From gars@netcom.com Tue Dec 1 22:48:27 1998 Date: Tue, 1 Dec 1998 18:39:22 -0800 (PST) From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews06.049 _ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' O ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ O o O / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' O o O / /-< / /--/ /-- VOLUME 06, ISSUE 049 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, December 5, 1998 O o O KANOHEDA ANIYVWIYA Otapi'sin Atsinikiisinaakssin O o O Es'te Opunvk'vmucvse ni-mah-mi-kwa-zoo-min Aunchemokauhettittea O ( N A T I V E A M E R I C A N N E W S ) This issue contains articles from Triballaw, Minn-Ind, Big Mountain & Nat-Film Lists; Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty; UUCP email; Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.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 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. "I have killed, robbed and injured too many white men to believe in a good peace. They are bad medicine; I would rather have my skin pierced with bullet holes. I don't want anything to do with a people who makes a brave carry water on his shoulders, or haul manure." __ Sitting Bull, 1867 at Ft. Union on the Missouri River near the mouth of Yellowstone, as he replied to a suggestion that he make peace with the US Government. +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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 +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | Journey | In the summer and early fall | The Bloodline | of 1998 the Treaty Unity Riders | | rode a thousand miles on horse- | For all that live and live by law | back, carrying a staff and | We Stand, we Call, We Ride | praying each step of the way. | For All that fear and fear by sight | | We Hear, we Listen, we Ride | These prayers were offered for | For all that pray and pray by strength| each of us, and that the Unity | We Feel, we Move, we Ride | of all Peoples might happen. | For all that die and die by greed | | We Hurt, we Cry, we Ride | Tatanka Cante forwarded this | For all that birth and birth by right | poem on behalf of all the Unity | We Smile, we Hold, we Ride | Riders that we might stop and | For all that need and need by heart | ask if the next words we say, the | We Came, we Went, we Rode. | next act we make is for the good | | of the People or is it from ego | Treaty Unity Riders | for self. +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! Again, this winter this editorial section will feature groups or individuals who are helping those in need, primarily on reservations and especially those who aid children and elders. Urban help will not be excluded. I have lived in the Cedar-Riverside area of Minneapolis and been a guest in Lakota Housing in Rapid City and in Shiprock. The need to eat and be warm does not end because a person has left the rez. I can tell you there are elders surviving in ways that you seldom associate with a human being. Dirt floors and a non-leaky roof represent an improvement for many. PLEASE forward contact information for all you know who help those less able to do so make it through the harsh winter months. ............................................. letters received this week... ............................................. Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 12:44:33 -0500 From: "Whitehead, Robert" Subj: Pittsburgh Food Drive Hau Gary: If it is possible please post our December 12th food drive to benefit Lakhota People. The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) is working with Canku' Lu'ta (a not for profit organization based in Pittsburgh and Cheyenne River) to deliver food and some other necessary articles to people on Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, Standing Rock and Rosebud. A truck will be parked in front of the Pittsburgh (PA) Hilton on Saturday December 12th. We will be loading food and other donations that morning. Anyone wishing to contribute is welcome to bring it to the Hilton that Friday night or Saturday morning. I just thought I could save a few folks the trouble of shipping things out independently. JJ trucking of Cleveland Ohio is donating the truck and drivers. If this is not newsworthy, I certainly understand not having it appear in your newsletter. Pilamaya Robert Whitehead, PSEA ............................................. Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 12:51:54 -0500 From: wind@hom.net (wind) Subj: John and Sharen Sun Eagle's Native Children/Families Mr. Gary Night Owl, I understand that you publish the FN 'zine Wotanging Ikche on the Internet. I was referred to you by an individual named WoodOwl. I am trying to help the John and Sharen Sun Eagle's Native Children/Families Sponsoring Program by getting this program some exposure. I go to various Native NewsGroups; I have their site listed on my Web Site, etc.. I also designed their Site for them. John and Sharen are such special and wonderful people... I am delighted to be a part of their Program and wish to do more, if I could. WoodOwl suggested that I contact you... that you might be able to spread the word about this program. The Holiday Season is upon us, and their are many, many Children, Elders and Families who do not have a Sponsor. John and Sharen also need support, although they do not advertise this. But they do so much, with their own money, that THEY do without, so others can have food, clothing, etc... I have stated on these message boards that if one does not wish to be a full time sponsor, then they could help by sending John and Sharen a monatary gift. This would greatly help their food bank for individuals who need food, as well as pay their telephone bill. John and Sharen must call the Native Families on a regular basis, to obtain the Children's latest shoe and clothing sizes... Their monthly telephone bill is often well over $100.00. Please sir, if you can help spread this message, I would indeed be so very grateful. Below is the message that I posted to the two Native newsgroups: ------------------ BEGINNING OF POST --------------------------------- John and Sharen Sun Eagle's Native Children/Families Sponsoring Program Hello, and PLEASE read this important post. I am one of the Sponsors of the John and Sharen Sun Eagle's Native Children/Families Sponsoring Program. John and Sharen are a native couple living on the Mattaponi Indian Reservation in the beautiful tidewater area of Virginia. Their reservation is one of the oldest in this country, located near Richmond and Williamsburg. John and Sharen set up this sponsoring program with guidance from the Creator and help from many good hearts. As a result of their efforts, they have been able to do much by providing food, clothing, furniture, and help with utilities. Not only do they help the Children and Families on the Mattaponi Indian Reservation, but on other Reservations as well. There are still so many Children, Elders and Families that need sponsors. With the Holidays upon us, these Children, and Elders need your support now more than ever. As a Sponsor of this Program, I ask of you to please spread this message to as many message boards, chat rooms, etc, so that others who may wish to be a Sponsor may contact John and Sharen. All money, clothing, gifts, etc will be sent by the Sponsor, and go directly to the Child or Familiy they will Sponsor. Please spread the word.... Please include the Email address and the URL of the John and Sharen Sun Eagle's Native Children/Families Sponsoring Program: E-MAIL: suneagle@bealenet.com URL: http://www.bealenet.com/~suneagle Make a Child Smile Today! Please be a Sponsor. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IMPORTANT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If you do not wish to be a Full Time Sponsor, but wish to help a Child, Elder or Family have a decent Holiday, PLEASE e-mail or call John or Sharen. As most of us will have a warm, comfortable Home filled with Family and Friends eating a good, warm meal, I beg you to please contribute a monatary gift to send to John and Sharen, to buy food such as a Turkey, and possibly other items for Families or Children, such as blankets for the cold Winter and other necessities that we often take for granted. Each night I pray to our Creator and ask that He bless this Program, for it is helping many, many souls. PLEASE email John and Sharen and ask how you may help. Or simply send a check to them, with a letter, asking that the money go toward a Turkey for Christmas, or a Blanket for a Child or Elder, or just to be used for the Families in whatever way they need it. I am doing everything I can to help support this Program... but we need your help. May you be Blessed in all ways... Sincerely, Laurel Fry wind@hom.net http://www.hom.net/~wind ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE E-MAIL JOHN AND SHAREN AT THE FOLLOWING: suneagle@bealenet.com SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS: JOHN AND SHAREN SUN EAGLE 84 NEE A YA LANE, MATTAPONI INDIAN RESERVATION PHONE: 1-804-769-1405 Thank You for your Time, Laurel Fry ============================================= Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 08:36:20 -0600 From: James Duncan Subj: needs O SIYO'(Greetings) Dear Friend Thought I would pass this on to you. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject:Re: kids have to be uncomfortable Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 06:45:30 -0800 From: Arla Macias Organization: Nayarit Online To: toj@alice.net Thank you James. It is getting cold here in Tepic for the winter. Not cold by the US standards but for here it is. Last winter was very cold for here and I see that we are going to have it again. Most of the children live in poor cinderblock houses with concrete floors. They don't complain but I know the houses are really damp. I just moved out of a place like that. They do not have warm enough blankets and many sleep on dirt or concrete floors. They do not seem to have warm enough clothing. I really wish that a group of their sisters and brothers to the North could join hands and bring the children warm clothing and blankets. They are not starving or anything. Their mothers and fathers work and provide their food but it is hard for the parents especially in many of the families where the alcoholism rate is very high. Thank you for your prayers. Arla ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 A Journey A Deed A Chance James =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= For additional information or to make donations contact: For the Red Shirt Community: Marvin Helper P.O. Box 312 Hermosa, SD 57744 From: tusweca Darlene Cross PO Box 52 Kyle SD 577075 From: yona@infi.net Toy drive going on for the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte If you would like to donate a toy or more information, you may contact me by email: yona@infi.net or phone me 757-425-7992..you may also drop off a toy if you are in the vicinity of our store Na-va'kee 618 Hilltop West. biah yazzie From: DORSEY.THOMAS_J+@ALBANY.VA.GOV Norma Grassrope Lower Brule Reservation Lower Brule, South Dakota 57028 (605) 473-5594 She is the chair of a charitable group called the Womens Support Group. From: Pioquark@aol.com Clay Watson Pioneer Industries 1100 E. 24th St. Cheyenne, Wy. 82001 (307)778-7860 pioquark@aol.com http://members.tripod.com/~dikani/pioneer.html These donations will be gifted to the Rose Bud and Pine Ridge Reservations in South Dakota and the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. I'm on the road a lot, out back loading the truck etc. PLEASE leave a message if there is no answer.. From: ALBERT SUN BUTLER Ti Ospaye PO Box 200 Wanblee SD 57577 Supporting the elders through personal contact: Adopt A Grandparent Mountain Light Center PO Box 241 Taos NM 87571 TEL: 505 776 8474 FAX: 505 776 8050 For information call 800 291-8474. email: agpmlc@aol.com For the Cherokee, NC Rez and South FL (Now taking one load/week): From: "lonewolf" Lone Wolf -or- Bob and Linda Crowe 1060 N. Bee St. 2800 West Highway 5 Deland, Fl 32720 Bowden, GA 30108 770-258-1536 From BIGMTLIST The Dineh could use some blankets to help with the cold winters. Bonnie Whitesinger Box 1073 Hotevilla, AZ 86030 Since UPS doesn't deliver to PO boxes, you would have to use parcel post. --------------------------------------------- From: leslie@neca.com Pathways to Spirit in Fort Collins Colorado Contact: Carmeen Klausner Phone: 970 282 8573 email pathways@webaccess.net www.pathwaystospirit.necaweb.com This group is non profit and takes tractor trailer loads of clothes and furniture to Pine Ridge several times each year. --This year we have gone to Porcupine and Red Shirt Table, and will be going to Kyle December 12. --------------------------------------------- From: "g hindsman" Subj: Help for Families on Rez Morning Star Fellowship Circle, Inc. All of the donations are sorted and packed for each family according to size, sex etc. This year we are in particular need of blankets, space heaters, fans and linens (towels and sheets). We have many toys and clothing of all sizes but good winter coats are always useful. We are registered as a private non profit, so receipts can be given for donations. We can always use money donations. We deliver in December, June and in August. We also do mail deliveries occasionally. Over the years, we have made many friends at Pine Ridge, Rosebud, the Crow Agency and others. We try to help with special requests when we can. Morning Star has also been a home away from home for students and elders who are temporarily on the East Coast. Our headquarters are located in Delaware but we have other circles in Virginia, New York, West Virginia, Maryland and soon in Florida. --------------------------------------------- From: Janet S MORNING STAR OUTREACH c/o Cassada 320 N. 31st #13 Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 Charitable organization founded and directed by Dawn & Douglas Cassada. MORNING STAR OUTREACH chooses to offer direct as well as mediation assistance to the United States American Indian Reservations in the form of clothing, bedding, food provisions, toys for the children, scholarship funding and household provisions. This also includes craft items, fabrics, beads, patterns, yarns and notions. MORNING STAR OUTREACH chooses, because of the census reports, to support the reservations of the Native Lakota Sioux Nation within the United States, South and North Dakota. For information about Morning Star you can call or write our Outreach Coordinator at: Morning Star Fellowship Circle, Inc. 321 Beverly Place Wilmington, DE 19809 Phone: 302-764-1178 EMail - candy crow@aol.com --------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 14:03:10 -0800 From: POP ACCOUNT We would ask simply that you take a few minutes to visit our web site at http://www.nightwalker.org/holidays and review the information provided there. If you find it in yourself to help these children, there is a link on the site there to our SSL Secure server for online donations, or you can download and print out a form that can be mailed instead. If you do not have access to the World Wide Web, but would still like to help out, you can send an email to donate@nightwalker.org, and a donation form will be automatically sent back to you. Night Walker Enterprises is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non profit corporation, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by IRS regulations and current US tax law. --------------------------------------------- Those shipping large amounts of materials to reservations may have a great opportunity to facilitate your shipping. This arrived in this week's email, and I have not had an opportunity to pursue it further. I offer it now, in hopes it will help some in the contact list. A lot of reservations are near military facilities. PLEASE let me know how things go if you do attempt to use this service: Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 11:45:42 -0600 Subj: transportation of relief materials Senders name removed by request. FYI For transportation of relief materials by non-profit agencies or groups. Telephone all of your local congressman's offices and request in writing, their assistance in obtaining military transportation assistance. Then contact the nearest military base with an airfield, Public Affairs Office (PAO) and also a written letter to the Base Commander also requesting assistance. The military and in particular the USAF has many cargo aircraft (C-130 Hercules, KC-10, C-141, C-17 and C-5). The State Air National Guard's own C-130's and the US Marines owns a number of C-130 aircraft. Flying Aircrews require a number of training flight hours per quarter to maintain their Flight Proficiency. There is always some aircraft heading in the correct direction. The aircraft cannot deliver to the door but can deliver to within a few hundred miles at the most. Please consider that some of these aircraft weigh 140 Tons or more and will "sink" into concrete less than 18+ inches deep. Therefore they cannot land at just any airfield runway. The shipped materials must be shipped securely fastened on pallets (no loose material, everything sealed in boxes, some restrictions on flammables and no propellents (explosives)). The PAO will provide the necessary guidance. The local Flight Engineers, Loadmasters and even Boy Scouts will help with the inspection, boxing and palletizing. The USAF is always hauling materials (on a non-interference basis naturally) for charitable purposes. No one likes an empty cargo aircraft. --------------------------------------------- From: The Stones Another organization you might consider adding to your list is: Lakota Link http://rtt.colorado.edu/~cameron/LakxotaKxoyag.html Ellen Stone The following snailmail addresses are included for help to communities on the Cheyenne River Rez: Craig and Ruth Cameron LakxotaKxoyag P O Box 176 Jamestown, CO 80455-0176 Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Marvin and Veronica Holy Town of Bridger Representatives P.O. Box 172 Howes, SD 57748 Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Violet Catches HC 77 Box 500 Howes, SD 57748 Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Kathleen Eagle Chasing Town of Cherry Creek Representatives P.O. Box 101 Cherry Creek, SD 57622 UPS ADDRESS: Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Kathleen Eagle Chasing Town of Cherry Creek Representatives House #245 Cherry Creek, SD 57622. Lakxota Kxoyag c/o Elvira Chasing Hawk Town of Red Scaffold Representatives Box 481 Red Scaffold RD Red Scaffold, SD 57626 or c/o Candace Hollow Horn Box 522 Red Scaffold RD Red Scaffold, SD 57626 --------------------------------------------- From: JRP The Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization 402 West 145th Street * New York, NY 10031 212/926-5757 * 212/926-5842 (fax) * ifco@igc.apc.org (email) * www.ifconews.org (web) (earmark your gift for November caravan to Chiapas) Bucketline to the Elders this group provides food and supplies First Security Bank to the elders of the 205 N Main Big Mountain /Black Mesa area. Layton, UT 84041 Redfeather Development Corp This group repairs and winterizes Box 52652 housing for the Bellevue, WA 98015-2652 elders of the Dakotas area. --------------------------------------------- From: Morning Star We have needs for both the youth projects and for Seventh Circle, Rapid City projects. We are compiling a complete list of needs and will post that in the near future. In the meantime, if you're unsure what is needed where: For the Youth Projects: Mike at Mike.Wicks@mindspring.com or Kathy at mornstar@bellatlantic.net For Rapid City Projects: dhendren@mint.net mornstar@bellatlantic.net Mike.Wicks@mindspring.com YOUTH PROJECTS - Standing Rock Rainbow Project C/O Sandra Welch Box 229 210 Main Street McLaughlin, SD 57642 Hunkpapa Youth Survival Project Helmina Makes Him First P.O. box 53 Little Eagle, SD 57639 RAPID CITY PROJECTS: The Seventh Circle 321 Doolittle Street Rapid City, S.D. 57701 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 ---------- - Plymouth Observations - Innu Must Enforce Alcohol Ban - Message from Keith's Brother - Land Deal a Legal Quagmire - Leonard & Canada - Diabetes Help for Tohono O'odham - Anne McLellan Holds Report - Cherokees Hope Crisis Solved That Can Free Leonard - Newfoundland Mineral Regulation - Indian Band Lights Sacred Flame - Health Crisis - Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Update in Native American Community - Evictions/Background - Haying Time - Language Reminder - Honoring The Mother - Tribes Worried - Little Rock Reed Arrested Gangs Are Moving In - Tsu T'ina Inquiry - Yakama Council to be Held on Reserve Members Reprimanded - Native Prisoner - Oneida to Issue Own Plates - A Hundred Years Ago - Threats Kept Members from Meeting - Poem: The One That is Coming - BC NDP Government and - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days Ainsworth Lumber - Conferences and Powwows - How We Screwed the Nisga'a - Native America Calling --------- "RE: Plymouth Observations" --------- Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 22:28:42 -0500 From: MOBIUS S S Subj: Plymouth- just my opinions UUCP email O'siyo Ginalii, Just returned home after attending the plymouth rally. Mahtowin estimated 1500 in attendance (rough guess). I got there fairly early and watched the crowd build. The Union reps from the town of plymouth employees came out to greet us and show their support. The cops kept their frowning distant. There were many reporters there with cameras, interviewing everybody that would speak ( I really have to wonder about some of the twinkie interviews that took place, but they were few and far between). The organisers did a great job and sort of worked around the weather. The speakers were inspirational, especially Moonanum and a few others. Texts will be made available, I was told. I had tears in my eyes the whole time and Elohina (Mother Earth) cried with us as well. Townspeople came out and mingled and welcomed us to plymouth ( I was pleasantly surprised) while others stood and frowned from their doors and windows. I think a lot of it is territorial, to them we were outsiders come in to cause trouble. Outsiders, go figure. There was a lot of support from outside the NA community, such as the ACLU and Supporters of MUmia from New york and Penn, Workers World, Gay rights activists and many more than I can remember. I met people from as far away as Cleveland. There were, of course, a few flakes around, what gathering doesn't draw them. Personally , I was extremely gratified to see so many regular folks, united and strengthened by their common beliefs and outrage. These weren't movie star heroes or twinkies out to make a name, just ordinary people rising to extraordinary heights. Contrary to previous reports, there was a drumming and offering of prayers by some of the elders very early in the day. They made no fuss just formed a circle and took care of 'business'. They were definitely First Nations of the kind you don't have to ask about. I find it distressing to hear that people of unresearched heritage are not Indians. I don't doubt that my mothers parents were Tsalagi any more than I doubt that my fathers were German. I have researched neither and do not intend to as proving either is immaterial to me. There are more important issues to be concerned with. Yes there were many non-Native supporters there and they made no pretense just a show of solidarity. You don't have to be Indian to be oppressed. The one News covering that I saw (channel 4) didn't really address the issues although they did give the terms of the plymouth 25 "deal". This includes the plaques and the education fund. However, they stressed the 'eruption of violence' last year (didn't say whose) resulting in every police officer in Plymouth having to work today. They still made it sound like the radical Indians were the violent ones. If you all could have seen the marchers you would laugh at the foolishness of this. All of the women and children, Grandmothers and Grandfathers and yes, some warriors of both sexes. A more non threatening, peaceful yet determined crowd you couldn't imagine. People that were there, not to fight, but ready to die for their cause just the same. Maybe that is what is needed to make the Yonega Nation understand where we are coming from. Innocents ready to shed their own blood for peace and justice. I thank you all for your prayers and I feel that they were answered today. IN UNITY Donadagohvi, Fred (Wohali Nohiloto) Join Up-The-Revolution at www.egroups.com " We call on all people, and all beneficiaries of this sickness,to discard their economical religion of money. It is a religion still new to the Aboriginal people." --------- "RE: Message from Keith's Brother" --------- Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 08:31:35 -0600 (CST) From: JRP Subj: Message from Keith's brother A Message from Nash Foraci, Brother of Keith First In Trouble On 9-16-19989 Officer Beneman shot my brother Keith first In Trouble to death. He was shot six times and was taken to the hospital, -Dead On Arrival-. We had asked the police for help that night but the officer claimed my brother had lunged at him with a knife. Officer Beneman is a liar. He later bragged "I shoot to kill." He and his partners bounced my brother down the stairs instead of waiting for an ambulance. They were so anxious to get rid of Keith and concoct lies and a cover up by them and the Police Dept which led to false charges against my brother of attempted murder and a bail of $250,000.00. Because we are unable to hire a lawyer we have not been given the opportunity to tell our side, -the truth-, by family and witnesses. Keith was brought back from the dead by our merciful Lord but even his doctors refuse to talk to us. Keith is alive and able to tell his side of what happened but everyone seems to be afraid of the police. We aren't. How many of us will the police shoot or kill before something is done to stop them? Next time it could be you. All I'm asking, is there a lawyer that can tell me and my family which forms to use and how do we file -Attempted Murder- charges against Officer Breneman, the one who should be in jail. Their investigators should be investigated too. We must fight these liars and defend my brother because he is innocent and a victim of police brutality and unnecessary force by a gun happy policeman. Keith's Brother Nash I. Foraci 1750 S. Federal #607 Denver, Co 80219 --- To join Keith's list go to http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/keithfriends If that doesn't work for you let me know and I'll set you up from my end. But please try this first, since that site requires "cookies" and I can't do that from home, I gotta to go the library. Thanks for helping Keith and his family. Dee --------- "RE: Leonard & Canada" --------- Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 18:11:42 -0800 From: DJ Glidden Subj: Leonard & Canada UUCP email Just received this post from a friend... please circulate this information widely. Mike has given permission to link to the info on his site, forward and post this important information... Thanks, Debra From: Mike Wicks I have learned of a Canadian internal report on the extradition process that allowed Leonard to be extradited from Canada. As it seems to be suggested that the report would strike down the extradition, and the Canadian Supreme Court has already ruled that if the extradition is struck down - Leonard would have to be returned to Canada - where he would be 100% free - it's worth your time to read. I have added a page to my site where you can read about this report and send an email message to the Honorable Minister Anne McLellan. URGE HER TO RELEASE THE REPORT! http://www.mindspring.com/~mike.wicks/leonard.html In struggle, Mike --------- "RE: Anne McLellan Holds Report That Can Free Leonard" --------- Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 19:10:06 -0500 From: Janet Smith Subj: from Mike Wicks Homepage Send your comments to: (Minister of Justice) Canada She holds a report that could set Leonard FREE The following is from information forwarded to me; Peter Mancini, the New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament who has been point man in the Canadian House of Commons in this fight since Warren Allmand retired, is urging the Minister of Justice ("the Honorable" Anne McLellan) about her refusal to make public that "Report on the Internal Review of the Extradition of Mr. Leonard Peltier". As you may recall Peter succeeded in nailing the Justice Minister on 11 May 98, during Question Period, asking her why this report, of an internal review commenced in June of 1995 and completed shortly thereafter, still hadn't been made public. She answered that she would "consider releasing it only after the Privacy Commissioner's office had screened it to ensure that any info it contained wouldn't divulge names of informants, etc.." Well, (with a nudge or two) the Privacy Commissioner's office cleared it on 09 June 98 (telling me that they'd received it only on 02 June, almost a month after the "Honorable Minister of the Crown" stated she was awaiting it's return from the Privacy Commissioner's office). The National Director of Investigations for the Privacy Commissioner's office also mentioned to me (verbally) that there had been "nothing to delete, no apparent reason why it can't be made public.." So it was back onto the "Honorable Minister's" phone, fax & email lines.. She is the ONLY person who can either release that report.., or keep it hidden from public view. To date, she refuses to release it. During some recent conversations I had with Warren Allmand, he mentioned that he'd had a meeting with the Minister in her office, at which time he had to tell her who Leonard Peltier is, since she claimed she'd never heard of him. warren told her that if she didn't release that report "within a reasonable delay.." that he would hold a press conference and release his own "report" on Leonard's illegal extradition in 76, and the silent complicity of Canada's government to ignore Canadian law in this case, and the "canadian public will wonder "why?".. Warren was the Solicitor-General of Canada (like the A-G in USA) when his cabinet colleague, then-Minister of Justice Ron Bassford, signed the extradition papers handing Leonard over to the US for that farce of a trial in Fargo. Not too long after that the irrefutable proof came out showing that the FBI had clearly fabricated the "evidence" that formed the basis for the extradition request. Warren has been fighting to get Leonard free ever since. He retired from Canada's parliament in 97 and was appointed president of the International Centre for Human rights and Democratic Development, a UN-affiliated Human rights organization based in Montreal. He is no lightweight. By Canadian law, (as pointed out by Canada's Supreme Court in the hearing on Leonard's extradition held in 1989) an extradition based on falsified evidence nullifies that writ of extradition. The government of Canada, by its own laws, by virtue of the International Conventions Governing Diplomatic Protocols (which both the US and Canadian govts signed and ratified).., and as "strongly suggested" by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1989, would HAVE TO present the US Ambassador to Canada with a formal Diplomatic Protest demanding that Mr. Leonard Peltier be immediately returned to Canadian soil.., where he would be 100% free!! Now Peter Mancini has another question ready for the "honorable Minister" the first chance he gets to pose a question during Question Period. Given the way Parliamentary procedures work, that may be tomorrow or 2-3 weeks from now.., but he WILL ask why, six months after she answered in May, that report is still not public.. Leonard could use a few more voices asking the "honorable Minister" that same question.. Voices such as YOURS!! LPDC-Canada (Frank & Annie, still fighting hard) will soon be starting a petition drive among Members of Parliament and (I think) a public petition drive asking that the report be released. You can add your voice to that petition, or to one YOU start to circulate and send to Peter Mancini. And you can also phone/fax/email the "honorable Minister", asking her why she won't release a report that Canada's Privacy Commissioner ok'd for release, after she stated, in the House of Commons on 11 May 98, that she WOULD release that report as soon as the Privacy Commissioner's office ok'd it for release... There's a lot going on behind the scenes here, folks.. Peter Mancini, a Member of Parliament and official Justice Critic for the NDP in the House, also requested a copy of that report under the Access to Information Act (like the US FOI Act).. It was denied by direct order of the Minister of Justice. The letter informing Peter that his request was denied also let slip other item of interest.., to the effect that access to the forty-seven (47) police and government files referred to in the report was also denied. Forty-seven files listed about Leonard Peltier's extradition in 1976.., some with the notation "RCMP" (Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Canada's FBI), some with "MJ" or "SG" (Minister of Justice, Solicitor-General) AND.. , many with the notations "EA/DFAIT".. which is External Affairs/Department of Foreign Affair & International Trade.. Canada's "Secretary of State"... Hmm? Does anyone on this planet still believe that Leonard's arrest, conviction, 23 years of incarceration & several mysterious murder attempts while in prison are NOT politically motivated ..?!? To contact Peter Mancini, the NDP MP fighting for Leonard (with your thanks & encouragement or with copies of your correspondence with or petitions to the "honorable Minister").. Mr. Peter Mancini MP for Sydney-Victoria tel: (613) 995-6459 fax: (613) 995-2963 email: "Mancini, Peter - Assistant 1" ManciP0@parl.gc.ca To let the "honorable Minister" know how you feel about her sitting on that report FOR NO APPARENT REASON, or to send her your suggestions and Christmas Wish List.. The Hon. Anne McLellan MP for Edmonton West Minister of Justice of Canada tel: (613) 992-4524 fax: (613) 996-4516 email: mclellan.a@parl.gc.ca FOR LEONARD, Thank you! By My Signature I Ask You to Release The Report on the Internal Review of the Extradition of Mr. Leonard Peltier Suggested Subject Report on the Extradition of Mr. Leonard Peltier Click here to send your comments: mclellan.a@parl.gc.ca --------- "RE: Indian Band Lights Sacred Flame" --------- Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 02:04:13 -0600 From: "S.Spittal" Subj: CNN - Indian band lights sacred flame to highlight cause - November 28, 1998 Newsgroup: alt.native ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- http://www.cnn.com/US/9811/28/sacred.fire/ CNN - Indian band lights sacred flame to highlight cause - November 28, WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Representatives from the Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians lighted a sacred fire at sunrise Saturday in Washington in advance of a Supreme Court case that deals with off-reservation hunting, fishing and gathering rights. The case, Minnesota v. Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians, is scheduled to be heard December 2. The suit against Minnesota was brought in 1990 when the Mille Lacs Band claimed the right to hunt, fish and gather without regulation on non- reservation land that the band sold to the federal government in 1837. The sacred flame lighting took place at the National Indian Gaming Association building courtyard, blocks away from the Supreme Court. The flame will remain lit for four days, leading up to a Wednesday sunrise ceremony, a walk to the Supreme Court building and a ceremony in front of the courthouse -- all meant to provide strength and support to tribal attorneys as they put forth the tribes' case. The suit by the Mille Lacs Band has been joined by the federal government and seven other Chippewa bands, including six in Wisconsin. "This is a case about an Indian treaty right to hunt and fish on lands that were ceded to the United States in the 19th century," said Mille Lacs Band attorney Marc Slonin. "There are a number of treaties made around the country, principally in the Great Lakes region and the Pacific Northwest, where Indians sold their lands to the United States but reserved rights to hunt and fish on the lands that they ceded," said Slonin. He said treaty rights have become an issue in recent times. "In the late 19th and early 20th century, many states began to regulate fish and game harvests, and they gave great priority to sport hunting and sport fishing. They set very short seasons, they restricted the kind of gear that could be used and that interfered with Indian subsistence patterns that had been going on for centuries," said Slonin. The state argues that the privileges were extinguished by a later 1850 presidential order, by Minnesota's becoming a state and by an 1855 treaty. Minnesota has been joined in the case by eight other states who have filed "friend of the court" briefs. Chippewas won earlier rulings Lower court rulings upheld the Mille Lacs argument that the tribes never lost their special privileges to hunt, fish and gather on the land they sold to the government, but Minnesota successfully lobbied the Supreme Court for an appeal. If the high court upholds the lower courts, the eight bands of Chippewa could lay claim to half of the safe-harvest levels of game and fish in all 12 east-central Minnesota counties. A broad decision in favor of the tribe could reaffirm Indian treaty rights. A more narrow decision in the tribe's favor would probably stay within the territories of Minnesota and Wisconsin where these tribes hunt, fish and gather. If the court reverses the ruling, control of the land could revert to the state. Such a ruling also could impact treaty rights nationally. --------- "RE: Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Update" --------- Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 20:34:33 -0500 From: dh88691@goodnet.com (THURSDAY/Jon Norstog) (by way of Peter d'Errico) Subj: Navajo-Hopi "Land Dispute" Update: Nov. 23, 1998 Mailing List: TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu) >From Wohali NohilotoS.SpittalJon Norstog, Navajoland: Navajo-Hopi "Land Dispute" Update: Nov. 23, 1998 I saw a posting from Mr. Robert Dorman's Bg Mt. List on friday, put up by "Swaneagle" at the request of Ms. Bonnie Whitesinger. It sounded pretty serious, so I did my best to check it out. Sad to say, this is the real thing. A short report is attached as an ASCII file. I will try to get more information over the next few days. Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:11-23-98.TXT (TEXT/MSIE) (00013D54) Navajo-Hopi "Land Dispute" Update: November 23, 1998 Beginning the Forced Relocation Process I got a copy of a "Notice of need to immediately request relocation benefits" which was hand delivered to Mrs. Pauline Whitesinger's family at their home in the Big Mountain area. Apparently Mrs. Whitesinger was not at home, but her daughter and son-in-law accepted the document. The document, which is dated Nov. 18, 1998, is the first step in the forced relocation process as outlined in 25 CFR 700.137-9. According to the Hopi Tribe's testimony to Congress (Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearings, March 28, 1996) the U.S. Government had agreed to "implement" these regulations beginning in February 1997, to be "completed" by February 2000. The bureaucratic language, of course, hides the brutal reality of what the U.S. government is planning. The letters sent out on the 18th begin a process which could take six months or more. The resisters have 30 days to apply for relocation "benefits". After that date, the Relocation Office will review their cases to determine whether they are "eligible". Those deemed "eligible" for "benefits" will be given an opportunity to choose a homesite, otherwise the Relocation Office will select one from their abundant supply of vacant homesites in the "New Lands." Once this is done, the Relocation Office will hire a contractor to build a house - a "relocation home" as they call it. When the house is done, the family will be given a chance to move there voluntarily, and will only be removed by force if they refuse to do so. I will try to find a copy of the CFR to see what the notification periods and requirements are, as these will control the "executive timetable." There have been many rumors in the past of evictions or other forcible action by the U.S. against the resisters. This is the real thing. Mrs. Whitesinger has scheduled a meeting at her home for Monday with Lee Phillips, the Navajo Nation and the Relocation Office, and has invited the other non-signers to attend. It will be interesting to see what happens. One interesting part of all this is that the Relocation Office did not bother notifying the Navajo Nation about the impending removal of tribal members. Roman Bitsuie told me he found out about it when Pauline Whitesinger sent him a letter with the Relocation Office document attached. Alternately, the Attorney General may have been notified and thought so little of it that he didn't bother to tell Roman's Office. Does Senator McCain know about this? It would be convenient for him if the whole business was done and forgotten well before the year 2000 primaries. An eviction in February 2000 would be inconvenient for him in his run for president. On the other hand, if McCain has been "left out of the loop" (as they say in Washington) he will not be happy, and could block the process. I will write more when I know more. jn --------- "RE: Evictions/Background" --------- Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 23:56:04 -0800 From: Robert Dorman Subj: Evictions- background docs Mailing List: Big Mountain List The following was submitted by Jim at Media Island International, and relates to the recent Norstog post titled "RELOCATION; Meeting TODAY w/Phillips" --------------- To: Bob Dorman From: Media Island International Subject: ONHIR / 25 CFR 700.137-9 Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 13:33:13 -0800 Here is the legislation J. Norstog refers to in his previous post about the implementation & process of P.L. 93-531. CFR's are available at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html turns yer stomach just reading it. 'Volunatry'- yeah right. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 25, Volume 1] [Revised as of April 1, 1998] >From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 25CFR700.137] [Page 734] TITLE 25--INDIANS CHAPTER IV--THE OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION PART 700-- COMMISSION OPERATIONS AND RELOCATION PROCEDURES-- Subpart C--General Relocation Requirements Sec. 700.137 Final date for voluntary relocation application. (a) In order to be considered for voluntary relocation assistance benefits, an applicant must have filed a completed application form with the Commission by the close of business on July 7, 1986. (b) To qualify for relocation assistance, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements as of July 7, 1986. [51 FR 19170, May 28, 1986] Sec. 700.138 Persons who have not applied for voluntary relocation by July 7, 1986. (a) Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 640d-14 (d)(3) heads-of-household who do not make timely arrangements for relocation by filing an application by July 7, 1986, shall be provided a replacement home by the Commission. To be eligible for benefits (Housing and Moving Expenses), such persons must be, as of July 7, 1986, physically residing full time on land partitioned to a tribe of which they are not members and they must also otherwise meet all other current eligibility criteria. (b) The Commission shall utilize amounts payable with respect to such households pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 640d-14(b)(2) and 25 U.S.C. 640d- 34 (a) for the construction or acquisition of a home and related facilities for such households. (c) Persons identified by the Commission as potentially subject to relocation who have not applied for relocation assistance shall be contacted by the Commission as soon as practicable after July 7, 1986. At such time, the Commission shall-- (1) Request that the head-of-household choose an available area for relocation, and contract with the Commission for relocation; and (2) Offer the relocatee suitable housing; and (3) Offer to purchase from the head-of-household the habitation and improvements; and (4) Offer provisions for the head-of-household and his family to be moved (e.g., moving expenses, etc.). (d) If a person so identified fails to agree to move after the actions outlined in this section are taken by the Commission and suitable housing is available (or sufficient funds are available to assure the relocation assistance to which the relocatee may be entitled), the Commission will issue a ninety-day notice stating the date by which the person will be required to vacate the area partitioned to the Tribe of which he is not a member. [51 FR 19170, May 28, 1986] Sec. 700.139 Referral for action. Upon the expiration of all notice periods and upon the failure or refusal of any relocatees to make timely arrangements to move, the Commission shall forward the names and addresses of such relocatees to the Secretary of the Interior and to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona for such action as they deem appropriate. The Commission will assure the availability of relocation assistance to which the relocatees may be entitled. ================================================== To: Bob Dorman From: Media Island International Subject: "Notice to Vacate" & Nav. Times article 11/12 Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 13:34:17 -0800 The following is a copy of the letter given to 14 HPL residents (4 to one family alone!) by agents of the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, the O.N.H.I.R. That there even exists such an office is an abomination. It was faxed to us along with a copy of the article from the Navajo Times from Nov. 12, 1998, also below. There is not now, nor has there ever been, any defendable justification for the nightmarish war being waged on these traditional people. Please keep up all your efforts to educate and prepare and act at the request of the Elders. Sorry this is not in a more 'action alert' format- more when we get it. -Jimmy at Media Island Int'l +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (seal) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION Christopher J. Bavasi Executive Director Date: 11-18-98 (name of addressee) Dear M. _______ , NOTICE OF NEED TO IMMEDIATELY REQUEST RELOCATION BENEFITS You did not apply for relocation benefits by July 7, 1986. Our records also show that you are a full^^ time resident of the Hopi Partitioned Lands (HPL) and potentially subject to relocation. The purpose of this notice is to inform you of your choices under the law, regulations and agreements that control your eligibility for relocation benefits. If you have not signed an Accommodation Agreement with the Hopi Tribe you have 30 days from receipt of this notice in which to fill out a Request for Eligibility Determination form . The O.N.H.I.R. staff person who gives you this offer will help you complete this form or you can do so within 30 days by contacting Joseph Shelton at our office at 1^^800^^321^^3114, extension 151 to set an appointment to do so. If you do nor fill out a Request for Eligibility Determination and provide the documents, the O.N.H.I.R.. will make a decision on your eligibility based on available information and documents. If the O.N.H.I.R decides that you are eligible for relocation benefits you will be contacted promptly to make arrangements for your relocation. If you do not agree to work with the O.N.H.I.R. to choose a feasible relocation site for your relocation house, O.N.H.I.R. will provide you a house on the New Lands. If you do not voluntarily move to this house, you will lose your right to be on the HPL as a person "awaiting relocation." If you have held a grazing permit from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that permit will be canceled and you will be subject to eviction to the house that the O.N.H.I.R. has provided. You will be given a Notice to Vacate if you continue to fail or refuse to relocate. Your name will be sent to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona to the Secretary of the Interior, and to the Hopi Tribe for action as they deem appropriate. If the O.N.H.I.R. decides you that you are not eligible for relocation benefits, you will be notified. The notice will tell you about your appeal rights. I hope that we can be helpful. Sincerely, (signed) Christopher J. Bavasi 1998\471. B 11-4-98 (O.N.H.I.R.) P.O. Box KK, 201 E. Birch, Flagstaff, Arizona 86002 (520) 779-2721 Fax (520) 774-1977 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following is an article from the Navajo Times: ONHIR issuing notices to vacate as part of procedure Navajo Times Thursday, Nov. 12, 1998 By WENDY R. YOUNG Special to Navajo Times FLAGSTAFF - "It is not an eviction notice. It is a notice to vacate," clarified Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Deputy Director Mike McAlister. "All we're doing is satisfying our regulations." Beginning next week, federal ONHIR officials will begin visiting about 14 residents of Dineh homesites on the Hopi Partition Land where no eligible people signed into an Accommodation Agreement lease with the Hopi Tribe. ONHIR officials will not be delivering eviction notices, but rather a notice which allows the residents 30 days to decide whether to relocate or sign an AA. After the 30 days have passed, ONHIR officials will return again to deliver a 90 day "notice to vacate" to residents who still have not taken any legally recognizable action towards either relocating or signing an AA lease. After the terms of the 30^^day and 90^^day notices, a total of at least 120 days, either the US Justice Department or the Hopi Tribe can decide whether to go to a federal court to request an order of eviction for Dineh HPL relocation and AA resisters. "An eviction notice must be issued by a court of competent jurisdiction," McAlister said. In this case, since the reservations are federal trust land, the presiding court would be the federal court. Neither the US Justice Department nor the Hopi Tribe has indicated whether they intend to follow^^up with requests to federal court for eviction notices. McAlister noted that if those parties do file for eviction notices, Dineh HPL residents of homesites without an AA lease will still have the opportunity to fight the eviction case in the court. Katherine Hazard, US Justice Department attorney, encourages residents of HPL homesites without a lease and who do not want to sign an AA to work with ONHIR. "If people want to have a voice in selecting where their relocation house is going to be, then they should work with the relocation office to select a site," she said. "If people don't cooperate in selecting a relocation homesite, a home will be provided in the New Lands." ONHIR recently denied certification to a number of AA signers who applied for relocation, and those people may have the opportunity to appeal those decisions. After February 1. 2000, the end of the three^^year trial period for the AA, ONHIR will no longer be accepting new applications for relocation. HPL residents with our without an AA lease, whether or not they have already been certified to relocate, have until that date to continue with their federal relocation procedures. Anyone still intending to relocate through ONHIR must take action before February 1, 2000. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You are on the BIGMTLIST, a moderated mailing list of Big Mountain relocation resistance information (not discussion or debate). To unsubscribe, email redorman@theofficenet.com with "unsubscribe" in the subject header. For non-list members receiving this post as a forwarded message, you may subscribe by emailing redorman@theofficenet.com with the word "subscribe" in the subject header. For Big Mountain and other activist internet resources, visit "The Activist Page" at http://www.theofficenet.com/~redorman/welcome.html Also, for great internet tools please visit: http://www.msw.com.au/cgi-bin/msw/entry?id=1271 --------- "RE: Language Reminder" --------- Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 10:10:51 -0500 From: not@inthe.game (justanoldman) Subj: To all: - My annual reminder Newsgroup: alt.native d'laan'te... Each year about December I write to encourage the sharing of the great gift of the languages of the Nations. This year I will be far away from this computer, in a place where my heart is, so I have written something for you now. I hope & pray that it moves one or two of you to take these words & maybe start on the greatest gift you could ever give your children. This is long, but that's the way I was raised to speak. To tell you what to do would show little respect for your own right & ability to choose for yourselves what is right,. So I weave stuff into a story & let you draw your own truths... Also, it is in English which is short. If I wrote in (& you could understand) Dene with it's 116 characters vs English's feeble 26, this would be 5 times longer. Anyways... I was recently writing a speech for somebody again (yeah, I know.. but I have rent to pay.) It had to do with the issue of Unceded First Nation Sovereignty, & one of he analogies the client requested was the concept of 'masters in our own house'.. a slogan that became a mantra for Quebec nationalist francophones in the past 40 years, with great success, here in Canada. Now, this speech was going to be given at an assembly of representatives on many First Nations, & the facts that a) probably more than half the audience were no longer fluent in the language of their Nation & b) the costs of simultaneous translation for the other half being 'way too expensive, it was decided to give this speech in this imported language (imported as in ".. foreign to this land.."). So naturally the ancient English saying, "A man's home is his castle" came to my mind (& to my client's mind too). But I had trouble with the words, "home" & "castle". Besides a lot of the younger "better educated leaders" of the Nations in that audience, there were going to be a significant number of people from First Nation communities I've lived & worked with over I-forget-how-many decades.. Not "urban-ified/city Indians". A dozen or so were also elders I know & respect. The issues being discussed had to be understood clearly by everyone there, so that they could take a common vision home for community assemblies & consensus in a year or two.. (or three :) Declaring that, "A man's home is his castle" would make as much sense to many of the folks from the sub-arctic First Nations as saying "A man's home is his commodity cheese"... (That's a fact, & I for one rejoice that some folks on this continent still don't see any use in "castles", or in the "mortgages" or a "split-level w/ two-car-garage" that rules the lives of so many, either.., for whom "home" is much, much more than some stuck-in-one-tiny-place "building"! Reality is still alive & well folks, in a few places here & there..!) As for "home"... Well, home for one & all of the people that are the Dene Nation was, is & always will be Denendeh... home is from horizon to horizon.., from that water to this one.., from that mountain range as far as the one over there... That is what Yamoria told the Dene when they were created.., in Denendeh.., at the beginning of this, the most recent of the worlds. And I know of no Nation of this land for whom "home" ever meant "house". A house is just a shelter from the elements; period. So I was stuck trying to find a phrase in the English language that expressed the same concept as, "A man's home is his castle", with all its invisible culture-crushing baggage.. I was stumped. Then I hit the perfect quote!! Apparently one that crosses time & culture, one that people (like me) can relate to.., really grasping what makes "home" such a special, private, sacred place..!! "Every man likes the smell of his own farts." * The communities & the elders that I know & love up north could really understand that one.. It means a heck of a lot more than "castle".., that's for sure! Yet, even though I was paid for this speech, I was disappointed to later find out that my client had used the "home.. castle." line, for some strange reason. It seems some people still hold the bizarre belief that there's only one worldview. That has the same effect on me as meeting someone blind, seeing only black.., no colors... It's sad. Now my question for all of you is... Which "home" would you pray that your grandchildren inherit? What "home" will you fight or do you fight to preserve for them? And for their children..? A castle (w/ mortage/maintenance/servicing & a two-car garage, etc., etc.)..? OR.., A home that is from horizon to horizon.., from that water to this one.., from that mountain range as far as the one over there... ?????? It will depend entirely (110%) on the language that YOU think in & speak.., ESPECIALLY to & IN FRONT OF your children... So please people, if you answer the above question the way I think you will .., consider taking some time, MAKING some time, to learn the language of your Nation. What you decide will really, truly & deeply affect tens of thousands.., yet unborn. Language is the way the human mind defines the universe it sees, & how values (what & who are important enough to care for & defend, & why...) are transmitted from one generation to all those that follow. The language of your Nation is your living testament to your children & to their children & to their children, bequeathing to them the same "home" that the grandfathers & grandmothers of your Nation left to you to care for and be a living part of, "... from horizon to horizon.., from that water to this one.., from that mountain range as far as the one over there... " masi:cho for listening.., & in the spirit of the season's change, from the fifth to the sixth season of the year - the Freeze-up into the bitter cold of the Cracking Trees - my prayers that we all reach the Break-up/Thaw season, & the following season of New Life.., with few dead & many newborns in our families.. (Some family die every season. We just maybe hadn't met them yet... <- Worldviews... Language... Of THIS continent..!) jaom/enethekwe -------------------------------------- + I'd pulled the quote from the Microsoft User's Manual for The Universe & Everything Else - v01.1b a.k.a. "Bookshelf" - when I entered the word, "home" in the quotations search engine... [Icelandic Proverb. Collected by W. H. Auden and Louis Kronenberger in The Viking Book of Aphorisms (1962). A form of the proverb also existed in ancient Rome, as attested by playwright Terence in Andria, act 4, sc. 2: "Every man's ordure well/To his own sense doth smell" (tr. by John Florio). The Columbia Dictionary of Quotations is licensed from Columbia University Press. Copyright c 1993 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. Caedmon recordings reproduced by arrangement with Harper Collins Publishers.] --------- "RE: Tribes Worried Gangs Are Moving In" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:39:22 -0600 From: "John Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 11/24/98 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Tribes worried that gangs are moving in c. AP 11-23-98 GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) Dress codes and summer activities are among the tools that tribal officials will rely on to counter a growing gang presence on Montana's Indian reservations. More than 50 tribal members gathered in Great Falls Saturday to discuss how to combat the gangs that are creeping into Montana's reservations. "In almost every Indian reservation in the state we have gangs," said Fred Guardipee, the director of Browning's Drug Elimination program. The Blackfeet Housing Authority's statistics show that a gang-related burglary occurs every day. Homes are broken into and TVs, stereos and other valuable items are stolen and sold in Great Falls and in Kalispel pawn shops for drug money, Guardipee said. The three-day-long conference that ended Saturday brought together Great Falls police officers, a gang task force, border patrolmen and tribal members from the Fort Belknap, Rocky Boy's and Blackfeet reservations. They learned about gang tattoos, clothing and graffiti to help spot gang members. They also developed plans to fight gangs and related crime. Those plans include dress codes that ban baggy pants and hooded jackets from schools; summer camps on reservations to keep kids off the streets; and more cultural after-school activities, including powwows, that kids can get involved with instead of gangs. Officials said they also will offer incentives to parents to get involved, paint over graffiti with the help of local businesses, and work with tribal councils to make stiffer penalties for gang-related crimes. Marvin Mad Plume, a crime prevention coordinator for the Blackfeet Housing Authority, plans to distribute the information to neighborhood watch groups, so they can identify possible threats in their area. The conference also brought in Jeffrey Oshins, who works with a national company to instigate community activity and give advice on applying for grants. "We're fortunate that these people are addressing the problem before it becomes a crisis," he said. "Once gangs get going it's nearly impossible to get rid of them." --------- "RE: Yakama Council Members Reprimanded" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:39:22 -0600 From: "John Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 11/24/98 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Four Yakama Tribal Council members reprimanded c. AP 11-23-98 TOPPENISH, Wash. (AP) Four Yakama Tribal Council members have been reprimanded for allegedly violating the due process rights of a former member of the tribe's Credit Enterprise. Three of the council members all members of the tribe's credit committee were suspended as of Thursday by the tribe's ethics committee. The fourth member was put on probation for 90 days. The actions resulted from a decision by the tribe's ethics committee to uphold a complaint filed by a man who had to wait six months for a response to an appeal that he was fired illegally. When the credit committee finally responded last week, it denied his appeal. "The act of not rendering a final decision and delivering that decision violated the due process of the petitioner," wrote Code of Ethics Committee Chairman Ray Slockish in the committee's ruling. The man, Tim Sampson, was fired from the Yakama Nation Credit Enterprise in January. He met with the credit committee to appeal his dismissal in May. "The credit committee was just stringing me along and saying they would see what they could do to get my job back," Sampson said. The ethics committee found Clifford Moses, Arlen Washines, Ray James and Patsy Martin guilty of malfeasance, saying they should not have advertised and filled Sampson's position until they had addressed his appeal. Washines, who has been a council member since 1992, said he wasn't surprised by the ruling. "This is probably a last hurrah for them (the ethics committee)," he said. "The people are getting fed up with them wasting valuable time and money and resources to do a job they were not elected to do." Washines predicted the ethics committee members would be thrown out of office in a General Council meeting that was scheduled to begin today. "I fully support a code of ethics, but I don't think people should use that office for their own personal political agenda," he said. "They're there to oversee the misbehavior of elected officials, not to hear employee grievances and tell the Tribal Council how to manage tribal programs," he said. --------- "RE: Oneida to Issue Own Plates" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:39:22 -0600 From: "John Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 11/24/98 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Oneida to issue own plates c. AP 11-23-98 ONEIDA, Wis. (AP) Wisconsin's Oneida tribe is about to make the state's license-plate scene a little more diverse than it already is. Oneida officials plan to issue governmental, police, veterans, automobile and motorcycle plates Jan. 1, if not sooner. They will join 55 special plates, including the limited edition Sesquicentennial plate, that the state Department of Transportation issues, and those issued by two other tribes, as well. The Menominee Nation and the Lac du Flambeau Chippewa band already issue their own plates. The colors for the Oneida's plates are similar to Wisconsin's standard plate, and they are easy to read, said Lloyd Powless, who oversaw the tribe's licensing program through the Oneida Tribe Compliance Division. For example, the automobile plate has a white background, violet letters and an eagle with a peace tree and turtle lining the left side. Each plate says "Oneida Nation" instead of "Wisconsin." They will be available only to tribal members who live within the boundaries of the tribe's reservation. "We designed the plates so what sticks out is the license plate number," Powless said. The state expects to lose $90,000 annually when the Oneida start issuing plates and collecting the revenue. The tribe will charge $40 for an automobile plate $5 less than what the state charges. The DOT didn't help the Oneidas on their designs, said Terry Thompson, program supervisor for the state Division of Motor Vehicles. Thompson said he's seen the Oneidas' designs, which he called "attractive." "It will provide good readability," Thompson said. "The character field is still the plain white, with the violet lettering. I think it will be fine." --------- "RE: Threats Kept Members from Meeting" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:39:22 -0600 From: "John Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 11/24/98 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Tribal members says threats kept some from meeting c. AP 11-21-98 LAKE ANDES, S.D. (AP) Threats and intimidation kept some people from attending a Yankton Sioux Tribe general council meeting that was called three days after two leaders were ousted, the temporary chairman said. "A lot of elders were scared," said pro-tem Chairman Ellsworth Chytka, of Lake Andes. "There's just a lot of threats and intimidation, and this is the practice that has been going on." The general council suspended Tribal Chairman Steve Cournoyer Jr. and Vice Chairman Robert Cournoyer last Saturday on a 46-0 vote for alleged violations of the tribe's constitution and bylaws. But when another session of the council which includes the tribe's 7, 200 members was called Tuesday, only 27 people showed up. The tribe's business and claims committee, the nine-member council that conducts the tribe's day-to-day operations, has not recognized the decision to suspend the two men. Committee members said the vote was illegal because the proper procedure wasn't followed in publicizing the meeting. Chytka said one reasons the general council voted to suspend the Cournoyers was a concern about significant pay raises for members of the business and claims committee. According to the minutes of a Sept. 16 meeting, the committee called an emergency session of the general council and approved raises for the chairman, other officers and committee members. The annual salaries had been $40,000 for the chairman, $37,000 for other officers, and $35,000 for other council members. New salaries approved at that meeting were $57,500 for the chairman, $55,500 for other officers, and $52,500 for other council members. Chytka said elders have since been calling him wondering about the tribe's money and how benefits are distributed. In addition, the business and claims committee is not supposed to handle any dealings in amounts of more than $20,000 nor is supposed to enter into contractual agreements, said Chytka. But they have done both, he said. Despite fears among tribal members, Chytka said he would continue to hold general council meetings in an attempt to get to the bottom of the allegations. "Every meeting there's more and more people. They're getting less and less scared," he said. "We're going to do our best to do this in an orderly manner. We're not radicals," Chytka said. --------- "RE: BC NDP Government and Ainsworth Lumber" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 12:06:19 -0800 From: "S.I.S.I.S." Subj: BC NDP Government and Ainsworth Lumber Log, Road St'at'imc Land :-:-:-:-:-:-:-Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty-:-:-:-:-:-:-: ST'AT'IMC ALERT - SETON LAKE BAND CP 146 ISSUE The Seton Lake Band (Tsal7alh) have moved into action to prevent the Government of BC and Ainsworth Lumber Company from logging the south side of Seton Lake. The Seton community has set up Delgamuuk'w Inn as a checkpoint on the forestry road presently under construction at CP 146. This checkpoint will remain as long as necessary to prevent corporate logging on that side of Seton Lake. The proposed logging would destroy valuable cultural sites, hunting areas and the ability of the community to develop other more sensitive economic opportunities for the area. Seven St'at'imc Chiefs have come together in support of this cause. We expect all eleven St'at'imc communities to be in support of this action. The Seton Band community asks the people of the St'at'imc Nation and the people of Lillooet to assist them in their struggle. Please speak out to halt the road building and logging activities on the south side of Seton Lake. The people have asked for unity to fight for this worthy cause. Let's move back onto our St'at'imc traditional lands! Let's stand together and let our voices be heard! Donations welcome! Takem nsnukwnukw7a - All My Relations! -:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- NO LOGGING OR ROADING ON UNCEDED ST'AT'IMC LAND WITHOUT CONSENT! Premier Glen Clark, NDP Premier of British Columbia: premier@gov.bc.ca Ainsworth Lumber Company: info@ainsworth.ca Ainsworth Chief Forester: timR@ainsworth.ca cc: Union of BC Indian Chiefs: ubcic@bc.sympatico.ca -:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- SETON COMMUNITY POSITION STATEMENT + The consultation process established by the Government of BC for harvesting timber on unceded St'at'imc territory is inconsistent with the judgement handed down by the Supreme Court of Canada in Delgamuuk'w. + Cultural and archaeological heritage sites are located throughout the proposed road building and cutting permit area. + The findings of Altamira, the Alberta archaeological firm hired by Ainsworth, that no archaeological sites would be impacted by Ainsworth's activities in CP 146 are in serious conflict with the findings of LTC's Marie Barney and Sue Montgomery of Creekside Resources Ltd. + Given the threats posed by the proposed logging to St'at'imc heritage and appropriate Seton community development plans, the community of Seton Lake, with the support of the Lillooet, Pavilion, Fountain, Bridge River, Cayoose Creek and Mount Currie communities will take whatever action that may be required to prevent the destruction of this extremely important part of our history and economy. -:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- ST'AT'IMC ALERT: On November 12, 1998, the St'at'imc Chiefs met with representatives from the BC Ministry of Forests, Ainsworth Lumber Company, District of Lillooet, Provincial MLA's office and private contractors for the purpose of resolving the conflict surrounding Cutting Permit 146 (South Seton). The meeting agreed to submit their concerns to a mediation process under terms of reference to be drafted by representatives from St'at'imc, Ainsworth and the Ministry of Forests. One of the key goals of the mediation process is to seek alternative sources of wood since the community of Seton Lake strongly object to any corporate harvesting activity on the south shore of Seton Lake. After almost two hours of what St'at'imc representatives believed to be honorable discussions, they were notified that the cutting permit had been issued two days earlier. This came as a total shock to St'at'imc representatives. Unless circumstances are to change, St'at'imc representative Chiefs see no reason to continue the mediation process and are forced by circumstances to take immediate action to protect the area for which the cutting permit was issued. IT'S TIME TO ACT. -:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- Welcome to our Council Fires. Five Sacred Fires are burning; one for each of the four directions and one central Fire at the Delgamuukw Inn, on the south side of Seton Lake, opposite Retaskit. The Council Fires are places where people can come to talk together, to ask questions and to seek answers. Council Fires are a way of raising awareness of who we are, where we are, and what our visions are for the future. The Sacred Fire has long been one of the ways for our people to connect spiritually with the Creator and with each other. In lighting and tending these fires we pray to the Creator for the peaceful and just resolution of disputes among peoples. We welcome your visit. Council Fires located at Sekw'el'was, Lilwat, Ts'kw'aylaxw and Chalath. DELGAMUUK'W INN ...is a camp and Sacred Fire set up on the south side of Seton Lake, on the new road being built by Ainsworth Lumber Company, Ltd. The camp is occupied by members of the St'at'imc Nation. The camp is a check point to prevent any further construction of the logging road. YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED: food, funds and other supplies will be appreciated. All donations can be sent to the Lillooet Tribal Council office Ph (250) 256-7523. LTC will ensure that all donations go to support Delgamuuk'w Inn. -:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- BRUTISH COLUMBIA, KKKANADA - BUILT AND MAINTAINED BY ECOCIDE & GENOCIDE :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: S.I.S.I.S. Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty P.O. Box 8673, Victoria, "B.C." "Canada" V8X 3S2 EMAIL : WWW: http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/SISmain.html --------- "RE: How We Screwed the Nisga'a" --------- Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 12:47:46 -0800 From: "S.I.S.I.S." Subj: Nisga'a deal, courtesy of Glen Clark & friends :-:-:-:-:-:-:-Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty-:-:-:-:-:-:-: WITH FORKED TONGUE: "HOW WE SCREWED THE NISGA'A" - BY GLEN CLARK & FRIENDS 1. Statement by BC Premier Glen Clark 2. Religious leaders support Nisga'a agreement 3. Letter to editor: Nisga'a agreement "a terrible thing" [S.I.S.I.S. note: The following mainstream news articles may contain biased or distorted information and may be missing pertinent facts and/or context. They are provided for reference only.] :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- Victoria News, Nov. 18, 1998 by BC NDP Premier Glen Clark The Nisga'a Treaty will see the Nisga'a move into the mainstream of Canadian society and become more self-reliant, instead of remaining separate from other Canadians and economically hamstrung by the Indian Act. Nisga'a Chief Joe Gosnell said it best when he stated that the Nisga'a people "are not negotiating our way out of Canada. From our standpoint, we are negotiating our way back into Canada." Under the Indian Act, this is a virtual impossibility. Natives have special privileges that set them apart from other Canadians (and have not allowed them to prosper anyway), while they are denied the tools to build their economies and achieve self-reliance. This bureaucratic, failed system is costing us dearly. The federal government alone spends more than $800 million every year in BC on bureaucracy and programs for aboriginals. In the absence of treaty settlements, this cost will continue, while aboriginal people remain separate from other British Columbians in a century-old, discredited cycle of enforced dependency. In short, we will remain a society divided. Treaties are a way to say goodbye to separation, division and inequality. The Nisga'a Treaty gives the Nisga'a land, resources and their own municipal-style government. These are not ends in themselves, but rather the means by which the Nisga'a can build a stronger, more self-reliant community, all within the framework of the Canadian Constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Criminal Code and all federal and BC laws of general application. The Indian Act will no longer apply. The Nisga'a government will be comparable to a municipal government, with some extra powers relating to public services, cultural affairs and resource management. Non-Nisga'a can own private property within the boundaries of Nisga'a lands. Private land within those boundaries that is today owned by non-Nisga'a will remain private; the owners will not be subject to Nisga'a laws on their property. The Nisga'a are free to sell parts of their land to non-Nisga'a if they so wish. Non-Nisga'a who do own such land will have more rights (backed up by Nisga'a obligations in the treaty than any non-aboriginal person has on Indian Reserves today. Just like a municipal government, the Nisga'a government will be able to operate wholly owned commercial corporations, which would receive the same tax treatment as a municipal corporation. The Nisga'a government will have the same income tax and property tax status as other municipalities. Like any municipality, the Nisga'a government will receive transfer payments from the provincial and federal governments to help provide services, including water, sewers, education and health care. But unlike municipalities, the Nisga'a will see those transfers reduced as their own revenue increases. The Nisga'a will be able to invest in needed infrastructure and businesses. They'll be able to license commercial operations which make use of the resources on Nisga'a lands. They will be able to enter into joint ventures with non-Nisga'a business partners. The Nisga'a will also begin paying taxes to the BC and federal governments, and let's not forget the cash settlement is not an ongoing obligation, unlike all payments and programs associated with the Indian Act. After 15 years, that's it. Email BC NDP Premier Glen CLark: -:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- RELIGIOUS LEADERS BACK NISGA'A TREATY Vancouver Sun, Nov. 19, 1998 by Douglas Todd A coalition of prominent B.C. religious leaders has come out in full support of B.C.'s contentious Nisga'a treaty. Anglican, Catholic, United, Baptist, Unitarian and Zoroastrian officials this week endorsed the general principles of the agreement with the federal and provincial governments, saying it is the "result of good faith negotiation." Their statement -- signed by Vancouver Catholic Archbishop Adam Exner and B.C. Anglican Archbishop David Crawley -- is expected to be unveiled today at the Museum of Anthropology at the University of B.C. as part of a gathering of 100 B.C. faith representatives, along with Premier Glen Clark. The primate of the 750,000-member Anglican Church of Canada, Michael Peers, will be in Vancouver from Toronto to join Nisga'a elders in leading a Friday evening liturgical celebration of the Nisga'a treaty at Christ Church Cathedral. "I look forward to the fulfilment of the dreams and work of almost a century as we press on to an historic agreement with Canada and British Columbia," Peers said. He is an adopted member of the Nisga'a people of northwestern B.C., among whom Anglican clergy have worked for more than a century. Exner and Crawley are two of the most influential B.C. religious leaders who signed the joint statement, which backs the Nisga'a treaty on the grounds the Nisga'a never ceded any of their territory by treaty, and had their lands occupied and resources taken away. However, the treaty, which will not take effect until it has been approved by the provincial legislature and Parliament, is meeting strong resistance from the federal Reform party and B.C. Liberal leader Gordon Campbell. The B.C. religious leaders who signed the document include: Exner, Crawley, Rev. Jeremy Bell of the Baptist Union of Western Canada, Rev. Phillip Hewitt of the Unitarian Church, Deirdre Kelly of the Catholic diocese of Victoria, Rev. Edwin Searcy of University Hill United Church and Bella Tata of the Zoroastrian Society of B.C. :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- NISGA'A AGREEMENT "A TERRIBLE THING" Letter to the editor, 'The Martlet', Nov. 19, 1998 Editors, Over the past three years I have been directly involved with the Nisga'a treaty working with the hereditary chiefs and matriarchs who now have asked me to come forward with the information I have witnessed. The role that I was performing was advisor, counsel and witness to the actions of the Provincial and Federal Governments and the Nisga'a Tribal Council and Nisga'a Band Council. The present conditions inside the Nisga'a Nation are not unlike those that exist amongst most other Native communities across Canada and the United states. The levels of unemployment - 80-90%; alcohol and drug abuse-65-75%; sexual abuse and extreme family dysfunction-70-90% and most disconcerting is the 100% draconian control of the people by the Nisga'a Tribal and Village Band Councils. This last point is the most important since these Councils are literally agents of the Federal Government yet are actual Nisga'a citizens. The fraud, mismanagement, abuse, direct and indirect human rights violations perpetrated by these councils is beyond criminal justice and in the realm of fascism and an actual visible sign of the contempt that has been held for Native people by our Governments. I have been actively involved in the study of Native Communities as a counselor in drug/alcohol and family/community violence. In addition I have been asked by numerous nations to sit as Witness to the interactions of Governments and Band Councils over the past twenty years. I have been trained traditionally by elders and medicine people in many of the ways of the different native communities and have had tremendous opportunities to experience first hand the atrocities that exist inside Native Communities. There is a terrible event about to happen here in Canada that will effect the relationship of Governments and aboriginal peoples throughout the modern world. It is the acceptance by the average Canadian that what the Government is informing us about the Nisga'a Treaty is the truth and that the Nisga'a Nation is properly voted on at the Agreement in Principle (second level). The Nisga'a people have less than 10% understanding of the content of the treaty; I have witnessed over $7.5 million dollars in fraud, payoffs, corporate and government mishandling of public funds. At the last convention I attended in the Nisga'a Nation I spoke to 296 people and asked them one question - do you understand the content of this treaty? 291 said NO. I feel that the media has failed in its' responsibility to ensure our democratic freedoms by complying with the governments and pandering to big business. What the media has failed to do is provide a balanced understanding of the facts and presented the Canadian public with an extremely one-sided view of the treaty process. It is the "beginning of the end of the beginning", said the Regional Director General for Indian Affairs and in this he spoke his only truth. This IS the beginning of the end of all aboriginal culture in this country and will carry over to all other countries as witnessed by the August 4th, 1998 initiating ceremony. Many people believe the word Apartheid originated in South Africa. The truth is that when the Dutch turned it over to the British, they approached Canada for a blueprint of our RESERVE system, which at that time they stated was too severe yet introduced a watered down version to control their aboriginals. Eammon O'Brien :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: SOVEREIGNTY NOT 'SELF-GOVERNMENT' * DECOLONIZATION NOT NEO-COLONIALISM! "The purpose of the BC Treaty Process is to legitimize the theft of our lands." - Elder Lavina White, Haida Nation "The government is now making treaties because it wants to end all legal challenges to its legitimacy and authority. Its aim was, and always has been, to destroy us as sovereign nations, to dismantle our societies, to kill our spiritual ways." - Native Youth Movement (NYM) For more information on the BC Treaty process and the Nisga'a Agreement: http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/Clark/aug98.nis.html http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/switlo.html http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/Clark/BCgovt.html The Nisga'a Final Agreement can be viewed at: http://www.aaf.gov.bc.ca/aaf/treaty/nisgaa/docs/nisga_agreement.html "our intention is to continue until there is not a single Indian that has not been absorbed into the body politic of Canada and there is no more Indian Question. That is the whole purpose of our legislation." - Indian Affairs Canada :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: 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 : WWW: http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/SISmain.html --------- "RE: Innu Must Enforce Alcohol Ban" --------- Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 11:05:42 -0400 From: Larry Innes Subj: News: Davis Inlet Mailing List: Innu People Forum list Innu must enforce alcohol ban: Tobin 11/28/98 By CRAIG JACKSON The Telegram BRIAN TOBIN Premier Brian Tobin is calling on the Innu of Davis Inlet to enforce the results of a vote to ban alcohol in the community. "I would certainly strongly recommend, given what has gone on, that clearly it's in everybody's interest to ban alcohol and to end the abuse of other substances within the community of Davis Inlet," he said Friday. "But you know and I know that my saying it and wanting it, or you saying and wanting it, isn't going to achieve it. "That has to come from the people themselves." Sixty-two per cent of Davis Inlet residents who cast ballots on a band council bylaw in August voted in favour of banning booze and gas-sniffing in the troubled Labrador community. The Innu, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the low voter turnout which was calculated at 56 per cent. Of the 164 residents who cast ballots, 101 agreed with the ban. But 247 people were eligible to vote. Davis Inlet was the scene of another rampage last weekend by gas-sniffing youths who vandalized buildings in the community. The province has taken the position it will allow community leaders to deal with alcohol and substance abuse problems and will provide the necessary resources when called upon. But, Tobin said, one of the steps in curbing the alcohol and substance abuse problem in the Labrador community is to enforce the results of the vote to ban alcohol. Tobin said millions of dollars have been spent in recent years to address alcohol and substance abuse but, "money alone is not the solution." "It requires direction from the leadership of the community itself, from the parents of those children themselves and a commitment to getting alcohol out of that community," he said. Asked if he's open to the idea of a treatment facility in the community, Tobin said the province is open to all suggestions to deal with problems. On that note, Tobin said he's hoping Ottawa will choose Labrador as the site for a treatment/healing centre for aboriginal peoples in eastern Canada. "I would say looking at the chronic problems of Davis Inlet, the federal government should give serious consideration to establishing the healing centre for eastern Canada, which is now being contemplated, in Labrador," he said. Tobin said the province isn't open to quick-fix solutions such as flying into Davis Inlet and removing children from their families. Such a process isn't workable and hasn't been successful in the past, he said. "That's why I've been so clear and strong in saying to the leader of the Opposition that any suggestion of that type that's being made today is irresponsible," Tobin said. Tory Leader Ed Byrne isn't pleased with the spin the premier is putting on remarks he made earlier this week. Waving his arms in the air during a scrum with reporters outside the legislature, Byrne insisted he isn't saying children should be immediately removed from Davis Inlet. Byrne said he merely suggested that if all solutions to address the problem in Davis Inlet fail and it's proven children are at risk, then the removal of children from their homes and the community should be considered. "I'm absolutely disgusted that Brian Tobin would take such a serious issue and try to politicize it as if I suggested removing everybody from Davis Inlet," he said. --------- "RE: Land Deal a Legal Quagmire" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:38:08 -0600 From: "John Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 11/24/98 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov College-tribe land deal a legal quagmire c. AP 11-23-98 WILBURTON, Okla. (AP) The Choctaw Nation says it will settle legal issues concerning Eastern Oklahoma State College's donation of land for a tribal travel plaza by the time the project has been finished. "We certainly can't afford to make the kind of investment that's necessary on land where there's any doubt, because they'll spend over a million dollars to build this facility," says Bob Rabon, an attorney representing the Choctaws. "And nobody in their right mind is going to make that kind of investment on any piece of property that there's doubt about whether they're going to own it when it's all done." Both Choctaw Chief Greg Pyle and Eastern State President Bill Hill extoll the virtues of the five-acre deal, saying the $1.5 million project on U.S. 270 will provide jobs for students and income for the tribe. However, legal experts say donation of public land is a complicated area of state law. They say a public body, such as the Eastern State Board of Regents, can convey property in return for something of value. The college transferred the land, which is worth up to $50,000, on June 19. That's about two years after the Choctaw Nation pledged $1.1 million toward renovation of Johnston Hall, a dormitory on the Eastern State campus. However, attorneys for the tribe and college say the land wasn't given in direct exchange for the donation. They say jobs and training for students will be what Eastern State gets in return for the land. Hill said he cleared the deal with several attorneys before gaining regents' approval, but did not get a written opinion. Whitey Cornish, an attorney who represents Eastern State, said the transfer is legal because the tribe is a public entity. "We're not talking about conveying to Ford Motor Company. We're talking about a sovereign entity," he said. "It would be more like Eastern conveying (land) to the state of Texas." Said Hill: "And frankly, the intent of it ... is that it's kind of going to be for the public good." Through a spokesman, state Attorney General Drew Edmondson declined to comment, saying the issue is too complicated to give an opinion without in-depth research. "What he said was, `Yes, ordinarily there would be a problem but the higher regents are their own constitutional entity,' " said spokesman Gerald Adams. Adams said an opinion would be researched and issued should the attorney general's office receive a request. The 7,450-square-foot plaza will include a fast-food restaurant, a smoke shop, a gift shop and fuel pumps accessible to tractor-trailers. The tribe in October, 1997 was awarded a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help with construction. Rabon said the tribe would have preferred a location a half-mile away where U.S. 270 intersects Oklahoma 2. He said the new plaza probably won't be as profitable as others the tribe owns. --------- "RE: Diabetes Help for Tohono O'odham" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:38:08 -0600 From: "John Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 11/24/98 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov ST. LOUIS (AP) Five Tohono O'odham women came to Washington University in St. Louis this week for what they hope will be the beginning of a successful battle against diabetes, a disease that is racking their American Indian tribe in southern Arizona. "We need to fight this diabetes," said Shirley Manuel, a representative of the Hickawan District of the Tohono O'odham reservation south of Phoenix and west of Tucson. "I don't want my people to give up to this disease." Manuel is part of a pilot project that will recruit and train members of the tribal community to develop their own program to prevent non-insulin dependent diabetes myelitis (NIDDM). The tribal council unanimously approved the program, which stresses education about exercise and better nutrition. Studies have shown that the rate of NIDDM among the Tohono O'odham is six times higher than in the general population of the United States. Fully 40 percent of tribe members over 35 have diabetes. The mortality rate from the disease on the reservation is the highest of any area served by the Indian Health Service. Because of complications from the disease, records show, 10 percent of the American Indians in southern Arizona have had lower extremities amputated. Part of the problem in developing a prevention program, said Wendy Auslander, director of the project for the university, is that the 10,000 members of the tribe living on its four reservation areas are scattered over nearly three million acres of desert and mountains. It's an area about the size of the state of Connecticut. Poverty is rampant on the reservation, with 63 percent of its residents below the poverty level and 23.4 percent of them unemployed. There is already a diabetes screening program in place on the reservation, but Cindy Lopez, health educator for the tribe's Department of Human Services, said it lacked the resources it needs to be effective. "It's a big problem out there," said Lopez, who is encouraged by the Washington University initiative. "I think we'll get a lot of support." The project is funded by a grant from the National Institute of Health through the university's Buder Center of American Indian Studies. Officials believe that genetic markers, parental diabetes, obesity and diet are responsible for the near epidemic rates of NIDDM among American Indians. Of those factors, doctors note, obesity and diet can be changed and controlled to prevent or at least delay the onset of diabetes and, once it has set in, to reduce its complications. Researchers point to changes in the lifestyles of tribe members a move away from traditional foods and activities as part of the problem. "Our people used to eat a lot of vegetables and beans," said Lopez. But then came electricity and refrigerators "and ice cream and chips." Lopez, who was diagnosed with type-two diabetes 21 years ago and is now trying through weight loss and exercise to get off of her medication, says she hopes she can be a role model. "They will say, 'If she can do it, anyone can,"' she said with a grin. "Many people get involved in working with Indian communities who have very little faith in the people," said Eddie Brown, director of the Buder Center of American Indian Studies and a registered member of the Pascua Yaqui-Tohono O'odham tribes in Arizona. He is also a former assistant secretary of Indian affairs under President George Bush. "But I've seen that people and communities can change," said Brown, who is co-director of the diabetes project. "I'm just one of many, many people out in the Indian community who believe that good things can happen. It's time to resurrect that spark of respect in people." He said plans call for the core group of five tribal members attending the organizational sessions this week in St. Louis to recruit and train more volunteers from the reservation. They will in turn set up programs in each of the Hickawan District's seven villages to educate their residents, screen them for diabetes and motivate them to exercise. They also hope to teach them to cook healthier foods and encourage them to revert to a more traditional, active lifestyle. "No more lard," said Lopez, who will stress the advantages of using non- stick skillets and vegetable spray instead of the current practice of deep frying many foods, including bread. Baked potatoes can replace fried ones, low-fat mayonnaise can be used in potato salad and fat can be trimmed off of stew meat before it is thrown into the pot. Officials said another dietary warning may be added to focus on the need to avoid alcohol. Alcoholism on the reservation also exceeds the national average and can severely affect diabetics. Because of many residents' remoteness and other factors, getting the word out will not always be easy. "Sometimes we will have to go door-to-door to explain it all," said Lopez. The job is, admittedly, a massive one, said Brown. But if it is successful, it can be duplicated in the tribe's other 10 districts and possibly exported to other reservations. "I can say that the representatives who came here recognize that it's a huge problem for the reservation," said Auslander. "But it is also meaningful on a personal level. Each family has been touched by it. "The NIH grant ends in five years, but the resources will stay in the community. We want the reservation to develop its own capacity to deal with the problem in the future." Program begun to help Tohono O'odham Nation fight diabetes by ED SCHAFER c. Associated Press 11-20-98 --------- "RE: Cherokees Hope Crisis Solved" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:38:08 -0600 From: "John Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 11/24/98 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Cherokees Hope Crisis Solved By Heather Ratcliffe Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise 11/17/98 WASHINGTON -The Cherokee Nation has been put on an unprecedented monthly allowance by the federal government for mishandling taxpayer funds, the latest embarrassment for the troubled Eastern Oklahoma Indian tribe. The second-largest American Indian nation must submit monthly financial records to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to receive federal funding. The tribe, which normally gets a lump sum to finance health care, housing, education and job training, is the only self-governing tribe in the country given federal aid in monthly increments. Clamps were put on the Cherokees, headquartered in Tahlequah, after a series of government audits during the past five weeks found the tribe's financial system is so inadequate that it can't account for now hundreds of thousands of dollars is being handled. "Because the tribe has not done well, we have got to take a more proactive stance than we normally would," said Mike Anderson, deputy assistant secretary for the BIA. Problems uncovered by the federal audits complicate an already unstable climate among tribal leaders. A handful of Tribal Council members, former law enforcement officers and the tribe's highest court have been fighting to remove Cherokee Principal Chief Joe Byrd since he took office in 1995. The clash escalated to a constitutional crisis when the factions collided in violence outside the tribe's courthouse last fall. Although the violence has subsided, anger and allegations still linger. Both sides look to tribal elections in 1999 as the only solution to the dilemma. An audit by the U.S. Department of Interior released Oct 30 substantiates some of the accusations charged by the anti-Byrd faction. Auditors found that the tribe improperly charged the government an $88,000 legal bill and submitted false financial records to the BIA. At the same time, auditors for the U.S. Department of Labor labeled the Cherokees' accounting system as "inadequate." In their report, department officials questioned the validity of $529,272 in Cherokee administrative costs. They also said the tribe illegally charged $145,048 of their costs to the wrong federal program. The Nation may have to pay back the misappropriated funds. Meanwhile, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department tried but could not audit the tribe's Indian Health Service funding because the Cherokees could not produce a complete set of financial statements for fiscal year 1997. Chief Byrd said tribal growth and lack of technology led to the breakdown in the accounting systems. He said he is optimistic that $2 million worth of new computer software and additional personnel will fix the problems. "Before the audits began, we had already identified the problems and were looking at new accounting systems," Byrd said. "if (the federal auditors) had waited a few months so that we could have put a new system in place, they would have had all the information they needed and saved time." The tribe will continue on a monthly budget until it submits auditable financial statements to the government for the fiscal year 1997. Additionally, it must submit a financial statement to account for self- governance funds it has received for 1998. It also must repay or resolve the questioned $88,000 payments. Rep. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee, and both Oklahoma senators requested that federal departments conduct the audits. He said the audits prove that BIA officials are not doing their job of holding the tribe accountable for taxpayer money. "I don't know why the BIA didn't do an audit last year. They have failed in their duties," he said. "I want to know how this happens." Coburn said he will introduce legislation in Congress next year that would open an investigation into the BIA's administrative procedures. He also is asking for more audits of the Cherokees. Coburn warned tribal leaders that all federal funds must be accounted for. "Their books better be squeaky clean because they are not going to use the excuse that they don't have a good accounting system," he said. Tribal council members and BIA officials said they were not surprised by the audit findings. "The Tribal Council has known for years that the problems existed," said Bill Baker, a council member from Tahlequah. "I've been on council for three years, and since the first day I haven't had the information necessary to make good business decisions. The tribe has been winging it for 20 years with no books." Anderson of the BIA said the problem has been growing for some time. "In 1996, their accounting system was identified as a material weakness, which means they should have been developing more attention then," he said. A handful of council members who don't support Byrd blame the chief "The Cherokee citizens are the ones that are hurt by this," said Barbara Starr-Scott, a council member from Jay. "We are on the verge of having our funding cut. People who need health care and housing will not get their services because the money is not getting down to the people," Scott said. Some believe the audits will help mend the political differences because they give the tribe a foundation on which to rebuild. "I feel like it will be good in the end because everything will be out in the open, and the general public will know that there is no one hoarding the money," said Sam Bush, council member from Marble City. But not everyone is as optimistic. Starr-Scott believes the current administration cannot solve the budget crisis. "I can't believe that there will be any changes," she said. "The council has given the administration at least six directives and funding to correct the accounting problems, but it hasn't gotten any better." The story of the Cherokee Nation's latest intertribal war began in February 1997 when the tribal marshals served a search warrant on administrative offices as part of a tribal prosecutor's investigation into alleged misuse of funds. Byrd denied wrongdoing, and still claims the investigation was only political vindictiveness. He eventually fired 14 marshals. The Judicial Appeals Tribunal reinstated the fired marshals, and the BIA took over the law enforcement in April. In May, a slim majority of the Tribal Council voted to impeach the three justices of the Judicial Appeals Tribunal for failure to follow due process in reinstating the marshals, but the court would not recognize the impeachment because a quorum was not present at the meeting. Byrd boarded up the Cherokee Courthouse in June to lock out the impeached justices and fired marshals. But the relatively peaceful dispute turned violent August 13 when the fired marshals tried to regain access to the courthouse on orders of the impeached justices. Several people among the hundreds of spectators are injured in the melee. Since then Cherokee lands have been more or less quiet. Six Tribal Council members have boycotted council meetings so the board does not have a quorum to conduct business. The BIA still controls Cherokee law enforcement. "The bureau would certainly like to restore the law enforcement at the appropriate time when people who are applying for the positions go through background checks and there is no longer a concern for public safety," Anderson said. Cherokees in both camps are looking to the 1999 tribal elections to solve the turmoil. "The next election is probably the most important election in this century for the Cherokee Nation," said Pat Raggsdale, former director of the tribal marshals who Byrd fired last year. No matter who wins the Cherokee voters' support, history has shown that the tribe will rebound from its divisions. "The Cherokee Nation has gone through civil wars, the Trail of Tears and creation of a state, and we have always pulled together," Byrd said. --------- "RE: Newfoundland Mineral Regulation" --------- Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 07:59:13 -0400 From: Larry Innes Subj: News: Nfld. Mineral Regulation Mailing List: Innu People Forum list New act won't damage industry: Tobin 11/29/98 By BOB BENSON The Telegram BRIAN TOBIN With the province's mineral shipments worth an estimated $1.043 billion this year, Premier Brian Tobin is not wasting any time to convince the mining industry it is wanted and welcomed in the province. Tobin said amendments to the Mineral Act won't hurt present or future mineral exploration. "This province is open for business," Tobin said. "The amendments have not killed development." Tobin said he spoke Friday afternoon with representatives of the provincial mining sector and assured them the Mineral Act amendments would have no effect on them. Further, the premier said, Inco hasn't pulled out of Voisey's Bay or quit talks with the province about the development of nickel ore. Tobin said that indicates the amendments are not driving away developers. The House of Assembly is expected to give third and final reading to the amended Minerals Act early this week. The bill has passed second reading (approval in principle) and is in the committee stage which means clause-by-clause debate. The bill is designed to remove any doubts about conditions the provincial government will attach to a mining lease. Any company that wishes to carry out mineral exploration in the future will have to negotiate terms with the government. Basically, it states the province is to get the best terms possible from mineral developers. However, the major thrust of the act is to prevent Voisey's Bay nickel from being refined or processed outside the province - no smelter, no mine. In the case of the controversial Sept-Iles, Que., pelletizing plant for Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), it didn't make economic sense for IOC to built a new facility in Labrador West when there was one in Quebec, Tobin said. Tobin also said earlier the province is governed by legislation for the iron ore mines that dates back to the late 1930s. The premier said recent government estimates indicate just how important the mining industry is to the province. For instance, western Labrador produces 55 per cent of Canada's iron ore products. Mines and energy department statistics provided to The Telegram indicate the $1.043-billion value of mineral shipments this year is slightly ahead of 1997 when the value was $1.005 billion. Shipments of industrial minerals, or non-metals like dolomite, gypsum and peat; and structural materials such as slate, brick, cement, magnetite, stone, sand and gravel will account for $42 million of the 1998 shipments, down $4 million from 1997. The value of gold shipments will fall to $24 million this year from $44 million in 1997. This drop is accounted for by the close of Royal Oak Mines and Ming Minerals. Labrador West iron ore shipments will be valued at over $900 million. IOC will mine 16.8 million tonnes in 1998 compared to 16.7 million tonnes in 1997. Wabush Mines will remain this year at the 1997 level of 5.7 million tonnes. Some of the other producing mines are: Richmond Mines Inc. at Nugget Pond, Baie Verte Peninsula which will produce 48,000 ounces of gold this year compared to 33,000 ounces shipped in 1997; Roycefield Resources Ltd. antimony mine located 43 kilometres southwest of Glenwood; Atlantic Gypsum Resources gypsum deposit, near Heatherton, Bay St. George; Phoenix Minerals, Collier Point, Trinity Bay, barite which is processed into drilling mud for the offshore oil industry; United Bolero Development, Buchans, barite recovery from the Buchans tailing ponds; Atlantic Minerals Ltd. Lower Cove, Port aux Port Peninsula, limestone/dolomite used in iron ore pellet processing and also the steel industry; Torngat Ujaganniavingit Corp., a subsidiary of the Labrador Inuit Development Corp., labradorite quarry at Ten Mile Bay, near Nain. A number of mineral properties, besides Voisey's Bay, are being developed. They include silica deposits at Roy's Knob near Labrador City, Mary's Harbour and LaScie; gold near King's Point; gypsum, Coal Brook on the west coast and reactivation of the fluorspar mines at St. Lawrence. --------- "RE: Health Crisis in Native American Community" --------- Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 23:33:01 -0800 From: dbndnews@juno.com (D H BRADY) Subj: REVISION OF NEWS RELEASE URGENT -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 1998 Contact: Deanna Brady (310) 826-1235 /-0212 fax Jan Sampson (562) 493-7077 Los Angeles, CA John Only A Chief (562) 602-2808 Fern Mathias (323) 257-2246 HEALTH CRISIS IN LOS ANGELES NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY On Tuesday, amid allegations of fraud and corruption, the lights went off abruptly at the Main Artery, the only remaining American Indian residential drug and alcohol recovery program in the greater Los Angeles area. According to the electric utility servicing the facility at 1330 South Long Beach Boulevard in Compton, a large outstanding bill remains unpaid by the organization responsible for the program, the Los Angeles Native American Center, Inc. (LANAC). County health officials were at the site, but the fate of nearly a dozen current clients of the program is unknown. Although the program has been funded by Los Angeles County, clients at the Main Artery have for months been living in unsafe conditions in buildings badly in need of repair and without sufficient food or other necessities. Members of a recently formed grassroots group, the Native American Community Action Coalition, gathered at the Bellflower offices of LANAC Tuesday to demand an explanation of its director, Dr. William Beckley. Beckley, who refused to speak to the Coalition members while attempting to move equipment into LANAC's Artesia Boulevard clinic facility, subsequently fled from the confrontation. The Bellflower clinic has not offered full community medical services since Beckley took control in 1996, forcing the resignations of the clinic board of directors in what has been described by employees as a "political coup" and a corporate raid. The Native American Community Action Coalition was formed in recent weeks to investigate charges of fraud and misappropriation leveled at Beckley and his board of directors. On October 20, Coalition members met with the L. A. County Board of Supervisors, who were surprised to learn that the two principal medical facilities run by LANAC are now in foreclosure as a result of Beckley's use of them as collateral in 1996 for a loan of over half a million dollars. No one has yet determined what happened to that or County monies paid to the organization, as LANAC currently owes thousands of dollars in back-pay to employees and thousands more in outstanding debts to contract providers. At the October 20th County Board of Supervisors meeting, Yvonne Braithwaite Burke expressed shock over the ongoing problems and assured Coalition members that the County would attempt to insure that services were not disrupted. Following that meeting, several subsequent meetings have been held with County representatives and members of the Coalition, but no solution has yet been proposed. The Coalition has continued to turn over records and other results of its ongoing investigation to the office of the California State Attorney General, which is conducting a preliminary inquiry into the entire situation before determining whether and against whom charges should be filed. # # 30 # # THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY ACTION COALITION (N.A.C.A.C) P. O. Box 65155, Los Angeles, CA 90065 UPDATE BULLETIN: URGENT - November 26, 1998, follow-up regarding: **CURRENT CRISIS AT MAIN ARTERY DRUG AND ALCOHOL FACILITY** IN DARKNESS, MAIN ARTERY CLIENTS SIGN WAIVERS Los Angeles: Tuesday night, after electric power to the facility had been discontinued, a Los Angeles County representative required residents of the Main Artery drug and alcohol program to sign waivers of County responsibility in order to remain at the crippled facility for the night, rather than being turned out or removed. One of the residents is diabetic and is ill; one may now be in violation of his agreement with the courts regarding credit for completing this program. According to members of the recently formed Native American Community Action Coalition who were present, all the residents were required to sign handwritten statements, prepared by candlelight by a county health department monitor, which released the County from liability and responsibility to provide services. As of 10 p.m., residents of the program were hunkering down for the night in a badly deteriorated facility with no electricity for lighting or other such amenities. Dr. William Beckley, the Executive Director of the parent program, the Los Angeles Native American Center, failed to appear at the facility even after being apprised of the situation. The Native American Community Action Coalition continues to monitor these developments. The current situation follows two months of intense efforts made by the Coalition to call to account those responsible for this crisis and to find some solutions to allay or forestall it. Persons in the coalition who may be contacted for more information include the following: Deanna Brady Jan Sampson / Paul Garnett (310) 826-1235/ fax: -0212 (562) 493-7077 dbwords@aol.com puvungna1@aol.com John Only A Chief Fern Mathias / Wayne Arroyo (562) 602-2808 (voice/fax) (323) 257-2246 (voice (323) 257-2218 (fax) --------- "RE: Haying Time" --------- Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 02:59:39 -0800 From: Valentina LaPier Subj: monikapi's story...long... UUCP email Haying Time at Squaw Flat by Wade Rain It was haying time, the middle of July, 1938, at Squaw Flat, a meadow filled valley along the Middle Fork of the Milk River on the Blackfeet Reservation. Each family, three brothers and their wives with children owned one horse drawn mowing machine, rake, and bull rake. They made haying season a family affair to get the barn hay lofts filled in preparation of the coming winter. The men and women arose about an hour prior to sunrise in the darkness before dawn. During coffee and roll-your own cigarettes, waiting for the women to cook breakfast, much "bull" fertilizer was spewed between the men. The teenage boys were still upstairs asleep. Bill came in the door after going outside to empty his bladder, his face wet. "No haying today, John!" he said as he grabbed a towel hanging from a nail near the wash basin. "It's raining like hell!" "Well, crap! John exclaimed. "we might as well go back to bed!" "Not before you eat these hot cakes and eggs!" Alice said firmly, "I ain't gonna throw them out and they're no good cold." She set a plate full on the table as Glen exited to empty his bladder before sitting down to eat. "I'll go and wake the boys," Edna said ads she disappeared up the stairs. Glen came back in: "That must have been one fast storm, Bill! There ain't a cloud in the sky,,,and the grass is as dry as a well gnawed bone!" Bill looked up from his plate: "Well, by God, I sure got a face full of rain when i went out there! You saw it yourself!" "Go out and feel the grass," Glen continued, "it's dry." All three men walked outside to see about this strange phenomenon. Bill knelt down and felt some buffalo grass, it was indeed dry. There hadn't been any dew because of a strong Southwest wind that blew all night. "Look!" John said as he pointed toward the north side of the house. A wet streak was visible running diagonally down the wall from the northeast corner. They stepped over to the edge and saw that it started at the upstairs window on the west side where the boys slept. "There's your rain , Bill!" Glen said, grinning, trying to hold back his laughter. "I'll bet it was a little salty. You didn't lick your lips, I hope?" He couldn't contain himself any longer. Bending over, he exploded in guffaws, and slapping his leg. John did the same. "I'll kill those damn kids!" Bill exclaimed. He marched back into the house with the two trailing, still unable to contain their laughter, tears running down their cheeks, Bill poured a basin full of water and scrubbed his face with a washrag. While Bill washed, John told the three women what had happened in between gasps of air. Bill couldn't continue being angry and soon he was laughing too, especially when Glen looked at him and said: "No hayin' today, John, it's raining like hell!" Then they all collapsed at the table., heads on their arms shaking with convulsive mirth. That was how the boys found them when they came down for breakfast. They stood at the bottom of the stairs grinning slightly, completely unaware of what the joke was about. Soon Bill was able to compose himself and demanded: " All right! Which one of you boys were too damn lazy to go outside to the toilet?" the teenagers looked at each other. They denied having to go at all last night. They were too tired. Glen sternly exclaimed, "Well, SOMEBODY, up there did, and it had to one of you! There's a trail a mile wide on the outside wall! You're the only one's sleeping in that room! Urine doesn't fall up hill!" the adults broke into laughter again. "Quit it, Glen! Quit it! Edna gasped. "Eat your breakfast! You men have to get some hay in today, that's all there is to it! "No," fourteen year old Bob said as he took his seat, "we weren't the only on's up there. Cliff was in bed with me when i woke up. He must have got scared or something in the middle of the night." John spoke up: "I'll bet he's the culprit, Bill. That kid hates to go outside at night." "Go easy on him, " Alice said, grinning widely, "besides, what harm did it do? His making it rain on Bill?" they all broke into laughter again. "What's so funny?" Art asked, speaking for the other two boys. John related what happened and they cracked up while they stared at Bill. Cliff appeared on the bottom step of the stairs, confused expression on his face, puzzled by everybody shaking in laughter. Bill saw him appear and asked: "Cliff, did you go to the toilet out the window last night?" The frail little boy nodded: "I was too scared to go outside, so I opened the window and went. Why? Wasn't I supposed to?" Edna spoke up" "No. It's okay, son. In fact, you gave us a good reason to be happy this morning. Now, you men better get in the field or you'll never get any hay in the stack." She grinned . "Wash up, you boys, so you can eat." The foregoing true story was told in-between much laughing at the family meal tables for years. It always brought forth much mirth. Where was Nita, Bill's wife during all this humor? She was sit