_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' O ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ O o O / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' O o O / /-< / /--/ /-- VOLUME 04, ISSUE 042 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 26 October 1996 O o O KANOHEDA ANIYVWIYA Otapi'sin Atsinikiisinaakssin O o O Es'te Opunvk'vmucvse Aunchemokauhettittea 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, Taino-L, Innu-L & NATIVE-L listservers; UUCP & genie email; Newsgroups: apc.indig.info, apc.indig.canada, soc.culture.native,alt.native Articles appearing have been previously posted for public dissemination and/or permission for inclusion has been secured. Letters of authorization are on file. A list of those granting permission to repost their words in this issue are listed at the end of part A. I thank each of you for allowing your words to be shared with the people. <----<<<< >>>>----> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. 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 Borries Demeler all _Wotanging_Ikche_ (part a) submissions to AISESnet are archived under AISESnet and can be accessed easily by World Wide Web: 1994: http://bioc02.uthscsa.edu/94_dis.html 1995: http://bioc02.uthscsa.edu/95_dis.html 1996: http://bioc02.uthscsa.edu/96_dis.html This is a searchable index to the AISESnet Discussion mailing list database archive, and the keyword "Wotanging" will retrieve all issues for that year. "When you took away our good health and gave us diseases, somehow we lived on. When you took the land that Creator had placed us on, somehow we survived. And when you took our languages, our cultures, our medicines, our ways, all those things that made us who we were, our spirits still lived. But when you took our children, you took our hearts, our dreams, and we died." "But we shall live again." "We SHALL live again." __ Shunkmanitu Lowan (Wolf Song), Lakota +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! You may recall my speaking of the needs of a Lakota grandmother two issues past, how the house she lived in had cracks through the walls, and in great need of many repairs. I spoke of how a Lakota wisdom keeper had been ripped off and left with a huge phone bill. We were helping, but our help would not be enough. I asked for help. Some of you responded, and you know who you are. I have received a message from Pine Ridge I wish to share, so all can see what your gifts have meant. I have left out names and amounts. What matters is the size of your heart and that your gifts are known to Creator. Forgive me if I bring you embarrassment by even speaking of your good deeds, but sometimes the People need to know there are among us those who lead by doing for others. ---------------------- Begin here for the message-----------> They DID receive the checks, and I want to tell you about the day they all got there. The winds were blowing very hard, through the cracks in the cabin I might add; and one son went out to the shed to try to find two calking tubes he had been given. They were hard as cement and couldn't be used. He was sitting there dejectedly at the table, depressed, as the wind blew through, cold, very cold. Another had gone to the PO to get the mail, and she was sitting there quietly opening it at the table. The first son was saying, "There is no money to buy what we need to seal up these cracks." From the mail she pulls out the first check. She stares at him, cause it's marked.."For Housing Repairs". Now of course they had no CLUE what you had done (at that time till I told them), and she feels STRONGLY that Creator has heard their prayers, and is absolutely speechless. She holds up the check, speechless; and they all, including Grandmother are sitting there in SILENCE, cause you gotta picture this...Prayers were answered at that moment. Grandmother starts praying, in thanksgiving. Then they opened up the others, more money. STRONGER prayers, and tears, and lots of crying in joy. Please, PLEASE, tell those that sent the checks...I listened to them tell me of the happiness those checks gave to that family. Tell them of the gratitude they feel about strangers caring and loving them. Please tell those people that their gifts of love kept this family from being cold, because they jumped in the pickup - the one that blows smoke and hasn't got a indicator on the column shifter, and went to buy some calking and needed materials; and they sealed those cracks, and they were not cold. The gifts of those who sent the money kept them warm, and gave to them a belief in mankind that people were very caring. --------------------------- End of message------------------| This coming April my wife and I are hosting a gathering and rendezvous we hope will attract enough traders and visitors that there will be money to gift these people, and others like them. April is a long way off when you are cold, and it is snowing as it is in Pine Ridge. To those who helped these people make it till April I thank you. I cried when I read of your generosity. I have offered prayers of thanks for your gifts. Peace! Night Owl , , Gary Night Owl gars@netcom.com (*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@juno.com (`-') Marietta, GA 30006, U .S.A. gars@igc.apc.org ===w=w=== gars@genie.com ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- Part A: Usenet and e-mail Part B: NATCHAT and NATIVE-L lists - Survival - Conferences and Powwows - online - Clemency For Peltier - Indigenous Peoples Walk Out - UN Indigenous Draft Declaration - Outrage at the Disrespect - CNO's School Accreditation - Statement from the Caucus - How ICWA Ends the Year - White Pine Acid Solution Mine - Historic Preservation Deadline - Oneida Nation, Council Agree - Historical Misperceptions - Reservations Action Alert - Cops Assault Female Inmates - Great Vanishing Act - Cherokee OK Gas Tax Petition - ITBC Request for Proposal - Living In Two Worlds - AIM/Satanism - What's in a Name? - University of Washington Job - Voisey Bay Coordinator Job - Poem: Earth is a Drum - Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days - Conferences and Powwows - offline --------- "RE: Survival" --------- Date: Sat, 12 Oct 1996 14:42:10 -0400 (EDT) From: alarcold (Louis D. Alarcon) Subj: Survival UUCP email Gary: Thank you so much for your words concerning our Elders. It is obvious the war (the exploitation of our culture) is not over. I am 50 years old and living in Florida. My grandmother, a full-blood Mexica, died in 1992 at the age of 93. We spent many summers together where she would teach me the wisdom of our ways. Since her death, my contact with my people has died. All I have are her words and her memory which I will protect to the end. My family now consists of a mixed people, i.e. Seneca, Lakota, Cherokee, Navajo, Seminole, Choctaw, etc. While the ways of my people (the Mexica) are rapidly dying, the blood that runs in my body is true and sacred. I can pray and meditate all day, but there comes a time in every one's life where the prayers and the intimacy of our spirits must be shared. It is with my present family that these needs are met. I currently participate in the stone people lodge with my Lakota brothers twice a week. These brothers are sundancers and they have my upmost respect. We celebrate the cannupa and the sacred path set forth by the Buffalo Calf Woman. I am also the fire-keeper of an intertribal ceremony celebrating the new moon each month. Our spiritual leader at this ceremony is a Seneca. I have the upmost respect for this brother who travels many miles (approx 50-60) each month to share his wisdom with the people. But where are the elders? They are many miles away protecting that which is sacred to each of us - our heritage, traditions, and the continuance of our relationship with our Creator and all that was created. However, the elders are present here. They are the younger generation who travel to sundances, to green corn dances and carry back with them the words of the elders. Many of my elders now are mere children in their 30's but we have much to learn from each other. I teach them the wisdom of my age and they teach me the ways and traditions of the People. The Circle continues on and on. Our lives are sacred and must not be exploited by those who feel it is the current fad or trend. In my path I have had to make many sacrifices, but I have also learned that we are all related. My commitments to my sacred path and my promises to my brothers I will defend with my life. I will survive and live in harmony. Gary, I thank you also for keeping the words alive. You have my permission to print this if you feel it appropriate. In the Spirit of Love and Unity... Louis Alarcon St. Petersburg, FL P.S. Please let me know how I may help with our elder's phone bill. --------- "RE: Clemency For Peltier" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 18:46:55 -0700 From: Brian Hauk Subj: Campaign Demands Clemency For Peltier UUCP email BY JOHN STUDER DES MOINES, Iowa-"I know how critical it is that the Clemency Campaign continues and grows," Lisa Faruolo, editor of the Spirit of Crazy Horse, the publication of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, writes in the March-April issue. Peltier, a Native American political activist, is a prisoner in the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas. His supporters are campaigning to win his release on executive clemency. In 1976 Peltier was indicted, along with other members of the American Indian Movement (AIM), on U.S. government charges that he participated in the killing of two FBI agents. The agents had attacked a group of Native Americans camped in Oglala, South Dakota. The other AIM members were tried in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and acquitted on grounds of self defense. Peltier was tried separately in 1977, after being extradited from Canada on a falsified affidavit from the FBI. His trial was moved to Fargo, North Dakota, and, in a lynch-mob atmosphere, he was convicted. The day after the conviction, Peltier told his supporters "the government lied and we will prove it." Federal appeals courts have ruled that the government withheld critical evidence from Peltier and that the FBI agents who conducted the investigation engaged in "improper conduct." Peltier was convicted of firing the shots that killed the two agents, even though government lawyers admitted at the appeals hearings that they do not know who fired the shots. Nonetheless, all Peltier's legal appeals have been rejected. In 1993, the U.S. Parole Commission denied Peltier parole, and told him that he must serve an additional 15 years - until 2008 - before they will consider him again for release. In November 1993, former U.S. attorney general Ramsey Clark filed a request with President Bill Clinton to grant Peltier executive clemency. Since then, hundreds of thousands have signed petitions urging clemency and participated in marches and other activities pressing for Peltier's release. Many have telephoned the White House in support of the clemency drive. The European Parliament passed a resolution in 1994 stating, "Mr. Peltier has exhausted all the appeal procedures under U.S. law and urges presidential clemency or commutation of Mr. Peltier's sentence." Last June, hundreds gathered in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, D.C., to support the call for his freedom. The FBI continues to use every means at its disposal to derail Peltier's fight for freedom. On July 15, 1994, the FBI Agents Association and the Society of Former Agents of the FBI ran an ad in the Washington Post headlined, "Dear Mr. President: Leonard Peltier murdered two FBI agents. He deserves no clemency." Its publication was timed to coincide with the arrival in Washington of the Walk for Justice, a group led by Native American rights activist Dennis Banks, which had marched across the country to the capitol to advance Peltier's fight. "We are making waves in Washington, D.C.," Faruolo said. "We've gotten calls by members of Congress for additional information. We have a lobbyist following up with meeting after meeting." The defense committee, along with Amnesty International, has called a Peltier Weekend in Washington, D.C., June 25-26. This marks the 20th anniversary of the "incident at Oglala," the FBI attack that led to the victimization of Peltier. The two-day protest includes a rally in Lafayette Park June 25 and an educational forum at the Ward Building at American University to discuss how to advance the fight to win clemency for Peltier. Committee staff member Bill May told The Militant that confirmed speakers for the weekend include David Dellinger of the War Resisters League, a victim of a government frame-up attempt for his opposition to the war in Vietnam, and Suzy Baer, producer of PBS documentary "Warrior - The Life of Leonard Peltier." Robert Redford, producer of the widely known film on Peltier's case Incident at Oglala, has tentatively agreed to speak. The committee urges supporters of justice to write to President Bill Clinton, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. 20500, and urge him to grant clemency to Peltier. For more information on the 20th anniversary rally and the clemency campaign, contact the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, P.O. Box 583, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. To get an introductory 12-week subscription to the Militant in the U.S., send $10 US to: The Militant, 410 West Street, New York, NY 10014. For subscription rates to other countries, send e-mail to themilitant@igc.apc.org or write to the above address. --------- "RE: UN Indigenous Draft Declaration" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 02:05:34 -1000 (HST) From: iitc@igc.apc.org (International Indian Treaty Council) Subj: IITC Update on UN Indigenous Draft Declaration Mailing List: Taino-L [Editorial Note: READ Part two of this issue for further _CRITICAL_ developments!!] INTERNATIONAL INDIAN TREATY COUNCIL UPDATE, OCTOBER 14, 1996 THE DRAFT DECLARATION FOR THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES On March 3, 1995 the 51st Session of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights passed a formal resolution creating a new open-ended, inter-sessional Working Group to continue discussions on the Draft Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within the United Nations system. The resolution (E/C.N.4/1995/32) was adopted by consensus of the CHR member States (countries) after several weeks of caucusing, debates and intense discussion among the government delegates, as well as concerted lobbying efforts by IITC and other Indigenous non-governmental organizations (NGO's) to insure the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the next phase of discussions on the Declaration. This newly created Intersessional Working Group (IWG) met for the first time in November 1995, and is scheduled to meet for the second time October 21- November 1, 1996 in Geneva, Switzerland. To date, more than 90 Indigenous Peoples, organizations, tribes and Nations have applied for and received special U.N. credentials for the purpose of their participation in this Working Group. Some representatives of the U.N. member States (Countries) participating in the first Intersessional Working Group in 1995 expressed their opposition to the strong guarantees of indigenous rights in the current text. But the unified voice of the Indigenous participants in support of the current text insured that the Draft Declaration emerged from this first session intact. Some States have, however, expressed their intention to implement changes in the current text during the second session of the Intersessional Working Group, with or without Indigenous Peoples' agreement. The adoption by the United Nations of a Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is one of the primary stated objectives for the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples which officially began on December 19, 1994, and has long been a goal of Indigenous organizations working at the U.N. When finally approved by the U.N. General Assembly, this Declaration will establish an international standard which recognizes Indigenous Peoples' rights under international law. The current text of the Draft Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the product of 13 years of work by the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The Draft Declaration reflects the input and consensus of hundreds of Indigenous representatives from throughout the world, as well as many U.N. experts and a growing number of U.N. member States. In the summer of 1994, the current text of the Draft Declaration was passed by both the Working Group on Indigenous Populations and the 46th Session of the U.N. Subcommission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. The next step in the Declarations' progress through the U.N. system its current consideration by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. The CHR's 51st Session was the first time the Declaration was formally discussed by the U.N.'s member States. The Intersessional Working Group was created at that time as an ad-hoc Working Group which will further discuss the Draft Declaration and bring its conclusions back to the full body. According to current U.N. protocol, the 53 member countries of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights will have to approve the text of the Declaration before it is submitted to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and then to the General Assembly for final adoption. Indigenous Peoples and organizations have anticipated a struggle to preserve the current version once the countries become directly involved in discussions of its content at the level of the CHR. Some countries have stated their intention to weaken the Draft Declaration's strong language in support of Indigenous Peoples' self-determination and land rights. Opposition to the current text's use of Indigenous "Peoples" has been expressed by the United States, Canada, Brazil and other governments because self-determination is internationally recognized as the right of all "Peoples". Instead, these governments are advocating for the much more general and weaker term Indigenous "people" or "populations" to be used in the document, a change that Indigenous NGO's and Peoples continue to vehemently oppose. In addition, many countries have expressed opposition to the Draft Declaration's strong support for the right of Indigenous Peoples to control and own their traditional lands and territories, as well to and use, control and protect their natural resources, traditional lands and waters. At the 51st CHR Session, since the actual text was not yet under discussion, participating Indigenous organizations focussed on the critical issue of assuring the participation of not only the 12 Indigenous NGO's with ECOSOC "Consultative Status", such as IITC, who would be able to participate in a CHR Working Group already under existing U.N. procedures, but also for organizations, Nations, tribes and communities without Consultative Status who would ordinarily not be credentialed. This effort faced considerable initial opposition from many countries to a broader level of Indigenous participation, as well as arguments that it would represent a departure from accepted U.N. protocol. But with the support of a few "friendly" governments, the Indigenous delegations were able to achieve an agreement that Indigenous organizations and Peoples would be able participate in this Working Group through a special credentialing procedure. The process for requesting credentials by non-Consultative Status organizations and Peoples was established under an addendum to the Commission resolution. Participation by groups credentialed though this process consists of the right to be present and to make written or oral statements ("interventions"), and also provides considerable opportunity to speak with the country delegations directly. Indigenous NGO's and Peoples do not have voting rights but are able to make a considerable impact through lobbying, assisting with drafting resolutions and making interventions on key issues. Advance application and approval of credentials is necessary. (Please contact IITC for information.) In a practice objected to by Indigenous Peoples but mandated by existing U.N. protocol, the country in which an Indigenous group is located has the right to veto their application for these special credentials. This has happened in a handful of cases to date, mainly in the Asian region. Although very involved at every step with the Draft Declaration up to this point, the IITC understands that the Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is ultimately a document which the member countries of the U.N. will agree to abide by and uphold recognizing the inalienable and inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples around the world. Indigenous Peoples will not be required to agree to it, and will not be limited or restricted by its content (article 44 of the Draft Declaration specifically states this point). However, it is in the best interests of Indigenous Peoples around the world that the final Declaration be as strong and far reaching as possible. To achieve this end it is necessary that we participate and express our views to countries openly and formally at every possible opportunity. In the long run, most countries realize that a Declaration that does not have the basic support of Indigenous Peoples will be of little value or legitimacy to the United Nations or its member States. This "legitimization" factor is the basis of the considerable clout that Indigenous organizations and Peoples will continue to have in the process, for as long as we consider it productive to remain directly involved. The IITC is very aware, after 22 years of working in this arena, that U.N. protocol and bureaucracy are confusing, discouraging and at times infuriating to Indigenous Peoples, who should be able to have a full and unfettered voice and participation as Sovereign Nations and Peoples. U.N. work, which we believe will eventually lead to this full recognition, is a step-by-step process which requires strategic planning and great perseverance for every small step forward. Maintaining and building upon the unified position of Indigenous Peoples around the world in support of the Draft Declaration is critical at this time. We believe that this unprecedented level of international consensus as well as its strong in support of all Indigenous Peoples' inherent rights are the reasons that the Draft Declaration is now being taken so seriously by countries, including the United States. Because the Draft Declaration is such a critical document and will require continued strong support from Indigenous Peoples to protect its most essential elements, the IITC encourages all interested Indigenous Peoples, tribes, Nations and organizations to apply for credentials to participate in the Intersessional Working Group on the Draft Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (for participation in the U.N. process without the need for any special credentials, the Working Group on Indigenous Populations continues to meet each summer in Geneva). In addition, Indian Tribal Leaders and organizations are urgently requested to write or call their contacts in the United States government (or in others countries if based outside the U.S.) and to pass resolutions in support of the current text of the Draft Declaration, its strong protection and recognition of Indigenous rights, its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly and its full implementation by the United Nations' member States. INTERNATIONAL INDIAN TREATY COUNCIL http://www.aloha.net/nation/iitc Information Office Administrative Office 54 Mint Street, Suite #400 456 N. Alaska Street San Francisco, California 94103 Palmer, Alaska 99645 Telephone: (415) 512-1501 Telephone: (907) 745-4482 Fax: (415) 512-1507 Fax: (970) 745-4484 E-mail: iitc@igc.apc.org E-mail: iitcak@corcom.com Draft Declaration & Related Documents http://aloha.net/nation/iitc/draftdec.html --------- "RE: CNO's School Accreditation" --------- Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 09:54:50 -0500 From: Cherokee Observer Subj: CNO's School Accreditation in Jeopardy? Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.native The following article was published October 19, 1996 in the Tahlequah Times Journal. It was written by Journal Special Writer, Connie Webb. "Officials at Sequoyah High School were scrambling to maintain the Cherokee Nation run institution's accreditation status and listed Jim Quetone as Superintendent to avoid a repeat of a disposition violation they were cited with last year. Last year the school was cited by the North Central Association, a national accreditation agency, for a violation because "Superintendent's transcript and certification was [sic] not on file," according to a notation on this year's application. In the section listed as steps taken to correct last year's violations it states "A certificated Superintendent has been appointed," as of 10-14-96. The signature of Quetone fills the space listed for the Superintendent in the application and he is listed as the Superintendent on page one of the application. Quetone, who said he is the tribe's director of education, is designated on the school's North Central Association accreditation form as the Superintendent, a position allegedly held by Dr. Gloria Sly. However, Quetone denied that he is the superintendent and claims he only signed the forms because Dr. Sly was out of town and the deadline for completing the application would not allow a delay for her return. The statement on the application regarding the appointment of a certificated Superintendent "may be somewhat misleading," said Quetone. This situation has some parents and teachers concerned that the school will lose its accreditation status because they feel Quetone's signature as the Superintendent amounts to falsification of school records. If that were to happen students who graduate from Sequoyah would receive an attendance certificate but not an official high school diploma. One of the requirements of national accreditation status is the superintendent must be certificated, said a spokesperson with the North Central Association State Accreditiating Office in Oklahoma City. And at the present time Dr. Sly does not meet that criteria. Dr. Sly's position as the school superintendent has been questioned for the past year because she does not have the required certifications necessary to obtain a superintendent certificate. She was issued a provisional superintendent certificate by the Oklahoma Board of Education so she could continue to maintain her position with the school. But even that has been questioned because according to Sly's transcript and the state's requirements for issuing a provisional superintendent certificate, she was lacking credentials in three areas: a valid teaching certificate, two years of teaching experience at an appropriate level in an accredited elementary or secondary school, and she had not passed the curriculum examination. According to [Oklahoma] State Superintendent of Schools Sandy Garrett, "This is 1996, and we don't have to follow the old regulations. We are waiving all kinds of certification requirements. This is not unusual, we do it all the time." But according to Gerald Fishinghawk, a member of Sequoyah's accreditation steering committee, Dr. Sly did not have a transcript on file at the school last year and doesn't this year either. A situation that netted the school a violation from the North Central Accreditation Association. "We can't use the same excuse two years in a row," Fishinghawk said. "Mr. Quetone signed the application this year. I don't know whether he signed the application in the capacity of Director of Education or as Superintendent of the School." Fishinghawk said his only concern was the application be submitted on time before the deadline expired. Quetone denied he is the school's superintendent and added that as director of education he had the authority to sign the application in light of Dr. Sly's absence. But when asked if Dr. Sly was still, in fact, the Superintendent for Sequoyah, Quetone avoided a direct answer and said, "I'm not saying she is and I'm not saying she's not." According to a source at the Cherokee Nation, Dr. Sly is in the process of being removed because she was unable to meet the requirements for the position. Earlier this year members of the Sequoyah School board recommended that Dr. Sly be replaced with a qualified applicant, Delton Cox, who had 29 years experience and is a certificated Superintendent. Principal Chief Joe Byrd over-rode the school board's decision during a tribal council meeting in support of Dr. Sly. In addition, he appointed a former football coach from the Hulbert school system to the position of principal at Sequoyah High School in spite of the fact that, Leroy Qualls, like Dr. Sly, was not qualified for the position and had to be issued a provisional principal certificate. Qualls is qualified to be an elementary principal, but not a high school principal. The Times-Journal was still waiting at press time for a response from the North Central Association on whether it was proper for Quetone to sign the accreditation application and represent himself as the school's superintendent, or whether his action will jeopardize the continued accreditation of the school. ********The END********* This article posted courtesy of your only independent Cherokee newspaper, the CHEROKEE OBSERVER......keeping you updated on the headlines. The Cherokee Observer is published monthly...snailmail subscriptions are available. For more info: e-mail cwyob@mailhost.galstar.com - or snailmail: The Cherokee Observer, P.O. Box 1301, Jay,OK 74346-1301 - or call/fax: (918)-253-8752. --------- "RE: How ICWA Ends the Year" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 21:25:55 GMT Subj: How ICWA ends the year From: tcross820@aol.com Newsgroups: apc.indig.info,soc.culture.native,alt.native This posting is written by the National Indian Child Welfare Association, staff member David Simmons ICWA Legislative Summary - 1996 The Congress began with renewed attacks on the ICWA from House of Representatives members Deborah Pryce (OH-R) and Todd Tiahrt (KS-R). Both introduced stand alone bills, H.R. 3156 and H.R. 3275 respectively, which sought to limit ICWA protections to Indian children and curtail tribal involvement in child custody proceedings involving their member children. Supporters of this legislation argued that tribes were abusing their rights under ICWA and treating Indian children as chattel. Tribes and advocates for Indian children, such as NICWA, began a campaign to educate Congress on the harsh effects these bills would have on Indian children, families, and tribes. While debate continued on the ICWA stand alone bills another larger adoption bill (H.R. 3286) began to pick up momentum. This bill included tax credits for adoption and amendments to further limit consideration of race or culture in foster care or adoptive placements. Congresswoman Pryce, working with the Rules Committee of which she was a member, was able to attach several of the amendments from H.R. 3156 and 3275 to the larger adoption bill. Now passage of anti-ICWA amendments in the House began to look even more serious. At this point Congressman Young (AK-R), Chairman of the House Resources Committee moved to get a referral for Title III of H.R. 3286 which contained the anti-ICWA amendments. Under his leadership the House Resources Committee struck out the ICWA amendments. While this should have sent the bill to the House floor without any ICWA amendments, the Rules Committee decided to reinsert the controversial ICWA amendments. Now the battle would go to the House floor with Congressman Young leading an effort to again strike out the ICWA amendments. On a vote of 212 to 195 the motion by Don Young to remove the ICWA amendments under Title III failed. An hour later H.R. 3286 passed the House and was on to the Senate. In the Senate a different strategy was utilized to stop passage of anti- ICWA amendments and address the concerns of those members that were critical of the ICWA. Senator McCain, in recognition of the lack of input tribes had been given urged representatives from both tribes and the adoption community to jointly develop legislative solutions to the concerns surrounding the ICWA. With the leadership of the National Indian Child Welfare Association, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and National Congress of American Indians this goal was achieved. A draft set of alternative ICWA amendments was submitted to Senator McCain in June which eventually received the support of the National Congress of American Indians and its member tribes, American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, Clinton Administration, Congresswoman Pryce, Child Welfare League of America, North American Council on Adoptable Children, and American Human Association. Shortly after the Senate received H.R. 3286 for consideration, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator McCain, received jurisdiction over the anti-ICWA amendments in Title III of H.R. 3286. The Indian Affairs Committee moved quickly to strike these amendments, while also scheduling a hearing on the alternative amendments that tribes and other organizations had developed. The hearing, which took place on June 26, provided a solid base of information that supported the measured approach that the alternative amendments followed while clearly identifying the multiple problems that the ICWA amendments in H.R. 3286 proposed. The hearing provided the first time that tribes have been given any formal opportunity to provide input on the ICWA amendments in H.R. 3286. In July 16th Senator John McCain and Congressman Don Young introduced the alternative ICWA amendments as S. 1962 and H.R. 3828 respectively. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee reported out S. 1962 on July 24th with no changes and the House Resources Committee reported out H.R. 3828 in a similar fashion. Meanwhile, H.R. 3286 had stalled in the Senate with talk of ?parting out? the different provisions and placing them in other bills. The Senate made the first effort to bring their alternative ICWA bill, S. 1962, to the floor for a vote right before the August Senate recess. While much effort was made to resolve last minute concerns that a few Senators had regarding S. 1962 the effort was derailed at the last hour by holds put on the bill based on a letter from the National Right to Life Committee. The letter alleged that S. 1962 would further complicate adoptions of Indian children and possibly encourage abortions. While the substance of the letter was questionable it caused Senate leadership to delay voting on S. 1962 until after the August recess. Meanwhile, the House went to recess without bringing H.R. 3828 to the floor for a vote. The Senate came back in September with renewed efforts by Senator McCain to resolve the last minute concerns over the ICWA raised by the National Right to Life Committee. After several attempts at resolving the issues with the National Right to Life Committee Senator McCain moved the bill to the Senate floor on September 26th. The Senate passed the bill without objection with only a few days left in the session. The House, however, would prove to difficult to get a vote on either S. 1962 or H.R. 3828 before the session ended. Republican leadership in the House did not allow a vote on either bill based on their concerns over the National Right to Life Committee?s allegations and pressure to move other higher priority bills. What Will Happen With ICWA Next Year The year ended much the way it had begun with the current ICWA law still intact. However, the controversy over the ICWA in Congress is not over and will likely continue into the next year, especially when considering Congresswoman Pryce?s clearly stated intention to revisit ICWA again for what she calls more substantive amendments. Tribes and Indian organizations must now prepare for another year of congressional challenges - challenges that may go beyond the scope of recent times as groups such as the National Council for Adoption attempt to achieve an all out repeal of the ICWA. What can tribes do now to prepare for next year? The most important things to do are strengthen support for the Indian Child Welfare Act at all levels. Information should focus on how ICWA works in voluntary adoptions, the tribes role, the state courts role (when in state court), how tribal sovereignty works for the best interests of the Indian child, professional resources (staff, services, etc) that tribes have available for adoptions, and the variety of placement options that tribes often contemplate (with child?s relatives, other Indian and non-Indian families, etc). You may also want to advocate for the McCain and Young ICWA amendments contained in S. 1962 and H.R. 3828 and why these legislative responses to concerns regarding the application of ICWA in voluntary adoptions are the most reasonable and effective choices. Individuals and groups that your advocacy should focus on include: 1. Your Congressional delegation. 2. Your state governor?s administration. 3. Your state bar association (Indian, adoption, and family law sections). 4. Adoption agencies, child advocacy groups, religious organizations, and anti-abortion groups that you have a prior relationship or connection with. Focus on how ICWA is pro-family and S. 1962 provides more certainty in Indian adoptions. For more information please contact NICWA staff member David Simmons at (503) 222-4044, ext. 19. --------- "RE: Historic Preservation Deadline" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 15:57:06 -0700 (PDT) From: "Wm. Whatley" Subj: IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Proposed 36CFR800 amendments! Mailing List: TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu) VERY IMPORTANT... A reminder that the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (achp@achp.gov) has designated November 12, 1996 as the deadline for submitting comments relevant to the proposed changes and modifications to the Section 106 compliance process as defined in 36 CFR Part 800. HOWEVER, note that a federally recognized tribe may request a 30 day extension for submitting comments (Dec. 12) but that said extension must be submitted prior to November 12. The ACHP E-mail address stated above can evidently be used for submitting comments by any interested person, or, for submitting a request for extension by an authorized Tribal representative. NOTE that all information relevant to the proposed changes and modifications, including a complete copy of Section 106, can be obtained from the ACHP web-site at http://www.achp.gov. These proposed changes are very critical and they have a strong bearing on one of the few strong laws we have that can actually be used to protect and preserve archaeological sites. Pay particular attention to Subpart A and its reference to "alternate procedures" for compliance; Subpart B and its permissive action to allow "phased identification"; ensurance of "public dissemination of any resulting archaeological studies"; use of EIS or EA for Section 106 compliance procedures; consideration of historic properties & Section 106 process during emergencies (forest fires, floods, etc [hopefully not controlled burns that get out-of-control]); Subpart C and its establishment of "categorical exclusions". MOST OF ALL, take note of Subpart C and its proposed inclusion of "properties of traditional religious and cultural importance" as "historic properties" that could then be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our Preservation Program here at the Pueblo of Jemez is particularly opposed to this measure as we do not want our "locations of spiritual significance" listed in bill-board style on the National Register and we do not want the "vested interest" of the Federal govt. that seems to accompany a National Register listing. Our locations of spiritual significance deserve legal protection & preservation by means of their own legislative act, otherwise, we would rather permit them to pass into peaceful silence that avoids any disclosure. There are many other changes that are being proposed which may not sit well with Tribal administrations and preservation programs. I strongly encourage those who have not inspected these proposed changes to review them and provide your comments to the ACHP. Thank you all for granting me the opportunity to share this concern, Respectfully yours, William J. Whatley Preservation Officer & Director of the Dept. of Natural Resources, Office of the Governor, Pueblo of Jemez quasho@nmia.com --------- "RE: Historical Misperceptions" --------- Date: 10:17 AM Oct 19, 1996 From: 71542.622@compuserve.com Subj: Historical Misperceptions Newsgroup: igc.indig.education This is how the first group of Carlisle Indian School students were introduced to the local community in October, 1879. The school was in operation for 39 years and was often publicized in the Carlisle newspapers. In light of the discussions on this mailing list, I think it's helpful to be reminded of the misperceptions that go deep into our history. THE INDIANS About twelve o'clock on Sunday night Captain Pratt arrived at the Junction with eighty-six Sioux Indian children, whom he had just selected from the Rosebud and Pine Sage agency, varying in age from ten to seventeen. Their dress was curious, made of different cheap material, and representing all the shades and colors. Cheap jewelry was worn by the girls. Their moccasins are covered with fancy bead work. They carry heavy blankets or shawls with them, and their appearance would not suggest that their toilet was a matter of care. Some of them were very pretty, while others are extremely homely. All possessed the large black eye, beautiful pearl-white teeth, the high cheek-bone, straight-cut mouth and peculiar nose. The school is made up of 63 boys and 23 girls. The reason that there are more boys than girls is that the girls command a ready sale in their tribes at all times, while no value is attached to the boys. About 3000 savages assembled at the agency the night previous to the departure of the party, and kept up a continual howling through the night. On the cars and here they have been very orderly and quiet. Four sons of the famous chief, Spotted Tail, are among the number. The majority of the party are made up of sons and daughters of chiefs. An interpreter and his wife are with the party, and will remain. The boys will be uniformed in gray material, similar to that worn by the two Indian instructors who have been here for some time. The girls will wear soft woolen dresses. The girls are now stationed in the buildings formerly occupied by the officers, and the boys in the building to the north of the grounds. Capt. Pratt has selected a gentleman from Williamsport, who will act as superintendent. Our citizens are greatly interested in the school, and we know Captain Pratt will be heartily seconded in his good work by our citizens. Carlisle "Valley Sentinel" Friday, October 10, 1879 page 5, column 5 --------- "RE: Cops Assault Female Inmates" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 18:49:20 -0700 From: Brian Hauk Subject: Canada cops assault female inmates UUCP email BY BRIGITTE GROUIX TORONTO - The Canadian Broadcast Corporation program "The Fifth Estate" aired part of a 90-minute video February 22 that shocked many working people across Canada. It documented a brutal assault and strip search of female inmates at the Kingston Prison for Women in April 1994. The video shows male members of the riot squad, armed with truncheons, going through the cells of female inmates and rousing them from sleep. The cops then ripped off the women's clothing, searched them, shackled them, and forced them to kneel and parade nude. A Corrections Canada report released last month cleared the squad of any wrongdoing. "The men did their job the way they were supposed to," said prison warden Therese LeBlanc, who co-authored the report. "The procedures were followed." Prison officials said that the emergency response team was called in after four days of unrest in which inmates yelled obscenities, set fires, threw urine at guards, and stabbed one guard with a needle. In an interview with the Toronto Sun, inmate Brenda Morrison said the emergency response team "treated us horribly. They left us naked and shackled in the cell and opened all the windows, and left us like this for 24 hours." One inmate reported that the trouble started when a prison guard told a native woman, "Why don't you string yourselves up like the rest of them?" The guard was referring to a rash of suicides by native women at the prison several years ago. But by the time the riot squad arrived, Morrison said, "we were singing powwow, native spiritual songs, trying to make ourselves happy." After the riot squad did their dirty work, women had to sign a form consenting to a vaginal and rectal search before being allowed to shower. Six women were sent into isolation for 23 hours a day. All were kept there for at least six months. Others were transferred to the Kingston Penitentiary for men. A new report authored by Correctional Investigator Ron Steward gave a more accurate view of the actions taken by Canada prison officials. It said, "The video-tape-shows a massive display of force-in the face of no resistance." Steward added that the excessive force was intended to degrade and dehumanize the prisoners. He accused the Correctional Service of Canada of trying to whitewash the affair, calling its internal investigative report "at best incomplete, inconclusive and self serving." Steward recommended that the prisoners be compensated. Solicitor-General Herbert Gray has now ordered an independent investigation. To get an introductory 12-week subscription to the Militant in the U.S., send $10 US to: The Militant, 410 West Street, New York, NY, 10014. For subscription rates to other countries, send e-mail to themilitant@igc.apc.org or write to the above address. --------- "RE: Great Vanishing Act" --------- Date: 10:46 AM Oct 16, 1996 From: es051322@orion.yorku.ca Subj: Churchill Falls and the Great Vanishing Act Newsgroup: igc.indig.canada By Peter Armitage Harry Houdini didn't have a monopoly on vanishing acts. Moreover, such acts were never restricted to the world of magic. One of the best vanishing acts I've seen in recent weeks is the "vanishing" of the Innu people of Labrador and Quebec during the debate over Churchill Falls power. Our provincial politicians, pundits, and news media have done a wonderful job of ignoring Innu history and rights in the region flooded by the Churchill Falls project. The Innu have vanished from the political map of Canada thanks to this great silence. How many people know that, not too long ago, the Smallwood Reservoir was comprised of numerous lakes with Innu names such as Meshikamau and Meshikamass? How many people realize that this region was once an important cross-roads in the trading networks of the Innu both prior to and after the arrival of Europeans? How many people understand that Innu gravesites were flooded when the Smallwood Reservoir was created, and that their traplines and hunting areas were destroyed? I saw a damaged Innu gravesite during August 1995 as a member of an archaeological team surveying the Meshikamass portion of the reservoir. We found the skeletal remains of an Innu teenager eroding out of a sand bank as a result of the flooding. These remains came from the same grave that Mina Hubbard stumbled across while travelling to Fort Chimo in 1905. We also found numerous tent rings and two pre-contact sites, one dating to about 1200 A.D. the other to about 1000 B.C. These sites all attest to the lengthy history of occupation of central Labrador by the Innu and their ancestors. Prior to the flooding of Meshikamau and other lakes, only a slap-dash archaeological survey had been completed. In 1967, Innu elders from Sheshatshu directed two archaeologists working for the National Museum of Canada to an important Innu gathering site in the northwest corner of Meshikamau. The archaeologists visited this site which subsequently became known as GcDc-1 in archaeological parlance. We, too, visited this once famous gathering site during our 1995 survey. There was absolutely nothing left; not so much as a tent ring or an arrow point. Zero! The shoreline had been completely denuded by the flooding. It looked as if a nuclear weapon had been dropped at the site because of the scouring and erosion caused by ice and water. Innu history at Meshikamau had been erased just as it has been in the media discourse about the Churchill Falls contract. The Smallwood Reservoir was created in the absence of a treaty and without the permission of the Innu people. No compensation was ever paid to the Innu people, and they have seen little if any direct benefits from the project. To make matters worse, the federal government's land claims policy states that the Innu will not be compensated for past alienation of their lands. So, when Newfoundlanders complain about the gross injustice that resulted from the signing of the Churchill Falls contract with Hydro-Quebec, and when we listen to Premier Tobin's pleas throughout Canada for some kind of rectification, maybe we should all remember that behind the power contract, lies a far greater injustice. This is the alienation of Innu lands in Central Labrador without permission and without treaty. I hear silence. Is anyone listening? =========================================================================== Peter Armitage is a St.John's-based anthropologist and consultant to the Innu Nation. =========================================================================== --------- "RE: Cherokee OK Gas Tax Petition" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 07:29:21 -0500 From: Cherokee Observer Subj: Cherokee Officials OK Gas Tax Petition Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.native by Donna Hales--staff writer--Muskogee Phoenix--10/17/96 Majority of council favors contract with state, Principal Chief Joe Byrd says. A petition for the Cherokee people to vote on the [Cherokee Nation] Tribe's motor fuels contract with the state [Oklahoma] has been validated by tribal election officials. David Cornsilk, editor of the Cherokee Observer and one of the petitioners, said Jennie Battles, tribal comptroller, notified him tuesday that tribal officials had determined the 266 people registered voters had signed the petition--90 more than would have been required. The petition was sent to Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Joe Byrd. Byrd said Wednesday that the Cherokee Constitution states all elections on measures referred to the people shall be conducted at the next regular general election, except when the council or the principal chief shall order a special election. The majority of the council favored the gas contract with the state, as did Byrd. "They (Cherokees against the gas contract with the state) need to understand why we are negotiating with the state. "More and more money from congress is going to be turned over to the state in the form of block grants. It's time to start negotiating with the state." And Byrd said there is no way the contract will be put on hold until the election in 1999. Jim Wilcoxen, general counsel for the tribe, said when petitioners began gathering signatures that the contract would stay in effect until a vote of the people nullifies the contract. Wilcoxen has questioned why Cherokees would want to rescind the contract that calls for the motor fuels tax on gasoline sales on tribal land and then receive part of the tax back from the state. Should Cherokee voters ultimately reject the contract, it could cost the tribe between $60 to $100 million over a 20 year period, Wilcoxen predicted. Petitioners contend the state isn't entitled to taxes for goods sold on tribal land and that the tribe should fight in court any attempt by the state to collect such taxes. The contract infringes on the Cherokee Nation's sovereignty and the Cherokee people should decide the issue, not the chief or the council, petitioners say. There are things more important than money and sovereignty is one of them, according to petitioner Robin Mayes. Cornsilk couldn't be reached for comment, Wednesday night. --------- "RE: ITBC Request for Proposal" --------- Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 11:28:03 -0400 From: Bambi Kraus Subj: ITBC Request for Proposal UUCP email Public Notice effective 10/4/96 PLEASE POST!! Request for Proposal - World Wide Web Publishing and Marketing Services: Information Service Provider and Multi-media Technology Design. Scope of Work - Assist with establishing commercial or local internet Access for ITBC membership, World Wide Web presence design/development, and End User Training/Support. The InterTribal Bison Cooperative, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has a membership of 40 Tribes with a collective bison herd of over 7,000. The ITBC central office is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. The ITBC is committed to reestablishing buffalo herds on Indian lands in a manner that promotes cultural enhancement, spiritual revitalization, ecological restoration, and culturally appropriate economic development through art product development, meat market sales, art market sales, media promotions, and organizational comprehensive marketing. ITBC is interested in utilizing the internet as a communication tool and for purposes of engaging the public via the World Wide Web (interactive multimedia) on marketing and delivering cultural education experiences related to the bison. The ITBC is seeking qualified Web publishing & marketing services and support through html programming and graphic design. The RFP is intended to establish an effective on-line marketing tool for ITBC via the Internet. The RFP includes the goal of establishing information sharing/access for ITBC member tribes via the Internet. The RFP addresses start-up issues and will serve as the cornerstone for future telecommunications developments to support ITBC mission and goals. For a complete copy of the RFP, please send a request to: InterTribal Bison Cooperative Attn: Mark Heckert P.O. Box 8105 Rapid City, SD 57709-8105 605-394-9730 FAX 605-394-7742 e-mail: itbc@rapidcity.com --------- "RE: Living In Two Worlds" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 19:05:29 -0700 (PDT) From: Raven Wolf Subj: Living In Two Worlds/ " tobacco" UUCP email Hau mitakolapi, My elder say's one can live in one world and work in another. This is not easy..it is not easy to do both in one or the other meaning the white culture and or the red culture.. To me the white culture is that: a culture, a way of thinking, a way of doing, a way of a religion of choice,a way of manipulating the truth, a political way of leading the people's, a way of destruction, a way of money is the source of decisions for the people and for the future generations,a way based on ego and through the mind and their souls through the church of choice or not at all, a way of industry run a muck not for the good of the people,a way of possessiveness(owning), a way of what ever the word is for class,poor, rich,middle,deadbeats,etc..etc.., a way that is all exclusive according to one's personal choices, Most of all a way that has been bastardized for eon's as to what their original instructions were and probably still are only no one looks for them or their commonalties..they say American..Their is no American culture..there is old world culture many of us have it genetically..What was done here and created here was done by man and the truths about that are available to read and understand and look around and see.. So the red culture..it is not a culture as culture is a white word..it is "Chunka Luta Mani" walk the red road..the red road is to walk,believe, think,aspire to, give up to, suffer-up for,seek to understand, there is no religion there is inclusiveness of all, a way of life based on the generations that came before us and those that will come after us..spirituality in in everything, a way to live life on a daily basis be it Hunting (ie working), or ceremonies (honoring,asking for help,or marriages. etc) walking this way is a state of mind of being,and of heart.. The only real conflict is that it is difficult...at times some more than others...different tribes,different rituals,different legends, but same original instructions.... All four nations..the yellow ,the white, the black, and the red got their original inst..we were caretaker's of turtle island basically..the whites were to invent and when and if it brought harm to the people get rid of it..the black and yellow escape me at the moment but i think the yellow was the recorder's..all four nations knew they were to meet one another.."this was in the beginning" the white said to heck with that we will prosper on our own as supposedly threw their's away though i have heard they have been found.. With my teachings have come the virtues..some of which i mentioned the other day awareness, belief,patience,respect,endurance,give-a-way,silence (a loneness), be happy,obedience (mind), the past and future generations (remembrance),care about one another love,and spirit (great and all things)honor,..there are more.. There is no way one can walk this way and that way..that is a zig-zag circle.. there is a way to carry the virtue's into one's other work place and affiliations with others..without being dis-honest or rude..it's all a matter of perspective i suppose..one can only make those choices for their self..no matter what your blood lines are..it is difficult even being with those that say they are walking this way as most are also un-learning and re-learning...for me the concepts are easy..i have been chastised all my life for them..only to find out most of them are native thought processes..my earlier teachers were books my earliest were the one-legged's and the four leggeds and the plant peoples..after books many false teacher's but enough lessons to push me forwards until now.. I believe i will always be learning; my dna has many memories. I am not a native American, i am a descendent of the first Peoples and I walk the chunka luta through the grace of Taku Wakan." I will close this with part of what i learned recently was to look be on the obvious that appears in front of me..where i see so plainly what is happening or being said or done..look be on my interpretation and be on my solution..Things that have been written here in the sky village's the past 3 days have upset me..based only on where i have walked and where my family have walked..I have to think be on this and am doing so part of that resting from that came these words i have shared..I wrote them for me.. Hetcatu Yelo Mitakuye Oyasin .. /// /// As long as the \ // / / \ //// _/ / Eagle's fly \_ //// / \___/ / so shall we / \_ /,)-_ ( \_ \ (/ \ \ / \\\\ cunsi raven ~~````~~` // <- - -(('- -<<< --------- "RE: AIM/Satanism" --------- Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 12:47:35 -0400 From: "Jordan S. Dill" Subj: AIM/Satanism Newsgroup: alt.native [Editorial Note: As a strong supporter of the goals and ideas of AIM I find this misassociation most disturbing and call for public denouncement!] Good day all...there have been some recent postings re AIM and some West Coast "individuals" who have intimated they and Cult activity is aligned with the American Indian Movement. So as to put this farce to bed, I pass along the following information: Subject: Re: [Fwd: >>>>PLEASE READ NOW!!!<<<<] ALRIGHT DAMN IT!!!!! Let me explain this to you idiots once and for all. Satan is a product of Judeo/Christian history and theology. There has to be evil in order for there to be Good...Get it??? If you want to be a member of a Satanic church or cult or coven or whatever...then by all means...have a blast....BUT KEEP AIM OUT OF IT!!!!! The American Indian Movement is based entirely on traditional spiritualism...Native spiritualism. If there are AIM members that are Satanists then they in themselves are an oxymoron. To whomever is sponsoring this "art" show and attaching AIM's name to it...be advised. The information I have gathered on this event is being presented this very week to Clyde Bellecourt (AIM National Executive Director), Dennis Banks (AIM National Field Director) and Executive Directors of AIM Chapters Nationwide. How, do you ask? Simple. It is being presented to them at the National Conference of American Indians going on in Phoenix, Arizona this week. Why will they listen to me? Again, simple. I am a current member of AIM and have been for quite some time. I am a researcher and digging out this kind of slanderous information and shedding light on it is what I do best. To anyone else reading this post...Neither The AIM National Board of Directors or any Chapter Executive Directors to whom I have spoken since I first heard about this either sanctions or condones this "event". To my brothers and sisters in the struggle...this is just another battle to fight. Keep in the Spirit and remember we are STILL STRONG. In the Spirit, A. R. Mader American Indian Movement Arizona Chapter Ayatohihi... First Nations/First Peoples Issues (4 Star Magellan site) Wounded Knee Home Page American Indian Movement PGP public key available upon request... --------- "RE: What's in a Name?" --------- Date: 16 Oct 96 23:49:00 From: JOHN.WALTER@igloo.magicnet.com (JOHN WALTER) Subj: What's in a name? Newsgroup: alt.native Let's hear a cheer for the population of Denendeh for keeping things in perspective. Denendeh is the heartland of the Dene Nation in what is now known as The North-West Territories. Anyway, in 1999, with the coming into being of Nunavut, the Eastern Arctic Inuit homeland/territory/province, "The North-West Territories will officially disappear off the maps. A dilemma for bureaucrats: "What's the 'Official' name for what's left of the NWT after Nunavut?!" To the majority of the population in the area concerned it's Denendeh (Home/Land of The People). It's been Denendeh for hundreds of thousands of years, since this present world began. But it's probably, "... just too Aboriginal...not Canadian enough..." for the Guiding Lights of the immigrant-governments. So the present territorial government decided to put some taxpayer dollars to use to hold a Referendum. Everybody in the territory would get to vote for any of a half-dozen of the bureaucrats' choices or write in their own choice. The immigrant-government thought they'd latched onto a real winner of an issue. Much safer than dealing with skyrocketing TB infections and the 5000+ families packed in houses with 2 or 3 other families because there's no housing available at all. Heck, they even had songs written about the naming and banners were bought and posters of such magnificent splendour were printed that the printers wept in joy all the way to the bank. The politicians were so busy attending "Heritage Galas" and slapping each other on the back for this great idea that several had to apply for Workers' Comp for sore backs and chronic indigestion. But there was a party-pooper lurking in the wings. The folks at biggest radio station (as well as The Sane Majority, 99.999% of the folks up there that don't have that twisted gene that causes terminal politics) thought this whole referendum thing was just a stupid, stupendous waste of time, energy and money. So they urged voters in the Official Referendum to write in a certain name, "... a simple name that really symbolized 'The True North Strong and Free!!'... " and By Golly! the people came through!!! Over seventy-seven percent (77%) of the voters expressed their solemn belief that the new territory should be called... "BOB" ... !!! Her Majesty's Government of The North-West Territories is not amused. They have declared the results of the referendum null and void, and the new official name will be chosen by government-appointed committee. (One Member of Her Majesty's Government was overheard saying, "So there! It's our sandbox and we can play what we want." JW) --------- "RE: University of Washington Job" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 20:20:43 -0600 From: Pauline Shafer Subj: University of Washington Job Announcement Mailing List: AISESnet Discussion List (aisesnet@victor.umt.edu) Subject: University of Washington Job Announcement TWO IN ONE POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON IN AMERICAN POLITICS The Department of Political Science at the University of Washington is seeking candidates for two new Assistant Professor positions in American Politics. One position is committed to the study of national political institutions and policy processes (Congress, presidency, parties, bureaucratic politics, courts). The second position is identified for a specialist in American national policy processes with emphasis on one or more of the following: macroeconomic policy, regulatory processes, social welfare, health or taxation. Candidates will be expected to conduct skilled theoretical and empirical research and to teach proficiently at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Candidates should have the Ph.D. prior to the starting date of appointment or be ABD. Candidates who fit both descriptions need submit only one application. The deadline for receipt of applications is November 1, 1996. The University of Washington is building a multicultural faculty and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates; the institution is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. To apply, applicants must submit a letter of intent, current C.V., samples of writing including a dissertation abstract, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation to: Bryon Jones American Politics Search Committee Chair Department of Political Science 101 Gowen Hall Box 353530 University of Washington Seattle, WA. 98195-3530 --------- "RE: Voisey Bay Coordinator Job" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 11:14:41 -0300 From: Larry Innes Subj: JOB POSTING: VB Assessment Coordinator Mailing List: Innu People Forum list 14 October 1996 VOISEY'S BAY ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR The Innu Nation has an immediate requirement for a Voisey's Bay Assessment Coordinator. This will be a two-year full-time contract position, based in Davis Inlet, Labrador. The Voisey's Bay Assessment Coordinator will function as a key member of the Innu Nation's working group on the Voisey's Bay mining development. Background Inco, the world's largest nickel producer, would like to develop a mine near Davis Inlet, an Innu community on the North Coast of Labrador. The proposed mine is in an area of overlapping land rights negotiations among the Innu Nation, the Labrador Inuit Association, Newfoundland and Canada. The Innu Nation is in the process of negotiating a fair settlement with Inco, called an Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA). Negotiations on the environmental assessment process of the proposed mine between the Innu Nation, Labrador Inuit Association, Newfoundland and Canada are almost complete, and it is anticipated that the process will begin shortly. Responsibilities The Coordinator will be a member of the Innu Nation IBA negotiations team and will help to implement the Innu Nation's environmental assessment of the proposed mine. The Coordinator will be the primary liaison between the Innu Nation, technical experts, government officials and company staff. Additional duties of the Coordinator include working with the Innu Nation Environmental Monitor to review the permit applications and current exploration activity at the site. The Coordinator will be up-to-date on technical issues associated with the proposed mine, and will serve as a resource for information within the Innu Nation, to community members in Davis Inlet and Sheshatshiu and to other interested parties. The Voisey's Bay Assessment Coordinator falls under the supervision of the Directors of Innu Rights and the Environment, Kashetan Rich and Daniel Ashini. The Coordinator will require excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, a familiarity with mining issue and impacts, and a working knowledge of environmental assessment. Work experience with First Nations in Northern communities is a definite asset, as is expertise in environmental or social research. A willingness to relocate to Davis Inlet and to travel extensively at short notice is also required. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information about the position, please contact Rina MacKillop at the Innu Nation office in Davis Inlet, tel. (709) 478-8943. Faxes may be sent to (709) 478-8833. Larry Innes Visit the Innu Nation WWW site: Environmental Advisor http://www.web.net/~innu Innu Nation P.O. Box 119, Sheshatshiu, Labrador, Canada A0P 1M0 phone: (709) 497-8398 email: innuenv@web.net fax: (709) 497-8396 \/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/=\/= --------- "RE: Poem: Earth is a Drum" --------- Date: Mon, 16 Sep 1996 19:22:23 -0400 From: "David B. Bowden" Subj: Dances With Pain UUCP email I was watching the movie Dances With Wolves. During the scene when they come across the Buffalo killed by the white hunters tears came to my eyes. I wrote a poem to reflect how I feel about it all. Dances With Pain Wolf is gone Total dread Everything's gone Bufflo's dead. Streams that used To run so clear Everything's gone Bufflo's dead. My pain is real My heart is sad Everything's gone Bufflo's dead. Why don't they Understand Everything's gone Bufflo's dead. Horror filled The people cry Can't you see Why we cry. The buffalo are part of the land so dear Now they're gone Our ways not clear. To the Creator I pray To the Creator I cry To see the land renewed Before I die. My heart then sings My spirit soars The land will be renewed For the people once more. The wolf will roam The streams will clear The Buffalo will return To the plains again. David --------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" --------- Date: 96/10/21 03:31 From: Debra F. Sanders (dfsanders@genie.geis.com) Subj: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days genie email A HAWAIIAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of October 27-November 2 KEPAKEMAPA (September) (Mahoe Hope) 27 The sunlight weaves dappled patterns of leaves upon the grass. 28 Only the wind can speak my true name. 29 The leaves sigh with the wind's caress. 30 In knowledge lies the greatest power. 31 The moon is my guardian on this night of nights. NOWEMAPA (November) (Welehu) November was the first month of the Hoo-ilo season, which ran from November through April. This month marked the season when people, for sport, darted arrows made of the flower stalk of the sugar-cane. 1 Know your own heart as no other can. 2 The reward for all endeavors is self-satisfaction. (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, 24 October 96 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows not previously posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L genie email Date: 9:02 AM Oct 15, 1996 From: rkershaw@canuck.com Subj: "Cross Cultural Conference - Pincher" Newsgroup: igc.indig.education NAPI FRIENDSHIP CENTRE 7th Annual Cross Cultural Conference January 22-24, 1997 - Pincher Creek, Alberta Call for Presentations BUILDING OUR FUTURE: Kindling the Spirit of Youth PROPOSALS FOR WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS are now being accepted for next year's Napi Cross-Cultural Conference. Oral presentations of approximately 15-20 minutes duration are requested. Presentations which use audio-visual aids and have a hands-on component are greatly encouraged. The overall conference theme is "Building Our Future: Kindling the Spirit of Youth." The conference recognizes today's youth are key links between our Native and non-Native communities. But these youngsters face great social, economic, and spiritual challenges. As adults, we face the challenge of teaching our youth to move into their futures in positive and constructive ways. In the long, the future of our youth is also our future. What do you see as the challenges and opportunities facing our youth, and ourselves in working with youth? How can we strengthen our youth through cross-cultural sharing? What are the specific challenges faced by aboriginal youth in a predominantly non-aboriginal society? We encourage proposals from academics, business people and professionals, as well as involved community members. Our preference is for presentations which include analysis and background, but which are essentially positive and practical in their approach. We hope our presenters will foster dialogue with each other and the audience. While the conference is aimed primarily at adults, we encourage proposals from adults and youth. NAPI FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION BOX 657, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 Phone (403) 627-4224 Fax (403) 627-2564 Email: okinapi@canuck.com SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL: Here's your chance to promote your theory, share your knowledge or test your ideas. You are invited to submit a presentation proposal on any of the five major topics listed below, as related to the workshop theme, "Building Our Future: Kindling the Spirit of Youth." The specific titles are meant as examples though we welcome propsals for these precise subjects, as well as your own ideas. Presenters are responsible for all theor own travel expenses. We will try to billet presenters here, if they wish, and will waive workshop and pow-wow fees. TOPIC: MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH Examples -Effective parenting at the end of the millenium: new challenges, new opportunities -The importance of exercise and sports for mental and physical health -Cultural identification and suicide prevention: building self-esteem -Creating a future beond drug and alcohol addiction -AIDS education and prevention: can traditional values help keep our youth alive TOPIC: THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND YOUTH Examples -Using traditional discipline to help youthfull offenders -Comuunity sentencing circles for youthful offenders -Youth crimes in an era of youth services cutbacks -Restoring trust between youth and adults: can Elders bridge the gap? -Alternative after-school programs -- can they help prevent crime and social problems TOPIC: SPIRITUALITY AND TRADITIONAL CULTURE Examples -Does loss of traditional languages lead to loss of traditional cultures? -Traditional spirituality and environmental education -Building new relationships between Elders and youth -Can traditional cultures help youth meet the challenges of self-determination? -Cross-Cultural encounters and cultural determinism: reinventing traditions for youth TOPIC: EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT Examples -Do aboriginal cross-cultural courses have a legitimate place in public education? -Building aboriginal education in an era of drastic cutbacks -Training vs education: Should schools focus more directly on job preparation? -First Nations Studies programs: are they for Native or non-Native students? -Education and jobs: special challenges for young single mothers -Integrating Special Needs children into the classroom TOPIC: POPULAR CULTURE Examples -Native American designs: fad, fashion or cultural appropriation? -Disney's Pocahontas: a role model or a step back for aboriginal girls? -Can Native youth stay true to their culture in their search for show business success? -How to foster youth participation in traditional pow-wows -Gambling: economic boon or more undesirable temptations for our youth? PRESENTATION PROPOSAL (Please type or neatly print information) Please complete both sides of this form and mail, email or fax to: NAPI FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION Box 657, Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0 Fax: 403-627-2564 Email: okinapi@canuck.com Presenter's Name(s) Job Title or Association Position Company, School or Organization Tribal Affiliation Mailing Address Phone Fax Email Workshop Topic and Presentation Title Biographical Sketch of Presenter (especially as related to this proposal): Please give a detailed description of your proposed presentation below, or enclose a tape with a recorded oral description. Be sure to indicate presentation objectives; whether audio-visual equipment will be used; your presentation's specific relevance to our overall workshop them; and whether the presentation will have practical value for the audience. Remember, your presentation should be geared to an adult audience, but should not require prior knowledge of the subject. ----------------------------------- Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 21:09:39 GMT From: betsy@mps.ohio-state.edu Subj: Native American Law Symposium (25 Oct., Salt Lake City) For those of you who are interested in Native Ameircan Law there is an interesting happening in Salt Lake City Utah: Second Annual Native American Law Symposium: Archaeological, Religious, and Repatriation Implications for Land Use and Ownership Friday, October 25, 1996 University of Utah - College of Law Salt Lake City, Utah Symposium registration information is available by calling Mary Ellen Slogan at (801) 531-6541 or Raquelle Myers at (801) 978-2653. CLE Credit, including Ethics Credit, is available. The Symposium registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. The webpage is: http://raven.umnh.utah.edu/Utah.NA.law.html ----------------------------------- Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 20:19:31 -0400 From: James Duncan Subj: Planting of 5th tree Newsgroup: alt.native O SI YO' (Greetings) We will be planting the 5th tree of our journey this thursday the 24th in Morganton, NC at 10:00 AM.. It will be along the Catawba River on a site that is being provided by the City of Morganton. All are invited. We can be reached @ 501-651-3070 While here Check out our web site. WA DO James Duncan Trail Of Joy - The Return ----------------------------------- Date: 17 Oct 1996 00:56:00 -0400 From: sahtu@aol.com (Sahtu) Subj: UC Berkeley 17th Annual Public Health Conference 17th Annual Public Health Conference for Prospective Students of Color Saturday, October 19, 1996 8:30 am to 4:00 pm 22 Warren Hall UC Berkeley Campus Keynote Speaker: Edgar Quiroz, MPH, Shnior Account Executive, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan on "New Challenges and New Opportunities in Public Health for People of Color" ------------------------------ Interested in a graduate degree in Public Health? You're invited to a one-day conference featuring UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and alumni! - Learn about Public Health careers and programs of study at UC Berkeley School of Public Health. - Receive information ou the applicatioa process for the Schools of Public Health at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and San Diego State University. For registration and parking information call: Dewey St. Germaine, Conference Coordinator American Indian Graduate Program (510) 642-3228 ----------------------------------- Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 07:01:19 -0700 (PDT) From: Larry Kibbey Subj: "Elko Te-Moak Youth Pow-Wow" (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 06:49:31 -0700 (PDT) From: Larry Kibbey To: aisesnet_drum@server.umt.edu Subj: "Elko Te-Moak Youth Pow-Wow" The Elko Te-Moak Youth Pow-Wow Committee is hosting their Fifth Annual Pow-Wow October 18-20, 1996n Free Barbecue Oct. 20, Sunday of Beef, Elk and Deer meat. More than $15,000 in Prize money to be awarded. This years theme: "Honor Our Children, The Future of Our Nations" What: Fifth Annual Elko/Te-Moak Pow-Wow Place: Elko Indian Colony Gym Elko, Nevada Spiritual Leader: Billy Washnee, Anadarko, Oklahoma Master of Ceremonies: David BrownEagle, Spokane, Washington Arena Director: Alex & Leo Shepherd, Cedar City, Utah Host Drum: Blackstone, Skatchewan, Canada Head Man Dancer: Lorrin Sammaripa, Fort Duchesne, Utah Head Woman Dancer: Janet George, Golden Dale, Washington Dance Registration Oct. 18 2:00 p.m. Grand Entry - Oct. 18 - Friday 7:00 p.m. Grand Entry - Oct. 19 - Saturday 11:00a.m. Grand Entry - Oct. 20 - Sunday 11:00 a.m. For further information contact: Ms. Melanie Tom - (702) 744-4383 ============================================================= We'll be at the Horse Pens 40 Native American Festival Steele, Alabama, Oct. 26-28. Lots of good stuff... Info: 800-421-8564 ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- 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: International Indian Treaty Council, Brian Hauk, Janet Smith, John Walter, Pauline Shafer, Larry Innes, David B. Bowden, Debra F. Sanders, Bambi Kraus, David Simmons, Raven Wolf, Jordan Dill, Connie Webb/Tahlequah Times Journal and Donna Hale/Muskogee Phoenix via Marvin and Linda Summerfield/Cherokee Observer, William J. Whatley, Louis D. Alarcon, Scott Crawford, Dan Umstead, Carol Edgerton, Doug Heiken via Pam Bodine -//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Part B of this newsletter has already been distributed via the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists. --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - online" --------- Date: Thu, 24 October 96 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows already posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L genie email Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 14:56:50 +0000 From: bweatherston@uvcs.uvic.ca (Brenda Weatherston) Subj: Workshop: Land Claims Negotiations and GIS Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) ============================================ WORKSHOP: LAND CLAIMS NEGOTIATIONS AND GIS ============================================ offered through the University of Victoria, Division of Continuing Studies First Nations negotiating land claims are faced with complex challenges, including the need to identify and map land and resource interests. This two-day workshop provides you with practical information on the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for identification and mapping within a treaty negotiation context, with particular emphasis on the ways in which it supports both information management and decision making. Through lectures, discussion, and hands-on demonstration sessions, you will become familiar with the various spatial requirements in the land-claims process, along with the uses and limitations of GIS in land and resource interest identification. Topics include: + an introduction to GIS + introduction to land interest identification + spatial components of the land claim and settlement process + mapping land use and occupancy + mapping land potential Case studies are used to illustrate the options available within GIS to express distinct First Nations values, attitudes, and concerns in land use. Instructors: Frank Duerden is a Professor in the School of Applied Geography, Ryerson Polytechnic University. He has been involved in land claim processes in Canada for several years and worked extensively with the Council for Yukon Indians through the negotiation of the Yukon land claim agreement. He has special interests in land and resource issues and GIS applications to land claim processes. In the 1980's he directed the Yukon Indian Lands Mapping Project and for the past three years he has been involved in a project examining applications of traditional environmental knowledge. Peter Keller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria, with a cross-appointment to the School for Earth and Ocean Sciences. His research interests and teaching are in cartography, geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, and his research program focuses on the advancement of GIS towards better tools for decision making. DATES: Monday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 10, 1996; 9 am to 4 pm Registration Deadline: November 29, 1996 WHO SHOULD ATTEND: First Nations Tribal Councilors, negotiators, researchers, GIS managers and technicians, and others involved in the land claims negotiation process. Hands-on experience with GIS is not a requirement. ACCOMMODATION: Available on-campus; please contact Housing and Conference Services at (250) 721-8395. Please contact us for information on off-campus alternatives. For more information, please contact: Brenda Weatherston, Program Coordinator Cultural Resource Management, Division of Continuing Studies University of Victoria PO Box 3030 Victoria, BC V8W 3N6 CANADA Telephone: (250) 721-8462 Fax: (250) 721-8774 Email: bweatherston@uvcs.uvic.ca --------- "RE: Indigenous Peoples Walk Out" --------- Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 12:36:25 -1000 From: scott@hookele.com (Scott Crawford) Subj: Indigenous Peoples Walk Out Of the UN Working Group on Draft Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) URGENT ALERT - This press release and the following messages have been issued from Geneva with a call for support from around the world. Please redistribute this message through your networks, and e-mail your support to netwarriors@hookele.com and/or fax: 0041 22 917 03 34, and contact your government, state department/indigenous affairs, and put pressure on to strengthen the position of the Indigenous Nations and Peoples in Geneva that the Draft Declaration be adopted in its entirety. Please send us your support by fax immediately so that we can carry and present your support and rights tomorrow Fax: 0041 22 917 03 34 The full text of the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and related documents can be reviewed at: http://www.aloha.net/nation/iitc/decltext.html <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> PRESS STATEMENT: 22 OCTOBER 1996 2:00 P.M. at the United Nations in Geneva Switzerland (NATIVEWARRIORS...Sending to our Brothers and Sisters the night before for zour prazers and zour spirits to be with us when we tell it to the world.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE for more information contact: netwarriors@hookele.com fax: 0041 22 917 03 34 Indigenous Peoples Representatives Walk Out Of the UN Inter-Sessional Working Group on the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples A unanimous mass walk out by Indigenous Nations and Peoples was provoked today in Geneva, Switzerland at a U.N. meeting on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. After two days of discussions Indigenous participants agreed to present a proposal to the chairman of the Inter-sessional Working Group on the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, suggesting that the existing Draft Declaration be immediately adopted without changes or amendments. After the proposal was presented by Mr. Moana Jackson of the Maori delegation, it was simply ignored by the chairman and state representatives. Several attempts to reintroduce the proposal by other Indigenous delegates were also dismissed by the chair. Indigenous delegations immediately left the proceedings. Indigenous delegations refused to enter into a colonial process designed to allow states to dilute and change the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. After twelve years spent by Indigenous Peoples developing a Draft Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, UN member states are now trying to frame the debate on the basis of antiquated notions of state and individual rights. Such a framework cannot encompass and protect the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples. The UN Charter itself defines the collective rights of peoples as the inherent "right of self-determination" by which "they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development." Over the past 20 years, the international Indigenous Peoples movement has worked toward the development of new standards in international law and human rights to take into account the rights of Indigenous Nations and Peoples. The inherent right of self determination of Indigenous Peoples as expressed in article 3 of the UN Draft Declaration is continually being denied by states. Indeed, states continue to define the rights of Indigenous Peoples in colonial terms. Indigenous representatives are frustrated that state governments are attempting to diminish the substance of the Draft Declaration in a process not scheduled to be completed until the year 2004. Some states have said they will only recognize individual rights in the declaration they are going to draft. These and other factors remain major points of disagreement between states and Indigenous Nations and Peoples. The mass walk out leaves state government representatives in the embarrassing position of drafting their own declaration on the rights of Indigenous people without Indigenous participation or consent. After the Indigenous Peoples' walkout, several state representatives requested negotiations in an effort to bring Indigenous representation back into the proceedings. Contact People: Latin America: Marcelo Orellana Coordinacion Pueblos Indigenos Cento y Sud America Pacific Region: Moana Sinclair, Te Kawau Maro North America: Steve Newcomb, Indigenous Law Institute East Asia: Boris Voyer, International Working Group on Indigenous Affairs. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> netwarriors@hookele.com fax: 0041 22 917 03 34 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES GLOBAL CRISIS STAND OFF Net Warriors Kekula P. Bray-Crawford, Pacific Peoples Indigenous Organization Committee Lori Pourier, Indigenous Womens Network Crystal Echohawk, Indigenous Women's Network Steve Newcomb, Indigenous Law Institute --------- "RE: Outrage at the Disrespect" --------- Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 12:38:34 -1000 From: scott@hookele.com (Scott Crawford) Subj: Outrage at the disrespect shown towards Indigenous peoples Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) > ----- forwarded message -----> Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am writing to you as a young native woman (Pawnee) who has been a party and witness to the current discussions concerning the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva. I am writing to my brothers and sisters to express my outrage at the disrespect that was shown towards the Indigenous peoples by the member States- the colonizers and our oppressors. They made it clear that they think little of Indigenous peoples and our claims to self-determination. While they are willingly to grant us minor concessions, they refuse to accept us as sovereign nations and peoples. They have made it clear that the colonial, imperialistic and genocidal practices of the last 500 years will continue, the only difference is in its methods and the language that their oppression and domination is couched in. Brothers and Sisters, we have fought long and hard for our peoples very survival and right to self-determination. Although we as Indigenous peoples, represent many diverse groups, with different experiences and sensibilities, we all have one thing in common-our oppression by the colonizing powers of the world. We must unite and work together. Today we must say BASTA !as our brothers and sisters, the Zapatistas in Chiapas, Mexico, did in 1994, as we work to take what is inherently ours-respect for Indigenous peoples and the right for self-determination. We have incredible power as people united together. Please write to us with your suggestions, your criticisms, your support. This is not only our struggle in Geneva, it is all of our's! WE CAN WIN IF WE UNITE AND FIGHT OUR OPPRESSORS TOGETHER! MUCH LOVE & WALK IN BEAUTY, CRYSTAL ECHOHAWK-NETWARRIOR <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Please send us your support by fax immediately so that we can carry and present your support and rights tomorrow Fax: 0041 22 917 03 34 ATTN: Net Warriors , Indigenous Peoples Global Caucus Geneva 1996 Standoff <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The full text of the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and related documents can be reviewed at: http://www.aloha.net/nation/iitc/decltext.html <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Contact People: Latin America: Marcelo Orellana Coordination Pueblos Indigenos Cento y Sud America Pacific Region: Moana Sinclair, Te Kawau Maro North America: Steve Newcomb, Indigenous Law Institute East Asia: Boris Voyer, International Working Group on Indigenous Affairs. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> netwarriors@hookele.com fax: 0041 22 917 03 34 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES GLOBAL CRISIS STAND OFF Net Warriors Kekula P. Bray-Crawford, Pacific Peoples Indigenous Organization Committee Lori Pourier, Indigenous Womens Network Crystal Echohawk, Indigenous Womens Network Steve Newcomb, Indigenous Law Institute --------- "RE: Statement from the Caucus" --------- Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 12:40:28 -1000 From: scott@hookele.com (Scott Crawford) Subj: Statement from the caucus of Indigenous Peoples at the UN Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) GENERAL COMMENT Statement from the caucus of Indigenous Peoples on Monday, October 21, 1996 We hereby request that this open-ended inter-sessional working group (established in accordance with Commission on Human Rights resolution 1995/32 of 3 March 1995) immediately adopt the draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, without change, amendment or deletion. We furthermore respectively call upon all participants to this session to engage in a general debate on the fundamental issues and concepts of the draft Declaration. All indigenous nations, peoples and organisations present regard the draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as currently drafted, as the minimum standards for the promotion and protection of the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples. We wish to make clear that indigenous peoples will not engage in a dialogue which dilutes or changes the draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. When this was read the chair Jose Urruita moved on to Brazil's recommendation to amend the governments proposal to combine article 10 with article 11. He ignored us completely and treated it as a diplomatic statement stating that he would make sure it would be included in the final report. We intervened with statements requesting the chair to return to our proposal. He then said that we were not allowed to make proposals that only governments could move to make proposals. No governments supported our position, none. The chair then ignored us us and continue with his agenda. We walked. We convened into another caucus to discuss what we would do. We had allies of non-indigenous organisations who reported to us every few minutes on the discussions taking place. Several governments supported our proposal. Brazil was the First as they are eager to begin minimizing the document. Other governments followed. By the end of the afternoon - all governments mandated the Chair to meet with us and find solution to the problem. South Africa stated: Mr. Chairman, we supported the appointment of your seat to chair this meeting and you will not remain there much longer if your do not remedy this situation as quickly as possible. Other governments agreed that we must be a part of the process.. We took a stand that the Chair would have to come to us now... come to our caucus to address all of us. We began drafting news releases for the press conference tomorrow. The world Council of churches responded immediately and began coordinating all press , they have set up a press room for us where we can receive faxes at: 0041 22 917 03 34 Attention: Net Warriors We need your prayers and we need your network support. Please get all our Indigenous Peoples, Native Peoples, First Nation Peoples, and friendly supporters... to send us their support for our position to shift the status of Rights and Freedom for Indigenous Peoples YOUR LETTERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL OUR PEOPLES HERE - Contact People: Latin America: Marcelo Orellana Coordination Pueblos Indigenos Cento y Sud America Pacific Region: Moana Sinclair, Te Kawau Maro North America: Steve Newcomb, Indigenous Law Institute East Asia: Boris Voyer, International Working Group on Indigenous Affairs. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The full text of the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and related documents can be reviewed at: http://www.aloha.net/nation/iitc/decltext.html <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> INDIGENOUS PEOPLES GLOBAL CRISIS STAND OFF Net Warriors netwarriors@hookele.com fax: 0041 22 917 03 34 Kekula P. Bray-Crawford, Pacific Peoples Indigenous Organization Committee Lori Pourier, Indigenous Womens Network Crystal Echohawk, Indigenous Womens Network Steve Newcomb, Indigenous Law Institute --------- "RE: White Pine Acid Solution Mine" --------- Date: Mon, 14 Oct 1996 15:30:00 -0600 From: cedgerton@mail.soemadison.wisc.edu (Carol Edgerton) Subj: White Pine acid solution mine (Michigan) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) More information being forwarded on White Pine Mine--refer to "Happy 1842 Treaty Anniversary." From: Walt Bresette Date: Sun, 13 Oct 1996 10:27:01 -0500 Subject: Paranoid Ramblings of White Pinemania THE BIG PICTURE & WHITE PINE ACID MINE: It's a bad trip The recently authorized sulfuric acid "solution mine" at White Pine, Michigan fits into the larger "minerals district" scenario as documented by Al Gedicks in his work "New Resource Wars." Like the many other mines hoping to come on-line in the near future they, like the White Pine mine, is in a massive sulfide ore body. Unlike the others, White Pine has already been mined out and the metallic sulfide waste already is polluting the environment. The acid solution mining is ostensibly seeking to recover the remaining ore from the pillars of the abandoned mine. However in talks with local folks it is becoming clear that this may not be the case after all. Instead, the acid mining operation in being developed as a disposal site for the acid generated as a by-product of the smelting operation at White Pine; they have made application for a new smelter with a capacity much larger than that needed for the 900 million pounds of copper left in the abandoned mine. The Smelter is the Issue They don't need a smelter for a "solution mine," They do need a "solution mine" for a smelter. With a regionally-based smelter, all of the other planned mines will be more cost-effective. Rather than shipping the ore to Canada or elsewhere, they than ship it a few miles up to White Pine, Michigan. With an available regional smelter, investors will be more likely to give the necessary go-ahead. The Mining Moratorium is the Issue This January the Wisconsin legislature will reconsider a moratorium on the banning of metallic sulfide mining. If successful it will effectively delay the "minerals district" for a few generations. And, without ore to process at White Pine, there will be no need to do a "full scale" solution mine. The solution mine is tied to the smelter; the smelter is tied to other ore bodies; the developing of the other ore bodies in the minerals district are largely in Wisconsin and the moratorium will cut it off. The Ceded Territory is the Issue The Chippewa Treaty of 1842 which sold to the U.S. northern Wisconsin and that portion of Michigan where White Pine is located is in the way of both the White Pine solution mine and almost parallels the proposed "minerals district." If the Chippewa assert their 1842 Treaty rights, they become active players in the region's development. The Bad River Chippewa rail system is the only current line to White Pine. Should they retain control over this system they effectively cut off the only lifeline to the mine; it will be constipated until other lines are developed. Should they further assert their rights beyond the reservation - throughout Ceded Territory - there is no way to have rail systems to the smelter or to the mines without Chippewa permission. The Actors are the Issue In Wisconsin, the key player has been James Klauser. He is an expert lobbyist for the Exxon minerals corporation. When this little hick lawyer Tommy Thompson from Elroy, Wisconsin was put in as Governor, the rigging of state government was a fait accomplait. Through Klauser, the interests of the "minerals district" were accomplished: Thompson was recreated as an innovative, trend-setting, pro-business and welfare national character. Bedazzled by that, he let Klauser do what he wanted, which was to first changed the reputation of the state as progressive, then to weaken the laws which would prevented the minerals district. He's accomplished both and is now being reassigned back to his old law firm, probably as an Exxon lobbyist. His new task will be to defeat the mining moratorium and weaken tribal resolve on treaty rights. The International Cartel is the Issue Klauser's Exxon is in partnership with Rio Algom, a Canada multinational. Rio Algom is in partnership with INMET, a fellow Canadian multinational - they are developing a new mine in Peru. INMET is in partnership with BHP, an Australian based multinational - they are in litigation over environmental disaster at their OK Tedi mine in New Guinea. BHP is the supplier of sulfuric acid from their Arizona plant which is railed to White Pine via the Bad River Chippewa Reservation; BHP also is in the process of developing mining near the Mole Lake and Crandon areas where Exxon/Rio Algom is seeking a metallic sulfide mine. The sulfuric acid from BHP is railed via Wisconsin Central, Ltd., a multinational rail line with holdings in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and New Zealand. The negotiator for Wisconsin Central in the dispute with Bad River is Richard White, a New Zealander who was brought in when the rail line nearly blew up Wauyaweyga in central Wisconsin. Wisconsin Central, a union busting railroad, has top officials who are key advisors and contributors to Governor Tommy Thompson. Up until December 6th of this year, Thompson had as his key state aide James Klauser. The Regulators are the Issue Despite clear authority both the MDEQ (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - a new branch created by Michigan Governor John Engler) and the U.S. EPA have failed in their stated duties to protect the public and environment from White Pine effluents. White Pine has breached a chloride-laced brine aquifer which is flowing into the mine but neither agency is holding them accountable; this brine will fill the entire mine in 40 years, flow into the Mineral River and then flow five mile north into Lake Superior killing all living organism in its path including up to 50 acres of Lake Superior. White Pine has produces 11 square miles of metallic sulfide waste which is polluting the Mineral River and adjoining areas; there is no reclamation plan for this tailings area which is so huge it can be seen from the space shuttle. Prior to forced shut down, White Pine was the heaviest loader of mercury (1000 pounds annually) from their now abandoned smelter ("They were never in compliance," EPA, Ashland hearings). EPA, which can't decided if they will allow 11 billion gallons of acid solution to be stored permanently into a leaky, toxic hole five miles from Lake Superior, announced on October 3 that the dilapidated rail line across the Bad River Chippewa Reservation was safe for sulfuric acid transport. Et Cetera The above issues are incomplete but it certainly appears from here that there is a huge, multinational cartel which has control of state and federal regulators with designs to develop a minerals district in the upper Great Lakes. The barriers were progressive state government and laws, but now appeared weakened sufficiently. The remaining barriers are new initiatives such as a moratorium and old problems like Indians and treaties. Let's hope these ramblings are the fantasy of a paranoid aging hippie. If not, if we're not wrong, then the people and the Great Lakes are in for a hell of ride in the next few decades. Please give Al Gore a call. --------- "RE: Oneida Nation, Council Agree" --------- Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 16:32:01 +0000 From: umstead@oneida-nation.org (Dan Umstead) Subj: Oneida Nation, Council on Problem Gambling Agree on Plan Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Turning Stone, Council on Problem Gambling Agree on Plan VERONA, NY -- Turning Stone Casino and the New York Council on Problem Gambling announced today agreement to enter into a contract to educate the staff and guests of Turning Stone Casino regarding problem and compulsive gambling issues. The Council will serve as "education consultant" to the casino. As the education consultant, the Council on Problem Gambling will serve in an advisory role to Turning Stone's management team. The Council will be involved in planning and developing educational programs for casino staff and clientele on problem and compulsive gambling. This is such a positive thing, said Tom O'Donnell, chief operating officer. We recognize our community responsibility and we decided to become actively involved. In some jurisdictions casinos are mandated to participate in such programs, whereas this is voluntary. We searched for more than two years to find the right organization to work with and we're pleased to have reached this agreement with the Council. As part of the one year agreement, the New York Council on Problem Gambling, in cooperation with the Turning Stone Casino management, will consult on, and coordinate with, the casino on educational forums, informational packets, presenters on problem gambling topics, and language for public display and distribution of information on problem gambling. Education sessions conducted by the council for casino staff will provide a comprehensive review and definition of problem gambling and general information on self-help and professional treatment alternatives available through the organization. "The vast majority of Turning Stone guests enjoy casino play without experiencing any difficulty," said Frank Riolo, executive vice president of gaming operations. "Although the percentage of problem gamblers is extremely low relative to the entire customer base, Turning Stone management nonetheless is sensitive to, and concerned with, providing appropriate education about this issue. Laura M. Letson, Executive Director of the Council, said she is pleased with the casino's efforts to educate the public. She said that while it is true that the majority of gamblers do not experience difficulties, problem gambling adversely affects the lives of many New Yorkers and their families. The Council applauds Turning Stone for its initiative in implementing an awareness program for casino employees and customers, said Letson. Turning Stone's program will serve as an important vehicle to persons in need of help, and we are proud to be part of the process. For further comment from the Council, contact Laura M. Letson at 518- 427-1622. For more information contact Ken Zeszutko, Oneida Nation media coordinator, c/o Turning Stone Casino, (315) 361-7896 or visit the Nation's Web Site at http://one-web.org/oneida/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Daniel Umstead The Oneida Indian Nation Internet Coordinator "A Sovereign Nation Oneida Indian Nation in http://one-web.org/oneida/ Cyber-space!" 315-361-6300 http://one-web.org/oneida/ --------- "RE: Reservations Action Alert" --------- Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 04:14:24 -0700 From: pamb@efn.org (Pam) Subj: Reservations Action Alert (fwd) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) If allowed to go through, this project could directly impact the Salmon recovery plans and available water on the reservations in eastern Oregon and Idaho. --------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: 16 Oct 1996 09:48:17 From: Doug Heiken -------------------------------------- Date: 10/15/96 2:54 PM From: WaterWatch OPPOSE THE OREGON DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE'S SNAKE RIVER BASIN WATER GRAB! The state is proposing to "reserve", or set aside for future use, 173,000 acre-ft of water in eastern Oregon's Grande Ronde, Powder, Malheur and Owyhee basins. Most of this water will go for irrigation and other agricultural use. Agriculture already is responsible for taking so much water out of eastern Oregon streams that little remains for fish and other "instream" needs. Unless you speak up, these water "reservations" will lock up nearly all the available water remaining in these basins for future dam projects, with no meaningful protections for instream flows. Once again, WaterWatch needs your help speaking up - either in person or in writing - for instream flows during the on-going "water reservations" process. Public hearings will be held next week (see details below ) and the state is accepting written comments anytime before 5 p.m., Nov. 8, 1996. The state does listen to you! After some earlier hearings on reservations in the John Day and Umatilla basins where opponents of reservations outnumbered proponents, the state decided to postpone action on the John Day and Umatilla basin requests. These latest hearings cover only a portion of the requests filed by the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to reserve more than 4.3 million acre-feet of unallocated water from rivers and streams, existing storage reservoirs, and "future" storage reservoirs in the Columbia Basin. The water would be set aside for "future economic development," with about 75 percent of this water designated for agricultural use. ODA is seeking huge amounts of water throughout Oregon for "multi-purpose storage" projects, but currently, there is no provision that any of this water go for instream flows. OWRD is proposing to offer ODA the following amounts of water in basins tributary to the Snake River: GRANDE RONDE BASIN - 35,900 acre-ft. for future storage in new reservoirs POWDER BASIN - 29,600 acre-ft. for future storage in new reservoirs MALHEUR BASIN - 48,200 acre-ft. for future storage in new reservoirs OWYHEE BASIN - 60,000 acre-ft. for future storage in new reservoirs. Unless the public demands that this process sets aside water for fish, water quality and other instream needs, there won't be water in the future to designate for these uses. We urge you to attend a public hearing or write OWRD and raise these issues: 1) Any reservation adopted must require that a portion of the reserved water go to protect and restore instream flows. 2) ODA also has requested more than 2 million acre-ft. of live streamflow from the Snake and Columbia basins, in direct conflict with regional efforts to restore Columbia Basin flows for endangered salmon. While this request is not being considered by OWRD at this time, it sheds light on ODA's apparent disregard for salmon recovery efforts. 3) The requesting agencies have not demonstrated a need for the water. The requests are based on unidentified future needs that may or may not come to pass. 4) Given the huge amounts of water requested and the fact that Oregon's water is a public resource, the reservation requests should undergo a comprehensive and rigorous public interest review, focusing on the overall impacts of the development proposed by these reservations and their cumulative effects. The review should include hard data on how much water is available in these basins, existing water uses, and economic and environmental needs. 5) To quality as a "multi-purpose storage" project, the project must provide for storage and release of water to meet instream flow needs. In addition to these points, WaterWatch asks that everyone who writes a letter or attends a public hearing provide personal knowledge of the important fishery and other environmental values that would be impacted by ODA. We also would appreciate receiving a copy of your comments. The hearings schedule is as follows: Oct. 21, 7 p.m., LA GRANDE, Extension Office, 10507 N. McAlister Oct. 22, 7 p.m., BAKER CITY, Extension Office, 2610 Grove St. Oct. 23, 7 p.m., ONTARIO, City Hall, 444 S.W. 4th St. Oct. 24, 7 p.m., JORDAN VALLEY, Lions Club Community Center All written comments must be received by OWRD by 5 p.m., Nov. 8, 1996. Written comments can be mailed to: Planning Program, Oregon Water Resources Dept., 158 12th St., N.E., Salem, OR 97310-8130, or faxed to: (503)378-8130. RIVERS NEED WATER for future generations of fish and people, and for good water quality. Please convey this message to the OWRD. If you have questions, please contact Karen Russell or Reed Benson at: (503)295-4039, fax: (503)295-2791 or e-mail: watrwtch@teleport.com. WaterWatch of Oregon RIVERS NEED WATER In addition to these points, WaterWatch asks that everyone who writes a letter or attends a public hearing provide personal knowledge of the important fishery and other environmental values that would be impacted by ODA. We also would appreciate receiving a copy of your comments. The hearings schedule is as follows: Oct. 21, 7 p.m., LA GRANDE, Extension Office, 10507 N. McAlister Oct. 22, 7 p.m., BAKER CITY, Extension Office, 2610 Grove St. Oct. 23, 7 p.m., ONTARIO, City Hall, 444 S.W. 4th St. Oct. 24, 7 p.m., JORDAN VALLEY, Lions Club Community Center All written comments must be received by OWRD by 5 p.m., Nov. 8, 1996. Written comments can be mailed to: Planning Program, Oregon Water Resources Dept., 158 12th St., N.E., Salem, OR 97310-8130, or faxed to: (503)378-8130. RIVERS NEED WATER for future generations of fish and people, and for good water quality. Please convey this message to the OWRD. If you have questions, please contact Karen Russell or Reed Benson at: (503)295-4039, fax: (503)295-2791 or e-mail: watrwtch@teleport.com. WaterWatch of Oregon RIVERS NEED WATER