Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews03.036 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 036 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 9 September 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 NATCHAT & NATIVE-L listservers; Usenet Newsgroup: alt.native; UUCP & Genie (General Electric) email 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 part A is being sent to the NATIVE-L mailing list, one of the NativeNet lists managed by Gary Trujillo (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us). It is also 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://falcon.cc.ukans.edu/~marc/journals/nanews/ 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 "If my warriors are to fight, they are too few; if my warriors are to die, they are too many." __ Chief Hendrick, 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 +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! Recently a group of people met in a congressional chamber here in Georgia and argued about their degree of "Indian-ness". At a powwow I attended I was told that a division had formed between two friends over the "right" of the one to participate in powwows the other was not sponsoring. There are many who go from gathering to gathering seeking to "judge" who may or may not be part of this or that circle. Indians are fighting among themselves for scraps of dignity thrown at them by the dominant society, which laughs and waits to enjoy the big pie we ignore because we refuse to come together. In our small and petty bickering, little scarps are all that are worth reaching for. 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 - Comment: - Conferences and Powwows - online Real Indians Meet Others In Atlanta - Lost Bird - NCAI: - National Sovereignty Day Called For Interior Appropriations Conferees - CNO Files Lawsuit Against - Graves Ravaged in Georgia Wilma Mankiller - Gustafson Lake FILE - Pasqua First Nation Presents - Poem: Stones Entering the Heart Land Claim - Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days - Conferences and Powwows - offline --------- "RE: Comment: Real Indians Meet Others In Atlanta" --------- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 95 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (jans@genie.geis.com) Subj: Comment: Real Indians Meet Others In Atlanta GE Electronic Mail Seen in the "Cherokee One Feather" (newspaper from the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee) Headline: "Read[sic] Indians Meet Others In Atlanta...Tribal Business in Georgia and Report to Tribe" First paragraph: "On Wednesday, August 23rd, a small delegation of real Cherokee people went to the Georgia State Capital in Atlanta." The article goes on to describe how four women from Qualla Boundary and their attorney traveled to the Georgia state capital to testify before the legislature in a matter regarding state recognition of Native Americans in Georgia. Briefly, these individuals maintain that if one is not recognized as Indian by a federally recognized tribe, then one is not Indian and his or her people and should not be granted recognition as Indian by any government. The author, Teresa Bradley McCoy "a proud enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Real Cherokee Indians," also describes a stop at a site in Canton, GA to meet with an archaeologist, Paul Webb, who is working with one of the Qualla group (Kathie McCoy) and NAGPRA on that site. Ms. McCoy states, "We, the Cherokee of North Carolina, are who we are and we will always be who we are no matter what the state, the federal government, or a handful of misled people in Georgia think." This statement begs comment. The people of Georgia, misled or not, did not travel to Qualla to tell those Cherokee who they could or could not be. Indeed, the opposite is true. The Qualla Cherokee came to Georgia and tried to tell the legislators of this state that Cherokee people in Georgia did not know their own ancestry and heritage, and that because the federal government had not allowed the Georgia Cherokee peoples' grandparents to be Cherokee in peace, these descendants should be denied that right. Their lawyer spoke to the legislature of "federal recognition, health, education, culture, and gaming." None of these were issues before the state legislature at this time. Only recognition by the state of Georgia of the legitimacy of groups of people descended from Cherokees and Creeks were at issue. The Qualla group then stopped to pat themselves on the back for the good job they're doing with a site that's about to be demolished for a Wal-Mart in Georgia -- a site where Cherokee graves are located. Do they know? Apparently they do. But they are, in their own words "Cherokee from North Carolina" who are unlikely to be the grandchildren of those buried in Georgia. My problem with all of this is how divisive it is. All of us claim to have Native American ancestors. All of us say we want the same things -- a return of the People to traditions that honor all beings and respect ancestors, and that protect the Earth and all beings upon it. Clearly the Qualla lawyer was most interested in protecting his clients' monetary interests -- the meager monies the Boundary gets for health, housing, education and such, and the more substantial funds it hopes to get from gaming. It seems to me that as long as Tribal people let themselves be led by government money to fight other Tribal people, our traditional ways will be diminished. --------- "RE: NCAI: Interior Appropriations Conferees (fwd)" --------- Date: Fri, 1 Sep 1995 13:16:30 -0400 (EDT) From: Denise Bambi Kraus Subj: NCAI: Interior Appropriations Conferees (fwd) APPROPRIATIONS ALERT To: All Indian Tribes From: National Congress of American Indians Date: 25 August 1995 Subj: House - Senate Conference and NCAI "Comparative Analysis" On August 9, 1995, in a 92 to 6 vote, the Senate passed H.R. 1977, the FY96 spending bill for the Interior Department and Related Agencies. On the Senate floor several Indian amendments were considered including an amendment that would have restored $200 million to the Operation of Indian Programs in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This $200 million amendment was offered by Sens. Domenici, McCain, and Inouye and was defeated 36 to 61. The next step for this spending bill is the House - Senate Conference, where the differences between the House bill and the Senate version will be resolved. To provide a brief overview of the two versions, NCAI has developed a "Comparative Analysis" chart of the key House - Senate differences in proposed funding and we have attached that chart to this alert. The House returns September 5, and the Senate returns September 6. House and Senate staff are still in Washington working in preparation for the Conference and we urge all Tribes to contact home state delegations as well as the Conferees listed below and their staff to oppose the massive cuts that are being proposed for Indian programs. Our main concern therefore is the TPA account for FY96 which should receive at least $210 million in restored funding. The conferees are as follows: Senate Conferees: Slade Gorton (224-3441); Ted Stevens (224-3004); Thad Cochran (224-5054); Pete Domenici (224-6621); Mark Hatfield (224-3753); Conrad Burns (224-2644); Robert Bennett (224-5444); Connie Mack (224-5274); Robert Byrd (224-3954); J. Bennett Johnston (224-5824); Patrick Leahy (224-4242); Dale Bumpers (224-4843); Ernest Hollings (224-6121); Harry Reid (224-3542); Patty Murray (224-2621). House Conferees: Ralph Regula (225-3876); Joseph McDade (225-3731); Jim Kolbe (225-2542); Joe Skeen (225-2365); Barbara Vucanovich (225-6155); Charles Taylor (225-6401); George Nethercutt (225-2006); Jum Bunn 225-5711); Sidney Yates (225-2111); Norm Dicks (225-5916); Tom Bevill (225-4876); David Skaggs (225-2161). All conferees' telephone numbers are area code (202). Questions? Contact NCAI staff JoAnn Chase, Paul Moorehead or Leland McGee at 2010 Massachusetts Avenue, NW - 2nd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 466-7767 and (202) 466-7797 (fax). --------- "RE: Graves Ravaged in Georgia" --------- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 95 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (jans@genie.geis.com) Subj: Graves Ravaged in Georgia GE Electronic Mail The ravagers have once more invaded Gwinnett County, near Atlanta, Georgia. According to Olivia Kelly of ProNas, suits have been filed against Geiger Logging Company in Walton County, GA, property owner P.R. Smith in Barrow County, GA., and in Gwinnett County for desecration of known Cherokee burial sites without permit. The area involved is a 900 acre tract known as Kuwahi Tishmagu (mulberry gathering place). There are hundreds of documented Cherokee graves on this site, as well as rare ancient Cherokee religious structures, including a 1400 year old 7 foot high stone monolithic cairn with a circular offering bowl beneath it on the site. Over the past week or two logging with bulldozers occurred out of sight in a smaller part of this site known as the Sacred Pool Mountain Tract. Sixty eight graves were damaged and nine were opened up by bulldozers. Of these, eight may be restorable, but one is destroyed beyond repair. ProNas intends to request the assistance of two Tsalagi medicine men from Qualla to assist in properly restoring those graves. Grand Council Springs is located in this area -- this is a natural stone crevice where mineral water collects that was historically a healing pool for wounded warriors and horses of the Cherokee. Feeding these springs are two smaller springs coming up through two small quartz structures. This week the springs went dry for the first time ever known. The logging was done without any erosion control and there were extensive rains over the past week. Olivia speculates that silt erosion may have plugged up the springs, but confirmation of the cause must be left to experts. The use of Kuwahi Tishmagu has been contended for over thirty years. In the 60s, this area was recommended to the Georgia state legislature for state purchase and preservation as a historic site, and the recommendations have been renewed periodically since then by well-regarded historical organizations. Thus far, bills to do this have been defeated in the legislature. The current owner has been attempting to obtain waivers of the various desecration and historic preservation laws in the state of Georgia so this property, which is surrounded by new industries, shopping areas and houses, can be developed. Although nothing can be proven, it is interesting that the bulldozers began logging in secret, going up into the property away from visibility from the road, and beginning their work from the interior, working their way out. Had not a ProNas member watching for activity on the site noticed that tracks in a jeep trail leading off the main road had changed in character, probably so much of the property would have been destroyed that a case could have been quickly made for allowing development to continue, as there would be little or nothing left to preserve. Could this have been the intent? It is alleged that one of the investors in this this property is a Georgia state senator. We have been told the developer's son is a member of the same law firm (Russell, Stell, Smith and McLaren) as two judges in Barrow County where suits have been filed. Demonstrations were held September 2 and 4 at the Gwinnett County Police Department to urge officials to vigorously protect these grave- sites and apprehend those who desecrate them. On September 6 protestors will gather at the Gwinnett County Courthouse to demand the District Attorney aggressively prosecute the cases against those who have desecrated over 60 graves at Kuwahi. Thus far, over 10,000 signatures have been collected protesting development of Kuwahi Tishmagu, and supporting state purchase and protection of this sacred Cherokee site. ProNas asks concerned Native Americans and their friends to write to the District Attorney's office in Gwinnett County Georgia and let him know that the world is not blind to the desecration of graves in his county. Let him know that we are watching how he enforces the laws of his state and his country, and how he respects the land and the elders from whom this land was taken. The address is: Danny Porter District Attorney's Office 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30245 Also call Governor Zell Miller of Georgia and let him know that you care what happens to 900 acres of land that should have been preserved as a historic site 30 years ago. Remind him that the need now is critical as developers go to drastic lengths to destroy the graves of hundreds of Cherokees, and to eradicate forever the irreplaceable and sacred structures these Elder ones left behind. His phone # is 404-656-1775. Finally, ProNas fights these destroyers with civil suits. In order to effectively stop them, they must file suits in several counties for the same offense. To stop the most recent destruction, they filed in the county the destruction took place, the developer's home county, and the county where the logging company is based. In the face of official apathy, civil suits may be the only things standing between the bulldozers and our ancestors' resting places. ProNas exhausted their legal fund in this latest effort. If you can spare a couple of bucks to help further this fight, please send it (checks or money orders, please) made out to the ProNas Legal Fund, 5551 Prince Phillip Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. --------- "RE: Gustafson Lake FILE" --------- Date: Mon, 4 Sep 1995 13:37:54 -0700 (PDT) From: cherokee@WOLFE.net Subj: Gustafson Lake FILE ..... (fwd) UUCP email [Editorial note: Each article within is included with assurances permission for redistribution has been granted] O'siyo...This is a very important letter so I ask you to read my words carefully...Yesterday morning...about 10 AM I was sent a long file 1.1 mg concerning those who struggle to hold their lands in BC. It was sent to me in Mac format but is very complicated as it was unreadable when transferred. Badger and Tom Hudson both tried very hard to read this file and to reformat it...I thank them both very much for their many many hours of hard work. After many long hours we could not reformat it for many technical reasons which Badger and Tom could explain better (you know I am not a technical person) but the bottom line is we had to PRINT out copies and then have them Faxed back to us...at which time I faxed them to Tom who began a file...Then Megan (in our circle as SpotTheCat@AOL.com) and cliff and I sat for hours and hours having to retype them as the faxes Tom got were not clear enough to read (sigh..Kinkos). So...I am attaching the file....in readable text so you can read what those who stand up are saying to the world. I am in contact with Mike Bernard of the Associated Press with Canadian Press Assn who is receiving these documents today from me to print. I have the original printed hard copies and among them is a poster of solidarity with the canadian flag being flown upside down. I think Tom Hudson can send you a copy of this but I'm not sure. However, if he cannot I can snail mail you one. Please ask Tom first at s943788@vax.niagara.edu first as I faxed the original to him. My message for you today is this: There are men, women and children up there with no power...no food...who are traditionalists who refuse to come out. This is an issue of refusing to give up any more land. I do not know how this will end...peacefully I pray... The Government of BC has disconnected most of the phone numbers you see listed..I encourage you to call, write and support the organization listed below which is supporting them. I also wish you to distribute this file to every newserver...every bbs you are on...to every friend you know..to every reporter in your town...to any place you can think of..especially to commercial servers like AOL, Compuserve, Prodigy, etc. The press there is unable to get word out due to a press blackout but I believe Mike will break the story when he receives this..sigh.. Remember these people please today in your prayers....Call your congressperson...fax every politician you know...PLEASE...Their Attorney has left the area I have been told....they are alone and isolated and still holding out...a'ho September 2 1995 In regards to your dilemma re: gov't agencies only accepting the cover letter - We've had the same problem so we just fax them a five page letter on letterhead paper and do away with a cover letter altogether hope that helps... ------------------------------------- [FOLLOWING IS A PRINTED BULLETIN...CONTENT AS FOLLOWS] Urgent Appeal! Your presence is Effective, Important, and Necessary at the Daily Peace Vigil at Queen's Park! For the People of the Sovereign Shuswap Nation At Gustafson Lake B.C. Bring Donations of food, blankets, etc. Updated information available daily at location and CASMP office Phone: 416-972-1573 or Fax: 416-972-6232 Let then know that the World is Watching! Negotiation, not Intimidation! ------------------------------------ [FROM CHEROKEE...THE FOLLOWING IS A HANDWRITTEN BILL...NO DATE GIVEN] To All Media Who are complicit in the manufacture of consent for this execution "Cultists?" "New World Order?" "Renegades?" "Terrorists?" "Criminals?" SHAME ON YOU ALL! "This country will never be the same. For every one of us that falls, Ten more will stand up to take ur place" Wolverine Thurs night. my last conversation with a true revolutionary and a dear and honourable man John Shafer [sic] We Will Never Forget Gustafson Lake PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE I, Magamwea (?) (Splitting the Sky), also known as (?) am appealing to all my friends and family in Gustafsen Lake to consider a peaceful resolution for I don't want to see my friends, family or anyone hurt. I also hope in the spirit of peace and understanding that the RCMP and (?) Forces will relieve the situation by not obstructing Mr. Bruce Clarke's Legal access to his clients. THere should be an entourage of national (?) to witness the access and (?) in an effort to ease in a general transition, the prevailing (?) But I support any and all (?) that my friends (?) make and I hope to establish contact with you (?) the phone and/or personally. There is no date on this document.... -------------------------------------- Bruce Clark, LL.B MA PhD (Law) Barrister and Solicitor 92 Stanley Avenue Ottawa Canada K1M1P4 613-741-7065 Fax: 613-741`-7077 Fax Cover Sheet: 25 August 1995 Attention Clients; TO: 403-865-7549 The Sundancers at Gustafson Lake have (unreadable..2 words) That the petition dated 3 January 1995 be addressed publicly by an independent and impartial third party tribunal, one that is neither Canadian nor Indian, such as the special constitutional court established by Queen Anne at the request of the Mohican Indians, to which court the petition is addressed. (a) Is the popular assumption that the Canadian courts and police have jurisdiction legal? (b) Or is that assumption criminally treasonable, fraudulent, and complicitous in the genocide of the aboriginal peoples of Canada as alledged in the petition? Sincerely, "Bruce Clark" Signed by the people at Gustafson Lake: "Splitting the Sky", "Jon Dionne", "Bald Eagle Who Seeks", "Two Rocks", "Joseph Belleau", "Garth C. Christopher", "Flo Sampson", [REMAINING NAMES UNREADABLE] NOTE: MR. MERCREDI REFUSED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND THIS IS SO STATED AT THE END OF THE DOCUMENT -------------------------------------------- URGENT ACTION: GUSTAFSON LAKE AUGUST 27 1995 11:45PST As of 10:30pm, a large convoy of RCMP tactical squad was filmed passing through the RCMP check point on route to the Sundance grounds at Gustafson Lake. Supporters believe that an attack is imminent. Politicians must get involved NOW! Radio phone lines were deliberately cut by the RCMP 48 hours ago at which time crucial negotiations were proceeding between Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi and the spiritual Sundancers. At 3pm pst Sunday August 26 Staff Sgt. Montague told media that cutting the traditionalists' communications including those with their counsel Dr. Bruce Clark was an integral part of the operational plan. The radio phone to the Sundance Camp must be restored IMMEDIATELY so that a peaceful resolution may be pursued. We call on the world to stop the massacre. Urgent calls are requested immediately! Premier Harcourt: 253-7905 Fax: 387-0087 Staff Sgt. Montague 604-395-2456 Pager:977-1047 -------------------------------------------- Subject: Gustafson Lake Docs 9 Update on Arms Standoff on Gustafson Lake B.C. 2:30pm 27 August 1995 est From: Canadian Alliance and Solidarity with the Native Peoples, League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations, Toronto, Ontario Canada 416-972-1573 Fax: 972-6232 Men, women, and children and supporters of the Shuswap Nation refuse to unconditionally surrender to the RCMP. They are willing to turn themselves over to the chiefs of one of the nations under the Great Law which is the only law they respect. If arrested by the RCMP it would be as prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention. Things are getting tight at Gustafson Lake, BC Canada where the Shuswap Nation is in a Sundance camp surrounded by the RCMP tactical squad who are ready to go in and clear it out. The issue is over land rights and the right to practice a sacred ceremony. Ovide Mercredi of the Assembly of First Nations has gone into the camp, spoken with the occupants and says that "they are not criminals, they do have grounds for their stand." All communication has been cut off and Mercredi is asking the RCMP to hold off the raid until the talks to the Attorney General of British Columbia and the Minister of Indian Affairs, Ron Irwin. The Shuswap are unaware of what's going on outside the camp. Everyone is asked to phone the RCMP at 100 Mile House: 604-395-2456. Call Michael Harcourt, Premier of British Columbia at 604-263-7905 Fax:387-0087 For Updates, call the Shuswap Nation Communication Center: 403-605-1784 Canadian Alliance for Solidarity with Native Peoples and League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations. Come to the rally at the Queen's Park in Toronto , Ontario at 11am, Monday 28 August. --------------------------------------- Bruce Clark, LL.B M.A. PhD (Law) Barrister and solicitor 92 Stanley Avenue Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1M1P4 Phone: 613-741-7065 Fax: 613-741-7077 BY FAX AND BY MAIL: 26 August 1995 ELISABETH II CARE OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR ROBERT FELLOWES, KCB, KCVO Private Secretary to Elisabeth II Buckingham Palace London UK SW1 Your Majesty; August 24...I asked the Governor General to perform his single most important constitutional duty to apprehend the crimes in progress by the Canadian Ministers of State, judges and police of treason and fraud against the Canadian Constitution and genocide against the traditionalist sector of the aboriginal peoples. By replying on the 25th that I should apply to the alleged criminals themselves for relief he has, knowingly, elected to aid and abet the said crimes in progress. The salvation of the Canadian nation from its errant political and judicial leadership is now up to you. This is constitutionally appropriate. Your office relative to this country exists for no higher, more rational, more just or justifiable purpose. Please delay no longer in performing the constitutional duty required of you by my client's petitions dated 3 January 1995. A handful of lives depends upon your immediate response today, more in the years to follow. On behalf of all Canadians I thank you for your unwavering vigilance for and devotion to their constitution. Sincerely, Bruce Clark cc; Right Honourable Governor General of Canada, Romeo Leblanc The Honourable Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chention [sic] the Right Honourable Chief Justice of Canada, Antonio Lamer Commissioner RCMP, Paul Murray RCMP Staff Sgt. M.P. Sarth [sic] --------------------------------------------- Subject: Gustafson Lake Docs 11 UPDATE FROM THE RUMOR KILLER CENTER 1:45pm est August 27 1995 RCMP report that Shuswap Nation sovereignists shot 2 Mounties.. The RCMP report that two cops were shot by the Indians. No one was hurt because they were wearing their bullet-proof vests. All roads leading to the camp have been closed and logs have been placed across them. In order to prevent anyone from witnessing these alleged incidents, they have forced observers further away from the encampment. Knowing the tension, the RCMP decided to go one kilometer from the camp to remove a log and said they were met with a hail of bullets. The Shuswap supporters deny that any shots were fired from the encampment at the RCMP. It would not be the first time the RCMP shot themselves in the foot and blamed the other guy. We do not take the RCMPs unsubstantiated word for this. Last Friday a woman came out of the camp and reported that the RCMP had made up another story that they had been shot at and no one at the camp had heard about it. There is no confirmation of this so-called shoot-out. This is a rumour to get the public and the media freaked out to turn around the support flooding in from around the world for the Shuswap Nation. The police are putting out slander to kill the support. However both the public, and now the media, have learned from OKA that the government has a monolithic propaganda machine going full speed, churning out hate and insightful misinformation against the Indians. In the meantime the RCMP has declared war and has prepared for a massive attack on the camp very soon and is using this manufactured incident as justification. The supporters are asking for impartial observers [such as religious organisations, human rights groups, and the general public] to go up to the area to watch and to document what is going on. Supporters are heading up to Gustafson Lake B.C. to lend their support to the Shuswap Nation who are defending their sovereignty. We have to stress that all aboriginal people and their supporters want peace and an non-violent end to this stand-off over land rights. --------------------------------------- FROM: Canadian Alliance in Solidarity with the Native Peoples National Office Letter to Premier Michael Harcourt. Govt' of B.C. 23 August 1995 On behalf of the Canadian Alliance in Solidarity with the Native Peoples (CASNP) we wish to express our strong support for our brothers and sisters of the Shuswap Nation of British Columbia in their present struggle at Gustafson Lake British Columbia. Once again, the issue is over aboriginal land, the government's Indian Act band council system which is being used to criminalise the actions of the legitimate traditional aboriginal government and, in this case, the right for them to practise a sacred ceremony. This is a time for understanding, peace and calm on both sides of the issue so that this can be settled in a non-violent manner, not the usual propaganda war, with the Attorney General of British Columbia calling these Native people a group of terrorists to inflame the public against them. Do you have no shame calling the aboriginal people "rebels" and "squatters" in their own land? Have the settlers forgotten that they came and invaded aboriginal land just over 100 years ago? Certainly the aboriginal people have not. The governments of Canada and B.C have not been able to solve the land question they started 120 years ago. At that time the land was simply stolen. Today the aboriginal peoples are being dealt with in the same manner, but now the aboriginal people of thw world and their supporters are watching you. We question why haven't the white ranchers been able to present proof of legal usage of the Indian land in question, which would go a long way in calming the situation. Rather than talking to the aboriginal people, they want to kick them off in order to put cattle on the land. This notion is ridiculous. Not only do we NOT want another OKA, but we do NOT want another Waco solution! And don't suggest to us that you are talking to the puppet band councils that the government has put into place to do their bidding. We know the difference. We urge you to talk to the traditional aboriginal people who are the legitimate titleholders to the land. WE at CASNP are watching the matter closely and offer advise, guidance and counsel on how to reach a negotiated settlement. Signed, Niaiwea...In peace and righteousness Kahn-Tineta Horn [sic] ------------------------------ UPDATE ON THE SOVEREIGN SHUSWAP NATION STANDOFF AT GUSTAFSON LAKE BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA Tuesday 29 August 1220pm There was a telephone call made last night into the Sundancer's camp by Ovid Mercredi of the Assembly of First Nations, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They spoke with Wolverine who reaffirmed their position that they wanted to have the jurisdiction and land question brought up to an International level for examination. "We are the keepers of the land. We have always maintained this position. The land is the issue!" They will continue to stand on their right to defend that land which is sacred to them. {Apparently this telephone conversation was picked up on a scanner and broadcast live throughout B.C.} At the end of the conversation Wolverine they were out of cigarettes and chewing tobacco and would like some canned foods. Orvid Mercredi would not answer any questions from the media. Negotiations with the camp have been turned over to the RCMP. It appears he is washing his hands of the issue and will have nothing more to do with it. A lawyer from Vancouver has been asked to go into the camp to represent the non-aboriginal. The RCMP, on the other hand, will not allow Bruce Clark to go in as "he is not a member of the B.C. Bar!" The SWAT team is 1/2 mile away northeast from the camp and ready to go in at a moment's notice. The RCMP is still trying to play up the shooting of the two Mounties on Saturday but many don't see it as provocative. They refuse to allow the media to see the Mounties flak vest which is supposed to be full of shotgun holes. A group is formed in support of the RCMP and are recognised as agitators at other incidents in other parts of B.C. Supporters have contacted 2 church groups asking for non-partisan observers to come to Gustafson Lake to record what is happening. In the U.K. Zoe Lakefoot from Minnesota organised and picketed Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons, there are demonstrations of support in front of the B.C. legislature in Victoria and in Queen's Park in Toronto, there was an all-night vigil. Writers are traveling from Adams Lake and Chase B.C. area to Gustafson Lake to support the Shuswaps. People with families in the camp will probably be able to talk to them. PLease register you pleas now. Stop the police invasion...defend the Shuswap now! -------------------------------- Gustafson Lake Standoff continues despite "token" concessions Once again the deadly games of lies, manipulation and broken promises is being played with the lives of Shuswap Defenders at Gustafson Lake. Defenders Council was again, for the second time, was refused permission to talk to the beleaguered Shuswap traditionalists after the RCMP publicly announced that the fundamental client-solicitor relationship would not be respected. Dr. Clark has declined to be used further as a carrot to be dangled in the face of men, women, and children behind the RCMP tactical squad's encircling ring of fire. Last report Dr. Clark was in route to his plane homeward bound for Ottawa where he is facing disbarment for misconduct and behaviour unbecoming to the legal profession. The announcement by the DIA of six Creek band council and rancher Lyall James that, "subject to conditions and time limits" Sundances may continue at the Gustafson Lake site is yet another attempt to appear to grant favors to eliminate public support for the traditionalists. Further optical spin control was the coverage of 2 native men who walked out yesterday. The 2 had been caught behind the police line and came out by police helicopter yesterday afternoon. Predictably, the corporated media are portraying that this is a sign that the Defenders are weakening. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT MORALE IN THE CAMP BY ALL ACCOUNTS IS EXCELLENT AND THAT THE POSITION IS STILL AS STATED. Also predictable is the attempt by B.C.s Indian establishment to "pimp-off" the sovereignist stand to "kick-start" the bogus and fraudulent B.C. Treaty Commission, headed by Alec Robertson. The chief Commissioner comes to his post straight from a senior partnership from Davis and Co. (Mistubishi, Scott Paper, CIBC, MacMillan, Blodell) and a directorship at Daiahowa[sic] Forest Products (the same that are involved in kicking the DUbicon [sic] people off their land in Alberta) This is what B.C. General Dossanjh referred to as CTV's Bill Goode show as the independent and impartial forum that the Natives demanded. The situation at Gustafson Lake is still critical. People must continue to keep the pressure on. The world is still watching! General public is not buying government their support by granting Natives token "concessions", the bigger picture remains critical! [FROM CHEROKEE: REMAINING TWO LINES UNREADABLE] June 20 1995 TO: The Shuswap Nation - Caretakers of the Shuswap Sacred Grounds Gustafson Lake B.C. Ph: 403-385-7349 Sehikon, peace: The Canadian Alliance in solidarity with the Native people/CASNP was contacted by the Shuswap Nation to help resolve the conflict that is culminated in the present stand-off at Williams Lake. The Indians posted notices to discourage trespassers on Indian land and a fence was constructed to keep cattle off a sacred ceremonial ground. According to our information, Mr. Lyle James, a rancher, failed to provide the deed to the lands in question which he says were issued by the Department of Indian Affairs. In October 9-10 1993, Mr. James, the RCMP, the Minister of Indian Affairs and the media were invited to meet with the people of the Shuswap Nation to discuss the issue. They refused to attend this meeting [FROM CHEROKEE: APPARENTLY IT WAS THE RCMP, MR. JAMES AND THE MINISTER WHO REFUSED TO ATTEND THIS INVITATION] and held another amongst themselves on this issue which resulted in a letter on RCMP letterhead dated September 16 1993 maintaining Mr. James position. After over a year and a half of conflict, Mr. James presented a notice to evict the Sundancers affective June 17 1995. On June 15 1995 a ranch hand came to the Sundance ground yelling and whooping in a drunken stupor stating the ranchers intended to burn the Council lodge and the RCMP were planning an invasion of the Sundance camp. CASMP will do all it can to support the Shuswap Nation the avoid a violent confrontation. The Sundancers have demanded a peaceful resolution to the issues, ie. that an investigation be undertaken to expose the illegal leasing and selling of Indian lands, unceded territory and Dia and band council leasing and selling practises of Shuswap Nation land. The trespassing on sacred burial and Sundance grounds by Mr. James is viewed by CASMP as trespassing. His attempt to film and photograph the land, structures, artifacts, and sacred fast of the Sundance singers shows lack of respect and a regression to the past when there was an intolerance of Indian ceremonies. In the 1800s such ceremonies led to criminal charges and imprisonment. Such a position backed by Canadian law enforcement agencies in this day and age defies international law and covenants to which Canada is a signatory. Threatening lives in the attempt to collect a wood stove and a door of the cook house defies common sensibilities when negotiation of a peaceful settlement has not been attempted in good faith. All efforts should be made to avoid violence without compromising the basic position of the aboriginal people. CASNP supports the position of the Shuswap Nation and it awaits further communication from your department. [signed] Kahn-Tineta Horn [sic] ------------------- CHIEF BILLY REDWING TAYAC OF THE PISCATEWAY NATION MEETING WITH CANADIAN AMBASSADOR'S AIDE IN WASHINGTON DC ON TUESDAY 29 AUGUST 1995 ON THE SHUSWAP GUSTAFSON LAKE CONFRONTATION WITH THE RCMP OVER UNCEDED LAND Chief Billy Redwing Tayac of the League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations LISN met with the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC yesterday. LISN is United Nations of indigenous people of the western hemisphere formed because "We don't have representation in mankind as equals, therefore the League is seeking to rectify that discrepancy." At the same time a demonstration took place with Indians from at least 6 nations, some from Central America and many non-Indians. Tayac said "Some people should file human rights violations against Canada for inhumane treatment of aboriginal people. These confrontations between Canadian law enforcement agencies and aboriginal people is getting out of hand. Their intimidation, name-calling, threats, psychological warfare tactics practised on the native people has got to stop. Doesn't Canada care how they look to the world? Is Canada becoming Guatemala? Or a third world country who mistreat their aboriginal people as a matter of course? "Why are there so many problems in Canada with the aboriginal people? What is the reason? There is a deep fault in dealing with the native people in Canada. Every year it is something. Canada can't afford to have that problem throughout the world. Every year there are crimes. Canada has not tried to negotiate in good faith or exhausted all remedies. There is a flawed policy that must be rectified. The whole world is watching Canada which acts like a third-world country. Canada thinks that if it has a disagreement with Indians, they just have to get out their machine guns and artillery, chase them into a concentration camp, call them names, and shoot them up. Doesn't Canada know they can't shoot even one person? They have cut off communication and they have not yet tried to starve them out as they did to the Mohawks in Oka in 1980 (date unclear) "The RCMP are acting like jackbooted, redcoated Gestapo. They are losing all respect in the world. Canada has to act like a First World Nation. "The question is if there is no deed, then it is Indian land. If there is a deed, why haven't they produced it all this time? Maybe because they realise it is unceded land. Who gave the lease to the James Cattle Company of Montana? "Canada is a land of laws, but which law? They have to abide by the law of the land for they are opening themselves up for a major case in the international court levels. They should open up an educational policy to train the government and bought out[sic] banned council Indian people because ignorance is fear. The only way to overcome this is by dialogue with the parties. Indian people respect even the smallest of life and you can rest assured they respect the RCMP and their families but do the RCMP respect the indigenous people and their families?" Tayac asked the Canadian embassy for a nonviolent peaceful negotiation on both sides and an international neutral forum to decide the jurisdiction of the disputed land. If Canada has no jurisdiction, there is no crime. I am (unreadable) Woodland Ojibway of Turtle Island. I am sending this message to all of our peoples, our community, to let you know of a serious matter that has become known the world wide. As you are aware, there is a lot of (unreadable) to the media regarding the crisis at Gustafson Lake, British Columbia. I have been active for the last two weeks of August 1995. I have been phoning-faxing out as much information about the (unreadable) and have also helped with the vigil at Queen's Park. A lot of people seem to prefer watching what's happening on television rather than finding our first-hand information available within our own community. It seems that most of the information on television is controlled by the federal government. Check out government listings in some of the many phone books and directories of Canada and you will find that CBC has its own listings in Ottawa. The original role of the government was to serve in the place of Queen Elisabeth 1 and the original role of the RCMP was to preserve and protect her interests. There is a document called the October Proclamation of 1763 in which it is stated that all our aboriginal lands which were not already ceded were to remain aboriginal property and would not be sold to private owners unless they were first ceded to the Crown, which would then sell them. About 90% of British Columbia is unceded aboriginal territory. Most of the people in B.C. who think they "own" land are actually illegally squatting on OUR LAND! On September 12th the matter of this illegal occupation of the whites is being brought to the Supreme Court of Canada for the first time. If the Court decides in our favor, we stand to gain most of the Province of B.C. back. Since the RCMP's job is to serve the interests of the white people, it makes sense that their purpose is to make sure that we never stand up and demand our legal rights. It is the Shuswap Nation who is making this very important stand, and the RCMP is doing their best to prevent this from happening by making the Sundancers in Gustafson Lake look like "renegades" "thugs", "squatters", and "outlaws" when it's really the other way around. There are people all around the world who are aware of how important this moment in time is to the future of our people and they have been giving a lot of support by sending letters, spreading the word, holding demonstrations at the Canadian embassies in their own countries. They are making sure that the Canadian government does not quickly end the situation by killing all the people who are making a stand which is what they were planning on doing! We have never seen this much international support for our people before, and this support can be of great use for us. If a person has an incurable disease, that disease will grow until it eventually kills the body, unless it is stopped. The government is slowly killing us and the international pressure may well be the beginning of the antidote. With this kind of worldwide attention, the Canadian government is made to honor the agreement made by them and their representatives. The Queen said in the mid-1970s that she would stand by her agreements (unreadable) by her people and we need to call her on this. Our prophesies say that this would happen-that the Queen would have two choices to make, and if she does not make the right one this time, we could be facing all-out war. Many people of all nations will be killed in this war. If she makes the right choice, it will mean that we would finally be able to live with the immigrants in harmony and as (unreadable) in our own country. (Unreadable, 2 words) very few people come out and support the struggle of the Shuswap Nation, which will benefit us all in the long run. It saddens me that when I see a dozen people gathered in Queen's Park to keep watch on the government, I sometimes see that less than a quarter of them are aboriginal. We should be able to better than that. During the day, when the government offices are full, I give credit to the people who take time from their lunch breaks and come to lend their support. If all of us (unreadable) to make that effort, maybe the (unreadable) looking out of their windows would see enough people to take notice. For a long time we have seen no hope and have given up every time our leaders try to do something for our people because we did not believe in them or in our own abilities. We are much stronger than we think, because in spite of it all, we are still here. I encourage those who are unemployed, those who have some free time on their hands, to come out, join the others, for some food and conversation. Bring your pyjamas and tents and stay all night. Be especially aware that there are people in the building that would love to see us gone and that there is safety in numbers, especially during the day when there are more of them than there are of us. We have to unite so that we can keep the vigil until the issue is resolved. And we have to stay under their noses to remind them of our presence so that they cannot ignore us as they usually do. This is a very important time in our history and (unreadable-six words) that the world is watching. We have no choice in our parts in the prophesies-it is our destiny. --------- "RE: Poem: Stones Entering the Heart" --------- Date: 12 Sep 1994 14:04:37 -0500 From: turtle@aicap.s21.com (Turtle Heart) Subj: Stones Entering the Heart Newsgroup: alt.native Lined up like feathers on the wings of Eagles dancers circle the dusty earth their feet wrapped in the skins of elk buffalo and deer pounding the air and striking their hearts a drum stretched across the heart of an old man who grins at the sun and throws stones into their hearts. Tobacco Indian ______________________________________________________ Turtle Heart turtle@soft21.s21.com (Ahnishinabeg) American Indian Computer Art Project BBS 619-374-2100 PO Box 111 Johannesburg CA 93528-0111 Land of Kaw-ii-su ancestor: Land of Light Land of Kaw-ii-su ancestor: Land of Light --------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" --------- Date: 95/09/02 18:06 From: Debra F. Sanders (dfsanders@genie.geis.com) Subj: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days GE Electronic Mail A HAWAIIAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of September 10-16 KEPEKEMAPA (September) (Mahoe-hope) 10 Each person sees the world a little differently. 11 You can see your true self reflected in a still pond. 12 Solitude feeds the spirit. 13 Look to the lessons of the past to solve the challenges of the present. 14 It is in the secluded valleys that the rarest of treasures are found. 15 See the dance of the rain upon the leaves; hear the laughter of the waves upon the shore. 16 Be like the mountain stream -- if something blocks your path, flow around it. (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, 7 Sep 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 Newsgroups: soc.culture.native Subject: Many Winters Gathering San Pedro California Please Help Sponsor an Elder from Your Community..... Maza Chagl'eska Oyate Angels Gate Cultural Center Bldg. D P.O. Box 1471 San Pedro, CA. 90733 (310) 833-2205 IRON Circle Nation A-Ho _________________, Elder / Indian Community Leader: We Maza Cha Gle'ska Oyate (Iron Circle Nation) an inter-tribal, spiritual Indian group of the greater Los Angeles area, would like to invite you to participate in our fourth ELDERS SPIRITUAL GATHERING. This Gathering will take place on October 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th at a site named Angels Gate which overlooks the Pacific Ocean in San Pedro, California The purpose of the Gathering is to mend the Sacred Hoop through prayer, instruction, storytelling, games, song, dance, art and guidance for the future generations. Mending the Sacred Hoop comes by teaching people of all ages to stay off drugs, alcohol and other abuses of the mind, body and spirit, as well as keeping the ceremonies, teachings, and traditions of our people alive. This year we are honoring the White Buffalo. The spirit of the White Buffalo has returned. The sacred hoop of the people is being mended through the ancient teaching and prophecies of our Elders. The prayer of balance and harmony with all living things continues. If you find it within your good heart to accept our humble invitation, please contact us by phone or mail to confirm the dates you will be attending. We look forward to your response and participation in the Elders Gathering. Mitakuye Oyasin (All My Relations John Funmaker, Executive Director IRON CIRCLE NATION ------------------------------------------ From pablo@tribal.org Sun Sep 3 17:47:09 1995 To: gars@netcom.com From: pablo@tribal.org (Pablo (Paul) Bristol) Subject: SCHEMITZUN '95 THE MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION Proudly Presents THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF SONG & DANCE Fourth Annual Feast of the Green Corn and Dance SCHEMITZUN '95 September 14 - 17 FOXWOODS RESORT AND CASINO MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT $750,000 In Prize Money Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Grand Entry Thursday thru Saturday (Noon & 7:30 PM) and (Noon on Sunday) Dancer registration ($10.00) Wednesday 1 - 7 PM at Resort Casino Thursday 10 AM - Saturday noon Schemitzun Arena (No Exceptions) Host Drums: BLACK LODGE BUFFALO LAKE WISCONSIN DELLS Washington South Dakota Wisconsin WHITEFISH BAY MANDARSEE CEDARTREE Ontario North Dakota Washington D.C. Invited Drums: Dakota Nation Red Bull Yellow Hammer Whitefish Jr. Battle Creek High Noon Bobtail Haystack White Eagle Eagle Feather Ironwood Red Lake Smokytown Northern Cree Cathedral Lake Elk's Whistle Cozads Blackstone Eagle Whistles Dakota Travel Fly-In-Eagle Rose Hill Eagle Claw Northern Wind Pipestone Creek White Tail Grey Eyes Youngblood Kicking Woman Yellow Spotted Horse Pigeon Lake MGM Young Nation Grey Horse Southern Thunder Little Otter Eyabay Painted Horse Sioux Valley Eagle Mountain Little Boys The Boyz ENTERTAINMENT Charlie Hill Susan Whipple Laughing Woman & Eagle Wing Buddy Big Mountain Camping Available Call Michael Goodwin 203-885-1441 Free Parking Tickets: Seniors $3.00, Adults $5.00 Children $3.00 4-day pass $10.00 No Group Rates Arena Seating and facilities available for the handicapped Further Information call 1-800-224 CORN (Tell 'em Pablo sent you!) ----------------------- Xref: netcom.com alt.native:16670 Newsgroups: alt.native Subject: *** ONE MIND, ONE VOICE, ONE HEART, ONE PRAYER *** Sender: mosa@netcom6.netcom.com We need (1) prayers, (2) presence, and (3) financial support. Please keep the events and their intention, to be One People in Prayer, in your prayers and thoughts. If possible, plan to come to Washington, D.C. Finally we ask for whatever financial support you can provide. The information for contacting organizers is at the end of the article. Thank you.] *** ONE MIND, ONE VOICE, ONE HEART, ONE PRAYER *** One People in Prayer Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 1995 On The Mall in Washington, D.C. (next to the Washington Monument) "If you prick the finger of a white person, the blood is red. If you prick the finger of a black person, the blood is red. If you prick the finger of a yellow person, the blood is red. If you prick the finger of a red person, the blood is red. This proves that we are all One. The blood flowing through all our bodies is the same color." Harry F. Byrd, Lakota Elder Paraphrasing Fools Crow, Lakota Holy Man (at the first of four convocations, Oct. 1993) Our time is the fulfillment of prophesy. Opportunities to create an experience of One Humanity, One Earth, One Sacred Life are essential. We can approach and enter the next millennium with the wisdom, strength and courage to actualize a better life on Earth for ALL or we can arrive broken, doubtful and disconnected from each other. We can provide our youth with opportunities to participate in our collective healing or we can continue to barrage them with images of a conflicted world. We can tap the resources of our elders to guide our passage or we can push them into the background with our ignorance. We can continue to pour our resources into the acquisition of things and defense or we can contribute to the production of people, of character, of hope and of the experiences necessary for an integrated and healthy world. The choice is ours. The "One Mind, One Voice, One Heart, One Prayer" prayer vigil is a gathering designed to (1) fulfill the meaning of prophecy, (2) come together as One People in prayer, (3) create a forum for the Native Wisdom Keepers of Turtle Island (North America), Central and South America to share their knowledge with the public, (4) provide our youth with a model for our collective healing and images of One People in Prayer, (5) demonstrate the capacity to be One People without the loss of cultural integrity, (6) strengthen the positive vision of prophecy about the future, (7) establish our interconnectedness, (8) bring the federal community together with Native Elders to learn about Care of Mother Earth, and (9) promote an integrated and healthy world. According to several Native American prophesies, the turning point in history will be recognized by spiritual gatherings dedicated to creating an integrated and healthy world. It is these gatherings which lay the foundation for new alliances, new communities, new vision and new wisdom to grow. Christian tradition teaches, "Where two or more are gathered in love, the spirit dwells." "One Mind, One Voice, One Heart, One Prayer" provides an opportunity for spirit and vision to dwell together among us every October to the year 2000. The year 1995 marks the second of the sacred Seven Years of Healing, 1994-2000. Our theme in 1995 is the healing of our relationship with Mother Earth. Native American and other Indigenous people have been subjected to humiliation, defeat, isolation, and rejection for more than 500 years. The world community, through the United Nations has recognized this fact and declared the 1990s The Decade of the Indigenous People. At one time Indigenous people were wise stewards of a great land mass and all the life forms on it; now they are largely confined to reservations and subjected to political and economic systems that regard the land as something to be exploited. Too much has been broken: their homes, their nations, their religions, their lives. But not their spirit. It is from this indomitable bounteous spirit--still rich with hope-- that healing becomes paramount as we approach the 21st century. Native nations and cultures from throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America reach out now for an actualizing experience that will usher them--and all of us--into this period of healing, a time when their spiritual and cultural practices will no longer be diminished by the dominant people, but in fact will shine with all the other traditions that enrich the potent mosaic of cultural experiences in the land of ours. We invite you to join us on the Mall near the Washington Monument for thirty hours of continuous prayer and related events. We ask you to tell others about this event. Please keep One Mind, One Voice, One heart, One Prayer and its intention in your thoughts and prayers. Highlights 1995, Third Annual Prayer Vigil * International Tipi Peace Village - 12 tipis create a sacred circle on the Mall. Tipis dedicated to continuous prayer, education, and healing * Children's Torch of Hope - Untied Nation's first Torch of Peace which circled the globe in 1986, traveling the US in honor of the 50th anniversary of the UN, will be run to the Prayer Vigil by Native youth and youth of all races * Sunrise Pipe Ceremonies - honoring the birth of Miracle, a white buffalo calf who symbolizes the beginning of peace and unity among people * One Mind, One Voice, One Heart, One Prayer - Grace Smith, Dineh elder, representative of 150 Hopi-Dineh elders and UN representative to the Indigenous People's Working Group in Geneva, SZ, will talk on the meaning of the Prayer Vigil * Wisdom Keeper of the Wampum Belts - William Commanda, traditional elder of the Algonquin Nation, will speak to us of the prophesy of love, peace, and harmony found on these ancient belts * The Great Law of Peace - Chief of Chiefs, Leon Shenandoah of Six Nations will speak to us about the Tree of Peace and the laws which influenced the US constitution, followed by a Planting of a Tree of Peace Ceremony * Central & South American Elders & Traditionalists = 25 representatives will share their stories, prophesies and cultural education with us * Seventh Generation of All Races - Honoring youth and prophesy that this generation returns love, peace and harmony to Mother Earth. * Interfaith Community - Participation of the Interfaith Community of Washington DC and Wisdom Keepers from around the globe * Meetings with Government Officials - Follow-up to 1994's White House meetings on Sustainable Development For further information or to make tax-deductible and much needed contributions contact: From The Circle, California 510-531-7527 (non-profit EIN- 93133148) bestar@aol.com Wittenberg Center, New York 914-679-9764 wicar@aol.com Sacred Life Assoc., Washington 206-432-5412 wingz@ix.netcom.com Juanita Neconie, Washington, D.C. 301/208-1407 JNeconie@IHS.SSW.DHHS.GOV Michele Lord, Santa Cruz, CA 408-335-4740 mosa@netcom.com ----------------------------------------------------------- From GEnie Online Service, East RoundTable, Category 11, Topic 14 A.HOROVITCH [Art/Sue] at 19:06 EDT From: Frosty Deere To: All Msg #99, Aug-08-95 06:22:00 Subject: Cherokee Pow Wow ---------------------------- ---------------------------- From: smithaw@is2.nyu.edu (Anthony W. Smith) Date: 2 Aug 1995 21:14:34 GMT There will be a Cherokee Pow Wow at New York University on October 7th. The first grand entry will be at 12:00 and the second at 6PM. Good Cherokee foods and good vendors will be present. Sorry folks but no competition dancing.Just pure Pow Wow dancing. There will be giveaways. The address is 566 Laguardia Place, New York, New York, 10003. This is in Manhattans Greenwich village right across the street from Washington Square Park. Will be some good local musicians and storytellers. Lets practice the wisdom of truth and unity. --- SLMAIL v4.0 (#1349) * Origin: Igloo Station (514) 632-5556 (90:167/0) ------------------ USA.GAYLE [Gayle] at 11:03 EDT From aisesnet_drum@umt.umt.edu (a pow wow mailing list) Original Sender: Gary Powers Fourth Annual HEALING GLOBAL WOUNDS POW WOW Washington, D.C. 1995 Friday, 29 September 7:00PM-10:00PM Saturday, 30 September 1:00PM-10:00PM Sunday, 1 October 1:00PM-5:00PM +++MUSIC+++ +++DANCING+++ +++FOOD+++ +++CRAFTS+++ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC All Drums and Dancers Welcome No Alcohol, Drugs, Weapons or Attitudes On the Mall: Constitution Avenue, between 14th and 15th Streets, N.W. For more information, contact: Native Youth Alliance -- 1832 Park Road, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20010 Tel. # (202) 234-8631 -- Fax # (202) 234-8632 _DONATIONS APPRECIATED_ ----------------------- R.MUIR [Mr&MrsShorty] at 20:30 EDT October 20-22 Nashville, TN The 14th annual NAIA ( Native American Indian Association) Pow Wow and Fall Festival. Held at Hermitage Landing Call 889-2941 for more info. I failed to put the full phone number in my last post (NAIA Pow Wow). The number is 615-726-0806 ------------ USA.GAYLE [Gayle] at 07:40 EDT Sub: Re: Chickahominy Pow-wow, 9/23-9/24/95 From: woodowl@aol.com Chickahominy Indian Tribe 44th Annual Fall Festival & Pow-wow September 23-24, 1995 Chickahominy Tribal Center, Charles City, Virginia Saturday hours: 10 AM - 6 PM (grand entry: 12 noon) Sunday hours: 1 PM - 4 PM (grand entry: 1 PM) Host drum: Stoney Creek Guest drums: Wabunogejig, Wahunsunakah, Falling Water MC's: Wes Red Cloud Owens, Lenora Adkins Native American jewelry, pottery, beadwork, clothing and leathercrafts available for sale! Public invited, bring lawn chairs. No alcohol, drugs, animals or attitudes allowed! Host hotel: Best Western Airport Inn, 5700 Williamsburg Road, Sandstone, VA, 804-222-2780, rate: $31. For further information, call 804-829-2186 or 804-966-7043 E-mail contact for Chickahominy information: sradkit@vccscent.bitnet (Troy Adkins) Posted with permission by WoodOwl@aol.com (Deanna) Directions to pow-wow site available via E-mail to WoodOwl@aol.com ----------------- USA.GAYLE [Gayle] at 19:32 EDT From: southboy@aol.com (Southboy) via LisaM. Subject: CHEROKEE Powwows Powwow Dates for the North Alabama Cherokees, Creek Path/Willstown District are as follows: Sept 9-10 Trail Of Tears, Hopkinsville, KY Sept 30-Oct 1 Eva, AL Oct 7-8 Thomaston, GA Oct 20-22 Hermitage Landing, Nashville, TN Oct 21-22 Piedmont, AL Oct 28-29 Westover, AL (on Hwy 280) ========================================================================= -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- 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: Janet Smith, Debra F. Sanders, Denise Bambi Kraus, Zabaglione Goldman, Turtle Heart(Mending the Sacred Hoop with song poems), Marie Fouche, Brookie Craig, Marvin & Linda Summerfield (Cherokee Observer), Lewis Harvey (Media Release) --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Part B of this newsletter (not included) has already been distributed via the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists. --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - online" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 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: Natl. Council on Family Relations '95 Original Sender: kawamotw@ucs.orst.edu (Walter Kawamoto) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) I am pleased to report that the NCFR continues its efforts to address family issues of interest to everybody, including Indian families. This year the organization's interest in Indian families is expressed in its commitment to sponsor a mini Pow-wow during the conference. This Pow-wow is being co-sponsored by the Religion and Family Life, Ethnic Minorities, and Research and Theory Sections. It will be from 8pm-10pm in the Rose Ballroom of the Portland, OR Hilton, Friday, Nov.17 (The first one that I have ever heard of happening at the Hilton). It will feature students from Chemawa Indian School, Portland State (United Indian Students of Higher Education Drum), Bob Tom (Siletz) as MC, Selene Rilatos Lynch (Siletz) as Whipwoman, and Vincent Wannassay as Whipman. Everyone is welcome, please come and share your Indian family interests with some of the leaders nationally in the fields of family research, policy, education, therapy, etc. Other Indian family activities include: -A panel. The Wisdom of the Elders: The Role of Grandparents in Families. -American Indian Grandparents Serving as Primary Parents for Their Grandchildren. Sharon B. Bernard, Janine A. Watts -Crack Cocaine Exposure: Generational Effects. Bridget R. Carbins-Woods -Continuity and Change in Family Life: Low Income African American Mothers and Grandmothers in Poverty, Robin L. Jarrett -Discussant: Bridget R. Carbins-Woods -Presider: William Allen -Recorder: Sheila M. Littlejohn-Blake -Posters. -American Indian Intermarried Families: A Focus Group Study. Walter T. Kawamoto -Native American Adolescent Alcohol Use: An Examination of Individual Family and Community Factors, Kathleen Boyce Rodgers, William Michaell Fleming -The Relationship Between Family Routines and Interpersonal Resource Exchange: A Comparison of African American, American Indian, and European American Families, Betty T. Beane, B. Kay Pasley, Davide C. Dollahite. -Reconnecting to Spirituality: Reintegrating Native Offenders Into the Community, Marilyn Whitford (Mogey) -Health Behavior and Family Adaptation: Prediction of Utilization Among Native Americans, Renee A, Oscarson. -Ho'opono'pono: Traditional Native Hawaiian Family Therapy, Thom Curtis, CFLE. For more information, feel free to contact me at kawamotw@ucs.orst.edu or the NCFR office at ncfr3989@aol.com ------------------------------------------- Subject: Ward Valley Encampment (Southern California) Original Sender: apodaca@nexus.chapman.edu (Paul Apodaca) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) On October 10th through 15, 1995 there will be an encampment to protest the US Govt. plans to place a nuclear dump in the Ward Valley of Southern California. The encampment is located off Interstate 40, 22 miles west of Needles, California. Go south at Water Road, exit and follow signs 1/2 mile to the encampment. Participating groups include the Ward Valley Coalition, GreenPeace, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Alliance for Survival, Americans for a Safe Future, California Communities Against Toxics, Bay Area Nuclear Waste Coalition, and others who are still joining. The organizers advise that camping will be on an abandoned airstrip to reduce the impact on the land which is a Desert Tortoise protected habitat. Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbit is accused of reneging on his promises to protect the area and is now poised to turn the land over to Pete Wilson to begin the construction of the nuclear dump located 18 miles from the Colorado River. For more info, Registration forms or to volunteer call: (415) 752 - 8678, (714) 547 - 6282, or (800) 454 - 3016. A registration fee of $15 is being requested for pre-registers and $20 at the site. However, there is a promise that NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS. --------- "RE: Lost Bird" --------- Date: Mon, 28 Aug 1995 22:29:18 GMT From: marie_fouche@infozone.telluride.co.us (marie fouche) Subj: Lost Bird Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Hello everyone, Today I received the sad news from my friend that her nephew, who is Lakota, would not be returned to her family. The child was placed with a "white" family after his birth. This adoption has broken two laws in particular which I'll point out in more detail at the end of this post. This news has devastated all of us, and I'm posting this statement from the family for all of you to read. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Friday 25 August, I received the most shocking and unbelievable words that I could possibly...or ever want to hear - that our case to bring my nephew home had been decided and that he will remain with Leland and Karla Swenson. My breath was taken away for just a second, I had to swallow hard for a couple of times to keep the grief, the hurt and the tears from coming. The grief and hurt were momentary, the tears will always be there, but for joy when my nephew comes home. My nephew will come home, damaged and confused about his identity, but he will be back. It will take a long time for his healing and rebalancing and will need a lot of help from his people, spiritually as well as culturally. I believe that my nephew is smart and that this will be his supreme advantage in his fight to return to us, the smarter that he is, the worse it will be for his caretakers to keep him there and the sooner he will come back. Mrs. Swenson truly believes that she is doing the ultimate for my nephew, but she is actually doing the worst damage, by forgetting that my nephew has Lakota blood, the same blood that runs through my veins runs through my nephew, that she has no biological ties whatsoever. It is likening a swan raising an eaglet, the eaglet will bond to the swan and act like a swan, because it has no other to bond to. It will eat, talk and walk like a swan, but the eaglet soon finds out it is not a swan and flies away, back to the eagles. The judgment to leave my nephew in the care of adoptive parents is against the Indian Child Welfare Act; this Act applied even the day that his mother decided she did not want him and he was handed over to the non-indian, non-relatives. Only after he was taken and placed elsewhere were we notified. I, as the natural aunt and blood relative will continue to struggle and fight for the return of my nephew to his rightful place among his people. I will stand up for the woman of all tribes, for the Lakota heart and motherhood and ask you, my sisters to help. This fight will not only be for today, but for the children who were taken in the past, who are far from their homes and for those who will be taken from us. Our fight to keep our children must be the best and supreme effort for survival of our nations, families and children. To the woman, the Native American heart and motherhood and sisters...remember Sand Creek and Wounded Knee! Marie Not Help Him >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The boy was placed for adoption in the state of California. State law says that the father also has to consent to the adoption. He was not notified until afterwards. If he had been notified, he would have brought the child home. Another important fact is that the woman who had his child did not tell him that she was pregnant when they split up. He was totally unaware of the fact that he had become a father. Also, since he was of Lakota heritage, the baby should have been placed with an Indian family. This was also overlooked. The adoptive parents maintain that they are sparing this child from a life of poverty and that he will go to Heaven with their guidance. I know, deep in my heart, that they care for this child. However, they do not teach him of his heritage or of his spirituality. This child is growing up hearing that his People are poverty stricken which translates to, "They are worthless since they do not have the money we do." Also, how can the parents teach their adopted son the beliefs of the Lakota people when they know nothing of it. He is five years old. Also, Marie's brother's past was on trial. It reminds me so much of a woman who has been raped and then is raped again by the judicial system. His past was exploited while who he is now, who he has become was completely ignored. He is being chastised for not being vocal through this case while Marie has been leading the campaign. He is a very quiet and shy person. Also, people do not understand that Marie's nephew is her child while her children are her brother's children. The concept of family to the Lakota people and people of all Nations is so different than the concept of family which belongs to the dominant society. They think that since she is more vocal and he is so silent, he does not care for the child. This is not the case. He came forward. He gave national interviews and the Idaho Supreme Court ignored his words as have all of the prominent news organizations. This is a complete mess to say the least and the child is the one who will suffer. I know that if Marie's nephew were to come home, the Swenson's will be devastated just as Marie's family is now. There was a case very similar to this that I'm sure all of you heard about and the biological father won custody of his son. The only difference between this case and the case I just mentioned is that the biological father is Lakota. This is the only difference. We have submitted this case to the Supreme Court and we are hoping that they will hear the case. Blessings, Marie Fouche --------- "RE: National Sovereignty Day Called For" --------- Date: Fri, 1 Sep 1995 10:02:29 -0500 From: cwyob@galaxy.galstar.com (cherokee observer) Subj: National Sovereignty Day called for by Annual Governor's Conference Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) TRIBAL LEADERS UNITE TO OPPOSE FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS A press conference on August 30 was held in conjunction with the 46th Annual Governor's Interstate Indian Council Conference in Wagoner, Oklahoma. The Five Civilized Tribes and tribes who are members of the United Indian Nations of Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma are meeting August 29 through September 3 to discuss various common issues affecting Indian tribes. The press conference was to protest the impending federal budget cuts--over $200 million for Indian Country. It addressed the need for Indian tribes throughout the nation to unite to remind Congress of the treaties signed in good faith with the U.S. Government. According to Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Joe Byrd, if the Bill is passed in its present form, Cherokee Nation's budget will be reduced by $3.4 million on October 1. "In order for our Indian nations to survive we have come together as one. We require the United States Government to honor the first contracts," said Byrd. "The Cherokee Nation supports the attempt to reduce the size of the federal government but the cost to achieve this goal should not come at the expense of one segment of American people." "The budget cuts proposed by the 104th Congress undermines the trust relationship and strikes at the very heart of tribal sovereignty," said Principal Chief of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation Bill Fife. According to Chief Fife, the federal government proposes to cut funding by 35 to 45 percent and seeks again to terminate tribes as it tried in the 1950s, this time through appropriations. Chairman of the Ft. Sill Apache Tribe, Mildred Cleghorn, presented a brief history of her Chiricahua Apache tribe and reminded them that the U.S. Government has entered into many treaties with Indian Nations and have never kept the promises made in them. She is concerned about the potential loss of funds for education, health and other services. "People don't understand what we have gone through in order to live how we live today," said Cleghorn. Tribes will continue opposition efforts against budget cuts with a press conference in Washington D.C. September 11 and will display their unity the next day by recognizing SEPTEMBER 12 as NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY DAY which will be followed by a prayer vigil. --------- "RE: CNO Files Lawsuit Against Wilma Mankiller" --------- Date: Sat, 2 Sep 1995 18:12:42 -0500 From: cwyob@galaxy.galstar.com (cherokee observer) Subj: Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma files lawsuit against Wilma Mankiller Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) MANKILLER SUED BY CNO Friday, September 1, 1995, the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma filed a federal lawsuit against former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller for alleged misappropriation of funds. The Cherokee Nation Council voted in a special meeting August 31 to employ outside counsel to recover the funds. The sole vote against this measure came from Harold "Jiggs" Phillips, District 2. He declined to comment on why he voted "NO." Troy Poteete, District 4 abstained from voting. The Cherokee Nation suit requests: -----The courts to require Mankiller to give an accounting under oath for each and every "unlawful expenditure of federal and tribal funds under the control of the Secretary of Interior." -----Attorney fees, cost and interest The lawsuit alleges Mankiller authorized "severance" pay to eleven tribal and Bingo Outpost employees who resigned before Principal Chief Joe Byrd was inaugurated August 14. The payments in question total more than Nate Young III, who was an outspoken supporter of Wilma's hand picked candidate, George Bearpaw during the recent tribal elections, was retained by the council and filed suit September 1 in the U.S. District Court in Muskogee. --------- "RE: Pasqua First Nation Presents Land Claim" --------- Date: Sat, 2 Sep 1995 12:03:01 -0700 From: lewish@direct.ca (Lewis Harvey) Subj: Pasqua First Nation Presents Land Claim Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Following is the text of a media release issued by the Pasqua First Nation. The Pasqua Band lives on Pasqua Indian Reserve No. 79, near Fort Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan. They are signatories to the Qu'Appelle Treaty No. 4 of 1874, under which the Canadian government promised them a reserve of 160 acres for each family of five. In 1906, officials of the Canadian government, set about to persuade the Pasqua Band to surrender a large portion of their treaty guaranteed reserve so that the land could be made available to a "better class of men," in the words of the Canadian Minister of Indian Affairs, Frank Oliver. His officials succeeded in inducing the Pasqua Band to part with 16,077 acres of their best agricultural land. As a direct result of that surrender, today their remaining reserve is so small that over 800 ot the Band's 1337 members cannot live on their reserve with their families. The "better class of men," for whose benefit the government officials were supposedly acting, were white settlers who were being encouraged to emigrate to Saskatchewan to farm. Instead, it turned out that the great bulk of the land was purchased by land speculators, the most prominent of whom was the Crown's principal representative in Saskatchewan, the Lieutenant-Governor, the Honourable E.M. Forget. With that introduction, here is the text of the Media Release which the Pasqua First Nation issued on September 1, 1995: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 1995 PASQUA FIRST NATION SEEKS RETURN OF 16,000 ACRES Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan - The Pasqua Band seeks the return of 16,077 acres of the land set aside for it under the terms of a treaty negotiated with the Crown in 1874. During those negotiations, the Crown promised Band members that this land would be their home and that no one would take it from them "as long as the sun shines above and the water flows in the ocean." This promise was broken. At the time of the treaty, the Crown also promised that it would "never advise [the Band] badly" and "never whisper bad words in [its] ear." This promise, too, was broken. In 1906, Frank Oliver, the Indian Affairs Minister, instructed his officials to "induce" the Band to surrender its land, ostensibly to facilitate non-Indian settlement. At this time, the land was being actively farmed by Band members, whose prosperity was acknowledged even by Indian Affairs officials, but this did not matter. Frank Oliver did not like Indians. He thought they had too much land and that their reserves were a "hindrance to settlement." As a consequence, he formulated a policy for the aggressive promotion of surrenders of Indian land. In the case of the Pasqua Band, he instructed his officials to actively campaign for a surrender. When Band members refused to agree, he did not take "no" for an answer. He told his officials to return the reserve. This time they used threats and coercion, and piled money in front of Band members before they voted. According to these officials, the surrender carried. The Band says that these actions were reprehensible and were a breach of the duty owed by the Crown to the Band. The land was sold on easy terms to speculators, contrary to Federal Indian Land Sale regulations. The Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan bought some of the land. So did his secretary. The principal of the Regina Indian Industrial School bought some of the land. So did the school's accountant. An Indian Affairs farm instructor bought land. The local Indian agent bought land. So did his wife's brother-in-law. (In fact, his wife's brother-in-law bought roughly half of the land and lived with the agent while he tried to sell. Department officials in Ottawa sent him letters "c/o Indian Agency, Edgely, Saskatchewan.") The Band says that these actions, too, were a breach of the duty owed by the Crown to the Band. Purchasers were expecting that the planned construction of a branch of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway would allow them to flip the lands for a quick profit. Railway construction was delayed, however, and nearly all the purchasers defaulted on their payments. When this happened, Crown officials did not return to the Band to ask what they wished to be done with the land. The Band says that this was also a breach of the duty owed by the Crown to the Band. Indian Affairs officials allowed the overdue accounts to accumulate, sometimes for decades. The purchasers appreciated this. They candidly admitted to officials in Ottawa that it was much cheaper borrowing money from Indian Affairs than it was from chartered banks. In effect, without its knowledge or consent, the Pasqua Band was forced to subsidize speculation in the lands taken from it in breach of treaty. The Band says that these actions, too, were a breach of the duty owed by the Crown to the Band. For further information, please contact: Chief Todd Piegan (Telephone: (306)332-5697 The Pasqua Claim is being presented for resolution under the Specific Claims process of the Department of Northern and Indian Affairs, Canada. If not satisfactorily resolved the Band will have the ability to seek review by the Indian Claims Commission or to proceed with litigation in Court. Please send messages of support to the Pasqua First Nation to me, and I will forward them to the Band. Thank you. Lewis F. Harvey lewish@Direct.Ca ÿ