Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews03.050 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 050 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 16 December 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 AISESnet, TRIBALLAW, IND-NET, NATCHAT & 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. 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 and David Cole 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 "God created the Indian country and it was like He spread out a big blanket. He put Indians on it. ... Then God created fish in this river and put deer in the mountains. ... Then God gave us Indians Life; we walked, and as soon as we saw the game and fish we knew they were made for us. For women God made roots and berries to gather, and the Indians grew and multiplied as a people. When we were created we were given our ground to live on and from this time these were or rights. ... We had fish before the Missionaries came, before the white man came. We were put here by Creator and these were our rights as far as my memory to my grandfather. This was the food on which we lived. My mother gathered berries; my father fished and killed the game. ... My strength is from the fish; my blood is from the fish, from the roots and berries. The fish and game are the essence of my life. I was not brought from a foreign country and did not come here. I was put here by Creator." __ Chief Meninock, Yakima +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! Mt. Graham and Sweet Grass Hills are separated by hundreds of miles, but hold much in common. Both are held Sacred by Native People, and both are coveted by others who only seek to exploit them. There is a corporate mentality that says, "If it is a rock, dig it up. If it is a tree, cut it down. If it is a old grave, build a shopping center on it." Prayers and wishes alone will not stop those "who take and do not give" from seeing every open vista as a development tract. Prayers and a strong voice will, at least, get their attention. Speak out and let your voice be heard, and Pray for those who work to save our Sacred places. 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 - Update on Leonard Peltier/ - Conferences and Powwows - online Parole Hearing - Peltier and Justice - Our Home and Native Land - Mount Graham Threatened - Nashville Football Team, Graves - San Carlos Apache, Mt. Graham - NA Prisoners Could Lose - IEN Alert on Ward Valley Religious Freedoms - Native vs White - Religious Liberty - Get Over It - Mt. Graham Calls Needed ASAP - Dudley George/Stoney Point Funds - Court Bows to Nuxalk Walkout - Mohicans Rally in Protest - Sunbow 5 Walk Update - Poem: Gratitude - Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days - Conferences and Powwows - offline --------- "RE: Update on Leonard Peltier/Parole Hearing" --------- Date: 13 Dec 1995 05:17:08 GMT From: lhellwi@interaccess.com Subject: Update on Leonard Peltier/Parole Hearing Newsgroups: soc.culture.native,alt.native The LPDC called me this afternoon with an update on Leonard's parole hearing, which was 12-11-95. Leonard was represented by Ramsey Clark and Carl Nadler. Lynn Crooks, the prosecutor, and Ross Wheeler of the FBI spoke to the board. After they were finished, they were asked to leave and Clark and Nadler were able to rebut their accusations against Leonard. The board commended Leonard for his work with Native Americans while he's been in prison, but said they couldn't make a decision until they had further reviewed the documentation in Leonard's case. It could be up to 5 weeks before they hand down a decision. (This is a definite improvement over his last hearing in 1994, when the board decided immediately with very little thought to deny parole.) The LPDC is asking that Leonard's supporters write to the US Parole Commission urging them to parole Leonard. The address is: USPC 5550 Friendship Blvd. Suite 420 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 FAX: 301-492-6694. Now for the bad news: Leonard was provoked into a fight two days before his hearing (can you say "set-up"?) and is now in the hole. No word yet on when he'll get out of solitary. So *please* drop Leonard a note letting him know that he's still in your thoughts and not forgotten! Leonard's address is: Leonard Peltier #89637-132 Box 1000 Leavenworth, KS 66048 I'll post any new information I receive! In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Lisa Stalnaker Hellwig LPSG/McHenry County, IL --------- "RE: Our Home and Native Land" --------- Date: Thu, 07 Dec 1995 14:23:17 +0000 From: kjnewman@hookup.net (Keith & Joy Newman) Subj: "Our home and Native land" Mailing List: UpTowne Online Services I have received permission from Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi to post this speech that he gave to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on December 5, 1995. I post it because it gives an important perspective on our nation, and its future. I was present when the Grand Chief made many of these same points to Prime Minister Chretien and to Mr. Ron Irwin at the opening the Elijah Harper's Spiritual Assembly the next day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- We begin by thanking this Committee for inviting us to make representations today. Why rush these federal proposals? We were given such short notice to appear before your Committee, it is difficult to understand the full implications this Bill presents to our people. Since this Liberal Government has been in power, First Nations have been shut out from any opportunity to conclude the outstanding Constitutional agenda. We want to be constructive, helpful, and considerate. We sincerely tried to come up with ideas on how we can collectively advance our mutual interests. But we have to admit that in light of the fact that there were no efforts made for prior consultations, we have more questions that answers. We ask you, "Why are we being shut out?" Is it due to First Nations being a flash point in Quebec? Is it due to First Nations land rights posing a problem to both Quebec's and Canada's claims to sovereignty and territorial integrity? Is it due to racism, wherein preferential treatment is given to the needs and aspirations of your people only? Is history repeating itself? Are we to be subjected to another century of pain and suffering under your Confederation? We not only ask, "Why are we being shut out?", we also deserve to know why you are proceeding with a Constitutional amendment formula before you have concluded our mutual outstanding Constitutional agenda. Both the Prime Minister and the Justice Minister have indicated that the proposed Bill C-110 will not infringe upon or derogate from aboriginal and treaty rights. They also state that these existing rights include the inherent right of self-government. Other government material related to the motion on the "distinct society" says that Parliament will recognize Quebec's civil law tradition. This is of great concern to us when we have Quebec court decisions which deny the existence of aboriginal rights within Quebec based on civil law. We are not opposed to the aspiration of Quebec. Our mandate is to protect the interests of all First Nations, including those within what is now known as Quebec. Recognition of the jurisdiction and authority of First Nation governments must accompany any measures which will ultimately affect our rights and constitutional relationships within Canada. We must say that we simply cannot accept the government's assurances that our rights are protected when such proposals appear to be putting an amending formula in the future recognition of our rights. It is well known that more measures to implement Section 35 recognition of aboriginal and treaty rights is required. This has been an issue since repatriation in 1982, when the Constitution Act, 1982 included provision for a series of constitutional conferences to address this. This outstanding business was further elaborated upon in the 1983 Constitutional Accord on Aboriginal Rights, signed by the then Prime Minister, Premiers, territorial and aboriginal leaders, with the exception of Quebec. We want to know the rational of the federal government in granting its veto power to the four regions of Quebec, Ontario, the Atlantic and the West. Why are you changing the rules for amending the Constitution prior to concluding what your Constitution required your government to do under s. 37.1(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982? Let me refresh your memories of your government's commitments. In 1983, a Constitutional Accord on Aboriginal Rights was achieved, which provided for a schedule and agenda items to be addressed in a series of constitutional conferences. Unfortunately, that process ended without conclusion of the agenda, which included amending formula revisions among other matters. To emphasize our point, a motion for a resolution to authorize His Excellency the Governor General to issue a proclamation respecting amendments to the Constitution of Canada in 1983 reads in part: "And Whereas, after a gradual transition of Canada from colonial status to the status of an independent and sovereign state, Canadians have, as of April 17, 1982, full authority to amend their Constitution in Canada; "And Whereas historically and equitably it is fitting that the early exercise of that full authority should relate to the rights and freedoms of the first inhabitants of Canada, the aboriginal peoples;" For us, obtaining the necessary support to secure amendments that your Courts and governments need to respect our rights is difficult enough under the current amending formulas. The creation of four regional vetoes will mean that further Constitutional amendments that make explicit our rights and freedoms, will be just about impossible to achieve. Is this what you want? Is it your intent to frustrate the conclusion of the outstanding Constitutional business you have with First Nations? Are we to tell our people once again that you are good only for broken promises? As the National Chief, I have personally approached federal Ministers with respect to possible cooperation on the national unity issue. My efforts have been ignored by the Chair of the National Unity Committee, Mr. Masse, who simply referred me to the Minister of Indian Affairs, who, by the way, does not speak for us. The Minister of Indian Affairs has made it clear to me that our concerns about the Constitution are not a priority. We are told that the priorities for this government are jobs and the economy. Where are the jobs for my people? I challenge this Committee to show us how the economic opportunities for my people have improved under this government, or, for that matter, under any of the previous governments of the last 127 years? To the contrary, the measures taken by the Liberal government for deficit retirement and changes to the social safety net will create more hardship for our people, who already live in Third World conditions in a country that brags about its international reputation as 'the best place in the world to live." We do not subscribe to the idea that your federalism is the "Mother of all Governments". For us the idea that you can delegate powers of government to us is the continuation of assimilation and the dominance of your society. The Irwin/Morse policy on the inherent right of self- government is a perfect example of how successive governments have tried to impose their will on our people. We do not derive our rights to govern ourselves from your culture or society. Now this Parliament appears ready to recognize one of its provinces as a "distinct society" while ignoring the First Nations. We are concerned that this being done without a corresponding provision to protect Section 35 rights. Solutions exist. In the Charlottetown Accord, there were three provisions that protected our peoples' right to language, culture and law. In the "Canada clause" our people were recognized as the first people to govern this land and as having the right to promote their languages, cultures and traditions as well as ensure the integrity of our societies. In addition, recognition was given to our governments as constituting one of the three orders of government in Canada. Not subordinate to another government. And not inferior to any other jurisdiction. Furthermore, a non-derogation clause was inserted to ensure that the recognition of the distinct society for Quebec did not derogate from our treaty and aboriginal rights. Finally, in the body of the Constitution, our inherent right to self- government was given explicit recognition as a distinct order of government. Included in that recognition was the affirmation of our peoples' rights and powers to "...safeguard and develop their languages, cultures, economies, identities, institutions and traditions..."according to our own values and priorities to ensure the integrity of our societies. We ask, "Is this omission due to the fact that we are truly distinct in this country?" We have histories that predate French and English occupation. We have distinct languages, cultures and our own laws. First Nations have treaties, self-determination according to international law and aboriginal title to land and resources. We have no other place to go. This is our homeland. Who is distinct? We believe Quebec is distinct. We also believe the rest of Canada is distinct. However, we are the Original Peoples and the foundation of this country. We have suffered under Canadian dominion for the 127 years of Confederation. No other group, other than aboriginal peoples, can make claims to treaties not being honoured, war veterans being discriminated against, land taken away, children apprehended and placed in residential schools, our spirituality outlawed, our lives ruled by the Indian Act. No province can make these grievances. Now First Nations have to face the humiliation of having to negotiate for the land that belongs to them. The fact that we have to borrow money from Canada to enter these negotiations is like having to buy our way into Confederation. We know that your Confederation is crumbling. Not because of scarcity in terms of wealth and resources; it is crumbling because your people are fighting about power. Power over what? Lands that do not belong to you; resources you do not own. Two cultures you have forced on us? You are still fighting about who is going to be dominant - French or English. We have offered an alternative based on the principles of self- determination and co-existence. You have not given our ideas a chance to find reality in your paradigm. What can we offer to you in your time of trouble? We really want to offer you something, but you have already taken everything. Now you are in danger of losing it all and we know exactly how you feel. We could offer our support but your proposals disregard our people and our rights. We could offer to share our land with you but, against our wishes, you have taken it all. We could offer to enter into a Treaty for co-existence and interdependence, but your governments have not honoured existing Treaties. We could offer our advice on national unity, but then, you have never listened to our people. We could offer you our kindness, but we have already tried that. Our people live coast-to-coast and share a common spiritual attachment to the land. For us, it is not a piece of property to be subdivided at the whim of politicians. If the true history were to be known, there would be an end to denial. All human beings and societies are transient on this earth - only the land remains. Who are you to try to dominate the land and fight over it? Our history with you is full of sadness and regret. In spite of that unjust relationship, we come here to ask you what you think we can offer. However, we insist that whatever you decide must be just and fair to First Nations, not just to yourselves. If you decide to proceed to define the future of Canada without us, what will be left for our people, the original peoples of this land, to rebuild our lives with dignity. We want to help you maintain national unity, but we do not believe that is what you are trying to achieve; otherwise, we would be involved in all levels of discussion and decision-making. These questions that we raise are not asked to embarrass anyone. Neither are they rhetorical questions. Since so little is known about the future of the country and the impact of these federal proposals on our future as First Nations within Quebec and Canada, these questions must be answered by yourselves and your answers must be communicated to us. When might we expect your reply to these questions? We need to know your answers if we are to be in a position to help save our home and native land. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Keith Newman not WHO is right but WHAT is right ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internet: kjnewman@hookup.net (Keith & Joy Newman) This message was processed by NetXpress from Merlin Systems Inc. --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- --------- "RE: Nashville Football Team, Graves" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Dec 1995 08:34:18 -0800 From: TallEagle@aol.com (by way of derrico@legal.umass.edu (Peter d'Errico)) Subj: Nashville Football Team.. Graves Mailing List: TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu) I'm looking into just exactly what we can do to stop the building of a football stadium on or near a known burial site here in Nashville. A little background on our community here. In 1990, the City of Nashville planned to build their new landfill on a site at "Bell's Bend" right outside of the city. We had an over six month encampment and protest here that eventually stopped the landfill. That was an easy one. Large public corporation and trash.... not to hard to garner public support. NOW.. We're dealing with the state's favorite sport. The proposal is to build the stadium on grounds across the river from downtown Nashville. It's actually directly across from a "Riverfront Park" owned by the city. In 1992, the city moved the location of pylons supporting a new bridge when grave sites were found. This bridge will be the connecting bridge to the new site of the football stadium.. We know the graves are there, at least on the river bank. This is NOT the greatest concern. What the city is proposing is to relocate all the businesses in the current site area to another LARGER burial site at "Cockrell Bend." Cockrell Bend is a very huge burial site with visible mounds. Most of these burial sites are Mississippian era. I'm on the board of directors of a state wide group known as the Native American Spiritual Alliance. We spearheaded the movement at Bell's Bend, and had a very successful demonstration of support. However, I'm fairly sure we will lost this battle on the football stadium. As I said, garnering public support will be much more difficult this time. I welcome any suggestions you may have. We are small in number and our local Native American organizations are full of new-agers and have very few real Indians in them at all. Even though they were supportive in the last effort, when the chips fell, they left. Many of us were jailed, and we expect the same again. Our NASA members will lay down in front of the bulldozers, but that won't stop this without some kind of legal support. I'm anxiously awaiting your reply. We, fortunately, were given a lot more warning on this desecration than the last one. We do have time to plan. Sincerely, Ric Tall Eagle Brown (Shawnee/Cherokee) --------- "RE: NA Prisoners Could Lose Religious Freedoms" --------- Date: Fri, 8 Dec 1995 12:03:50 -0600 (CST) From: Mike Thee Subj: NA Prisoners Could Lose Religious Freedoms UUCP email Gary - below is another posting you might be interested in printing concerning the religious rights of Native American prisoners. NATIVE AMERICAN PRISONERS COULD LOSE RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS Since 1977 consent decrees have been obtained by 7 different Native American prisoners. These decrees have provided prisoners with access to sweat lodges, medicine men, sacred religious objects, and the right to wear traditional hair styles. These rights will be terminated if an amendment offered by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) for Bob Dole (R-KS) is included in H.R. 2076, the FY 1996 Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary Appropriations Bill. H.R. 2076 is going to the House floor either today (Dec 7) or tomorrow. Once Clinton receives the bill, he is expected to veto it because of language block granting the Cops on the Beat program that was part of last year's crime bill. ACTION Please contact your representative to encourage them to vote against H.R. 2076 if it includes the Hatch-Dole amendment, found in section 802. Clinton needs to be alerted to the effect this bill will have on the rights of Native American prisoners. Hatch and Dole are not deliberately trying to punish Native American prisoners, but under the provisions of their amendment, the consent decrees of Native American prisoners are automatically terminated. Please write to Clinton and ask him to veto the bill based on the Hatch-Dole amendment. His main concern will be with the Cops on the Beat program, and he is possibly unaware of the serious and devastating consequences this bill will have on Native American prisoners if the Hatch-Dole amendment is left in. This information was prepared by HONOR from materials sent to us by the Native American Rights Foundation (NARF). They can be contacted at Phone: (303) 447-8760 Fax: (303) 443-7776 HONOR is a human rights coalition that focuses on American Indian issues. Members--Indian and non-Indian--stand together as allies, seeking justice on critical concerns facing Indigenous peoples today. We can be reached at Phone: (414) 963-1324; our e-mail address is mthee@earth.execpc.com --------- "RE: Religious Liberty" --------- Date: Tue, 12 Dec 1995 14:15:58 -0500 From: kibbey@sierra.net Subj: Religious Liberty UUCP email Since the 1860's and early in the 1900's, Federal Administrative control of Indian Life recognized no right of religious freedom, in that administrators who identified civilization with a particular sect infringed the religious liberty of the Indians and interfered, on the ground of immorality, with many of the dances and other cherished customs of the tribes. Therefore causing most tribes to take their ceremonies into the hills or far enough away from the general public so that no interference would hinder their effort to carry on with their traditional practices. Today, society views the past history of the Indian in a simple bias term: "The Indian Lost the War, Lost their Land and thats all there is to say!" Though the term is "stole", not lost, however, in this, the culture and religion of the tribes also faced near extermination, example: "Office of Indian Affairs, Circular No. 1665, April 26, 1921 read in part; "The Indian, and all other similar dances and so called religious ceremonies are considered "Indian Offences" under existing regulations and corrective penalties are provided." Outlawed and prohibited, the Native American Indian Tradition and Traditional Belief still lives.. In order to secure a uniformed policy of respect towards Federal Administrative policy, another Circular, a supplement to the 1921 Circular, read in part on February 14, 1923: "That the Indian dances be limited to one in each month in the day light hours of one day in the midweek, and at one center in each district, the months of March and April, June, July and August being excepted. That none take part in the dance or be present who are under 50 years of age. That a cruel propaganda be undertaken to educate public opinion against the dance." Today, in some parts of the country, the tradition and traditional belief is still practiced in its true form, especially in Indian Country on the large Reservations, where Indians are free to be.... --------- "RE: Mt. Graham Calls Needed ASAP" --------- Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 10:46:05 -0700 From: silver@indirect.com (Robin Silver) Subj: Mt. Graham calls needed ASAP UUCP email Rep. Ralph Regula of Canton Ohio Rep. Ralph Regula,(216) 489 4414) or (202) 225 3876 is the key player in Kolbe's attempts to get a rider. The Mt. Graham Coalition and the Apache Survival Coalition has been running radio ads in his district: what would you do if you went to church on Sunday and found that was being bulldozed?... The office in Canton seems particularly sensitive to local callers from Canton or other nearby towns, Massilon, Wooster, North Canton, Mt. Union College etc. with concerns about Regula's interfering with Apaches' religion practices and with the fact that the Tribe has asked for a criminal investigation with which a rider may interfere. Any chances to make some calls Monday and Tuesday? It looks like the rider will be attached Tuesday pm or Wednesday AM... Thanks!! Robin --------- "RE: Court Bows to Nuxalk Walkout" --------- From: Native Forest Network-ENA Subj: COURT BOWS TO NUXALK WALKOUT Date: Fri, 08 Dec 1995 19:47:12 -0800 (PST) Newsgroup: alt.native December 7, 1995 SUPREME COURT BOWS IN FACE OF NUXALK STAND AND FEAR OF INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE Vancouver, B.C. - Supreme Court Justice Smith, who was unwilling yesterday to put out arrest warrants for the 22 Nuxalk chiefs, elders & supporters who walked out of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, again refused the crown prosecutor's requests this morning to issue warrants for their arrest or try them in their absence. The trial was put over until January 15, 1995. All 22 of the sovereignists and their supporters stand in solidarity, unwilling to return to the colonial court because of the judge's refusal to acknowledge Nuxalk sovereignty and jurisdiction over traditional Nuxalk territory. The three hereditary Nuxalk chiefs held an impromptu press conference today to explain their actions. The chiefs explained how they had attended the court in hopes of establishing peace talks and educating the Canadian government, which has sought to impose its jurisdiction, about their sovereignty as a nation. They left after it became clear that the court was unwilling to recognize their rights as a nation and attempted to begin a domestic judgement against them. "The court was forcing us into their system and handcuffing our sovereignty," stated Hereditary Chief Qwatsinas (Edward Moody). "The white man's court system cannot define our people. Our law allows us to protect our land; their law allows destruction. When we go out to protect our land and forests, we go out with the law given by the Creator." The 22 defendants, including three hereditary chiefs, elders, spiritual leaders and an expectant mother were charged with contempt of court in September while protecting unceded Nuxalk territory at Ista (Fog Creek) from destruction by Interfor's clearcut logging. The Forest Action Network, which jointly carried out the month long blockade at Ista with the Nuxalk Nation, fully and completely supports the Nuxalk legal position. "We have been deeply moved by the Nuxalk chiefs' and people's commitment to protecting their land, and so have many others around the world," said FAN spokesperson Simone Waters. "We are expecting hundreds of supporters to come join us next spring in continuing to prevent Interfor from destroying Nuxalk land. Interfor will no longer be allowed to profit from the destruction of the Great Coast Rainforest." For more information contact: FOREST ACTION NETWORK, Box 155, 1895 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5N 4A6, (604)-739-4782 --------------------------------------------------------------- Information transferred via: NATIVE FOREST NETWORK Eastern North American Resource Center POB 57 Burlington, VT 05402 USA (802)863-0571 (802)863-2532 Fax email: nfnena@igc.apc.org --------- "RE: Mohicans Rally in Protest" --------- Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 09:37:23 -0500 From: winchd@rpi.edu Subj: Mohicans Rally in Protest UUCP email MOHICANS RALLY IN PROTEST Members of the Mohican Nation and their supporters will gather in the Town of Leeds, Green County, New York State, to protest the lack of recognition of their rights and mistreatment by governmental agencies. The rally will take place Saturday, December 2, at 1pm. Walmart wants to build a store on an undisturbed Mohican site called Leeds Flats dating back 5,000 years in the Town of Leeds in New York State. They do not want to permit a thorough archaeological dig, which would give the Mohicans invaluable information on their history and culture, much of which has been lost since the coming of the Europeans. In May 1995 three Native American burials were found in the Town of Waterford. The Town refuses to turn over the remains to any Native American group. As quoted by the Troy Record, Town Supervisor John Lawler said, "We feel the remains are a part of the historical past of Waterford, and they should stay here where they were originally intended to be." According to the federal National American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the remains should be returned to first the living relatives if possible, second the culturally affiliated tribe, or third the traditional people of the geographic location. Because it cannot be determined to which tribe the remains belong, they should be given to the Mohicans. The New York State has yet to recognize the Mohicans as the original people indigenous to the area. The fact that they are is so well documented it should not be in dispute. The Town of Waterford is in favor of developing Peebles Island as part of the New York State Canal Recreation way. Peebles Island has also been known as Monemin's Island. It is considered sacred by the Mohawk and the Mohicans, by whom it has been called "Spirit Rock." It was inhabited for thousands of years. In more recent times it was the site of a fort during the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War) and also was the only Patriot fort on the Hudson River between Canada and West Point. The development of the island, which includes a restaurant, a gazebo, an outdoor cafe on a patio and docking facilities endangers the most historic parts of the fortifications. For more information please call Steve Comer, the Nation's representative to the Northeast U.S., at 518-674-0337. --------- "RE: Sunbow 5 Walk Update" --------- Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 11:58:17 -0500 Subj: 12/10/95 - Sunbow 5 Walk update From: sunbow5@aol.com (Sunbow5) SUNBOW 5 WALK - AN UPDATE - DECEMBER 10, 1995 As is true across the Northern hemisphere, the days grow shorter and shorter for the Sunbow 5 Walkers as they stride across northeastern Arizona and the Winter Solstice draws near. The approximately 35 walkers are all healthy, and in fairly good spirits, according to Rita Sebastian, Jacki Gauger, and Joe Soto, who stopped at a remote gas station to report on their progress by placing a collect call to New Hampshire on Saturday. The deepening darkness, the cold, the lack of finances, and the isolation of the region are all serious matters that they must face each day. However, the Dine (Navajo) people of the region have been supportive and encouraging, and this has helped the walkers to maintain hope as they go on. "We no longer have money to shop in supermarkets for supplies," Jacki Gauger reports, " but still we are OK for food. So many people have generously donated rice, beans, flour, oatmeal, and peanut butter -- we are just eating the supplies that have been gifted to us. We may not always like what we have to eat, but no one is going hungry. We are keeping our strength up." The walk has about eight more weeks to go across the Arizona and California deserts. Many new people, sensing the approaching end of the walk, are now coming to join. "Tell anyone who is thinking of coming to be sure and be prepared," the walkers asked. "We are maxed out." Sometimes people join the walk for a few days or weeks completely unprepared and with empty pockets -- expecting to be fed, sheltered, transported, and entertained. When this happens it puts a big strain on the scarce resources available to the group, and right now there are no extra resources to share -- no extra food, no extra space in the tents, and no extra space in the vehicles for carrying bags. Everyone who comes needs to be ready to work and to contribute. Despite all the hardships, the group continues to walk every day, to maintain their focus on prayer, and to joke, sing, and make ceremony. "We are a real family now," Joe Soto said. "We're poor, but a family just the same." Some walkers are concerned that because the Coordinator's office has been closed, and the Sunbow 5 Journal is no longer published over the Internet, many people around the world are forgetting about them. They have asked that, even though they may be less visible in this darkening time of year, people remember that they are still out on the road, and include them in their prayers. "We are still here," one walker said, "and we will continue to walk and pray for all the people. We ask that people include us in their good thoughts and intentions when they stop to pray. We are thinking of them, and we need their help to go on." - Steven McFadden +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Sunbow 5 Walk for the Earth began June 23, 1995 on First Encounter Beach, Cape Cod, MA, and will conclude in early February, 1996 near Santa Barbara, CA. For information on the walk, send a brief request to info@sunbow5walk.org For background materials, photos, an archive of the Journal, and more, visit the World Wide Web site: http://www.sunbow5walk.org/sunbow5 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: Poem: Gratitude" --------- Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 14:18:28 -0700 From: "Tomacita Grey (100735)" Subj: Gratitude Mailing List: AISESnet Discussion List (aisesnet@victor.umt.edu) Dear Mr. Night Owl, Greetings to you! You asked for information and possible poems or stories for the newsletter. I would like to share one with the readers as well. It is called "GRATITUDE." I hope the readers will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the experience of one special moment that has changed my outlook on life. "GRATITUDE" I saw the sun rise high in the Eastern sky, in it I felt your love for me. The way your warm rays made me feel inside, a moment to reflect on Native Pride.... For this I give thanks to the Creator, what a blessing to be alive!! How the raindrops brought forth a smile, for the dwelling rainbow inside.... Beneath the stars filling the big black sky, I still recall the warmth your love bestowed that one morning when you emerged, leaving me with a song that tells of love, promises, dreams, and a happy life.... .... as I slowly drift off to someplace sweet In peace and harmony, Tomacita Grey e-mail: greyt0@cc3.adams.edu --------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" --------- Date: 95/12/06 22:56 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 December 17-23 KEKEMAPA (December) (Makalii) 17 Banish winter from your spirit, and spring will fill the void. 18 Every season of life has its virtues. 19 Our dreams speak to us in the language of the soul. 20 Be still within if you would hear the voice of inspiration. 21 Draw upon the source of life in everything you do. 22 Cherish my hopes and dreams, Beloved, and I will cherish yours. 23 Pursue happiness; capture it now, and never let it go. Help others to achieve their goals. (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, 14 Dec 95 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.geis.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows not previously posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L GE Electronic Mail From: AISESnet General List Subject: 1996 Leadership Conference Original Sender: Emo Notah ANNOUNCEMENT: 1996 AISES LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The 1996 American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) Leadership Conference will be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado for March 28 to March 31 at the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort. This year, we expect approximately 130 American Indian/Alaskan Native college students for across the country to attend -- we've invited one representative from each AISES college chapter to participate. In addition, our Council of Elders, Corporate Advisory Board, and select members of AISES' professional staff will be in attendance as we gather to discuss and develop leadership qualities and enhance traditional Native values. The purpose of this conference is to prepare the students to become active, knowledgeable leaders for native communities and challenge them as they accept the responsibilities of serving as role models for younger American Indian/Alaska Natives. This three-day conference is not open to the public; rather, it is a special opportunity for AISES college students to attain personal growth and develop leadership skills through workshops, team building exercises, and listening to, and interacting with, people who are in leadership roles. Another highlight will include interactive discussions with AISES' Council of Elders. An official invitation and conference application will be sent in early January to every AISES chapter. For more information, contact Roberta Manuelito, AISES Director of College Programs at (303) 939-0023. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995 13:47:04 -0500 Subj: 3rd National Tribal Env. Mgt. Conf.(FWD) From: berryj@Okway.okstate.edu The 3rd National Tribal Conference on Environmental Management will be hosted by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation (MT) on May 21-23, 1996. EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) are conference sponsors. The conference will deal with problems that Native Americans face in keeping their environment protected. As federally recognized tribes experience increasing growth and regulatory demands, they must confront complex environmental issues on safe drinking water, clean air, waste water treatment, waste reduction, and solid and hazardous waste disposal. The conference will provide a forum for understanding and dialogue among Tribes on current environmental concerns. Conference sessions will discuss regulatory implementation issues and scientific environmental practices. With this knowledge, along with the traditional wisdom and values of their own cultures, Tribes will become better educated on maintaining a balance between economic development and environmental protection. This year's conference site is the Kwa Taq Nuk Resort in Polson, MT located on beautiful Flathead Lake, just minutes away from Glacier National Park (for those familiar with AISES, see "Winds of Change", Spring 1995 edition, pages 68-70). The resort is located on the reservation, is tribally owned and operated, and is situated between two major airports, Glacier International in Kalispel and Missoula County International in Missoula. The 3rd National Tribal Conference is designed to provide information to anyone concerned with environmental issues facing today's Indian people. EXHIBITORS: An area will be available for up to 40 conference exhibitors. All potential exhibitors are encouraged to participate in the conference to display information, products, or run interactive computer programs. Please reserve your space early. Previous exhibitors have included: EPA Program Offices, Tribal Environmental Offices, National Tribal Environmental Council (NTEC), Environmental Careers Organization (ECO), Private Industry Eng. Firms, Dakota Travel, Cherokee Recycling (& over 50 more!!) TOPICS: Conference planning is still underway. Please send or facsimile any additional conference agenda topics that you (or your tribe) would like to see at the conference in May. Every topic suggestion is welcomed. For More information, contact Bill Swaney of the Division of Environmental Protection, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe at 406/675-2700 ext. 470 or fax 406/675-2713. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995 08:34:46 -0500 Subj: Journey Back to the Heart From: SunkaWakan@AOL.COM Journey Back to the Heart P. O. Box 07705 Columbus, Ohio 43205 Journey Back to the Heart The vision began during a dawn walk on a rainy day in October 1995. Gilly Running Little Spotted Eagle, a Lakota from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, heard a voice in the rain and the Journey Back to the Heart was born. The Journey Back to the Heart will be a spiritual walk of all people, of all races, coming from the four directions and converging on Harney Peak in the heart of Turtle Island - Paha Sapa, the Black Hills. A spiritual walk from the four directions to promote wellness, healing, and harmony of the four races and to honor the Sacred Sites. A beginning that will bring a better life for the coming generations. This spiritual walk will take place in the year 2000. Walkers representing all races will come to the center of the United States at the sacred Black Hills during the Fall Equinox. During this time a spiritual conference and world healing ceremonies will be held. People will begin the sacred walk from San Francisco, Winnipeg, Washington DC, and Mexico City. There will be a spiritual walk and four directions ceremony each year leading up to the journey. The Journey Back to the Heart began with a Four Directions ceremony held at noon on October 27, 1995, at the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio in Columbus, Ohio. The Journey Back to the Heart will become a non-profit organization with regional offices. What is needed is for human beings to make the commitment to walk, volunteers to staff the offices, and funds to make the vision into a reality. For more information, please write to: Journey Back to the Heart, P.O. Box 07705, Columbus, Ohio 43205, phone (614) 443-6120, or fax (614) 443-2651. Please also feel free to Email me for more information. SunkaWakan@AOL.COM -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: suswilli@freenet.columbus.oh.us (Susan Williams) Newsgroups: soc.culture.native Subject: sobriety powwow new yrs THIRD ANNUAL NEW YEARS WEEKEND TRADITIONAL SOBRIETY POWWOW DEC 30 ,31 AND JAN 1 zcÉèÖDOORS OPEN DAILY AT 10AM. DANCE SESSIONS: DEC 30 1 PM - 5PM/ 7PM - 12AM DEC 31 1PM - 5PM / 7PM - 2AM JAN 1 1PM - 5PM MASTER OF CEREMONIES: DENNIS BANKS, ARENA DIRECTOR: KENNY IRWIN, SR LOCATION: FRANKLIN PARK MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING 1747 E. BROAD ST COLUMBUS OHIO. TAKE I-71 NORTH OR SOUTH TO E. BROAD ST GO EAST TO FRANKLIN PARK. NEARBY HOTELS ARE: MOTEL 6 AND HOLIDAY INN. ADMISSION: ADULTS $5 AGES 6 - 12 $3 AGES 65 AND OVER $3 5 AND UNDER FREE NO DRUGS NO ALCOHOL NO DRUGS NO ALCOHOL NO DRUGS NO ALCOHOL NATIVE TRADERS BY INVITATION ONLY! PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED CALL OCNAA: 614-228-4710 NATIVE AMERICAN ITEMS ONLY, NO SACRED ITEMS SOLD, NO BURIAL ARTIFACTS PERMITTED!!! PUBLIC INVITED!!!! THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL REGARDLESS OF RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, SEX, OR DISABILITY-- WE ARE ALL RELATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- 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: Lisa Stalnaker Hellwig, Janet Smith, Debra F. Sanders, Larry Kibby, Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi(via Keith & Joy Newman), Tomacita Grey, Mike Thee, Ric Tall Eagle Brown, Native Forest Network(Announcement), Debbie Winchell, Steven McFadden for Sunbow5, Nora Bunce, Jackie Brown, Wade Black, Indigenous Environmental Network(Alert), Joe Quickle --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 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, 14 Dec 95 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.geis.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows already posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L = Powwows and Gatherings From the Internet listserv groups = Sender: "NATIVE-L Aboriginal Peoples: news & information" From: native-l@GNOSYS.SVLE.MA.US Original Sender: gmeyers@u.arizona.edu (G B Meyers) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) The Native American Resource Center (NARC) at the University of Arizona (UA) is sponsoring a national R.E.T.A.I.N.(Retention in Education for Today's American Indian Nations) Conference on April 20-23, 1996 in Tucson, Arizona. The vision of the conference is to inspire unity of action amongst American Indian tribal nations and higher education institutions across America in addressing retention issues related to the academic success of Native American college students. The primary goal of the conference is to facilitate discussions, recommendations and continued collaborative efforts among university and college leaders nationwide on issues related to the retention of Native American college students. Preference will be given to researchers who have written papers which address retention strategies that affect Native American college students. We are interested in retention studies developed and supported by higher education institutions. Interactive discussion methods that foster participation from the audience will be used in the forums. We want methodologies developed by research scholars and retention practitioners. The conference planners reserve the option of grouping presenters with similar retention strategies. Refined retention strategies and position papers based on conference proceeding will be available after the conference. Relevant topics may include but are not limited to the following: Culturally based strategies Student Run programs Self Empowerment and Academic success Overcoming testing bias Demographic factors Survival workshops Cultural isolation/Institutional Support Academic Satisfaction Motivation/Role Models/ Inspirational Speakers Talking Circles Transfer programs-Community colleges to Univ. Support for parent students Scholarships, Emergency aid, loan programs Student Peer Mentors Bridge Programs-high school to college Recruitment/Tracking models Dorm residence wings/Theme houses Group Study/Common courses Please submit four copies of a 200 word summary and a 50 word, camera ready abstract for the printed program and a copy of your resume(s) to: G. Bruce Meyers, Assistant Dean of Students Native American Affairs - 203 Nugent Hall University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 FAX (520) 621-9880 Email: gmeyers@u.arizona.edu Timeline: February 14,1996-deadline for proposals; February 28, 1996-notice of selection; March 15, 1996-preregistration fee due. For additional information contact Julia Mason at (520)621-3835 or at Email address jmason@ccit.arizona.edu --------- "RE: Peltier and Justice" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995 14:55:23 EST From: jacbrow@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu (Jackie Brown) Subj: Peltier...and justice? Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) ++++ NATCHAT Moderation Note+++ Readers that are unaware of the large number of uninvestigated/unsolved killings on Lakota land during this period should remember that Pine Ridge had the highest murder rate in the US and that literally hundreds of people were murdered and most were not AIM members. This high murder rate that the tribal govern/BIA/FBIs did nothing to stop, and most would agree that the Wilson admin/BIA/FBIs actively promoted resulted in hundreds of deaths. Regards, Jay Brummett Cecala Ptehincalaska-Calf NativeNet Moderation Staff nnet@utw.com ---------------------------- He all! I thought it might be appropriate at this time for people to read some of the deaths that did occur between 1973 and 1976 on Pine Ridge. This list was already posted once but it seems with all the new discussion about Leonard Peltier it needs to be seen again. 4/17/73 Frank Clearwater AIM member killed by heavy machine gun round at Wounded Knee. NO INVESTIGATION. 4/27/73 Buddy Lamont AIM member hit by M16 fire at Wounded Knee. Bled to death under fire. NO INVESTIGATION. 4/14/73 Priscilla White Plume AIM supporter killed at Manderson by Goons. NO INVESTIGATION. 7/30/73 Julius Bad Heart Bull AIM supporter killed at Oglala by person or persons unknown. NO INVESTIGATION. 9/22/73 Philip Black Elk AIM Supporter killed when his house exploded. NO INVESTIGATION 10/5/73 Aloysius Long Soldier AIM member killed at Kyle, S.D. by Goons. NO INVESTIGATION 10/10/73 Phillip Little Crow AIM supporter beaten to death by Goons at Pine Ridge. NO INVESTIGATION 10/17/73 Pedro Bissonette Oglala Sioux Civil Rights Organization organizer and AIM supporter assassinated by BIA police/goons Body removed from Pine Ridge jurisdiction prior to autopsy by government contract coroner. NO INVESTIGATION 11/20/73 Allison Fast Horse AIM supporter shot to death near Pine Ridge by unknown assailants. NO INVESTIGATION 1/17/74 Edward Means Jr. AIM member found dead in Pine Ridge alley, beaten NO INVESTIGATION 2/27/74 Edward Standing Soldier AIM member killed near Pine Ridge by party or parties unknown NO INVESTIGATION 9/7/74 Dennis LeCompte AIM member killed at Pine Ridge by goons. NO INVESTIGATION 9/16/74 Robert Reddy AIM member killed at Kyle by gunshot. NO INVESTIGATION 11/16/74 Delphine Crow Dog Sister of AIM spiritual leader Leonard Crow Dog beaten by BIA police and left lying in a field. Died from exposure. NO INVESTIGATION 11/20/74 Elaine Wagner AIM supporter killed at Pine Ridge by person or persons unknown. NO INVESTIGATION The list goes on but I am out of time but I hope that those of you who believe Leonard guilty will consider these people and really think about what went on. Think about John Trudell's family and Anna Mae Aquash and all the others who lived during this reign of terror. Peace, Jackie B. FREE LEONARD! --------- "RE: Mount Graham Threatened" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995 16:52:29 -0600 From: mthee@execpc.com (Mike Thee) Subj: MOUNT GRAHAM THREATENED Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) ARIZONA'S MT GRAHAM THREATENED BY PENDING LEGISLATION On Tuesday, December 12th, Representative Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) is expected to offer an amendment to the Interior appropriations conference which would hasten the construction of a third telescope on Mt. Graham by waiving certain environmental laws. Mt Graham (dzil nchaa si an) is located in Arizona and is home to sites considered sacred by the San Carlos Apache Tribe. It is also home to the red squirrel, a federally-protected endangered species. In 1987 special legislation allowed The University of Arizona to construct two telescopes on Mt. Graham without having to conduct environmental and cultural studies. The proposed third scope, which would be larger than the other two, is sited outside of the exempted area. Therefore, as affirmed by a recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, the University is required to do the environmental and cultural studies before constructing the third telescope. Kolbe's amendment would allow the University to build without first conducting these studies. ACTION Please contact Ralph Regula--chairman of the Interior subcommittee on Appropriations, and Robert Livingston--chairman of the Appropriations committee, and your representative asking them to oppose this legislation. Ralph Regula Robert Livingston Phone: (202) 225-3876 Phone: (202) 225-3015 Fax: (202) 225-3059 Fax: (202) 225-0739 To find the phone, and if applicable, fax number of your Representative call (202) 224-3121. --------- "RE: San Carlos Apache, Mt. Graham" --------- Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 10:45:32 -0700 From: silver@indirect.com (Robin Silver) Subj: San Carlos Apache Tribal council asks for Mt. Graham criminal investigation Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) ASC P.O. Box 1237 San Carlos AZ 85550 News Release, December 2, 1995 San Carlos Apache Tribe asks Justice Dept. for criminal investigation on Mt. Graham Kolbe introduces Interior Appropriations Rider to cover-up criminal activities and civil rights violations On November 15, 1995, the San Carlos Apache Tribe asked Attorney General Janet Reno, (202 225 4501) to investigate "Probable violation by U.S. Forest Service officials of (1) 18 U.S.C. 371: Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud United States and of (2) 18 U.S.C. 1001: Prohibition against fraud or false statements in a Government matter." The violations were related to the Forest Service's cutting of trees on Mt. Graham on December 7, 1993. On December 7, 1993, under cover of darkness, at 5 AM, the Forest Service secretly allowed the cutting of more than 500 ancient trees in an area sacred to the Apache. The Forest Service allowed the cutting without affording the Tribe adequate time to prevent the cutting. Even though the trees were marked for cutting by at least November 23, 1993, the Forest Service sent a warning letter to the Tribe that was dated December 1, 1995. Even though the Forest Service knew that the area is sacred to the Apache, before the Tribe had the opportunity to act, the Forest Service allowed the cutting of the trees. The Forest Service letter, signed by former Coronado Forest Supervisor Jim Abbott, stated: "RE: Mt. Graham International Observatory...The University of Arizona has submitted a proposal for the final location for the Large Binocular Telescope...A map of the location is enclosed...The selected location is on Emerald Peak...I am writing you to inform you of the University's selected location, and to suggest that we meet to discuss any concerns that the Tribe may have." The Tribe is asking for the investigation under the criminal statutes controlling fraud and conspiracy to defraud. The Forest Service actions also violated the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the First Amendment to the Constitution (religious freedom), the Fifth Amendments of the Constitution (due process), the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Administrative Procedures Act. In an attempt to cover - up actions such as these, including those violating civil and religious rights, Congressman Jim Kolbe (R - Arizona) has asked for a Rider to the Interior Appropriations bill. Congressman Kolbe is trying to re-write the 1988 Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act which established the Mt. Graham telescope project, but limited it to an area different from where the trees were cut. On November 30, 1995, in addition to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Camp Verde Yavapai Apache Tribe, the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Ft. Sill Apache Tribe all sent a letter to the U.S. Congress stating: "We request that you stop the inclusion of any amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill that by-passes federal laws and the tribal and human rights of our tribes. Specifically, we oppose any amendment that exempts the Mt. Graham International Observatory project from laws that protect our cultural domain. Mt. Graham (Dzil nchaa si an) is a holy place, a sacred mountain to the San Carlos and White Mountain Apache people...The San Carlos Tribal Council and all known San Carlos medicine practitioners have opposed this project -- including four resolutions by the tribal government. Please do not approve any amendment about Mt. Graham to any bill in a conference committee or on the House floor with no hearings, no review by our governments or elders, and no contact and comment from our people..." Congressman Ralph Regula (R - Ohio), (202) 225 3876, is the Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Committee. Whether the Rider has the blessing of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, (202) 225 4501 is not certain at this time. For Information: Mrs. Ola Cassadore Davis, ASC Chairperson, (520) 475 2543 --------- "RE: IEN Alert on Ward Valley" --------- Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 21:03:32 -0800 From: ien@igc.apc.org (Indigenous Environmental Network) Subj: IEN Alert on Ward Valley Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK (IEN) ALERT ON WARD VALLEY The National Coordinator of IEN attended the December 1,2,3, 1995 spiritual gathering that was recently held at Ward Valley, California. The elders of the Indigenous Nations of Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort Mojave, Chemehuevi, Cocopah and Quechan invited IEN to this gathering that brought many singers and dancers from the regional river, desert and mountain Tribes to have ceremony at the sacred site of Ward Valley. The gathering brought many Indigenous and non-Indigenous supporters from throughout the surrounding states. The National Coordinator witnessed the solidarity of the Indigenous elders in their opposition to the plans of the U.S. government, the State of California, and U.S. Ecology (a private nuclear waste company) to build a low-level radioactive waste dump on land that is viewed as holy ground to the Fort Mojave and other Colorado River Indigenous Peoples. The site is approximately 22 miles from Needles, California. The Fort Mojave Tribal headquarters is located at Needles. The IEN National Coordinator felt first-hand the sacredness of the site. The site is also the home of the desert tortoise which is on the endangered species list. A sacred fire provided guidance and warmth to the Ward Valley spiritual encampment, especially to the participants during the chill evening nights. The elders offered prayers in their language. There is no doubt that this place MUST BE PROTECTED against the insane plans to build a nuclear dump there. Presently, the site is on land managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This is public land. Against the demands of the Fort Mojave Nation, other Colorado River Tribes, support groups, and public opinion; Bruce Babbit, Secretary of the Interior, has agreed to support legislation to transfer the BLM land to the State of California for use as a radioactive waste dump. Congress and the Clinton Administration hope to transfer the land very soon. The Ward Valley transfer provision is one of the "nasty" amendments (riders) in the Budget Reconciliation bill. We must demand that Clinton remove the Ward Valley provision, however, this doesn't seem likely. If Clinton approves this stealth amendment, it would also exempt the dump from all environmental laws and prevent the public from challenging the dump in court. Ward Valley is just 18 miles from the Colorado River and there is evidence that deadly radio nuclides could find their way into the river. The Colorado River provides precious water supply to the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, many other towns, and agricultural lands downriver and including Mexico. The plans are to bury long-lasting and highly dangerous radioactive wastes from nuclear energy plants in shallow, unlined trenches. The proposed site is right above a major aquifer. Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey sent a report warning that leaking radio nuclides could contaminate the Colorado River. The National Academy of Sciences recommended that further tests be conducted to determine the safety of the site. Despite all this, the State of California and Congress are still going ahead for the dump. They all know that U.S. Ecology has a track record of leaking dumps. It has been recently been revealed that U.S. and State officials have covered-up a report that found tritium and carbon-14 in unexpected depths in Beatty, Nevada, the site of another U.S. Ecology waste dump with terrain similar to Ward Valley. This report proves that scientists don't fully understand how radioactive material migrates in arid terrains and discounts the belief that the desert is the safest place to bury radioactive waste. Due to the alarming nature of these findings, two members of the National Academy of Science panel are now expressing new concerns about the safety of the facility. Powerful nuclear energy lobbying groups are pushing Congress for a cheap gravesite for radioactive wastes and a way to transfer liability for nuclear wastes to the taxpayer. Shallow burial sites of this wastes could result in costly clean-up costs and extreme health risks to nearby communities and downriver populations that drink or use the water. Fort Mojave Tribe is the nearest Indigenous population. Both the site and the desert tortoise are very sacred to them. The Fort Mojave and the Chemehuevi Tribes both have claimed the site as having religious and cultural value to their people. IEN requests that as many people immediately contact President Bill Clinton to veto the Budget Bill if it contains the Ward Valley rider. Other riders that must be removed in the Budget Bill are the riders that would allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife refuge, the transfer of the Mojave Desert National Park to the BLM, a moratorium on Endangered Species listings, and removal of The Marbled Murrelet Extinction rider that would affect the protection of marbled murrelet in the logging areas of California's ancient redwoods Headwaters Forest. Contact Bill Clinton through phones, snail-mail or e-mail. The White House, Washington, D.C. 20500 Phone: (202) 456-1414 e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta (who will be negotiating with the Republicans over the contents of the Budget Bill). The White House, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3841; Fax: (202) 228-3954. For more information: Fort Mojave Indian Tribe (619) 326-6267; Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, (619) 858-5400/858-4295; or IEN at e-mail: ien@igc.apc.org DECEMBER 14TH is the next GATHERING AND SPIRITUAL VIGIL! Join with Indigenous Peoples, Community, and Environmental Groups in a gathering and spiritual vigil, December 14, 1995, at the Federal Building, 1100 Wilshire Blvd./Veteran Blvd., Los Angeles. At Noon will be a Unity Gathering to Oppose the Dump. At 2:00 p.m. will be a March to Senator Feinstein's Office. At 5:00 p.m. will be a spiritual gathering - vigil at the Federal Building. Alert sent 12/10/95 by IEN For more info on attending or supporting this gathering/vigil: (714) 649-2641 or (310) 287-2210. --------- "RE: Native vs White" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995 21:14:05 -0500 From: wadeblack2@aol.com Subj: Re: Chris' post (OR native vs white) Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Natchat Folks -- It might help us if we remember that, for many of us who have white ancestors, those ancestors frequently came here not as conquerors and opportunists but as ethnic, economic, religious, and political outcasts who were driven out of their previous "homelands." Similar dislocations and forced migrations (and the enmities they caused) were part of Native history long before the arrival here of whites. So many of us here are mixed already, both native/white and tribal/tribal. We know that blood alone is not what defines us as a people. Our history teaches us of the strength that comes when we bring new people into our community, and and that comes when we form alliances with others. We might look for guidance at the history of the Creek Confederation -- Muskogees, Alabamas, Nachez, Uchees, and others -- or at the history of the Seminoles, or at the historical inclusiveness of the Cherokees. Mixed bloods like Tecumseh, McGillivrey, Ross, and Weatherford have been among our great messengers. We might look for our allies among those who wish to share and honor our culture and our community, rather than only among those who share our undiluted bloodlines. The former leads to strength, the latter leads to the ethnic self-destruction of Bosnia or Rwanda. Our strength lies in our culture. A focus on bloodlines is weakening us as a people, as surely as did the white invasion. Our children intermarry, as did their ancestors. Yet we often acknowledge into the tribal community those who share our blood but do not share our values, while we are reluctant to acknowledge those who honor our culture and community but do not share our blood. If we look to where this will lead us one hundred years in the future, this is a road to ethnic self-genocide. We are gradually losing the blood quotas of our children, and of our children's children. We need not vanish as our bloodlines become diluted and mixed. We have a great opportunity to teach and to bring others to our culture, and we know many people who need to be taught. Some we will make members of our community, some we will make into allies who honor our cultures. It is a great strength to imagine ourselves as teachers. I look forward to hearing other voices on this subject. ;-) Wade ------------------- wadeblack@aol.com user5444@aol.com ------------------- The map is not the terrain. --------- "RE: Get Over It" --------- Date: Fri, 8 Dec 1995 10:00:20 -0900 From: ftneb@aurora.alaska.edu (BUNCE NORA E) Subj: Message to N.A.: "Get Over It"?? Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) I would say to my Native brothers and sisters that in order to free ourselves and be truly indigenous- we must let go of any hate and resentment in our hearts- so that those places that are filled with weakening negativity can be filled with power and strengthening truth of ourselves and Creators path for us. To others who want Native people to "get over it" I will say that suppression of Native people is not something that is in the distant past- It still exists today in many forms. The agenda of the dominant society is to do away with Native people as a nation. The red card system is designed so that in a few generations there will be no one with enough blood quantum to meet the standards- hence no more Indians. The hidden agenda of the educational system is to undermine the Indianess in Native children. To teach them how to follow the rules of the dominant society. I am only the 5th generation away from the genocide (physical) of my people. In some places there are only 1 or 2 generations away from the destruction of their people. The cells of my body carry the generational message of that trauma. How can this encoded message of "not worthy of existence" be washed from my body's memory? It is most difficult when the message is still in existence ingrained in the basic infrastructure of the policies of government, education, Medical and legal entities today, constantly reminding me that as a Native woman I am less than human being. Noqua. PS I have to remind myself- If the bitterness and blaming is so loud in my head, then I will not hear instructions from Creator. If I am so busy looking at the fault of others- I will not be able to see the path of my own walk- I will stumble and fall. If I am so busy thinking about the faults of others I be distracted from knowing myself. The real enemy is within myself- the real friend is within myself. --------- "RE: Dudley George/Stoney Point Funds" --------- Date: Wed, 6 Dec 1995 01:45:43 EST From: r2jsq@vm1.cc.uakron.edu (Joe Quickle) Subj: Dudley George / Stoney Point funds Mailing List: NATIVE-L Subject: Dudley George Memorial Fund Stoney Point Community Fund I just got this information passed on to me. For those not familiar with the situation, Dudley George, of the Stoney Point First Nation, was shot by Ontario Provincial Police on September 6th. Dudley George was outspoken against the military occupation of Stoney Point reserve, and was reportedly unarmed. Dudley George memorial fund in honor of Anthony George Number 329 BR24282-004 c/o Elizabeth Brazeau Box 144 Forest, Ontario NONIJO Canada There is also a Stoney Point Community Fund to help those involved in the occupation: Stoney Point Community Fund Toronto Dominion Bank Number 314 BR24282-004 15 King Street East PO Box 569 Forest, Ontario NONIJO Canada ÿÿ