Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews03.040 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 040 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 7 October 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 IND-NET & NATIVE-L listservers; Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.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 Don Rayment ,don.rayment@uptowne.com, Wotanging Ikche/ Kanoheda Aniyvwiya is being redistributed via a listserver. If you would like to receive Wotanging Ikche via the listserver, you can send a message to listserv@uptowne.com and include, in the body of your message "sub wotanging.ikche " Thanks to Marc Becker, mbecker@uclink2.berkeley.edu, issues of Wotanging Ikche/Kanoheda Aniyvwiya are being archived at a World-Wide-Web site. The URL is http://web.maxwell.syr.edu/nativeweb/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 "That people will continue longest in the enjoyment of peace who timely prepare to vindicate themselves and manifest a determination to protect themselves whenever they are wronged." __ Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! We pray for others, so they may find their way or find wisdom, or they will seek the truth, or they will be healed. The U. S. Congress, despite treaties that clearly define what is justly due the First Nations, is determined to turn the back of the U. S. on these nations and act dishonorably. In Canada, the RCMP has mounted bison armored vehicles, land mines and automatic weapons against their First Nations whose only act is attempts to protect their Sacred places. In the U. S. the First nations must enter lengthy court battles to stop or forestall mining interests from bulldozing Sacred places for the few minerals hidden beneath them. If you are not already asking Creator for healing for the dominant society, do so. It needs it badly. 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=== ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- Part A: Usenet and e-mail Part B: NATCHAT and NATIVE-L lists - Nuxalk Chiefs Refuse BC Court - RED ALERT:RCMP Raid Bella Coola - Lakota Oppose TNT "Crazy Horse" - RCMP Raid Update: Nuxalk Nation - Press Release from - Oneida Nation Police Federal Status Leonard Peltier Defense Committee - Gathering Voices: - Letter from New Edition now in Print Round Valley Indians For Justice - Russell Means Autobiography - ALERT: Eastern Shawnee Tribe - Cherokee Election Facts Speak! - Cherokee Election Facts Speak! - History - Day 101 - Sunbow 5 Journal - Review: Bluefeather Fellini in the Sacred Realm - Poem: Butterfly (Belly of the Earth) - Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days - Conferences and Powwows - offline --------- "RE: Nuxalk Chiefs Refuse BC Court" --------- Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 09:49 CST From: MUNOZP@dnr.state.wi.us (Peter Munoz, PE/5, \(608\) 267-0798) Subj: Nuxalk Chiefs Refuse BC Court Jurisdiction and Terms of Release Mailing List: IND-NET Forest Action Network Box 155 - 1895 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5N 4A6 (tel) +1 604 251-2477 (email) fan@alternatives.com Bella Coola chapter (tel) 604 799-5800 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Hillary Hosta or Diana Wilson Sept. 27,1995 (604)799-5800 NUXALK SUPPORT ACTIONS IN VANCOUVER AND BELLA COOLA, Jailed forest defenders appear before Supreme Court BELLA COOLA ANO VANCOUVER - Approximately 40 Nuxalhmc and other native and non-native supporters of the 14 forest defenders arrested yesterday at Ista (Fog Creek) near Bella Coola have gathered this morning at the Supreme Court in Vancouver. They set up a vigil in solidarity with those imprisoned for defending Nuxalk traditional land from Interfor's clearcut destruction. A separate group of about 20 Nuxalkmc and Forest Action Network activists are currently occupying the office of the Ministry of Forestry District Manager's office for the mid-coast in Hagensborg. Both groups of supporters gathered to send prayers and sing songs for those being held in custody, and to express their outrage at the criminalization of hereditary chiefs and elders who are simply carrying out their duty under Nuxalk law in defending their territory from destruction by lnterfor. The 14 defendants who appeared in the Supreme Court today were offered new terms of release which no longer included a prohibition from returning to Ista (Fog Creek), the area where they were arrested. Justice Oliver, speaking from the bench, said, 'Why should we banish these people from any part of the province?... We're not here to provide comfort for International Forest Products, we are here to provide Justice..." Seven of those present agreed to sign on these new terms, even though there is still a clause requiring them to abide by the terms of the injunction. They agreed to sign under the condition that the court understand this did not mean they recognized the validity of the injunction. Four of the defendants still refused to sign on these terms, because to agree to abide by the terms of the injunction, they felt, would be to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the B.C. government and courts over them and their activities on their sovereign land. These four were Nuxalk hereditary chiefs Lawrence Pootlass, Ed Moody and Charlie Nelson, as well as Lyle Morisseau, an Ojibway activist with the First Nations Environmental Network from Manitoba. These four will be remaining in jail until their trial on October 16. After court was adjourned Justice Oliver allowed the chiefs to don their head-dresses and address the court, saying that he understood the principle they were standing on. Jacinta French, one of the arrestees from the Forest Action Network who also appeared before the Supreme Court today, spoke this morning from the Burnaby Women's Correctional Centre: "I have bourne witness to the relentless destruction of the land and the ongoing oppression of indigenous peoples. These shameful atrocities are a matter of global concern. As an Irish citizen, I am outraged at the federal and provincial government, that they continue to condone clearcut logging of unceded territories by money-hungry multinational corporations such as Interfor." The occupation of the Ministry of Forests office in Hagensbourg is ongoing; two F.A.N. activists are chained to chairs in the District Manager Brian Simpson's office, while 5 Nuxalk singers, including one hereditary chief, drum and sing to show solidarity for their jailed chiefs and support the struggle for recognition of Nuxalk sovereignty and protection of the land. I.G. Gauvreau gauvreau@unixg.ubc.ca -------- "RE: Lakota Oppose TNT "Crazy Horse"" --------- Date: Mon, 2 Oct 1995 02:40:13 -0400 From: RPGough@aol.com Subj: Lakota Oppose TNT "Crazy Horse" UUCP email LAKOTA OPPOSE TNT "CRAZY HORSE" As the attorney for the Estate of Tasunke Witko, the Oglala Chief Oliver Red Cloud has personally requested that I relay the following message for informational purposes: September 21, 1995 To the Chiefs and the People of all Sovereign Indian Nations: I am Chief Oliver Red Cloud, Chief of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Pine Ridge, SD, fourth generation descendant of Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota Nation. I am writing to you to ask you for your help and your support in this cause, which affects all Native Peoples of all Sovereign Nations. As many of you are probably aware, the Turner Broadcasting Network is in the process of filming the story of Crazy Horse here in South Dakota. The producers of this film, which was begun without any authorization from the families of Red Cloud or Crazy Horse or the Oglala Sioux Tribe, have offended many members of our tribe who were hired to work as extras on this television production by not offering equal pay to Native people vs. cavalry actors, by disrespecting and mistreating the elders who were on the set and by not honoring their agreements when this was brought to their attention. In addition, we only received copies of the script during this last week. Upon reading the script, we the descendants of Red Cloud and Crazy Horse, discovered that the truth of our history has been altered to present these great leaders of our Nation in a very bad light, and in some cases, they have presented pure lies. We have discussed this matter at great length, and have decided that the time is NOW to put a stop to the continual degradation of our people in this way. This particular movie is very typical of the stories told of our people by white men who are only motivated by monetary gain. In the wake of "Dances With Wolves" it seems that all of Hollywood and the entertainment industry want to make more money on Native history -- without honor, without respect, and without the truth. The descendants of Crazy Horse and Red Cloud do not want this movie to be made. We were never approached in the development of this project, we were never asked our opinion of the project or the script and, if we had been, we would have told them that our great Spiritual Leaders and our great Chiefs are not for sale. Today we went to the set of this movie and spoke with the producers. We told them that we want this movie stopped. We are in the process of filing and completing an injunction in the Federal Court system to halt this project. We are asking for your support -- Speak to your local media -- television, radio, newspapers. Speak up as loudly as you can. Write letters to Turner Broadcasting Company (Atlanta, Ga.). And, if worse comes to worse, and they should succeed in completing this project, we are asking that you boycott this movie, and all others like it, by not using any of the products that are sold by an sponsors, by not turning on the television set when it is shown, and by letting these sponsors know what you are doing and why. If we, as Native people, stand together and speak loudly, we CAN put a stop to this kind of thing happening. BUT WE MUST SPEAK UP, and affect the white man where he will feel it the most -- in the pocketbook! If a potential sponsor knows that their product will not be purchased and they will lose money, then they may reconsider sponsoring that particular project. And if they cannot find sponsors, then they will stop making these movies that degrade our people. We appreciate your support, and we pray that at sometime in the future, ALL people will be treated with respect and honor as Tunkasila intended. Mitakuye Oyasin /S/ Chief Oliver Red Cloud P.O. Box 846 Pine Ridge, SD 57770 CRAZY HORSE FAMILY Sees TNT Film as "HOLLYWOOD AS USUAL!!" To date, there have been several meetings between representatives of the TNT/TBS production company and the families of Red Cloud and Crazy Horse with regard to the TNT/TBS production of the TV film "CRAZY HORSE". Despite the producers' stated willingness to consider a number of possible script changes, many Lakota remember the words of Turner and Fonda in Rapid City near the completion of "Lakota Woman", promising that this series of films was to be made from "the Indian perspective." These good words raised hopes that the TNT/TBS efforts would somehow be different from those of others in the past. This promise was take to heart by many Lakota. Unfortunately, the TNT/TBS CRAZY HORSE production falls so short of honoring the perspectives of the very Lakota whose ancestors are portrayed in the film, that the Lakota descendant families are now joined in seeking to halt and disavow this production. Instead of being made from "the Indian perspective"(sic), the actual results appear to be only more "Hollywood As Usual." The story subject, script and treatment were development without significant Lakota consultation. The film boasts of a number of Indian actors, though the Lakota talent appear primarily as extras. While the production brings some much needed, though short-term jobs to an economically depressed area of western South Dakota, many feel that the price paid by this inaccurate portrayal of Lakota culture and history is too great, stating that "our ancestors and our culture are not for sale." Upon a review of an early draft of the script, the descendants of the Crazy Horse Tiyospaye in Rosebud decided to withhold support from the TNT production and, having found many inaccuracies in the script, have not assisted with any modifications lest they be considered as endorsing the production. They have refused to contribute to a movie which they believe does not provide "the Indian perspective" and which shouldn't be made about man who never wanted his image captured on film. In late July, representatives of the TNT Casting Crew came uninvited to several Lakota reservations, seeking to cast extras. They came to Rosebud and set up in the Tribal Council Chambers without authorization for auditions until Tribal President William Kindle and Councilman Seth H. Big Crow, Sr. told them to leave. Mr. Big Crow serves as Administrator for the Estate of Tasunke Witko (a.k.a. Crazy Horse). For the past two years, Big Crow has battled the Hornell and Heileman breweries and Ferolito, Vultaggio & Sons, who are the makers of "The Original Crazy Horse Malt Liquor" and the "AriZona Iced Tea" line of products, seeking the removal of his grandfather's name from the malt liquor label. Although it has been the expressed desire of the descendant families of Crazy Horse, Red Cloud and others that this film not be made, the First Amendment prohibits the families from stopping the production. TNT/TBS have the legal right to proceed without regard to the wishes of the Lakota families portrayed in the film and whose ancestors they are claiming to honor! The TNT/TBS producers have indicated a willingness to consider making some minor changes, but have refused to either stop production altogether or, as was suggested, put the project on hold for a year to develop a final product with significant Lakota input. The Lakota would rather work in a cooperative effort employing tribal people in the communications industry in the production of films and stories which truly present their culture and perspective. This production does not yield any true creative control to the Lakota. The Lakota families of these great leaders are requesting that Ted Turner and Jane Fonda honor their promises made during the production of "Lakota Woman." If TNT/TBS are sincere in the stated goal of producing films from "the Indian perspective," then these descendants request that Mr. Turner and Ms. Fonda come back to the Black Hills on October 7, 1995 to meet directly with the Lakota families to discuss these issues. Pilamaya! rpgough (Bob Gough) -------- "RE: Press Release from Leonard Peltier Defense Committee" -------- Date: Mon, 2 Oct 1995 12:53:48 GMT From: woodowl@aol.com Subj: Press Release from Leonard Peltier Defense Committee Newsgroups: soc.culture.native,alt.native This press release comes from the Leonard Peltier home page (see address at bottom) Press Release from the Leonard Peltier Home Page: PRESS RELEASE HELP US TO SECURE JUSTICE FOR AN INNOCENT MAN Urgent Update: 9/25/95 A recent article by syndicated columnist Jack Anderson has urged the same government interest in the case of Leonard Peltier that we are now seeing in the Randy Weaver case. He cites the fact that this sort of misconduct is nothing new, and that Peltier remains incarcerated nearly twenty years later and an investigation/hearing is long overdue. Anderson's article suggests that there may not be enough interest among selected officials to spearhead hearings on the case. Particularly, he quotes Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter in this regard. We would like to inform Mr. Specter that there are literally millions of world citizens interested in seeing justice in this case. You can contact Senator Specter at: United States Senate, SH - 530, Washington, DC 20510; 202-224-4254 or in the District Office at 215-597-7200. Senator Specter is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Other members are: Orin Hatch (UT), Strom Thurmond, Alan Simpson (WY), Charles Grassley (IA), Hank Brown (CO), Fred Thompson (TN), Jon Kyl (AZ), Mike DeWine (OH), Spencer Abraham (MI), Joseph Biden (DE), Edward Kennedy (MA), Patrick Leahy (VT), Howell Heflin (AL), Paul Simon (IL), Herbert Kohl (WI), Dianne Feinstein(CA), Russell Feingold (WI), The Judiciary Committee can be reached in SD - 224, Washington, DC 20510; 202-224-5225. The LPDC was honored and pleased to host those individuals who participated in the Annual Spiritual Gathering at Leavenworth Prison. We thank those who took the time to drive down from the Pine Ridge Reservation, especially Edgar Bear Runner for organizing the caravan. It was wonderful to meet everyone! Thank you for being such wonderful friends to Leonard. The Fast For Justice will be in Leavenworth, Kansas on October 14th. A march will take place at Noon from Dougherty Park to the US Penitentiary for a peaceful demonstration. We will follow the event with a forum at Saint Mary's College. Refreshments will be served. Participants include David Dellinger, Dr. Dennis Brutus, Bobby Castillo, Ron Lessard, Lisa Faruolo, Ben Carnes, and many others. To keep better informed on this case and other important issues regarding Native rights, prison reform, indigenous events, and political prisoners, subscribe to the LPDC newsletter. For information, contact LPDC, Box 583, Lawrence, KS 66044. http://www.unicom.net/peltier/index.html --------- "RE: Letter from Round Valley Indians For Justice" --------- Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 18:22:35 -0700 From: nwilson@mcn.org (Nicholas Wilson) Subj: Letter from Round Valley Indians For Justice UUCP email September 18. 1995 Greetings To All Who Cared, Five months will soon have passed since the tragedies that rocked our reservation here in Round Valley. Pine Ridge, Wounded Knee and even Ruby Ridge all happened in one night on the ridge of Little Valley right here on our own home land. For a time it seemed no one cared, we did not know who we could turn to and could we really trust anyone. After all, if law enforcement could leave our loved one (Leonard "Acorn" Peters) laying murdered in the road way and a "shoot to kill" order on another (Eugene "Bear" Lincoln), just who did we have left to resort to. Warrantless searches, mental/physical abuse, pointing of guns at not only adults' heads but children as well by those who supposedly were to protect and serve. Instead, they brought fear and a feeling of doom. In contrary to this country's great leader who said, "The only good Indian is a dead Indian," we here in Round Valley can truly say "You can't keep a good Indian down." With our great skills for survival, the many prayers for us, and the coming together of the many who were sick and tired of corruption, we can now see a tiny glimmer of light at the end of that long dark tunnel. Mr. Dennis Cunningham, attorney-at-law of San Francisco is diligently pursuing our class action suit on behalf of those whose civil rights were violated. Mr. William Forsyth, FBI, was the designated supervising agent to investigate the civil rights issues and is in the process of completing the over 100 pages of report. Once completed he will then forward to Attorney General Janet Reno at the Justice Department, Washington D.C., for their review, recommendations or prosecution if necessary. It is up to them (D.C.) regarding what action will be taken. Round Valley Indians for Justice has received correspondence from those in prisons doing many years. All had legal representation liken to Ron Brown, Public Defender of Mendocino County. It is sad to realize that for lack of money and poverty our people are robbed of their liberty. All, of course, in the name of justice. At one time we did have it all. We always had enough to share. We trusted those who spoke with forked tongues and now we must fight for "and justice for all". Though we've had many trails of tears we still remain strong. Greed is not our way. We have been stripped of all we once had, tongues cut out and $100,000 bounties placed on our heads, but we've not given up. In talks with the Great Spirit do mention those who are in prisons, not for a crime but for the lack of a true legal defense. On August 17, 1995 a carpool of approximately 25 tribal members (from our Res.) journeyed to San Francisco Pier 5 to attend the press conference and the coming forward of Eugene "Bear" Lincoln. It is very difficult to find the exact words that would best describe the feelings of seeing our man alive, well and standing tall like a real Brave should. The tears ran like water from the eyes of many in attendance. Many nights we worried, weakened in faith wondering if "Bear" was cold, if he was hungry and worse yet, if he was even alive. Initially the tears were of joy that he was alive and now the journey towards victory will have begun. The family of Eugene "Bear" Lincoln needs to be commended on their show of courage and strength. For them the four months had to seem an eternity at times. To the Mother, Lucille and Daughter Rema who kept the faith, we want to say we're still with you. this we say to the entire family as well. To our "Bear" we say: "All we need from here on out is the 'Bear Truth' and we'll all be there when the system finds no grounds to hold you. It won't be long." Bear's greatest concern is that "we never forget how they murdered our Brother, Acorn." He wishes his people to organize and get Indian votes, carry a strong voice throughout the state and country. He says we must ready ourselves politically and make sure April 14, 1995 is never to be repeated. Granted for a short period of time we were at a loss. Stunned, shocked and in a daze, we cried for help. The Great Spirit opened many ears to hear our pleas and soon we had the support of good people nationwide. Some we may never see, but we've felt their spirit. With it came strength, courage and the knowledge to fight the fight of justice for our people. The NAACP, branch of Sacramento, has publicly let it be known that they are in full support of all the issues pertaining to Peters family. They not only lost a brother/uncle to the prison system they also lost a second brother to death. Leonard was not only a brother, but more importantly a father to seven children. He was a single parent who did the best he could for his babies. Not many fathers would have even attempted to raise one child. For Acorn, he would have it no other way. Tabatha, Juliet, Byron and the little ones, we say that we believe Justice is about to happen for your Daddy. He was the epitome of kindness and love and we will not let his death be in vain On October 7, 1995 we will be having another gathering for Thanksgiving. The day will be set aside to give thanks to the Great Spirit for watching over us, for keeping our people safe, for guidance, direction and for keeping our hearts free from the evil that so many times tried to enter in. We also want to honor those who helped us get this far. Without you our struggle would have been greater. Come sit with us, share our food, laugh with us and together we'll share all the goodness that has already come our way. Keep in mind we have a ways to go still, but together we will get there. God Bless attorneys J. Tony Serra. Phil DeJong, Carlos Alcala, Marco Lopez, Dennis Cunningham and all their associates. Remember, its not submit, its not surrender, its a challenge. We'll be looking forward to seeing each and everyone of you on October 7, 1995. To all who made monetary contributions, may your reward be great. We know the Great Spirit will always be with you. Respectfully yours, Cora Lee Simmons, Chairperson Round Valley Indians for Justice P.O. Box 814 Covelo CA 95128 --------- "RE: ALERT: Eastern Shawnee Tribe" --------- Date: 95/09/30 17:55 From: James D. Audlin (j.audlin@genie.geis.com) Subj: Press Release E. Shawnee Tribe GE Electronic Mail PRESS RELEASE - Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma - 15 ix 95 On Friday, 14 September 1995, at 12:00 noon, in excess of 75 armed agents of the FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, and the Oklahoma State Patrol converged on the Eastern Shawnee Tribal Complex to serve federal search and seizure warrants. The objects of these warrants 55 pull-tab dispensing machines wholly owned by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, along with tribal records relating to these machines. The raid was executed at the direction of the U.S. Attorney for the northern district of Oklahoma, Mr. Steve Lewis. It is this Tribe's position that the raid was both unnecessary and unjustified. The Eastern Shawnee Tribe has operated its bingo establishment for over eight years in compliance with federal and state laws. The video pull tab machines are simply video versions of the conventional paper pull tabs, a type of gaming classified as Class II, which is permitted under Oklahoma and federal law. This Tribe also advised Mr. Lewis prior to putting the video pull tab machines into operation of its intentions, and he was further invited to inspect them for purposes of rendering an opinion of their legality. Mr. Lewis declined this invitation, and the Tribe put the machines into play on 11 January 1995. Thereafter, Mr. Lewis sent a letter to the Tribe threatening legal action if it continued to play those machines. In response, the Tribe immediately ceased operation of these machines and pursued legal action to obtain a court declaration regarding their legal status. On 7 July 1995, the Honorable Judge George Tah-Bone of the Court of Indian Offenses, a branch of the Federal Court System responsible for hearing matters which occur on Indian land, issued a judgement declaring the video pull tab machines a Class II device, and therefore permissible to be legally played. On previous occasions when the U.S. Attorney's office felt that gaming devices undertaken by this Tribe were questionable, Mr. Lewis wrote this Tribe indicating his position and advised it to desist in such activities. On all occasions this Tribe has cooperated fully and immediately ceased such activities until all issues were resolved in court. Upon notifying Mr. Lewis of the Court's recent decision regarding the video pull tab machines' legality, which included full trial transcripts and evidence, Mr. Lewis decided informally not to resolve this matter as before, but instead ordered yesterday's raid. It must also be pointed out that separately from the raid on this Tribe, several private establishments that operate illegal video slot machines were raided. These illegal operations have been pointed out to local law enforcement agencies by citizens of Ottawa County numerous times, and this Tribe supports the local communities' efforts to have them dealt with under the law. However, this Tribe's situation differs [from these others], and that point must be clearly understood in that this Tribe obtained a legitimate court ruling. All gaming proceeds earned by this Tribe go into the Tribal fund which pays for such things as children's school clothes, housing, rehabilitation for elderly tribal members, and general social service programs. Unfortunately, yesterday's action by the U.S. Attorney will cost the Tribe thousands of dollars in lost profits at the unnecessary expense of the tax paying public. --------- "RE: Cherokee Election Facts Speak!" --------- Date: Sun, 1 Oct 1995 09:46:25 -0400 From: gehring.1@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu (Glenn Gehring) Subj: Cherokee Election Facts Speak! UUCP email [Editorial Note: This post and the one that follows present two perspectives of the same issue. Both originators know both views are being presented. It is our way to hear all and seek the truth in our hearts. I thank Glenn and Linda for granting us their thoughts.] Recent posts have indicated massive discontent is in the ranks of the Real People. The Cherokee election is evidence to the contrary. 1. The three candidates in the general election for Principal Chief that got the most votes WERE ALL MEMBERS OF THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT. They received almost 90% of the total vote INCLUDING THOSE VOTING IN PRECINcTS in Oklahoma. This hardly represent the discontent some say exists. 2. Most of the Tribal Council was re-elected. Again, is this evidence of massive discontent within Cherokee Nation? 3. George Wickliff received less than 10% of the vote. This is evidence of his lack of status among the Cherokee Nation people. Mr. Wickliff is an outspoken critic of the CNO government. WASN'T THIS YOUR FAVORITE CANDIDATE Cherokee Observer? No-one is completely satisfied with governments. This election, however, is evidence that ours is not as bad as some claim. Look for facts and read posts carefully. Some people in the press have an agenda. --------- "RE: Cherokee Election Facts Speak!" --------- Date: Sun, 1 Oct 1995 17:09:46 -0500 From: cwyob@galaxy.galstar.com (cherokee observer) Subj: Cherokee Election Facts Speak! UUCP email [Editorial Note: This post and the one preceeding it present two perspectives of the same issue. Both originators know both views are being presented. It is our way to hear all and seek the truth in our hearts. I thank Glenn and Linda for granting us their thoughts.] Glenn, Although I'm sure you have read about these subjects in past issues, I will briefly remind you. #1 & 2. Cherokee Nations boasts almost 170,000 members. Approximately 30,00 members were properly re-registered, according to CNO's registration department, to vote in the 1995 election. Of those only a little less than 12,000 Cherokees were actually allowed to vote at the polls, and/or received and were able to return requested absentee ballots. Many didn't even receive them. Many Cherokees showed up at the polls with their yellow cards from the election commission stating that they were properly re-registered to vote, and yet many of them were turned away and not allowed to cast there vote. Jesse Bluebird, a fullblood bi-lingual Cherokee Elder and Spiritual Leader from Sperry, Oklahoma, among many others, could tell you how it felt to be turned away from the precinct he went to vote at by--a non-Cherokee speaking poll worker. The yellow card he had in his hand was from the election commission telling him he could vote at that precinct. He was not allowed to. Jesse later received a letter from the election commission telling him he was not old enough to vote yet, and the card had been sent to him by mistake. Jesse is 76 years old and fears he may not be alive in the next election four years from now. Just one of many instances. Jesse later expressed amazed when he attended the CNO rules committee to have his wife ask why he was not allowed to vote. He was not given an answer-but told that he could probably vote in the run-off election. He was not allowed to vote in that one either. Think about it---less than 12,000 Cherokees (out of almost 170,000 members) casting their votes between many candidates-nine each for Chief and Deputy Chief. Out of these-around 6,500 absentee ballots were mailed out. Hmmm-does that start to look representative of the Cherokee people who live here in Cherokee Nation? These are just are few of the many irregularities in the elections. Perhaps I will post a few of the older news releases...to help you with more substantiation of what we have already reported. I don't mean for this to sound snitty-hope it doesn't-here goes Of course, we have plenty of documentation-haven't had any readers of the newspaper ask for actual copies -but I suppose if you wanted to pay for the copying expenses and mailing fees, some arrangement could be made to get them to you. They are extensive in number. The certified copies of election alone are over one hundred in number--they show such occurrences as counting 99 more votes for Chief in one precinct (4A-Warner) than ballots that were handed out. They also show that Sandi Garret was declared the winner in the Mayes District Council race, until four days later when Mankiller endorsed William Smoke was then declared the winner by the election commission. There was no explanation for the fact that their results show that in 6A-Pryor precinct, 18 more votes were counted in the council race that ballots were handed out. On and On. One absentee ballot form even had one of the counter's signature signed for by another person. Better yet--We document all our sources. Perhaps you could obtain the same information directly from the sources that we do-if that would reassure you. We found it interesting to note that Bearpaw, Byrd, and Smith all openly courted for Mr. Wickliffe's official endorsement. Perhaps they realized the numbers of the few who were allowed to vote...perhaps they realized that the majority of those not allowed to vote were Wickliffe supporters. Regardless, the Cherokee Observer encouraged the readers to communicate with all candidates-to ask them questions-TO MAKE UP THEIR OWN MINDS-and above all to support someone they could proudly tell future generations---My vote helped them get into office. George Wickliffe, did make our headlines before election time, sometimes. Only when he spoke up for Cherokee rights at public meetings. When council members plead ignorance of the issues, and a lack of desire to get involved-and an individual Cherokee speaks up for the rights of all-that does make the news. Mr. Wickliffe openly opposed the CNO "takeover" of the IHS hospitals, as well as the sale of the Arkansas Riverbed. Any of the others who later ran for office could have spoken out at any time, either. Many Cherokees do speak out by writing letters to the editor, and guest opinions and editorials--they spoke out and will continue to speak out- not to run for office, but because they felt they needed to. All candidates were invited to advertise in the Cherokee Observer-we censored no one ads. Any candidate who paid for ad space, got ad space. In fact, in the election guide, reduced rates were offered to ALL candidates. We were of the opinion that a candidate should be elected on the basis of the platform, not on the amount of money they are able to spend campaigning. It's time for Cherokee to get together. All Cherokees-regardless of political choices or affiliations. What will be best for the future generations of Cherokees? And who will make that decision? Will the Cherokee Nation have assimilated itself so far into the dominate society that there will be no turning back? Will a few at the top continue to benefit tremendously when their programs turn Cherokees needing help away? Have a good day Linda --------- "RE: History" --------- Date: Mon, 2 Oct 1995 03:08:54 -0700 (PDT) From: cherokee@WOLFE.net Subj: History UUCP email As some of you wish to learn of our history...of what things caused in the pass affect what is happening today...I thought perhaps you might like to read this lesson on history that I wrote.... The drive to assimilate Indians into the mainstream of American life by changing their customs, dress, occupations, language,religion and philosophy has always been an element in Federal-Indian relations. In the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, this assimilationist policy became dominant. A major thrust of assimilation efforts was to educate Indians in American ways. in 1879 the Carlisle Indian Training School was established by a former military officer. Its philosophy of separating Indian children totally from their Indian environment and forcing them to adopt white ways became the basis for a widescale boarding school movement that eventually removed thousands of Indian children from their cultural settings and families. In addition, traditional tribal governing systems, particularly justice systems, came under strong attack during this period. The Bureau of Indian Affairs established tribal police forces and courts under the administrative control of its agents, the reservation superintendents and other efforts designed to erode the power and influence of Indian leaders and traditions. Everything "Indian" came under attack. Indian feasts, languages, certain marriage practices, dances and any practices by medicine or religious persons were all banned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Great Sioux Nation was a focus of much of the assimilation activity and Black Hills gold provided much impetus for reducing the size of the Sioux Reservation as non-Indians flocked by the thousands into South Dakota. The Sioux were ultimately forced to cede the Black Hills in 1886. In 1889 the Sioux Nation was divided into six, smaller, generally noncontinuous reservations. At the same time, the Bureau of Indian Affairs banned the practice of the Ghost Dance, a religion promising an Indian messiah that had gained prominence. The latter part of the 19th century was also a period when the traditional Indian means of economic support were no longer viable. Subsistence hunting and gathering, which had supported many nomadic tribes, were precluded by the advent of reservations and the mass destruction of wildlife, particularly buffalo, that had accompanied white westward expansion. Many tribes were forced into economic dependency and a dole system of goods and supplies operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This period of economic hardship was accompanied by widespread and severe health problems. Even those tribes whose economies were strong were unable to escape efforts to subjugate them. The Five Civilized Tribes, removed from Georgia in the 1830's, had organized themselves economically and politically a manner similar to the American States and territories. By the latter part of the 19th Century, these tribes were at least self-sufficient as the States and territories, but they were never-the-less stripped of most of their governmental powers in 1898. All of these facts played critical roles in undermining tribal self-sufficiency, but the single most devastating development was the allotment system. Allotment was advocated as a means of further civilizing Indians by converting them from a communal land system to a system of individual ownership. It was argued that ownership would make farmers out of "savages". In 1887 Congress passed the General Allotment Act, also known as the Dawes Act. Although many other acts of Congress would follow, the general formula of the Dawes Act set the pattern for allotting Indian reservations. Each family had was to receive 160 acres and a single person was to receive 80 acres. Tittle to the land was to be held in trust for at LEAST 25 years. Civilized Indians could end the trust period and receive United States citizenship and fee simple title to their land. Citizenship would be unilaterally granted all Indians only in 1924. Surplus lands within the reservation boundaries, lands not allotted or otherwise set aside, were to be sold to the United States and then opened for homesteading. The proceeds from the sales were to be placed in trust and used by the United States as an account for supplies provided to the Indians. Allotment and other assimilationist practices received strong support from "friends" of the Indians. Many believed that these policies represented the only alternative to Indian extinction. Not everyone defended the Government's policies, however. Dissenters in Congress and elsewhere pointed out the underlying reality of the period: WHites were securing vast quantities of Indian lands. Toward the end of the allotment period, the Federal Government commissioned a major study of conditions on Indian reservations. The study, known as the Meriam Report, enumerated the disastrous conditions affecting Indians at that time: high infant death rates, high mortality rates for the entire population, appalling housing conditions, low incomes, poor health and inadequate education. The policy of forced assimilation was judged a failure. The failure was that it had not worked. IT resulted in much loss of land and an enormous increase in the details of administration without a compensating advantage in the economic ability of the Indians but such criticism did not challenge ultimate assimilationist goals. In the wake of te damaging results of the reservation allotments and assimilation efforts, some Indians moved to use the American legal system on behalf of the People. By 1910 a small group of Indian lawyers had emerged to do battle in the courts over the questions of Indian lands, citizenship allotment procedures and the enforcement of treat rights. Even though reservations were originally conceived of as a means to deprive Indians of their lands, they represented the las remnants of Indian land and, as such, were held sacred by the tribes. Despite the prison-like aspects of life on many reservations, Indian advocates moved to protect this land base. And thus....this is our issue today....gentle winds.... --------- "RE: Day 101 - Sunbow 5 Journal" --------- Date: 2 Oct 1995 15:32:35 -0400 From: sunbow5@aol.com (Sunbow5) Subj: Day 101 - Sunbow 5 Journal Newsgroups: alt.native Day 101 - Sunbow 5 Journal - Sunday 10/1/95 (NOTE: The Sunbow 5 coordinator is back in the office as of Monday, 10/2/95. Day 101 of the Sunbow 5 Journal is being posted today to update all on the walk's progress and whereabouts; from here on the Journal will resume its regular publication schedule. Days 97 through 100 of the Journal will be published retroactively this week to fill the gap of missing days.) The walkers continued their steps on Route 70 across central Arkansas. They have covered about 120 miles since crossing the Mississippi River last Thursday morning. The terrain here is flat, much flatter than most of the walkers are accustomed to. It's a very different feeling and distances are proving to be deceptive. What appears as a short jaunt frequently turns out to be a lengthy ramble. The weather continues generally hot. By the end of the day Sunday the walk had reached the area of Carlisle, Arkansas, and the walkers pitched camp on the bank of a river at the Cypress Swamp Wildlife Reserve. The setting was beautiful but unfortunately had no facilities of any kind. As night fell fierce lightning, tremendous explosions of thunder, and a heavy, unremitting rain came upon the camp. The walk may reach Little Rock on Monday evening, October 2 -- once again several days ahead of schedule. The walkers hope to remain in the Arkansas capitol for several days. In Washington, DC Grandfather Commanda was up well before the Sun, as is his habit, and made a short journey to the Washington Monument for Sunrise ceremonies at the "One Mind, One Voice, One Heart, One Prayer" vigil in the heart of the city. With cane in hand, Grandfather walked across the mall to the sacred fire in the center of the circle of tipis set just to the north of the Washington monument. There he joined a ceremony being led by Corbin Harney of the Western Shoshone Nation. Mr. Harney and his helper sang five songs, and asked the people -- over 200 of them at sunrise -- to dance a simple round dance and thereby help to anchor the energy of the songs more strongly to the earth with the sacred intent of their steps. Later in the morning Leon Shenandoah, Tadadaho (Chief of Chiefs), Iroquois Six Nations, led a half-mile walk to a site near the Lincoln Monument where three Trees of Peace have been planted in recent years -- one in the South, one in the West and one in the North. On this day Chief Shenandoah presided over the ceremonial planting of a fourth tree in the East direction -- signifying the beginning of a new day for the Seventh Generation of children to be born since people of different colors began to move onto this Turtle Island continent. As the Washington walkers drummed, chanted, and stepped toward the young white pine at the planting site, a tangible wave of energy preceded them by a good 40 feet. Over the course of the weekend Grandfather Commanda spoke both privately and publicly about the Sunbow 5 Walk for the Earth. However, the walkers themselves did not have an opportunity to present a statement. So many distinguished spiritual elders were at the gathering from so many far off places, that there just was not time. Had there been opportunity, the walkers would have formally extended their greetings to the participants in the Washington Prayer Vigil, and thanked them for their powerful efforts on behalf of the Earth and the Sacred Hoop of life. The walkers feel a strong kinship with the organizers and participants in the Washington prayer vigil, for the vision of both efforts arose in the aftermath of the historic "Cry of the Earth" conference at United Nations headquarters on Nov. 22, 1993 -- the fulfillment of an ancient Hopi instruction. Because the messages of the over 28 Traditional Elders who spoke at the 1993 gathering did not reach the public fully or clearly at that time, the respective efforts of Sunbow 5 and the prayer vigil came to life. Had the walkers spoken in Washington, they would have made several other key points: - We are walking East to West along the pathway of the Sun as our elders have requested, not for ourselves alone but that all may live. - We feel individually and collectively that the Creator has asked us to do this walk to remind all the people that we face a choice of two roads. The choice must be made now or we face purification that may bring tremendous suffering to many. - We acknowledge with humility that Jesus Christ carried a similar message 2,000 years ago when he walked in the Holy Lands: "Love your neighbor as yourself, treat all with respect." - We have gone nearly 1,800 miles, and have about 2,000 more to go. We are discovering ourselves in community, and will stay in continuous prayer until we reach our place in the West with the 8th Fire, as requested by Grandfather William Commanda. - We have a message for youth: "One way you can help is to think before you speak or write, and also to think before you act." - Look around and see what is. Listen to the wind, to the creature teachers, to your family and neighbors, and to your heart. Make your choice now with clarity. This is the time of choice. - Come and walk with us. Remember, we may all seem to be walking separate paths in life, but they eventually are all running parallel. Our paths all come out at the same end. IT NEEDS TO BE DONE "No one ever said this walk was going to be easy; we have simply understood that it needed to be done, and so we are doing it." - Grandfather William Commanda, Traditional Elder, Algonquin Nation Copyright, 1995, Sunbow 5 Foundation. This Journal tells the story of the Sunbow 5 Walk for the Earth, which began June 23, 1995 on First Encounter Beach, Cape Cod, MA, and will conclude February, 1996 near Santa Barbara, CA. For information on the walk, send a request to info@sunbow5walk.org For background materials, photos, an archive of the Journal, and more, visit our World Wide Web site: http://www.sunbow5walk.org/sunbow5 The Sunbow 5 Foundation publishes regular journal reports from the Walk. You may receive the journal free by sending e-mail to: majordomo@sunbow5walk.org The text of your e-mail message should read only: subscribe journal There are no charges for Sunbow 5 mailing lists, or for any Walk information. General information: Sunbow 5 Walk, 13619 Inwood Rd., Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75224. Phone: 214-770-0011. Donations to support the Walk are needed, and may be sent to the Sunbow 5 Foundation, P.O. Box 954, South Orleans, MA 02662. All donations are tax-deductible. --------- "RE: Review: Bluefeather Fellini in the Sacred Realm" --------- Date: 14 Sep 1995 19:15:54 GMT From: brock@ucsub.colorado.edu (Steve Brock) Subj: Review of "Bluefeather Fellini in the Sacred Realm" by Evans Newsgroup: alt.native BLUEFEATHER FELLINI IN THE SACRED REALM by Max Evans. University Press of Colorado, Box 849, Niwot, CO 80544, (303) 530-5337, FAX: (303) 530-5306. 376 pp., $19.95 cloth. 0-87081-345-5 Max Evans writing a science fiction book? It's true. Well, OK, how about half of one? The sequel to "Bluefeather Fellini" (1993), like its predecessor, tells two stories in one. Part One follows the half-Italian, half-Taos Indian as he makes a deal with a wealthy landowner (aptly named Korbell) who will save Fellini's ranch if he finds a cache of rare Mouton '80 wine hidden by a long- dead miner. In his search, however, he finds much more than wine: discovering an underground network of caves full of gold bullion and leading to a territory long-known in Native American mythology. His exploration of this domain is described in Part Two. Guarded by the Olders and populated by several species of evolu- tionary outcasts from hell, Fellini does battle in the darkness beneath the earth, assisted Marsha, Korbell's daughter, Sally, who works for the man who owns the portal (while a bloody battle rages underground, Marsha's father and Sally's boss clash on the surface), and by his spirit-guide Dancing Bear, who appears when Fellini is at an impasse, when his life is threatened, or when the plot needs resolution. "Bluefeather Fellini in the Sacred Realm," peppered with Evans' distinctive, eccentric humor, his commentary on the fine line between good and evil, and his ability to smooth the plot with a blast of dynamite, is disjointed in places, and some might not take to the Jules Verne storyline, but those who appreciate western fiction will find it a spicy delicacy. Grade: B. Also available by Evans: "Grinning Sun, Spinning Moon" (a novella collection). --------- "RE: Poem: Butterfly (Belly of the Earth)" --------- Date: 25 Sep 1995 11:40:13 -0500 From: turtle@aicap.s21.com (Turtle Heart) Subj: Butterfly (Belly of the Earth) Newsgroup: alt.native She was there swaying before me in the quiet wind of the night where I sat kneeling upon the earth my lips close to her belly as she reached into the sky fingers reaching through the dreaming to find butterflies dancing like flames deep inside the open river a dance that bends time a song that works slowly your breath as it goes into dreaming. (Belly of the Earth) (c)Copyright 1995,AICAP Turtle Heart. Ahnishinabeg Artist. turtle@aicap.s21.com http://www.mit.edu:8001/activities/aises/aicap/archive/aicap.html American Indian Computer Art Project (AICAP) 619-374-2208 PO Box 111, Johannesburg California 93528-0111 Land of Kaw-ii-Su Ancestor. Land of Light. --------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" --------- Date: 95/09/29 22:24 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 October 8-14 OKAKOPA (October) (Ikuwa) 8 Know what you want from life, ... and never give up until you find it. 9 The plover, kolea, rushes from place to place, stopping only a little while to enjoy his surroundings. 10 All places are here; all time is now. 11 Each person's perception of the world is a little different. 12 In life, there is no end of possibilities. 13 Seek to know all that there is to know -- to experience all that there is to experience. 14 You speak, ... and I can hear your voice in the very silence of my soul. (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, 5 Oct 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 Subject: Annual Li'l Beavers Pow Wow Sender: br975@freenet2.carleton.ca (John S. Brack) Annual Li'l Beavers Pow Wow Saturday,January 27,1996 Odawa Native Friendship Centre 12 Stirling Avenue,Ottawa,Ontario Everyone Welcome! The Odawa Native Friendship Centre will be putting on its Annual Li'l Beavers Pow Wow at the new Odawa Centre (an old school building), at 12 Stirling Ave., at Scott St. The Pow Wow will be held in the centre's gymnasium. Come, experience, and enjoy: *Native singing*drumming*dancing*native foods*arts & crafts* Grand Entry at 12:00 noon. For further details, please call the Odawa Native Friendship Centre at (613)238-8591, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm,Monday to Friday. ---------------------------------------------- From: br975@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (John S. Brack) Subject: Annual Odawa Winter Traditional Pow Wow Let Odawa lift your winter blues with the Traditional Winter Pow Wow. This year the celebrations will be held on Thursday, December 28 & Friday, December 29. Grand entries are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. daily and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28. End the year on the right note and enjoy the many dancers and singers who will be joining in this annual event. Please feel free to keep in up to date by calling the Odawa Native Friendship Centre at (613)238-8591, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Their present address is 396 Maclaren Street, Ottawa, Ont., Canada postal code:K2P 0M8 ------------------------------------------------ From: nguthery@pop.long-beach.va.gov (Nancy Guthery) Subject: Veterans Affairs/Native American Affairs Pow Wow The first Annual Memorial Veterans Affairs and Native American Affairs Pow-Wow will be held October 14 and 15 at the Jerry L Pettis Veterans Administration Medical Center, 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda California. The Pow-Wow will be hosted by the Native American Affairs Program Committee and the Medical Center E.E.O. Committee Board 1995 Mr. Victor Marty Begaii, Pow Wow Director and Manager Affairs (909) 825-7083, extension 2886 Ms Veronica I Yabarra, Assistant Treasurer (909) 356-1432 Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. Grand Entry will start at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The Pow-Wow will end at 10:00 p.m. All Drum's Contest 1st/ 2nd/ 3rd and Best Man's and Lady's Traditional Outfit All Drums Welcome. All Arts and Crafts Welcome. All Dancers Welcome. Absolutely no drugs or alcohol will be tolerated on the premises. ------------------------------------------------ Powwows (from the powwow directory in News from Indian Country) Oct 5-7 13th Georgia Cherokees, St. George, GA Info: 904-275-2953 Oct 5-8 Shiprock Navajo Fair, Shiprock, NM Info: 520-871-6478 Oct 6-8 16th Annual Powwow, Winfield, TN Info: 615-569-4960 Oct 6-8 5th Intertribal Powwow, Louisville, KY Info: 502-955-7965 Oct 6-9 Sovereignty Celebration, Red Lake, MN Info: 218-679-3341 Oct 6-7 Fayetteville Powwow, Fayetteville, NC Info: 910-483-8442 Oct 7-8 Wind, Rain and Fire Powwow, Monterey, IN Info: 219-278-7021 Oct 7-9 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont, MS Info: 413-339-4096 Oct 7-9 5th Harvest Moon, North Stonington, CT Info: 203-684-6984 Oct 7-8 Midwest Princess & Friendship, Woodstock, IL Info: 312-561-1336 Oct 8-9 Nekaneet/Maple Creek, Maple Creek, Sask. Info: 306-662-3660 Oct 8 A Time of Thanksgiving Festival, Allentown, PA Info: 610-797-2121 ----------------------------------- More East Coast powwows from =The Spike= Oct 6-8 Day of the Wolf, 4th Intertribal Powwow, Shepherdsville, KY Info: 502-955-7965 Oct 6-8 6th Annual Iner-tribal Indian Festival, Owensboro, KY Info: 502-686-4495 Oct 6-8 6th Annual Inter-Tribal Arts Experience, Dayton, OH Info: 513-275-8599 Oct 7 Native American Council for New York City Honoring Our Elders Powwow at The Learning Alliance, New York, NY Info: 212-598-0100 Oct 7 Honor the Columbus Survivor's Cherokee Powwow, New York, NY Info: 718-458-9822 Oct 7-8 2nd Annual Native American Cultural Celebration, Maplewood, NJ Info: 201-762-7722 Oct 7-8 12th Annual Juried Arts Festival, Rancocas, NJ Info: 609-261-4747 ========================================================================= -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- 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, Bob Gough, Peter Munoz, Nicholas Wilson, Glenn Gehring, Linda Summerfield, sunbow5@aol.com (Sunbow5), Brooke Craig, Turtle Heart(Mending the Sacred Hoop with song poems), Steve Brock, Daniel Umstead, Larry Innes, James Audlin, Jordan Dill --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Part B of this newsletter (not included) has already been distributed via the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists. --------- "RE: RED ALERT:RCMP Raid Bella Coola" --------- Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 16:46:50 -0500 From: indnsc@web.apc.org Subj: RCMP RAID BELLA COOLA BC Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) RED ALERT RED ALERT RED ALERT RED ALERT RED ALERT RCMP RAID ANOTHER FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITY IN BC Posted by the First Nations Environmental Network Date: Sept 27, 1995 Yesterday the RCMP raided Bella Coola BC and arrested 14 people who were attempting to stop International Forest Company (Interfor) from clear cutting the Nuxalk Traditional territory. The Nuxalk Nation has never signed any treaty giving away their land. They are totally opposed to any clear cutting of the old growth forests on their land. This past weekend a gathering of First Nations from across this land and environmentalists was held at Clayoquot Sound. Traditional Chiefs from the Nuxalk Nations explained their reasons for protecting their land. One young Chief stated, "When I accepted the Hereditary title my grandmother told me, Don't let our people die." The meeting was cut short when the Nuxalk received word that 40 RCMP had been flown up to Bella Coola. Today, we received a call from someone who had been arrested at Bella Coola. He stated that approximately 150 RCMP and Swat teams descended from every corner of the Island. Some people were taking out in stretchers. Please, please show support by faxing letters today to: BC Supreme Court, Fax: (604) 660-2420 BC Premier Mike Harcourt, Fax: (604) 387-0087 email: Premier Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Cretien, (613) 941-6900 BC Attorney General, Ujjal Dosanjh, Fax: (604) 387-6411 email: Attorney General See letter below. ========================================================= First Nations Environmental Network Sulian Stone Eagle Herney 195 Shore Road Eskasoni Territory Cape Breton, Nova Scotia BOA 1HO email: indnsc@web.apc.org September 27, 1995 Supreme Court of BC 800 Smithe Street Vancouver, BC Fax: (604) 660-2420 TO: The Judges in the Nuxalk vs International Forest Company The First Nations Environmental Network is a national organization whose membership consists of over 120 community based Indigenous environmental groups and people. Our mandate is to promote environmental awareness in First Nations communities and to support efforts to maintain a healthy environment in our territories. We were greatly distressed to hear that members of the Nuxalk Nation from Bella Coola have been arrested for contempt of court. This charge is the result of their actions to prevent logging on their traditional territory. We urge you to look at the larger picture in this case. The area in dispute is under land claims by the Nuxalk Nation. They never signed any treaties with Canada or BC giving away this land. There should be absolutely no development or logging on this land until all land claims issues have been resolved. Further, Lyle Morriseau was sent into Bella Coola as a representative of the First Nations Environmental Network has been arrested. We are concerned for his safety and well being, as well as all others who have been arrested at Bella Coola. In this, the United Nations declared 'Decade of the Indigenous People', we respectfully request that you take into full consideration the human and legal rights of the original peoples of this land. Sincerely, Sulian Stone Eagle Herney, Director. --------- "RE: RCMP Raid Update: Nuxalk Nation" --------- Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 20:36:25 -0500 From: indig.canada@GNOSYS.SVLE.MA.US Subj: RCMP Raid Update: Nuxalk Nation Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) UPDATE ON RAID ON NUXALK NATION This information is coming from a phone call with the Nuxalk Nation Office, House of Smayusta, which is the base of the Hereditary Chiefs. All but four people have been released from jail after signing conditional release forms. Three Hereditary Chiefs and a member of the First Nations Environmental Network are refusing to sign the form. The Chief's have stated that they can not sign the form which would mean that they agreed not to return to the area which Interfor wishes to Log. "We have a responsibility for this land and territory. We can not sign a paper that would mean we could no longer care for this land." Further, the Chiefs will not enter into any land claims issue as they are a sovereign nation who never gave up title to this land. "We do not need to go to anyone and request or seek a claim to this land. It is our Territory." The Chief's were arrested for contempt of Court when they took actions to stop International Forest Company (INTERFOR) from logging their territory (King's Island near Bella Coola). Please, please show support by faxing letters today to: BC Supreme Court, Fax: (604) 660-2420 BC Premier Mike Harcourt, Fax: (604) 387-0087 email: Premier Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Cretien, (613) 941-6900 BC Attorney General, Ujjal Dosanjh, Fax: (604) 387-6411 email: Attorney General Send copies of your letters to: Nuxalk Nation Office House of Smayusta P.O. Box 8 Bella Coola, B.C. V0T 1C0 Fax: (604) 799-5707 ============================================================= See letter below Sulian Stone Eagle Herney First Nations Environmental Network 195 Shore Road Eskasoni Territory Cape Breton, Nova Scotia BOA 1HO email: indnsc@web.apc.org September 27, 1995 Prime Minister Jean Chretian House of Parliament Ottawa, Ontario Fax: (613) 941-6900 Dear Jean Chretian, The First Nations Environmental Network is a national organization whose membership consists of over 120 community based Indigenous environmental groups and people. Our mandate is to promote environmental awareness in First Nations communities and to support efforts to maintain a healthy environment in our territories. We were greatly distressed to hear that members of the Nuxalk Nation from Bella Coola have been arrested for contempt of court. This charge is the result of their actions to prevent logging on their traditional territory. We urge you to look at the larger picture in this case. The Nuxalk Nation never signed any treaties with Canada or BC giving away this land. They still are a sovereign Nation and hold title to the land which INTERFOR wishes to log. They are protecting their land. They are protecting the forest which has sustained the Nuxalk Nation for generations. They are protecting an environment with a rich biodiversity of life. What is INTERFOR doing? Who is the criminal here? In this, the United Nations declared 'Decade of the Indigenous People', we respectfully request that you take into full consideration the human and legal rights of the original peoples of this land, especially the Nuxalk Nation. Please act now. Do not add another act of oppression to Canada's history. Please do all within your power to stop all logging on Nukalk's territory. Sincerely, Sulian Stone Eagle Herney, --------- "RE: Oneida Nation Police Federal Status" --------- Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 16:57:59 +0000 From: umstead@oneida-nation.org (Daniel Umstead) Subj: Oneida Nation Police Federal Status Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Wednesday, September 27, 1995 For Immediate Release U. S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR CONFERS FEDERAL OFFICER STATUS ON NATION POLICE ONEIDA INDIAN TERRITORY, via Oneida, NY Oneida Indian Nation Police officers have been commissioned as Deputy Special Officers by the federal government, Nation officials announced today. The federal officer status is extended by statute of the United States Department of the Interior, and includes the ability to investigate violations of the General Crimes Act and Major Crimes Act pursuant to Title 18 of the U.S. Code, according to Arthur F. Pierce, Commissioner of Public Safety for the Oneida Nation. The federal officer status will enable the Nation police to work hand-in-glove with all federal authorities, including the U.S. Attorney's office. Additionally, the elevated status adds another dimension to the Nation's ability to provide thorough and effective law enforcement at all levels of potential criminal activity, Commissioner Pierce said. Nation Representative Ray Halbritter noted that the conferring of federal officer status "is an affirmation of the level of quality and professionalism of the officers of the Oneida Nation's Police Department." With the new status, Nation police officers, working in conjunction with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Syracuse, can now apprehend federal offenders on Indian lands, initiate investigations of applicable federal crimes that occur on Indian land, and make arrests beyond Indian lands when cases originate within Indian Country. In January, Commissioner Pierce was the first tribal police officer in New York State to be deputized by the federal government. The Deputy Special Officer appointments have been extended to the sovereign police force by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Currently, 33 of the 45 full-time Nation officers have attained the federal status after having successfully completed special training through the BIA. The remaining Nation officers who have yet to complete the training will receive it in the near future, according to Commissioner Pierce. Oneida Nation police officers also hold "special deputy Sheriff status" in both the Oneida and Madison County Sheriff's Departments, which provides jurisdiction to intervene in matters of local and state crimes. The status was conferred by cross-deputization with the Sheriff's Departments adjacent to Nation lands. Additionally, every member of the Nation Police Department is certified by the State's Division of Criminal Justice Services. The Nation officers have a total of over 800 years of professional law enforcement experience. The unique department is comprised of several retired New York State troopers and officers previously serving with county sheriff's, city and town police departments throughout New York State. There are stringent standards for hiring for Nation police officers, including a college degree and a minimum of five years of police experience. The median level of professional law enforcement experience for the department is 15 years. For more information you may contact the Nation Police via the internet at umstead@oneida-nation.org ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Daniel Umstead + The Oneida Indian Nation Internet Coordinator + Oneida Indian Nation + "The first Indian Nation on 315-361-6300 + 315-361-6333 (fax) + the World Wide Web" umstead@oneida-nation.org + + URL - http://nysernet.org/oneida/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ --------- "RE: Gathering Voices: New Edition now in Print" --------- Date: Fri, 29 Sep 1995 05:57:54 -0300 From: es051322@orion.yorku.ca (Larry Innes) Subj: Gathering Voices - New Edition now in Print Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Gathering Voices - Finding Strength to Help our Children ======================================================== Updated 1995 edition with forward by Chief Katie Rich. Edited by Camille Foulliard. Published by Douglas & McIntyre 1615 Venebles Street Vancouver, BC V5L 2H1 ISBN - 1-55054-421-7 After six children from Davis Inlet, Labrador died in a house fire in 1992, Innu leaders called for a public inquiry. The federal government refused. The Innu Nation and the Mushuau Innu Band Council held a people's inquiry instead, followed a year later by a second project undertaken at the invitation of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This book presents the words and the stories that they gathered. The people of Davis Inlet, which Innu call Utshimassit, have attracted international attention as they fight for their rights to be restored. Gathering Voices offers a powerful portrait of a community in crisis and a compelling argument for its citizen's right to self-determination. ORDERS: may be placed through your book reseller or copies may be ordered directly from the Innu Nation. $22.95 in Canada, plus shipping Larry Innes es051322@orion.yorku.ca (direct to me) Environmental Advisor innu@web.apc.org (general to Innu Nation) Innu Nation P.O. Box 119 Sheshatshiu, Nitassinan (Labrador) Phone: (709) 497-8398 via Canada A0P 1M0 Fax: (709) 497-8396 =\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/= --------- "RE: Russell Means Autobiography" --------- Date: Sat, 30 Sep 1995 12:59:38 +0100 From: jsd@dickshovel.com Subj: Russell Means Autobiography Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) O'siyo... From the book jacket of "Where White Men Fear to Tread," The Autobiography of Russell Means by Russell Means with Marvin J. Wolf, St Martin's Press, NYC, 574 pages, $26.95 U.S., $38.99 Canada ISBN 0-312-13612-8: "Where White Men Fear to Tread tells the absorbing story of the accountant-turned-Indian activist who burst onto the national scene when he led a seventy-one-day armed takeover of Wounded Knee in 1973. "Ever since, Means has done everything possible to dramatize the Indian wish for self-determination, from storming Mount Rushmore, to seizing Plymouth Rock, to fighting for the rights of indigenous Indian tribes in Central America, to running for President on the Libertarian ticket in 1988. The autobiography recounts Means's remarkable story-his incarcerations in prisons, the thirteen assassination attempts on his life, his intellectual transformation to an outlaw personality, his spiritual awakening, and his most recent incarnation as a Hollywood movie star in The Last of the Mohicans and Pocahontas. "Told against a larger historical background, Mean's book retells the tragic quest of Indians to maintain their cultural identity in the face of unremitting white assimilation. We come away from Where White Men Fear to Tread knowing that Means is one of the bravest patriots of American history-a man in the tradition of Patrick Henry, Nat Turner, John Brown, Sitting Bull, and Abraham Lincoln, for these are Means's true historical ancestors. Long awaited, this autobiography takes its place among the enduring works of America's greatest political and social leaders. In the tradition of The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Where White Men Fear to Tread is one of the most socially illuminating and provocative works to come along in many years. "Russell Means, born an Oglala/Lakota in 1939, was raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near the Black Hills, and then in Vallejo, California. Now a grandfather with eighteen grandchildren, Means divides his time between Chinle, Navajo Nation, Arizona, and Porcupine, South Dakota. "Marvin J. Wolf is an award-winning writer and a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. He lives in Los Angeles." I am not far into the book yet. But, a word keeps ringing in my head..."pompous." God knows I don't mean this in a denigrating way. Finally, an aside, taken from James Welch's book, Killing Custer, where Welch discusses Russell and his proposed autobiography: "A week later Means had called...he wanted to know if I wanted to write his autobiography. She [an intermediary] gave me his number, but I never called it. I don't even know why. Or maybe I do. I do know that the Battle of the Little Bighorn, that relatively small event in this country's war history, continues to create division among Indian people, as well as tensions between Indians and whites, over a century later. Custer seems to be alive and well and riding in our midst." Nvwhtohiyada... ______________________________ not a voice or stir darkness lies on fields and streets sad the moon has set ÿÿ