From gars@netcom.com Wed Apr 15 00:44:31 1998
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 19:46:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: Gary Night Owl <gars@netcom.com>
To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche <gars@netcom.com>
Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews06.016

    _       __  _____  __   _ __    ___    ____  _ __    ___
   ' )   / / ')  /    /  ) ' )  )  /   )    /   ' )  )  /   )
    / / / /  /  /    /--/   /  /  / ___    /     /  /  / ___
   (_(_/ (__/  (    /  (_  /  (_ (___/ '__/_    /  (_ (___/ '        O
      ____   _    ,  ___   _    , ___                            O   o   O
       /    ' )  /  /   ) ' )  / /   '                         O     o     O
      /      /-<   /       /--/ /--    VOLUME 06, ISSUE 016   O o o     o o O
   __/_     /   ) (___/   /  ( (___,      April 18, 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 Triballaw & Nat-Film Lists;
         Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty;   UUCP email;
             North American Spirit Lodge;  Newsgroup: alt.native
 
 Articles appearing have been previously posted for public dissemination
 and/or permission for inclusion has been secured.
 Letters of authorization are on file.  A list of those granting permission
 to repost their words in this issue are listed at the end of part A.
 I thank each of you for allowing your words to be shared with the people.
 
 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.
   In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in
 this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a
 prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes.
               <----<<<<                           >>>>---->
   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.
 
 Downloading Wotanging Ikche on AOL  From: MAANG1419@aol.com <Valentina>
 Just thought I would share some info.  I could not download on to a  .txt
 because I kept getting the message (when I tried to retrieve it) that the
 text editor could not handle the volume.  This time I downloaded it on to
 a .doc and when I retrieved it out of file manager,  IT WORKED.
 
    "We also have a religion which was given to our forefathers, and has
     been handed down to us their children. It teaches us to be thankful, to
     be united, and to love one another. We never quarrel about religion."
    __ Red Jacket, Seneca
 
 +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+
 |   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!
 
   A lot of shorter news items arrived this week that deserve reading and
 consideration.  I give them this space I usually reserve for thoughts
 I wish to share.
 
 Date: Mon, 06 Apr 1998 11:20:46 EDT
 From: ejohnson20@juno.com (Edward M Johnson)
 Subj: MicmacBush <MicmacBush@aol.com>: Re: Carol McBain
 
 I am requesting assistance on behalf of this Native person. Please
 forward your responses directly to her. If there is any guidance anyone
 would care to offer to put an end to this attack please feel free to copy
 your messages to me. I am also requesting that this message and request
 for assistance be forwarded to everyone in your circle. If anyone feel it
 is necessary to contact me directly you may do so by calling me at
 716-832-8232 (home) and we can talk. May the Great Spirit continue to
 guide and protect you all and shine his light on your paths. 
                                                        Ed
 --------- Begin forwarded message ----------
 Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 00:41:45 EST
 From: MicmacBush <MicmacBush@aol.com>
 Subj: Re: Carol McBain
 
 Hello,
    My sister Mary Eunice Mc Bain{ Charbonneau} still has not got her
 problems resolved.They now want her to get a green card,and they will
 deport her if she doesn't come up with one.I sent for some papers from
 our reservation in Canada,it states that she is a member of the Eel River
 Bar reservation,and is a full blooded micmac native. She is at her wits
 end with all this.  One document is her status card,all she needs to do
 is get a picture on it,and she needs to send it back to Canada so they
 can make it official for them.  Can you help in some way?
  Sincerely,  Caroline McBain
 
  =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=
 
 Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1998 12:12:43 EDT
 From: Jordan S Dill <jsd@SOVER.NET>
 Subj: A Passing...
 
 Irma Rooks Bear Stops Passes On
   Please the post the following Message to any newsgroups:
 Funeral Services are being held in Wambli SD today for Irma Rooks-Bear
 Stops, a Wounded Knee Warrior woman who stepped up to be among the
 Wounded Knee Leadership in 1973. She was a treaty rights activist who
 testified during the Wounded Knee Trials in Nebraska in 1974 following
 the charges made against Wounded Knee Activists involved in 1973
 Standoff. We hope the people will remember her and the tremendous
 sacrifices she made in those earlier years.
   On December 16, 1974, The US Distr Ct of Nebraska, Lincoln, held a trial
 to hear testimony on the motion to dismiss charges against the Wounded
 Knee Defendents before the Honorable Warren K. Urbom. "The Sioux Treaty
 Hearing" was called to dismiss claims against 65 defendents charged in
 the 1973 Wounded Knee Liberation. The defendants claimed the US had no
 jurisdiction on Lakota Land under the 1868 Ft Laramie Treaty. The
 defendants asserted a little known concept back then, something called
 Sovereignty.
   Irma Rooks Bear Stops was among the defendants. "The sacred Pipe was
 given to us from the Great Spirit. Whatever promises are made through
 the Sacred Pipe are to be honored and respected. Using the Pipe to live
 by is really hard for people. you cannot fool the Great Spirit. The Pipe
 always comes in first with everything. The promises that you make are
 included - such as with the Treaty." She testified.
   "The 1868 Treaty meant that the land rightfully belongs to Mother Earth
 and the Great Spirit. We are supposed to live on it and take care of it
 so that it can provide all the things. No white man shall come into the
 reservation. We are supposed to govern ourselves. We are supposed to
 take care of our own." She told the court.
   "The treaty was made with the Sacred Pipe. Lakota people honor that
 Treaty. The 1868 Treaty is taught to us since we were young the older
 people talk about it because that is the way of our history. In the
 future, when people read the writing of the 1868 Treaty, they will
 understand that there is a lot of difference. The Government did not
 understand what the Indians were trying to tell the government, and it
 is assumed that is what they wanted."
 Irma is remembered...Mitakuye oyasin.
 Robert Quiver jr,
 Lakota Student Alliance
 PO Box 225
 Kyle, SD  57752
 
  =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=
 
 Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 08:39:11 -0400
 From: Duegon@webtv.net (Willow Butler)
 Subj: Front Page of The Cleveland Plain Dealer Wed. 4-8-98 daily newspaper
 
 Hau Gary,
 
 "JUDGE TOSSES OUT CHIEF WAHOO CASE"
 Judge clears Wahoo protesters >>------->
 A Cleveland Judge dismissed charges against American Indian activists
 yesterday because she said City Prosecutors failed to prove that the trio
 broke any laws at a 1997 World Series game where they protested the use
 of Chief Wahoo caricature...
 There is more information in the article, if you are interested e-mail me.
 Ah Ho
 Mends the Hoop
 THE BALANCE OF LIFE  'LOVE'
 ---------------------------------------------
 Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 16:12:31 -0400
 From: yaelg@juno.com (Yael Grauer)
 Subj: Four Arrested for Burning a Chief Wahoo Effigy
 
   There was a protest today against the Chief Wahoo mascot at the stadium.
 Protestors were on both sides of the field.  On one side, Bob Roche (from
 the American Indian Movement) and a handful of other people held signs and
 talked to people about the mascot.  The media was covering it, and there
 were "Peacekeepers" sent, they said, by the mayor, to prevent fights between
 the fans and the protestors.
   On the other side, four people (Bellecourt, Reyna, and two others) were
 arrested for burning an effigy of Chief Wahoo...amidst chants of "let them
 go," "FOD means KKK, there's no justice in the USA" and "No justice, no
 peace, the racist police."  The fire department was contacted and the
 officers said that the only reason the four were arrested was because of
 the possible hazard of burning the effigy, as it was extremely windy out.
   Many people spoke into a microphone and there was a huge sound system.
 There was also a lot of media people, who we handed out AIM press
 releases to...Bob Roche and several other people were interviewed.  There
 was also a woman from Ithaca college who was researching the protests and
 interviewed several people.  Thirty protestors were on this side at the
 beginning of the protest, and twenty more showed up near the end.
   As my friend and I were walking over from one side to the other, a police
 officer followed us and told us that the protesters had to be in the
 designated protest area.  (We were holding signs saying "PEOPLE NOT
 MASCOT$".)  She followed us *very* closely and I told her we were just
 walking over to the other side, so she "escorted" us there and closed the
 fence behind us.  
   Somebody at the protest mentioned that we were only allowed to
 demonstrate four times a month because of some court order, but I haven't
 looked into it yet.
   More information about the arrests, etc. as I get it.
 _____________________________________________
 Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 22:56:22 -0400
 From: Duegon@webtv.net (Willow Butler)
 Subj: TV nightly News 10:00pm 4-10-98
 
 Hau Gary, Bad news....Vernon Bellecourt was arrested again today, for
 protesting outside the Jacobs Field ball park, at the Cleveland Indians
 home opener...
 He is in jail and at this time there has not been any charges pressed...
 The police are however looking at arson charges. Vernon set fire to an
 effigy of Chief Wahoo as he had done at one of the World Series games
 in the Fall of 1997...
 News release from Friday, April 10th 10:00pm
 Ah Ho
 Mends the Hoop
 THE BALANCE OF LIFE  'LOVE'
 
  =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=
 
 Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 23:31:16 -0400 (EDT)
 From: Joseph Anthony Reilly <jareilly@umich.edu>
 
 Here is a copy of the statement issued tonight at the Townhall Meeting.
 Joe
 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
   I have been asked to participate in this panel discussion and to voice
 my concerns and opinions as a Native American student at the University of
 Michigan.  I am honored to be part of such an important and necessary
 dialogue yet cannot overlook the blatant disregard for Native American
 representation by President Clinton's Advisory Board on Race Relations.
 Clinton's Initiative on race challenges Americans to "fulfill the promise
 of America by embracing all citizens of all races," yet fails to include
 the principal people of this continent.  It seems as though Native
 Americans were never meant to be a part of this idea of "One America."
 The hypocrisy inherent within this initiative is shameful, and is
 indicative of the relationship which has existed between the American
 government and Native Americans for hundreds of years.
   Native Americans are the only race who must prove a certain degree
 of blood quantum and carry ID cards in order to be recognized by the
 United States government as legally legitimate. The land upon which this
 University and all of American society sits was once the land of Native
 nations and has been obtained by the government through broken treaties
 and forced relocation policies.  Our traditions and culture continue to be
 trivialized and mocked by racist mascots and ignorant organizations, even
 here at the University of Michigan by the secret society of Michigamua
 which is supported by the University and has continued to perpetuate
 stereotypical, degrading, and disrespectful  representations of Native
 Americans for almost a century.  We are not invisible.  Native people
 exist and our problems and concerns need to be recognized and understood
 if this initiative is to be truly productive on both the campus and
 National levels.    
   I cannot participate in a program which has chosen to alienate and
 disregard the pressing concerns of Indigenous Americans in National racial
 dialogue.  I hereby withdraw my support of the President's Initiative on
 Race until Native American representation is included on the National
 level in President Clinton's Advisory Board on Race Relations.
 
  =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=
 
 Thanks to Mike Wicks <mwicks@gte.net> for these reminders:
 In Memory (with Respect and Honor)
 AIM Casualties on Pine Ridge, 1973-1976
 4.17.1973  Frank Clearwater - AIM member killed by heavy machine gun
            round at Wounded Knee.
            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 ----------
 - Letter to Gorton                  - Navajo President Atcitty
 - Scrap Archaeological Regulations    on Health Care
 - Rally against Tribal Hunters      - Important Info on Codetalkers
 - Leonard Peltier's Case            - Ottawa Overturns Band Elections
 - Robert Pictou-Branscombe          - Fake Arts and Crafts
 - Chiapas Bulletin                  - Trail Of Joy
 - NCDM National Press Release       - Trail of Tears 1998
 - Urgent: Chiapas!                  - Native American Authors Sought
 - Gustafsen Inquiry Call            - Backlash for Tribal Immunity
 - Just-US                           - Elimination of Racist Mascots
 - Warren George Sentenced           - When Do We All Come Together
 - Kee Watchman U. N. Speech         - Save Languages From Extinction
 - Billings Senate Hearing           - Oglala Prison Civil Rights Group
 - Sheriff Releases Dogs on Apaches  - Native Prisoner
 - Ward Valley:                      - A Hundred Years Ago
   Representative Filner Letter      - Poem: Of Health and Sickness
 - Nevada Test Site Nonviolent       - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days
   Occupation                        - Conferences and Powwows
 
 --------- "RE: Letter to Gorton" ---------
 
 Date: Sun, 12 Apr 1998 15:54:21 -0700 (PDT)
 From: James BlueWolf <wolfbros@zapcom.net>
 Subj: letter to Gorton
 
 Mailing List:    TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu)
 
 Haaah- this letter reflects our families views on the subject.
 
 Haaah(hello) Sir:
   I respectfully disagree with your views on this subject.  Only in the
 last few years has the Government of the United States begun to act
 responsibly and honorably toward the Nations upon which it imposed, by
 right of force only, its forms of government and law.
   That our 'civilized' federal government is just now admitting that
 perhaps the destruction of our Nations' rights to sovereignty and self-
 government because of a racially and culturally misguided theory and
 policy of Manifest Destiny is commendable.  But we feel its has a long way
 to go.
   Backing up and taking away this 'newly discovered' partial recognition
 of our right to self-determination, and our authority to exercise control
 over our lands and Nations is, quite simply, the reassertion of a
 culturally and racially biased viewpoint.
   Though our relationship has been described as "domestic dependent
 nations", we are, in fact, much more than that.  In order to lift
 ourselves from the poverty, violence and dependencies that limit our
 Nations' progress our young people must be given the sense that they
 control the destiny of their Tribes.
   Senator Gorton, this is the difference that has existed among our
 Peoples from the first day we came into contact.  Our individualism and
 freedoms are derived from our commitments to our Tribes first, and to
 ourselves second.  The average americans' commitment often starts and ends
 with themselves.
   Your 'advanced' society is deteriorating daily dues to lack of common
 purpose, ethics, morals, and personal commitment to the Nation. Your
 problems with violence, dependency, deterioration of family values and
 morals is directly tied to this absolute fanaticism on upholding
 individual rights without responsibility to a family, tribal, or
 representative center.
   Unfortunately this absence of commitment is dragging our Nations and
 Families down with it! Your culture and society has not proved as strong
 and viable as you hoped it might be.  We have never been assimilated.  We
 always have known that our structures of government and commitments to
 honor and moral integrity were equal to your own.
   All the objections you have put forth dealing with tribal government
 abuses stem not from the legal deterioration of personal rights but from
 the Indian Reorganization Acts inept reorganization of Tribal governments
 into vehicles which are ripe for abuse and misuse by individuals and
 cliques.  The elected Tribal Council systems are poorly structured and
 have none of the supposed checks and balances of power built into the
 american democratic system.  Even your balances of power have not always
 proved to be effective- Andrew Jackson vs the Supreme Court, etc.
   If you truly have an interest in ending these abuses of individual
 rights then sponsor a bill directing the Interior and the BIA to allow
 Indian Nations to select and reorganize their tribal governments to reflect
 a more responsive, responsible form of representation. Also sponsor an
 investigation into the theft and mis-appropriation of billions of dollars
 from Indian trust accounts and resource lease management programs.  If this
 money was recovered many of these issues might be immediately resolved!
   We cannot step backwards in time.  Do not diminish our powers and
 sovereignty-  give us more control over our own respective governments and
 you will see us take greater strides toward economic self-reliance.
   As for taxation, and non-indian representation issues- as sovereign
 nations, (even domestic dependent ones), we have our right to disagreement
 with your views.
            Respectfully, James and Bernie BlueWolf
 
 --------- "RE: Scrap Archaeological Regulations" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 18:51:01 -0300
 From: Larry Innes <innuenv@web.net>
 Subj: Fwd: Nfld. wants to scrap archaeological surveys of drilling sites
 ------- FORWARD, Original message follows -------
 Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 11:40:16 -0400 (EDT)
 From: ag737@freenet.carleton.ca (Wallace J.McLean)
 Subj: Mining Industry Wants Archaeological Regulations Scrapped
 
 Mailing List:    Innu People Forum list <INNU-L@YORKU.CA>
 
 This is scary. Please voice your opposition to this move by writing
 Premier Tobin: <premier@gov.nf.ca>
 
 CBC ST. JOHN'S REGIONAL NEWS, APRIL 8 1998
   The provincial government may scrap regulations that require
 archaeological surveys at remote drill sites in Labrador.
   But an official with the Labrador Inuit Association says the move could
 lead to the looting of ancient artifacts.
   Before an exploration company can drill for minerals it has to prove
 that the activity won't disturb any archaeological sites.
   The policy is meant to assure Labrador's native groups that their
 heritage won't be destroyed.
   But the assistant deputy minister of mines and energy says the policy
 might be changed.
   Paul Deans says the mining industry is pressuring the government to drop
 the regulation, and his department is willing to review the regulation.
   The director of the Labrador Inuit Association's cultural arm says the
 surveys shouldn't be scrapped.
   Gary Baikie says if there are no surveys, artifacts could be damaged or
 looted, and sold on the black market.
   Dean says if any change does occur it won't effect this summer's
 drilling season.
 --
 There's more to life than books, you know (but not much more.)
 VISIT LABRADOR!:              http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3330/
 CONSTITUTION OF Nfld. and Lab.:        http://www.freenet.carleton.ca/~ag737
 
 --------- "RE: Rally against Tribal Hunters" ---------
 
 Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 02:12:31 -0800
 From: SISIS@envirolink.org (S.I.S.I.S.)
 Subj: Washington Rally against Tribal Hunters (fwd)
 
 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:Forwarded message:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:
           * NORTHWEST LEONARD PELTIER SUPPORT NETWORK *
                             BOX 5464
                       Tacoma, WA 98415-0464
                  E-mail: arthurmiller50@juno.com
                     - Tuesday, 31 March 1998 -
 _________________________________________________________________
                ANTI-RACIST EMERGENCY ACTION NETWORK
 _________________________________________________________________
   On March 21st 500 white hunters held a rally in Olympia, WA
 against tribal hunters. It is their claim that Native hunters the
 elk herds in the state. They proclaimed that is the "state does
 not stop the Tribes, then they will". A few signs read "White men
 have rights too!" The state Fish and Wildlife commission reports
 that last year, among the 20 Tribes within the state, tribal
 hunters took 286 elk, non-tribal hunters took 6,429 elk.
   We of the NWLPSN, wondered what the big deal was, given the
 fact that the non-tribal hunters were taking far more elk than
 were tribal hunters. We concluded that this was just another part
 of the raising right wing campaign in this state against the
 First Nations in the last few years. This has included; an
 organized campaign against tribal shell fishing (including many
 threats of violence), opposition to an amphitheater on tribal
 land (even though their are only around 20 non-tribal homes
 anywhere around that area, whites have been filling up meetings
 on this issue and last week over 500 whites showed up at a
 meeting to protest), the picketing of a tribal smoke shops by
 whites (even though right up the road were white owned stores
 carry the same products), and there are many more examples. We
 were told that anti-tribal organizations have targeted for
 campaigns, Montana, Wisconsin and Washington. We have found that
 some of these groups are backed by national anti-treaty
 organizations, "Wise Use" organizations, and that the Heritage
 Foundation is funding one of these groups. We also found that the
 Washington Militia (organized by the Montana Militia) has been
 involved in anti-tribal activities on northern Washington. There
 is nothing that the First Nations can do that involves helping
 their people in which groups of whites have not come out and
 protested.
   Also, Washington is the home of Sen. Slade Gorton who has
 carried on an 24 year crusade against the tribes. He now has a
 bill in congress that if passed could, in time, wipe out tribal
 sovereignty.
   Given all this, the NWLPSN has begun to organize an
 Anti-Racist Emergency Action Network. Our first action will be
 Apr. 7th, 11:00am vigil at a hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs
 Committee meeting being held in south Seattle. Double Tree Inn,
 205 Stranded Blvd,). This hearing is on Gorton's anti-sovereignty
 bill. We expect that the right wing will be there also.
   Next, we are organizing a WASHINGTON GATHERING TO FIGHT
 RACISM, which will be a march and rally in Olympia. March starts
 12 noon at Sylvester Park. Rally at State Capital 1:00 pm on May
 9th.
   We are also looking for those who could help us find out
 more about the right wing groups behind the anti-tribal campaign
 in Washington.
 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:
     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
 
 --------- "RE: Leonard Peltier's Case" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 01 Apr 98 20:21:46 PST  
 From: LPDC <lpdc@idir.net>
 Subj: Updated Info
 
   UUCP email
 
 Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
 PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044  785-842-5774
 Updated info
 
 Important current issues concerning Leonard Peltier's case:
 -Strengthening the fight for clemency  
 -Senate hearing investigations
 -Addition to legal team
 -The May 4th Parole hearing
 -Leonard's current health status
 
 Upcoming events:
 -June 27th march for Peltier at Washington DC
 -Sept. 16th caravan to Chiapas leaves.
 -George Washington University Law Forum
 
 Strengthening the fight for clemency:
   In 1993 we filed for Executive Clemency.  Normally six to eight
 months elapse before a response from the president is given.  It 
 has now been nearly five years and we have heard nothing.  
 Numerous resolutions from the European Parliament, the Belgium 
 parliament, the Canadian Parliament tribal councils, local 
 governments, Nobel Peace Prize winners etc. in support of
 Leonard have been passed, millions of people from here and 
 abroad have written letters to Clinton and other governmental 
 officials, and yet we have heard nothing. We must put pressure 
 on government officials in every possible way to continue the 
 fight for clemency.  This can be done through continued lobbying 
 as well as grass root political action.
 
 Senate hearing investigations:
   We are currently pushing for Senate hearings that would
 investigate and expose the illegal role of the FBI in both the 
 Peltier case and the Pine Ridge murders.  These hearings are 
 crucial to ensure that clemency for Peltier is granted.  Other 
 groups, such as the Black Panthers, who have political prisoners 
 as a result of the FBI's COINTELPRO are also seeking similar 
 hearings.  The fight to release all political prisoners will be
 strengthened as the FBI's illegal interference in political struggles 
 is revealed.
 
 Addition to legal team:
   Criminal lawyer, Tony Serra has agreed to join Leonard's legal
 team.  Tony Serra represented and won the cases of both 
 Native American Bear Lincoln and Hooty Croy.  Serra was able to 
 obtain a not guilty sentence for Croy on an appeal after he had 
 been sentenced to death. He also won a not guilty verdict for 
 Bear Lincoln whose case was quite similar to Leonard's. 
 Needless to say, we are happy to have him join us as he will be 
 an asset to the fight to free Leonard Peltier.
 
 May 4th Parole Hearing: 
   Leonard's next parole hearing is on May 4th.  We are asking for
 letters to be sent to the parole board focusing on the need for 
 Leonard to be reunited with his family and the Native American 
 community who he has continued to reach out to despite his 
 incarceration.  We are also having a candle light vigil on the night 
 of May 3rd.   
 
 Leonard's current health status:
   Leonard needs to see a qualified physician from outside of the
 prison system.  While there are plenty of good doctors, (the Mayo 
 clinic has agreed to provide their services)  willing to see Leonard, 
 the federal bureau of prisons are not allowing him to see any of 
 them even though it is his legal right to do so.  Now what we 
 need is a qualified lawyer who practices in Kansas to file a lawsuit 
 against Leavenworth and ensure that Leonard is able to see an 
 outside doctor.  What we do not want is for Leonard to be 
 transferred to Springfield where they have already came very
 close to killing him.  We are also concerned with the amount of 
 radiation that Leonard was receiving in the jaw area while he was 
 there.  It has been noted by an independent physician that that 
 type of radiation is not normally used for correcting Leonard's 
 problem. If people write to the prison concerning Leonard's health, 
 be very clear in asking that Leonard be allowed to go to the Mayo 
 clinic and to express their serious concerns with him being sent to 
 Springfield. 
 
 Upcoming events:
   On June 27th, the anniversary of the shoot-out, there will be a
 demonstration for Leonard at Washington D.C.  It is important for 
 all who can to participate in this event.  Help organize caravans 
 in your communities and publicize the event so that as many 
 people as possible can come.  We will also be collecting food 
 and money donations for the Chiapas food drive.  We are asking 
 for pinto beans, rice, flour, and cooking oil to be donated.    
   The LPDC and Food not Bombs are working together to
 organize the Leonard Peltier Food Run to Chiapas where the 
 recent massacre occurred.  11,000 people have been displaced 
 there and they are in desperate need of food staples.  We are 
 asking for cash donations if possible because it will be cheaper 
 to purchase the food in Chiapas where it won't need to be 
 shipped. 
   The caravan will be leaving on September 16th, Mexico's
 independence day.  Donations can be sent to either Food 
 not Bombs or the LPDC, or they can be brought to the June 
 27th protest. 
   There is a law forum being held at George Washington
 University specifically on Leonard's case on May 6th.  Peter 
 Matthieson, Bruce Ellison, Daniel Inouye, and Warren Allman 
 are some of the people who will be on the panel. We are looking 
 forward to this event as we feel it is important to reach out to law 
 students and professors who may have ideas about legal 
 strategies that may have remained unexplored.  
   
 What you can do:
   Start or join a local support group in your community.  Support
 groups are important elements in the struggle to free Leonard.  
 Write letters and encourage others to write letters to govt. 
 officials.  Organize ways to create more awareness around 
 the case.  Show videos, distribute literature, organize 
 demonstrations and benefits, etc.  Organize and plan to 
 attend the June 27th demo in DC.  Raise funds for Chiapas 
 and for LPDC.  Our supporters' donations allow us to keep 
 the office running.  THANK YOU for your support! -LPDC  
 
 Donations for Chiapas:
 Food not Bombs
 3145 Geary Blvd. #12
 San Francisco, CA 94118
 
 Donations for LPDC or Chiapas
 LPDC
 PO Box 583
 Lawrence, Kansas 66044
 
 Clemency:
 US Pardon Attorney
 Roger C Adams
 500 First Street N.W. Suite 400
 Ref:Leonard Peltier #89637-132
 Washington D.C. 20530
 (202) 616-6070
 
 President Bill Clinton
 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
 Washington DC 20500
 
 Senate Hearings:
 US Senator Orin Hatch, Chairmen Judicial Committee
 SD-224 1st and C Sts., NE
 Washington DC 20510
 
 US Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell
 Chairman, Select Committee on Indian Affairs
 SH-838 1st and C Sts., NE
 Washingtion DC 20510
 
 Parole:(letters must state at the top: FOR PAROLE FILE OF 
 LEONARD PELTIER- if this is absent they will throw your letter away.)
 US Parole Commission
 5550 Friendship Blvd.
 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
 Fax: 301-492-6694
 
 Letters for Leonard:(money can be sent to Leonard in the form 
 of US Postal money orders.  He can also receive photos if 
 they are not Polaroid.)
 USLP
 Leonard Peltier
 #89637-132
 PO Box 1000
 Leavenworth, KS 66048
 
 --------- "RE: Robert Pictou-Branscombe" ---------
 
 Date: 11 Apr 1998 15:28:36 GMT
 From: lpcfound@aol.com (LPCFound)
 Subj: PICTOU-BRANSCOMBE
 
   Newsgroup: alt.native
 
   Reality Check! I'm going to tell you something personal about Robert A.
 Pictou-Branscombe. You can either respect it or criticize it. Either way,
 there's no taking away the Viet Nam experience for those who fought the
 War! And, while we're on our way to San Carlos, we'll be thinking about
 all of YOU.
   I have that rare privilege of confidence to listen to some of the most
 compelling stories one can imagine. On APRIL 11th, 1966, Robert was to go
 "On Point".  His friend told him "No Way, it's your Birthday, Fella!" Even
 the Commanding Officer said "No, I want Bob on Point". The Vet said "Sir,
 let me!"
   The Commanding Officer gave in and the rest was history. One of many
 moments that changed lives forever. The Vet "On Point" was blown-up by an
 anti-tank mine. Robert was blown into the air and hit in the leg with
 shrapnel and ended up on the same helicopter as his friend. As his friend
 lay there with no arms and legs, he survived long enough in the same
 hospital room to ask Bob to write home to his wife and children. Another
 Vet wrote home to Bob's Sister telling her news that Bob was dead.
   So, for all of you who will never understand, you're not expected to.
 Just remember what's most important to Bob...
   You either stand for the truth and have the courage to bring it forth or
 you'll die with dishonor...God is our witness.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT!!!
 From someone who knows you best.
 
 --------- "RE: Chiapas Bulletin" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 08 Apr 1998 12:04:16 -0400
 From: not@inthe.game (justanoldman)
 Subj: CHIAPAS BULLETIN
 
   Newsgroup: alt.native
 
 BULLETIN - ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS - BULLETIN
 TO ALL 653 COMMUNITIES  OF THE FIRST NATIONS IN CANADA
 Issued in Ottawa - 09 APRIL 1998
 AFN SUPPORTS SOLIDARITY MARCH FOR INDIAN NATIONS IN MEXICO
   Ottawa - The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil
 Fontaine, fully supports the march being held in Ottawa on April 10 in
 solidarity with the Indian Nations in Mexico.
   "The situation in Mexico rings many familiar bells with the situation of
 First nations in Canada. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Mexico
 who are marching today for the recognition of their rights and their
 rightful place on their lands," said Chief Fontaine.
   The march will start at twelve noon in Ottawa from the eternal flame in
 front of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill. It will then proceed south
 on O'Connor St. to the Embassy of Mexico located in the World Exchange
 Plaza at 45 O'Connor Street. The intent of the march is to demand that the
 Mexican government ratify and implement the Accords of San Andres Sacam
 Ch'en de los Pobres, which it signed in February, 1996 with all the
 parties involved.
   "We demand that the government of Mexico live up to its word and implement
 these accords. It must also stop all military actions against the Indian
 Nations in Mexico, including the actions of the para-military groups
 which, by all accounts, are acting on orders from the local governments
 and the ruling party. It is totally unacceptable to First Nations that a
 government allow such a situation to persist in a supposedly democratic
 society," concluded the National Chief.
 For additional information, contact Mr. Jean LaRose at
 Phone: (613) 241-6789, ext. 251
 Fax: (613) 241-5808
 email: jlarose@afn.ca
 
 --------- "RE: NCDM National Press Release" ---------
 
 Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 16:14:54 -0700 (PDT)
 From: ncdm <moonlight@igc.apc.org>
 Subj: Revised NCDM National Press Release
 
   UUCP email
 
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 MILITARIZATION AND REPRESSION INTENSIFIES: 
 WAR IN CHIAPAS APPEARS IMMINENT!
 
  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION TO END BLOODSHED 
 
   More than 8,000 Ballots To Be Presented To Mexican Consulate From 25
 States And 4 Countries Condemning The War In Chiapas
 
 - Where: Mexico and 23 Cities in the US and Canada (Los Angeles, San
 Francisco, New York, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Sacramento)
 - When: April 10, 1998
 
 For More Information Contact : National Commission for Democracy in Mexico
 at (213) 254-9550/(800) 405-7770
   The low-intensity war that is being waged against the Indigenous
 peoples of Chiapas has intensified since the massacre of 45 people in Acteal
 last December. On February 28, 1998 the 200-member International Commission
 of Human Rights Observers after concluding their investigation into the
 human rights situation, stated that: "There are elements and conditions, in
 accordance with international legislation, to accuse the Mexican government
 of genocide.  In Chiapas, the will exists to exterminate a population group
 for ethnic, religious and political reasons "The violent, rather than a
 peaceful, solution to the conflict is in the making."  The International
 Commission will be submitting their report to the United Nations, European
 Parliament and other international bodies.  
   More than 100 people have died since the December 22nd killings while
 presently there are 70,000 Mexican troops stationed within and near the
 conflict zone.  Military planes and helicopters conduct low-altitude flights
 several times a day over Zapatista communities. In addition, the Mexican
 government has expelled more than a dozen international human rights workers
 since January of this year, including 3 U.S. citizens. Moreover, on April
 8th, 3,000 Mexican troops, immigration officials and state and judicial
 police, cordoned off the northern part of the city of San Cristobal de las
 Casas. The troops illegally raided,ransacked homes and arrested twelve
 people. This incident is the latest in a long series of illegal searches and
 detentions carried out by Mexican state police and Federal army within the
 civilian population.
   The deteriorating situation in Chiapas shows that there are clear signs
 that full scale war could be imminent.  President Zedillo has negated the
 peace process not only through these increased levels of militarization and
 repression, but also through his unilateral decision to submit his own
 proposal on Indigenous rights.  He has done so despite the strong
 condemnations by the opposition parties in Mexico, members of the religious
 community and Mexican national, and international civil society.  These
 actions taken together are the source of great alarm, and the reason why
 tens of thousands will join in mass actions being organized across Mexico,
 Canada and the United States to demand an end to the genocidal war against
 the Indigenous peoples of Chiapas and Mexico. Here in the U.S.,
 representatives from the National Commission for Democracy in Mexico will
 present more than 8,000 ballots to the Consul General, Mr. Pescador, of the
 Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, condemning the Mexican government's war in
 Chiapas.  Ballots were received from people in 25 states in the U.S., and
 from 4 different countries.
 
 --------- "RE: Urgent: Chiapas!" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 23:00:25 -0700 (PDT)
 From: "moonlight@igc.apc.org" <moonlight@igc.apc.org>
 Subj: Urgent: Chiapas!
 
   UUCP email
 
   We the civil organizations signed below, express our concern regarding
 the raids that took place today (April 8, 1988) in the northern part of
 the San Cristobal de las Casas.  Where:
   An operation took place with the participation of members of the army,
 municipal police, municipal transit authorities, federal and state
 judicial police and highway patrol and immigration agents.  22 Hummer
 vehicles, 5 military transport trucks, about 46 public security vehicles,
 at least 10 judicial police vehicles, one vehicle from the federal public
 ministry, at least 7 patrol cars of transit and highway police, one white
 helicopter (colibri).  7 illegal detentions took place as well as illegal
 searches of homes.  The number of people from these agencies was between 2,
 500 and 3,000.
   In the raids illicit acts occurred such as searches, breaking down of
 doors, damage to the properties, confiscation of belongings like in the
 home of Mr. Salvador Perez Perez, who stated that the authorities took $30,
 000 pesos, a cellular phone, a CB radio, all his electronic appliances and
 a radio antenna.  They intimidated and threatened minors and women (see
 accompanying testimony) beating some.  Members of the army took videos of
 certain homes once these were illegally searched.
   Some members of the press were prohibited from conducting their work. 
 Many citizens were denied free transit.
 We determine that:
 - The restoration of law and order is necessary in Chiapas.  The immediate
 application of justice is imperative.  
 - Law and order can not tolerate laws being broken or  the violation of
 human rights.
 - It is the responsibility of the state and federal police to carry out
 apprehension orders issued legally by a competent judge.  Not the army, not
 the immigration officials and not the municipal police nor the transit police.
 - It is the responsibility of the State to ensure the security and
 tranquillity of all people.
 - The raids in this country are unconstitutional and violate the principle
 of legality. (art.14 and 16 the constitution)
 n Every detention should take place completely applying the law, in other
 words, there should be a search warrant issued by a competent judge.  (art.
 16 and 21 Constit)
   No one should be bothered personally in their home nor their belongings
 without a judicial order issues by the competent authorities (article 16
 and 21 Constit.)
   In light of these facts and considerations: Given that the raids were
 illegal, the operation which took place today is in violation of the law
 and the rights of the citizens; it generates a climate of terror and
 intimidates the population and does not contribute to the establishment of
 law and order.
   The raid demonstrated clearly that there is a need for at least 357
 members of all these agencies to apprehend each one of the transgressors
 detained. In other words, the force used is exaggerated considering the
 results obtained (now what is left to do is for a judge determine the
 responsibilities). By not meeting the minimum requirements established by
 the law for the detention of presumed criminals they are being given a
 full basis for impunity, as they can easily prove the illegality of the
 detentions and proceeding.
   This raid was similar to the ones which took place in the community of
 Buenos Aires in Mexico City, and  is counterproductive, because it takes
 away the authority of those institutions which should be responsible, and
 illegally involves other institutions, like the Mexican army whose
 responsibility is to protect national sovereignty.
 We, the civilian groups, urge:
 1.  The authorities to comply fully with the law and justice and that they
 not show off their strength when what is necessary is an end to impunity.
 2.  That every operation respect all rights of all people.
 3.  That every operation be carried out  by the appropriate authorities.
 4.  That every operation seek to protect the security and physical
 psychological and moral integrity of everyone, particularly women and children
   We urge the authorities to consider that publicity does not for
 substitute justice nor respect for anyone's life.
   One bad operation generates more illicit acts and impunity by those who
 purport to be trying to eradicate them because it turns the delinquents
 into victims and it undermines law and order.
   These types of raids generate more explicit and increasing violence, and
 contradicts the speech by the interim governor, or is evidence of his true
 purpose.
   The following testimonies are the result of two interviews in Tzotzil,
 translated into Spanish, of Mrs. Maria Jimenez Santiz and Andrea Mendez
 Jimenez, witnesses of the operation:
   "Today Wednesday April 8, at about 3:00 AM I heard noise close to the
 highway, when they arrived near my house.  I got up and saw that there
 were many people on the road.  I went in my house to tell my family and my
 husband got up, and went to the door.  It is then that he saw people enter
 the corral of my house.  Pushing the door they entered without an order.
 They took the children out, threatening them with their weapons, that they
 were going to hit them if they did not hurry up.  They took four children
 out, Salvador of 7 years, Mario of 9, Mateo of 12 and Andrea of 17 with
 her baby of four months who was naked and therefore exposed to the weather.
 They took my husband Manuel Mendez Gomez who is in charge of the water
 system of the neighborhood and works as a peon de albaeil.  I don't know
 if they beat my husband, because he stayed inside the house a few more
 minutes, with the agents.  The search of my house took about 20 minutes.
 When I entered the house I noticed everything had been searched and turned
 around. I saw how they would pull on my husband when they were taking him
 away.
   Andrea's daughter denounced the following: "When they entered the coral
 they said that who ever spoke would be killed. They pointed their weapons
 and they took my father, Manuel Mendez Gomez, and my brother, Marcelino
 Mendez Jimenez, and a man Francisco 67 years old, who rents a room of the
 house.  My sister Margarita got closer to see where they were being taken
 and it is when the soldiers told her "the women get out" and at that
 moment they came in and searched the house, taking video and throwing
 things and the papers.  They went out of the house, yelling: "if you walk
 through the streets we will attack you".
   K'inak Antezetik, Marta Figueroa and Guadalupe Cardenas (COLEM), Chiltak,
 Centro de derechos Fray Bartolome  de Las Casas, Centro de Investigacion y
 Accion de la Mujer, concepcion Villafuerte (Tiempo) and Fromacion y
 Capacitation.
 
 --------- "RE: Gustafsen Inquiry Call" ---------
 
 Date: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 12:43:24 -0800
 From: SISIS@envirolink.org (S.I.S.I.S.)
 Subj: AFN led Justice inquiry to include Gustafsen Lake?
 
 :-:-:-:S.I.S.I.S.  Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty:-:-:-:
 April 5, 1998                        No Copyright;  Reproduce Freely
 
 CANADA MOVING ON GUSTAFSEN INQUIRY CALL VIA AFN LED JUSTICE INQUIRY?
   There are indications that the Canadian government may be moving to
 address demands for an inquiry into the Gustafsen Lake affair. Federal
 Solicitor-General Andy Scott says he is "making plans for an investigation
 into the justice system's treatment of natives - led by the Assembly of
 First Nations and using last week's RCMP shooting on the Tsuu T'ina
 reserve near Calgary as a launching pad." Scott said he is "eager for a
 separate probe" that would complement the Alberta provincial government
 inquiry into the fatal shootings of mother and child Connie and Ty Jacobs.
   According to a Vancouver Sun story taken from the Calgary Herald, the AFN
 led inquiry into how natives are treated by the Canadian justice system
 would not only examine the Tsuu T'ina shootings, "but also go beyond it."
 The Assembly of First Nations has already adopted a resolution committing
 it to actively pursue an inquiry into two earlier instances of gross human
 rights abuses of indigenous people by the Canadian justice system at Stoney
 Point and Gustafsen Lake and AFN Grand Chief Phil Fontaine has himself made
 a public commitment to it. The resolution moved by Chief Stewart Philip of
 the Penticton Indian Band and seconded by Shuswap Band Chief Ron Jules
 commits the AFN to:
 "take full responsibility to ensure that a public inquiry takes place into
 the actions of the provincial and federal governments at Gustafsen Lake BC
 and Ipperwash, Ontario."
   The 1995 standoffs by traditionalists at Gustafsen Lake and Stoney Point
 over issues of sovereignty, jurisdiction and sacred land, saw Canadian and
 provincial authorities responding with massive armed force, killing unarmed
 protester Dudley George at Stoney Point. Gustafsen Lake was the largest
 paramilitary operation in Canadian history. Neither Solicitor General Andy
 Scott nor AFN Grand Chief Phil Fontaine have released further details of
 the announced inquiry.
 
 For further information:
   http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/gustmain.html
   http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/Ipperwash/arch01.html
 
 Solicitor- General of Canada Andy Scott:
   mailto:remote-printer.Andy_Scott@16139969955.iddd.tpc.int
 AFN Grand Chief Phil Fontaine:
   mailto:PFontaine@afn.ca
 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:
     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
 
 --------- "RE: Just-US" ---------
 
 Date: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 14:22:12 -0400
 From: not@inthe.game (justanoldman)
 Subj: More immigrant-govt "Just-us"
 
   Newsgroup: alt.native
 
 Yet another example of Canadian "Just-us"....
   Please make sure that you read this to your children & grandchildren of
 all of the true-Nations of this land, or they might start to believe in
 the word of the immigrants...
 The Ottawa Citizen - April 4, 1998 pp. A5
 
 Protestor's Sentence Angers Natives
   SARNIA, Ont. -- Natives and their supporters are outraged by a jail
 sentence handed to an Aboriginal protester for driving his car in the
 direction of police during a 1995 clash outside Ipperwash Provincial Park.
   Anger quickly led to desperation when the accused's stepmother leaped from
 the gallery yesterday and tried to stop police from taking the protester,
 Warren Anthony George, into custody after the decision by Judge Greg
 Pockele in Ontario Court, provincial division.
   Judge Pockele sentenced Mr. George, 25, to six months in jail for criminal
 negligence causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon (his car).
   He also imposed a two-year driving ban and a ten-year firearms ban to
 follow Mr. George's sentence.
   Several Natives said it was unjust for Judge Pockele to reject the
 defence's request for a conditional sentence to be served in Mr. George's
 native community.
   They noted that Ontario Provincial Police acting-sergeant Kenneth Deane,
 found guilty last year of killing an unarmed Native during that clash, got
 a community [-service] sentence of two years less a day.
 -END-
   Warren is the younger cousin of Dudley George, the unarmed 'Nishnawbe
 protester who was shot 3 times in the back & killed by the sergeant-pig
 Deane, a member of the OPP Tactical Squad. Warren's "assault with a
 weapon" consisted of driving his car to block the charge by the SWAT team
 when they rushed at the protesters who were barricading the "park". He
 caused "severe bruising" to the leg of one pig. For this he was hauled out
 of the car through the car window, which the pigs smashed with their riot
 clubs, and was beaten so badly that 4 vertebrae were cracked, 3 ribs
 broken, and he required reconstructive surgery for shattered cheekbones.
 After the murder of Dudley, the federal govt of Canada let it be known
 that the protesters were right: there is ample, well-documented evidence
 that the "provincial park" IS a burial ground of the ancestors of the
 'Nishnawbe people of Kettle Point. No arms whatsoever were permitted at
 the occupation camp by the 'Nishnawbe elders. The OPP pigs were armed with
 machine guns, high-powered rifles with night/sniper scopes, pistols, tear
 gas guns, concussion grenades & heavy riot clubs.
   "Just-us" triumphs in Canada... again. Teach your children & grandchildren
 this history, & teach them how to shoot. The day of real justice
 approaches....
 masi:cho...
 
 --------- "RE: Warren George Sentenced" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 04:40:00 -0400 (EDT)
 From: Dan Smoke <dsmoke@julian.uwo.ca>
 Subj: Warren George Sentenced to 6 Months
 
   UUCP email
 
   On April 3rd, l998 in Sarnia Provincial Courthouse, Judge Greg Pockele
 sentenced Warren George, 25 years, of Stoney Point First Nation to 6
 months in jail for charges arising from the Ipperwash Stand-off of Sept.
 6th, l995. Judge Pockele found Warren guilty of 2 charges:  (i) criminal
 negligence causing bodily harm, and (ii) assault with a weapon (a car), on
 Feb. 21st. Warren is also prohibited from owning firearms for a period of
 10 years and from driving a motor vehicle for a period of 2 years.  Warren
 drove a car at OPP officers engaged in the Rodney King style beating of
 Bernard George during a confrontation which resulted in the death of
 Dudley George.  Warren George's conviction is seen as an isolated,
 political circumstance where the Crown attorney Henry Van Drunin
 prosecuted over 100 charges laid against the Stoney Point people where the
 majority have either been dropped or the defendants were acquitted.  The
 Crown asked for a sentence of incarceration of 15-18 months while the
 defence asked for a conditional sentence to be served in the Stoney Point
 community.  Defence attorney Jeffrey House said that there will be an
 appeal launched with new attorney Mark Code, of Toronto, and Jeff will
 assist.  Arrangements for setting bail and getting Warren released are
 being investigated.
   Crown Attorney Henry Von Drunin and Judge Greg Pockele are both from
 Perth County which is a distant jurisdiction from the Sarnia district. 
 Canada does not have a lottery system of judge selection and Von Drunin
 had a hard time getting convictions with other judges from the Essex
 County jurisdiction.
 All My Relations
 Dan Smoke - Asayenes & Mary Lou Smoke - Asayenes Kwe
 Producers/Hosts "Smoke Signals" First Nations Radio Program
 Radio Western, CHRW, 94.7 FM
 (5l9) 659-4682 fax (5l9) 453-3676
 
 --------- "RE: Kee Watchman U. N. Speech" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 01 Apr 1998 13:29:14 -0800
 From: Andrea Carmen <iitcak@corecom.net>
 Subj: CHR Oral Item 18, Relgious Intolerance
 
   UUCP email
 
 Please feel free to distribute, Andrea
 
 United Nations Commission on Human Rights Fifty-fourth session
 
 Agenda item 18: Implementation of the Declaration on the Elimination of All
 Forms of Intolerance Based on Religion or Belief
 Oral Intervention, March 31, 1998
 
 Presented by Mr. Kee Watchman, Cactus Valley/Red Willow Springs Sovereign
 Community of Big Mountain
 
 Thank you Mr. Chairman.
   The International Indian Treaty Council would like to express our sincere
 appreciation to Mr. Abdelfattah Amor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur
 on Religious Intolerance.  Mr. Amor was in the United States from January 23
 through February 6th of this year.  His visit was in response to a formal
 complaint filed by with the Special Rapporteur on behalf of the Sovereign
 Dineh Nation of Big  Mountain, Arizona focusing on forced relocation and its
 impacts on their freedom of religion.
   Mr. Amor heard testimony from Indigenous Peoples, tribes, organizations
 and spiritual societies, as well as non-indigenous organizations, religious
 leaders and government officials, regarding religious intolerance and
 violations of the right to freedom of religion in the U.S.
   He heard testimony and received documentation from many Indigenous Peoples
 demonstrating a consistent and ongoing pattern of violation of their freedom
 of religion.  We have waited for many years for the UN system to seriously
 address our profound concerns regarding religious intolerance and the
 inability to freely practice our traditional religions and protect our
 sacred sites.
   Specific violations presented to Mr. Amor included the impacts of forced
 relocation, land appropriations, Treaty obligations and  violations,
 destruction and desecration of sacred sites, racism in prisons,
 immigration policies, removal of Indian children from their communities
 and a general lack of recognition for Indigenous Peoples' cultural values,
 ceremonial practices and religious relationships with the land.
   We realize that Mr. Amor's visit was not met by the same degree of
 appreciation in some circles.  A spokesperson for United States Senator
 Jesse Helms of North Carolina was quoted in various media as calling this
 visit a waste of the UN's time and money  because "there is no problem with
 religious intolerance in this country".
   Mr. Chairman, we strongly disagree.  While the U.S. presents itself as the
 bastion and strong defender of religious freedom internationally, the
 Peoples of that land continue to suffer blatant disregard and violations of
 our most basic human rights, including our right and obligation to maintain
 the religious practices and traditional ceremonies given to us by the
 Creator, and to protect our sacred sites and lands.
   At this time we also would like to express our appreciation to the members
 the UN Subcommission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of
 Minorities, who in August 1996 passed a resolution recognizing for the first
 time the link between sacred sites and lands of Indigenous Peoples and our
 right to practice our traditional  religion.
   The International Indian Treaty Council would like to express our
 appreciation to the many other Indigenous Peoples, organizations, tribal
 governments and spiritual societies who presented oral, written and taped
 testimony and documentation to Mr. Amor during his visit to the U.S.
   In conclusion Mr. Chairman, the Dineh People of Cactus Valley/Red Willow
 Springs Sovereign Community of Big Mountain, who are standing up against
 forced relation in violation of our human rights, hereby demand that the
 Special Rapporteur continue to investigate the crisis situation that still
 exists at Big Mountain and on other Native lands.
   Thank you Mr. Chairman, and all our relations.
 
 --------- "RE: Billings Senate Hearing" ---------
 
 Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 01:17:21 -0600
 From: Dave Henry <whistler@IMT.NET>
 Subj: Billings  Senate hearing - Part 1 of 3
 
   UUCP email
 
 A public "hearing" of the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Indian Affairs
 was conducted by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (of No. Cheyenne heritage)
 took place in Billings, Montana, at the Alberta Bair Theater at 1:30 PM on
 Wednesday, April 8, 1998.
 
 Background:
 This report is designed for two  Indian lists.  If you receive duplicates or
 are not interested, please just delete.
   I will try to give an even-handed report, but the fact that I support
 human rights  (no apology)  may be obvious here and there. This hearing
 followed three earlier meetings in Billings, Kalispell and Great Falls, 
 as sponsored by Montana's U.S. Senator Conrad Burns, who was not present
 at any of the hearings, but delegated this work to  Jay Stovall, an
 enrolled Crow and Montana State Senator.
   After the first three meetings Sen. Burns announced that he was dropping
 his proposal (as previously announced) to  give the State of Montana
 jurisdiction within the boundaries of Indian Nations, on the basis of race
 - that is, Indians would remain subject to tribal laws, whites would be
 exempt from tribal laws but subject to State jurisdiction.  This would
 obviously result in a huge (about 2/3) effective reduction of Indian
 Nation boundaries, as set by U.S. treaties, and as Indians see it. lead
 towards the loss of Indian self-government as guaranteed by  the "law of
 the land".
   However, Burns next move was to refer the matter to the Senate Select
 Committee, which leads us to the hearing on 4/08/98, conducted by  Sen.
 Campbell.
   In Billings the previous evening a "victory  gathering" was held at the
 Holiday Inn Trade Center.  I was invited but arrived late as people were
 leaving.  Indian friends told me that the next morning there would be a
 gathering at North Park, followed by a march to the hearing.  I arrived
 there Wed. morning, the crowd was small (30-40 people), grabbed a picket
 sign, and we marched the five blocks to the auditorium, and then around
 the block three times, entering just before the 1:30 PM meeting was to
 start.
   The meeting began at 1:30 PM. The building was almost full, perhaps 500-
 600 people,  largely Indian.  Sen. Campbell opened the meeting, announcing
 that no applause or  demonstrations from the people in attendance would be
 allowed. He described the three types of government sovereignty existing
 in the U.S.,  Federal, State and Indian Nations.  The issue to be
 considered was Tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians  within reservation
 boundaries, where land ownership is often a "checker-board" of Indian and
 non-Indian ownership.
 
 Comment:
 (The treaties of course, ratified by the Senate, guaranteed exclusive
 ownership, with implied full self-government by the tribes.  All treaties
 were fully honored by the tribes, and all were broken by the U.S., simply
 because the U.S. had the power to do so, as Indians were reduced to
 starvation and lost their military power.  A next step, in the 1890's,
 after repeatedly reducing the treaty territories, was to invade the
 remaining territories with land-hungry exploiters, who often simply
 took land by force and then insisted that the fed. gov't legalize their
 squatter status, through Homestead acts, cheap purchases, etc.  As
 most of you know, "free" Indian land was advertised in Europe to
 attract new citizens, and they came to the U.S. in mass.
   Sen. Burns opening statement:  Reservations are plagued with problems,
 the status-quo can't be continued, debate must continue.  Several times
 he stated that he would not drop this issue.  Other "witnesses" were
 U.S. District Judge Sandstrom (spelling?), Mickey Pablo (Flathead
 Reservation Chairman), and Jay Stovall who conducted the three
 previous  "hearings" for Burns.  Burns himself  in fact served as a
 (white) advocate rather than as an impartial moderator. Mickey Pablo was
 joined by a  tribal attorney who also gave testimony.
   Judge Sandstrom's testimony:  Tribes have inherent sovereignty,
 but the U.S. (with plenary [read  force] absolute power) can and have
 limited tribal sovereignty. He cited the Big Horn River case where
 the right to control hunting and fishing  as to non-Indians was  removed,
 and other cases removing or limiting Tribal control over non-Indians,
 specifically the "major crimes act" which totally cancelled  tribal
 criminal  jurisdiction,  transferring that power to the federal gov't
 alone.  Also a case removing Indian control over the Interstate
 Highway right-of-way, etc.  Tribes, in effect, have a very limited
 self-government, and even more limited  control  as to  whites on the
 reservation.
   Jay Stovall's testimony:  He reported having asked Sen. Burns for
 assistance on this issue.  The allotment act and federal homesteading
 on Indian Treaty lands caused the problem, and it was up to the federal
 government to solve it.  He stated that people "were afraid" to testify.
 (a gratuitous, unproven remark if I ever heard one - there is absolutely
 no evidence of whites being mistreated or abused by Indians on the
 reservation, or any cause for fear, and there are many cases of the
 contrary, that is, of Indians being abused by whites).
   Mickey Pablo's opening testimony:  Most people at the earlier hearings
 opposed the Burns proposal.  Burns' office had contacted many of the
 whites on the reservations searching for problems or complaints,
 but had made no such contacts with Indians.  There are many cases of
 people in the U.S. who own property or are subject to taxes or laws in
 jurisdictions where they can not vote, so that problem is not unique
 to the people on the reservations, and he gave examples. (applause,
 Sen Campbell gaveled, not allowed!)
 
 Misc questions and responses:
 Judge - Fed courts can review any tribal court decision. A problem
 is the funding for law enforcement, Indians need two or three times
 the police protection they presently have. Felonies are increasing,
 federal penalties are much more severe than similar State penalties.
 (Indians are subject to the federal  penalties.)  There were
 Q's and A's about specific problems - police in hot-pursuit crossing
 boundaries, driver's licenses and car insurance requirements, etc.
 
 Pablo: Montana population is 8% Indian, yet Montana's jail population
 is 30% Indian. Concerning constitutional guarantees, Indians tried
 for crimes NEVER get a jury of their peers as specified in the U.S.
 Constitution.
   Burns questioned the tribal lack of separation of gov't powers.
 The U.S. specified method of tribal government generally does
 not provide for an independent judiciary.  Burns also was argumentative
 as to the lack of a tribal vote for non-members who live on the
 reservations.  He cited the (rare) case where a white person
 might  have to answer to tribal court and have no appeal beyond
 it, and said there must be "one rule-book" that applies to all.
 (or at least for all whites).
 
 Closing:  Sen Campbell said there were 485 ratified Indian treaties,
 all of which had been broken by U.S., none broken by any tribe.
 Tribes had been denied religious freedom until recent times, and
 were denied the vote until 1924.  In California prior to the gold
 rush there were 800,000 Indians, a few years later only 50,000
 and most did not die from disease or natural causes.  Still to
 survive as a nation we must get along together and be tolerant
 of each other.
 The meeting was closed at 3:28PM
 .........................................................................
 I suggest each of you draw your own conclusions.
   Old bigotry and racial hatreds remain. An acquaintance said to me
 yesterday that "Indians are conquered people and should be glad to have
 anything."  You know what I think of that all too common white bigotry!!
 It stinks, and yet those very people go to church on Sunday,  think they
 are superior to others and morally upright.
   My opinion is that  this is not over, and at this point certainly not
 an Indian victory, but a continuing threat to Indian survival and basic
 human rights.  The hearings were racist in that white concerns are treated
 as most important, and Indian concerns as  trivial.  I submitted my written
 opinion, mostly as previously stated in my "Indian Country Today" guest
 editorial  of  2/16/98 titled "Montana Leading the attack on sovereignty".
 The thrust of that was that self-government is a basic human right of any
 Nation, and for another nation to limit it is an act of oppression or
 colonial domination.   To do so, in my opinion is a human rights violation
 of outrageous proportions.  Our Indian citizens have already been subject
 to too much abuse and crimes of genocide, enough -
 for God's sake, stop it!!!!!
 You may  re-post , quote me, or share with others as desired.
 Dave Henry, Billings Montana  4/09/98
 
 --------- "RE: Sheriff Releases Dogs on Apaches" ---------
 
 Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 07:24:06 -0700 (PDT)
 From: AIMAZ <AIMAZ@aol.com>
 Subj: Gila County Sheriff releases dogs on Apaches
 
 Mailing List:    TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu)
 
 Forward Note****
 Through a series of circumstances, we are very much aware that the lines and
 emails are not secure. Assistance is still requested along with the presence
 of all who can make it.  Use the contact numbers and addresses that were
 disseminated previously.  No statements or updates on the San Carlos
 situation will be forwarded with the exception of official releases and
 statements from Call To Action and official news reports.
 Media contacts wishing to verify the story below can contact Brenda Norrell
 at:
 (520) 707-0485. ****
 ============================================================
  ** NOTICE:  In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107,
 material appearing here is distributed without profit
 to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this
 information for research and educational purposes. **
 ============================================================
 GILA COUNTY SHERIFF RELEASES DOGS ON APACHES
 Tribal administration building sealed off
 By: Brenda Norrell
   SAN CARLOS, Ariz - Gila County Sheriff's officers brought in canines as
 San Carlos Apache Tribal Police sealed off the tribal administration
 building Friday.
   Charles Vargas, spokesperson for the Call To Action, narrowly escaped
 arrest as he fled over remote mountains to escape tribal police, Sheriff's
 officers and rangers.
   Lawrence Sampson, driver of the vehicle, said, "It's no small miracle we
 made it off the reservation."
   County Sheriff's officers released dogs on the Call To Action at a
 gathering Friday night.  Earlier, tribal police sealed off the tribal
 administration building and arrested those in the building at 6 a.m.
   Sandra Rambler, spokesperson for San Carlos Apache Chairman Raymond
 Stanley said, "Gila County has no jurisdiction here.  We are a sovereign
 nation.  They are aiding and abetting a conspiracy."
   "They released the dogs tonight on Charles Vargas like he was a serial
 killer," Rambler said.
   Lorenzo Victor and Ben Grant were arrested at 6 a.m. in the tribal
 administration building.  "It wasn't right.  The Chairman asked us to be
 there."  Victor said tribal police did not read the two their rights at
 the time of their arrest or booking.
   Tribal police arrested four women in the building and served warrants on
 three others Friday.  Gail Haouzous, charged with assault and battery,
 said, "I don't know what they are talking about."
   Rambler and Haouzous were charged with disorderly conduct for "noise"
 last week for speaking at assemblies.  Rambler was charged with four
 counts and Haouzous with five counts.
   Tribal historian Dale Miles said the dozen arrests so far are a
 violation of the right to free speech and the Indian Civil Rights Act. 
 "What if those dogs would have attacked our children or our elderly?",
 Miles commented after the Sheriff's officers released the dogs.
   Erwin Rope, fourth grade teacher, said, "Even dogs have more rights than
 the Apache people."
   More than 50 Gila County Sheriff's officers and tribal police, with two
 canines, gathered at the tribal police station late Friday before
 dispersing the Call To Action in front of the tribal building.
   At midnight, the situation at San Carlos remained tense with the Call To
 Action members continuing to escape arrest.  Apache women switched
 vehicles and drove without their headlights on to avoid arrest.
 
 --------- "RE: Ward Valley: Representative Filner Letter" ---------
 
 Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 15:33:19 -0700 (MST)
 From: swv1@ctaz.com (Save Ward Valley)
 Subj: Letter from Bob Filner, Congressional Rep/CA to Clinton
 
   UUCP email
 
 The following is a letter written to President Clinton by Bob Filner,
 Congressional Representative from California.  Write to Representative
 Filner and thank him for his support.   Use this excellent letter as a
 resource to write letters of your own to President Clinton, Bruce Babbitt,
 and your various Senators and Representatives.
 BOB FILNER
 50TH DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA
 
 330 Cannon Building                         333 F Street, Suite A
 Washington, DC  20515                       Chula Vista, CA 91910
 TEL:  202/225-8045                          TEL:  619/477-5963 
 FAX:  202/225-9073                          FAX:  619/477-7200
 
 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee/Veteran's Affairs Committee
 
 CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 
 March 31, 1998
 
 The Honorable Bill Clinton
 President of the United States
 The White House
 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
 Washington, DC  20500-0005
 
 Dear Mr. President:
 
 I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to protect our
 environment, sacred Indian land, and the Colorado River from a radioactive
 waste dump at Ward Valley.
 
 For the last six weeks, the Fort Mojave, Chemehuevi, Cocopah, and Colorado
 River Indian Tribes [sic] and their supporters have engaged in a non-violent
 occupation of Ward Valley to stop further desecration of their sacred land
 by the nuclear dump project.  Ward Valley is an area that is part of their
 history, culture, and active religious practice--and they do not believe
 that their concerns about Ward Valley have been recognized by the federal
 government.
 
 Ward Valley and the Colorado River have profound sacred significance to the
 Indian people of this area.  Ward Valley is home to the threatened desert
 tortoise, which is central to the Indian's religious beliefs.  Ward Valley
 is also near Spirit Mountain, the place of creation for the river tribes.
 As a result, the area's Tribes view themselves as "guardians" of the
 Colorado River and therefore responsible to protect the region from nuclear
 contamination.
 
 In addition, the Ward Valley proposal is dangerous.  The crude, unlined
 trenches contemplated for Ward Valley would be the burial grounds for
 long-lived radioactive waste, some of which would remain hazardous for many
 thousands of years.  Further, a new report by a team of U.S. Geological
 Survey scientists documents an expanding off-site migration of radioactive
 tritium emanating from a dump near Beatty, Nevada.  Long touted by
 proponents of Ward Valley as a model for the "safe disposal" of wastes, the
 Beatty dump, now closed to radioactive waste, will remain a grave threat to
 the area's surrounding groundwater for generations to come.
 
 The Ward Valley proposal is also unnecessary.  Citing a marked drop in
 volume, continued access to dumps in Utah and South Carolina, and the cost
 of developing a site, on June 26, 1997 the Midwest Interstate Low-Level
 Radioactive Waste Compact Commission voted to halt their plans to build a
 dump in Ohio.  The Midwest Compact's action is in response to a national
 downward trend in waste production and a growing trend to save on waste
 disposal fees through the use of on-site storage-to-decay facilities.  The
 Southwest Compact, for which California would serve as the host state for
 the proposed dump, enjoys the same access to the disposal sites available to
 the Midwest Compact.  Together with a similar drop in anticipated volume, I
 believe that the Ward Valley dump is unnecessary.  There is simply not
 enough volume currently in the so-called "low-level" radioactive waste
 stream to support the construction of any new dumps.
 
 These sacred areas must never be destroyed by a radioactive waste dump.
 This dump would have a devastating impact on the spiritual well-being,
 religion, health, safety, economic development, and livelihood of this
 area's Indian Nations.  As someone supportive of justice and clean
 environment, I believe you understand the importance of stopping this
 reckless project.
 
 Because you and your Administration have declared your commitment to
 supporting environmental racism and discrimination, I respectfully urge you
 to act and stop the proposed Ward Valley radioactive waste dump NOW.
 
 Sincerely,
 BOB FILNER
 Member of Congress
 
 Save Ward Valley
 107 F St.
 Needles, CA  92363
 ph. 760/326-6267
 fax 760/326-6268
 http://www.shundahai.org/SWVAction.html
 http://earthrunner.com/savewardvalley
 http://www.ctaz.com/~swv1
 http://banwaste.envirolink.org
 http://www.alphacdc.com/ien/wardvly4.html
 
 --------- "RE: Nevada Test Site Nonviolent Occupation" ---------
 
 Date: Tue, 07 Apr 1998 20:12:59 -0700
 From: Shundahai Network <shundahai@saltmine.radix.net>
 Subj: Nevada Test Site Nonviolent Occupation
 
   UUCP email
 
 HEALING GLOBAL WOUNDS
 April 10-13, 1998
 http://www.shundahai.org/HGW
 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 April 6, 1998                     CONTACT: Reinard Knutsen (702) 647-3095
   Western Shoshone Demand an End to 50 Years of Environmental Racism and
 violations of Their Religious Rights
    Representatives of the Western Shoshone Nation and an expected 500
 supporters from all over the world will be gathering at the entrance to
 the Nevada Test Site this weekend with a strong and unified voice. They
 demand a halt to the destruction of their traditional lands, and an end to
 violation of their religious rights. They say the best way to begin the
 new millennium, to honor the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and a treaty
 with the Shoshone Nation, is to shut the Test Site down.
   The anti-nuclear alliance, Healing Global Wounds, now in its seventh
 year, is hosting the four day event over Easter weekend. HGW brings
 together more than 80 Native American and non-Native organizations opposed
 to nuclear weapons testing and indiscriminate shipping of radioactive
 wastes. Tom Goldtooth, Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental
 Network will keynote the educational program on Saturday, April 11th.
   Corbin Harney, Western Shoshone spiritual leader, has invited all
 peaceful supporters to join him in a prayer ceremony and nonviolent
 occupation at the entrance to the Test Site on Monday, April 13th. The
 preceding three days, workshops, trainings and daily ceremonies will be
 offered to the public. Participants are coming from as far away as Taiwan,
 Australia, South Africa and Europe, as well as many Native Nations within
 the U.S.
   Healing Global Wounds points out the overwhelming health and
 environmental effects still coming to light after 47 years of weapons
 testing on traditional Shoshone lands. In addition to renewed
 'subcritical' weapons testing, these problems are now compounded by
 shipments of 'low-level' waste pouring into the Test Site from
 contaminated weapons facilities all over the U.S. at the rate of four
 truck loads a day. Recent reports state that four out of five trucks from
 Fernald, Ohio, alone have been leaking on interstate freeways.
   In addition to suffering nearly half a decade of serious health problems
 such as thyroid disease, cancers and leukemia, for the Western Shoshone,
 the issue involves violation of rights to religious freedom. For all
 traditional Native Americans, responsibility for caretaking their lands is
 a vital part of religion and community life.
   Unable to stop the takeover and devastation of lands guaranteed to them
 in the 1863 Treaty of Ruby Valley, Shoshone say that they have also been
 deprived of the right to conduct badly needed healing and other ceremonies
 on their lands for 50 years. Over 100 Native families were forced from
 their homes when the land for the Test Site was annexed in 1948.
   "We were put here by the Creator as a Native people to take care of this
 land and all the life on it", states Corbin Harney, Western Shoshone
 Spiritual Leader. "Shoshone people have taken care of this land for
 thousands of years. The government has stolen this land from us, and now
 it is very contaminated. They have kept us from doing what we can to take
 care of it and heal it. For 50 years they have kept us out with fences and
 guards."
   Native tribes all over the Western U.S. have had enough of the unfair
 burden of radioactivity placed on them through policies that they refer to
 as 'environmental racism'. From Ward Valley, California, to the Skull
 Valley Goshute reservation in Utah to Prairie Island in Minneapolis,
 strong Native-led environmental coalitions are drawing the line, and they
 are winning battles using traditional values and means.
   "The grassroots indigenous people have fought on the front lines against
 great odds out of the limelight, yet they have often won by relying on
 their traditional teachings", says Tom Goldtooth. "By putting forth
 grassroots cultural resistance as a model for change, we are challenging
 both Native rights and environmental movements to be true to their roots."
 
 --------- "RE: Navajo President Atcitty on Health Care" ---------
 
 Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 17:27:47 -0700
 From: George Joe <rezman@infomagic.com>
 Subj: Navajo News Release
 
   UUCP email
 
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 Tuesday, April 7, 1998
 George Joe (520) 871-7919
 
 STATEMENT OF
 Navajo President Thomas Atcitty on an Agreement
 to Expand Health Care Benefits for Navajo Veterans
   Today, I stand before you to sign an historic agreement between the
 Navajo people and the United States of America.   By this agreement, for
 perhaps the first time ever, our traditional Navajo beliefs will be
 acknowledged and affirmed by the government.
   This agreement will bridge even further the gap between the ancient
 customs and traditions of our people, and that of western society.
   For the greater part of the last century, Native American people were
 told that the ways which have sustained our people for thousands of
 years were wrong.  That in order to survive as a people, our children
 must be acculturated into mainstream society.   And that our ways were
 doomed.    How wrong they were.   Now, today a representative of the
 United States government stands before all of us, with an agreement in
 hand, a pen in the other, to sign an historic document that
 fundamentally would acknowledge the ancient chants and ceremonies of the
 Navajo people.
   When many of our people, I and the vice president among them,
 willingly, signed up to defend this country from aggression; first in
 1917, then in 1940s, the early 50s, 60s, 70s and recently in the 90s, we
 believed that when our tour of duty was complete, the government would
 take care of all our health needs -- forever.   And to a large degree,
 that has happened.  The U.S. Veteran Affairs Office, for example, has
 provided health care benefits to all veterans.
   But, in the old Navajo way,  when a warrior goes into battle, and then
 returns, there are ceremonies that must be held to purify and bring the
 warrior back into harmony.  Ceremonies, such as, the five-day Enemy Way
 (Yei' Be' Chei) or the Blessing Way are conducted for this purpose.
   Because the government did not acknowledge the beliefs of our people,
 for all these years, Navajo ceremonies, as a means of healing, were
 never included in health care benefits for veterans.
   When I think about the many  veterans who are now homeless, and living
 on the streets in the urban cities of Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and
 Albuquerque my heart becomes heavy.  I understand many of them have
 ended up there as a result of trauma caused by the war.  Now, they can
 bring harmony back into their lives, and finally come home.
   I am privileged and honored to sign this document on behalf of the
 Navajo People.  This country has come a long way from the dark days of
 religious and cultural intolerance.   May there be peace forever.
   I hereby sign on behalf of all Navajo veterans.
 
 --------- "RE: Important Info on Codetalkers" ---------
 
 Date: 6:45 AM  Apr  9, 1998
 From: LMITTEN@vms.cis.pitt.edu
 Subj: Important info re: Indian Codetalkers
 
   UUCP email
 
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 MEDALS OF HONOR SOUGHT FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CODE TALKERS
   ANADARKO, OK, April 8, 1998 - Many of the American public know that in
 World War II a large number of Navajo served as "code talkers" for the
 Marines in the Pacific. There have been books and articles published which
 cover their service, and they have been highly honored in many ways. Fewer
 people are aware, however, that there were other code talkers in both
 World Wars from many tribes who served in the Pacific and in Europe.
   In all, at least 17 tribes have been identified as serving in this
 manner by Dr. William C. Meadows, an Anadarko, OK scholar whose book on
 the Comanche code talkers of World War II is currently under review by the
 University of Texas Press. The tribes identified include Cheyenne,
 Comanche, Cherokee, Choctaw, Osage, and Yankton Sioux in WW I, and in WW
 II, Chippewa, Choctaw, Comanche, Creek, Hopi, Kiowa, Menominee, Muscogee-
 Seminole, Navajo, Oneida, Pawnee, Sac & Fox, and Sioux (both Lakota and
 Dakota dialects).
   Meadows identifies two types of code talking, which he calls Type I and
 Type II. The former involved actual encoding of messages and translation
 of code into the code talkers' native languages. The second type involved
 the planned or spontaneous use of Native American languages to relay
 strategic messages without further encoding.
   An informational appendix is included below which identifies the tribes
 whose warriors served United States armed forces in this manner, beginning
 with the Choctaw in World War I, who practiced the first type of code
 talking. In all instances, the use of these native languages foiled enemy
 attempts to decipher the communications of United States armed forces. The
 result was often a dramatic turn in the tide of battle, and thousands of
 allied lives were saved which would have inevitably been lost in continued
 fighting.
   The code talking of these American Indian warriors was practiced under
 dangerous, harrowing conditions, willingly and without question. Perhaps
 even more remarkable, it was a service which they rendered to a government
 which had conquered their own people. Some of the code talkers lost their
 lives, and many were wounded during the two World Wars. Many of these
 brave men have since passed on to the land of the spirits, unrecognized by
 this country. The United States has never officially recognized the code
 talkers, although the French government awarded them or their tribes their
 highest military honor in 1989.
   The petition appended to this release is being circulated by friends and
 families of Native American code talkers of World War I and II in a grass
 roots effort to get their country to recognize this valiant, ingenious
 service in an appropriate manner.  The signatories to this petition are
 asking the U.S. government to rectify this omission now by awarding the
 code talkers of both types the Medal of Honor for their valiant, unique,
 and outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty.
 =================================================
 Appendix adapted from:
 Meadows, William C. _They Spoke Comanche: the Comanche Code Talkers in
 World War II_. In Press. University of texas Press, Austin, TX.
 INFORMATIONAL APPENDIX:
         Native American Code Talkers : World Wars I and II
                 Code Talking Types 1 and 2: Explanation
 Type 1 = Formally developed special coded-encoded vocabularies in Native
 American languages.
 Type 2 = Informal use of everyday non-coded Native American languages.
                         World War I
 Tribes                  Type of Code Talking (1 or 2)
 Cheyenne                        2
 Choctaw (15)                    1
 Comanche                        2
 Cherokee                        2
 Osage                           2
 Yankton Sioux                   2
 
                         World War II
 Comanche (17)                   1
 Navajo (420)                    1
 Chippewa                        2
 Choctaw                         2
 Creek                           2
 Hopi                            2
 Kiowa                           2
 Menominee                       2
 Muscogee-Seminole               2
 Oneida                          2
 Pawnee                          2
 Sac and Fox (19)                2
 Sioux (Lakota & Dakota)         2
 ===================================================
 FOR FURTHER INFO:
 Liz Pollard, Smoke Signals Enterprises, 505 W. Louisiana Ave., Anadarko, 
 OK 73005 (405)247-2251  Email: lpollard@smokesig.com
 ===================================================
 PETITION FOLLOWS:
 Please add your signature to this petition and encourage others to join us.
 If you received the petition by email, pass it along to as many other 
 interested citizens as you can and ask that they collect signatures to add 
 to it. Make photocopies of it if necessary, and add sheets of paper for 
 additional signatures. Completed, signed petitions should be returned to me
 at lpollard@smokesig.com (or Liz Pollard, 505 W. Louisiana Ave., Anadarko,
 OK 73005) or mailed or emailed to either or both of the following addresses.
 Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell
 Chairman, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
 380 Russell Senate Office Building
 U.S. Senate
 Washington, DC 20510-0605
 
 Representative Dale E. Kildee
 Co-Chair, Native American Caucus
 2187 Rayburn House Office Building
 U.S. House of Representatives
 Washington, DC 20515-2209
 Email: dkildee@hr.house.gov
 ====================================================
 
 PETITION TO the CONGRESS of the UNITED STATES ON BEHALF OF THE NATIVE
 AMERICAN CODE TALKERS of WORLD WAR I AND WORLD WAR II
 
 WHEREAS:
 During World War I and World War II, hundreds of Native American service
 men from at least 17 native nations served the armed forces of the United
 States in a vital and unique capacity, by using their native languages to
 foil enemy communications. They became known as codetalkers from the use of
 their languages to transmit strategic messages in a form the enemy could
 not decipher. 
 
 In World War I, Choctaw warriors performed this service, translating
 encoded messages into their language for transmission. This type of code
 talking, referred to here as Type I, was also used in World War II by
 Navajo and Comanche units. It required ingenious use of words in the native
 languages to convey meanings these peoples had never had use for previously. 
 
 Other tribes used what is known here as Type II code talk, utilizing their 
 native language to communicate crucial messages to each other without first
 encoding them, but with the same result, that the enemy could not decipher
 critical strategic communications. These tribes included, but are not
 necessarily limited to, Cheyenne, Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, and Yankton
 Sioux in WW I, and in WW II, Chippewa, Choctaw, Creek, Hopi, Kiowa,
 Menominee, Muscogee-Seminole, Oneida, Pawnee, Sac & Fox, and Sioux (both
 Lakota and Dakota dialects). 
 
 In both types of code talking, results were similar. The tide of battle was 
 turned, and the United States forces were enabled to prevail. Without these
 services, it is extremely doubtful that vital secrecy would have been 
 maintained in the communications of United States armed forces.
 
 WHEREAS:
 These American Indian warriors performed a valuable service to this
 country, to their own peoples and nations, and to the free world, enabling
 allied forces to overcome the oppressors and saving thousand of lives which
 would have been lost otherwise by continued battle. They gave of a unique
 skill, and they gave it freely under often extremely dangerous conditions.
 They served with courage and ingenuity, and without question, a government
 which had conquered their people.
 
 WHEREAS:
 These Native American code talkers have never been officially recognized by
 the United States government for this unique and valiant service, although
 the French government, in 1989, awarded them its highest honor.
 
 THEREFORE:
 We, the undersigned, urge the Congress of the United States to honor these
 Native American warriors in an appropriate manner, by awarding them
 Congressional Medals of Honor! 
 
 SIGNED:
 Elizabeth B. "Liz" Pollard, Anadarko, OK
 W. Grosvenor Pollard, Anadarko, OK
 Robert S. Topor, Mountain View,CA
 Martha F. Topor, Mountain View, CA
 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 Elizabeth "Liz" Pollard         
 Smoke Signals Enterprises
 Email: lpollard@smokesig.com
 On the Web: http://www.smokesig.com
 Co-author: "Liz & Bob's Web Builder's Guide." Download this powerful
 resource manual for integrated campus and electronic marketing
 communications from the Web! (http://www.smokesig.com)
 Promotions for American Indian Exposition: http://www.indianexpo.org
 Other sites include: 
 Moccasin Telegraph: http://www.indianexpo.org/moccasin.html
 Housing Authority of the Apache Tribe: http://www.apachehousing.org
 -=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 Lisa A. Mitten                                  G20-U Hillman Library
 Social Sciences Bibliographer                   University of Pittsburgh
 FAX:  412-648-7798                              Pittsburgh, PA  15260
 Internet:  lmitten@vms.cis.pitt.edu             412-648-7780
 -=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
               >>Take a look at my home page on the WWW!<<
    >> Pointers to lots of Indian, anthropology, communications,<<
                 >>linguistics, and sociology sites!<<
                      http://www.pitt.edu/~lmitten
 -=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 "Human beings were invented by water as a device for transporting itself
                         from one place to another."
             (from EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES / Tom Robbins)
 
 --------- "RE: Ottawa Overturns Band Elections" ---------
 
 Date: Fri, Apr 3, 1998 9:18 PM EDT
 From: SISIS@envirolink.org
 Subj: NuuChaNulth Band under investigation
 
 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty-:-:-:-:-:-:-:
 OTTAWA OVERTURNS BAND ELECTIONS IN PORT ALBERNI
 Times Colonist, April 3, 1998, page A6
 [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.]
   Port Alberni (CP) - The federal cabinet has overturned the election of
 the Tla-o-qui-aht band council, leaving it without a governing body or
 signing authority. The order in counsel was issued in Ottawa last month,
 but delivered to the band of 600 only this week. The order overturns the
 election of the councilors only, but Chief Francis Frank resigned a few
 months ago after an audit of the band's financial affairs became public.
   Band members appealed the April 21, 1997 election on the basis that one
 of the elected councilors, Moses Martin, lived in Tofino and not on the
 reserve, as required by the Indian Act. The Tla-o-qui-aht band's financial
 affairs are the subject of an investigation by the RCMP commercial crime
 unit, though the investigating officer recently said he has so far found
 nothing which would result in criminal charges.
 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:
 Letters to the Times Colonist - mailto:timesc@interlink.bc.ca
 In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is
 distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior
 interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and
 educational purposes only.
 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:
     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
 
 --------- "RE: Fake Arts and Crafts" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 08 Apr 98 08:45:21 -0600
 From: berryj@okway.okstate.edu
 Subj: Fake Arts and Crafts(FWD)
 
   UUCP email
 
 To all, This looks like an opportunity for local action.  Our
 Congressman is here today at 3:00pm - will see what he has to say
 about this, among other things.                    Best, John Berry
 ======================================================================
 USA TODAY
                  04/08/98- Updated 01:49 AM ET
                  Fake Indian crafts flood $1B market
                  SANTA FE, N.M. - Each year, Americans and foreign
 tourists spend as much as $1 billion on American Indian arts and
 crafts. In this state alone, the average family visiting a reservation
 spends $191 on Native American goods.
   But increasingly, much of what's for sale isn't handmade or crafted
 by Indians. In fact, much of it isn't even made in the USA.
   At shops and roadside stands in the Southwest, it's not uncommon to
 find imports sold as the genuine article: "Apache" baskets from
 Pakistan, "Navajo" rugs from Mexico, "Hopi" kachina dolls from China.
   Lee A. Yazzie, a Navajo silversmith in Gallup, N.M., who makes $900
 silver rings and $5,000 bracelets by hand, says he's seen copies of
 his and other artists' work selling for 90% less.
  "It's taking food out of the mouths of Indians here," says Yazzie,
 51. "When an artist here doesn't have the work he needs because it's
 being done elsewhere for less, that saddens me."
   Some organizations are beginning to police themselves. For example,
 at its annual gathering April 21-26 in Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo
   Cultural Center will require merchants to provide certificates of
 authenticity for each item sold.
                Still, the problem is widespread.
   New Mexico Attorney General Tom Udall says 40% of the Indian arts
 and crafts sold in the Southwest probably are counterfeit - a trend
 that threatens the region's world-class reputation for Native American
 art and the tourism business in places like Santa Fe, which draws more
 than a million visitors a year.
  "We're just scraping the surface of the problem here," Udall says. "I
 think if people shopped around with the experts, they would be
 astounded to learn the extent of this."
   Martin Link of Gallup, N.M., who publishes the industry's leading
 monthly, The Indian Trader, says "easily 60% of anything sold for less
 than $100 is very suspect - probably imported, or at least made by a
 non-Indian."
   And Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., says the problem may plague 50% of the
 marketplace, an industry the Interior Department says sees $1 billion
 a year in sales. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold
 hearings on the matter this summer.
   Although a 1990 federal law carries stiff fines and jail terms for
 selling bogus Indian arts and crafts, the federal government has done
 little to address the problem. In fact, the law never has been used to
 prosecute a case. No federal employee is assigned to the matter
 full-time.
  The faux Indian arts and crafts come from not only around the world,
 but across the country: assembly-line jewelry with a distinctive
 Native American style is being made in Texas, Arizona, Utah and other
 western states.
  "It's very difficult to tell the difference between the real and the
 fake,"says Andy Abeita, a sculptor in Iselta Pueblo, N.M.
   Abeita, active in efforts to push the government to do more, says
 the growing size and sophistication of the counterfeiting operations
 are driving small craftsmen out of business. Ceramics and jewelry that
 take Indian artists days to produce are copied by machines in hours,
 and sold at a fraction of the cost.
  "It's a Wild West kind of thing when it comes to Indian arts and
 crafts,"agrees Albuquerque jewelry dealer Joe Lowry. "It's definitely
 buyer beware."
   The imitators often use nickel, instead of sterling silver. They use
 dust and colored plastic, instead of turquoise. Synthetic fibers
 become "all-natural" rugs.
   To hide evidence products were made overseas, some unscrupulous
 retailers scratch out country-of-origin labels. In 1994, Udall's
 office caught a Santa Fe shop covering made-in-Mexico labels with
 price tags.
   The shop paid a small fine. But most consumers never know they've
 been had and therefore don't complain. For all practical purposes,
 that means state officials are less likely to pursue the culprits.
  "Tourists who want to come back with something beautiful from the
 Southwest can be easily duped," says Martin Sullivan, director of the
 Heard Museum in Phoenix, the nation's most prestigious private Indian
 art museum. "Most purchases are made by people who don't know any
 better."
                  A problem beyond the Southwest
   Accusations of arts fraud aren't limited to the Southwest. Last
 fall, Indians from the Ho-Chunk tribe of Wisconsin sued J.C.
 Penney Co. for $60 million in federal court. The suit alleges the
 nation's largest department store chain sold jewelry "in a manner that
 falsely suggested" it was Indian made.
   It offers as evidence 36 items allegedly bought from more than a
 dozen J.C. Penney stores in the Chicago area last year. Some items are
 alleged to have been sold with assembled-in-Mexico labels obscured by
 Penney's price tags. Others are domestically made products alleged to
 have been represented as Native American by store clerks.
   In a statement, J.C. Penney said it "has never knowingly falsely
 represented any of the merchandise which it sells to the public as
 made by American Indians when that in fact has not been the case." The
 suit is awaiting trial.
   The suit was brought under the civil provisions of the 1990 federal
 Indian Arts and Crafts Act. While the law is designed to prevent
 fraud, it does allow the sale of look-a-like arts and crafts - so long
 as the goods are not sold as Indian.
   From a port city in Thailand, for example, American Bob Nizza openly
 sells fake Indian jewelry over the Internet. At his Tepeetown shop in
 St. Augustine, Fla., Fred Harris sells look-a-like Indian crafts,
 including $3 bead necklaces from China.
   And from his wholesale outfit in Salt Lake City, R.W. Adamson sells
 Indian-like medicine masks, dreamcatchers, necklaces and teepees. In a
 letter to retailers, Adamson boasts he is "one of the world's leading
 suppliers in Native Americana."
   But Adamson never says his goods are Indian-made. "Because they are
 not," he says.
                The economic toll
   Even that attitude doesn't sit well in Indian country, where the
 unemployment rate soars above 50% and where the arts and crafts trade
 is a vital part of the economy.
  "When you rob a people of their design and take it overseas and get
 another people there to do it for peanuts, then two groups of people
 are being taken advantage of," says Yazzie, the veteran Navajo
 silversmith. Add an unwitting consumer to the mix, Yazzie says, and
 yet another person becomes a victim.
   At the nation's largest tribe, the 150,000-strong Navajo Nation,
 most families are involved in the trade, Udall says. At the Zuni
 Pueblo west of Albuquerque, some 70% of the tribe's 10,000 residents
 work in the arts and crafts industry.
   Lorentino Lalio, New Mexico's director of Indian tourism, says the
 counterfeiting has driven profits down 40% for most Native American
 artists and craftsmen.
  "What's happening is that they're killing the goose that laid the
 golden egg," he says. "It's killing us."
   Shop owners in Gallup, the hub of discount Indian arts and crafts,
 say Indians who speak out about the fraud can find themselves out of
 work. "If you talk about it, you're literally cutting your own
 throat," says Joseph Buck, manager of Lost Cities of Gold, a pawn and
 jewelry shop.
    Some artists say protecting Indian arts and crafts is really about
 culture - and that the U.S. government should protect its heritage as
 the Japanese or French might: with vigor.
   Several states, including California, Arizona and Colorado, have
 laws designed to protect consumers from fake Indian arts and crafts.
 But those laws are mostly used to protect the sale of Indian
 antiquities, not contemporary arts and crafts.
  New Mexico has had laws against selling counterfeit Indian art since
 1973, but has used them only a handful of times. This year, Udall
 wrangled $150,000 from the state budget to address the problem. The
 money likely will go to hire Indian artists for undercover stings and
 to fund prosecutions.
  Few federal agencies have expressed an interest in fighting this
 particular kind of crime. FBI agents in Phoenix, Albuquerque and
 Oklahoma City - Native American hubs - say it continues to be a low
 priority. U.S. Customs has worked a few cases but only to assist state
 authorities.
   Last year, frustrated native American artists began to train some
 federal agents to spot fakes. Abeita, the sculptor, says he now works
 part-time as a consultant to several law enforcement agencies. "We're
 just starting to do this," he says.
   Customs' Don DeFago in Albuquerque says his office is pursuing some
 new cases. There have been no arrests.
                  By John Shiffman, Special for USA TODAY
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTICE:  In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, material
 appearing here is distributed without profit to those who have
 expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for research
 and educational purposes. **
 
 --------- "RE: Trail Of Joy" ---------
 
 Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 12:31:01 -0700
 From: Ana M Robles-Rhoads <"anart"@juno.com (Ana M Robles-Rhoads)>
 Subj: Share this with others as you feel it needs to be shared !!!!
 
   UUCP email
 
 Dear Community and World member of humanity:
   It is time to gather all of our efforts from every corner of this Country
 and this World and walk for Peace, Understanding, Harmony and Love.. How
 to start?  One way would be by simply supporting each other as members of
 the big Human Family and our efforts to bring about Unity and Love rather
 than divisions.
   The Trail Of Joy is one of these efforts. Starting by himself and
 inspired by a Vision, James Duncan: a member of the Cherokee Nation, and
 his family have walked and traveled throughout many highways, lanes and
 trails to bring the message of UNCONDITIONAL Love to our Country and
 humanity. During one of these walks, James planted trees that represent
 Life and Love and forgiveness for each other.  Another "seed" that he
 "planted" is growing right here in the Gainesville community: The Native
 American Student Association, currently the only registered student
 organization within the State University System that attempts to meet the
 needs of Native American students and the Native community in general.
   His journeys have not stopped. Trail Of Joy is a vision that encompasses
 four journeys, and a message of UNCONDITIONAL Love out of which James,
 his family and joining walkers, have completed two.  The third journey
 will start June 21st. of 1998.  His family and his relations (his
 relations is all of humanity) will join him in a trip that will take them
 from Florida, to the Dominican Republic, on to Mexico. They will walk
 south into Belize on to Guatemala, then back north into Mexico and other
 neighboring cities. They will walk about twenty miles a day with their
 Faith as their only support. This journey will take about four months.
 They are seeking to accomplish the following goals:
     * to share the visions among the different Indigenous cultures
       encouraging harmony and dialogue among the many tribes and
       aboriginal indigenous peoples (from North, Central and
       South America and around the world).
     * to break down polarization between ALL People, providing
       information on resources available to move from a system of
       confrontation to one of peace, including environmental, social,
       health, financial and spiritual resources.
     * to encourage people to hold on to their own spiritual beliefs,
       seeking not to over rule one another, but to Love and respect
       one another, no matter what cultural background we share..
     * To share the understanding of our true relationship with our
       Mother Earth.
   A Multicultural Banquet on behalf of Trail Of Joy is being held
 on April 17, @ 6:30 PM to gather financial support. Location will be:
        Presbyterian/Disciples of Christ Student Center
        1402 West University Ave. Gainesville, FL.
   If possible,  please, indicate below  your preference in terms
 of assistance:
     * Plan/coordinate a Multicultural Banquet fund-raiser
       in your area, we can help you plan this.
     * Become a financial donor-sponsor to the extent of your
       possibilities, for the needs are great (see needs list at
       bottom of this sheet).
     * Preferences are given to donation of services like fuel,
       lodging, air, ground and Sea transportation assistance.
   Any assistance in your own style and terms to support this Spiritual
 journey, is highly appreciated.  Please, let us know how you will assist
 us by contacting us  AS SOON  AS  POSSIBLE. If you receive this e-mail and
 want to help out, please send reply to Ana: anart@juno.com (Ana M Robles-Rhoads)
 
   To put it in James' very own words:
 
   "Our Unconditional Love and Prayers to you and your family and
 to all 
 our relations as we walk hand in hand, for we care not what you are,
 only who 
 you are, and you are our relations."     
   Sincerely yours,
   Ana M. Robles Rhoads
 
 Trail Of Joy Fundraising Coordinators in Gainesville, Florida
    MAHOGANY  FOUNDATION
    Candace Lewis Khufia and  Ana M. Robles Rhoads
    P.O. Box  1102
    Gainesville, FL. 32601
    tel.  (messages)    (352) 371-0401
    e-mail: anart@juno.com
   Tremendous thanks to the University of Florida Native American Student
 Association !!!!  For more information about this * awesome * organization,
 please call its president: Jamey Sadler @ 352-375-0349. His e-mail is
 out of commission, but he replies to  phone calls.
 or contact James direct;
 JAMES DUNCAN, RR 2 Box 2233, Thayer, MO. 65791; Phone - (417)264-7717
 Trail Of Joy Website; http://www.alice.net/tojwalk - e-mail;
 toj@alice.net 
 
 Needs List: While there are many things that are needed, below are a
 few, if there is anything that you might suggest please let us know.
 Trail Of Joy, The Return to The Gathering
 RR 2, Box 2233, Thayer, MO 65791
 Last Update: 3 March, 1998
 (AREAS OF SUPPORT AND LIST OF NEEDS)
 UPDATE: We have received a motor for our 1984 Ford Van, and
 are now having it installed. Thank You !!!!! We still need
 to pay for the labor
 UPDATE: 4 X 4 , We now have a 1982 AMC Eagle, and we are now
 in the process of fixing it up. Thank You !!!!!
 UPDATE: We have been offered a large Moving Van by Viola
 Hatch of Oklahoma to use (It has a kitchen and storage for food.) It
 needs tires and work on the engine(the lifters collapse).
 FUEL(Gas Coupons or Gas card) -- LONG DISTANCE(Phone cards) -- POSTAGE
 STAMPS -- 
 COMPUTER(LAPTOP and/or Table) -- LASER Printer(Inkjet) -- 
 COMMUNICATIONS(cell phone - sat. compatible) -- 
 CAMP EQUIPMENT(tents  & tarps, sleeping bags, lamps, stoves & propane,
 ect.)
 12 OR 15 PASS. VAN "Needed to transport people and supplies"
 66 PASS. BUS (Auto. Trans.) "to be converted to sleep 8 to 10 people"
 TIRES 215 X 75 X 15" (4) AND 235 X 75 X 15" (4)
   We have need of 8 RED CEDAR post. They need to be 8' long and 8" in dia.
 and a total of 8 of these. They will be carved (sand blasted) with the
 message that will be placed on them. They will be placed with 5' extending
 above ground, along side of the tree. I wish to thank you all for your
 patience.  We need your help in acquiring these post.
                 "The Living Spirit Tree"
   "This tree is a living memorial to the indigenous peoples who inhabited
 these lands before European contact. The sacred fire of their spirits still
 remains."
    "since the beginning of time, we have always been here. And will always
 be, for we are one. "
 --
 Our Unconditional Love and Prayers to you and your family and to all our
 relations as we walk hand in hand, for we care not what you are, only who
 you are, and you are our relations.
 Wado !! A Prayer  <http://www.alice.net/tojwalk/prayer1.htm>
         A Journey <http://www.alice.net/tojwalk/jaguar.htm>
         A Deed    <http://www.alice.net/tojwalk/people.htm> 
         A Chance  <http://www.alice.net/tojwalk/echota.htm>   
 Ana Robles-Rhoads
 
 --------- "RE: Trail of Tears 1998" ---------
 
 From: PDSingle1 <PDSingle1@aol.com>
 Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 01:39:33 EDT
 Subj: TOT1998 Newsletter
 
   UUCP email
 
   Creator, you have covered the Earth with grasses.  Cover me with your
 presence.  Flood over my spirit like a rain until I stand wet because of
 you. Walk through my soul, so your steps are as familiar as the rhythm of
 my heart. Make from the branches of my life a love flute.  Play me.  Blow
 your breath through me, and I will play your love song.  You have held
 your blanket open for me, and welcomed me inside.  Cover me.  Wrap and
 envelop me, and I will dance the dance of the adopted one
   This was sent to me by a friend.  It is written by Ray Buckley, a
 Lakota/Tlingit & Alyne JoAnn Eslinger, an Eastern Cherokee.  I thought it
 was awesome and  should share it with you.
   I am still having problem with my computer and it is at it's worst
 behavior when trying to get online. Please keep in it in your prayers that
 it will at least complete the last three weeks here before I leave.
   The last thing I wanted to inform you about was our fundraiser before we
 posted it on the web page. Funds are needed to purchase additional gear
 and pay for the expenses of a van to accompany us as a support vehicle.
 (We have grown to the point that we will need one) Therefore, we have
 developed an Official Trail of Tears 1998 t-shirt. They have been designed
 using the banner and the route map from the web page on the back of the
 shirt. Also, the cities having events are listed below like a band's tour
 shirt.
   A limited edition shirt will be available only to web page visitors
 using the Cherokee Rose graphic from the web page as a crest on the front
 and the back as mentioned above. We decided to give them as a gift for you
 for every $20.00 donation and sent to any address you request.
   The other shirt will have a plain front with no crest and will be
 available at the events only. Demand will determine the number of shirts
 produced.
 Thank you for your time and interest,
 Perry
 
 --------- "RE: Native American Authors Sought" ---------
 
 Date: Mon, 06 Apr 98 18:37:06 PDT
 From: Long Standing Bear Chief <blkfoot4@3rivers.net>
 Subj: Native American authors sought
 
   UUCP email
 
 Please pass this on to your members. Thank you.
 
 To: All friends and relatives.
 From: Long Standing Bear Chief <blkfoot4@3rivers.net>
 Subject: Attn: Indian authors
   Spirit Talk Press, The Blackfoot Nation, P.O. Box 390, Browning,
 MT 59417 seeks Indian authors to submit stories and articles for 
 SPIRIT TALK: An Anthology of Indian Voices for publication. A 
 fee paid to those whose work is published.
   Send only copies of work. Include illustrations. Send $5 for
 sample copy of Spirit Talk. This is a high quality color periodic 
 book. Every bit as good as any national publication.
 
 See our web site at http://www.blackfoot.org
 "If we do not make a record of our being then we will die in
 the minds and hearts of our people."
 
 --------- "RE: Backlash for Tribal Immunity" ---------
 
 From: FirehairSS <FirehairSS@aol.com>
 Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 17:00:17 EDT
 Subj: Backlash/Gorton-thanks, Mary Ann
 
   UUCP email
 
 Though this speaks of Western Washington, it effects all Tribal Nations
 -----------------------------------------
   Backlash for tribal immunity
      http://www.seattletimes.com/news/local/html98/trib_040598.html
   by Lynda V. Mapes  lmap-new@seatimes.com
   Seattle Times staff reporter
   Towering over the concrete of Interstate 5, a video billboard that
 flouts local sign regulations blazes away, 24 hours a day.
   To the east, a 20,000-seat amphitheater is under construction in
 defiance of King County's land-use regulations. And around Puget Sound,
 waterfront homeowners are stunned to learn they aren't the only ones who
 own their beachfronts.
   More and more, Puget Sound-area residents are  discovering, in some
 cases for the first time, that they live among four governments: local,
 state, federal and tribal.
   In 19th-century treaties, Northwest tribes gave up vast land holdings
 but asserted their status as independent, separate political entities
 with a right to govern their own affairs on tribal land.
   In the 1990s, with 27 independent tribal governments in the state of
 Washington, that is proving a reliable recipe for conflict. In the
 urbanizing Northwest, nontribal residents and landowners increasingly
 have become neighbors.
   At the same time, Washington tribes have embarked on high-impact
 economic development.  And nontribal residents are often shocked to find
 they have no say over tribal fishing rights, smoke shops, casinos, the
 video billboard on Puyallup land, and other projects such as the
 Muckleshoot amphitheater, that affect them.
   Not only are the tribes operating as sovereign governments, they are
 beyond the reach, in court at least, of anyone who doesn't like it.
 Tribes can't be sued unless they agree to be.
   Metropolitan King County Councilman Chris Vance's outrage is typical:
 "Tribes can't continue to live outside the bounds of the rest of
 society. All these things are being done without any participation
 or acquiescence of the rest of the citizenry. It's un-American."
   Political backlash is fueling support for a bill proposed by Sen. Slade
 Gorton, R-Wash. The bill would end tribal sovereign immunity. That means
 anyone anyone who feels wronged by a tribal action or decision could sue
 in state or federal court.
   The bill will be the subject of a field hearing by the U.S. Senate
 Committee on Indian Affairs in Tukwila on Tuesday.
   Tribal immunity from lawsuits stems from a series of U.S. Supreme Court
 rulings since the 1830s that define tribes as "domestic, dependent
 nations" - an awkward, hybrid status.
   Tribes are not independent nations within the United States because they
 are still subject to control by Congress. But tribes do have broad
 powers of self-governance. For the most part, state and local govern-
 ments have no authority over Indian affairs, tribal governments or
 reservation lands.
   Like state and local governments, tribes may administer schools, courts,
 police forces and social programs. They also make laws governing the
 conduct of Indians on reservations.
   In Washington, tribes with treaty fishing rights are also co-managers of
 the state's salmon runs with state and federal policy-makers.
   Finally, tribes have blanket immunity from suit in any court, and waive
 it only when they choose to.
   Tribes aren't about to give that up without a fight, leaders say.
   "If they don't like it, that's tough," said Henry Cagey, chairman of the
 Lummi Indian Nation and head of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest
 Indians. "That's the deal we struck, and we gave up a lot in the
 process."
   Tribes say Gorton's bill attacks the heart of their sovereign status.
 They say they must be allowed to run their own governments as they see
 fit, including waiving immunity from suit only when they choose to.
   "We are acting like governments? Well, excuuuuse us," said Ron Allen,
 president of the National Congress of American Indians, and chairman of
 the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe in Sequim, Clallam County.
   Most people don't understand that tribal governments have the same
 powers as municipal, county or state governments, Allen said. "There's
 a lot of hostility, age-old contempt, even flat-out racism."
   Allen sees Gorton's bill as the latest in a long line of actions by the
 U.S. government to obliterate the tribes' ability to make a living or
 sustain their own governments and cultures.
   "Tribes are struggling, looking for ways to generate money. Billboards.
 Selling firecrackers. Selling cigarettes. Anything that allows them to
 keep living in their communities," he said.
   Allen said Indians are held to a different standard, especially when it
 comes to making money.
   "As long as Indians are attractive for the community, giving them
 artistry or character, or dancing or basket-weaving, then it's, `Oh,
 these are our Indians,' almost like property," he said. "You don't
 recognize us as a fellow citizen, or an equal government."
   Joe De La Cruz, former chairman of the Quinault tribe based in Taholah,
 Grays Harbor County, laughed out loud at the call in the nontribal
 community for a level playing field with tribes.
   "If this country's history was laid out for a United Nations committee,
 this country could not live the shame down."
   With all that Native Americans have been through, some tribal leaders
 say it's absurd for tribes to be expected to appease, or even be
 interested in nontribal sensibilities. But backers of the bill insist
 that abuses of the past are no excuse for tribes to take an in-your-face
 attitude today.
   "After a while, get over it,"  Gorton said in an interview. "No wrongs
 have been committed against the people who are living here now, or by
 the people who are living here now.
   "I don't think a society is helped by grievances that are 150 years old,
 things that happened to our great-great-grandfathers. I'm sure if I knew
 what happened to one of my great-great-grandfathers I could find some
 grievance."
   Gorton says he isn't attacking tribal sovereignty, but he does think
 tribes shouldn't be above the law.
   "The most fundamental part of this really says that if you believe you
 have been wronged by a member of an Indian tribe, you can sue." Suing in
 tribal courts doesn't work because they are not adequate or neutral, he
 said.
   The legal situation needs to be addressed now or there will be
 increasing conflict, Gorton added.
   "Population is increasing," he said. "And in most states, reservations
 are becoming more and more integrated, with a majority non-Indian
 population. People are living very close to one another and conflicts
 that need to be settled peaceably in court are growing in scope."
   Although his bill doesn't have enough support to pass now, Gorton said,
 some kind of legislation is inevitable.
   Some say tribes could stave off bills like Gorton's by showing more
 consideration for their nontribal neighbors.
   From riding horses over a cliff in the Omak Stampede  to hunting whales
 or flouting zoning regulations, tribes could be more sensitive to the
 culture of the larger community, said Jennifer Belcher, who heads the
 state Department of Natural Resources.
   She doesn't back Gorton's bill. But she understands the frustration
 driving it.
   "I think sovereign immunity is important and we shouldn't tamper with
 it. But tribes should impose the ethic of responsible stewardship on
 their own activities."
 Lynda V. Mapes' phone message numbers is 206-464-2736.
   Posted at 10:06 p.m. PST; Sunday, April  5, 1998
   Copyright (c) 1998 The Seattle Times Company
      http://www.seattletimes.com/news/general/copyright.html
 
 --------- "RE: Elimination of Racist Mascots" ---------
 
 Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 06:33:43 -0600
 From: ostrovsky <ostrovsk@uiuc.edu>
 Subj: PRESS RELEASE
 
  *******PRESS RELEASE******* PRESS RELEASE*******PRESS RELEASE*********
 1 April 1998
 For immediate release
 For more information:
 Rose Stremlau
 217-367-3227
 stremlau@uiuc.edu
 People Against Racism & Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative
 Dr. Paula Ostrovsky
 217-337-1884
 ostrovsky@uiuc.edu
 Alumni Against Racist Mascots
   Anti-Racist Activists Convene in "Illini Country" for the First Annual
 Conference on the Elimination of Racist Mascots
   Anti-racist activists and allies are gathering in Champaign-Urbana for
 the first National Conference on the Elimination of Racist Mascots (CERM),
 uniting activists throughout the nation to protest the racist tradition of
 "Chief Illiniwek" and to share anti-racist mascot strategies.  The
 activist-oriented and resolution-focused plenary is locally sponsored by
 the Native American Student Organization (NASO), People Against Racism
 (PAR),  Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative (PRC), and Alumni Against
 Racist Mascots (AARM).  CERM will take place on April 3 through 4 at the
 University YMCA of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
   The conference headlines several nationally recognized American Indian
 leaders, expected among them: American Indian Movement founders Clyde
 Bellecourt and Vernon Bellecourt; National Coalition on Racism in Sports
 and the Media (NCRSM) founder and UIUC alum Charlene Teters; AIM leader
 Michael Haney;  musician and actor (Dances with Wolves) Floyd Red Crow
 Westerman;  and Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills.  In addition, CERM will
 gather prominent leaders of anti-racist mascot campaigns, such as Ken
 Stern of the American Jewish Committee; scholars; and artists who have
 studied and focused public attention on this issue, and non-Native
 activists and allies of the Native community.
   The goals of this conference are to unify activists within the struggle
 against Native American mascots; to coordinate national anti-mascot
 strategy; to educate activists on effective techniques and strategies; to
 build coalitions amongst diverse groups locally, nationally, and
 internationally; to illuminate parallels between racist academic and
 professional sport mascots and to bring these parallels to the attention
 of the national media and American public; and most importantly, to
 empower local, grassroots anti-racist mascot movements, specifically the
 movement to replace the "Chief Illiniwek" mascot.
   NCRSM, NASO, PAR, PRC, and AARM are also sponsoring a panel entitled "A
 Dialogue on the Elimination of Racist Mascots" on Friday evening, April 3
 at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Hall Theater on the University of Illinois
 campus.  Although CERM is limited to friends of the movement, this panel
 is free and open to the public.  A concert featuring Floyd Red Crow
 Westerman will follow in Latzer Hall of the University YMCA.
   Press are encouraged to attend a CERM press conference on Friday, April 3
 at 1 p.m. in the Board Room of the University YMCA.  Banks,  Teters,
 Bellecourt, Bellecourt, Haney, Westerman, and Mills will be available for
 questions and interviews.  In addition to attending the Friday evening
 public panel, press are also welcomed to attend the opening and closing
 plenary of the conference.  Please contact Paula or Rose for more
 information on press accommodations or to arrange a specific interview.
   NCRSM works nationally among racial and religious groups to raise public
 awareness of anti-Native racism and, at the same time, raise support for
 local anti-mascot movements across the country.  NASO is the registered
 Native American organization of the University of Illinois at
 Urbana-Champaign.  PAR is a student progressive network of the University
 of Illinois.  PRC is a multi-issue, multi-tactical activist organization
 committed to peace with social justice,  and AARM organizes the support
 and resources of both UIUC alumni and faculty who oppose the "Chief."
 (end)
 {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {**
 Raise less corn and more hell-the Conference on the Elimination of Racist
 Mascots (CERM): April 3-4, 1998 in lovely Champaign-Urbana-guaranteed by
 the BOT to "send chills up and down your spine" and bring honor to our
 new mascot, the honorable, if not authentic, "Fighting Gravenhorses";)
 {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {** {**
 Conference on the Elimination of Racist Mascots (CERM)
 April 3-4, 1998 at the University of Illinois
 for more info, contact baanders@uiuc.edu or visit our website:
 http://www.prairienet.org/prc
 
 --------- "RE: When Do We All Come Together" ---------
 
 Date: Tue, 07 Apr 1998 19:24:34 -0400
 From: Jim <monacan@erols.com>
 Subj: When do we all come together
 
   UUCP email
 
 TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS:
   When do we all come together ?  When do we stand up as one voice ?  When
 do we put our individual grievances and agenda aside and unite for the
 good of all Indian people ?  If all Indian people ( Sioux, Navaho, Monacan,
 Seminole, Mohawk, Nez Perce, all tribes )unite, our voice would be strong
 and unmistakably ours.  Think of the numbers and think how that can effect
 voting and change.  We advance as a people not through right but through
 political and monetary assertion.  Remember the wasicu has no honor, they
 only respect what affects them.  They always resist change.  So, we must
 use our wisdom and their system to bring about change for our people.  (
 When I use the term "people" I refer to all Indian people )
   We must not disgrace our ancestors and brothers and sisters that have
 SACRIFICED so much for us the strongest of all cultures. ( If we are not
 the strongest we would not be here after five hundred years of attempted
 genocide ).  The giving of their lives and freedom has allowed us to
 remain and flourish so we may use this opportunity to help all indigenous
 peoples.  Think of SAND CREEK, think of THE TRAIL OF TEARS, think of
 THANKSGIVING MASSACRES, think of WOUNDED KNEE 1890 and 1973.  Think about
 BIG FOOT AND HIS BAND, babies, elders, the sick, our women and our young
 and brave warriors, all lying up there freezing, bleeding, and suffering
 before death,  all in front of the smoking guns of U.S. Troops.  Think
 about our people who were marched to death during relocation or shot to
 death while they slept in their homes.  Think about LEONARD PELTIER, think
 about the terror he suffers everyday and how brave he is despite the