From gars@netcom.com Wed Jan 14 00:01:22 1998 Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 19:47:06 -0800 (PST) From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews06.001 _ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' O ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ O o O / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' O o O / /-< / /--/ /-- VOLUME 06, ISSUE 001 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 3 January 1998 O o O KANOHEDA ANIYVWIYA Otapi'sin Atsinikiisinaakssin O o O Es'te Opunvk'vmucvse ni-mah-mi-kwa-zoo-min 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 NAT-FILM, Nativeweb, Paths-L lists; Hawaii Nation Info; Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty; NASC News; Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.native; UUCP email Articles appearing have been previously posted for public dissemination and/or permission for inclusion has been secured. Letters of authorization are on file. A list of those granting permission to repost their words in this issue are listed at the end of part A. I thank each of you for allowing your words to be shared with the people. IMPORTANT!! ----------- To all who send copywrite protected articles, make very sure you have permission from the copywrite holder (a newspaper, the AP, a magazine, an author) because a new law is now in effect that says you can be prosecuted even if there is no monetary gain. Just because a newspaper has a website where it posts some or all of its editions does not grant permission for their redistribution. Be careful and be sure you pass on the items you do with full permission. <----<<<< >>>>----> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. ++ It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@netcom.com ++ It is archived at http://www.nanews.org 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://aises.uthscsa.edu/94_dis.html 1995: http://aises.uthscsa.edu/95_dis.html 1996: http://aises.uthscsa.edu/96_dis.html 1997: http://aises.uthscsa.edu/97_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. "My father went on talking to me in a low voice. This is how our people always talk to their children, so low and quiet, the child thinks he is dreaming. But he never forgets." __ Maria Chona, Papago +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! To all who contribute their thoughts and words to this newsletter, I thank you. When I am thanked for sending out this news of the People I always reply it is you who contribute the articles and Creator who the thanks goes to. As a sixth year of sharing begins know well your words bring understanding that would otherwise be denied. Thank you. Jordan S Dill wrote: Am passing this along...very, very, bad news... > > I do have a purpose in writing this email. I know that Adonaset has many > admirers on the list.Adonaset was very seriously injured in a car wreck > on Christmas Eve.One foot was completely crushed and one leg was broken. > His right arm was broken in three places. Faye,his wife,was also badly > injured. Faye has two broken legs, and one knee is broken twice. Their > ten year old daughter was sitting in the back. She is bady shaken up > emotionally, but was not not seriously hurt physically. Neither Fay nor > Adnosaset will be going home from the hospital, but rather to a > rehabilitaion center. > This is a very difficult time for the Forte family. Prayers are > certainly needed for the healing of this family. IMPORTANT!! ----------- To all who send copywrite protected articles, make very sure you have permission from the copywrite holder (a newspaper, the AP, a magazine, an author) because a new law is now in effect that says you can be prosecuted even if there is no monetary gain. Just because a newspaper has a website where it posts some or all of its editions does not grant permission for their redistribution. Be careful and be sure you pass on the items you do with full permission. =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= 135 years ago, on December 26, 1862 the United States, under orders from President Abraham Lincoln, held the largest mass execution in U. S. history. Those executed were 38 Dakota men who had defended the destruction of their homes to accommodate westward migrating Euros. 107 years ago, on December 29, the 7th Calvary of the United States Army committed a wanton and malicious massacre on the People encamped at Wounded Knee. This is one of the great tragedies that must never be forgotten. Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 16:39:39 -0700 From: Randy Whitewolf Subj: In Memory Some the best words I know regarding this day were spoken by Alex White Plume to the Bigfoot Riders in 1993: "So with the killing of our relatives in 1890 at Wounded Knee, here we are in 1993, 103 years after that happened. The U.S. 7th Cavalry today want to come down here and apologize for what they did. As Lakota People, we've only had contact with the white world for 163 years, that's all. And it takes centuries and centuries to develop forms of government, to develop a way to live. And we have not yet developed a ritual to forgive the white man for what he did. We have a ceremony to forgive enemy tribes, Tokakiah ceremony, but that was developed after millions of years of living here. But like I said 163 years is just a blink of the eye, it's just been a short time. And we have not yet adjusted to this way of life. And we have not yet come up with a ritual to forgive the white man for what he did. He can't just come out here and apologize. First he has to 'wipe the tears of our nation'." =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= I have no evidence for my doubt and skepticism, but I find it awfully convenient that the Federal Authorities in Mexico have quickly rounded up and charged those they say are guilty of the massacre in the Chiapas village of Acteal. My doubt is based on the ongoing effort of the Mexican Government to suppress the Mayan Natives of the Chiapas province for the past several years, and surprise of all surprises... those charged with the murder of Mayans are more Mayans. Go figure... Am I the only one who sees reflections of Wounded Knee in this? I have included several articles as they arrived late last week. I have also prefaced them with a very clear article that will help each of us understand why the United States and Mexican Governments each have a vested interest in this purge of the Mayan communal corn fields. Read and learn. =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= Saturday night, December 27 another Lakota elder dropped her robe and began her journey home. Bernice Tail, sister of David Swallow, crossed over at her home in Porcupine, SD. The Lakota also witnessed the passing of Garfield Grassrope. Offer prayers for those left behind by these elders. =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= There is a report in this issue on the retrial of Bear Lincoln. I have but one thought on this patent waste of tax payer money. Susan Massini, the DA who is pursuing this prosecution and persecution, can color this in any shade she wishes; but it is nothing less than political maneuvering on her part. I can only hope the citizens of Ukiah, California see it for what it is, and send her butt back some law firm where she can continue her "legal career." =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= The tragic plight of our elders on the various reservations is so great, their peril so real, their walk so close to the edge that I will continue to feature contact addresses where you can send donations of clothing, food, blankets, money to purchase fuel and repair throughout the winter. As new contacts are received they will be added to the list. PLEASE help the elders. PLEASE help grow this list and help ALL the elders. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 04:10:28 EST From: Miketben Subj: Fwd: Dineh Elders ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- Date: Sat, 27 Dec 1997 17:04:49 EST From: StarCreek Dear Internet Friends, I have seen much conversation on the Dineh elders, I would just like to give a little info. Being we have been up to the reservation, and stayed with a family of elders, I have learned from them many of the exact things that they believe they could use to survive, and make their stay easier there. There are many political issues that have made it very difficult on them, but I would like to report on these issues separately, being I would like to research the facts before just blurting out the what has happened. We returned from our stay with them on Dec 25th. As far as needs, Firewood is a must, and water, but the larger problem her is man power to get these things, for these elders have a hard time getting these basic needs to their own homes. There are some permits to get wood, but so few of us that can go gather. There are some with running water and others have none. They live far apart, and it is hard to get the water to the others. Need some kind of delivery of water to those without. Other needs would be Blankets, Blankets, and more Blankets.... Being wood is only source of heat, they need these to help keep warm when wood is low. Clothes needed, sweats, large and x-large adult sizes, warm socks, all adult sizes, womens and men's. Gloves, large and x-large men's sizes, will fit both the women and men, not only winter gloves, but work gloves. Women need scarves to tie over their heads, (large squares). Shoes, they need waterproof rubber boots, something light weight, that will not collect snow and ice. I am sure there is any more items, but will have a better list after our next trip up there. I will also have more of the facts to write about the political issues. I will also have local address to send things within the next few days. I am not going to do any name calling here, but there are things that the Hopi are fighting for too, like stopping the clear cutting of their sacred peaks. As I see it, if we can compromise to help each other, maybe all these issues can be put to rest. The more you have on your side the better, and unity is the only way we are going to be able to keep any of our sacred lands across the country, all first nations. Mvto (thank you) Star To send donations (secured cash), and/or clothes and blankets, please contact: Bonnie Whitesinger Box 1073 Hotevilla, AZ 86030 Bonnie is Dineh elder and resistor Pauline Whitesinger's daughter. Bonnie, her husband Bob, and their children are at this address. Anything would have to be sent by US postal service, and not UPS as UPS doesn't deliver to PO boxes. BTW, I have been told that often people who send clothes usually send in sizes too small; apparently the Dineh are generally large people. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For additional information or to make donations contact: For the Red Shirt Community: Marvin Helper P.O. Box 312 Hermosa, SD 57744 For Porcupine, Oglala and Wounded Knee: Joe Chasing Horse % P.O. Box 8392 Rapid City, S.D. 57709 For Truck loads & UPS Shipments: Joe Chasing Horse 714 Paha Sapa Drive Rapid City, SD 57701 From: Lora Czarnowsky Adi Defender Project New Dawn PO Box 616 McLaughlin, SD 57642 This is for the various communities on the Standing Rock Reservation. Another contact is actually two projects: One is Santa's Workshop and the other is called Wakanheja Tipi. They are both run by Liam Paterson and his wife. Liam Paterson 1434 Creek Road Manheim, PA 17545 717-665-2727 From: tusweca Darlene Cross PO Box 52 Kyle SD 577075 From: yona@infi.net Toy drive going on for the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte If you would like to donate a toy or more information, you may contact me by email: yona@infi.net or phone me 757-425-7992..you may also drop off a toy if you are in the vicinity of our store Na-va'kee 618 Hilltop West. biah yazzie From: DORSEY.THOMAS_J+@ALBANY.VA.GOV Norma Grassrope Lower Brule Reservation Lower Brule, South Dakota 57028 (605) 473-5594 She is the chair of a charitable group called the Womens Support Group. From: Pioquark@aol.com Clay Watson Pioneer Industries 1100 E. 24th St. Cheyenne, Wy. 82001 (307)778-7860 pioquark@aol.com These donations will be gifted to the Rose Bud and Pine Ridge Reservations in South Dakota and the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. I'm on the road a lot, out back loading the truck etc. PLEASE leave a message if there is no answer.. From: ALBERT SUN BUTLER Ti Ospaye PO Box 200 Wanblee SD 57577 Supporting the elders through personal contact: Adopt A Grandparent Mountain Light Center PO Box 241 Taos NM 87571 TEL: 505 776 8474 FAX: 505 776 8050 For information call 800 291-8474. email: agpmlc@aol.com For the Cherokee, NC Rez and South FL (Now taking one load/week): From: "lonewolf" Lone Wolf -or- Bob and Linda Crowe 1060 N. Bee St. 2800 West Highway 5 Deland, Fl 32720 Bowden, GA 30108 770-258-1536 >From BIGMTLIST The Dineh could use some blankets to help with the cold winters. Bonnie Whitesinger Box 1073 Hotevilla, AZ 86030 Since UPS doesn't deliver to PO boxes, you would have to use parcel post. From: The Stones Another organization you might consider adding to your list is: Lakota Link http://rtt.colorado.edu/~cameron/LakxotaKxoyag.html Ellen Stone The following snailmail addresses are included for help to the Cherry Creek and Bridger communities on the Cheyenne River Rez: Craig and Ruth Cameron LakxotaKxoyag P O Box 176 Jamestown, CO 80455-0176 Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Marvin and Veronica Holy Town of Bridger Representatives P.O. Box 172 Howes, SD 57748 Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Keeler and Freidan Condon Town of Cherry Creek Representatives P.O. Box 181 Cherry Creek, SD 57622 UPS ADDRESS: Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Keeler Condon Town of Cherry Creek Representatives House #11 Cherry Creek, SD 57622. From: FNAIC@aol.com Walking Shield in Southern California regularly send truck loads of food, clothing and needed items to many reservations. They are located at 2472 Chambers Rd. Tustin, CA. 922680 telephone 714-573-1434 Hugh Stevens is the boss. they will only take fairly new and clean used items - any new items - and donations form large corps. They seem to be on the up and up and have helped many local reservations and native organizations. Carol --------------------------------------------- From: leslie@neca.com Pathways to Spirit in Fort Collins Colorado Contact: Carmeen Klausner Phone: 970 282 8573 email pathways@webaccess.net This group is non profit and takes tractor trailer loads of clothes and furniture to Pine Ridge several times each year. --------------------------------------------- From: "g hindsman" Subj: Help for Families on Rez Morning Star Fellowship Circle, Inc. All of the donations are sorted and packed for each family according to size, sex etc. This year we are in particular need of blankets, space heaters, fans and linens (towels and sheets). We have many toys and clothing of all sizes but good winter coats are always useful. We are registered as a private non profit, so receipts can be given for donations. We can always use money donations. We deliver in December, June and in August. We also do mail deliveries occasionally. Over the years, we have made many friends at Pine Ridge, Rosebud, the Crow Agency and others. We try to help with special requests when we can. Morning Star has also been a home away from home for students and elders who are temporarily on the East Coast. Our headquarters are located in Delaware but we have other circles in Virginia, New York, West Virginia, Maryland and soon in Florida. --------------------------------------------- From: Janet S MORNING STAR OUTREACH c/o Cassada 320 N. 31st #13 Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 Charitable organization founded and directed by Dawn & Douglas Cassada. MORNING STAR OUTREACH chooses to offer direct as well as mediation assistance to the United States American Indian Reservations in the form of clothing, bedding, food provisions, toys for the children, scholarship funding and household provisions. This also includes craft items, fabrics, beads, patterns, yarns and notions. MORNING STAR OUTREACH chooses, because of the census reports, to support the reservations of the Native Lakota Sioux Nation within the United States, South and North Dakota. For information about Morning Star you can call or write our Outreach Coordinator at: Morning Star Fellowship Circle, Inc. 321 Beverly Place Wilmington, DE 19809 Phone: 302-764-1178 EMail - candy crow@aol.com --------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 14:03:10 -0800 From: POP ACCOUNT We would ask simply that you take a few minutes to visit our web site at http://www.nightwalker.org/holidays and review the information provided there. If you find it in yourself to help these children, there is a link on the site there to our SSL Secure server for online donations, or you can download and print out a form that can be mailed instead. If you do not have access to the World Wide Web, but would still like to help out, you can send an email to donate@nightwalker.org, and a donation form will be automatically sent back to you. Night Walker Enterprises is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non profit corporation, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by IRS regulations and current US tax law. -------------------------------------------- Those shipping large amounts of materials to reservations may have a great opportunity to facilitate your shipping. This arrived in this week's email, and I have not had an opportunity to pursue it further. I offer it now, in hopes it will help some in the contact list. A lot of reservations are near military facilities. PLEASE let me know how things go if you do attempt to use this service: Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 11:45:42 -0600 Subj: transportation of relief materials Senders name removed by request. FYI For transportation of relief materials by non-profit agencies or groups. Telephone all of your local congressman's offices and request in writing, their assistance in obtaining military transportation assistance. Then contact the nearest military base with an airfield, Public Affairs Office (PAO) and also a written letter to the Base Commander also requesting assistance. The military and in particular the USAF has many cargo aircraft (C-130 Hercules, KC-10, C-141, C-17 and C-5). The State Air National Guard's own C-130's and the US Marines owns a number of C-130 aircraft. Flying Aircrews require a number of training flight hours per quarter to maintain their Flight Proficiency. There is always some aircraft heading in the correct direction. The aircraft cannot deliver to the door but can deliver to within a few hundred miles at the most. Please consider that some of these aircraft weigh 140 Tons or more and will "sink" into concrete less than 18+ inches deep. Therefore they cannot land at just any airfield runway. The shipped materials must be shipped securely fastened on pallets (no loose material, everything sealed in boxes, some restrictions on flammables and no propellents (explosives)). The PAO will provide the necessary guidance. The local Flight Engineers, Loadmasters and even Boy Scouts will help with the inspection, boxing and palletizing. The USAF is always hauling materials (on a non-interference basis naturally) for charitable purposes. No one likes an empty cargo aircraft. =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If any of you have addresses/contacts to add to this list for other Rez's PLEASE email me with them soon. Include some name/info for me to verify where gifts will be sent and how. Winter winds have already brought snow. I am especially concerned about the lack of contacts for the Montana Rez's. email to gars@netcom.com =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= Thanks to Mike Wicks for the following reminder: In Memory (with Respect and Honor) 12.28.1974 Yvette Loraine Lone Hill - AIM supporter killed at Kyle by "unknown party or parties." No investigation. 1.5.1975 Leon L. Swift Bird - AIM member killed at Pine Ridge by Goons. Investigation still "ongoing." 1.5.1976 Lydia Cut Grass - AIM member killed at Wounded Knee by Goons. No investigation. Peace! Night Owl , , Gary Night Owl gars@netcom.com (*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@nanews.org (`-') Marietta, GA 30067, U.S.A. gars@igc.apc.org ===w=w=== gars@bellsouth.net Fax: 770-528-9643 gars@juno.com ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- - Chiapas: You Can Help - Shelve Offensive Sports Mascots - 45 Zapatista Supporters Killed - Tribal Peoples Security Council - Response to Massacre - Walmart - Proposal for National Day of Action - Bear Lincoln Jury News - Who Are the Paramilitaries? - Clinton Sued in High Court - EZLN Communique - Stoney Point Trials - Chiapas: Mayor Charged in Massacre - Peoples' Global Action - From Wounded Knee to Chiapas - Native Spirituality - Buffalo Nations Update - Native Prisoner - Buffalo in Winter - White Feather - Native Leader Silenced - New Moon Prayer - BIA Questions - Poem: Healing - Protection of Intellectual Properties - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days - Cherokees Declare War on TVA - Conferences and Powwows --------- "RE: Chiapas: You Can Help" --------- Date: Fri, 26 Dec 1997 22:20:59 -0400 From: not@inthe.game (justanoldman) Subj: Chiapas, YOU can help.. Newsgroup: alt.native Some non-Native friends phoned to wish me Happy Holidays yesterday, & during our long talk the subject of the 22Dec massacre of Indians in Chiapas came up. When I implied the indirect implication of the USA in this butchery, they were offended & asked me on what grounds was I basing my scolding. After I laid it out for them, they apologized & now understand. (I've lived & worked (as a 'sort-of trainer/resource person') with many people of the Maya & other South/Central American Nations for a total of about 14 months over the past 20 yrs). For those who still think that calling their congress/senate representative means little, thinking that the USA has no connection with the Zapatista Revolt & subsequent bloodshed, read the following... The Latino ranchers & landowners throughout central America & the recently-formed nation-state called Mexico have been slaughtering Indians with virtual immunity for centuries. The notion of private property & ideological opposition to communally owned property are, IMHO, the major root of the conflict. (Racism is also generally inherent to the Latino mindset concerning Indigenous peoples, but land is the trigger that fires the bullets into Indian men, women & children). The present war being waged against the Tzeltal & Lacandon Mayan people in Chiapas was triggered by the corporate community of the United States of America, via it's insistence on the issue of land & property rights during negotiation of Mexico's inclusion in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). These US-based business interests are so opposed to cooperative and/or communal ownership of anything, especially land, that they insisted that Article 27 of the Constitution of Mexico be nullified as a pre-condition to allowing Mexico to join NAFTA. Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution enshrined the right of existence of the village communes (ejidos) of the Indigenous peoples in Mexico, "... forever." It had been part of the constitution since the Revolution led by Emiliano Zapata in 1910. Zapata, a Yaqui Indian, had insisted on its inclusion. But as part of the ratification of the NAFTA agreement, the Mexican government quashed Article 27, revoking collective ownership of any & all land. Lands which have been owned communally by Indians and campesinos too poor to buy a single square foot individually, are now open for individual purchase, thereby paving the way for the extinguishment of the Indians' land base, the heart of Indian life and culture. ("Without our lands, we are nothing..."). Tzeltal & Lacandon Maya know that the loss of Article 27 will quickly lead to the loss of their last link to their Mayan ancestors; their 'milpa,' or cornfield. The most basic & fundamental Mayan religious belief is that the people were molded from corn by the Creator. It is the root of all Life to the Mayan Nation. They are "The People of The Corn". When they plant corn, they are connecting themselves to their Mayan ancestors, to the Creator, & to their future as a people. NAFTA thereby threatens the very survival of the corn-based culture by laying the communal land base, necessary to plant/pray/live, open to expropriation, and by enabling large-scale, non-Mayan agricultural ventures to move in, overwhelm & buy the fragile Indigenous agricultural economy & its people out of existence. It is genocide. The choice given the Maya and other Indian Nations in Mexico is to die quickly by bullets while defending their lands or less quickly, but just as surely, die by the loss of their milpas. Corporate America is 100% responsible for the dramatic & brutal escalation of the land conflict. The Mexican government was the tool used to sow the seeds of death, nothing more. And as for the actual killings... Exhibit "A" for the prosecution... (excerpt from msg posted on NA-Net 08/08/94) According to 2 articles in yesterday's (Aug. 7, 1994) Washington Post (pg. A23and C1-C2), ("Arms Arrive in Mexican Port") it was reported that heavy duty riot control equipment recently arrived in Mexico from the United States and Russia. These include: 1) 18 (13ton) water cannons - from Cadillac Gage Textron, Warren, Mich. (cost: $500,000 each ($40-million) to be used for crowd control 2) Several 17ton Cobra riot control vehicles - from Custom Armoring Pittsfield, Mass. (equipped with plows to destroy barricades, indelible dye to mark protestors for subsequent arrest, and rows of gun ports) 3) 200 to 300 tons of war material, including thousands of rifles and other firearms as well as millions of rounds of ammunition. Delivered by civilian truck transport from various points in the US. 4) 23 tanks and armored vehicles - unloaded last Thurs. in Vera Cruz from the the Russian-flag vessel Ulan Bator 5) On June 16 many tons of military equipment that included riot-control vehicles were unloaded from the Russian freighter Trutskavets at Vera Cruz. Granted, Russia helped create this arsenal, but the again Russia has never pretended to be the "bulwark of Liberty & Justice for all" & Russian 'interests' in Mexico are less than 0.0003% of what corporate-America's 'interests' are in Mexico. Both points merit exclusion of Russia as accomplice in the massacres of Indian people in Mexico. No such mitigation for the government of the USA or its corporate owners. Much more extermination equipment has arrived since the above-cited shipments. A sterling example of how the USA exports "democracy" to Latin America. And where did this arsenal go? The small arms (automatic rifles, machine guns, ammunition, etc.) was distributed to the Mexican state-governments by the Mexican federal government. The state governors, most of whom are Latino (ie, non-Indian) PRI ("pristas') promptly handed these weapons over to local "defenders of democracy & law&order". All of these death-squads are well-paid goons of the local ranchers & large landowners in each state. These ranchers, landowners & corporate 'heavies' fund, own & make up the PRI, the party that has run Mexico at federal & state levels for decades. In feeble attempts to cloak their death-squads with what passes for legitimacy in Mexico, they give their gangs names such as "The Protectors of Peace, Democracy & Development" (it almost makes one feel like making a donation). Other death-squads don't even try to hide their purpose. In Chiapas, two of the most active & murderous state-sponsored death-squads go by the names, "The Red hand" & "The Throat-Slitters". The latter, for example, is the "security force" of the huge El Miradero ranch, municipality of Altimirano, Chiapas, owned by Latinos Arturo Espinoza, Juan Espinoza & Jorge Espinoza. They had their goons working almost as soon as the Zapatistas declared war on Mexico. On Thursday April 7, 1994 companero Francisco Mena Lopez, who was in charge of the local committee of the EZLN (Zapatista) and had been threatened by ranchers in Altimirano even prior to January 1 for his participation in the struggle for agrarian justice, was killed by armed men in uniform while on his way to pray for the sowing time in Venustiano Carranza, municipality of Altimirano, Chiapas. He was killed with two gunshots, one to the head and another to the mouth, fired by 3 men identified by eyewitnesses as members of the security forces of the El Miradero Ranch. This one single group of state-armed, corporate-paid terrorists alone has killed at least 300 Indians since then. And there are at least 175 such private armies operating in Mexico, armed with weapons from the US government, sponsored by US "corporate interests" & their Mexican-based corporate facades. I am now trying to get the names, ages & genders of those massacred in Acteal on 22Dec. When I get the list I will post it in an attempt to make these people real to readers. This is not the butchering of a "group" nor the "result of a cultural/ideological conflict" nor (as the Mexican govt wants you to believe) "an isolated criminal act". No! This was one incident in a systematic campaign of genocide. These were real human beings, as real as you & I, flesh & blood, with the same hopes & dreams & fears & hearts as you & I, as real as your own children, your own siblings, your own grandparents. Look away from this monitor for a minute; look at your children, your spouse, your family. Try to imagine their bodies suddenly & viciously ripped apart by bullets, fired from guns your government supplied... imagine their terror as their heads were blown apart, as their children where hacked to pieces in front of them before a bullet ended their agonies... Look at the brain tissue splattering the ground where children were playing minures before... Look at the old woman crawling through her own entrails... Your family... Picture it!!!... These were more than numbers & words on a newspaper page, or a 10-second clip on CNN. Can you stay unmoved by that image? If you have any humanity, please, please put a stop to the complicity & complacency of the government of the USA in the butchering of Indian people in Mexico. Look at your children again. Are their lives worth any more, are they loved any less, do they have any more right to live than the children slaughtered in Acteal...? Please ACT! Just pick up that phone, write & mail that letter, send that fax or email to your elected representatives in the US congress & senate. Tell them that your vote in the next election will hinge on the CONCRETE action they take to put a stop to the horrors being committed with US-provided weapons, to a US-supported political structure that supports terrorism & genocide. And then stick to your promise. Prove to the world, & to all the Indian Nations in the Americas, that while the government of the USA have abandoned the principle of justice in its mad worship of the dollar, you, its citizens, have not. with respect... masi:cho --------- "RE: 45 Zapatista Supporters Killed" --------- Date: Tue, 23 Dec 1997 12:02:36 -0800 (PST) From: National Commission for Democracy in Mexico Subj: NEWS ALERT-45 Zapatista Supporters Killed After Attack by PRI Gunmen UUCP email 45 ZAPATISTA SUPPORTERS KILLED IN ATTACK December 23, 1997 The Associated Press reported that gunmen attacked Zapatista supporterS in two small towns about 12 miles north of San Cristobal, killing at least 42 people. It is the bloodiest attack in Chiapas since the twelve days of fighting in January 1994 between the EZLN and the Mexican government troops. Members of the campesino group Las Abejas said 42 people were killed and six were missing in the massacre which took place Monday, according to Manuel Gomez Perez, an official of the rebel local government for Chenalho county. La Jornada newspaper has reported 45 deaths, while National Public Radio has reported 47 killed. Las Abejas sympathizes with the Zapatistas, who in 1995 set up their own government for Chenalho which is based in the town of Polho. It is in competition with the officially recognized local government, run by the governing Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), based in the town of Chenalho itself. Clashes between the supporters of the rebel and PRI local governments have continued for seven months, killing 30 Tzotzil people and leaving nearly 7,000 homeless. "It was a massacre long-announced," Roman Catholic Bishop Samuel Ruiz said in an interview with XEHM radio in San Cristobal. "It's an incomprehensible situation in which we have not been able to stop the violence." The two sides in Chenalho signed a non-aggression pact less than two weeks ago. But tensions have continued. Because of the inaccessibility of the area, few details emerged quickly from the attack. "Many died, but we don't know for sure how many are dead and how many are injured," said Gomez Perez by telephone from Polho. Gonzanlo Ituarte, spokesman for the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas, reported 43 dead-eight in Acteal and 35 in the nearby village of Quextic. XEHM reported that three children were hospitalized in San Cristobal with gunshot wounds. It also reported that survivors said women and children were shot at point-blank range. The station said Red Cross workers have not been able to enter the community because it is too dangerous. Zapatista supporters accuse the official Chenalho government of distributing AK-47s and other high caliber weapons to their supporters. A recent state government report confirmed that groups in Chenalho were recruiting and training fighters, but denied that paramilitary groups exist in the area. At least 300 people have died in similar clashes since the 1994 uprising-600 by some estimates. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL THE NCDM AT (213) 254-9550. --------- "RE: Response to Massacre" --------- Date: Wed, 24 Dec 1997 01:51:46 -0800 (PST) From: National Commission for Democracy in Mexico Subj: URGENT ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO MASSACRE UUCP email December 23, 1997 Today approximately 100 people gathered in a spontaneous demonstration at the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles, California outraged by the massacre of 45 men, women and children in Chiapas, Mexico. Cecilia Rodriguez, Zack De La Rocha of Rage Against the Machine and numerous members of Aguascalientes LA and other labor, student, Chicano and community groups spoke out at the press conference and rally which took place. Simultaneous actions have also been organized in Seattle, Boston, Austin, New York, Oakland, Sacramento. Hundreds of calls came in from people all over the United States and Canada who were shocked by the massacre and anxious to take action. In response to this outpouring of grief the National Commission for Democracy in Mexico is recommending the following actions; 1) Vigils and demonstrations at all the Mexican consulates within the United States and Canada in order to demand the following; a. That the Consul General call the Governor of Chiapas and find out the names of the paramilitary groups involved in Monday night's massacre and release those names to the public. b. We demand an explanation as to why the state security police stood by and did not take action to prevent this atrocity nor apprehend the perpetrators. c. Of President Ernesto Zedillo, we demand to know what actions he will take to capture those responsible for the massacre. We believe that the statement he made on December 23rd regarding the attack was insufficient and rhetorical. d. We demand a complete account and disbanding of all paramilitary groups in Chiapas and in Mexico. 2) Jam the fax and email addresses of President Zedillo and the other Mexican government officials and organizations listed below with the above requests. 3)Invent other forms of action and protest which will send a clear message to both the Mexican and US governments that we demand justice for the victims and that we will not tolerate further blood shed and violence. 4) Continue collecting ballots on the "Right to Live in Peace" in Chiapas. 5) Contact local and alternative media about the current situation and voice your concerns. 6) Organize educationals amongst your families, co-workers, in your churches, etc. 7) Fundraise and send aid to the victims and refugees in Chiapas through Enlace Civil: Banco BANCOMER Account number: 1000 754-2 Branch number:l 437 San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas In care of Enlace Civil. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ENLACE CIVIL AT: Tel/Fax: 011 52 967 82104, Email: enlacecivil@laneta.apc.org The National Commission for Democracy in Mexico will be announcing further calls and plans for actions in the coming days. We ask that in the meantime that all groups and individuals who are undertaking actions to please let us know so we can track and publicize this information. Civil society's support, organization and mobilization is critical if we are to prevent further blood shed. In solidarity and resistance, NCDM President of Mexico: Ernesto Zedillo: webadmon@op.presidencia.gob.mx Presidente de la Republica Palacio Nacional 06067 Mexico D.F. Fax (52-5)-271 1764/515 4783 Emilio Chuayffet Chemor Secretario de Gobernacion Bucareli 99, 1.piso Col. Juarez 06699 Mexico D.F. Fax: (52-5) 546 5350/ 546 7380 Comision de Concordia y Pacificacion Paseo de la Reforma 10, piso 17 Mexico D.F. Fax: (52-5) 535 2726 Camara de Diputados Presidente de la Comision de Regimen Interno y Gobierno: Carlos Medina Plascencia Palacio Legislativo de San Lazaro Edif.A, Col. El Parque 15969 Mexico D.F. Fax: (52-5) 522 8012/ 542 1001/ 542 7431 Gobernador del Estado de Chiapas Licenciado Julio Cesar Ruiz Ferro Palacio de Gobierno Av. Central y Primero Ote, Col. Centro 29009 Tuxla Gutierrez- Chiapas Tel. y Fax. (52-961) 20917 Presidenta de la Comision Estatal de Derechos Humanos de Chiapas Lic. Yesmin Lima Adam Argentina 455 Col. El Retiro 29040-Tuxla Gutierrez- Chiapas Tel. (52-961) 40632/40674 Presidenta de la Comision Nacional de Derechos Humanos - CNDH - Periferico Sur 3464 Col.San Jeronimo Lidice 10200 Mexico DF. Tel. (52-961) 631004 Lada sin costo: 0180000869 E-mail: cndh@laneta.apc.org --------- "RE: Proposal for National Day of Action" --------- Date: Wed, 24 Dec 1997 16:51:30 -0800 (PST) From: National Commission for Democracy in Mexico Subj: Proposal for National Day of Action January 2nd UUCP email PROPOSAL FOR NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION JANUARY 2ND Today Cecilia Rodriguez, Zack De La Rocha of Rage Against the Machine and a representative of Aguascalientes LA met with the Consul General, Jose Angel Pescador, at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. The purpose of the meeting was to ask the Consul to respond to a set of four questions regarding Monday's massacre of 45 Indigenous people in Chiapas. Pescador was quick to admit that the incident was on of the worst in Mexico's history, but otherwise shared nothing new aside from what he had already shared with the press. Pescador was amenable to responding to those four questions as well as to transmitting other concerns and questions from other people in the United States and Canada. He said he was willing to speak directly to the Chiapas state government and Zedillo's government about expressions of concern and outrage from any individual and organization willing to do so. Ms. Rodriguez , Mr. De La Rocha and Aguascalientes LA scheduled another meeting to be held with him on January 2nd where they hope to present a list of questions and a list of organizations denouncing the massacre. WE THEREFORE PUT OUT AN URGENT CALL TO ALL ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS TO BEGIN THE PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION OF NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON JANUARY 2ND AT EVERY MEXICAN CONSULATE IN THE COUNTRY. WE ASK EVERYONE TO PLEASE SEND THEIR PROPOSALS FOR ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. In spite of Zedillo's public statement, it is our belief that unless there is a continual outpouring of international pressure, massacres such as the one that occurred on Monday will continue. Although the Mexican government has lost a great deal of legitimacy within the international community, this does not signal a transformation of its political system which would necessarily deal with the existence of paramilitary groups. We believe that it is necessary to exert a level of international pressure which will bring the Mexican government to terms with its own internal corruption. **** the NCDM will have a "Zapatista Information Hotline" set up by this coming Friday, December 26th. Callers will able to access updates and other information of interest. The number to call, starting Friday is-1- 800-405-7770. **** We urge everyone to send donations for humanitarian aid to Enlace Civil: Banco Bancomer Account number: 1000 754-2 Branch number: 437 In the name of Enlace Civil A.C. --------- "RE: Who Are the Paramilitaries?" --------- Date: Thu, 25 Dec 1997 11:42:37 -0800 (PST) From: National Commission for Democracy in Mexico Subj: Who are the "paramilitaries"? UUCP email La Jornada Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1997 by Andres Aubry and Angelica Inda translated by Duane Ediger Who are the "paramilitaries"? The conflict in Chiapas has given anthropologists a new task: to identify a new societal subject, the protagonist of violence, which arose first in Chiapas' northern zone, then spread to the highlands and canyon lands. A methodical inventory found different levels of "paramilitary" activity among five of Chiapas' nine indigenous ethnic groups: the Chol, Tzotzil, Tzeltal, with some activity among the Tojolabal, and timid beginnings among the Zoque. In Chenalhae alone, 17 townships are affected: one-third of the villages and half the population. The scope of the phenomenon, as well as its ravages and number of victims, point to its need for study under disciplined methods. By historical precedent, they were called first pistoleros (gunmen) or guardias blancas (white guards), for the wounds they have wrought in the collective memory of Chiapas. Though these are still present, the media began calling some paramilitaries to differentiate them from the former (agents from outside the communities, whereas the newer paramilitaries came from within them), because they act in an ambiguous and undeclared relation with the police, military and government, and they intervene with their own arms. Despite repeated shows of proof to the contrary, the state has denied the existence of paramilitaries, arguing that some local congress people and public opinion shapers refused to believe. For lack of a better term, and out of respect for the authorities, we will continue to name them after the fashion of the media, but in quotation marks. Who are the "paramilitaries"? They appear almost exclusively among young people frustrated by rural authorities. In the 17 townships of the municipality of Chenalhae in which we were able to document the existence of 246 of them, rural inertia combined with population growth provides neither land nor work, not even farm work, to the young people who reach the age of membership in an ejido. (An ejido is a communally held and worked parcel of land; it also refers to the land holders.) Married and the heads of their households, they find themselves in the same situation as their parents: unable to find work, surviving by miracle or by stealing land and harvests. Obligated to live as delinquents, they not only lack a subsistence, but also have no reason to attend the assemblies and for that reason they are excluded from decisions made by the ejido which considers them pariahs. First conclusion: these criminals are products of the system and of their economic, agrarian and labor options. Immediately "paramilitarization" offers them a way out and prestige. The way out is first the heavy war tax they levy (25 pesos, or US$3, biweekly per permanent adult, or a one-time payment of 375 pesos, or US$47, per person for those who don't pay the 25 pesos biweekly), which gives them an income; secondly, the booty of animals, harvested crops and domestic goods (including automobiles); these in turn legitimize the humiliating theft of corn, coffee and poultry. The weapons--and these are not light arms--bring prestige and confer upon them power and status unlike they or their landless parents have ever known. Because they have led an itinerant life looking for work, and have not been ejido members, they never had the civic education afforded through periodic assemblies in which the collective destinies of villages, townships and municipalities are decided, and they escaped all communal responsibility. For this reason, the "paramilitaries" have no social or political project. They make no proclamations; they simply impose themselves. The only masters they have had are the monitors of their military training, a condition they must meet in order to acquire the arms they carry. Their mentors, whether in encampments or on patrols, conduct themselves in a way very similar to the Kaibiles of Guatemala. They can be seen at their checkpoints, clearly affected by drug use. Their way of talking and carrying themselves betrays the fascistic nature of their formation. What is their aim? Why do they operate only within the close boundaries of the zone of influence within which they enjoy perfect impunity? The reason is strategic, and they themselves are probably unaware of it, for they would not exist were it not for the manipulation of a hidden Director. The villages that fill the local news form a wedge between the four contiguous municipalities of Chenalho, Pantelhae, Cancuc and Tenajapa. The warning signs that mark the training area of the group MIRA reveal the same tactical option: these "paramilitaries" are based at the convergence of the four municipalities of Huixtan, Chanal, Oxchuc, and Cancuc, anticipating an eventual bridge to the paramilitaries of Chenalhae. The commanders of the Paz y Justicia group, near El Limar, control the five Chol Indian municipalities and the entrances to Amataan, Huitiupaan, Simojovel, El Bosque, and Chilaen (via the Chinchulines of Bachajaen). Taken together, they dominate the public policy space in nearly all of the municipalities administered by SEAPI (State Secretariat for Attention to Indigenous Peoples). The objective of all of them is to dismantle any and all--unarmed--opposition bases of support. After the military offensive of February 9, 1995, one of the military tactics denounced by the observer missions was the destruction of productive installations, crops and even farm implements to take away the dissidents' future. The "paramilitary" tactics employed in Chenalhae are the same. The operations began when the coffee was near ready to harvest, in a year when the price was high. Like flies shooed away, productive farmers were expelled en masse. Like undesirables getting the rug pulled out from under them, the indigenous of Chiapas' are robbed of their future. ___________________________ Andres Aubry and Angelica Inda are sociologists and historians living in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. Duane Ediger is a resident of Dallas and a frequent traveler to Mexico --------- "RE: EZLN Communique" --------- Date: Thu, 25 Dec 1997 17:20:08 -0800 (PST) From: National Commission for Democracy in Mexico Subj: EZLN Communique Re: Massacre UUCP email Zapatista Army of National Liberation December 22, 1997 To National and International Civil Society Brothers and Sisters; Why? How many more? Until when? >From the mountains of the Mexican Southeast Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos Mexico, December of 1997 ******************************************* Communique' from the Indigenous Revolutionary Clandestine Committee General Command of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation Mexico December 23, 1997 To the people of Mexico To the peoples and governments of the world To the national and international press In relation to the massacre of indigenous people in the community of Acteal, municipality of San Pedro of Chenalho, Chiapas realized yesterday, December 22 of 1997 the EZLN points out: FIRST.- According to information compiled until today, about 60 paramilitaries of the institutional revolutionary party (sponsored by the federal and state governments) were the ones who attacked the indigenous with high caliber weapons. Among them were refugees of Acteal. SECOND.- As a result of this attack which lasted up to four hours, at least 45 indigenous people were assassinated, among them 9 men, 21 women and 15 children (one of them an infant less than a year old). In addition to the dead the wounded counted among them 7 men (4 children) and 10 women (4 of them are little girls). Acteal. THIRD.- According to radio transmissions of the government of Chiapas (intercepted by the EZLN) in the immediate surrounding of Acteal at the time at which the massacre was being carried out, public security police of the state of Chiapas backed up the attack and during the afternoon and evening dedicated themselves to picking up cadavers in order to hide the magnitude of the massacre. Misters Homero Tovilla Cristinani and Uriel Jarquin (Secretary and Subsecretary of the government of Chiapas respectively) commissioned the police to back up this crime. Mister Julio Cesar Ruiz Ferro was constantly informed of the development of the "operation" (at least since noon of the 22nd day of December, when the massacre was an hour old). Approved by the federal and state government, the attack was fine-tuned on the 21st of December in a meeting of paramilitaries (led by Mister Jacinto Arias, PRI municipal president) of the communities of Los Chorros, Puebla, Esperanza and Quextic, all of them municipalities of Chenalho. FOURTH.- The direct responsibility for these bloody events fall upon Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon and the Justice Ministry, who, two days ago, gave a green light to the counterinsurgency project presented by the Federal Army. The aim of this project is to displace the Zapatista war and make it appear to be a war among the indigenous, motivated by religious, political and ethnic differences. In order to carry this out, they have dedicated themselves to financing equipment and weaponry (through funds of the Social Development Ministry) and giving military training (led by officials of the federal army) to the indigenous recruited by the Revolutionary Institutional Party [PRI]. In order to allow time for these death squads to get ready, the Mexican Federal Government designed a parallel strategy of simulated dialogue, which consists of carrying out negotiations without any intention of carrying out what had already been agreed to, and by increasing military presence in Zapatista zones. The government of the state of Chiapas was put in charge of guaranteeing the impunity of paramilitary groups and facilitating their operation in the principal rebel zones of the North, the jungle and the highlands of Chiapas. FIFTH.- In this way the federal and state governments, the institutional revolutionary party and the Federal Army joined forces. Their objective is synthesized by the "war cry" of the paramilitaries called the "Red Mask". "We are going to put an end to the Zapatista seed", in other words "We are going to wipe out the indigenous communities." SIXTH.- As part of the style of government and demonstration of his "will for peace" through diverse channels, Mister Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon has sent threats to the general command of the EZLN with the following message "I prefer to go into history as a repressor before implementing the agreements with the EZLN". He has carried out his word. Zedillo has gone into history as an assassin of the indigenous and has the blood of Acteal on his hands. SEVENTH.- The prompt attention of the media in Chiapas and the just indignation of national and international public opinion in response to these events, has made the mastermind of the crime scramble to the forefront in order to wash their hands of it and promise "in-depth" investigations. They will not punish those who are responsible, impunity is guaranteed because those who investigate the crime are the same ones who planned it. For these reasons, the declarations of Mister Zedillo and his subordinates are nothing more than demagogy. EIGHTH.- Using the motive of the massacre of Acteal, the government and its spokespeople call once again to dialogue without mentioning the fact they have no intention of fulfilling any agreements but rather advancing their counterinsurgency strategy. In this sense, the recent and ridiculous declaration of the COCOPA (which decided to go on vacation instead of working for peace) in regards to Acteal. The legislators forget that it is the government which is assassinating children, women and men, that it is the government which is using weapons, that it is the government which refuses a serious dialogue. It is to the government that they should direct themselves when they talk about not resorting to violence, and about the necessity of dialogue. NINTH.- Once again the EZLN calls upon national and international civil society and upon independent organizations to not be deceived, to demand true justice and not pretensions. TENTH.- The Indigenous Revolutionary Clandestine Committee, General Command of the EZLN is at these moments completing its investigation and analyzing what has occurred in order to make the pertinent necessary decisions. Democracy ! Liberty ! Justice ! >From the mountains of the Mexican Southeast. Indigenous Revolutionary Clandestine Committee - General Command of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation Mexico, December of 1997 Translated by : Cecilia Rodriguez, NCDLJ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ******************************************* December 23rd of 1997. Villagers of Acteal approached the CONAI in order to reveal the identities of the principal aggressors of the massacre of Acteal known as "commanders". They are: >From Acteal Alto: Sebastian Luna Perez, Juan Luna Perez and his son Juan Luna Perez, Ignacio Guzman Perez and Jose Perez Perez. Quextic: Javier Luna Vazquez, Manuel Vasquez Ruiz, Bartolo Perez Quin and Victorio Vasquez Perez. Los Chorros: Javier Mendez Perez y Juan Perez Entzin. Eleven of the aggressors presided over the meeting of the 21st of December in preparation for the attack on Acteal. They can be found in Los Chorros, because they are members of that community. La Esperanza: Moises Luna Perez. Pechiquil: Antonio and Mateo Perez Perez Tzajalucum y Chimix: Ignacio Gutierrez Perez and Romeo Velazquez Luna. --------- "RE: Chiapas: Mayor Charged in Massacre" --------- Date: Sun, 28 Dec 1997 16:05:01 -0800 From: SISIS@envirolink.org (S.I.S.I.S.) Subj: Chiapas: Mayor Charged in Massacre :-:-:-:-:-:-:-Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty-:-:-:-:-:-:-: [S.I.S.I.S. note: The following mainstream news article may contain biased or distorted information and may be missing pertinent facts and/or context. It is provided for reference only.] MAYOR CHARGED IN MEXICAN INDIAN MASSACRE The Washington Post,Sunday, December 28, 1997, Page A21 Associated Press ACTEAL, Mexico, Dec. 27 Authorities tonight charged the mayor here with murder, alleging that he provided the weapons used to slaughter 45 Native People in his village on Monday. The mayor, Jacinto Arias Cruz, and 23 supporters from villages near the highland Maya hamlet of Acteal were formally charged with homicide, causing injuries and illegal association. They were taken to a prison in the Chiapas state capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Arias Cruz lied to investigators about his knowledge of the massacre, said Jose Luis Ramos Rivera, of the federal attorney general's office. He said Arias Cruz claimed to have learned of the massacre only on Tuesday, but an entry in a notebook dated Monday recorded the killing. Arias Cruz tried to cover up the massacre, bringing together the participants and briefing them on what to tell authorities, Ramos Rivera said at a news conference in Tuxtla Gutierrez. On Friday, 16 other people had been charged, for a total of 40 area villagers now under arrest in connection with the massacre. Arias Cruz is mayor of Chenalho municipality, which includes both Acteal and Los Chorros, where many of those arrested live. Masked gunmen wearing uniforms showed up in Acteal on Monday, methodically gunning down villagers -- mostly women and children -- with weapons ranging from .22-caliber rifles to AK-47s. The massacre has outraged Mexicans and brought calls for official resignations, even that of President Ernesto Zedillo. Arias Cruz and his supporters are members of Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI. Most of the victims were members of the peasant group Las Abejas -- The Bees. They support the goals, but not the methods, of the Zapatista National Liberation Army, which rebelled in January 1994 to demand rights for Chiapas state's poor Indians. :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: S.I.S.I.S. Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty P.O. Box 8673, Victoria, "B.C." "Canada" V8X 3S2 EMAIL: SISIS@envirolink.org WWW: http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/SISmain.html SOVERNET-L is a news-only listserv concerned with indigenous sovereigntist struggles around the world. To subscribe, send "subscribe sovernet-l" in the body of an email message to For more information on sovernet-l, contact S.I.S.I.S. --------- "RE: From Wounded Knee to Chiapas" --------- Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 09:56:14 +0100 From: Darrin Wood Subj: From Wounded Knee to Chiapas Mailing List: Paths-L PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY!!!! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NUEVO AMANECER PRESS - EUROPA Darrin Wood, Director. dwood@encomix.es +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CLINTON'S "INTERFERENCE" IN MEXICO *From Wounded Knee to Chiapas* by Darrin Wood, Director NAP-Europa December 28, 1997 According to the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations, US President Bill Clinton has just "interfered in Mexican internal affairs" by demanding an exhaustive investigation into the massacre which recently occurred in Chenalhae, in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Since Clinton wants an investigation and the government of Ernesto Zedillo doesn't want anyone on the outside looking into how Mexico murders it's Indians, we at Nuevo Amanecer Press - Europa have come up with a handy solution for both of them. Why doesn't someone order an investigation into US Military "interference" in Mexico ? Last year, the US Army Special Forces began a massive training program of Mexican Special Forces (GAFE - Airborne Special Forces Groups). From fiscal year 1996 until fiscal year 1997 around 3,200 Mexican soldiers will receive training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, by the Green Berets' 7th Special Forces Group (the same ones who brought you all those "democratic freedom fighting" human rights abuses in Honduras and El Salvador in the 1980's). The program allegedly forms part of the "War on Drugs" led by ex- SOUTHCOM head honcho Barry McCaffrey. Sounds nice but... The Mexican news agency APRO reported on December 25th that "An important detachment, composed of members of the [Mexican Army] Airborne Special Forces Groups (GAFE) was sent to the community of Acteal, in the municipality of Chenalho, where this past Monday "a paramilitary group linked to the PRI" carried out the biggest massacre in recent years in Chiapas, leaving a total of 46 dead and 25 wounded, the majority being women and children. The soldiers of the GAFE, experts in counterinsurgency and specialized in operating in rough terrain as can be found in Chiapas, immediately set up three roadblocks on the highway that leads from the Chenalho to Acteal in order to meticulously search all vehicles which passed through the troubled area." Oddly enough, on december 26th, the Mexican daily LA JORNADA published an article on a recent operation of the GAFE in the state of Jalisco where more than a dozen young men were kidnapped and tortured. One of the youths, Salvador Lopez Jimenez, died as a result of this "Special Forces" action. LA JORNADA states that "The judge of this jurisdiction has ordered that charges be brought against Lieutenant Colonel Julian Guerrero Barrios and Captain Rogelio Solis Aguilar, who are accused of the crime of violence against the people, as authors of homicide." The article states that 15 other soldiers will be charged in the cover-up but no names were given. Nuevo Amanecer Press - Europa has been able to confirm that Lt. Col. Julian Guerrero Barrios is a graduate of the US Army's School of the Americas - SOA, which he attended in 1981 in a course titled "Commando Operations". Time to add another photo in the SOA's "Hall of Fame". We do not know yet how many other of those charged have received training recently at Fort Bragg. We also wish to point out at this time that the mastermind behind Mexico's counterinsurgency strategy in Chiapas, General Mario Renan Castillo Fernandez, has received instruction at Fort Bragg as well. The general, now the ex commander of the Mexican Army's 7th Military Region in Chiapas, has recently been pointed out as having served as an "Honorary Witness" at a ceremony where the state government of Chiapas handed over half a million dollars to the paramilitary group "Paz y Justicia". We find it odd that the two biggest recipients of US military aid in Latin America, Colombia and Mexico, are also the two Latin American countries with the greatest number of massacres carried out by paramilitary organizations connected to their respective armed forces. Therefore, we demand an investigation to find out if the use of paramilitary organizations form an active part of US counterinsurgency doctrine. We have several questions that need to be answered : 1. Is the financing and training of paramilitary - terrorist groups in Latin America currently being taught at the School of the Americas or at Fort Bragg ? If not, has it been done in the past ? 2. According to a September 1997 report on Mexico from drug Czar Barry McCaffrey, the recent "gifts" of Huey helicopters to that country are supposed to be used by the Special Forces of the GAFE for fighting the war on drugs. Are any of those helicopters now being used in counterinsurgency operations by the GAFE in Chiapas ? 3. According to the Mexican press, on December 9th, two FBI agents were in the state of Oaxaca giving instruction in the "management of crisis and kidnappings" to police from Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca (as well as other troubled states). One article on the course quoted a US Embassy official as saying that police forces "have the right to use necessary force" to protect society. This person also defined "crisis management" as being confrontations between police and military forces with groups that "disagree with society", further stating that guerrilla organizations fall into that definition. Does the action of the Chiapas police in Chenalho, just two weeks after their FBI course, fall into the US idea of "crisis management" ? It is time for a serious investigation, not empty protests meant for internal consumption. It is impossible to take the Zedillo government's protests of "interference in Mexican internal affairs" seriously while he blindly obeys economic policies dictated by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and Wall Street which kill thousands of Indigenous and poor Mexican citizens every year through hunger, malnutrition and curable illnesses. In fact he is more than happy to obey foreign economic interference. He only becomes angered when people protest because the killing is being done by bullets and not banks. The protests concerning the massacre in Chenalho by US president Bill Clinton are also hard to swallow given that it is the US which is supplying all the weapons and training for the bloody counterinsurgency campaign currently being waged by the Mexican Army in Chiapas, as well as other states. The same atrocities have been carried out recently in Colombia and the US government has just responded by approving an even bigger military aid package for counterinsurgency in Colombia. The message seems to be that if Mexico keeps on killing its Indians, they too can expect to receive more aid. We demand an investigation ! Tomorrow, December 29th, marks the 107th anniversary of the bloody massacre Indian men, women, and children carried out by the US Army at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. It would mark a perfect opportunity to reflect on the latest massacre of Native people in the Americas. --------- "RE: Buffalo Nations Update" --------- Date: Sat, 27 Dec 1997 21:15:47 -0500 From: Buffalo Nations Subj: buffalo nations update UUCP email Temperature's around West Yellowstone have dipped down to -30F, but the sun's out by mid-morning. The Department of Livestock has created its own imaginary closure on Forest Service land (public land) surrounding their capture facility. Insiders from the Park Service have expressed their belief that this closure is illegitimate and illegal. The Forest Service is the agency in charge of our federal public lands (Department of Livestock is a state agency), is still uncertain whether the closure is legitimate or not. It seems to us that the closure was made up on the spur of the moment to intimidate us, without the consent of all 5 agencies listed on their signs. We remain undaunted. Last year hundreds of bison were killed on Forest Service land west and north of Yellowstone National Park. One local resident was disgusted to learn that his dog had gained 60 pounds from gorging on the gut piles left near his Horse Butte home. Millions of acres of Forest Service land, public land, SHOULD be open and available as a reservoir for the bison to spill over onto during winter months. We need people to help us focus on this aspect of the campaign. If we all had one wish on X-mas day, I think we all wished for more folks to join us out here in this winter wonderland. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and practice winter camping skills, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and tracking animals. If you enjoy these activities, we can accommodate you. We also need people who are good researchers, writers and canvassers. Those of us already here roam the fields with the buffalo daily and have a kinship with them. The magnificence and ruggedness of these beautiful animals has all of us in awe of their role in nature and humble us in our own role. There is nothing quite like the site of buffalo playing while a bald eagle flies overhead, a coyote hunts for scurrying food, a wolf howls in the not-so-far distance, while we keep a watchful eye out for the D.O.L. All in a day's work at Buffalo Nations. So come out and be ready for action or help support us in anyway you can. Buffalo Nations PO Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-0070 phone 406-646-0071 fax buffalo@wildrockies.org --------- "RE: Buffalo in Winter" --------- Date: 97-12-23 11:31:03 EST From: joedon@woptura.com (J.D.K. Chipps) Subj: Buffalo in Winter <><><><><><><>NASC NEWS<><><><><><><> Wednesday; December 17th For Immediate Release Contact: Su Gregerson 406.721.6954 susang@wildrockies.org Tuesday, Federal District Judge Charles C. Lovell reigned in the reckless Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) over its buffalo policy. The DOL will be monitored by weekly reports so that the judge can keep an eye on them after their wanton slaughter of buffalo last winter. The ruling came after the state's attorney acknowledged that even though Montana had killed half the Yellowstone buffalo herd last year, they were prepared to kill every buffalo that walked out of Yellowstone this winter. The DOL will be allowed to slaughter 100 of the last wild herd of buffalo (a national heritage according to Judge Lovell). At that point the judge will hold another hearing. The proceeds from the killing still will go into the State of Montana's coffers. "This is a band-aid to a serious situation," said Meghan Fay of Buffalo Nations,the group working in Yellowstone to protect the buffalo from slaughter. "We need to take a hard look at the discordant policies regarding public grazing allotments and traditional buffalo winter range near Yellowstone." The buffalo are targeted because of an unproven chance they might transmit brucellosis to cows. There are less than 2000 cattle that graze in the area for about 4 months of the year. Most of the cattle graze on public land. Last year over 1100 buffalo lost their lives and this winter another 100 might die for the sake of grazing those cows. Yellowstone's Superintendent Mike Finley said, "If we managed for the risk of AIDS transmission with the same methods we have been forced to use for brucellosis, we would shoot every person we suspect of carrying HIV." Elk also have the slight chance of passing along the organism and very well might be the DOL's next target. "The judgement was a step in the right direction," said Su Gregerson who attended the hearing, and publishes a web site about the issue (http://www.wildrockies.org/bison/). "But I am still outraged. Public agencies are working to protect their own interests instead of serving the public's best interest. It is absurd that even one more buffalo could die because of these public servants ineptness." Judge Lovell has heard many cases over the years regarding the Yellowstone buffalo usually favoring livestock over the buffalo. Yet Tuesday, in addition to monitoring the DOL, Judge Lovell vowed that he would hold the next hearing on the "firing lines" if necessary. J.D.K. Chipps http://www.woptura.com/ Although this was posted last year, it is still relevant to the issue of buffalo and brucellosis. As a side note, none of the over 1100 buffalo slaughtered last year tested positive as a carrier. Some were sero-tested, and tested positive. Which proves nothing except the buffalo had been exposed and had developed anti-bodies. A beef cow that has been vaccinated will sero-test positive too, and both the buffalo and the vaccinated beef cow are IMMUNE to brucellosis. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary of Scientific Evidence The scientific evidence collected to date demonstrates that the risk of Brucella abortus transmission from bison to cattle represents more of a perceived threat than an actual threat. Despite this, the livestock industry and state and federal agriculture agencies, have utilized a campaign based on fear, speculation, and paranoia to force the unnecessary destruction of Yellowstone bison who emigrate from YNP to protect livestock interests. To summarize, the available evidence indicates that: There has never been a documented case of Brucella abortus transmission from bison to cattle under natural conditions. In cattle, Brucella abortus is primarily transmitted through susceptible animal contact with an infected aborted fetus, contaminated birthing materials, and/or contaminated forage. In bison, if the same transmission mechanism exists, the likelihood of transmission is extremely remote since, as indicated by the available evidence, bison do not experience abortions. Only four abortions have been documented in bison in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in the past 75 years. It is unknown if any, or all, of these abortions were the result of Brucella abortus infection. If transmission can occur, bison and cattle must occur in the same place at the same time, or the bacteria must persist long enough in the environment to result in exposure to a susceptible animal. No domestic cattle are maintained on public or private land near West Yellowstone from late October through early June, making the likelihood of bacteria transmission from bison to cattle in this area extremely remote. Furthermore, the available evidence suggests that the bacteria are killed within hours if in direct sunlight and non-freezing conditions -- conditions common in YNP in mid to late spring before cattle are returned to public grazing allotments. The blood test used on bison and cattle to determine whether an animal has been exposed to the bacteria, was designed principally for use on cattle. In cattle the blood test accurately predicts infection. In bison, the blood test does not accurately predict infection. Though approximately 50 percent of Yellowstone bison blood test positive for exposure to the bacteria, the available evidence indicates that only approximately 12 percent are infected. Moreover, according to the results of sampling conducted during the winter of 1991-92, less than one-half of one percent of Yellowstone bison were infectious. During the winter of 1991-92, tissue and blood samples were taken from 218 bison killed outside of YNP by State and Federal officials. Of these 218 animals, the bacteria could only be cultured from the tissues of 27; 19 males and 8 females. Since the primary route of bacteria transmission is through contact with an aborted, contaminated fetus and/or contaminated birthing materials, and based on the best available scientific evidence, the risk of male or bull bison transmitting the bacteria is virtually nonexistent. Of the 8 females, the bacteria could be cultured from the reproductive tract of only one, a non-reproductive yearling. Consequently, of the 218 bison sampled, not one, at the time of their death, were capable of transmitting the bacteria to cattle. Based on the data collected during the winter of 1991-92, The Fund for Animals estimated in the fall of 1994 that only a maximum of 38 pregnant bison, out of a estimated herd of 4,200 bison, could potentially be infectious. The actual number of infectious pregnant bison who may pose a risk to cattle, if any, is significantly less because not all infectious pregnant bison will leave YNP and few, if any, infectious pregnant bison will abort. An infected bison, one from whom the bacteria can be cultured from a tissue or organ, poses no risk of transmission unless it is infectious. An infectious bison -- primarily a female from whom the bacteria can be cultured from the reproductive tract -- may be able to expel the bacteria into the environment through an abortion or calving event. Considering biological, spatial, temporal, and epidemiological factors, however, the likelihood of an infectious bison expelling the bacteria resulting in infection in domestic cattle is extremely remote. The blood test, while inaccurate in predicting infection, is substantially more accurate in determining whether an animal has been exposed to the bacteria. A negative blood test nearly always indicative of an animal who is not infected. Considering the scientific evidence, the settlement agreement is deficient for the following reasons: Even assuming that an infected bison can transmit the bacteria (which is not possible), since the blood test to be used to determine which bison live and which bison die is inaccurate, three out of every four bison who test blood positive, will be killed unnecessarily. All pregnant female bison, regardless of blood test results, will be killed. Since a negative test result is nearly always accurate, there is no justification for killing blood-test negative pregnant females. Assuming that a positive blood test is indicative of infection and/or infectiousness (it is not), it is, in fact, these blood-test negative animals who should not be killed if the objective is to eradicate the bacteria in bison. Though a negative animal may convert into a positive animal as pregnancy progresses, there is no evidence in YNP bison to substantiate this claim. Moreover, on the western side of YNP, a negative pregnant bison who converts into a positive animals as pregnancy progresses would pose no risk to cattle during the winter since no cattle are in the area. All blood-test positive bison will be killed. Since the principal route of bacteria transmission is through contact with an infected aborted fetus, male bison pose virtually no risk of transmission, if they pose any risk at all. The only way a male bison could transmit the bacteria is if he dribbled bacteria-laden sperm on land occupied by cattle and if enough of the bacteria persisted in the environment to cause infection in a susceptible animal. This prospect is so extremely remote that the killing of bull bison cannot be justified. Even if bacteria transmission between bison and cattle were possible, the lack of Brucella abortus caused abortion in YNP bison, the minute rate of infectiousness in YNP bison, the spatial and temporal relationship between cattle and bison, and the inability of the bacteria to persist for any extended amount of time in direct sunlight, do not justify the proposed capture, test, and slaughter program for any YNP bison. --------- "RE: Native Leader Silenced" --------- Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 01:21:36 -0800 (PST) From: garbuckl@direct.ca (Gary Arbuckle; Sherry Tanaka) Subj: Native Leader silenced Mailing List: NativeWeb Some of you may have heard that Musqueam Chief Gail Sparrow's welcoming speech to the delegates to the APEC conference at the Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on November 25th, was cancelled at the last minute by the Prime Minister's office, apparently panicky over the idea she might say something about human or indigenous rights. As a public service, and with her permission, we have posted two versions of her undelivered speech, her letter of protest to the Prime Minister, and the Musqueam First Nation press release on our website. It can be accessed either through the index page of Pacific Aboriginal Relations at www.sagesource.com/native.html or directly at www.sagesource.com/musq.html Yours truly, Gary Arbuckle and Sherry Tanaka ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Broadcast message from god (console) Wed May 16 13:45:22 2000... Earth is shutting down in 5 minutes for a system upgrade. All users please log out or transfer to heaven.god.net or hell.god.net. Thank you. Unspoken Words [Image] Musqueam Chief Gail Y. Sparrow's cancelled APEC speeches and related documents --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRESS RELEASE || LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER || SPEECH (I) || SPEECH (II) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 3rd press release from Musqueam Indian Band MUSQUEAM INDIAN BAND 6370 SALISH DRIVE VANCOUVER BRITISH COLUMBIA V6N 2C6 TELEPHONE: (604) 263-3261 FAX: (604) 263-4212 PRESS RELEASE Contact: Chief Gail Y. Sparrow Phone: (604) 263-3261 Fax: (604) 263-4212 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRIME MINISTER INSULTS MUSQUEAM CHIEF AND ELDER AT APEC Musqueam asks P.M. for Explanation Vancouver, British Columbia, December 3 -- Chief Gail Y. Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Chretien seeking an explanation for the PMO decision to revoke the Prime Minister's invitation for Musqueam to participate in the APEC opening ceremony held in Vancouver on November 25th. Chief Sparrow had been requested to make a welcoming address to APEC delegates and Musqueam elder, Vincent Stogan, had been asked to deliver the opening prayer. On the eve of the Conference, the PMO, without explanation, revoked the invitation. Musqueam was greatly embarassed and offended, says Chief Sparrow in her letter to the Prime Minister. While the Prime Minister has so far refused to discuss the reasons for excluding Musqueam from the APEC opening ceremony, it appears that officials from the PMO attempted to censor the Chief's speech by removing all references to human rights. It has also been suggested that the PMO was angry about Musqueam's objection to the government's decision to construct a helicopter landing pad on Deadman's Island for the use of visiting APEC dignitaries. Musqueam objected because the site is acknowledged to be rich in archaeological resources, and yet, the Department of National Defence paved it over without first conducting a proper archaeological impact assessment. Chief Sparrow's letter concludes with the observation: "Other countries would be justified in criticizing Canada for its sanctimonious hypocrisy, and for the way in which it treats its aboriginal people. They would be able to say that human rights may be trampled on in some places in the world, but not in Canada: in Canada, the government paves them over!" Attachments: Letter to Prime Minister with 3 attachments consisting of Initial Draft of Chief Sparrow's speech ["Speech (I)"], shortened version ["Speech (II)"], and letter to Major Adkins [not included]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRESS RELEASE || LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER || SPEECH (I) || SPEECH (II) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letter of Chief Gail Y. Sparrow to Prime Minister Chretien MUSQUEAM INDIAN BAND 6370 SALISH DRIVE VANCOUVER BRITISH COLUMBIA V6N 2C6 TELEPHONE: (604) 263-3261 FAX: (604) 263-4212 December 3, 1997 The Right Honorable Jean Chretien P.C., M.P. Prime Minister Langevin Building 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2 Dear Prime Minister: On the one hand, Musqueam was greatly honored to accept your invitation to participate in the APEC Welcoming Ceremony that took place on Tuesday November 25th, 1997, in Musqueam's traditional territory. On the other hand, we were greatly embarassed and offended when your officials, without explanation, revoked your invitation on the eve of the Ceremony. I attempted to speak with you on November 25th, to find out why you decided to exclude Musqueam at the last minute. You at that time told me you did not want to talk to me about it, and walked away. We are left to speculate about your reasons for excluding us. Why would you treat Musqueam with such disrespect and rudeness within our own traditional territory? I understand that you and your officials disapproved of the initial draft of my speech (copy enclosed). I thought that Canada would not have difficulty with the notion that human rights and economic progress go hand-in-hand, and that one cannot exist without the other. To my surprise, your officials objected to the general references to human rights in my speech. In the traditions of the Musqueam people, I wanted to make the delegates to APEC feel welcome, and so, I agreed to remove all of the references your officials found offensive. I cut my speech back to just four short paragraphs (copy enclosed). I expected that this shortened version would be acceptable to your officials, but it was not. Instead, they responded by revoking the invitation to Musqueam. Not only would I not be permitted to speak, our Musqueam elder, Vincent Stogan, would not be permitted to deliver the opening prayer. Prime Minister, what in my brief four paragraph speech was so offensive? I found it very difficult to accommodate myself to the editorial control (some might call it censorship) that your officials wanted to impose on my speech. Having accommodated their concerns to the extent that I did, though, are not I, Mr. Stogan, and Musqueam at least entitled to an explanation? It has been suggested to me that your office was angry at Musqueam for our objection to the government's decision to build a helicopter landing pad on Deadman's Island, on a site known to be rich in archaeological resources, without first conducting an archaeological impact assessment. Was this your reason? We attach a copy of the letter which we sent to Major Adkins, confirming the undisputed facts of the Deadman's Island matter. On reviewing those facts, we would hope that you can understand the basis of our concern at what the Department of National Defence did on Deadman's Island. Are we not permitted to be angry when someone paves over the grave sites of our ancestors, without even consulting with us? Mr. Prime Minister, if Musqueam's objection to what your government did on Deadman's Island was the reason for our exclusion from the APEC opening ceremony, you have brought shame and dishonor on Canada. That reason would tarnish Canada's international reputation of respect for human rights. Other countries would be justified in criticizing Canada for its sanctimonious hypocrisy, and for the way in which it treats its aboriginal people. They would be able to say that human rights may be trampled on in some places in the world, but not in Canada: in Canada, the government paves them over! I tried to discuss this matter with you in private, but you turned me away. While you may be prepared to ignore me and the Musqueam people, perhaps, you will be more responsive to the concerns of citizens who are disturbed by your disrespectful treatment of aboriginal people. For this reason, a copy of this letter is being released to the media. Sincerely, Chief Gail Y. Sparrow cc. The Honorable Jane Stewart, P.C., M.P. APEC Secretariat All media --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRESS RELEASE || LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER || SPEECH (I) || SPEECH (II) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initial draft of Chief Sparrow's speech APEC 1997 WELCOMING ADDRESS TO THE ECONOMIC LEADERS' RETREAT BY CHIEF GAIL SPARROW - MUSQUEAM FIRST NATION MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY - UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Vancouver, BC - November 25, 1997 Each-you-eyh-ul Siem. These are the words of our traditional greetings to persons of distinction and to our distinguished guests from far and wide we extend these greetings. On behalf of First Nations people and the peoples of British Columbia and Canada we welcome you. We are gathered here today on the ancestral lands of my people - the Musqueam First Nation. We are honored that you have graced this historic gathering place by your presence and with your good intentions of furthering economic growth and cooperation between the APEC member economies represented here today. As a nation on the Pacific and a founding member of APEC in 1989, Canada places a high value on the contributions of Canadians in APEC and in the development of Canadian activities in Asia Pacific. In short, Canada needs APEC, and APEC needs Canada. The same can be said of all Asia Pacific members. The most powerful member, the United States, too, needs APEC, and APEC needs the United States. Is this not the underlying catalyst for this gathering - nations needing nations, people needing people. The needs of one can only be met by satisfying the needs of another. And, so it is with APEC. >From its early beginnings in 1989 as an informal group with limited participation, and now with its 18 member economies, APEC has become the primary regional vehicle for promoting open trade and practical economic cooperation. The success of APEC is directly related to the continued commitment and efforts of its economic leaders. The major contributions you have made to global prosperity and stability will have long lasting effects on generations yet unborn. Products and trade; one country selling its products to another country. That's what this is all about. Or is it? When one takes a closer look at this picture one cannot help but see the human element behind the sought-after products. Lately in the news there has been much said concerning human rights. Have we, as leaders, taken the time to hear what the people are saying? There are people out there crying out on behalf of the workers who make your products. "Better wages, improved living conditions," one group says; "Equal and humane treatment for all," another adds. The products are produced as a result of people's labor and skills. They too must be considered as viable contributors to the economic growth of each of your nations and must be treated as such. Dare we turn a deaf ear to the cries of the people? After all, economic initiatives are all about people and their well-being. People are the most precious of all resources. Let us quiet the criticisms and replace the cries of the people by honoring the noble objectives of APEC to endeavour to enrich the lives and to improve the standards of living of all citizens on substantial bases. Just as you represent your individual nations, I, too, as chief, represent a nation and the indigenous peoples, the First Nations in British Columbia and Canada. We are nations within a nation. We are traditional peoples struggling for position and inclusion in today's economic arena. It might interest you to know that this land we are meeting upon was once, and still is, the gathering place of my people. Here we hunted deer, bear, and elk. And, it is here we met with other tribes from up and down this coast to trade: food, clothing, hunting equipment, furs and medicine. It is fitting that you have assembled here on land owned by this country's first traders -- the First Nations people! Though my appearance before you today is largely ceremonial, as a First Nations leader, I ask you to consider and include First Nations people as full and contributing partners in APEC. We have goods, services, and products to trade with you. Allow us an opportunity so that we, too, may experience economic growth and prosperity as you have. We are nations within a nation. By including us, you will fulfill two of your stated objectives and that is "to develop and strengthen the open multilateral trading system in the interest of Asia-Pacific and all other economies," and, secondly "to reduce barriers to trade in goods and services among participants." This is a significant part of your 1996 declaration in Manila: "to improve the economic and social well-being of the people" and "to reduce economic disparities among," and we would add "within APEC economies." We encourage you in your deliberations to remember the many generations who will follow in your footsteps. We encourage you to ensure there is respect for the dignity of all peoples. And finally, we encourage you to include indigenous peoples as full and contributing partners in APEC's development. The strength of unity, the harmony of purpose, the integrity of rhetoric, may these important elements be a part of the spirit of this momentous assembly and that in the days and years to come. As a leader, I have come to realize that a leader's true greatness is measured by the happiness and well-being of the people whom we serve. With the achievement of economic growth and prosperity, let us not lose the humanity within each of us and, more importantly, let us strive to give humanity to all peoples. I wish you continued success and may the Creator bless each and every one of you. Thank you. Hychga Siem. --------- "RE: BIA Questions" --------- Date: Sat, 27 Dec 1997 10:42:17 -0500 From: Summerfield/Marvin&Linda Subj: BIA Questions-Muskogee Phoenix Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.native Posted courtesy of your only independent Cherokee newspaper, The CHEROKEE OBSERVER. http://www.cherokeeobserver.org The following article was published in the Muskogee Daily Phoenix --------------------------------------------------- Statements attributed to former U.S. Attorney John Raley lend considerable credence to the view the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs took sides in the internal problems of the Cherokee nation. Such meddling is clearly improper and deserves full federal and congressional investigation. In a draft of an affidavit, Raley is quoted as stating an agreement to bring in BIA law officers into the Cherokee Nation was unilaterally altered by Deputy BIA Commissioner Hilda Manuel last April. The change, barring BIA officers from executing warrants and orders of the Cherokee Judicial Appeals Tribunal, clearly aided Cherokee Chief Joe Byrd, who faced an arrest warrant issued by the tribal court. BIA officers assumed legal jurisdiction in the Cherokee Nation after Byrd fired the tribe's marshals after they executed a search warrant of Byrd's offices Feb. 25. The search into charges Byrd misused tribal and federal funds. That case has been dormant since Byrd fired the marshals and his allies on the Tribal Council "impeached" the tribunal justices. (The "impeachment" was later ruled unconstitutional.) And in August, BIA officers assisted Byrd loyalist in the occupation of the Cherokee Nation Courthouse in downtown Tahlequah. We only can speculate why the BIA was so eager to assist Byrd. However, what is clear is such assistance violates the principles of tribal sovereignty and the orders of the duly constituted Cherokee courts. Congress should get to the bottom of the BIA's involvement in the Cherokee crisis. A good start would be by thoroughly questioning Manuel, former BIA's director Ada Deer and other agency officials on their actions and how they conform with federal and Cherokee law. EDITORIALLY SPEAKING RALEY PAPER RAISES MORE BIA QUESTIONS --------- "RE: Protection of Intellectual Properties" --------- Date: Sat, 27 Dec 1997 12:00:04 -0500 From: "Mohawk Nation Office" Subj: Mohawk Nation at Kahnawake Position on the Protection of Intellectual Properties From Commercial Misuse UUCP email Kwe:kwe all Haudenosaunee and Supporters! This is to let you know what you can do to help stop the outright theft and destruction of Haudenosaunee Intellectual properties (refer to email of December 21). An international agreement is to be signed January 18, 1998 in Mexico City, we need to act fast! WHAT YOU CAN DO 1) Tell Mexican and Canadian officials what you think 2) Tell the local and Mexican press what you have done 3) Tell us, the people in Mexico and the Kahnawake Mohawk Band Council what you have done Fax and send your own letters to the Mexican Ambassador and then send a copy of that letter to the following: the Mexican Consul, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Prime Minister. If you can not afford a long distance fax just send the letter to those you can afford or send it to us and we will get it out for you. If you can afford faxes you can send your letters in English, French, or Spanish to the officials in Mexico. Send your local newspaper a copy of the letter you've written. Also if you have email send your letter to the press in Mexico, or if you do not have email and can afford a fax send one. Also please send a copy of your letter to us. The addresses are: MEXICAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN CANADA Sandra Fuentes Mexican Ambassador to Canada 1500-45 O'Connor Street Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4 Fax:(613) 235-9123 Lic. Selso Humberto Delgado Consulat General du Mexique 2000 Mansfield Montreal PQ H3A 2Z7 tel (514) 288-2502 fax (514) 288-8287 Sergio Aguilera Consul-General Sonsulado Mexicano 4440-199 Bay Street Toronto, ON M5L 1E9 fax (416) 368-0676 MEXICAN OFFICIAL IN MEXICO Presidencia de la republica Dr. Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon Palacio Nacional, fax (525) 271 17 64 Residencia oficial de Los Pinos, fax (525) 515 17 94 Secretaria de Gobernacion Lic. Emilio Chuayffet, fax (525) 546 53 50 CANADIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS Hon. Lloyd Axeworthy Minister for Foreign Affairs Lester B. Pearson Bldg. 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2 fax (613) 996-3443 tel (613) 995-8872 Hon. Jean Chretien Prime Minister House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 fax (613) 975-5571 EMAILS AND FAXES OF SOME MEXICAN NEWSPAPERS (dial 011 first for international access) La Jornada, jornada@condor.dgsca.unam.mx fax (525) 510 1901, (525) 521 2763 Reforma, cartas@reforma.com.mx El Financiero fax (525) 531 8420, (525) 227 7620 Revista Proceso, proceso@spin.com.mx ADDRESSES IN KAHNAWAKE Jessica Hill, Manager Kahnawake Economic Development Authority P.O. Box 1110 Kahnawake PQ J0L 1B0 fax (514) 638-3276 email keda@axess.com Grand Chief, Joseph Norton Mohawk Council of Kahnawake P.O. Box 720 Kahnawake PQ J0L 1B0 fax. (514) 638-5958 ----------------------------------------------------- Mohawk Nation Office - Kahnawake Branch Visit our new site! http://www.cyberglobe.net/users/mnation --------- "RE: Cherokees Declare War on TVA" --------- Date: Sun, 28 Dec 1997 16:07:01 -0800 From: SISIS@envirolink.org (S.I.S.I.S.) Subj: Cherokees Declare War on Tennessee Valley Authority :-:-:-:-:-:-:-Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty-:-:-:-:-:-:-: [S.I.S.I.S. note: The following mainstream news article may contain biased or distorted information and may be missing pertinent facts and/or context. It is provided for reference only.] INDIANS DECLARE WAR ON TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY The Hustler - South Pittsburgh, Marion County, Tennessee December 18, 1997 front page headline by Betty Stallard David Brown, Raven of the Tennessee River Band of Chickamauga Cherokees, announced hoisted the flag of the Cherokee people with the flag of war during the pow wow held on December 12 - 13. Mr. Brown and band leaders base their declaration of war on TVA's continued cultural genocide by destroying Native American resources. Brown's ancestors came from Running Water Town (nearest communities today are Hale Town and Whiteside) which was near Nick-a-jack, the principal city of the Chickamauga Cherokee people. During the revolutionary war era, the Chickamauga Cherokees carried on a resistance with English help to protect their land against the colonists. The Chickamauga resistance fell defending their capital in the place that Nick a jack cave is and extending down to the river. Later TVA confiscated the Cherokee capital city under eminent domain. Much of the principal town of this proud people is now under Nick-a-jack Lake. The farmers were paid a pittance of what the land was worth, and it no longer could produce crops to feed their families. The Native Americans were told this was necessary for national security, that the government needed to build bombs and to power Oak Ridge. In return for their cooperation, TVA returned the historic site of Sequoya's birthplace and granted assistance in building a museum on the spot. "Think of what it would be like if China, for example, put Washington, D.C., under water through global warming and then built a museum to honor what had once been the capital of the United States of America over in Arlington Cemetery. This is what the Indian sees here," Brown said. "Yet in all this, the Native American did not react harshly though the heart of our people was desecrated, the graves of our forefathers put under water, and land fruitful for farming and hunting made useless and untouchable to those who owned it by right of birth and by right of property deed. "Now, however, TVA is trying to sell off what is left of this 'public' land to a foreign company for TVA's and this company's profit. This is illegal by the standard of the Chickamauga Cherokee and by the laws of the United States of America. We will fight, and die if necessary, to regain what is and should be ours." This time the Native American has some very formidable backing within these United States. Raymond Evans, who has a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from UTC, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and a M.A. in Anthropology from UTK, is in possession of facts that bear out the Indian position. Joining Evans is Burce Wilkey, a long time partner in archaeological and ecological studies. [note: Betty Stallard is the new Managing Editor of The Hustler. this text was checked: all word orders & spellings are as they were printed in the article.] ------------------------------------------- http://www.chattanooga.net/cita/slcmdc/ :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: S.I.S.I.S. Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty P.O. Box 8673, Victoria, "B.C." "Canada" V8X 3S2 EMAIL: SISIS@envirolink.org WWW: http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/SISmain.html SOVERNET-L is a news-only listserv concerned with indigenous sovereigntist struggles around the world. To subscribe, send "subscribe sovernet-l" in the body of an email message to For more information on sovernet-l, contact S.I.S.I.S. --------- "RE: Shelve Offensive Sports Mascots" --------- Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 00:05:06 -0600 From: Steven Baggs Subj: Shelve offensive sports mascots UUCP email Greetings all, I need to send a "thumbs-up" to the Sioux Falls newspaper for running the following editorial in today's paper. With respect, Steven ---begin quoted passage------ Argus Leader; Sioux Falls, SD. December 28, 1997 Shelve offensive sports mascots EDITORIAL The issue: Sports fans who are glued to the television set during the winter holidays will have occasion to contemplate racist team names, chants and mascots that hurt American Indians. Our position: Regardless of whether team owners and fans are free of malicious intent, if American Indians take offense, then the names, chants and mascots are ipso facto offensive. Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me. That statement probably ranks as the most unbelievable platitude ever uttered. When have you last heard epithets referring to you - such as honkie, spic, Chink, nigger or other dread derisions of your race or ethnicity - without a physiological reaction, possibly an atavistic adrenaline rush to prepare you for battle? The words incite anger. Why? Because they hurt. Sometimes prejudicial words are meant to hurt. More insidious, but no less painful, are the words tainted with prejudice and disrespect that are used without malice. Once users of the words realize their impact, they should be motivated by simple human decency to stop referring to groups of people with those words - sports teams and fans included. Fans watching TV sports this winter holiday should walk in the moccasins of American Indians and try to imagine the emotions evoked by the Washington Redskins or Kansas City Chiefs. Non-Indian fans can perhaps watch unmoved because they are not the ones characterized by the team names, mascots and chants. An end to the football season will not bring relief. Baseball will keep up the pace with the especially offensive cartoonish mascot of the Cleveland Indians and the tomahawk chant of the Atlanta Braves. Teams and fans resist the suggestion of change with the assertion that no harm is meant. To the contrary, they say, team references to American Indians adulate qualities they admire. They miss the point. Regardless of their intentions, if the affected people find the words and actions offensive, that makes them offensive. American Indians have communicated eloquently that the buffoonish antics of mascots and other warped depictions of them cut deeply. "Being mimicked, aped, insulted and denigrated by fanatic sports fans is not an honor," says Tim Giago, publisher of Indian Country Today, based in Rapid City. Children take the brunt of the psychological beating. Their literal translations of life make them more vulnerable. Giago recounts a poignant vignette of a tearful child who, crying from shame as she watched a Kansas City Chiefs football game, asked: "Mom, why are they making fun of grandpa?" "Self-esteem and personal pride is as important to our school-age children as it is to school children of any race," Giago says. To unwittingly hurt people is one thing. To continue doing so despite a clear message that words and behavior are hurtful is quite another. --------- "RE: Tribal Peoples Security Council" --------- Date: Wed, 24 Dec 1997 03:17:24 -0800 From: SISIS@envirolink.org (S.I.S.I.S.) Subj: Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Security Council :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:Forwarded message:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: From: "Boyle, Francis" Subject: Draft Sovereignty Council Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 08:57:39 -0600 Dear Friends: Pursuant to this request, attached is the document that I worked on with Gary Patton up in Alaska and that is in the public record. I would recommend, however, that rather than calling it a "Security Council", it should be called a SOVEREIGNTY COUNCIL, for obvious reasons. As a legal term, sovereignty includes security as well as self-determination. So I would recommend that this Council be renamed a Sovereignty Council and the document redrafted accordingly. But of course, the final decision is up to you. Yours very truly, Francis A. Boyle Professor of International Law A Resolution Authorizing the Creation of an Northern Hemisphere Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Security Council 1. Recognizing, that Indigenous Peoples in the Northern Hemisphere have existed as distinct peoples with defined territorial boundaries, distinct languages, distinct cultures, and customary laws since time immemorial; and 2. Recognizing, that these territorial boundaries may be defined as bioregional linguistic kinship related areas; and 3. Recognizing, that these bioregional linguistic kinship related areas were divided by imposed colonial nation-state borders; and 4. Recognizing, that within these bioregional linguistic kinship related areas that our respective peoples, Yupic, Inupiaq, Athabascan, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimpshean, etc., have exercised the full range of self-determination as distinct sovereigns, each with our own defined territorial boundaries, our unique languages, laws and customs; and 5. Recognizing that Article 1 of the United Nations Charter affirms the customary international law right to self-determination of peoples; and 6. Recognizing, that the Charter of the United Nations specifically addresses certain issues, particularly in the cases of Indigenous Peoples rights in non-self-governing territories as existed in 1948; and 7. Recognizing, that various conventions, treaties, agreements or other multilateral agreements recognize that Indigenous Peoples within the boundaries of nation states are endowed with unalienable rights including but not limited to, the right to self-determination and subsistence; and 8. Understanding, that the United States of America, Canada and Russia are signatory to the Charter of the United Nations; and 9. Understanding, that the United States of America is signatory to various international agreements, including but not limited to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and 10. Understanding that Part I Article I of the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights=D3, G.A. res. 2200A (XXI), 21 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 16) at 52, U.N. Doc. A/6316 (1966), 999 U.N.T.S. 171. entered into force March 23, 1976: states in pertinent part: (1). All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. (2). All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit, and international law. In no case may a people be deprived of its own means of subsistence. (3). The States Parties to the present Covenant, including those having responsibility for the administration of Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories, shall promote the realization of the right of Self-determination, and shall respect that right, in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations; and 11. Understanding, that the United States of America, Canada and Russia are bound by customary international law including Nuremberg Principles; and 12. Understanding, that all nations are bound, according to customary international law, to adhere to the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties; now 13. Understanding that despite all the wrongs committed against us including violations of our human rights, even genocide, that we are still in full peaceful occupation of our traditionally defined homelands described above as bioregional linguistic related areas; and 14. It Is Hereby Declared That in order to ensure the Security, physical health and mental well being of the Indigenous Peoples as well as our basic human rights of subsistence and self-determination that there is hereby created an Northern Hemisphere Indigenous and Tribal peoples Security Council with representation based upon the recognized bioregional linguistic kinship related regions of the Indigenous = Peoples of Northern Hemisphere; and 15. It Is Further Declared That The Northern Hemisphere Indigenous and Tribal peoples Security Council is conceived as humanistic in form in order to ensure the continued existence or our bioregional linguistic kinship related regions through development of unity of purpose and solidarity; and 16. It Is Further Declared That the initial purposes of the Northern Hemisphere Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Security Council is to exercise our sacred rights to self-determination in accordance with the requirements of international law, including but not limited to generally counter dehumanization, oppression, and genocide in any form, as well as to seek unified and peaceful actions designed to further our continued existence, strengthen our traditional cultural norms and laws, our social and economic integrity and to seek recognition of our full allodial rights and titles, it is agreed that these purposes may, from time to time be expanded and/or changed as need and desire dictate; and 17. It Is Further Declared That the Northern Hemisphere Indigenous and Tribal peoples Security Council will undertake to design and implement education programs and materials for dissemination and use of all, particularly the Indigenous Peoples of Northern Hemisphere, as well as those bioregional kinship related peoples who happen to be across the borders which divide our traditional Nations in order to further develop solidarity and reestablish the social and economic ties which sustained us for millennia before the arrival of colonialists and the creation of nation-states which had no sensitivity or regard for the existence of our peoples; and 18. It Is Finally Declared That upon passage of this resolution by members of each bioregion, that a steering committee with representation chosen by each linguistic bioregion shall be created with the charge of informing and seeking the full membership of each village, including but not limited to the membership of Alaska Inter-Tribal Council and seeking the ratification of this document as well as the Resolution passed at the 1995 Alaska Inter-Tribal Annual Meeting titled, "Security of Humankind." *** Francis A. Boyle Law Building 504 E. Pennsylvania Ave. Champaign, Ill. 61820 Phone: 217-333-7954 Fax: 217-244-1478 fboyle@law.uiuc.edu :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:End forwarded message:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: For Further Information: Gary C Patton Head Representative Provisional Government: Katalla Chilkot Tlingit Phone Fax (907) 338-3814 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: S.I.S.I.S. Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty P.O. Box 8673, Victoria, "B.C." "Canada" V8X 3S2 EMAIL: SISIS@envirolink.org WWW: http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/SISmain.html SOVERNET-L is a news-only listserv concerned with indigenous sovereigntist struggles around the world. To subscribe, send "subscribe sovernet-l" in the body of an email message to For more information on sovernet-l, contact S.I.S.I.S. --------- "RE: Walmart" --------- Date: Thu, 25 Dec 1997 20:36:03 -0500 From: ishgooda Subj: [tusweca@infoave.net ] Walmart ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- Date: Thu, 25 Dec 1997 18:15:56 -0500 From: Mike UUCP email Indian petitions to halt Wal-Mart By Rob Moritz rmoritz@nashvillebanner.com A Creek Indian who may be a descendant of the Native Americans buried on the site of the proposed Wal-Mart superstore on Charlotte Pike hopes to stop developers from removing the more than 40 burial sites. Don Yahola, who serves on the advisory council to the Tennessee Archaeology Board, has filed a petition asking that the developer's request to move the graves be heard in Chancery Court. In October, JDN Development Co., developers of the Wal-Mart project, filed suit in Chancery Court asking to move the remains of more than 40 Native Americans to the rear of the 62-acre site, closer to the Cumberland River. Under the state statute, an "interested party" can file a petition asking that a hearing be held on the issue, says Tom Longaberger, who represents Yahola. However, the judge must rule that the person has "good standing" before a hearing is set. Longaberger has filed a petition asking that Yahola be considered "in good standing" and that such a hearing be held to determine whether JDN can remove the graves. A hearing on the removal of Indian graves has never been granted to a Native American based on the "good standing" statute, Longaberger says. "It's a very vague statute and nobody has ever been able to get past the standing issue," he says, adding that JDN would have to prove that they've tried to find ancestors of the Indians buried at the site. "Our argument is that he's appointed to oversee that type stuff so he has good standing to oversee this," Longaberger says about Yahola's role with the archaeology board. The statute also says that the "interested party includes people that are related by blood" and there's evidence that the Indian burial grounds may be of Creek Indians, Longaberger says. "We're hopeful we can prove he's in good standing," Longaberger says. "I think he's the most qualified person to do that in Tennessee, and the way I understand that it may even be Creek graves." "This would be pretty significant if the chancellor accepts Don as an interested person," says Toye Heap, an Indian activist who opposes moving the 800-year-old burial grounds. The Metro Council rezoned the property across the road from Brookmeade Elementary School from residential to commercial in August, despite vocal opposition from area residents who said the superstore will increase traffic congestion. Earlier this month, the group United Neighbors, which opposes the development, filed a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court alleging that the council approved the zone change for the 372,000-square-foot development for the wrong reasons. The lawsuit claims that the council OK'd the development in August because of improvements and promises the developer made during the debate, and not based on the merits of the zone change itself. Opponents of the project also have been trying for months to force a recall election against District 23 Councilman Eric Crafton, who supported the zoning change. The original recall attempt was ruled invalid after residents garnered signatures from 15 percent of the voters in the 23rd district, but learned that they had to have signatures from 15 percent of the voters in the entire county. Opponents are now hoping that the Legislature will change the state law to require only signatures of residents in the targeted councilman's district. 12/25/97 1997 The Nashville Banner Don Yahola hopes to keep developers from moving the graves of what might be his ancestors. --------- "RE: Bear Lincoln Jury News" --------- Date: Sat, 27 Dec 1997 11:23:57 +0800 From: "Long John" Subj: Bear Lincoln Jury News UUCP email TRIAL IN UKIAH 9 jurors call retrial of Lincoln a waste of time By MIKE GENIELLA Press Democrat Bureau, UKIAH Nine of the 12 jurors who acquitted Eugene "Bear" Lincoln of murder in the 1995 death of a Mendocino County sheriff's deputy contend that retrial of the Round Valley man on manslaughter charges will be a "waste of time and taxpayers' dollars." In a letter to The Press Democrat asking "to be heard directly" by the public, the jurors, including forewoman Eileen Urich of Laytonville, said they believe acquittal on the lesser charges stemming from Deputy Bob Davis' killing is inevitable. "We are puzzled as to why the prosecution is pressing forward with the retrial of Bear Lincoln on manslaughter charges in a case full of inconsistent testimony, and with scant and tainted physical evidence," the jurors wrote. The jurors said they've been "driven" to go public with their views on behalf of Lincoln because of the "disrespect" shown them by local authorities since they rendered not guilty verdicts on first- and second- degree murder charges in Lincoln's trial earlier this year. Defense attorneys are scheduled to be in court Jan. 2 to argue a motion for dismissal of the remaining manslaughter charges against Lincoln. Mendocino County District Attorney Susan Massini, who plans to try the case herself in the second trial, said she could not respond to the letter because of a gag order imposed by Judge John Golden. Before the order was imposed earlier this month, however, Massini said she decided to retry Lincoln for manslaughter because it is "the right thing to do." Massini said she decided to handle the case personally after spending several weeks reviewing the trial evidence and other information relating to the April 14, 1996, deaths of Deputy Bob Davis and Leonard "Acorn" Peters, a companion of Lincoln. Davis was killed in the second of two gun battles with Lincoln and Peters on a lonely road west of Covelo while on a search for Arylis Peters, a suspect in an unrelated killing that had occurred about four hours earlier. Arylis Peters was Leonard Peters' brother. Deputy Dennis Miller, Davis' partner, and Lincoln survived the shootouts uninjured. Authorities contend that Lincoln triggered the firefight when he shot at the two deputies after they ordered Peters to drop a rifle he had pointed at them. Millel initially told investigators that he saw only one man on the road. But when ballistic tests on Peters' rifle disclosed that his weapon never had been fired, Miller changed his version of events to include a second man at the scene. Lincoln admitted being present, but contended that he fired his gun in self-defense. He claimed he didn't know he had killed Davis until after fleeing the scene. He went into hiding for four months before surrendering to authorities. In their letter, the jurors said that after listening to weeks of testimony they unanimously concluded that Lincoln "had no complicity in the death of Leonard 'Acorn' Peters, and also unanimously agreed that in the death of Bob Davis, none of the evidence pointed to murder." The nine jurors instead suggested they believe in the possibility of a law enforcement cover-up as alleged by the Lincoln defense. "Some of us feel the truth still lies within the person of Dennis Miller, and may stay hidden there forever," the letter said. "Some of us feel there is a wider circle of those who know the true sequence of events." Miller could not be reached for comment Friday. Because he will be a witness if Lincoln is retried, Miller also is legally barred under the judge's gag order from talking about events the night Davis died, as well as the jurors' subsequent allegations. ================================================== -- Long John -- ==================================================== T U B B Y T U N E S R a d i o S h o w KRCB 91.1 FM Santa Rosa California Po Box 825, Geyserville, Ca. 95441 USA E-mail: TubbyTunes@Metro.net Please Support Public Broadcasting --------- "RE: Clinton Sued in High Court" --------- Date: Sat, 27 Dec 1997 11:31:20 -1000 From: Hawaii Nation Info Subj: Clinton Sued in High Court re Hawaiian Kingdom treaties UUCP email Perfect Title Co-Founder Sues Clinton in High Court (The odds are long, but Sai has gotten his case on the justices' docket) by Rob Perez Honolulu Star-Bulletin December 18, 1997 David Keanu Sai wants to give the U.S. Supreme Court justices a history lesson about the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. He may get that chance, though experts say his odds are slim. Sai has sued President Clinton in the nation's highest court, asking the justices to compel Clinton to honor the 1850 treaty between the Hawaiian Kingdom and the United States. The legal action is part of an effort by Sai and others involved with Perfect Title Co., the controversial property-search firm, to restore the kingdom government to its pre-overthrow status. Such an effort has been dismissed as absurd by many in Hawaii's legal, political and business circles. Yet the country's top court last week put the lawsuit on its docket, meaning the justices at a minimum will consider whether to hear the case. If the court decides to rule on the merits of Sai's arguments, it could mark a turning point in the debate on Hawaiian sovereignty matters, attraction national and even international attention. Justices would handle trial But constitutional law specialists doubt the justices will take on the case, saying technical or judicial issues likely will derail it. "There are plenty of ways which (the justices) can deny a hearing," said Gordon Christenson, a visiting University of Hawaii law professor who has taught courses about the Supreme Court. "I would be skeptical over whether the court would decide" to hear the case. Sai, acting without attorney representation, succeeded in getting the lawsuit on the Supreme Court's docket apparently by citing a little-used provision in the U.S. Constitution. He claimed he was filing the lawsuit in his capacity as a regent of the kingdom -- a designation authorized by several dozen native Hawaiians who have pledged allegiance to the kingdom, Sai said. Sai said he didn't file the lawsuit in his capacity as co-founder and employee of Perfect Title, which searches property records based on 19th century kingdom law and invariably determines existing land titles in Hawaii are invalid. Because the lawsuit against Clinton involves a foreign ambassador, the Supreme Court has "original jurisdiction," Sai said. In other words, it acts as a trial court in this case, not the nations highest appeals court, its more typical role. Persistence may pay off The court, however, initially rejected Sai's lawsuit and returned his $300 filing fee. In a Dec. 1 letter to Sai, court representative Francis J. Lorson said Sai's petition couldn't be filed because the case didn't go through the appeals process. Lorson also said the court didn't have jurisdiction under the "original jurisdiction" rule because Hawaii is part of the United States. But Sai wrote back, reiterating that he was a foreign ambassador and therefore the court had jurisdiction. Last Friday, an assistant for Clerk William K. Suter wrote that Sai's lawsuit had been assigned to the docket. No explanation for the change was given. A court spokesman said a response to Sai's lawsuit is due from Clinton by Jan. 10. Once Clinton's response and Sai's rebuttal to it are received, the justices will set a conference to decide whether to hear the case, the spokesman said. Sai said the court must hear all "original jurisdiction" cases, not having the discretion to choose like it has with appellate cases. But Christenson said the justices could decide for technical reasons -- such as Sai didn't have proper standing to file the lawsuit or Clinton was immune from these types of actions -- not to hear the case. Experts say hearing unlikely And even if the lawsuit survived such preliminary questions, the justices still wouldn't be likely to rule on its merit, law experts said. The court typically defers matters involving foreign policy or treaties to the executive branch, said Jon Van Dyke, another constitutional law expert at UH. In the lawsuit, Sai essentially argues that the 1893 overthrow was illegal and that the treaty between the two nations never was terminated and still is in effect. Many of his facts are taken from the so-called Apology Bill, signed by Clinton, that represented a formal apology for the overthrow. A Clinton spokesman said he couldn't comment on the lawsuit. Sai confident in case If Sai's position was upheld, that would mean radical changes in Hawaii, which no longer would be a U.S. state, but a sovereign nation. Kingdom law, not U.S. law, would apply here. While most legal experts give Sai's argument no chance of succeeding, the former military officer believes his position is irrefutable. "This isn't a racial thing. It's not a native thing. It's the law -- black and white," Sai said. "We're not saying Americans get out. We're not saying Americans will lose everything. We're saying recognize that this is the Hawaiian Kingdom." ___________________________________________________________ | Hawai`i - Independent & Sovereign | | info@hawaii-nation.org http://hawaii-nation.org | |___________________________________________________________| "The cause of Hawaii and independence is larger and dearer than the life of any man connected with it. Love of country is deep- seated in