land now; the workmen are ready to act. In the name of the Creator, in the name of freedom of religion, in the name of our love for the Earth and for all our children, we must act now. Tomorrow is too late. The United States government must know that the World is watching , that we care about the spiritual practices of the Hopi Traditional Leaders. Please send copies of your correspondence to: Thomas Banyacya Manual Hoyungowa P.O. Box 112 P.O. Box 268 Kykotsmovi AZ 86039 Kykotsmovi AZ 86039 Wittenberg Center for Alternative Resources 188 Wittenberg Rd. Bearsville NY 12409 We hope you will join us - with commitment, support and action - in the Vision - in Response to the Message from our Hopi Brothers and Sisters, The Cry of Mother Earth, the Cries of our Grandchildren, For All Our Relations Signed: Betsy Stang - Emery Holmes, Sr. - Dan Evehema - Jacqueline Snyder - Bill Muse - Martha Davis - [4 unlegible] Acknowledged by: Martin Gashweseoma - Manual Hoyungowa - Yetsie Blue, Tulalip - Thomas Banyacya - William Commanda, Algonquin Nation [1 unlegible] ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~+*~+*~+*~+*+ "When we walk upon Mother Earth, we always plant our feet carefully because we know the faces of our future generations are looking up at us from beneath the ground. We never forget them." -Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation ~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+*~+~ milo@scicom.alphacdc.com Michele Lord Alpha Institute +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+ +*+