Subject: nanews03.012 From: gars@netcom.com (Gary Night Owl) To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Message-ID: _ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' O ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ O o O / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' O o O / /-< / /--/ /-- VOLUME 03, ISSUE 012 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 25 March 1995 O o O O o O K A N O H E D A A N I Y V W I Y A O ( N A T I V E A M E R I C A N N E W S ) This issue contains articles from NATIVE-L Mailing Lists, Genie (General Electric) & UUCP email, UseNet newsgroups: soc.culture.native, alt.native Articles appearing have been previously posted for public dissemination and/or permission for inclusion has been secured. Letters of authorization are on file. A list of those granting permission to repost their words in this issue are listed at the end of part A. I thank each of you for allowing your words to be shared with the people. <----<<<< >>>>----> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters 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 the NATIVE-L mailing list, one of the NativeNet lists managed by Gary Trujillo (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us) to include in the NATIVE-L lists(part A). It is echoed on AISESnet, IND-NET, and EIRP listservers and archived by AISESnet. Thanks to Marc Becker, mbecker@uclink2.berkeley.edu, issues of Wotanging Ikche/Kanoheda Aniyvwiya are now being archived at a World-Wide-Web site. The URL is http://ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu/~marc/journals/nanews/ This is a test site, and at some point in the future the location of these files will change. Thanks to Phil Duran, duranp@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu, issues are now being archived at the Washington State University gopher in the following directory: gopher.wsu.edu /WSU Campuses Info /Public Services /Native Peoples "What is Silence? It is the Great Mystery! The Holy Silence is His voice! __ Ohiyesa (Dr. Charles Eastman) +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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 was at a powwow this weekend that had a good, strong Circle. The drums were full of song for Spirit and The People. A Lakota brother offered a special dance as his going home gift. Before his dance he spoke to all, telling of how he had come to dance on the powow circuit, and his feelings about being away from his people. He spoke of his pain of selling his dance. He spoke of his need to touch the place of his people. He spoke to all about the treachery of the wasicu greed and how it had damaged his spirit. He spoke to all about needing to know what each piece of regalia means and the story each piece tells. He cautioned those who would borrow the ways of our dance without knowing their meanings. He spoke with tears of his hunger to return home. He touched our hearts. He will never walk alone because a piece of each of us carry him home. To my Lakota Brother - I pray your return home is safe. I pray your return home is good. I pray the man who earned my respect forever with his own pain can give his gift of dance to the youth. Thank you for touching our lives with yours, Michael. Mitakuye Oyasin! Peace! Night Owl , , Gary Night Owl gars@genie.geis.com (*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@netcom.com (`-') Marietta, GA 30067, U.S.A. gars@igc.apc.org ===w=w=== NativeNet Node 90:133/2501 FidoNet 1:133/2501 ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- Part A: Usenet and e-mail Part B: NATCHAT and NATIVE-L lists - Dance to Heal the Earth - Conferences and Powwows - online - AISES Jobs - Leonard Peltier: Canadian Update - Canada Honors James Bay Cree Chief - A Chiapas Indian's View of the World - Washichu Conservation - Understanding the Eagle Feather - Western Shoshone Land Right's - Public Native Intellectuals - Poem: Grandfather Cries - Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days - Conferences and Powwows - offline --------- "RE: Dance to Heal the Earth" --------- Date: Sun, 19 Feb 1995 13:59:49 UTC From: an123569@anon.penet.fi (Dee Smith) Subj: Dance to Heal the Earth Newsgroup: soc.culture.native Whenever you dance, wherever you dance, dance to heal the earth! Dancing is power. Dancing is prayer. Some say that all is dance. Maybe. Now there's a big dance coming, a dance to heal the earth. If you're reading this, you're probably part of it. You take part whenever you do whatever you do to help heal the earth. When you recycle. When you choose to show love, to fight for justice, to bring healing, to bring out what is good in others. When you avoid cruelty and dishonesty and waste. When you are outraged. When you speak out. When you give. When you consider the generations to come. When you protest to the oppressors and encourage those who feel the cutting edge of injustice. And, of course, when you dance. There is a tree that all the prophets see, and whenever you let your love show, you make the flowers grow. Soon this dance will be done in a big way, in the old way, on sacred ground. All living things will take part. If you want to, you can take part. No one is twisting your arm. You can stop any time you need to, and start up again whenever you're ready. If you've read this far, you probably know what I'm talking about. You've probably been doing it in one way or another for a good while. Soon will be the time to make no bones about it! Cut loose! Anytime you dance, anywhere, whether at a party or in church, dance to heal the earth! Let your feet beat a healing rhythm into the earth. Let your feet beat a strengthening rhythm for those who struggle the hardest. Let your feet beat a life-giving rhythm for all peoples, regardless of race or national boundary, regardless of whether we're human or whether we're the trees, the air, the fish, the birds, the buffalo, the bear, the crow. We come out of hiding, we come back from the dead, and we dance, and our dance is a prayer, and our songs and our rhythms and our breath give life. Is the music they're playing some mindless jingle? Never mind, as long as it's not bad music, and you can dance to the beat! Make your own words, and make the words a prayer. A prayer for the end of exploitation, a prayer for the end of lies, a prayer for healing, for justice, for life. Remember your prayer-song, feed it and let it get strong and pass it along. Dance and pray, whenever you dance, dance to heal the earth. Have you seen anything? Wear it out! Make it so that all can see what you see! Take a white T-shirt and mark it with your dreams. Is there anything you'd like to tell the world? Take your shirt and mark it with your song! This is the way it has been done, so you can do it too. Use any color except black (there are reasons for that that will become clearer later), and you'll probably find that a loose, pure cotton T is most comfortable for dancing in. Cos this is an actual dance, you dance hard, you sing and breathe hard and sweat. Wear it when you plan to go out dancing, to dance to heal the earth. Some people do this dance while fasting, and dance for several days straight. But even a few minutes of dancing helps, and joins with all the other dancing going on, everywhere on Earth. Not everyone can fast these days. Besides, you never know when you're gonna dance, and you have to eat sometimes! But if you plan to dance, hold off eating till later, or just have a little. It's easier to dance if you don't have a hotdog weighing you down. Some people say, do not do sacred things where people are drinking and partying. But all the universe is a sacred place. It really doesn't matter what others are doing, you can make a place sacred wherever you are, with your intention and your prayers. Some people use smoke to make a place sacred; a cigarette or incense stick will do fine. You can dance to heal the earth anywhere, even a party or a bar! The earth is everywhere, so you can dance anywhere to heal her. Only one thing. Please hold off drinking or using any other intoxicants till you're done. It works better that way. The Lie has gone far enough. It spreads and makes everyone sick. Now is the time for this dance to begin. It, too, will spread, and it will bring healing to all. In the beginning, they say, God put a rainbow in the sky, to let us know that Spirit never forgets. Now is the time for us to put a rainbow across the earth, to let God know that we, too, remember. Dance to heal the earth. Not just when you're dancing, but always. Live the dance, whenever you move, in all you do, dance to heal the earth. WEJOT 68 (This message may be reproduced. Please use recycled paper!) --------- "RE: AISES Jobs" --------- Date: Sat, 18 Mar 95 10:59:00 -0700 From: CHUCK_MCAFEE@HP5800.desk.hp.com Subj: AISES Jobs UUCP email Night Owl, thank you for helping me get this information about jobs out to the People. AISES Summer Jobs The American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) has developed a program for summer work experiences (internships) for American Indian and Alaska Native students who are studying the sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, business, and others. This summer's jobs will be with the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Transportation. The positions are open to students who are college sophomores and above, including graduate students. The duration of the positions is 10 weeks. Participants will be paid a stipend for their work, as well as round-trip travel between home or school and the job site. Most of the positions will be in Washington, D.C., but several may be in other locations throughout the country. For those who work in Washington, AISES will arrange safe, convenient, affordable housing for rental. This provides a great opportunity for students to learn about federal government careers and about the specific areas of energy, transportation, and commerce. For more information and to get an application form, contact AISES at the following: AISES Jobs 1630 30th St., Suite 301 Boulder CO 80301-1014 303-939-0023 aiseshq@spot.colorado.edu Act soon. Selections will be made beginning early in April. Aho Chuck McAfee --------- "RE: Canada Honors James Bay Cree Chief" --------- Date: 17 Mar 95 10:11:05 EST From: Ann Stewart <75361.1143@compuserve.com> Subj: Canada Honors James Bay Cree Chief UUCP email James Bay Cree leader Matthew Coon Come is one of fourteen recipients of this year's Native Aboriginal Achievement Awards, sponsored by the Canadian Native Arts foundation and announced yesterday in Toronto. In 1994 Grand Chief Coon Come received the Goldman Foundation's Environmental Prize and the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine Environmental Award for leading his people in the battle to stop more hydroelectric development in James Bay, Quebec. Another honoree is architect Douglas Cardinal. Cardinal is currently designing the Smithsonian Institution's new National Museum of the American Indian on the Mall in Washington DC. In Canada he is known for the elegant design of the Museum of Civilization and for the community buildings in the new James Bay Cree village of Ouje-Bougoumou. "The NAAA Awards are part of a continuing goal to increase understanding and promote partnerships between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal worlds, and to generate great pride and role models for Aboriginal youth," said John Kim Bell. Bell, the first Aboriginal person to become a symphony conductor, established the NAAA two years ago. The awards are produced by the Canadian Native Arts Foundation, a national charitable organization that provides financial assistance to young people for training and education in the performing and visual arts. The foundation has provided scholarships totalling $CDN3 million to Aboriginal students since its founding in 1985. Corporate sponsors include the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Canada's second largest bank), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada Post, Air Canada, the Province of British Columbia and thirteen Canadian federal departments and agencies. The awards will be presented on March 31 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. The gala ceremony will be televised nationally by CBC on Thursday, April 6 at 9 pm. For more information, contact: Judy Tobe, Director of Public Affairs, Canadian Native Arts Foundation, Toronto: 416-588-3328 --------- "RE: Washichu Conservation" --------- Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 16:39:57 -0500 From: KLWolf@aol.com Subj: Washichu Conservation UUCP email (Editorial note: Looking Wolf writes this in response to an article on Usenet by Marilyn Blythe that responded to a published article in the 2/28 Buffalo Evening News in which the Amherst Town Board targeted up to 300 deer for extermination by spring. I have permission from neither of these to publish their words, but my brother speaks well in his response.] ================================================== Dear Night Owl: Here is the expanded posting on washichu conservation that I promised you. Once again, thank you. Mitakuye Oyasin! Looking Wolf ================================================== Sometimes, my head spinning from the sheer wonder of it all, I think the human race has gone completely, irretrievably insane. Five hundred and three years of attacking Mother Earth on this continent alone, and few lessons have been remembered. The program instituted by the citizens of Amherst, New York, at the urging of the state Department of Environment Conservation, is just another sad example. Has anyone thought to tell these fools that the deer population would be of a manageable size if they had let the natural predators live? If, for instance, wolves had been allowed to live in that area, the deer would have been kept in the forests. It is only when the food supply in their natural habitat dwindles that animals begin to forage on human-occupied lands. (This, of course, takes the theft of land by humans as a given, unalterable evil.) Unfortunately, the same people who now want to kill the deer for the crime of thriving also killed off the wolves. Of course, this was done in the interests of human safety. Why, if they hadn't killed the wolves, the wolves might have attacked livestock or people. They would also have preyed upon the deer, and the human "sportsmen" don't need that kind of competition. Why do I get the feeling that I'm missing something here? A note to wolf detractors: never, in all of recorded history, has a free and undiseased wolf attacked a human being. I have never even heard of a rabid wolf attack, but I leave that particular door open. Only when driven neurotic from prolonged confinement do wolves exhibit violence toward humans. Normally, wolves are too intelligent not to be frightened of these two- legged invaders into their territory. Wolves also do not willingly feed upon domesticated animals. Naturalists are unsure as to the cause of this, but it is recorded fact. Wolves only hunt livestock when there is no other prey available. In other words, only when humans have killed off all of their natural prey. Wake up, humanity! Our Mother the Earth balanced her creations very carefully . We cannot disrupt that balance without consequence. More importantly, we cannot correct that disruption by destroying more of the balance! A final plea to all humankind...we have pushed ourselves off the red road. We must find the Circle again if we wish to survive. Mitakuye oyasin. -Looking Wolf- --------- "RE: Western Shoshone Land Right's" --------- Date: 15 Mar 1995 15:17:25 GMT From: kibby@scs.unr.edu (Larry Kibby) Subj: Western Shoshone Land Right's Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.native From Larry Kibby, Consultant/Director, Western Shoshone Historic Preservation Society. The following material has been composed by Ms. Paula J. Brady, Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, and Ms. Brady has requested permission to use our space to address this matter. For further information regarding Ms. Brady's material, please contact her at: (702) 738-8004) or (702) 738-4147 or Ms. Paula J. Brady 1581 Pinenut Circle Elko, Nevada 89801 "WESTERN SHOSHONE" "LAND RIGHT'S" On March 2, 1995, the Elko Daily Free press did regard that Nevada State Senator Dean Rhoades advocated a principle of "Civil War", on the Nevada State Senate Floor, as part of a declaration for the State Right's Movement and it's attack on the federal Government. The State right's Activist Movement is for a fact going to have a very serious impact on the Land Use Right's of those Western Shoshone Reservation Rancher's of the South Fork Indian Reservation of Lee, Nevada; the Ruby valley Allotments of Ruby Valley, Nevada and the Odger's Indian Ranch of Butte Valley, Nevada. My Grandfather(91 yrs.) and Grandmother(84 yrs.) of Butte Valley, who operate the Odger's Ranch and have been Ranching there for 30 years have also been fenced in and have had to endure the rules and regulations of the Bureau of land management and have been neglected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs whose Trust Responsibility regards have never been put into place. My Grandparents have been without electricity for 30 years and were due to receive a new home but with the federal budget cuts and the open attack on the Indian people by the Anti-Indian Organizations and the republican Party, the only people that stand to gain any regards here in Nevada are the Private Property Owner's, such as the Non-Indian Rancher's, the Miner's and the Western Shoshone Dann Sister's of Crescent Valley, Nevada, who are my Cousins and I know them very well. For years and years many of our people have watched as non-Indians have come through their country to support this regard and that regard, and even at times some of them have enjoyed making a mockery of our Ceremonial and Burial Grounds, make a mockery of our tradition and traditional belief by taking cam corders into such ceremonies as the Sweat Lodges and these people have proven to us, that their only concern is making money by using the Western Shoshone nation, which they have never been given permission and are not endorsed by the 4,000 member's of the Western Shoshone nation and this is factual because we, the Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada are faced with losing much more than our treaty right's, we are going to lose much of our land and water tight's, hunting, fishing and gathering right's and much of our Ceremonial and Burial Grounds. Maybe someday, people will realize the truth, but by then it may be too late. It is sad to me that my grandparents and other Western Shoshone people are going to lose something they have been working so hard for all these years, just because of greed and the sincere lack of concern. People should understand that Traditional Native American Indians do not sell their right's or endorse New Age, Wanna Be's, Self-Proclaim Chief's, or Self-proclaim So-called Spiritual Leader's and or Anti-Indian groups or organizations. The reservation people are going to lose a lot and private land owners such as the Dann Sister's will win through the State Right's Movement. If people want to help the Native American Indian in their plight and or struggle, please understand the facts first and know that such ways to assist are by letter writing campaigns, which the Native American Indian need more than anything right now. If you want to support a cause be sure that you support that cause in a manner of justice. The Western Shoshone people understand that money and other things have been donated in the name of the Western Shoshone Nation and they have declared, "Where is this help!" So please understand what you are doing and please understand that there is roughly 4,000 member's of the Western Shoshone Nation. The Ranching community of the Western Shoshone is very large and they stand to lose many of their rights, just as do all the Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada. Support for all the Western Shoshone should be administered by letter writing to officials that are trying to assist us in our endeavors to preserve and protect our inherent rights, our hunting, fishing and gathering grounds, our ceremonial and burial grounds. Enough is enough, we do not need people coming into our territory to make a mockery of our traditions and traditional way's. Thank you. --------- "RE: Public Native Intellectuals" --------- Date: Sun, 19 Mar 95 17:53:20 MST From: gary@sparrow.ampr.ab.ca (Gary Armstrong) Subj: Public Native Intellectuals UUCP email Hello Gary Here is an article that might be of interest to your e-news Wotanging Ikche. If you want to publish it on your e-news you have my permission. Thank You, Gary. ARE THERE NATIVE PUBLIC INTELLECTUALS? I finished reading an article called "The New Intellectuals" by Robert S. Boynton from Atlantic Monthly. This author has written an interesting article and much positive insight into the world of Jewish and Afro-American thinkers. While reading this article I began to notice a commonality of Afro-American and Aboriginal experience. Also, I questioned how, what, why, when, and where did these people travel(emotionally & intellectually) in their personal experiences and as visible ethnic groups. There is no doubt Afro-Americans have achieved milestones in American history. As Boynton's article mentions, just look at Toni Morrison or Henry Louis Gates. Indeed, such individuals help to shed light and understanding on Afro-American life. And so I questioned and looked for Native thinkers. As a teacher, writer and Aboriginal it's only natural to think of possibilities of what ones group can achieve. It is only natural to look at the writers and thinkers of Native background. I noticed there exists what is known as Public Intellectuals of Aboriginal origins on the Internet (ie. Native Net), Native newspapers, and Native magazines. Robert Boynton explains that a public intellectual is not limited to college professors. This author hits upon something very intriguing, the public intellectual shows critical intelligence and a moral vision. The contemporary public intellectual is from a new generation of thinkers. If we look at the Native/Aboriginal experience in the past 100 years in North America, we can see a stark difference from each generation's experiences and attitudes. Before 1960's the Afro- American and Native people could not vote in United States. In Canada, Native (treaty) people were not allowed to vote in federal elections. Treaty Indians had a choice of give-up their right as a treaty Indian and tribal member if they were to vote. After WWII, Native people wanted voting rights. Many Native people in Canada had volunteered their lives during this world war. My mos'hom (grandfather) fought in WWII for Canada. After WWII he was not allowed to vote until mid 1950's. By this time, the next generation of Native people were fighting for voting rights. Native political activists emerged. Many of our mothers, fathers, and relates fought for voting rights and human/social justice - now known as Pan Indian era of North American history. The next generation, the present Native people. Many of these Native people are university educated and self-educated. Native people such as writers, theorist, educators, lawyers, professors, and professionals have emerged. A few of these individuals are what I would call the Native public intellect which has been explained so eloquently by Mr. Boynton on the Jewish and Afro- American thinkers. Many of these Native people can be seen on Native Net and other Native media such as tv, books, newsprint - paper and electronic magazines. Take a closer look at Aboriginal Voice or Gary Night Owl's Wotanging Ikche (American Native electronic News) you will see some Native public intellectuals with their own distinct thoughts and powerful writing styles. A Native public intellectual is a critical thinker and has a moral sense of social justice that has been learned from her/his elders, parents, relatives, friends, and community. They are sensitive to the Indian ways and knowledgeable about present broader societal ways outside of Native communities. These individuals at times seem to be protective of Native plight. And, some are seen as unruffled subtle thinkers to the Native concern, ready to protect their pride and concern of Native people. As Mr. Boynton mentions about the public intellectual, these individuals are active in what they believe. They are not isolated and protected from society in the walls of university life and only writing in isolated academic journals. Native public intellectuals are not obsessed with wrongness of societal ways. These individuals are very different from the past, they have and are developing into distinct writers in North America. Some Native writers of this generation on Native Net and other print media, are equally dynamic and creative in their writing as past Native generations in their life struggles. These writers show pride in their ability as thinkers and writers. They are a powerful force that must be recognized by both Native and non- Native societies. Native public intellectuals are very powerful and influential writers of our time. As many politicians understand, it is a political necessity to acknowledge Native public intellectuals for these individuals are of value to a society and to a Nation State. Just think, what will hold for the next generation of Native public intellectuals. Will there be a Native Toni Morrison or a Henry Louis Gates? As a teacher of Native children, I forever have these dreams of my students future successes. _________________________________________________________________ " o \ o / _ o __| \ / |__ o _ \ o / " " /|\ | /\ ___\o \o | o/ o/__ /\ | " " / \ / \ | \ /) | ( \ /o\ / ) | (\ / | / \ " Gary Armstrong, Sparrow BBS Edmonton, Alberta, Canada " INTERNET: gary@sparrow.ampr.ab.ca (Teacher & Freelance Writer). --------- "RE: Poem: Grandfather Cries" --------- Date: 15 Mar 95 09:41:00 -0000 From: Charles.P.White@jpl.nasa.gov Subj: Grandfather Cries UUCP email GRANDFATHER CRIES: Grandfather, do you know me? I am your blood. The son of your son. I come to ask you a question Grandfather. Grandfather, don't you know me? Can I stop being Indian now? There are others that want to be Indian, And if they can start from nothing, I should be able to stop from something? Grandfather, don't you know me? Grandfather, I don't look like you. I don't know what you know. It would be easy for me to hide behind my paler skin. No one would know the pain I feel, Or see the tears I cry for your Great Grandchildren. Grandfather, don't you know me? Grandfather, look what I have done to our world. Mother Earth is on her knees. The Snake and Owl rule the day. I don't understand the language you speak Grandfather. Grandfather, don't you know me? Grandfather, I want my Pepsi, Levi's and Porsche too. I want to go where the others go, And see the things they see too. I don't have time to dance in the old way Grandfather. Grandfather? Grandfather, why are you crying? Grandfather, why are you crying? Grandfather, please stop crying. Grandfather, don't you know me? --Charles Phillip Whitedog Whitecoyote@jpl.nasa.gov --------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" --------- Date: 95/03/17 21:55 From: Kepola (dfsanders@genie.geis.com) Subj: A HAWAI'IAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of March 26-April 1 GE Electronic Mail A HAWAI'IAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of March 26-April 1 MALAKI (March) (Nana) 26 Our spirits are reborn in the land. 27 What benefits the Earth, Ke Au Nei, benefits all life. 28 Find the good in every aspect of life. 29 The wind bides for a spell in this place, then it seeks other lands to explore. 30 Stone remains when all else passes away. 31 Build to preserve, not to destroy. APELILA (April) (Welo) April was the last of the 6 months in the Hoo-ilo, or Winter, period of ancient times, which ran from November through April. 1 The earth's magic is a gift of wonder. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sanders Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - offline" --------- Date: Thu, 23 March 95 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 From: LLH@DANA.UCC.NAU.EDU@INET00# Internet Gateway Sub: AA CONVENTION FIRST ANNUAL ALL INDIAN ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CONVENTION MARCH 31 and APRIL 1 & 2, 1995 Salt River Indian Reservation Convention Building West of the Baseball Field McDowell and Longmore Road Convention Registration:Friday, March 31, 19958:00 am - 12:00 Noon Convention Agenda: 1.Speaker Meetings 2.Talking Circle 3.Chicken Scratch Dance (Friday) 4.Sobriety Pow Wow (Saturday) 5.Arts and Crafts 6.A.A. Comedy Skits and Ballads 7.Raffles 8.Pot Luck Lunch (Saturday) 9.T-Shirt Sales 10.Sobriety Countdown A.A. Contact: Convention Chairpersons: Larry N. (Home after 5:00 p.m.)(602) 829-6703 Darlene J. (Days)(602) 964-2048 ==================================================== From: maraw@fs-gate.uchicago.edu (mara whitney) Subject: Pow-Wow in south suburban Chicago POW-WOW FUNDRAISER for the American Indian Student Associations and A.I.M. OF Illinois, Will County Saturday, March 18, 1995 from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm with grand entries at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm Located at South Suburban College U.S. Rte 6 & Indiana Ave, South Holland, Illinois (Indiana is also known as State Street in South Holland) Invocation: Vince Catches Host Drum: All Nation Singers M.C.: Leonard Malatare Arena Director: Bill Bavirsha Head Male Dancer: Frank Wolfe Head Female Dancer: Jennifer Menness Excellent Vendors of Native American Arts $ Crafts Food concessions No Alcohol.......No Drugs $5.00 Admission, $4.00 student with ID. $2.00 elders and children over 6 For more info call Tom Lynd at 708/771-6633 or e-mail Mara Whitney (maraw@fs-gate.uchicago.edu) ==================================================== From: TODD MACFADDEN POLLUTION PREVENTION Subject: National Tribal P2 Conference Just a reminder. Applications for presentations at the first National Tribal Pollution Prevention Conference are due by Friday, March 31. The conference is being hosted by Montana Tribes and the Montana Pollution Prevention Program at the Radisson Northern in Billings, Montana on August 15-17, 1995. The purpose of the conference is to provide Native Americans and tribal leaders with the knowledge and inspiration to incorporate pollution prevention into their communities, and their daily activities. The conference will focus on issues related to the following issue areas: Pollution Prevention in Education -- How can we educate tribal youth and communities to prevent pollution and protect the environment? Pollution Prevention in Action (Practical Pollution Prevention)-- Case studies and ideas for implementing pollution prevention activities on reservations. Pollution Prevention Policy -- How can tribes incorporate pollution prevention activities and programs into existing Tribal services, or build on existing pollution prevention programs? For more information, or to apply for presentations, contact Todd MacFadden at the Montana Pollution Prevention Program: 406/994-3782 406/994-5417 (fax) MSU Extension Service Taylor Hall Bozeman, MT 59717 ============================================================ From: EIRP News Subject: Families in Recovery II Northwest Indian College presents **FAMILIES IN RECOVERY ** A RETURN TO THE CIRCLE WHEN: May 3-5, 1995 Where: Best Western Lakeway Inn Bellingham, Washington This three day conference will help address the need for Native American people to grieve their losses before true recovery can begin. Featured Speakers: Anna M. Latimer, M.A., Sechelt, NANACOA Gayle M. Stringer, M.A,. Snoqulamie, King County Sexual Assault Center Terry Tofoya, Ph.D., Taos/Warm Springs For more information, contact: Ruth Solomon, NWIC 360.676.2772 ============================================================================ This information provided courtesy of the Extension Indian Reservation Telecommunication Project and EIRPnews: pablob@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu ============================================================================ From: berryj@Okway.okstate.edu (John Berry) Subject: Commerative Walks - Trail of Tears To all, From "Bishinik", Jan. 1995, pp. 2,3 (edited for length) ---------------------------------------- April 22, 1995 Everyone is invited to join Chief Hollis E. Roberts and the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council on April 22nd for a commerative walk (2 1/2 miles) beginning at the historic cemetery grounds in Skullyville, OK. All participants planning to walk are requested to meet at the Spiro School at 9:00am on that Saturday morning and take the shuttle bus over to the cemetery. Chief Roberts will give a short welcome at 10:00am before leading the 2 1/2 mile walk back to the school football stadium, where a free lunch of Indian tacos will be served. This ceremonial walk honors both the traditions and programs of the great Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. In 1831, when the Choctaws began their trips across the "Trail of Tears" during the forced removal of the Native Americans to the wilderness of Indian Territory, tribal members left their homes w/ great sadness. The horrifying experience resulted in the death of many of the Choctaw people. Young and Old were equally susceptible, w/ sickness and hunger contributing to the end of many lives. Skullyville was one of the first Choctaw Nation settlements in Oklahoma - now listed as a ghost town. ------------------------------------------------------------------- May 20, 1995 The Choctaw Nation will be hosting the fourth Annual Commerative Trail of Tears walk at Eagletown, Oklahoma on May 20th. The 20 mile walk will begin at Horatio, Arkansas with ceremonies and snacks at the school and will follow the Panki Bok route to Eagletown, Oklahoma. A free lunch will be served to all participants at the conclusion of the walk. Everyone is welcome to participate. You do not have to be a tribal member to attend. T-shirts will be available at the commemorative event. For more information, please call (405)924-8280, ext. 227. =================================================== From: Christopher.A.Newell@dartmouth.edu (Christopher A. Newell) Subject: 8th Annual Tri- College Traditional Pow-Wow Scott Satermo asked me to forward this...his address is at the bottom ############################################################## 8th Annual Tri- College Traditional Pow-Wow Where: Fargo Civic Center, Fargo ND When: Saturday, March 25th 1995 MASTER OF CEREMONY: Elmer White SPIRITUAL LEADER: Ambrose Littleghost ARENA DIRECTOR: Dennis Bercier FLAG BEARERS: VFW Post 9061, Mandaree ND HONORED GUESTS: Navaho "Code Talkers" HOST DRUM: Red River Singers Head Dancers: Maynard GoodBear Ruth Suarez Grand Entries: 1:00pm & 7:00pm Feast: 5:00pm Dancer and singer registration at 1100am-3:00pm Admission, parking and meal are free and open to the public. For more information contact Lizz Demaray at (701) 231-8205, Pat Needham at (701) 231-7383 or Scott Satermo at satermo@plains.nodak.edu ################################################################## From: EIRP News Subject: WSU Pow-wow Ku-Au-Mah-Pah-loots-pu Pow-Wow Washington State University Pullman, Washington Native American dancers drummers, and their families are due at Washington State University March 31st to begin a two-day pow-wow. The purpose of the event is to share the Native American culture with one another, to gather for friendship and promote higher education, explained Billy Nicholson, one of the event organizers. Among the events scheduled during the two day festivities are Native American dance contests, crafts tables, WSU college information tables, a queen contest, and host drum, "Indian Nation." The pow-wow is scheduled for Bohler Gym from 6-11:30 pm Friday, March 31st, and continues April 1st from noon-4:30 pm and 6-11:30 pm. The pow-wow is open to the public without charge. For more information, contact: Barbara Aston or Billy Nicholson, Native American Student Center - 509.335.8676 ============================================================================ This information provided courtesy of the Extension Indian Reservation Telecommunication Project and EIRPnews: pablob@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu ============================================================================ From the powwow dates page of =Whispering Wind=, an absolutely beautiful bimonthly magazine, with full color photos, excellent crafts, history, and arts articles...(subscription cost $18/yr - write Whispering Wind Magazine, 8009 Wales St, New Orleans, LA 70126) March 25 7th Annual Galastonbury Powwow, Galonstonbury, Somerset England Info: 011-0458-833642 March 25 Traditional Powwow sponsored by the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconson. Kenosha, WI Info: 414-835-2787 April 1 Tiha Spring Powwow, Llano TX Info: 214-240-1311 April 1 Maun Hain Descendants Benefit Powwow, Asle, TX Info: 817-923-3945 April 1-2 3rd Annual Wichita Indian Art Market and Exhibition Wichita, KS Info: 316-262-5221 April 7-9 Morningstar Celebration World Dance Championships Tempe, AZ Info: 602-898-8522 ============================================================================= -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- Notice of Copyright Clearance by Contributors: The following have granted permission for their original articles to be reposted in order to help mend the Sacred Hoop: Kepola, Janet Smith, Dee Smith, Kyle Long, Ann Stewart, Larry Kibby, Anne/Leonard Peltier Defense Committee Canada, Charles P. White, Chuck McAfee, Glenn Welker, Gary Armstrong, Randy Macey --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ all items below this line have already been distributed by our brother, Jay Brummett, via the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists. --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - online" --------- Date: Thu, 23 March 95 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 = Powwows and Gatherings From the Internet listserv groups = Subject: IEN Alaska conference (19-25 June 1995) Original Sender: Indigenous Environmental Network Sixth Annual Indigenous Environmental Network Protecting Mother Earth Conference June 19-22, 1995 Sixteenth International Indian Treaty Council Conference June 23-25, 1995 Hosted by the Chickaloon Village, Alaska Mile 78 Glenn Highway, Chickaloon, Alaska Special guest Dr. Miguel Alfonso Martinez, special rapporteur for the U.N. study on treaties, agreements and constructive arrangements with indigenous people Nana soo nenna nat ska gon nen We are the ones who repair the land For more information contact: Alaska regional IEN conference office ph. 907.745.0505 fax 907.745.0606 IEN national office ph. 218.751.4967 fax 218.751.0561 email ien@igc.apc.org IITc alaska office ph. 907.745.4482 fax 907.745.0606 IITC information office ph. 415.512.1501 fax 415.512.1507 ==================================================== Subject: Lest they be Forgotten Original Sender: berryj@okway.okstate.edu (John Berry) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) To all, ------------------------------------------------------------- COMANCHE WAR SCOUTS & FRIENDS OF THE SCOUTS A special celebration will be held March 31, April 1 & 2, 1995 at the National Guard Armory, 6th & Cache Rd., Lawton, OK This celebration is being hosted by the Comanche War Scouts and friends in order to give honor to our Native American Veterans of World War II. A Special invitation is extended to all WWII veterans and former Prisoners of War to celebrate with the people on observing 1995 as the year to pay tribute and honor for their courage, suffering, and victory. After 50 years, it is time once again to dance to the traditional songs of victory and honor as did our ancestors when our warriors returned from battle. "LEST THEY BE FORGOTTEN" Friday 6:30pm Gourd Dance Chief Quanah Parker Descendants Chief White Wolf Descendants Sat. 2:00pm Gourd Dance Chief Looking Glass Descendants 5:30pm Supper Break Comanche War Dance Society 6:30pm Scalp & Victory Comanche Little Ponies Dance Comanche Gourd Clan 8:00pm Grand Entry Comanche Homecoming (Colors & Service Flags) Comanche War Mothers Followed by Social & Inter- Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Club Tribal Dancing SW Vietnam Veterans Kiowa Tia-Piah Society Sun. 2:00pm Grand Entry Shawnee Inter-Tribal Veterans (Colors & Serv. Flags) Apache Veterans Followed by Inter-Tribal Lone Star War Dance Society and Contest Dancing in Wockmatooah Family Men's Straight & Tradit. Chapabitty/Quassacheeky Family & Women's Cloth & Fancy Jingle Dress 7:30pm End of Program MC - Melvin Kerchee, JR. Wallace Coffey HeadSingers - Ralph Kotay (Inter-Tribal) Parker Emhoolah (Gourd) Head Gourd Dancer - Head Lady Dancer - Laverne Dru Head Man Dancer - Fred Parton Northern Drum - Eagle Plume Arts & Crafts space available for small fee. Call Charlie (405)536-7941 or Debbie (405)248-2955 All clubs and organizations are welcome. The Public is invited to this free admission event. Specials by Organizations and Veterans are greatly welcomed. All proceeds go to the Comanche Warrior "Circle of Honor". The Circle gives honor to: Bruce Klinekole - POW Myers Wahnee - POW Melvin Myers - KIA Eli Hosetosavit - KIA Thomas Chockpoyah, JR. - KIA Inman Gooday - POW Henry Kosechata - KIA Henry Conwoop - KIA Meech Tahsequah - MIA Dennis Karty - POW Russel Pesewonit - KIA Robert Pahcheka - KIA Samuel "Doc" Pewewardy, JR - POW NO DRUGS AND NO ALCOHOL - SECURITY PROVIDED - BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS --------------------------------------------------------------------- It was good to see this announced, we owe our Veterans so much. Would like to acknowledge my own here, many by now have traveled on. On this day 50 yrs. ago my father had just crossed the Rhine and had been in Germany approx. 1 week, Brownie Berry - U.S. Army Corp Engineers My mothers cousin was a prisoner of the Japanese in the Pacific. Jim Logan - U.S. Army Infantry My fathers elder sisters brother-in-law was in a B-17 over Germany. Jimmy Shannon - U.S. Army Air Corp (tail-gunner) My mothers brother was shipboard in the Pacific. Harold Logan - U.S. Navy My fathers older brother, somewhere in France on an airfield. Bill Berry - U.S. Army Air Corps My mothers sisters brother, in the mountains of Italy. Jim Guy - U.S. Army Infantry My fathers younger brother in the jungles of New Guinea W.C. Berry - U.S. Army Infantry John Berry ===================================================== Subject: Powwow, Enid, OK Original Sender: berryj@okway.okstate.edu (John Berry) KEEPER OF THE PLAINS - A Native American Celebration April 28, 29, 30; Downtown Enid, OK Convention Hall, Independence & Cherokee Head Staff: Head Lady Dancer - Janna Childs Head Man Dancer - Pat Moore Head Singer - Louis Cozad MC - Wallace Coffey Arena Director - Perry Aunko ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THREE DAY CELEBRATION - Entrance Fee - $3.00 per day Button Pass to Dancers - $6.00 for all 3 days FEATURED TRIBE - COMANCHE All Dancers, families and friends are welcome to come and participate in the InterTribal Dancing. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DANCER REGISTRATION: Friday-5:30PM Saturday-12:00PM & 5:30PM This celebration will mark the second annual event in Enid, Oklahoma. It will begin on Friday with Dance Contest Registration opening at 5:30PM & will continue through Sunday Evening with presentation of contest awards. KEEPER OF THE PLAINS SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Keeper of the Plains Celebration is an annual event produced by the Keeper of the Plains Scholarship Board, Inc., a non-profit organization which was estab. in 1993 as a community resource w/ the mission of planning, implementing and operating a program to award academic scholarships to Native American students in the geographic area of Northwestern Oklahoma for the purpose of furthering their post high school education. All profits generated from this event will be donated to the scholarship fund. The recipient of the 2nd scholarship will be announced on Sat. evening, April 29th at this event. Your tax deductible donation will be appreciated and may be mailed to: Keeper of the Plains Scholarship Fund, POB 686, Enid, OK 73702 ==================================================== From: native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us Subject: Powwow - Mississippi Original Sender: berryj@okway.okstate.edu (John Berry) 7th ANNUAL NATCHEZ POWWOW - GRAND VILLAGE OF THE NATCHEZ INDIANS Jefferson Davis Blvd. off HWY 61 South, Natchez, Mississippi March 25th & 26th, 1995 MC - Cheevers Coffey (Comanche) Dewey, OK Head Singer - George Valliere (Shawnee/Quapaw) Chelsea, OK Head Man Dancer-Larry Daylight (Shawnee/Quapaw/Delaware) Tahlequah, OK Head Lady Dancer-Pauline Tsosie (Otoe) Tulsa, OK Head Gourd Dancer-John Red Eagle (Osage) Tulsa, OK Arena Dir.-James Coffey (Comanche) Dewey, OK Arena Assist.-Jay Kussman, Imperial, MO Info: Contact Powwow Chairman, Dr. Chuck Borum (601)442-0200 or (601)446-5117 or Grand Village (601)446-6502 ------------------------------------------------- Subject: WWU POW-WOW Original Sender: n9246055@animal.cc.wwu.edu (Buddy) On the eighth and ninth of April, the Native American Student Union, at Western Washington University, is having it's annual Pow-Wow. This two day event is going to be held in Bellingham, on the WWU campus, in Carver Gym. Admission is free. If you have any questions, please contact the NASU office, the number is (360)650-7273. Buddy Williams --------- "RE: Leonard Peltier: Canadian Update" --------- Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 22:54:07 -0500 From: lpdccfd@web.apc.org Subj: Leonard Peltier: Canadian update Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) CANADIANS CALL FOR A WORLDWIDE CONSCIENCE TO HELP FREE LEONARD PELTIER SPRING 1995 NEWSLETTER FROM THE LEONARD PELTIER DEFENSE COMMITTEE, CANADA "An unforgiving history of injustice by justice for state consumption and control. That's exactly what the Peltier case means to me." Frank Dreaver, LPDC-Canada Tansi! Global greetings and many thanks to all our relatives, for our brother Leonard Peltier and all the good people of Mother Earth who continue to sacrifice and struggle for truth, justice and freedom. Thank you for your courage, your support and your ongoing commitment to help free an innocent man; to maintain our human integrity; our responsibility to the natural world; to free the land and free the people. Once again in Canada, Feb. 6, 1995 has come and gone and with it another prayer vigil to mark our continuous march for justice and Leonard Peltier's freedom - a unified call for international conscience and solidarity as expressed on this historic day all across our homelands. Our special thanks to all the people who braved the coldest day of the year in front of the American embassy in Ottawa, the nation's capital. Thank you for your strong prayers and solidarity. That's what this struggle is about: people helping people; setting those good examples; and never giving up to expose the beast is our common destiny. That's how this case came to be recognized around the world as a symbol of incredible human sacrifice and resistance. Leonard Peltier is now in his 20th year of false imprisonment as North America's foremost aboriginal political prisoner. He was arrested 19 years ago at the Small Boy's encampment near Hinton, Alberta. Despite all the many years of disappointment and regret for the way justice is still being conducted against our people here in North America, the Peltier case stands today as another example around the world that says this is what happens to indigenous people who have the courage to defend their true identity and nationhood rights. The real truth questions and points more towards a cover-up of gross government misconduct, complicity, racism and the history of America than to any credible evidence that would determine why or who was to blame for the three people killed that tragic day of June 26, 1975. Today the LPDC-Canada along with thousands of people from around the world are constantly organizing, lobbying and patiently waiting for the outcome of a first ever official Canadian government inquiry regarding Mr. Peltier's false extradition in 1976. This inquiry, we hope will shed new light by re-examining past violations recorded in this country. We know the justice minister could still choose to turn the case over for an independent inquiry. How in depth or when it might conclude, we don't know. However, our lobby in Canada is justified to focus on calling for an international intervention because the Canadian connection continues to play a major, political advantage and with the proper attention could alter this case completely. We, the people must never forget the collaboration and misconduct of U.S. government authorities, whose deliberate manufacturing of false affidavits violated another country's sovereignty and jurisdiction and was simply a criminal act! The false extradition has never been fully examined in either the Canadian or American courts and certainly gives us the right to seek a remedy from an international inquiry. THE CANADIAN CONNECTION Why shouldn't the Canadian government be forced to correct and fulfill its obligation as a signatory to international agreements? Many other treaty-aligned countries today have politicians, government agencies and human rights commissions who continue to lobby with one another to adopt and support this case. All have passed numerous resolutions calling for Mr. Peltier's release, which has been presented to four U.S. presidents, including the present Clinton administration, calling for the president to grant him executive clemency or a new and fair trial. As long ago as 1978, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals had stated that the submission of false evidence at Leonard's extradition would "shock the conscience of the court" and was "to say the least a clear abuse of the investigative process of the F.B.I." False affidavits by Myrtle Poor Bear, whose testimony was coerced, was presented as key evidence only after the Canadian prosecutor advised the F.B.I. that they did not have enough evidence to extradite Mr. Peltier. Another crucial point to make is Myrtle Poor Bear was not new to the F.B.I. She had testified before against other Native American peoples. It was only after she had recanted her testimony against Leonard Peltier did U.S. prosecutors label her incompetent and wouldn't allow the defense to call her as a witness. Also the submission of the so-called "other" evidence theory presented to the Canadian courts by U.S. agents and used largely to guarantee and even justify his extradition was later dismissed and ruled completely invalid. The fact is there was no other evidence. Even the Supreme Court of Canada in 1989 acknowledged that a fraud between two friendly countries had occurred and recommended that we seek remedy with the federal government. Until now, the Canadian government has been reluctant to investigate or re-open this case. Ironically it was their own representatives who represented the U.S. government both to the Supreme Court as well as during the original extradition. They never once contested the charge of fraud. In 1992, a landmark resolution was adopted by a former federal opposition party, the New Democrat Party of Canada, which presently heads three provincial governments. The NDP is the first political party in the world to recognize Mr. Peltier's wrongful, political imprisonment on the basis that he had the right to defend his aboriginal peoples rights. Unfortunately his imprisonment today stands as an example that clearly says somebody had to pay. Also in 1992, 55 Canadian members of parliament condemned the false extradition in an unprecedented legal intervention of Leonard's third appeal. In their brief of Amicus Curiae to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, they stated: "As amicus, the Honourable Members of the Parliament of Canada urge the court to redress this grievous wrong and set aside this tainted conviction or return the Appellant Petitioner Leonard Peltier to Canada to be subject to lawful extradition proceedings." We, the people of LPDC-Canada would like to offer our help to create a better understanding of this Canadian connection. Remember what's very clear in our case is: If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere. No country is safe as long as this issue is allowed to go unchallenged. We, the people desperately need your global co-operation and solidarity if we are ever to amend this grave injustice. We ask that you direct your lobbying to both Canadian and American governments; collect petitions and pass resolutions; and include the Canadian Justice Minister Allan Rock in your letter-writing campaigns, thanking him for attempting to set the record straight. All we, the North American Indian people have ever asked for is justice in our own homelands. And where there is no justice, there can be no peace. The fact is we know it took false evidence to extradite Leonard Peltier and believe other illegal tactics and serious manipulation of evidence was used in order to convict him. Former Congressmen Don Edwards said it the best when asked why Leonard Peltier should receive a new trial. He said: "I can't see why not. Why shouldn't he get a new trial. That would solve all our problems." We would like to remind you of a time 19 years ago when we were honoured by 52 traditional chiefs of the Kwakiutl nation of British Columbia, Canada, who together with Kwakiutl elder Ethel Pearson, adopted Leonard Peltier into their nation where he received his name: "Gwarth-ee-lass" which means "to lead the people." Immediately exercising their nationhood rights they granted him sanctuary as a final attempt to stop his extradition, fearing for his life and believing he would not receive a fair trial in the U.S. The Justice Minister of the time, Ron Basford, only after receiving assurances from U.S. government authorities that they had an eye witness, agreed with the extradition. INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE In principle, this country should annul all past proceedings and request the return of Mr. Peltier; join the worldwide campaign for his clemency and forward all evidence and information regarding this case to any future inquiry. If the Minister of Justice was to register a complaint in accordance with international law, he would be defending Canada's jurisdiction and the right to question this case beyond the U.S. domestic concern where it continues to be suppressed. All this remains extremely significant when all Leonard has left is a clemency request! After all legal avenues in the U.S. were exhausted, we organized some key people in Canada to help strategize a course of action we could legally take to protect the interests of all Canadian people. Shortly after, on Nov. 19, 1993, Canadian defense committee representatives gave testimony before the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, a multi-million-dollar, government-sponsored investigation into the aboriginal peoples' never-ending crisis. Upon examination of the evidence, commissioners communicated directly to the Canadian justice minister recommending that he immediately call for a comprehensive, independent review. We continue to closely monitor and support all the growing political consciousness to this case from around the world, Thanks to Frits Terpstra and friends in the Netherlands, another victory was accomplished for the record on Dec. 15, 1994 when a full house of the European Parliament voted in a majority (202-238) to officially approve a request to the United States government supporting executive clemency for Leonard Peltier. We are presently petitioning the European Parliament to amend its request to include a clearer understanding of the Canadian involvement to the U.S. In addition, 48 members of the Dutch parliament have also officially pledged their support. These are the kinds of international achievements that builds hope that we, as a global society must empower ourselves to demand freedom when all else fails. In Italy, a similar dedication and effort can be awarded to the Italian people. Edda Scozza and members of the Italian defense committee, whose successful lobby resulted in 66 national politicians, including 18 senators, endorsing the call for justice and freedom. We continue to share a close working relationship with many other popular resistance movements and networks including the arts. Thanks to Sibille, Radio Onda Rossa and others who helped bring together 19 national music bands to collectively cut an album in tribute to Leonard Peltier and all political prisoners. Frank Dreaver, (a Plains Cree Indian from Saskatchewan/LPDC-c spokesperson & founder) along with the late Lew Gurwitz,one of Leonard Peltier's original attorneys spent many weeks and months together on different, intensive lobbying agendas including visits in (Rome, Terni, Florence); with numerous city mayors and presidents of the provinces; Italian politicians and parliamentarians as well as the government's human rights commission. Further agendas also took place in Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Denmark and Sweden between the years 1989 and 1994. This year, Frank will accept another invitation to speak at the International Conference on Prison Abolition taking place in Barcelona, Spain in mid-May. From there he will continue to lobby through Italy and possibly back to Geneva to refocus the Canadian case at the United Nations human rights commission (in preparation for a formal submission to seek international remedy under the U.N. Covenant of Civil and Political Rights - a treaty ratified as of 1990 by 92 of the world's countries, although it does not include the United States.) A NEW AGENDA As we continue to define our communications and develop a better public awareness in Canada and around the world, we are setting a new agenda for a more focussed international lobby in Ottawa with visits to other countries' embassies in order to further international political conscience. We continue to encourage the native students in this country to continue their lobby and put forward resolutions to all their nation councils for endorsement. As our determination to demand justice continues to unravel around the world, we send our solidarity and thanks to all our friends and comrades of the many different working groups across North America and internationally. We dare not forget the thousands of people who sacrificed their lives in the long, hard struggle for justice, like Micmac Indian activist Anna Mae Aquash. After 22 years of political imprisonment, German political prisoner Irmgard Moeller is finally free, released from prison Thursday Dec. 1, 1994. Happy New Years, Irmgard. We thank you for your courage and extend our sincere solidarity for your long healing journey ahead. We can only hope that more will follow like Silvia Baraldini from Italy - locked away in the United States of America but will never be forgotten. PRISON FOR WOMEN A recent tragedy shocked the nation when a televised showing of an emergency male response team or riot squad was called into the prison for women in order to suppress and put down what authorities were claiming to be a riot. What took place was a brutal, degrading assault against women and all people. Male guards were used to forcibly strip women, and in some cases, actually cut away their clothing; forcing them to kneel on their knees naked, with their hands behind their heads while they were putting on handcuffs and shackles. (P4W is Canada's only federal prison for women.) We, the people must support and demand an immediate, in depth public inquiry. Other violations and administrative abuse was also reported and linked in with an inquest of five other unrelated suicide-deaths of aboriginal women. Prison is a common global enemy that clearly must be stopped. It has become one of the largest growth industries in the world today. We would like to honour a dear friend and long-time member of our team, Ojibway elder Art Solomon, who has dedicated a greater part of his life working for the abolishment of prisons and spent a larger part of his life going into prisons helping to restore the sanity and spiritual foundation of his aboriginal people. Art has worked extensively at the prison for women and recently on March 10, 1995 launched his second book titled, "Eating Bitterness: A Vision Beyond the Prison Walls." (We encourage people to order his books, including his first book, "Songs for the People: Teachings on the Natural Way" from NC Press, 345 Adelaide St. West., Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5V 1R5 at (416) 593-6284.) The committee would like to send their sincere condolences to the wife and family of Louis Irwin, Leonard Peltier's long-time friend, elder and spiritual advisor, who passed away into the spirit world on Jan. 22, 1995. We thank the creator for allowing him to touch our spirit by sharing his gifts with all of us through his good example and long, hard dedicated work. We ask all people, particularly from the International community, to please focus their energy, resources and commitment in solidarity with this Canadian initiative. We are asking please help us to help others. Contact us by fax, phone or e-mail, in order to determine what it is we can do and how it can be co-ordinated together. If you are organizing and would like to invite a speaker to come, make sure you contact us in advance. The question will be timing, accommodation and whatever it takes to get there. In the spirit of commitment and true solidarity, we thank you all for your time. Frank & Anne Dreaver LPDC-Canada ____________________________________________________________ For more information, write the LPDC-Canada at 43 Chandler Dr., Scarborough, Ontario Canada M1G 1Z1; or phone and fax at (416) 439-1893. Send e-mail to: lpdccfd@web.apc.org. Donations are desperately needed to sustain our work in Canada and deeply appreciated (payable to LPDC-Cdn.) ______________________________________________________________ We enclose two further statements. One is a reprint of a MESSAGE FROM STANDING DEER DELIVERED ON NOV. 19, 1994 at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst during Prisoner Awareness Week. Standing Deer, an Oneida/Choctaw, who remains imprisoned for the past 18 years, describes how the U.S. government try to involve him in their conspiracy to assassinate Leonard Peltier in May 1978. HOW WE LOST THE CASE IN CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA We include an important copy of a F.B.I. comparison of how they lost the case in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; how the case was moved from Iowa to Fargo, North Dakota where none of the evidence presented in the Robideau/Butler case was allowed, taking away Leonard's right to self-defense. Even the U.S. government openly admits today they don't know who actually killed the F.B.I. agents. Now they say it doesn't matter because he was found guilty as an aider and abettor. Whatever it is, we can assure you of one thing: Leonard Peltier was convicted on pure circumstantial evidence in an unfair trial of the century. A COMPARISON OF THE BUTLER-ROBIDEAU AND PELTIER TRIALS The following is a comparison by the F.B.I. of the Cedar Rapids and Fargo trials and shows very clearly why Butler and Robideau were acquitted and why Leonard Peltier was convicted for the agents' deaths. A. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU TRIAL, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - only a few autopsy photos of the dead agents were allowed for fear of prejudicing the jury. PELTIER TRIAL, FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA - all autopsy photos were entered into evidence plus F.B.I. academy graduation photos of the two agents. B. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU TRIAL - F.B.I. special agent, Gary Adams testified to the presence and departure of a red pickup truck at 12:18 p.m. moments after the agents were shot. PELTIER TRIAL - F.B.I. special agent Gary Adams denied existence of the 12:18 p.m. red pickup truck. C. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU TRIAL - extensive F.B.I. 302'S entered into evidence. "The court rulings..forced the government to furnish the defense with all 302's prepared by special agents who testified for the government." PELTIER TRIAL - no 302's entered as evidence if agent who wrote it testified. D. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU - witnesses told of F.B.I. coercion in obtaining their testimony. "The defense was allowed freedom of questioning of witnesses..." PELTIER TRIAL - F.B.I. coercion of important defense witnesses not allowed to be presented to jury. E. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU - defense allowed to present testimony concerning the number of unsolved murders that occurred on Pine Ridge Reservation as well as a climate of fear and intimidation on the reservation. PELTIER TRIAL - defense allowed to talk of unsolved murders occurring on Pine Ridge only in a general sense, and were not allowed to exhibit evidence of F.B.I. creation of climate of fear. F. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU - history of F.B.I. misconduct allowed as testimony. "The court allowed testimony concerning past activities of the F.B.I. relating to its "Cointelpro" policy towards Native Americans." PELTIER TRIAL - no evidence regarding past history of F.B.I. allowed to be introduced, citing the F.B.I. was not on trial. G. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU - defense lawyers and members of Butler-Robideau support group held frequent meetings and rallies in an effort to educate the public about June 26, 1975 and events leading up to it. National press blackout existed, but local press carried daily related articles. PELTIER TRIAL - judge ordered the only news carried about Peltier could come from the court room. Defense lawyers and potential witnesses were not allowed to speak publicly about the trial. H. BUTLER-ROBIDEAU - the jury was not sequestered. PELTIER - jury sequestered under complete control of U.S. Marshall services. ++++ +++++ ++++ ++++ A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE FROM STANDING DEER THIS LETTER BY STANDING DEER (A.K.A. ROBERT WILSON) WAS WRITTEN FOR THE PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF PRISONER AWARENESS WEEK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT AMHERST ON NOV. 10, 1994 Greetings to my dear sisters and brothers. I pray that you and those you love are well and enjoying all the blessings our Mother has to offer. I truly regret that I can not be there to see your determined faces, and to feel the electric charge that always fills the air wherever freedom fighters gather. My name is Standing Deer. I am full-blood Oneida/Choctaw. Eighteen years ago, while doing compulsory expropriations from banking facilities, I zigged when I should have zagged and thus was captured and sent to the Control Unit at the political prison in Marion, Illinois. I have been locked down in super-max ever since...with no relief in sight. Some of you folks may have read IN THE SPIRIT OF CRAZY HORSE by Peter Matthiessen. Peter's book recounts, with documentation, how in 1978 I was hired by agents of the United States to kill Leonard Peltier in Marion prison. Rather than kill him, I exposed the government conspiracy, first to Leonard, and then to the world. I'm not going to re-tell that long story, but I do want to tell you one incident that is sacred to me because with that one incident Leonard transformed my life, brought me home to my people, and put me dead in the middle of the political struggle for the survival of my people. The government involved me in their conspiracy to assassinate Peltier in May of 1978, and although we were both in Marion prison I didn't actually meet him until the 4th of July 1978, and although we were both in Marion prison I didn't actually meet him until the 4th of July, 1978. It was a really hot afternoon and since Marion hadn't yet been locked down we were having a cook-out in the yard. It felt good just sitting with Leonard and several other brothers while Leonard talked about this and that. As the afternoon went on I could see the intensity and emotion beneath the surface of this man when he discussed the problems of his people. I could sense, rather than hear or see, the degree of love and total commitment he felt for the people. I saw the marks of flesh offerings and the piercings of the sun dance on his body, and I listened in awed reverence as he quietly told us about sacred matters. As I listened, I realized what a deeply religious man he was and I thought what an upside-down world we live in when the criminals of this world portray the victims as criminals and make 90% of the sleeping future victims believe in their charade. Although I had not come to the yard with settled intentions of telling him that the United States was scheming to take his life, I found myself revealing the plot to him in all its sordid detail. I didn't know what reaction to expect because in my heart I was not pure. I reeked with shame. I harbored guilt because I wasn't sure I was going to tell him until the moment I did it. Leonard silently gazed at me for a long time, then he shook my hand as he looked into my eyes with a look that radiated total love and trust. He smiled as he softly said, "Thank you for telling me, my brother." The next day Leonard and a 300-pound Lakota summoned me from my cell and took me to the law library which was deserted. They led me into a room where books were stored. The big man produced a length of rope while Leonard placed a bandana blindfold over his own eyes. Leonard's hands were tied securely behind his back, then the big man left the room and the law library. We were completely alone. Leonard told me to close the door and push a bookcase across it so that it would not open. When I turned back around he was lying on his back on the floor. He told me to reach behind the law books on the third shelf and I would find a rolled-up newspaper and I should withdraw it. When I picked up the newspaper it was very heavy and I felt the hardness of something metal so I removed it from the paper and I was looking at a 15- inch knife, beautifully made obviously in the machine shop. It was razor sharp and had a point like a needle. It gleamed the reflection of light in my eyes and I became so dizzy I could hardly stand. The knife turned into a snake in my hand, and as I stared paralyzed, it became the face of the blond, blue-eyed stranger who wanted Leonard dead. As I looked into the blue eyes I saw the face of the man who murdered my grandfathers and grandmothers. I was terrified, but when I looked at Leonard he was smiling and I could hear his smile and it sounded like a gentle waterfall. I could no longer see through my tears but I heard the waterfall say, "Do whatever it is you have to do, my brother." And I fell to the floor and cut his bonds and removed his blindfold and he had tears in his eyes that looked like a rainbow. I discovered that I was weeping for the first time since I was nine years old and my brother died. It was then I knew I was coming home to my people. From that day in Marion to the present I have thanked my lucky stars that he re-centered my life. He put me in touch with my roots and started me on the road to recovering the humanity that had been buried all my life under the conditioning of the culture of greed. For 18 years I have been held captive in the very worst of greed's Iron Houses. The reason I have been able to get out of bed each day is because I have a treasure: my wife, Anna and our children. The woman you see standing before you is my reason for existence. I have been blessed by having Anna by my side. Her love has never faltered. It's true the years have been cruel in may ways, but in a spiritual sense my family's love makes me feel like I've been living in a garden of roses with garlands connecting my spirit to Mother Earth. Together, we have dealt - and will deal - with whatever obstacles might confront us; our hopes and dreams of freedom and the future are still very much alive. My prayers are with those of you who are working on this most important project even at a time when the reactionary propaganda is calling for our executions, or at least for them to lock us up and throw away the key. In the words of William M. Kunstler, my all-time hero, "...the establishment will not rest until it roots out and destroys all opposition. For that reason, those who challenge the establishment must have the same tenacity." So let us breathe new life into our efforts and let us be tenacious!!! We must free Mumia! We must free Peltier! We must free all political prisoners and prisoners of war! To all of you who struggle in unity to free our encaged sisters and brothers, I extend the left hand of my left arm which is closest to my heart. Whatever you do, my life and strength are with you. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Standing Deer s/n Robert Wilson 640289 Ellis 1 Huntsville, Texas 77343 U.S.A. --------- "RE: A Chiapas Indian's View of the World" --------- Date: 14 Mar 1995 18:30:45 +0100 From: gwelker@mail.lmi.org Subj: A Chiapas Indian's View of the World Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Guillermo Bonfil Batalla, one of the anthropologists who got to know the Chiapas Indians profoundly, explained: "There is a complete attitude of the man before nature, which is the point of common reference for his knowledge, his abilities, his work, his specific form of satisfying the insolvable need to obtain sustenance; but which is also present in the projection of his dreams, in his capacity to imagine and not to simply observe in nature, in the willingness to dialogue with nature, in his fears and hopes in the face of forces outside human control." "In the end this is occurring in all of the cultures, except in the Western culture: they try to separate and specialize distinct aspects of this total relation: the poet sings to the moon; the astronomer studies it; the painter recreates forms and colors of its passage; the agronomist knows the earth; the mystic prays... and there is no form, in the Western logic, that unites everything in a total attitude, as the Indian does it." Source: Chiapas-l List --------- "RE: Understanding the Eagle Feather" --------- Date: 18 Mar 95 13:13:30 From: Randy.Macey@mace.gryn.org (Randy Macey) Subj: Understanding the Eagle Feather to Natives Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Aanii Gary: I would like this to be in your next issue of Wotanging Ikche. I did not write this, it was a gift to me. A scroll that states the meaning of the Eagle Feather. There is no name on it, from who created this. The Eagle Feather ::::::::::::::::: When the world wad new, the Creator made all the birds. He coloured their feathers like a bouquet of flowers. The Creator then gave each a distinct song to sing. The Creator instructed the birds to greet each new day with a chorus of their songs. Of all the birds, our Creator chose the Eagle to be the leader. The Eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all creatures. The Eagle is a messenger to the Creator. During the Four Sacred Rituals we will wear an Eagle Feather in our hair. To wear or to hold the Eagle Feather causes our Creator to take immediate notice. With the Eagle Feather the Creator is honored in the highest. When one receives an Eagle Feather that person is being acknowledged with gratitude, with love, and with ultimate respect. That feather must have sacred tobacco burnt for it. In this way the Eagle and the Creator are notified of the name of the new Eagle Feather Holder. The holder of the Eagle Feather must ensure that anything that changes the natural state of ones mind (Alcohol and Drugs) must never come in contact with the sacred Eagle Feather. The keeper of the feather will make a little home where the feather will be kept. The Eagle feather must be fed. You feed the Eagle Feather by holding or wearing the feather at sacred ceremonies. By doing this the Eagle Feather is recharged with sacred energy. Never abuse, never disrespect, and never contaminate your Eagle Feather. Only real human men and women carry the Eagle Feather. The Mohawk man will have three Eagle Feathers standing straight up on his Kahstowa (feather hat). this is what I know about the sacred Eagle Feather, Tho.. -- fidonet: Randy Macey 1:259/436 internet: Randy.Macey@mace.gryn.org Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own.