From gars@netcom.com Tue Aug 8 22:51:23 2000 Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 19:13:35 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews08.026 _ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ O ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) O o O / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ O o O (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' O o o o o O ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ VOLUME 08, ISSUE 026 O o O / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' June 24, 2000 O o O / /-< / /--/ /-- Potawatomi moon of the turtle O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, Havasupai moon when cicadas are heard KANOHEDA ANIYVWIYA Ha-Sah-Sliltha Otapi'sin Atsinikiisinaakssin Un Chota Es'te Opunvk'vmucvse ni-mah-mi-kwa-zoo-min Aunchemokauhettittea Ximopanolti tehuatzin, inin Mexika tlahtolli ( N A T I V E A M E R I C A N N E W S ) This issue contains articles from LPDC, Triballaw, KOLA Newslist, NatFilm, Indianz elist, Big Mountain, & Innu-L mailing lists; Newsgroup: alt.native; UUCP email; http://www.billingsgazette.com/region/20000604_r3bank.html http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?o04 http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/000612oodham.html 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 "Are not women and children more timid than men? The Cheyenne warriors are not afraid, but have you never heard of Sand Creek? Your soldiers look just like the soldiers that butchered women and children there." __ Woquini (Roman Nose) to General Winfield Scott Hancock +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! I had a email from a friend asking me about an individual who is presenting himself as the best one to determine if a "medicine is good." This "prophet" has already written a book which touts his great knowledge, which is a blatant rip of teachings he has gleaned from elders. This grand teacher would like for me to share his website. Not a chance! I am not going to help this charlatan run up his tick count and help him make money in that way. I will tell you he is going around the country offering workshops to help you determine "The One True Way" and how to return to a "One Hearted Way" based on his interpretations of ancient teachings. (Just bring your wallet, MasterCard or Visa...) This great teacher is, unfortunately, not a lone traveler. There are many enlightened teachers popping up to help people of all walks learn how to "Walk to the Light". (Just bring your wallet, MasterCard or Visa...) We were told this time of "false prophets" was coming. If it's not already here, it's well on its way. Instead of handing over your dollars to these snake oil merchants, go help an elder repair their home, teach a child something to help them find their way through life, go back into the Ceremonies of _your People_. Return to the first instructions as you have been told. That's how to find your way to "The True Way", and you don't need to go to your wallet, MasterCard or Visa.... Just go home, and the way is there waiting for you to reach out and embrace it. =/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\=/\= A personal note to Hunter Pictou: You have a long road ahead of you. You start strong, though. Your family has shown great strength. That strength is yours. Seek the truth as Anna did. Don't be drawn from your path by those with agendas. Enjoy life. Live it well. Always remember you are never alone. Peace! Night Owl , , Gary Night Owl gars@netcom.com (*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@nanews.org (`-') Marietta, GA 30417, U.S.A. gars@crl.com ===w=w== Fax: 770-528-9643 gars@wolfstar.com ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- - The Lesson of Respect - Hay Delivered to Black Mesa - Save Amazon Rain Forest - Crow Water Negotiations Near End - Many Aboriginal Leaders - Human Rights Commission are Alcoholics Investigating Complaint - Native Leaders Under Stress - 1st Bank Opens on Reservation - Innu Parents Condemn - Band Fights Development Peenamin McKenzie School Outside Reserve - Ipperwash Coalition - More Trouble for the Salmon Newsletter #34 - Chiefs Reject Ski Resort - Shawnee Fears Tax Loss Near Lillooet - Drug Investigation - Canadian Mohawk Cop's Job Yields 47 Arrests with O'odham Issue - Battle Over Humboldt River Waters - Prisoner Suicide - Classes in Salish - CNN Peltier Stories Resume on June 19 - Peltier Urgent Action - Father Shares Fancy Dancing - 25 Years Since Skills with Young Son The Incident At Oglala - Indian Women Struggle to Move Up - Native Prisoner - Tribe Stakes Claim - A Hundred Years Ago to Illinois Land - If I Were Born Back Then - Cherokee Legal Victory Paved Way - Poem: My Fathers Hands Were Strong - Tribal Council Overrides - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days Cherokee Chief - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: The Lesson of Respect" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 11:39:54 EDT From: SumerWCree@aol.com Subj: respect ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- The Lesson Of Respect From: ravenwolf@cafes.net (Ravenwolf Ohawe) Mailing List: Indianz elist The Lesson of Respect One of the most important aspects of the Native Culture is Respect. Respect in this culture includes many things: respect for Life, Self and Elders. Respect for life: We believe all life is sacred. All Life is an expression of the Creator. Each has its place and purpose. Each is dependent upon all other life for its existence. All Life is part of the Sacred Circle. Every action effects all other Life. Even when we take the Life of our animal brothers we thank the Spirit of that animal for giving itself to us for food. Respect for Elders: In our culture, Elders are held in reverence. These people have walked Life's path ahead of us and have wisdom beyond ours because of that. Their life has earned this reverence we give them. We honor them, and learn from them. Elders are always to be given courtesy and respect. Their words are to be listened to and considered seriously. One display of respect is silence in their presence.. listening to their words. One does not jump into a conversation among/with Elders without being invited, or addressed. One never interrupts an Elder, or contradicts him/her publicly. (That does not mean one must agree, nor does it mean that one cannot express an opposing view... only that it must be done in a respectful manner, not degrading the Elder.) Elders are referred to as Grandfather, or Uncle, Grandmother, Aunt. These positions of respect and honor are important and to refer to one as such is a display of respect. Respect for Self: It is believed that one can only have respect for oneself when one respects Life and Elders. In doing so, one is able to respect oneself. In the ways of life and death the circle is one. In learning these you will have balance and the natural respect of yourself. This respect will be shown to others, as you carry yourself threw life and have the privilege of being an elder. Respect means no interruption. Respect means no accusation. Respect means no "mocking," especially of elders. Respect means no lies between us. Respect means no betrayal of confidence. Respect means no "ripping off." Respect means no hoarding. Respect means no "Lording it over" someone. Respect means no ordering around. Respect means no yelling in anger. Respect means no bad language. Respect means no name calling. Respect means controlling yourself . Respect is focusing on and dealing in "issues" and not "personalisms." Respect is focusing on "what" is right, rather than "who" is right. Respect is not being a "blame shifter." Respect is keeping the lines of communication open with those who have a different opinion, and making a sincere attempt to let them be heard and understood. Respect means listening until everyone has been heard and understood, only then is there a possibility of "Balance and Harmony," the goal of Indian spirituality. -- Dave Chief -- Grandfather of Red Dog. --------- "RE: Save Amazon Rain Forest" --------- Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 16:19:52 -0400 From: sandra morgan subj: Save Amazon Rain Forest ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- From: DR. JENS JERNDAL [mailto:paradocs@intercom.es] Save Amazon Rain Forest Apologies if you've already received this, but this is VERY important for all of us!!! Brazilian congress is now voting on a project that will reduce the amazon forest to 50% of its size. The area to be deforested is 4 times the size of Portugal and would be mainly used for agriculture and pastures for live stock... All the wood is to be sold to international markets in the form of woodchips, by multinational companies... The truth is that the soil in the amazon forest is useless without the forest itself. Its quality is very acidic and the region is prone to constant floods. At this time more than 160.000 square kilometers deforested with the same purpose, are abandoned and in the process of becoming deserts. It is also the deforestation that causes the uncontrollable flood catastrophes that are now occurring all over the world. We cannot let this happen. Please copy the text into a new email, put your complete name in the list below, and send to everyone you know. (Don't just forward it because then it will end up with rows of >>>'s ) Every 100th person to sign please send a copy to fsaviolo@openlink.com.br Thank you. 01 - Fernanda de Souza Saviolo - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 18/06/83 02 - Nara Maria de Souza - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 11/08/50 03 - Julio Cesar Fraga Viana - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 01/01/54 04 - Monica Grotkowsky Brotto -Sao Paulo - SP - 23/08/77 05 - Mauricio Grotkowsky Brotto - S*o Paulo -SP 29/09/78 06 - Ricardo A. Corrallo - SP 16/08/75 07 - Sunny Jonathan - SP 18/10/1970 08 - Leonardo Larsen Rocha - SC 23/01/1972 09 - Evandro Sestrem - SC 26/06/1979 10 - Marco Aurlio Wehrmeister - Blumenau - SC 18/06/1979 11 - Angela Maria Gonalves - Blumenau -SC 25/07/1959 12 - Alessandra Bernardino - Blumenau - SC - 25/12/1980 13 - Pedro Carstens Penfold - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 12/09/82 14 - Annelena Porto Delgado - S*o Paulo - SP - 27/07/77 15 - Erica Couto -S*o Paulo -SP 29/09/78 16 - Elaine Couto- S*o Paulo - SP 17 - Tatiana de Almeida Voivodic - S*o Paulo-SP 18 - Solange B Furlanetto - S*o Paulo / SP 19 - Marcos de Souza Mello - S*o Paulo / SP 20 - Eliane Santiago - S*o Paulo / SP 21 - Francisca J. Bezerra Alves Ara*jo - S*o Paulo / SP 22 - Carlos Alberto Dantas Junior - Rio de Janeiro / RJ 23 - Daniel Rodrigues da Cruz - Rio de Janeiro / RJ 24 - Gabriella Gaida - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 04/05/72 25 - Ceclia Silva Teixeira Pinto - RJ - 03/06/75 26 - Tania Santos Miguel 27 - Celso Henrique Diniz Valente de Figueiredo - RJ - 10/08/49 28 - Marcelo Lopes Rheingantz - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 20/12/80 29 - Rodrigo Tassinari de Oliveira - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 19/04/83 30 - Andr Lobato Pinheiro - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 07/07/81 31 - Ismael dos Santos Silva - RJ - 28/08/79 32 - Gustavo Alexandre Caetano Correa - RJ - 08/09/80 33 - Juana Varella Barca de Amorim - Rio de Janeiro, 14/03/83 34 - Nara Faria Silva -RJ- Rio de Janeiro , 15/12/82 35 - Isabella Jaggi - SP - S*o Paulo, 03/12/82 36 - Diana de Andrade Freitas - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 21/06/83 37 - Karina Dourado - S*o Paulo - 18/01/80 38 - Pablo Genuncio Garcia - Rio de Janeiro - 27-06-81 39 - Fabola Morais de Lucca - S*o Paulo - 03/02-78 40 - Alexei Morais de Lucca - S*o Paulo - SP - 12/08/75 41 - Renata Regina Roxo - S*o Paulo - SP - 03/11/74 42 - Fernanda Teixeira - S*o Paulo - SP - 17/09/76 43 - Patricia Freitas - S*o Paulo - SP 44 - Cintia Regina K*rner - Alemanha - DE - 45 - Wolfgang K*rner - Alemanha - DE 46 - Roseani Vieira Rocha - San Francisco - CA 47 - Angela Ichimura - S*o Paulo - SP 48 - Assunta Viola - Sao Paulo - SP 50 - Marina Amaral - Alemanha - DE 51 - Fabian Rodrigues Caetano - Sao Paulo - SP - 15/01/1971 52 - Luciana Cabrera- Santa Barbara- Ca 53 - Andrea Torres- Lahaina, Hawaii 54 - Carla Duarte- New York, NY 55 - Sergio Goes- New York, NY 56 - Itaal Shur - New York, NY 57 - Hiroyoku Sanada-New York,NY 58 - Marianne Ebert-new york,NY 59 - Gloriana M. Calhoun - New York, NY 60 - Roger Jazilek - New York, NY 61 - Cheryl To - New York, NY 62 - Judy Mercer - Paris, France 63 - Evelyne Pouget- Woodstock, NY 64 - Hera-Woodstock, NY 65 - Nicos Peonides - Cyprus - New York NY 66 - Fiona Cousins - new York, NY 67 - Alistair Millington - London, UK 68 - Edgar Craggs - Bristol, UK 69 - Chris Hastie - Nottingham, UK 70 - Adam Barley - Bristol, UK 71 - Dawn Morgan - Bristol, UK 72 - Lottie Berthoud - Bristol, UK 73 - Julia Simnett - Bristol, UK 74 - Lindsey Colbourne - Bath, UK 75 - Wendy Lawton - Bath, UK 76 - Ruth Stevenson - Machynlleth, Powys 77 - Rod Edwards - Machynlleth Powys UK 78 - Hayley Myles - Machynlleth UK 79 - Beth Woolley - Newbury, UK 80 - Mark Hinnells - Oxford, UK 81 - Zoe Scanlan - London, UK 82 - Hannah Cromarty - London, UK 83 - Suzy Aronstam - London, UK 84 - Sarah Hicklenton - London, UK 85 - Graham Hobbs - London UK 86 - Julian Blake - London Uk 87 - Justin Eade - London UK 88 - Peter Quicke - London UK 99 - Vickie Starr - NYC 100 - Lena Karlsson - Umea, Sweden 101 - Jessica Tolf Vulpius - Copenhagen, Denmark 102 - Eva Wilke - Sweden 103 - Frans Lekander - Sweden 104 - Qina Hermansson - Sweden 105 - Johan Johansson - Sweden 106 - Pelle Fredriksson - Sweden 107 - Anneli Isaksson Waara-Sweden 108 - Lasse Eriksson - Sweden 109 - Sven-Eric Liedman - Sweden 110 - Rune Romhed - Sweden 111 - Ilsa Mekitalo - Sweden 112 - Rigmor Lind Sweden 113 - Dr. Jens Jerndal, Spain 114 - Dr. Ingrid Naiman, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA 115 - Sandra Morgan, Glencoe,Alabama, USA 116 - Janet Smith, Marietta, GA, USA 117 - Gary Smith, Marietta, GA, USA -- - - - Mitakuye Oyasin --------- "RE: Many Aboriginal Leaders are Alcoholics" --------- Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2000 12:19:35 -0300 From: Larry Innes Subj: News: Many aboriginal leaders are alcoholics: Tobin (Ntl Post) Mailing List: Innu People Forum list Thursday, June 08, 2000 Many aboriginal leaders are alcoholics: Tobin Northern Labrador: 'I can not, in conscience, stay silent,' premier says Ryan Cleary The Telegram ST. JOHN'S - Many aboriginal leaders in northern Labrador, whose communities are plagued by alcoholism, are themselves alcoholics, said Brian Tobin, the Premier of Newfoundland. "Alcohol isn't being openly acknowledged for the problem that it is, in significant part because members of the leadership of northern communities are themselves abusers of alcohol and are themselves in need of help," Mr. Tobin said in an exclusive interview yesterday. "I really believe that I have an obligation to say that publicly, in effect to speak on behalf of those who can't speak themselves -- who feel, quite frankly, intimidated about speaking for themselves," Mr. Tobin said. "I really spent a lot of time thinking about whether or not I would even do this interview," he said. "[But] I can not, in conscience, stay silent." According to a recent province-wide ranking of liquor purchases from the Newfoundland Liquor Corp, The Atsanik Lodge, a small bar in Nain, northern Labrador, was the fourth largest buyer of liquor. It was ranked ahead of 1,164 other drinking establishments, including some of the most popular bars and nightclubs in the province. Alcohol has been blamed as a factor in a number of aboriginal suicides in Nain, a town in northern Labrador with a population of 1,300. It has had six suicides and a killing since Feb. 19. A recent town report on the cause of the community's despair, dubbed a "listener's report" as it was prepared by volunteers, recommended an alcohol ban and sober leadership. "I have no choice but to agree with that," said William Barbour, president of the Labrador Inuit Association. "If there's any one big thing that the listeners' report did say, [it] was that the community, all the groups in the community, must come together and start dealing with this problem. "If [Tobin] is referring to me, I have to say that if I do have a drinking problem, it's me who has to deal with that problem; nobody else can deal with it for me." Mr. Tobin toured northern Labrador in March and has set up a task force, with himself at its head, to study the Labrador coasts' socioeconomic problems. He said he first learned of the extent of aboriginal leaders' alcohol problems during the March tour, but believes it is time to end the silence around an "unspeakable" problem. "What we're seeing too often is denial, and that denial starts with some of the leaders of our northern communities themselves." That same kind of mentality existed with sexual abuse on the island part of the province, he said. --------- "RE: Native Leaders Under Stress" --------- Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2000 17:56:20 -0300 From: Larry Innes Subj: News: Native Leaders under Stress - Tanner (NPost) Mailing List: Innu People Forum list Friday, June 09, 2000 Native leaders under great stress: professor Anthropologist not surprised by alcohol's toll Graeme Hamilton National Post Leading an aboriginal community is such a stressful job that it is not surprising that some become alcoholics, says an anthropologist who has studied aboriginal people across Canada. Adrian Tanner, a professor of anthropology at Memorial University in St. John's, said much is expected of modern native leaders, who are generally drawn from populations no bigger than a small town. "How many of them in any comparable group of people are going to have leadership qualities such that they can negotiate million-dollar deals over land claims. There are a very few people who get all of the obligations to do these negotiations," he said. "Their time is seldom their own. They have to work extremely hard. That phenomenon is well-known in our society. When somebody who is overworked and under great stress, alcohol is one of those things that gives a way out." Dr. Tanner was responding to comments by Brian Tobin, the Newfoundland Premier, who said the drinking problems of some Labrador aboriginal leaders are blocking efforts to curtail alcohol and substance abuse in their communities. Dr. Tanner, who worked with the Northern Quebec Cree during negotiations of the 1975 James Bay agreement, said he saw the toll taken on the leaders. "I've seen families broken up by what can simply be put down to these guys doing the best they could for their communities, because it was expected of them. They were the only people who had even a high school education," he said. He attributes the prevalence of alcohol abuse among aboriginal populations to "the history they have been subjected to. Until we come to understand how they came to have that high rate of intoxication, you won't get very far in just blaming people." He said excessive drinking has not traditionally carried the same stigma in native communities as it does in white culture, but that is changing. "I believe that as aboriginal people become more closely integrated into the political system, their leaders are going to have to show more responsibility, not only on drinking but on everything," he said. --------- "RE: Innu Parents Condemn Peenamin McKenzie School" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 21:14:18 -0330 From: Larry Innes Subj: News: Innu Parents condemn Peenamin McKenzie School Mailing List: Innu People Forum list FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12 June 2000 Sheshatshiu Band Council, Parents condemn Peenamin McKenzie School: School closed until there is a commitment to a new building (Sheshatshiu) Citing the findings of a Public Works Canada report which has identified numerous health and safety problems, Sheshatshiu parents have closed the Peenamin Mckenzie School and withdraw their children from the class. "This report confirms what students, parents and staff have long known-a new building is urgently required.", said Edward Nuna, Director of Education for the Sheshatshiu Band Council. "We have students who won't attend because they don't feel safe, or because they get sick. It's a hell of a place to try to get an education." The Public Works Canada report evaluated the building in respect to federal policies, standards and best practices. In a report submitted to the band council and parents today, the Public Works Canada assessment team identified 42 serious deficiencies, 18 of them critical, which could threaten the "health and safety of occupants if work is not carried out or as a result of systems or component failure, cause disruption to the building and/or its operations.". Given the extensive problems with the structure, the team recommended that that the present building should be demolished and replaced by an entirely new facility. The parents and the Band Council aren't prepared to wait for the federal government to take action. "We've seen what happens when we wait on them to act on these kinds of reports.", said Chief Paul Rich. "The kindergarten kids would be graduating from high school before anything happened. So we've taken immediate action to protect our children until the governments recognize the seriousness of this problem. We need a new school, and we need one now." The province has indicated that is prepared to cost-share a new facility with the federal government, but the federal government has made no commitments to address the issue. The Band Council and the parents committee will maintain the closure until the federal government makes a commitment to a new facility. --------- "RE: Ipperwash Coalition Newsletter #34" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 14:12:20 -0700 From: Nancy Thomas Subj: Ipperwash Coalition Newsletter #34 ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- Date: 6/13/00 7:12:39 AM Mountain Standard Time From: Ann Pohl -- ********************************************** COALITION FOR A PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO IPPERWASH NEWSLETTER # 34 ~ JUNE 13, 2000 ********************************************** ** Uphold Aboriginal Land and Treaty Rights ** ********************************************** Website: http://www.web.net/~inquiry **************************** IPPERWASH AT THE OAS PROTEST As reported by our Core Group member Vincent Pang and others, at the big protest in Windsor - responding to the OAS (Organization of American States) meeting on trade and so-called human rights - Ipperwash was a prominent theme. Pierre George, one of Dudley's brothers and a leader in the Stoney Point community pushing for resolution of the STILL outstanding land, treaty and cultural rights of the Aazhoodena Enjibaajiig (S.P.'ers), spoke at the events. Chalk images and graffiti-style references to Ipperwash were left on sidewalks all around Windsor by protestors. Comparisons to Ipperwash were being made everywhere - even in a meeting between demonstration marshals and the OPP. The police presence outnumbered protestors; estimates are there were 3,000 - 5,000 cops on the ground!! ********************************************************************** CIVIL CASE (against Harris et al) FOR DUDLEY GEORGE'S "WRONGFUL DEATH" TAKES A LEAP FORWARD In a 14 page judgment, Ontario Superior Court Justice Gloria Epstein last week ordered Premier Mike Harris to provide members of the George family with a "better" affidavit of documents that are or were ever "in his possession, power or control" relating to the fatal police shooting of Dudley George at Ipperwash Provincial Park in 1995. She issued the order in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against Harris by Sam George and other family members. This suit alleges that Harris personally directed the provincial police, who launched the assault at ex-Ipperwash Park. On May 15th, lawyers for the George family asked Justice Epstein to order Harris to disclose ALL relevant documents including, for example, notes of his discussions with senior aides at the time of Ipperwash assault. Harris' lawyers responded by arguing that he should not be required to disclose anything related to his position as Premier because he is being sued in a personal capacity. In her decision a few days ago, Justice Epstein rejected this argument. Due to a prior order requiring the 'affidavit of documents' to be filed this past Spring, Dudley's brother Sam is "hopeful that Harris' list will be immediately forthcoming". Unfortunately, the defendants' (i.e. Harris' et al) lawyers have access to the unlimited resources of the public purse - in other words, our tax money - to pay their bills and they may well have other trick(s) up their sleeves. So, we shall see how fast that list of documents actually comes to light. As we know, this government is determined AT ALL COSTS to cover up their complicity in the human rights violations at Ipperwash. The resources of the legal team representing Harris et al, are in stark contrast to situation of the legal team representing Sam George and the other involved family members. If you wish to help with the costs of this long drawn-out contest with the power structure, cheques should be mailed to Maynard Donald Sam George at RR#2, Forest, Ontario N0N 1J0, and should be made payable to "M. Klippenstein Barristers and Solicitors - In Trust". * PLEASE NOTE: the civil case plaintiffs are Maynard Sam George on his own behalf and on behalf of Dudley George's Estate. Sam has the support of some of Dudley's other siblings, however Pierre George and Caroline George are not in any way associated with the case. * ******************************************************** IN THE NAME OF WARREN GEORGE, PUSH FOR A PUBLIC INQUIRY. When the Coalition's Core Group met last week, we discussed what we could do to honour and support Warren George. After careful consideration, we believe the way to demonstrate our respect and solidarity to Warren is to continue to push for a Public Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the events of September 6, 1995. We have always maintained that the underlying causes of the protest in Ipperwash Park - ie. defense of the burial grounds and the long-unresolved matters of the land and treaty violations - must figure into the Inquiry. We will have truly honoured the sacrifices of Warren, Dudley, and the others who were with them including Bernard, when we force out the truth about all these matters. We must get a full, public and impartial investigation into the broader context AND into the details of the state-authorized violence used to suppress the courageous and non-violent actions taken by the people in the Park that night. >>> TELL OTTAWA! Write Prime Minister Chretien (pm@pm.gc.ca), Federal Minister of Indian Affairs Robert Nault (Nault.R@ parl.gc.ca), and Federal Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay (MacAulay.L@parl.gc.ca), or send them letters by Canada Post for free at: House of Commons, Parliament Bldgs, Ottawa, Ont., K1A 0A6. >>> We offer the following text, if you need some help getting started on a letter or just want to copy this: >>> (Dear P.M./Minister of Indian Affairs/Solicitor General) "Warren George - an intelligent and courageous young First Nations man with his life ahead of him - is serving time in a Provincial jail for the crime of protecting his People, his land, his ancestors and the rights of all Aboriginal Peoples. He was convicted on the same evidence that won the acquittal of every other person who was in Ipperwash Park on the night of September 6, 1995. That night, as you know, approximately 30 unarmed children, men, and women, including Elders, were attacked by 250 or more heavily armed police. The police assault was in reaction to a non-violent occupation of a closed Park - a political protest designed to highlight longstanding, unresolved Aboriginal land, treaty and cultural rights issues. "These are human rights violations. Canada's international image has already been bruised by this. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, and several other international human rights bodies, have asked you to call an Inquiry into these matters. Instead, you allow 'injustice" to take its course. By 'injustice', I refer to Warren George being sentenced to six months in jail for spraining the muscle of a policeman while carefully and bravely driving a car between the police and the protestors - successfully protecting most of his People from bullets and truncheon beatings. You know, in your hearts, that the underlying Aboriginal rights violations, the police abuse and the multi-million dollar cover-up are wrong. I am aware that a Federal Inquiry would be more limited in terms of official power to subpoena than a Provincial Inquiry. However, it is equally clear that the presiding Ontario Government will never call an Ipperwash Inquiry. When will you do the right thing and call a public, impartial Federal Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dudley George at Ipperwash Park?" >>> WE ASK YOU TO SEND US A COPY OF YOUR LETTER. >>> WE WILL FORWARD IT TO WARREN GEORGE. Address it: Warren George c/o Coalition for a Public Inquiry (address below) or email to him c/o annpohl@interlog.com ********************** REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 6th Plans are already underway for a Vigil to be held in front of Queen's Park on September 6, 2000. This year marks five years of Cover-Up. The Vigil's focus will be two-fold: what Dudley died for; and, what the continuing cover-up of the details leading to his death means for all First Nations and Canadian persons. All communities, organizations, individuals, leaders and Drum groups are invited to join with us for this lantern-lit evening presence that will include storytelling and singing. We will maintain the presence until shortly after 11pm, which is the time that Dudley George was fatally shot. We are also aware that Anti-Racist Action chapters across the country, as well as various solidarity groups and First Nations, are currently developing plans to mark this day. We will provide more details on all the September 6th plans as they are put together. For all our sakes' - we ask you, our supporters, to note the evening of September 6th on your calendars now. Plan NOW to be somewhere - doing something - to continue public attention on these matters. *************************** EMERGING COALITION STRATEGY Guess What? We're off to the UN again. This time we have more time to prepare, so we are hoping to be even more effective. Those of you who have taken a look at the report published by Citizens for Public Justice - "Building Inter-national Awareness on Aboriginal Issues" - which was released at our March 18th Forum, already had a hint that we were going back to what we call "the court of world opinion". We are continuing to pursue some of the ideas explored in that document. However, we have also come up with something that we think will really make Ottawa's collective hair stand on end! You've heard a lot about the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Canada has also ratified one on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. As well, there'll be an UN-sponsored World Conference Against Racism in South Africa next year. Hmm: Stephen Giles, the OPSEU protestor clubbed by OPP in '96 got a provincial inquiry. So have the Walkerton water victims, where there are civil cases and criminal investigations in process. But, nothing for Ipperwash. Why not? At Ipperwash, the victims were Aboriginal... In Canada, are Indian lives worth less? ************************************************************* HUMAN RIGHTS ARE FRAGILE AND PRICELESS. THEY MUST BE DEFENDED. As CASNP leader Jay Mason used to say in the early '90's, "With free trade and other multinational [global] agreements where trade and money come first, and environment and human rights come last, Canadians are now finding out how its feels to be treated like an 'Indian' by Canada - and they don't like it." He would then call on us all to unite for the sake of our children. People are waking up to Jay's message. We realize that Ipperwash was a 'demonstration' (no pun intended) or 'pilot' project by the authorities, who are experimenting with how far they can go in violating the basic human right to peaceful assembly and protest. Gustafsen Lake - OPSEU protest - APEC - OCAP events - OAS - and now Calgary... In Ontario, and across Canada, people understand the significance of the events at ex-Ipperwash Park on Sept. 6, 1995. We HAVE not and WILL not forget. "They" haven't 'got away' with Ipperwash yet, and eventually the truth will come out. ******************************************************************* TO SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS AND ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY, PLEASE JOIN US. ******************************************************************* Donations & Information: Box 111, Station C, Toronto, On M6J 3M7 Email: annpohl@interlog.com ~ Tel: 416-537-3520 ~ Fax: 416-538-2559 ---------------------------------------- To subscribe to the "Paths-L" mailing list send a message to Majordomo@YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net In the body of the message type: subscribe paths-l --------- "RE: Shawnee Fears Tax Loss" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 09:06:08 -0500 From: "John D Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 06-13-2000 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Shawnee fears tax loss By David Hartman c. The Oklahoman 06/11/2000 SHAWNEE -- A new 87,000- square-foot grocery store the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is building south of Shawnee could cut into the city's sales tax revenues from groceries because shoppers will pay taxes to the Indian tribe, not the city. But the same store also will employ about 200 people -- most of them Shawnee area residents -- making the tribe one of the city's largest employers. Already, the tribe is the city's eighth-largest employer. The new store could put the tribe in the top five, said Tribal Chairman John Barrett. The new grocery store and the situation it creates is a microcosm of the tribe's overall relationship to Shawnee, Barrett said. "We like to think of ourselves as being like Tinker Air Force Base," Barrett said. "We don't pay taxes, but we create jobs and provide new income." People love their military bases, but not their Indian reservations, he said. "That's too bad, because they are a real economic opportunity," Barrett said. At stake for the city is the new grocery store's share of sales tax revenues that will go to the tribe instead of the city. In all, sales taxes from groceries make up about 13 percent of the city's annual sales tax receipts. That has city officials concerned, but not panicked. "Cities are always concerned about losses of revenue," City Manager Terry Powell said. "And the grocery part of the city's sales tax is substantial." Instead, taxes collected from the tribe's grocery store will be used for tribal needs like programs for elders and scholarships for students, Barrett said. "We're just like any city, we have to have a tax base to survive." Shoppers will see no actual difference in the amount of tax they pay. The City of Shawnee's 8.5 percent sales tax rate is identical to the tribal taxes collected by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. But the new store will mean increased competition for longtime city grocer J.B. Pratt, who last week dismissed rumors that he would close his three grocery stores in Shawnee. In addition to this store, Wal- Mart officials are said to be interested in expanding their current store in the Shawnee Mall into a SuperCenter that would sell groceries, Powell said. Tim Scott, real estate manager for Wal-Mart, could not be reached for comment. "Nobody has offered to buy us, and I haven't offered us for sale. We're celebrating our 40th year in Shawnee, and we plan to be around another 40 years," Pratt said. But Pratt conceded that the new store, which plans to attract 60,000 vehicles a week, will make the grocery market more competitive. "Any time somebody opens a store and sells milk and bread it hurts some," Pratt said. "But we have loyal customers who we will continue to serve." Because Pratt's stores have been close to the Shawnee and Tecumseh communities as long as they have, Pratt said he expects the community will continue to support his stores. "I've never been very good a politician at any of this. I've just tried to be the best grocer," he said. --------- "RE: Drug Investigation Yields 47 Arrests" --------- Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 12:39:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DRUGS" Canadian Aboriginal News Drug Investigation Yields 47 Arrests In Ontario, Quebec, U.S. OTTAWA (CP) A two-year drug investigation swept 47 people into custody in an area ranging from Thunder Bay, Ont. to Gatineau, Que. to New York state in a massive early-morning cross-border takedown on Tuesday. Dozens of officers co-ordinated their arrests and descended on members of the ring at their homes between 6 and 8 a.m. Charges of trafficking and conspiracy to traffic cocaine and marijuana were laid in the Ontario cities of Cornwall, North Bay, Thunder Bay, and Ottawa, and the Quebec cities of St. Regis, Valleyfield, St. Jerome and Montreal. "They really feel they've made a dent in (the drug trade)," said Sharon Villeneuve, an RCMP spokeswoman. The operation broke open a ring that allegedly trafficked locally-grown marijuana and imported cocaine through the Mohawk reserve of Akwesasne into markets in New York City and Florida, police said. The reserve sprawls across the borders of Quebec, Ontario and New York state. The RCMP wouldn't estimate the street value of the drugs involved in the operation, but released a list of seizures including $400,000 (Cdn), $333,500 (US), nine vehicles, 10 kilograms of cocaine, about 140 kilograms of marijuana, and more than 2,000 marijuana plants. The bust will hopefully lead to awareness among people who live in the Akwesasne area and identified for police how a lot of drugs get over the border, Villeneuve said. "I'm not saying it will stop," she said. "But they will be forced to find other ways and means." "Command News is a product of The Canadian Press" <+>=<+> KOLA Information: http://users.skynet.be/kola/index.htm KOLA Petitions: http://kola-hq.hypermart.net KOLA Greeting Cards: http://users.skynet.be/kola/cards.htm --------- "RE: Battle Over Humboldt River Waters" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 08:40:15 -0700 (PDT) From: "Martha Ture" Subj: Indians, state, battle over Humboldt River waters Mailing List: TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu) June 15, 2000 Indians, state, battle over Humboldt River waters CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - The TeMoak Tribe has no right to stop a state court water commissioner from crossing their land to regulate irrigation gates controlling the Humboldt River, state attorneys claim. But tribal officials counter they have sovereign immunity and can block anyone they want from entering reservation land. Both sides presented their arguments Wednesday before the Nevada Supreme Court. The issue, according to Deputy Attorney General Paul Taggart, is whether the tribe has the legal right to ignore everyone else's water rights and take as much water as it wants. "Since every drop of water in the Humboldt River is owned by someone, if the tribe takes more than it is entitled to, someone downstream will not receive the water they are rightly entitled to," Taggart said. He told Supreme Court justices that the water commissioners have regulated water rights on the Humboldt for 55 years but were suddenly kicked out by the tribe two years ago. When that happened, the state went to district court for an order saying the state court's water commission has the power to regulate the Humboldt River irrigation gates. The tribe, in turn, went to the Supreme Court to block that order, arguing it is sovereign and immune from state court actions. "They cannot accept the benefits of state water rights and then ignore the burdens of those rights," Taggart said. He added that the tribe accepted those legal burdens, including regulation by state court water administrators, when they got the water rights in the first place. But Raymond Rodriguez of Nevada Legal Services said the Humboldt Decree says nothing about crossing reservation land without permission. He argued that the tribe has the right to stop the water commissioner. The headgate, he said, was built by the federal government, not the state, and does not fall under state control. "The tribe feels free to manipulate it," he told the court. Taggart said aerial observation of the reservation shows the tribe has been "manipulating" the gates, irrigating before it was legally supposed to and illegally storing water in a reservoir within the reservation. "They don't care about people downstream," said Taggart. "If a tribe can acquire water rights that are subject to state control and then claim immunity from state court jurisdiction, they can upset water rights systems that have been in place and relied on for more than a century," he said. Rodriguez maintained the tribe never accepted the Humboldt decree and that the federal government gave the water rights to the tribe. "The tribe is not saying it wants to use any more water," he said. "This is not a water grab. "But the state doesn't think it has to ask for the tribe's consent to cross its land." Rodriguez said the land issue has become a big one for the tribe as the population of Elko expands and more people are going onto tribal lands. After hearing the arguments, the Nevada Supreme Court took the issue under submission and will issue a ruling at a later date. No matter which side wins, Rodriguez said the issue will be appealed to federal court. --------- "RE: Classes in Salish Resume on June 19" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 08:52:38 -0500 From: "John D Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 06-16-2000 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Classes in Salish resume on June 19 c. Spokane.net 6/15/2000 After a two-year hiatus, the Spokane Salish language classes will be offered to the public beginning June 19. It's a joint effort between Eastern Washington University and the Salish Kootenai College branch campus in Wellpinit. Classes will be taught on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit. They will be open to everyone. The Salish language is noted for its descriptive nature. "It's a way for people to learn about where they live," said Peter Campbell, interim director of American Indian studies at EWU. At the request of students, he requested the language classes be offered again. " (The Salish language) shows our relationship to the river and the land and the environment in which we live." Pauline Flett had taught Salish for years at EWU. A couple of years ago, she began spending more time working on a Salish language program for the Spokane tribal cultural center. Classes run June 19-July 30. Call 258-9202 for more information --------- "RE: Father Shares Fancy Dancing Skills with Young Son" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 08:19:32 -0500 From: "John D Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 06-14-2000 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Father shares fancy dancing skills with young son By Chris Jones c. The Oklahoman 06/11/2000 "I know how to dance," Ben Connywerdy said. "It's supposed to be like our feet are off the ground and it's like flying like a bird." Dancing in the Red Earth Festival 2000 competition is just one of the things Ben wanted to talk about. Cameras and rain drips, shiny eagles on a dance trophy and airplanes also captured the attention of the brown-eyed, curious boy who celebrated his fifth birthday Friday. Ben's father, Kevin Connywerdy, listened and watched with pride as his confident young son expressed his opinions. Sometimes Ben stayed near, eye-to-eye, and sometimes, with braids flying, he ran outside to feel the raindrops. "I am a fancy dancer," Ben said. "Me and my dad are both Comanche and Kiowa." Kevin Connywerdy is a professional fancy dancer, who dances in competition throughout the United States and in foreign countries. He didn't get started until age 11, and decided his son would learn the traditions, culture and art of fancy dancing as a baby. "I want my son to communicate well in both worlds, the world of the non-Indian and of his Indian culture," Kevin Connywerdy said. "He is with his mother in the non-Indian world, and so I guess he gets the best of both worlds." Kevin Connywerdy said his upbringing was not traditional American Indian when it came to participating in traditional ceremonies. He said his family was Christian and not involved in tribal traditions. But Kevin Connywerdy had to dance. When he was Ben's age, he wanted to be a fancy dancer. He sat and watched the colors and movement of the dancers at powwows. The attraction to dance kept nagging at Kevin Connywerdy; it was in his heart and mind. He knew he was missing something. As he got older, his mother realized it wasn't a passing phase, and she helped her son explore his Indian culture. He developed his gift with the encouragement of someone else, too. The late George "Woogie" Watchetaker, a Comanche fancy dancer who lived near Lawton, taught him. And though they were not related, Watchetaker called Kevin grandson. The older dancer inspired Kevin to keep working and dancing. He predicted something, too. Watchetaker, who became famous and danced for the queen of England, knew dancing could show the boy wonderful experiences in faraway places. "Keep dancing and it will take you somewhere you have never been before," Watchetaker told Kevin. Kevin listened and he kept on working, but he really didn't know then what the world of fancy dancing would open up to him. But the old man knew, because it happened to him. "Opportunities have come my way," Kevin Connywerdy said. "There are movies and TV shows, travel to St. Petersburg, Russia. I stuck with it and was chosen to go to the Goodwill Games. I've been to Europe quite a few times. "I hope it opens doors for Ben. Just like any father, I want him to follow in my footsteps." Kevin Connywerdy said he doesn't push his son to dance. He teaches him a healthy lifestyle and urges him to listen to the drumbeat, the music so entwined with the dance. He teaches Ben the etiquette of a powwow and the proper way a dancer conducts himself at a dance. There are responsibility and respect. Ben knows these things. Kevin Connywerdy, an artist in residence with the State Arts Council, visits schools where he teaches beadwork and Indian dancing. He makes fans and fancy dance bustles for himself and other dancers. While Kevin works, Ben watches and plays with extra feathers. He tells his father that he will help make bustles when he gets older. Kevin said Ben sees him running six miles a day, training, and practicing year-round behind the scenes. He said Ben realizes the effort and hard work it requires to be a professional fancy dancer. Kevin Connywerdy makes his own costumes. It took him three months to make the costume Ben wears this weekend. Kevin's outfit weighs 60 pounds; he tried to make Ben's as light as possible. It takes about a half-hour to get Ben ready for competition and about 40 minutes for his father to get dressed. Recently, Kevin said Ben doesn't seem as interested. "I don't want to hold him back from anything he wants to do," Kevin Connywerdy said. Powwows are family events where alcohol and drugs are prohibited, Kevin Connywerdy said. Children are right there with their parents. "Dancing is a joy for me," the father said. "It takes away stress and worry, and everyday things are wiped away." Kevin Connywerdy is thankful his mother was open-minded enough to know there wasn't anything bad about Indian culture or tradition. He said she helped him find his way. "I think I'm a pretty good dancer when I want to be," Ben said, as he joined the conversation again. He picked up a second-place trophy from the 1999 Red Earth competition Tiny Tot dancing, pointed out the shiny eagle and polished off a smudge of dust. --------- "RE: Indian Women Struggle to Move Up" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 08:52:38 -0500 From: "John D Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 06-16-2000 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Indian women struggle to 'move up' Rapid change provides opportunities, challenges By Lisa Chiu c. The Arizona Republic June 15, 2000 Karen Listo has a picture of herself and her two kids taped to her work computer with the quote: "Whatever it takes, we will get there." A member of the Tohono O'odham Nation, the single mom from Tucson works full time as a casino shift manager while going to the University of Phoenix. "A lot of my classmates have died, some of alcoholism and suicide. Maybe two to three have gone on to get degrees," said Listo, who is studying business management. "I'm determined to get a degree and move up." Moving up -- from welfare to work, from casino cashier to shift manager, tiny steps and big leaps -- was the mantra of more than 200 Native American women who gathered for the "Connecting Your Circle" conference on Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Select Airport in Phoenix to discuss their changing homelands, families and lives. The growth of Indian gaming and other jobs off the reservations offer Native American women opportunities unheard of a generation ago as well as access to better housing, day care and social services. But some women struggle with the choices. "There is a dark side and a light side to gaming," said Wauneta Lonewolf, a Valley resident and a presenter at the motivational conference. "For the first time, women are in a position where they have to assimilate into dominant society, and gaming gives us that opportunity. But at the same time, we don't have the financial-management skills." The gathering, which ends Friday, allows women to share ideas and learn from experts in various fields on topics ranging from the practical, such as starting a small business, to the personal, such as how to use dreams to heal your life. "These women are trying to do all the work at home and in the business world and at the same time keep the culture alive," said conference organizer Ann McCommas of AIM Motivational Seminars of Tempe. McCommas told of one Native American woman who works all day but finds time every night to sit with her children outside to say prayers, sing and tell stories. Retaining her culture is so important to activist Marie Gladue that she moved back to the Navajo Reservation after 16 years away from home. "I did the opposite of what everyone else is doing," Gladue said. "I wanted (my children) to know the Dine culture. And because we are based in the land, our family has a kinship to it." Gladue, of Kykotsmovi, now works as a liaison for the Navajo-Hopi Land Commission. She came to the conference to network. "When you make connections with these people, there seems to be a lot of self-empowerment there," she said. Other women came to the conference for a more practical reason: jobs. Nita Emerson lives in Crownpoint on the Navajo Reservation in northeastern New Mexico and helps tribal members move from welfare to work. She brought more than 40 women from Crownpoint so they could learn how to get jobs. They face obstacles like alcohol abuse and domestic violence, Emerson said. Transportation also is scarce, leaving many women on the reservation with little means to find jobs or take their children to day care. "A majority of the women are single parents living in a remote area out on the reservation with very little job opportunities," Emerson said. For many, progress has a price. Clementia Ramon had to leave the Tohono O'odham Reservation in southern Arizona to attend a welfare-to-work program for six months, leaving her children behind with family. But she knew it would be worth it. After 4 1/2 years on welfare, Ramon now supports her family and works as a counselor for other tribal members on welfare. "I'm back now, working for my people," Ramon said. "I can relate to my clients. I just give them a little push because somebody once pushed me." --------- "RE: Tribe Stakes Claim to Illinois Land" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 08:08:45 -0500 From: "John D Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 06-15-2000 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Tribe stakes claim to Illinois land Miami Indians say 1805 treaty violated, seek huge swath of land By Flynn McRoberts c. Chicago Tribune June 14, 2000 MIAMI, Okla. -- Miami Indians once ranged across much of the Great Lakes region before soldiers evicted them from their ancestral lands at gunpoint, eventually pushing them onto this patch of northeastern Oklahoma. But with a recent federal lawsuit, tribal leaders hope to reclaim a wide swath of territory that once belonged to the Miami nearly two centuries ago: 2.6 million acres of what is now rich Illinois farmland. If successful, the lawsuit theoretically could toss residents off much of east central Illinois. More likely, the tribe would simply use a much smaller portion to build a land-based casino?something federal law allows Native American tribes to do in states where they own land and casino gambling is legal. Such an outcome would be a boon for the Miami, whose modest tribal nation in Oklahoma includes a day-care center under construction, a shirt factory fashioned from a converted garage, and a bingo hall and horseracing betting parlor called The Stables. "We're looking forward to the glory days," said Chief Floyd Leonard, the former school administrator and longtime elected leader of the Miami's 2, 250 members. It would be a startling turnaround for Illinois as well. The removal of Native Americans was so complete in the Prairie State that it is now without a single square inch of Indian reservation. But the Miami are asking the courts to help the tribe reclaim land that Thomas Jefferson's administration granted it in a 195-year-old treaty? a vast parcel starting north of Champaign and running south to Effingham. The Miami still have significant legal hurdles to clear before they could claim victory. But they have precedent to help make their case: In recent years several tribes in upstate New York and elsewhere have won striking victories on old land claims, partly relying on a 1985 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed treaties signed in the country's frontier days. The emerging legal battle has raised issues that cut to the heart of the American experience, from correcting historical injustices to protecting the bedrock right of private property. The dispute also has boosted the hopes of a small but savvy tribe, stirred trepidation among the lawsuit's defendants, and dredged up old stereotypes from those who now control the land. "If this works out, what happens?" asked Urbana farmer Francis Walden. His 98-year-old father, Rex, is named in the suit as a trespasser on Miami treaty land that has been in the Walden family for over 70 years. "They just might move you on a reservation, dad." With a 16-gauge, double-barreled shotgun propped behind the recliner in his living room, Rex Walden shot back: "If they come for this land, they better bring something bigger than a bow and arrow." This is "not frivolous," said Bob Douglas, a Crawford County attorney whose housekeeper, Evelyn Bliss, happens to be named in the suit. To his understanding, Douglas said, the Miami were never compensated for the land at stake. "They didn't get the loot," he said. Federal judges appear willing to change that, Douglas noted: "It seems like there's been a shift in the courts in recent years in favor of the Indians." The suit was news to Walden and the two dozen other defendants listed in the Miami suit. They were shocked to discover they'd been selected as representatives of the hundreds of thousands of state residents who have been "trespassing on Miami Wabash Watershed Tribal Lands within Illinois," according to the suit. The Miami lived at various times in other parts of Illinois, but not on the 2.6 million acres the tribe now contends it owns. That claim stems from a land swap the tribe made with the federal government in the 1805 Treaty of Grouseland. Under that pact with Jefferson's administration, the tribe ceded ancestral lands farther east in exchange for a vast chunk of largely untouched prairie in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In subsequent treaties, Miami Nation tribes gave up most of the new land, but not the east central Illinois portion. "This land that's at issue was never transferred from the tribe to the U.S.," said Larry Leventhal, a prominent Indian rights attorney who is representing the tribe. "It remains Miami land." For all of Illinois' Native American history, commemorated with Indian names from the village of Algonquin to Shawneetown, the state has no reservation land. Like so many other tribes, the Miami were pushed westward before being removed to territory north of Texas?a place called the "Great American Wasteland" by early French explorers. In recent years, the Miami have sought to reclaim their lost lands. After long court fights, the tribe last year won rulings to place a casino on land in Miami County, Kansas (where the Miami were forcibly moved in 1846 before being pushed to Oklahoma in the run-up to the Civil War). But a U.S. District Court judge in Kansas blocked federal plans to license the casino? a decision the tribe has appealed. In 1996, they turned their attention to Illinois and began talking to the administration of then-Gov. Jim Edgar, a native of Coles County, one of the 15 counties included in the claim. Those negotiations went nowhere, as have those with current Gov. George Ryan, leading to the suit. "Essentially, we couldn't give them what they wanted," said Ryan's press secretary, Dave Urbanek. "What they wanted us to do was tell these landholders?'Give up your land to become [a reservation] so they can put a casino on it.' " The tribe doesn't hide its interest in a casino. But as George Tiger, the Miami Nation's spokesman, said, "This has gone beyond a casino matter. It's about the sovereignty of the tribe. We have one of the original contracts with America, and it wasn't fulfilled." One way to do so would be to grant the tribe some land in Illinois that it could use for a land-based casino. Though state law prohibits such facilities, Miami lawyers contend that Ryan could approve such a deal because federal Indian gaming laws supersede state law. But Ryan apparently feels no compunction to add the Miami to the list of those who have gotten favorable treatment for gaming. That list includes Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens, who lobbied hard for state permission to get a new casino built in his northwest suburb. It also includes Arlington International Racecourse owner Dick Duchossois, whose track will get a piece of the Rosemont casino profits if the facility survives a pending court challenge and is built. One of the lobbyists hired by the tribe is Ryan friend Tony Leone, who also represents investors backing the Rosemont plan. At least some local residents don't see why the state shouldn't accommodate the Miami along with other casino operators. "If there can be a riverboat in Peoria, there can certainly be a land-based casino here without hurting anyone," said Karen Fletcher, who recently bought a farmhouse in Champaign County. So far, though, the tribe has failed to win the support of the federal government, which is backing the Oneida tribe in its efforts to reclaim land and collect compensation for property unlawfully sold to the State of New York long ago. Fights between New York officials and several tribes have dragged on for years?multiplying court costs and leaving some property owners unable to get title insurance due to the uncertainty. Private attorneys in east central Illinois worry that shaky title insurance issues could cost some Illinois farmers their bank loans. In the Illinois case, the state is not named as a defendant. Dan Curry, spokesman for Illinois Atty. Gen. Jim Ryan, said the state hasn't decided whether to file a brief on behalf of the landowners or possibly become a party in the case. "We're still talking to the governor's office about those options," Curry said. In their filing, the Miami ask the court to grant them immediate possession of the Illinois land and to eject the defendants unless the landowners are licensed by the tribe. But Chief Leonard, a gentle 74-year- old retiree who once visited Illinois' southern tip as an insurance claims adjuster, says he doesn't want to create hardship for state residents. "My tribe does not wish to put innocent landowners through pain and suffering such an action will bring," he stated in a letter sent April 24 to Gov. Ryan. "But it appears I have no choice. This action could be eliminated if the state would negotiate a fair settlement." News of the lawsuit has produced both fear and wisecracks throughout the counties cited in the claim. Former Vermilion County Board Chairman Max Call, whose Georgetown, Ill., brick ranch house is listed in the suit, said, "If they make me president and CEO of their new casino, I might consider it. But I'd like to make sure the casino is up and running." Joking aside, Call is opposed to actually giving the tribe a casino. "I personally don't think it's worthy of a compromise," Call said of the Miami claim. "We have a lot of people in this country that were treated wrong. ... You can't go back over centuries and centuries and make it right." But the tribe doesn't view it as reparations so much as simply honoring a long-ignored treaty. Of course, a casino in Illinois wouldn't hurt the finances of the Miami, for whom gaming has been a crucial source of revenue since the Stables gambling hall opened in 1998. Like many tribes, the Miami received smaller compensation from the Indian Claims Commission, which ran from 1946 until the early 1970s. But a new chapter in reparations was opened in 1985 when a sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court sided with the Oneida tribe in ruling against New York. The court majority agreed that New York officials had unlawfully cut a deal with the Oneidas without the required federal approval. Attorneys for the Miami note, however, that their case does not involve such an illegal deal. Their treaty with the federal government, they argue, remains valid. Still, the Miami's chances in Illinois may be impeded by the sheer complexity of the case. The Oneidas triumphed by suing the State of New York. "In this case, it's going to be a lot harder because they don't have a governmental defendant, a single defendant to bring into court and say, 'This is what's happened,"' said Jake Page, co-author of "Wild Justice," a 1995 book on the Indian Claims Commission. "It sounds like all hell will break loose in court, and they'll be able to hold this thing up for decades." Indeed, Rex Walden, for one, cuts a rather relaxed figure in his OshKosh overalls. Sitting in the living room of his white, clapboard farmhouse the other day, he said with a sparkle in his eyes: "I won't go to stacking my stuff up yet." --------- "RE: Cherokee Legal Victory Paved Way" --------- Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2000 10:21:04 -0700 (PDT) From: "Martha Ture" Subj: Cherokee legal victory paved way for modern constitutional system, justice says Mailing List: TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu) Cherokee legal victory paved way for modern constitutional system, justice says Associated Press TULSA, Okla. (AP) The Cherokee tribe won a legal victory in the 19th century that paved the way for a more powerful constitutional system, but they lost the war to retain their land in Georgia, a U.S. Supreme Court justice said. Associate Justice Stephen Breyer linked the tribe's landmark court victory in 1832 and reactions from then-President Andrew Jackson and Georgia officials to a decision 125 years later to send in federal troops to protect black children entering an all-white school. "Perhaps that experience can help us understand our own responsibility to preserve and to pass on the traditions, habits and expectations of behavior that underlie our modern system, creating the freedom we enjoy, not just on paper, but in reality," Breyer said in speech Monday to members of the Supreme Court Historical Society. "If so, a dangerous episode in the court's history, and a tragic story in the history of the Cherokee Tribe, at last may help others whose basic liberties are threatened." Delivered in the court's chamber, where cases are heard and opinions announced, the speech marked the 25th annual lecture of the society, the Tulsa World reported from its Washington bureau. Breyer's lecture spanned Cherokee history, beginning with the tribe's support of the British during the Revolutionary War to its subsequent treaties with the United States in which the federal government promised to protect Cherokee land and guarantee its boundaries and the legal and military moves against the tribe by the state of Georgia. Breyer said two major lawsuits came out of Georgia's efforts against the Cherokees, which intensified after gold was discovered on tribal land. The state ignored both cases and did not even show up to defend its actions before the court. The second case grew out of the arrest of a group of missionaries working with the Cherokees. It resulted in an unanimous court ruling that not only nullified the Georgia law used to imprison the missionaries but also recognized the Cherokee nation as a separate community that exists outside the reach of state law. Georgia refused to acknowledge the ruling, and Jackson, who already had made it clear he sided with the Georgians, also seemed to be sending the message that he also would not be bound by a court ruling. A national debate ensued, and Chief Justice John Marshall questioned whether the Constitution would survive. The case helped set a different tone for national policy, but the Cherokees still lost their land in Georgia and were forced west along the Trail of Tears to what would become Oklahoma. "In a word, the Cherokees won their legal battle and lost the war," said Breyer, who painted the Cherokees and the Supreme Court as "allies," fighting on the same side of the issues. c. 2000 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Cherokee Nation Homepage --------- "RE: Tribal Council Overrides Cherokee Chief" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 08:08:45 -0500 From: "John D Berry" Subj: (FWD)Indian News 06-15-2000 Roger Iron Cloud FirstNations Listserv 202.358.3252 rironcloud@acf.dhhs.gov Tribal council overrides Cherokee chief By ROB MARTINDALE c. Tulsa World 6/14/00 Measures involve key oversight areas TAHLEQUAH -- The Cherokee Nation tribal council has overridden three vetoes by Chief Chad Smith, tribal spokesman Mike Miller said Tuesday. It marked the first time that the council has overridden Smith since he took office in August 1999. On May 24, Smith vetoed council-approved legislation which would have granted subpoena powers to the council, approved the purchase of land adjacent to a tribal hospital and made the council the recipient of funding for the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority. At a Monday night meeting, the council overrode each of the vetoes by votes of 10-4, Miller said. In the first override, Miller said, the council revived legislation giving it the right to establish a structure to look into matters they wanted to investigate. Smith said he would welcome investigations, but he expressed fear that the services of a tribal agency such as the health department could be shut down if an employee or nonemployee wouldn't cooperate with a subpoena. Council members voting to override the veto said that wasn't the intent of the legislation. In a second override, the council set aside the chief's veto of council- approved legislation to purchase 45 acres adjacent to the Hastings Indian Hospital here for $540,000. Smith said he vetoed the legislation because the tribe's comptroller had told him the necessary money wasn't in the general fund, Miller said. Smith said he felt the acquisition was against the tribe's constitution. Charles Grimm, director of the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma, had sent a letter to the tribe stating that there were no plans to expand the hospital, Miller said. Council members voting to override the chief said the hospital is overloaded and an expansion is necessary. Some council members supporting the chief on the issue said the money in question could be of better use at health facilities at Salina, Nowata and Muskogee, Miller said. Although his third overridden veto of a resolution would have stopped the tribal council from being the recipient for housing authority funding, Smith agreed with council members that more oversight might be needed of the tribe's housing authority. However, Smith said, the housing authority is an independent agency and has its own board of directors, which is appointed by the chief and tribal council. Smith said the council was establishing itself as an administrative body when the tribe's constitution calls on it to legislate and for the tribe's secretary-treasurer to receive all funds. Council members voting to override the third veto said they had no intention of taking over administrative matters. --------- "RE: Hay Delivered to Black Mesa" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 07:27:23 -0700 From: redorman@theofficenet.com Subj: Hay run distributes 22 tons & update ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- From: SDNMarsha@aol.com Mailing List: Big Mountain List Dear Big Mountain Supporters, Subject: Semi truck load of Hay delivered to Black Mesa on Saturday June 10, 2000 Date: June 14, 2000 Posted by: Marsha Monestersky, Consultant to Sovereign Dineh Nation On Saturday, June 10, 2000, a semi truck carrying 22 tons, 336 bales of alfalfa hay came to Black Mesa. This hay was distributed to Hopi Partition Land (HPL) residents for their corralled animals. Large numbers of animals deemed illegal, without any Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) permit or over the permit limit are now forced to remain corralled in order to avoid confiscation. Katherine Smith and her son Julian spread the word about the hay delivery throughout Big Mountain. Clarence Blackrock spread the word in Cactus Valley. Neighbors helped neighbors by delivering hay to those without working vehicles. Sandwiches and Gatorade helped quench peoples thirst and hunger and there was a real sense of community in spite of the stress endured by HPL residents. Fannie Goy, a Cactus Valley resident came to get hay. She said 3 months ago the BIA confiscated 1 of her cows. She only owned 2 cows and they were both branded and legally on her permit. But the BIA confiscated one and sold it at public auction. She became so afraid she sold her other legal cow and now has two orphans corralled for fear they too would be seized. These calves should be roaming free. And who is the responsible party when the BIA sells these animals at public auction and keeps all the profits from their sale. The offending party, the BIA, should compensate Fannie Goy for this cow. BIA range management in the region is based on the issuance of permits for livestock and the impoundment of non-permitted "illegal" animals. Impounded livestock can be retrieved after payment of fees, but the fees are typically much larger than can be paid by subsistence herders. Consequently, most impounded animals are sold at auction. If the auction price is greater than the impoundment fees, the BIA is supposed to return the difference to the owners, but the selling price is usually less than the impoundment fees. Pauline Whitesinger's bull, Rena Babbitt Lane's horse and Anna Begay's horse were all set to be sold at public auction. But the BIA returned these animals after we proved they acted in violation of the law. We need your help to stop the BIA from seizing animals that are legally permitted to graze and animals that are supposed to be safe inside corrals. The Dineh people are trying to comply with harsh restrictions imposed upon them, then the BIA too, must follow its own laws. Please demand the Department of the Interior issue an immediate moratorium on all livestock confiscations pending an investigation of the BIA's activities. Please understand the urgency of the crisis since a drought emergency has been declared and the BIA is threatening to continue an aggressive campaign of confiscating livestock. In order to protect these animals from being impounded, we need your financial support to continue providing hay and feed for corralled animals. Please help us with this humanitarian effort. The targets are elderly people who survive by herding sheep as their families have done for hundreds of years. Their livestock is the centerpiece of their daily lives in which their culture and religion are interwoven with their land and animals. Without livestock, the people lose their means of survival and their ability to maintain an independent lifestyle living in remote areas without electricity, running water, telephones, or assistance from the government. So please understand the urgency of the crisis and support the Dineh elders in any way you can. Thank you to Black Mesa Weavers for Land and Life for the hay, Violet and Joella Aishke Helen Bedonie Alice and Kee Z. Begay Anna Begay Ella Begay Glenna Begay Mazzie and Hosteen Nez Begay Sadie Begay Irene Benally John Benally Kee Benally Malcolm Benally Ruth Benally Ruby and Jesse Biakeddy Clarence Blackrock Ernest and Irene Claw Fannie Goy Julia Herbert Elvira Horserder Vina Horseherder Rena Babbitt and John Lane Amy Little Leta O'Daniel Katherine and Julian Smith Caroline and Bert Tohannie Pauline Whitesinger Jack Woody Arlene Yazzie Marsha Monestersky, Consultant HOW CAN YOU HELP: Please support the Livestock Feed Project, to help contact: Carol Halberstadt, Black Mesa Weavers for Life and Land, e-mail: carol@migrations.com OR Pepper Fernandez or Steve Sugarman, Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE), SDN's fiscal agent, e-mail: PepperClip77@aol.com Please send and fax letters to the responsible authorities. Range management should require efforts to restore the rangeland. Confiscation is not a solution. TO: Ms. Sharon Blackwell Acting Deputy Commissioner of Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Phone: (202) 208-7163 Fax: (202) 208-6334 PLEASE SEND COPIES TO: Tom Davis, Range Management Specialist US Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs Phoenix Area Agency Branch of Land & Water Resources P.O. Box 10 Phoenix, AZ 85001 Phone: (602) 379-6789 Fax: (602) 379-6835 Mr. Fred Chavez United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs Hopi Area Agency P.O. Box 158 Keams Canyon, AZ 86034 Phone: (520) 738-2249 Fax: (520) 738-5187 AND E-mail and send a copy to: Sovereign Dineh Nation P.O. Box 4013 Tuba City, AZ 86045 Phone/Fax: (520) 674-4479 E-mail: sdnmarsha@aol.com ------------------------- This is a BIGMTLIST post. To subscribe, send an email to BIGMTLIST-subscribe@topica.com For more information on this on-going human rights crisis in the United States, visit my web page at http://www.theofficenet.com/~redorman/pagea~1.htm To post to the list, email your message to redorman@theofficenet.com. --------- "RE: Crow Water Negotiations Near End" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 13:54:45 -0700 (PDT) From: "Martha Ture" Subj: Water negotiations near end under new Crow leadership Mailing List: TRIBALLAW (triballaw@thecity.sfsu.edu) Negotiations continue with new Crow leadership BILLINGS - Negotiations are continuing between the state and the Crow Tribe on a plan for stream flows and lake levels, but now with the tribe's new leadership. A water compact was negotiated under the leadership of Tribal Chairman Clara Nomee, who was defeated by Clifford Birdinground during elections this spring. During his campaign, Birdinground was critical of the compact and the negotiations. A deadline of June 17th, 2000, was set for negotiating a management plan for flows in the Bighorn River and reservoir levels in Bighorn Lake. The draft plan worked out between the tribe and state will be presented to the public Thursday at a meeting in Billings. It is expected to provide protection for Blue Ribbon fisheries below Yellowtail Dam, as the fisheries are considered to be a key factor in the local economy. http://www.msnbc.com/local/KULR/165067.asp --------- "RE: Human Rights Commission Investigating Complaint" --------- Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 12:39:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINT Canadian Aboriginal News Human Rights Commission Investigating Complaint By Northern Saskatchewan Man PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. (CP) The Canadian Human Rights Commission is investigating a complaint that an RCMP officer discriminated against aboriginal people in a northern Saskatchewan town. Colin Mann, the non-aboriginal owner of a small store in Ile-a-la-Crosse, said Cpl. Murray Drever told him he'd better get used to aboriginal people shoplifting because "that's just the way it is in these northern communities and that's the way these people are." Mann, whose wife is Metis, said the comments imply all aboriginal people are criminals. An internal RCMP investigation in March concluded Drever displayed an improper attitude while speaking with Mann. After the investigation, Drever apologized to Mann, the mayor of Ile-a-la Crosse Mayor and the town council. Heather Russell, a spokeswoman for the RCMP in Regina, said the Mounties would not comment on the human rights commission investigation. "It's their jurisdiction," said Russell. Drever couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday. Although a 140-name petition calling for Drever's removal was circulated earlier this year in Ile-a-la Crosse, the corporal is still in charge of the RCMP detachment. Mayor Max Morin said he and city council were satisfied with the officer's apology and did not feel he needed to be removed. "Everybody makes mistakes," said Morin, who is Metis. "Racism happens both ways." Morin said Mann's complaint to the human rights commission will just bring old wounds to the surface. Officials from the human rights commission couldn't be reached for comment. "Command News is a product of The Canadian Press" --------- "RE: 1st Bank Opens on Reservation" --------- Date: 6/5/00 2:27:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: kolahq@skynet.be (KOLA) Subj: 1st bank opens on reservation <+>=<+>KOLA Newslist<+>=<+> [from Lona. Thanks!] 1st bank opens on reservation Sun, 4 Jun 2000 http://www.billingsgazette.com/region/20000604_r3bank.html By TOM HOWARD Of The Gazette Staff The Northern Cheyenne Tribe and First Interstate Bank will celebrate the grand opening of First Interstate's new Lame Deer branch bank at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The first bank on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and only the third Montana bank to be located on an Indian reservation is expected to provide financial services for the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, which is home to about 6,000 people, according to supporters. The new Lame Deer branch also symbolizes a decade's worth of cooperation between the tribe and bank's parent company, Billings-based First Interstate BancSystem, supporters say. "The bank will open new doors for members of the Native American community who have never had their own community bank. The closest financial services are now in Colstrip and Ashland," said Maria Valandra, First Interstate BancSystem community development officer. "This means for the first time we have the opportunity to develop our local economy with a local financial institution. I think that it's so critical for Indian tribes to have local institutions," said Gail Small, executive director of Native Action, a nonprofit multi-issue organization on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Tom Scott, chief executive of First Interstate BancSystem, said opening the Lame Deer branch not only provides services to the reservation but also makes good business sense. "It's good business any time you cooperate. The bank is tangible evidence of what we are able to accomplish when we work together," Scott said. "We are very excited about serving Lame Deer and the surrounding communities," Scott said. "A lot of people helped make this possible, and it's a very special time for both First Interstate and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe." Barbara Braided Hair, a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, is branch manager of First Interstate's Lame Deer branch. She is inviting people to attend the grand opening celebration that will feature giveaways, drawings and a barbecue. The collaborative relationship between the banking company and the tribe has been a decade in the making, Small said. At one time, First Interstate and Native Action were at odds on whether the banking company was fulfilling an obligation to provide financial services on the reservation. In 1991, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System denied a proposed merger of First Interstate BancSystem of Montana and Commerce BancShares of Wyoming. The board decided that the Colstrip bank owned by First Interstate BancSystem wasn't adequately serving the credit needs of the reservation as required under the Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA requires financial institutions to meet the credit needs of all people, including low-income people and minorities, in the areas in which they operate. Small said Native Action's successful CRA challenge set national precedents, but it also set the stage for future cooperation between First Interstate and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. In 1992, First Interstate, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Native Action and other groups approved a cooperative agreement to increase lending and provide other services. It also set the stage for more cooperation. "Over the years, there has been a level of trust that has developed between our bank and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe," Scott said. He said Small has been instrumental in helping to pave the way for the Lame Deer branch bank. Among other things, Native Action helped revise legal codes so that the bank could operate within the reservation's legal system. Tom Scott, Valandra, and First Interstate BancSystem Foundation President Jim Scott will be featured speakers at Tuesday's grand opening. Other dignitaries will include Joe Walksalong Sr., president of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe; Norman Gourneau, vice president of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and First Interstate Advisory Board; and Small. --- Tom Howard can be reached at 657-1261 or by e-mail at: <+>=<+> KOLA Information: http://users.skynet.be/kola/index.htm KOLA Petitions: http://kola-hq.hypermart.net KOLA Greeting Cards: http://users.skynet.be/kola/cards.htm --------- "RE: Band Fights Development Outside Reserve" --------- Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 12:39:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BAND FIGHTS DEVELOPMENT" Band Fights Development Outside Reserve Animals growing scarce HEATHER SCOFFIELD The Globe and Mail Joseph Bighead First Nation, Sask. -- It's been at least a year and a half since Morris Littlespruce killed a moose. The slim, 54-year-old hunter and trapper used to haul in at least a couple of the animals every year to feed himself and his family on this reserve in northwest Saskatchewan. Lately, he's had to turn to small game, fish and store-bought hamburger instead. "There are no more animals there," he says, pointing into the spindly northern forest that surrounds his house on three sides. He has just come in from hunting, and leans his antique gun up against his muddy rubber boots and sighs. "Some of these good hunting spots -- now, we can't go in there because they are in the way." "They" are the natural gas and forestry companies, the provincial and federal governments and the non-aboriginal outfitters who are now the target of an aggressive and unique lawsuit launched by the Joseph Bighead First Nation. The band says the companies, governments and white hunters have destroyed the environment around the reserve. The band says the devastation is so great that its treaty is now worthless. It is suing to make them stop. The lawsuit has only just begun, but the implications are broad. At a local level, if the band of 700 people wins, the companies would have to pull out and the governments would have to place conservation and aboriginal concerns ahead of industrial development to enable the Joseph Bighead people to live a traditional life. On a wider, national level, a win could mean that governments must assure natives across Canada that their traditional hunting grounds are kept intact. The repercussions for natural resource companies and for land management in Canada could be enormous. "They've shone a spotlight on the issue of traditional aboriginal land use and the whole issue of natural resource development," said Rick Laliberte, the NDP member of Parliament for the area around the Bighead reserve. Only 50 years ago, the Joseph Bighead First Nation lived off the land, eating moose, fish, berries and roots, and using wild herbs for medication. Now, the troubled, impoverished Cree community is heavily dependent on welfare and poisoned by alcoholism, vandalism, mental and physical health problems and a sense of hopelessness. The reserve is dotted with boarded up, burned-out houses. The Littlespruces still have no running water piped into their house. "The government has stomped all over us when we kept saying 'No,' " says Mr. Littlespruce's wife, Sandi, who has just taken a break from skinning two beavers. "It's like a wild animal. You push him into a corner and he'll attack." The case builds on a recent Supreme Court of Canada victory won by John Sundown, a Joseph Bighead band member who was granted permission to keep his hunting cabin in the middle of the provincial park. The Supreme Court decision gave the band, and other natives, the right to establish settlements in traditional hunting territory -- recognizing treaty rights over resources and land outside reserve boundaries. Now, the Bighead reserve argues that its treaty signed with the Queen in 1876 has become meaningless. Under the treaty, Canada promised to make sure that the natives' way of life would be kept intact and that band members would be able to continue hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering as before. "We believe our treaty is a sacred agreement," Chief Ernest Sundown says. "For us, it means life." Canada has looked the other way while the province and industry have steadily encroached on the Joseph Bighead traditional way of life, the band argues. The lumber industry has taken out chunks of the forest and has plans to continue harvesting for the next 100 years. Seismic testing for natural gas sends tremors through the ground, and the testers cut straight paths through the bush that allow white hunters easy access to the animals in the fall. In a statement of claim filed earlier this year, the natives demanded that all forestry activity, oil and gas exploration and sport hunting and fishing stop immediately. They want compensation for all the damage done to their traditional hunting and trapping grounds in the past. And they want the province and Ottawa to come up with a solid plan to protect wildlife in the future. For Sandi and Morris Littlespruce, the treaty means they should be able to feed their family through hunting, trapping and picking wild berries and roots. They should be able to go off into the woods with their horses, track down a moose or two, and live in the bush for a few weeks every summer. They still try, but it's getting harder. They have to go further and further away to find game, and game is no longer the moose they grew up on. It's mainly deer -- considered small and second-rate -- geese or other birds as well as fish. And the medicinal plants that Mrs. Littlespruce used to find in the woods quite easily are scarcer. "They're trying to take everything away from us," Mr. Littlespruce says, explaining why the band was so exasperated and launched a lawsuit. The family lives a colourful mix of modern and traditional cultures. Behind the modest, vinyl-sided house is a large smoke rack handmade from thin logs, perching over a fire pit. After Mr. Littlespruce brings home the deer, geese, ducks or moose -- if he finds any -- his wife preserves the meat for months by smoking it on the rack. Many of the hunters at Joseph Bighead go hunting on modern all-terrain vehicles, but Mr. Littlespruce prefers to use a team of old horses that he lets run wild in the bush behind his house. Guiding him in his decisions is a haunting tale an elder told him when he was little. Government people were coming to talk to them, the elder said, and they would tell the natives they should get rid of their poverty by exploiting their rich land. Don't fall for it, the elder said. "The elders say protect it for your grandchildren," Mr. Littlespruce recalled. "And I will." Mr. Littlespruce's pledge, echoed by many in the Joseph Bighead band, is the driving force behind their aggressive lawsuit. They reject business and entrepreneurial efforts to make a living as harmful to the land. And they feel the lawsuit is the only way open to them to protect their traditional hunting grounds for future generations. Joseph Bighead's steadfast, spiritual dedication to protecting the land and preserving a traditional way of life has set the band apart from many other bands in the area. While others are also involved in quarrels with natural resource companies and with government over how to interpret treaties and agreements, Joseph Bighead goes further. The band refuses to belong to any organization, not even the Assembly of First Nations or the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Those groups are too willing to compromise with white people, and their treaties have become watered down as a result, Chief Sundown explains. "For us, money has never been an issue. If it had been, we would have settled, and been a member of the FSIN and so on," he said. "It's just not an issue here. Land is more important than money to us. . . . If we maintain this land and the animals in it, we can survive." The band clings to its traditional, spiritual beliefs. Sweat lodges, ceremonial dances and the worship and communication with nature are central. "That is our strong point, our spiritual beliefs. They are tied to the land," Chief Sundown says. "We don't want to be assimilated." Canadian Aboriginal News & Canadian Indian News are produced by Metis MultiMedia Inc. - 100% Aboriginally owned and operated. [compu smart] --------- "RE: More Trouble for the Salmon" --------- Date: Sun, 21 May 2000 21:31:22 -0700 From: Lona Subj: Tiger muskellunge catch worries fishery managers ( More trouble for the Salmon. Fisrt Gorton, now this) http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?o04 02_AM_OR--MuskyThreat&&news&newsflash-oregon The Associated Press 5/21/00 3:56 PM WEST LINN, Ore. (AP) -- The first documented catch of a predatory fish known as a "tiger musky" has raised concerns about a potential threat to salmon and steelhead in the Willamette River. Tiger muskies are freshwater fish, sterile hybrids between northern pike and muskellunge, or "musky." They're named for the distinctive striping on their sides and occur naturally in the wild. Neither species is native to Oregon, officials say, but they're raised at a Washington state hatchery and stocked in lakes to feed on so-called "scrap fish" such as pikeminnows and carp. Stocking Merwin Reservoir on the North Fork Lewis River system in 1997 is credited with dramatically improving that lake's kokanee fishing by reducing the pikeminnow population. But a tiger musky landed last week at a Willamette River boat ramp in Oregon City is the first time the fish has been documented in Oregon. The Willamette fish, caught Friday by Aaron Skillings of Oregon City, was 32 inches long and weighed 9.32 pounds. "It was a major fight, big time," said Skillings, 19, a biology major at Clackamas Community College and a member of the school's wrestling team. "The first time I saw it, I knew it was something different, but I didn't know what." Skillings took the fish to Fisherman's Marine and Outdoors in Oregon City, where a crowd immediately gathered and tentatively identified the catch. Then he went to the Clackamas office of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, where biologist Jimmy Watts used books and pictures to confirm the identity. Steve King, the ODFW Columbia River program manager, said he plans to talk about the catch with his Washington state counterparts. "They're not a neat thing to have loose in a salmon- and steelhead- bearing stream," King said of the musky. "When they were stocked, there was some real concern about them getting into the Columbia system, but we were assured they would not escape," King said. "If someone caught one, you have to wonder how many more are out there." The oldest population of tiger muskies was first stocked in Mayfield Lake, on the upper Cowlitz River, in 1988. They've become a popular sportfish in the lake, which yielded the Washington state record, 28.25 pounds, in 1995. Jack Tipping, a biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife who has shepherded the Mayfield and Merwin programs, said it's possible some muskies escaped from Washington waters during heavy winter runoff and floods and moved into the Willamette from the Columbia River. "I'm uncertain whether to claim it or not," Tipping said. "There's no way to know the source. You can buy them from vendors in the Midwest, and for all we know, someone could have purchased fingerlings and released them in a pond." Tipping said the tiger musky poses few problems for juvenile salmon and steelhead, despite its appetite for other fish. The musky doesn't swim in the kind of currents used by salmon and steelhead, and the species doesn't become very active until warm summer months, when it moves into 6 to 8 feet of water and feeds on pikeminnows and other scrap fish. The rest of the fall and winter it heads for deep water and eats very little. There have been rumors over the past few years of tiger muskies in the upper Willamette system near Eugene, but Jeff Ziller, state district fish biologist in Springfield, said he hasn't heard any reports. --------- "RE: Chiefs Reject Ski Resort Near Lillooet" --------- Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 12:39:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RESORT REJECTED" Canadian Aboriginal News Indian Chiefs Reject $500 Million Ski Resort Near Lillooet, British Columbia VANCOUVER (CP) A proposed $500-million ski resort about 150 kilometres north of Vancouver is in jeopardy following the plan's rejection by several area Indian chiefs. "Without First Nations support, it's very difficult to do this project," resort developer Al Raine said Tuesday. Raine and his wife Nancy Greene Raine have worked 10 years for permission to build the resort. "The message is, `Don't do business in B.C. on Crown land or you'll be held to ransom by First Nations in the area,"' Raine said. "It says they are in charge, not the government of B.C." Several chiefs in the area decided Sunday to reject the all-season resort, which would be built on Crown land in traditional St'at'imc territory between Pemberton and Lillooet. Resource and land use decisions within the area will be determined by St'at'imc law, the tribal council said in a news release. "`We don't want Melvin Creek to be developed into a ski resort," said Seton Lake chief Garry John, who is also chairman of the Lillooet tribal council. "There's been far too many developments in which we haven't been notified and there's no opportunity for us in this." Raine, who wants to build the resort in the Melvin Creek watershed about 55 kilometres southwest of Lillooet, said the development would provide plenty of economic benefits for natives. He said he will still seek an environmental assessment certificate, noting that the provincial environmental assessment review board recommendations go to the government on June 30 for consideration. Raine also said he believes the 3,000-member Mount Currie band, the largest band in the area, was not part of Sunday's decision by the tribal council. The Mount Currie band has shown interest in his proposal and might be more amenable to participating in the resort's development, he said. Stager was unavailable for comment, but band councillor Lyle Leo said the band has no comment until it has reviewed the matter. Raine said he offered to recognize the First Nations land claims at the same level as the province. "In other words, I'd pay them the same (annual) fees the province would be paid," he said. "It could (eventually) be $1 million a year." Environmentalists who have called on the provincial government to halt the development were happy with the tribal council's decision. "This is a complete rejection," said Will Koop of the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation, one of several environmental groups that say the resort would have a serious impact on wildlife, including grizzly bears and about 300 mountain goats. "It seems to be dead in the water." Raine, who said he has spent more than $1 million on the proposal since 1991, maintained the environmental impact will be minimal. If approved, the resort would be developed over 15 to 20 years with an estimated investment of $500 million, featuring 14 lifts and accommodation for about 14,000 people, including employees. "Command News is a product of The Canadian Press" --------- "RE: Canadian Mohawk Cop's Job with O'odham Issue" --------- Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 20:14:17 -0700 (MST) From: chris@Flamestrike.HACKS.Arizona.EDU Subj: Canadian Mohawk cop's job with O'odham a thorny issue (Fwd) - - - - - - -- - - - - - - http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/000612oodham.html Monday, 12 June 2000 Canadian Mohawk cop's job with O'odham a thorny issue By Joseph Barrios ARIZONA DAILY STAR A decision made 26 years ago by Russ Jock's mother is at the center of a legal question that will determine whether the Tohono O'odham Nation police officer can keep his job. The answer lies somewhere between the Arizona Revised Statutes and a 200-year-old treaty. Jock was hired by the Tohono O'odham Police Department and started working as a patrol officer in February 1999, although he was not yet certified as a peace officer in the state of Arizona. Jock, a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Nation straddling New York state and Canada, said his reasons for becoming a cop are simple. "I've always felt it was a very prestigious job. I know that it takes a certain amount of integrity and honesty," Jock said. "And I just like helping people and working with people, especially native people." But in October, the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board notified Jock that he did not qualify to be a peace officer in Arizona because he was not born in the United States and because he has not gone through the naturalization process. Jock doesn't believe he has to satisfy either criterion. The reason: The United States and Great Britain signed the Jay Treaty of 1794 to avoid another colonial war, in part by allowing for natives of the area to travel between what is now Canada and the United States, living and working where they choose. Federal immigration law adopted in 1952 and advisories from the U.S. Department of Education both state that Native Americans are entitled to certain benefits and services in the United States and can freely cross the U.S. border. Jock said the issue has never come up before. He grew up in the United States. So did his parents. He went to school and earned a criminal justice degree at a community college in New York state. Jock's mother, like many members of the nation, would simply cross the river into Cornwall, Ontario, to give birth to her children. "There wasn't even a question," Jock said. "When you have a baby, you go to Canada. That's where the better health care is." Colin Peabody, a compliance specialist with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, said the agency is simply following the letter of the law. Arizona law states that peace officers must be born in the United States or go through the naturalization process. "It's kind of a unique situation. We've had people come from Great Britain and Australia and normally we just tell them you have to be a United States citizen," Peabody said. "He's not an American citizen, at least by the normal channels." Before Arizona POST can certify a person as a peace officer, the applicant must meet minimum qualifications and training standards. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen and must not be under indictment for a crime. The second step involves meeting training standards by going through a training academy. Usually, police agencies will check the minimum requirements before the applicant is ever sent through the training academy. But Jock went through the academy and started patrolling for the police department before he was ever certified. Peabody said the governing board of Arizona POST has asked the state attorney general's office for an opinion on the matter but isn't even sure if that's the correct procedure for reconciling a federal treaty with state law. "We understand he's a good person," Peabody said. "It's a paperwork snafu." Capt. Richard Saunders of the Tohono O'odham Police Department said the department would be at a disadvantage if Jock is not certified. "If we lost him, it would be kind of unfortunate with us. We would love to retain him," Saunders said. "Officer Russ Jock is a highly motivated individual." Jock is still working for the department but is only allowed to enforce tribal laws. He is working now as a school resource officer. "He's developed excellent rapport with teachers, administrators and most of all the students," Saunders said. The department, with about 40 patrol officers, still needs to hire more than a dozen officers before it is fully staffed, Saunders said. Saunders said any decision by the attorney general's office also could have an impact on a 19-year-old Tohono O'odham Nation member who was born on the reservation in Mexico but who lives in Arizona. He said she also wants to become a police officer. Jock said he understands Arizona POST's position. It has to uphold the law as written. But he also hopes administrators will read the treaty and exercise the same discretion police trainees are taught at the academy. "We're taught every situation is different," Jock said. "You have to use some discretion and you have to use some common sense." Contact Joseph Barrios at 629-9412 or by e-mail at jbarrios@azstarnet.com --------- "RE: Prisoner Suicide" --------- Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 12:39:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename: "PRISONER SUICIDE" Saskatchewan Prisoner Suicide PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan A coroner's jury has come up with three recommendations in the case of Saskatchewan Penitentiary inmate who killed herself. Earla Stephanie Brass, a 28-year-old mother of five, was found hanging from a bedsheet in her cell on February 5th. She was taken to Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert where she was pronounced dead early the next morning. Jurors say women should no longer be incarcerated in penal institutions for men. They also say the institutions should incorporate more programming toward traditional aboriginal rehabilitation methods. As well, the jury decided western medicine and traditional healing should work together in case management. "Command News is a product of The Canadian Press" [compu smart] --------- "RE: CNN Peltier Stories" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 22:44:32 -0400 From: "Janet Smith" Subj: 2 CNN PELTIER STORIES 6/13/2000 Indian activist Peltier denied parole at hearing June 13, 2000 Web posted at: 12:42 PM EDT (1642 GMT) LEAVENWORTH, Kansas (AP) -- Leonard Peltier, the American Indian serving two life sentences for the fatal shootings of two FBI agents, was denied parole by a court officer after a hearing Monday. The parole examiner recommended that Peltier's sentence be continued until his next full parole hearing in 2008. The U.S. Parole Commission will review the recommendation and make a final decision. One of Peltier's attorneys, Carl Nadler, said at a news conference that the decision would be appealed. On June 26, 1975, FBI agents Ronald A. Williams and Jack R. Coler pursued a robbery suspect into the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. A shootout erupted with activists from the American Indian Movement, and the agents were first wounded, then shot in the head. Two suspects were acquitted and a third freed for lack of evidence. Peltier, after fleeing to Canada and being extradited to the United States, was convicted and sentenced to consecutive life terms in 1977, despite defense claims that evidence against him had been falsified. Peltier, 55, has suffered from health problems in recent years, including lockjaw, borderline diabetes and a series of small strokes. He also is said to be nearly blind in one eye. "He is being denied parole because he will not admit he shot the agents in the way the FBI says he did," said one of his attorneys, Jennifer Harbury. "He is being forced to admit to a crime he did not commit." Peltier, considered by many supporters to be a political prisoner, has drawn attention from domestic and international human rights activists. Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark said releasing Peltier would be a step toward reconciliation between the government and American Indians. Also supporting Peltier at the news conference were representatives of Amnesty International, the National Council of Churches and the Assembly of First Nations in Canada. Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. --------------------------------------- Peltier supporters lobby Clinton for executive clemency Peltier, the American Indian serving two life sentences for the fatal shootings of two FBI agents, was denied parole by a court officer Monday June 13, 2000 Web posted at: 6:15 p.m. EDT (2215 GMT) By Raju Chebium CNN Interactive Correspondent WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Leonard Peltier's supporters said Tuesday the ailing American Indian leader's failure to win parole is a great injustice and reiterated that he did not kill two FBI agents at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota on June 26, 1975. The FBI said the issue of whether Peltier killed agents Ronald A. Williams and Jack R. Coler has been settled decisively by the courts. David Williams, the FBI special agent for Wisconsin who has broad knowledge of the case, also noted that the Supreme Court has twice declined to consider the Peltier case, proving there was nothing legally wrong with the way his case was handled. On Monday, a parole examiner recommended that Peltier be held in prison until his next full parole hearing in 2008. The U.S. Parole Commission will review the recommendation, a process that could take months. Peltier, 55, is being held at the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas. In 1977, he was sentenced to two life in prison terms. "What it boils down to is he will not be released unless he confesses to a crime he did not commit," said Jennifer Harbury, one of Peltier's attorneys. "It's probably the worst civil rights case facing the U.S. government right now." Williams said it is normal for clemency petitions to be submitted to the White House in the final months of a presidency. He said Peltier's supporters may be increasing their lobbying efforts, mindful that this is President Clinton's final year in office. "There is a certain timing issue here that can't be ignored," he said. Shootout at Pine Ridge Peltier was one of four American Indians accused in the killings of Williams and Coler in the summer of 1975, after a shootout erupted between the agents and American Indian Movement activists. The shootout resulted after the agents pursued a robbery suspect into the Pine Ridge reservation where AIM delegates were attending a conference. Harbury said the shootings took place against the backdrop of two years of violence and harassment at Pine Ridge. Harbury said the harassment was widely believed to have been the work of "vigilantes" working for a tribal leader who was in league with the FBI. A series of deaths on the reservation also contributed to a climate of fear and tension during the conference, Harbury said. Many believed the FBI was somehow connected to the deaths of some 60 American Indians, she said. So when the FBI came barging in, AIM members believed they were the targets, she said. In the ensuing gun battle, the agents were first wounded, then shot at point-blank range in the head. One American Indian also died. Two suspects were acquitted in 1976 by a jury that found they fired at the agents in self-defense. A third was freed for lack of evidence in the bid to catch the agents' killer. Peltier, who had fled to Canada after the shootings, was extradited, tried, convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms in 1977. His conviction came amid widespread accusations that the FBI had coerced witnesses, used perjured testimony and suppressed evidence at the trial. Peltier has suffered from health problems in recent years, including borderline diabetes and a series of small strokes. He is also said to be nearly blind in one eye. His case has generated international attention, with several European governments, former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu Tum, actor Robert Redford and other Hollywood celebrities demanding his release. Supporters' accusations and the FBI's answers Harbury accused the FBI of having fabricated evidence to convict an innocent man and a well-known activist in hopes of destabilizing the American Indian Movement, a civil-rights group. The Pine Ridge shootings occurred at a time when the FBI was actively targeting minority-rights groups, saying they posed a threat to national interests and security, she charged. She pointed to what she called many bogus claims by the FBI, saying even the prosecutor in the case has said repeatedly that he does not know for certain that Peltier was the triggerman. Harbury further alleged that ballistics reports showed the bullets that killed the agents could not have come from Peltier's gun. Williams said two eyewitnesses testified that Peltier was the only American Indian with a gun that could fire the type of bullets that killed the agents. He also said Peltier was known to have a violent past, citing the activist's arrest on charges of attempting to kill a Milwaukee police officer in 1972; Peltier was found not guilty of that charge. Williams added that Peltier himself has admitted to firing at the agents, citing Peltier's 1981 interview with the CBS News program "60 Minutes." Peltier's supporters have acknowledged that they are lobbying President Clinton to issue an executive clemency. The FBI has said it opposes clemency for a man convicted of killing two of its own. Peltier's words In an October 1999 open letter to his supporters, Peltier wrote: "many years of my life ... have been stolen from me. I know that my own persecution has become a symbol of the persecution all of our people face everyday." "But, I have not given up hope for freedom," he wrote. "Today I am asking you to stand up and represent me and everything I am so proud of." The Associated Press contributed to this report. ---- RELATED STORIES: For more LAW news, myCNN.com will bring you news from Janet Smith Owlstar Trading Post http://www.owlstar.com --------- "RE: Peltier Urgent Action" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 12:26:58 -0500 From: "LPDC" Subj: URGENT ACTION Mailing List: LPDC Dear Friends, Below is an urgent action protesting Leonard Peltier's denial of parole. Please stay alert for further information regarding the campaign for executive clemency. We are now at the most urgent stage of this year's campaign. Plan to be in Washington DC on October 27 to demonstrate this injustice. Thank you for your ongoing support. Time to dust ourselves off, and forge ahead. In Solidarity, The LPDC URGENT ACTION : PELTIER CASE PROTEST PRELIMINARY DENIAL OF PAROLE Yesterday, June 12, 2000 a parole hearing for Mr. Leonard Peltier was conducted at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Mr. Peltier attended, together with his attorneys, Carl Nadler, Jennifer Harbury and Ramsay Clark. Despite the extraordinary presentation of evidence as to his eligibility, described below, Mr. Peltier was denied parole before the hearing officer had even read the materials offered. The decision will still be considered by the U.S. parole commissioners in Washington D.C. before the denial is finalized. However, it is abundantly clear that there will be no release, no matter how uniquely eligible Mr. Peltier may be, unless he confesses to a crime he did not commit. AN ARBITRARY, IRRATIONAL AND CAPRICIOUS DENIAL OF PAROLE IS A DUE PROCESS VIOLATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION. A DECISION TO DENY PAROLE BEFORE THE EVIDENCE IS EVEN READ OR CONSIDERED IS A DENIAL OF A FAIR HEARING AND CONSTITUTES A DUE PROCESS VIOLATION OF THE US CONSTITUTION AS WELL. A DENIAL OF PAROLE IN ORDER TO FORCE MR. PELTIER TO CONFESS TO A CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT IS A DUE PROCESS VIOLATION AS WELL. PLEASE CALL JANET RENO'S OFFICES AND COMMENT : THE MAIN SWITCHBOARD NUMBER IS 202 514-2000 ALSO : WHITE HOUSE SWITCHBOARD 202-456 1414 CONGRESSIONAL SWITCHBOARD 202-224-3121 WHAT WAS PRESENTED AT THE HEARING : 1. 10,000 letters from supporters around the world, all from the last three months 2. Scores of letters from Nobel Peace Laureates, National and International religious networks, human rights luminaries such as Amnesty International, Coretta Scott King, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the Kennedy Memorial Center on Human Rights. 3. Scores of Tribal resolutions demanding Mr. Peltier's immediate release. 4. A multi page listing of Mr. Peltier's humanitarian work from behind bars, including sponsorship of a Native American scholarship program, an annual Christmas drive for the children of Pine Ridge, the adoption of children in Central America, and the establishment of a prisoner art program, among many other praiseworthy activities and contributions. 5. A multi page medical evaluation from a doctor affiliated with Physicians for Human Rights, detailing his deteriorating medical conditions including his diabetes and blood pressure problems, the inadequate medical care at Leavenworth, and the potential complications, including kidney failure and blindness. 6. Eight employment, social services and housing offers from across the United States and Canada. 7. Statements of support from and request for his release from representatives of the National Congress of American Indians as well as the Assembly of First Nations. 8. A character reference and call for healing from a survivor from the Reign of Terror. 9. Calls for his immediate and unconditional release from representatives from Amnesty International and the Interfaith League of Political Prisoners, an affiliate of the National Council of Churches. The parole hearing officer received some of these materials, told us to mail him the rest, and declined to even read the medical evaluation or the other written materials. His key issue was the fact that Leonard's version of the events that day do not square with the FBI version, for which he was convicted. CONCLUSIONS : 1. Mr. Peltier did not receive a serious or fair hearing on his parole request. 2. Mr. Peltier is more qualified for parole than almost any other prisoner. Yet he will not be given parole unless he confesses to a crime that he did not commit. That fact that he was denied a fair trial and that false testimonies were used to convict him, and that a critical ballistic test showing his innocence was withheld, will not be taken into consideration. Nor will the fact that even the U.S. Attorney now admits that no one knows who pulled the trigger. PLEASE CALL WASHINGTON....WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!! Call the White House Comments Line Today Demand Justice for Leonard Peltier! 202-456-1111 Leonard Peltier Defense Committee PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-5774 www.freepeltier.org To subscribe, send a blank message to < lpdc-on@mail-list.com > --------- "RE: 25 Years Since The Incident At Oglala" --------- Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 10:42:25 -0500 From: "LPDC" Subj: Press Advisory Oglala Mailing List: LPDC Dear Friends, Below is the press advisory for the June 26 and 27 Oglala gathering. You may forward it to your local media contacts if you whish. Thank you. --LPDC June 26, 2000 Will Mark 25 Years Since The Incident At Oglala Local Residents of Pine Ridge Call For Truth, Reconciliation, and Freedom For Leonard Peltier CONTACT: ROBERT QUIVER, COORDINATOR OF THE LAKOTA STUDENT ALLIANCE (605) 867-1507 tatankanajin@hotmail.com WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE WHERE: OGLALA, SOUTH DAKOTA, JUMPING BULL PROPERTY WHEN: JUNE 26, 2000 AT 11:00AM WHO: JEAN DAY, NILAK BUTLER, NORMAN BROWN, DINO BUTLER, EDGAR BEAR RUNNER, ROSLYNN JUMPING BULL AND BRUCE ELLISON WHY: June 26, 2000 will mark 25 years since a shoot-out at Oglala on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation would culminate in the deaths of two FBI agents and one member of the American Indian Movement. Still today, a quarter century later, the incident remains vivid in the hearts and minds of all who were affected. On June 26, 2000 members of the American Indian Movement who resided on the Jumping Bull Ranch where the incident occurred, and local residents of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, will gather in Oglala to call for healing. This will be the first time many have seen each other or discussed the incident since it occurred. In the early morning, ceremonies will be held for AIM member Joseph Killsright Stuntz and FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams, all of whom were killed during the fatal shoot-out. Jean Day, an AIM member who lived on the ranch, invited the families of the agents to the ceremonies. "They share a common grief with us. We too lost many of our loved ones during that time. We are not enemies," she said. Between 1973 and 1976, 64 people affiliated with the American Indian Movement were murdered, but virtually no prosecutions were brought against those responsible. Those participating in the gathering are asking that the loss of their loved ones also be recognized so that reconciliation can begin. They say that the tragic deaths of the FBI agents were amongst numerous tragedies that occurred during the era, mostly against local traditionalists. They are also asking for the release of Leonard Peltier who has served some 24 years for the deaths of the agents despite the government's admittance that they do not know who shot them. His release they say, would be the first step in balancing the scales of justice and closing a chapter of history wrought with conflict. Those participating will attend strategy meetings to develop ways to bring both truth and reconciliation to what was a very violent and turbulent time on Pine Ridge. "You will find that governments all over the world, from South Africa to Germany, are admitting past mistakes in an effort to bring peace and closure to prior conflicts," said Bruce Ellison, former Wounded Knee Legal Offense/Defense Committee attorney, "now we are asking the US government to do the same." Call the White House Comments Line Today Demand Justice for Leonard Peltier! 202-456-1111 Leonard Peltier Defense Committee PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-5774 www.freepeltier.org To subscribe, send a blank message to < lpdc-on@mail-list.com > --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Mon, 19 June 2000 20:55:07 -0500 From: "Janet Smith" Subj: Prisoners' Pen Pal List Tell a Native American Prisoner someone cares! The following is a portion of the list of Native American Prisoners incarcerated in prisons throughout the United States. The full list is found at the Native Prisoners Pen Pal list the following web site: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/9118/penpal.html. The list is compiled from contributions by Wotanging Ikche readers, other friends and from Laura Brooks' research on Native American Spiritual Freedom in Prison. If you know of a Native prisoner who would like to be included here, please e-mail Janet Smith at jansatlcom.net@mindspring.com. My thanks to Laura Brooks for giving this list a home on the web. -- - - - Henderson, Phillip Wayne Holbrook, George #D-36152 #267-889 PO Box 4000 PO Box 69 Vacaville, CA 95646-4000 London, OH 43140-0740 Ancestry: Seneca (Iroquois) Date of Birth: 4/1/74 Ancestry: Cherokee Hicks, Harold D. E.F. 368485-01-83, Horner, Paul Franklin Calhoun Corr. Institute #240-070 P.O. Box 249, PO Box 511 Morgan, GA 31766 Madison, OH Date of Birth: 7/7/67 Hines, Steven Allen Ancestry: Cherokee #295-895 PO Box 511 Hollek, Gerald Frank Columbus, OH 43216 #E05319-A-2-203 Date of Birth: 1/25/67 PO Box 1050 Ancestry: Wyandotte Soledad, CA 93960-1050 Date of Birth: 6/3/54 Hollek, Jay E.O. Ancestry: Choctaw #5319-A-Z-205, P.O. Box 1050, Hundley, Gary Wayne Salinas Valley State Prison, #260-427 Soledad, CA, 93960-1050 PO Box 69 London, OH 43140 Hunt, Henry Lee Date of Birth: 5/18/64 #0197656 Ancestry: Cherokee 1300 Western Blvd Raleigh, NC 27606 -- - - - New! Native American Prisoners' Penpal Network: http://members.tripod.com/~foltz.k/pages/atlantahome.html Right now, it contains applications submitted by native inmates of the USP Atlanta federal prison with the high hopes of obtaining pen pals and communication with the outside world. Most, if not all, these men, are incarcerated very far from home, isolated, and away from their families and contact. Remember, when contacting an inmate, if you want to send something to them, make sure ahead of time what can and cannot be sent. Items such as money, stamps, tobacco, sage, etc. cannot. Some items have to be designated for group use rather than individual, so please be sure to check ahead of time. Keep them in your prayers and let them know they are NOT forgotten. Janet Smith Yufala Star Clan of the Muskogee Creek Owlstar Trading Post -- www.owlstar.com --------------------------------- Please especially remember - this is the "Year of Leonard". Leonard Peltier #89637-132, Box 1000, Leavenworth, KS 66052 --------------------------------- Write Eddie Hatcher directly at North Carolina Central Prison: Eddie Hatcher, 1300 Western Blvd., Raleigh --------------------------------- Standing Deer's new address: Robert H. Wilson #640289, Estelle Unit, 264 FM 3478, Huntsville, TX 77320-3322 --------- "RE: A Hundred Years Ago" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 00:42:44 -0400 From: Barbara Landis Subj: 4/27/1900 INDIAN HELPER Mailing List: NAT-FILM [Editorial Note: These reprints are being included in this newsletter so that you might know the mind of those who ran institutions like Carlisle.] THE INDIAN HELPER ~%^%~ A WEEKLY LETTER -FROM THE- Indian Industrial School, Carlisle, Pa. ================================================ VOL. XV. FRIDAY, April 27, 1900 NUMBER 26 ================================================ A ROBIN'S EGG. ---- Only think of it - love and song; The passionate joy of the summer long; Martins and vespers, ah! how sweet; A nest to be in the village street; A red breast flashing in happy flight,- Life's full ecstasy and delight Thrilling God's minstrel through and through - All of them packed in this egg of blue! Would you believe it, holding dumb Lime and pigment twixt finger and thumb? Would you think there was love within Walls so brittle and cold and thin? Such a song as you heard, last night. Thrilling the grove in the sunset light! -[JAMES BUCKHAM. in Sunday School Times. ================== [photo] General John H. Eaton, Ex-Commissioner of Education ---------------- WILD INDIANS I HAVE KNOWN. II. ---- My nearest neighbors in the Indian village on the Missouri river were two sisters who lived alone, and the younger of whom, although more than thirty years old, had never been married. This is a very unusual circumstance among the Indians; so much so, that Miss Bird, (if we may translate her name literally,) was said to be the only veritable "old maid" in the tribe! However this may be, it is certain that the proverbial traits of her class were written all over her delicate, sharp-featured face and slight, erect figure. I am not sure but that they were written as well over the double log cabin, with a rude arbor by way of veranda, which domiciled this feminine household! Their housekeeping, both indoors and out - and Indian housekeeping is largely out of doors - was really immaculately neat. The yard was swept as clean as a floor, and all debris consumed by frequent bonfires. The blankets were aired daily in fine weather, and afterwards folded and arranged with perfect precision. Miss Bird was exceedingly industrious, and was known far and wide by the fame of her exqusite embroideries with the dyed quills of the porcupine and the more modern beads. The dolls and trinkets which she manufactured for sale commanded the highest prices. The sisters possessed considerable property, such as horses and extra robes and fine clothing, and their virtuous and independent lives commanded general respect. They became in time very friendly and pleasant neighbors, but could never be persuaded to come to church or to sewing society. Both were, in their ideas and habits, immovably conservative. Whatever may be the characters among pagan Indians are least accessible to missionaries. The elder sister, whose poetic name was Dawn of Day, was a childless widow - quieter, softer-voiced, and more matronly-looking than her companion. Miss Bird had a sharp tongue of her own, and was particularly fond [continued page 4] ================================================= (page 2) THE INDIAN HELPER ------------------------------------------------ PRINTED EVERY FRIDAY --AT THE-- Indian Industrial School, Carlisle, Pa., BY INDIAN BOYS. ---> THE INDIAN HELPER is PRINTED by Indian boys, but EDITED by The Man-on-the-band-stand who is NOT an Indian. ------------------------------------------------ Price: -- 10 Cents per Year ================================================ Entered in the P.O. at Carlisle as second class mail matter. ================================================ Address INDIAN HELPER, Carlisle, Pa. Miss M. Burgess, Supt. of Printing. ================================================ Do not hesitate to take the HELPER from the Post Office for if you have not paid for it some one else has. It is paid for in advance. ================================================ That tired feeling often comes from not taking proper care of self. Hugh Sousea, (Carlisle '94) who holds the position of disciplinarian at Santa Fe Indian school, sends in his subscription to the HELPER and Red Man. Every ex-student of our school and everybody in the Indian service should take the latter. Progressive people desire above all things to be well informed in their own line of work. Fanny Harris '00, writes Miss Senseney that she has charge of the small boys at Cantonment, Oklahoma, and is enjoying her work immensely. After leaving here, she spent three happy weeks with her mother and two married sisters, each of whom has a home of her own. On her way to Cantonment she stopped at Darlington and saw Amelia Clark, Joseph Black Bear, Naomi Wilson, and lastly Mabel Buck Block and her baby girl. She sends her love to all her friends, and we know they are many. We are indebted to Dr. George Bird Grinnell, who was a recent visitor to the school, for a complimentary copy of his latest book, "The Indians of Today," The volume is a very handsome one, effectively illustrated with Rinehart's photographs of living Indians, and contains chapters on the reservation life, Indian character, Indain education, and a very informative summary of present condition at each of the existing Indian agencies. It is a book that every one interested in Indians will like to own. "The Indians of Today" will be reviewed at length in a forthcoming number of the Red Man. (Herbert S. Stone Co., Chicago, $5.00). Miss Richenda Pratt is having a hard struggle with the grippe, at Wilson College; but her sister, Miss Nana, who is nursing her, expects to bring her home in a day or so. Several of the party of girls who went out last week have written to friends at the school expressing their satisfaction with their new homes. Several are sure they have been assigned to the very best place there is. Society visitors are frequently careless about meeting their engagements. We invite them to consult the visiting schedule. This plan of systematic visiting is showing good results in bettering the society work, and all should feel it a pleasant duty to help. We are pleased to see the interest which the boys are showing in track athltetics. There is no reason why, with the amount of undeveloped material there is in the school, we should not with proper training turn out a track team capable of proving more than an "ice wagon after a comet. The main trouble with this sport, as with most others in school, is, that if a fellow doesn't think he is a star performer and can beat anything in sight, he won't come out and train. Boys, "get together" and help keep up the interest, don't let a few fellows do it all! Base Ball Schedule for 1900. Sat. April 7th, University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia; lost 6 to 7. Wednesday, April 11th, Mercersburg at Mercersburg; lost 11 to 12. Thursday, April 12th, Syracuse here; won 7 to 5. Wednesday, April 18th, Lebanon Valley College at Lebanon; tie 4 to 4. Saturday, April 21st, Cornell at Ithaca; lost 13 to 4. Thursday, April 26th, our second team at Mercersburg. Thursday, May 3rd, Susquehanna, here. Sat., May 5th, Mercersburg, here. Sat., May 12th, Albright, here. Wed., May 16th, Lehigh at South Bethlehem. Sat., May 19th, Albright at Myerstown. Sat., May 26th, Bucknell at Lewisburg. Tuesday, May 29th, Gettysburg, here. Wed., May 30th, Pennsylvania R.R.Y.M.C.A. at Philadelphia. Sat., June 2, Lafayette at Easton. Sat., June 9, Gettysburg at Gettysburg. Wed., June 13th, State at State. ================================================ (p 3) Lawn mowers at work. School exhibition Thursday night. "Keep off the grass" signs have disappeared. The willows and cottonwoods are first to put on their summer attire. Mr. Dagenett took a flying trip to Washington on business this week. Miss Paull has an interesting colony of tadpoles in process of development. Miss Luckenbach has been visiting frineds in Bethlehem, preparatory to taking leave of us in the east for a season. Mrs. DeLoss has returned after a two days absence. She was called to Washiginton by the death of a relative. Miss Margaret Scott King of Chambersburg and Miss Beckwith of Pittsburg, were visitors to the school on Wednesday. There are at present 218 girls in quarters and 210 in country homes. It is expected that over forty will go out May 3. Our baseball team was defeated by Cornell last Saturday. Score 13-4. The second team played Mercersburg yesterday. Walks to the Grove are frequent; the girls have put their wheels in order, and the grounds begin to have a summer-like appearance. Dr. Eastman came in Sunday night, having seen about thirty boys, all of whom he found in good homes and giving good satisfaction. Grace Thumbo came from Morristown last week and has been in the hosptial with inflammatory rheumatism since her return. She is improving. Miss Cochran is back with her class again. Her pupils are delighted; although they appreciate the earnest work done for them during her absence. Miss McIntyre, who has been ill for the last week, is sitying up today, surrounded by the most beautiful flowers, the offerings of her many friends. The Teachers' Club has been greatly edified by a clever literary conundrum distributed by Misses Bowersox and Hill, which kept all the boarders guessing for two days. It is delightful to see so many "harbingers of spring" find their way into the school-room, in the shape of flowers, plants, twigs with awakening buds, and so on. "Readin,' Ritin', and Rithmetic" must be, and must be well done; but the school that stops there has not begun education. We want power of observation, of thought, of expression, awakened sympathies with life and the things about us. James Flannery, cornet, Robert Bruce, euphonium, the two soloists of the band, both played solos in their usual effective style at the concert on the band-stand Tuesday evening. Supervisor Dickson of the Third District Indian schools, called Wednesday on his way to Colorado and the West. He was accompanied by Mrs. Dickson. Mr. Dickson understands the printer's trade from the case up to the editor's desk, and says he never worked harder in his life than as a boy in a printing office at $1.00 per week. While the first and second baseball teams are hard at work these evenings, practicing on the athletic field - the shop teams and company teams are struggling for supremacy on the old field back of the school house. Home runs, over throws, playing "marbles" with baseball, hitting the wind, catching "flies," sliding to first, crooked umpiring - all go in as part of the game. The Standard-Invincible reception last week was a very pleasant affair. The officers of the two societies received their guests, who afterward played games at little tables scattered about the room, while some promenaded the balcony to the music of the band. Refreshments were served later, and the occasion was pronounced more enjoyable than the large sociables, because less crowded and the conversation more general. We felt sorry for the large party of girls and teachers who went to the mountains for arbutus Saturday afternoon, when a gentle but steady reain set in and lasted for the better part of the afternoon. They returned, however, in high spirits, with quantities of the Puritan flowers, and had evidently enjoyed the excursion, if it was a trifle damp! The Senior girls and Miss Weekley's class, with several of the employees, made up the party. Miss Mollie V. Gaither, who was with us for a time, and is now Superintendent of the Umatilla Boarding School, Umatilla, Oregon, was here several days on her way to Washington. She brought five pupils for Carlisle. Miss Gaither has now one hundred children under her charge, of whom 75 are full Indians, and thirty of this number are under six yars of age. She considers the kindergarten department to be one of the most successful features of her work. As these Indians are citizens, and receive no help from the Government except in the way of education, the attendance at her school is entirely voluntary. An interesting interview with Miss Gaither will appear in the May Red Man. ======================================================== of descanting upon the faults and follies of the men! There was a romance about her youth; a tradition, I know not how accurate, that there had once been among her many suitors one especially favored. The story ran that while out hunting one day with the younger brother of his sweetheart he accidentally shot and killed him. This terrible misfortune the maiden visited not only upon her lover but upon all mankind, for ever after she positively refused to accept a husband. On the opposite bank of the "Smoking Earth" river there dwelt a tall and stately Indian whose curious name had been rudely translated "Little Forked Tail." The reference was to the tail of the swallow, so he was really called after that bird. He had a fine aquiline profile and a manner of considerable dignity. These facts impressed us upon his first introduction of himself, on the morning school opened, as father of two of the strangest-looking little boys we had ever seen, dressed in new suits of clothes several sizes too big for them, with uncombed elf-locks and the accumulated dirt of several months apparently uhntouched upon their hands and faces. They were blue with cold and looked terribly frightened as well; but he presented them to us with paternal pride, seeming quite unconscious of their grotesque and pathetic appearance. The outer boy was soon modified to a surprising extent by a bath and a haircut - strange ceremonies porposed by us, and courteously permitted by Little Forked Tail - and a handsome little fellow, while the other was dreadfully disfigured by a hare lip. The one proved to be clever and conceited; his brother painfully awkward and shy. We soon learned to respect the father for his conscientious efforts to treat his sons with absolute impartiality, while it was evident that the one wounded as much as the other flattered his pride. His concern for their education was great, and to it he was willing to make considerable sacrifices. Either he or the mother of the boys brought them to school every day - a walk of three miles, with a stream to cross which was not bridged save by the ice in mid-winter. At certain seasons the passage could only be made by leaping from block to block of ice, or by wading waist-deep in the ice-cold water. All this the devoted parents accomplished; carrying one boy at a time and returning for the second. The mother would often remain at the school all day, and take the children home at its close. And these were genuinely "wild Indians!" A FAVORITE PET AMONG THE INDIANS. ----------------- Very little credit has ever been given the raccoon for its cunning or sagacity, and seemingly they are valued alone for their fur, but a careful study of their habits will prove them quite intelligent. A friend possesses a pet coon that for reasoning power and good sense certainly surpasses a great many animals. Because of the coon's particular relish for chickens, he is kept chained to a stake driven in the ground, but even with this precaution he has been known to outwit his owner. He is fond of corn, and will shell it from the cob, then sprinkle it all around him, and when the young chickens come up to get a share, he waits until one is within easy reach, and quickly he has it in his paws. One peculiarity of this raccoon is that he will not pick up anything so long as he is looking at it, but with his eyes roving all about, he reaches out and blindly gains possession of the coveted object, and has never been known to miss his aim. One day an egg was placed where he could almost touch it by lying down and stretching out the full length of his chain. For a long time he sought in every way to secure it, but in vain. At last, as if the happy thought had just come to him, he turned around with his tail toward the egg, and by stretching out he could reach it with his hind feet and pull it within the grasp of his paws, after which he broke the shell by striking it upon the ground and ate it with a great deal of satisfaction. -[Pets and Animals. ================ Engima. I am made of fifteen letters. My 3, 4, 5 is out of health. My 8, 2, 3, 4, 7 is good for food. My 15, 12, 7 is sometimes called the source of life. My 15, 13, 4, 7, 8 is what we are apt to dread in the summer time. My 1, 10, 12, 15, 13 is what it is not always safe to do. My 11, 14, 8 is frequently a nuisance. My 7, 3, 6, 5 is necessary to men of several trades. My 2, 4, 11 is what Adam lost. My 5, 4, 9, 2 is distrusted by everybody. My 8, 2, 6, 13 is an excellent quality in a man. My whole is a universal favorite at this season of the year. --------- ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S ENIGMA: Rainy weather. =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The Carlisle Indian School Research pages are located at http://www.epix.net/~landis with links to contact information for the National Archives, history of the school (1879-1918), bibliographies and more. This paper transcribed by Barbara Landis, blandis@epix.net from the collections of the US Military History Institute, Carlisle PA. --------- "RE: If I Were Born Back Then" --------- Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 20:22:40 GMT From: "rustywire" Subj: If I were born back then... Newsgroup: alt.native I dreamed a dream not so long ago it was maybe yesterday or the day before I layed down to rest and closed my eyes when I awoke, I stood on as a an old Indian way up high I did go and on the ridge above I looked down and could see a sea of blue who are you, the faces light and hair fair I knew them, but yet I was not the same Come my brothers, I said to the people below these men that come this way in the color of blue will change out lives forever and there is nothing nothing now I can do that would change yesterday these men bring with them a strange way of life you will like it and hate it at the same time I would like to tell you but it is more than I can say I can see my hands and they are the same but in my eyes I can see that I know what the future holds listen my brothers, what to say, I don't know we have to go, no we have to stay if we go, they will get to us someday so it is with life, our native way of life will disappear if we stay, then we learn about them and so we will find that we are no one, just another people to go and leave this land, our life and places of the heart I find I can not change history nor all the things that have gone before I wake up and I am back and there it is there is nothing more to talk, to say if I had known things would be unchanged but having these dreams and of going back there is nothing that can be done, it has already come and gone let me dream of tomorrow and what will come give the strength to these two hands to handle tomorrow to shape it, form it and find a place in this world where I can stand as a Native looking forward to a better life give me hopes and dreams so that I can go on let me make those dreams live so that I can survive to go on --------- "RE: Poem: My Fathers Hands Were Strong" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 16:36:59 -0400 From: Biah Yazzie Seminole Subj: my fahters hands MY FATHERS HANDS WERE STRONG..... I REMEMBER SEEING HIM STAND AMONG HIS SUNFLOWERS.... PROUD THEY HAD GROWN SO TALL... ONES, HE HAD PLANTED WITH HIS OWN HANDS.... I REMEMBER SEEING HIM REACH OUT TO HIS WIFE... SQUEEZING HER HAND..... REASSURING HER, WHILE HE LAY SICK IN THE HOSPITAL..... I SAW HIS HANDS LIFT MY SISTER HIGH UP AND SWING HER IN THE AIR.... HOLDING HER TIGHTLY AS SHE LAUGHED WITH DELIGHT.... THOSE HANDS THAT WERE ALWAYS BUSY.... THOSE HANDS THAT ALWAYS HAD A SPLINTER OR CUT FROM HARD WORK.... AND DIRT UNDER HIS FINGERNAILS FROM DIGGING IN THE GOOD EARTH.... I SAW THOSE HANDS TREMBLE WHEN HE LEARNED OF HIS GRANDSON'S DEATH.... I SAW THOSE HANDS EMBRACE MY BROTHER TO TRY AND COMFORT HIM THROUGH THE LOSS.... I REMEMBER HIS HANDS CAREFULLY HOLDING THE REINS OF HIS HORSE AS HE TAUGHT THE LITTLE ONES HOW TO RIDE..... AND I LAUGHED AS HE LEAD CHILDREN AROUND ON HIS HORSE THAT HE HAD ALL DECKED OUT FOR CHRISTMAS...LIGHTS..HAT.. AND ALL... THOSE HANDS THAT HELD HIS CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WERE THE HANDS OF A MAN THAT LOVED HIS FAMILY....HIS FRIENDS....HIS FAITH...HIS LIFE.... BUT THE GREATEST STRENGTH I EVER SAW IN MY FATHERS HANDS WAS WHEN HE WOULD LIFT HIS HEAD... RAISE HIS HANDS TOWARD THE SKY.... AND GIVE THANKS FOR ALL HIS BLESSINGS.... THOSE WERE MY FATHERS HANDS.... RABIAH YAZZIE SEMINOLE MAY 25TH, 2000 --------- "RE: Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 06:30:47 -1000 From: Debbie Sanders Subj: Hawaiian Book of Days A HAWAIIAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of June 25-July 1 IUNE (June) (Kaaona) 25 Cherish three things above all else: the life of the land, the well-being of the spirit, and the love of those friends who are dearest to us. 26 Be one with the winds, and give your spirit wings! 27 The gifted storyteller brings the past to life. 28 In the chant of the ages lies the secret heart of the people. 29 The mountains stand like sentinels above my valley. 30 All space and time live within me. IULAI (July) (Hinaiaeleele) July was the month in which the ohia fruit began to ripen. 1 I am the moon's child, born of starlight and dewfall. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sanders Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: Upcoming Events" --------- Date: Sun, 18 June 2000 15:39:14 -0 From: Gary Smith (gars@netcom.com) Subj: Upcoming Events Date: Mon, 1 May 2000 07:25:08 -0700 From: Nancy Thomas Subj: July 4th - Full Circle Celebration of Native America Mailing List: Paths-L MA-NA-TA-KA EVENT: FULL CIRCLE CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICA DATE: Friday June 30th,2000 ~ 4 th of July weekend! PLACE: The Convention Center, Manataka, Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park. For thousands of years, the people of the land made pilgrimages to MA-NA-TA-KA, The Place of Peace, The Valley of the Vapors, The Great Gathering Place, The Place of the Healing Waters, Home of the Rainbow Woman. According to researchers, over 34 language groups traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to meet in great councils at Manataka. The sights they beheld were unbelievably beautiful. The experiences they cherished were remembered in song and dance for generations! For the first time in over 200 years, this will be the first of many more to come. GREAT AMERICAN INDIAN CRAFT EXPOSITION FULL CIRCLE Celebration of Native America is a depiction of what our culture was, and what it is today. FULL CIRCLE is the story of Manataka, told in song, dance, and story telling. The performance is extremely dynamic, moving and a thunderstorm of color! Representing dozens of American Indian Nations are musicians, dancers, singers, and story tellers, who touch the audience with tears, joy, excitement beyond description. The combination of pounding drums, jingling dancer's feet, awe inspiring stories of ancient tradition make for an evening of fantastic edu-tainment. FULL CIRCLE Celebration of Native America will be a spectacular event to remember! FEATURING: BILL (Ghostdance) MILLER Bill Miller is the winner of five 1999 Native American Indian music awards including: Artist of the year, Best Male Artist, Folk Artist, Song of the Year, and Song writer of the Year. GAYLE ROSS Gayle Ross is a wonderfully moving and fantastically funny story teller of the Cherokee. Her works have been enjoyed by audiences all over the country. ECHOES OF EARTH AND SKY Echoes of Earth and Sky; features two-world class fancy dancers. Rob Greyhill (Navajo) and Jennifer Meness ( Algonquin). Awesome examples of Native artistry are intertwined with enchanting songs and fascinating stories of creation, love, and adventures. GREAT AMERICAN INDIAN DANCE COMPANY The Great American Indian Dance Company; is a fantastic group just back from a tour of Europe where they received standing ovations at every show. The Great American Indian Dancers are the best powwow performers in the nation! THE SELECT CHOIR - CHEROKEE CHILDRENS CHOIR The Select Choir; is 20 children dressed full regalia that perform Indian sign language in the beautiful Cherokee language. TICKET INFORMATION The GREAT AMERICAN INDIAN CRAFT EXPOSITION Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 10:30 p.m., free, no admission charge! A MATINEE SHOW - Echoes of Earth and Sky with Gayle Ross starts at 1:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale May 1st,2000. DOORS OPEN TO THE FULL CIRCLE CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICA AT 7:30 P.M. Tickets go on sale May 1st,2000. Children and adults will be given a special opportunity to see and participate in the Great American Indian Craft Exposition. They will see American Indians make jewelry, clothing, hunting weapons, baskets and many other crafts. They will see real life-size tepees and hear special presentations. If you would like to purchase tickets, please send us your name and address, telephone number and email address. Tell us how many reserved and/or general admission tickets you need. E-mail MANATAKA@HOTMAIL.COM To purchase tickets by phone, dial TOLL FREE 1-888-747-9185 All major credit cards accepted please have your card ready! This event is being sponsored by: Manataka American Indian Council, Hot Springs Art Center VENDOR INFORMATION ~ GREAT AMERICAN INDIAN CRAFT EXPOSITION ~ FRIDAY , JUNE 30,2000 HOT SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTER HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS The MAIC will spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours advertising and promoting this event by radio, television, newspaper, magazines, posters, flyers, table tents, post cards and the internet. We anticipate a crowd of 5,000 to 6,500. FULL CIRCLE will be the largest event of its kind ever produced in the state of Arkansas. The people of Arkansas are starving for a live American Indian experience. Our experienced professionals, staff members and volunteers are dedicated to providing you and the general public with quality production. We welcome your questions and comments. We are looking forward to a spectacular performance , large crowds and a event filled with blessings for everyone. If you wish to participate a vendor, please read the following: Special lodging arrangements have been made for a limited number of vendors at $20.00 per person per night. First come first serve basis. -=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=- Copy, cut, and paste the following application. Send it by e-mail to: manataka@hotmail.com Drag your mouse over the text holding down the button, this marks the text. Once marked, hit the "control" key and the "C" key at the same time, this copies the text. Go to email and hit the "control" key and the "V" key at the same time, this pastes the text. -=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=- VENDOR APPLICATION FORM PLEASE CLEARLY PRINT OR TYPE. FILL IN ALL BLANKS. Name:_____________________________ Telephone:( )_________________ Address:___________________________ State: ___________ Zip:________ Tribe:____________________________Agency:________________________ E-mail:__________________Sponsored by:____________________________ Number of Booth Spaces:___________ Total Amount Enclosed: $__________ For more information send email to: manataka@hotmail.com =================================== Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2000 06:35:41 -0700 From: Nancy Thomas Subj: Fw: [ndn-aim] ALL VETERANS POWWOW Forwarded by Nancy Thomas ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 19:52:25 -0400 From: "Jimmy Boy Dial" - I have been asked by the N.A.I.V.A. to pass on the following to as many Veterans as possible. If you are an Indian Veteran please make every effort to attend this ALL-VETERANS Event this year. Please pass this to other Indian Veterans. I will send out more information as it is received. Jimmy Boy Dial Editor, The Spike http://www.thespike.com ======= July 21-22-23/00 SALAMANCA, NY The North American Iroquois Veterans Association 8th Annual Pow Wow at Veteran's Park on Broad St. Jack Johnson 1-716-283-0084. Barb Hemlock 1-716-337-3714 Vendors: Len Longley 1-716-754-2169 ----------------------------------- To subscribe to the "Paths-L" mailing list send a message to Majordomo@YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net In the body of the message type: subscribe paths-l =================================== Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 10:53:50 -0800 From: "Susanna Shreeve" Subj: Fw: Salish and Neighboring Languages Conf ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- From: montler@facstaff.cas.unt.edu (T. Montler) Mailing List: NAT-LANG (nat-lang@gnosys.svle.ma.us) 32ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SALISH AND NEIGHBORING LANGUGAES August 7-9, 1997 INVITATION AND CALL FOR PAPERS The 32nd International Conference on Salish and Neighboring Languages will be held August 7-9, 1997. The conference this year is cosponsored by the Elwha Klallam Tribe, Peninsula College, and Olympic National Park. Sessions will meet on the campus of Peninsula College in Port Angeles. Housing will be available in the Peninsula College residence halls. The conference this year will depart somewhat from custom in having two parallel sessions: one descriptive/theoretical and one applied. The descriptive/theoretical sessions will consist of the customary discussion of the papers on descriptive and theoretical linguistic topics. The applied sessions will consist of presentations and workshops on issues in the learning, teaching, and revitalization of the indigenous languages of the northwest. Contributors to the descriptive/theoretical sessions should submit their manuscripts by June 15 for inclusion in the collected papers for the conference. Registrants will receive the preprinted papers by mail in late July. Late papers will be accommodated as conference time permits, but the paper must be written out and copies made available to other participants at the beginning of the meeting. A style sheet and order form for the conference papers can be found at the 32nd ICSNL website: http://www.cas.unt.edu/~montler/icsnl.htm Those wishing to schedule a workshop or presentation in the applied sessions should contact: Jamie Valadez Elwha Klallam Tribe 2851 Lower Elwha Road Port Angeles, WA 98363 phone: 360/452-8471 ext. 146 fax: 360/452-3428 Details of the conference schedule will be mailed to participants and will be posted at the website. For more information contact: Timothy Montler P.O. Box 13827 University of North Texas Denton, TX 76203 email: montler@unt.edu phone: 817/565-2147 fax: 817/565-4355 =================================== Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2000 00:09:57 -0800 From: Lee Davis Subj: California Indian Conference 2000 [announcement] California Indian Conference Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga October 14 & 15, 2000 Call for Papers Abstracts due September 1, 2000 Advance Registration $30 flat fee for everyone The California Indian Conference is an annual gathering for the exchange of views and information among academics, American Indians, students, and other community members. Any topic reflecting humanistic, scientific, artistic, or social concern relating to California Indian peoples and their cultural heritage is welcome. Past topics have included literatures, storytelling, poetry, education, basketry, linguistics, anthropology, archeology, law, repatriation, history, casinos, Hollywood, tribal recognition, song and dance, and social and political issues. Anyone interested in giving a paper or making a presentation should send an abstract of 150 words to Dr. LeMay at the address below by September 1, 2000. Abstracts received after that date will be considered only if space is available on the program. Please be sure to include an address, email address, and phone number and state if you are available on both days. Inquiries are also welcome. We are pleased that the journal Studies in American Indian Literatures has agreed to publish a special issue on our conference. Keep this in mind as you conceptualize your presentations. Your conference paper will be approximately 7 pages long, while you should prepare a 20-30 page paper for the journal. Conference Registration is a flat fee of $30.00 for everyone. To register in advance, send your name, mailing address, institutional and/or tribal affiliation, phone number, fax number, and email address to: California Indian Conference Registration or Abstract Professor LaMay English Department Chaffey College 5885 Haven Avenue Rancho Cucamonga CA 91737-3002 Phone: 909-941-2162 Fax: 909-941-2783 E-Mail: CIC@chaffey.cc.ca.us ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ California Information Center http://bss.sfsu.edu/calstudies/ Dr. Lee Davis Director, California Studies Program Director, Pacific Regional Humanities Center Planning Team 377 Science Building San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA 94132 Office: 415-338-6583 Fax: 415-338-7047 email: davislee@sfsu.edu =================================== Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 06:48:22 -0500 From: "avalon bruce" Subj: TPRC Powwow tprc (trans pecos renewal center, inc., a 501 c 3 non profit) is holding a pow wow in odessa, tx sept 30-oct l, this fall. it's free to the public, Harley Tall Chief is head man dancer, we're inviting two drums (northern & southern) =================================== British Columbia POW WOW and Festival Calendar June 25th - 27th - Courtney B.C; Comox Valley Pow Wow Arts & Crafts Tables - $125/weekend Camping available - (non vendors fee = 7$/day) NO DOGS ALLOWED Doris or Elodie (250) 334-9446 July 2nd - 4th - Williams Lake B.C; Williams Lake Pow Wow Arts & Crafts Tables - $75/weekend Camping ?? Rita Edgar (604) 392-1078 3rd - 4th - Ambleside Park West Vancouver B.C; Squamish Nation Canoe Races - Native Festival Arts & Crafts Tables - $20/day Camping - Yes RV hook up close by Leashed Dogs, with poop pick up are OK Penny (604) 985-4111 9th - 11th - Mission - B.C; Arts & Crafts Tables - $200/weekend - Rheana - (604) 826-1281 Quesnel - B.C; Sacred Whistle Woman Memorial (1st year) Red Bluff Reserve; Denise (604) 747-2900 OR Terri Boyd (604) 992-5122 16th - 18th - Squilax B.C; (Salmon Arm) Skwlax - Competiton Pow Wow Arts & Crafts Tables - /weekend Camping (yes) - Joan - (250) 679-3203 30th - 1st - West Vancouver B.C; Squamish Nation Pow Wow Arts & Crafts Tables - $150/weekend Camping - yes, free RV hook up available 2 blocks away Leashed dogs ok - MUST bring pooper scooper, or bags for feces Gloria Nahanee (604) 986-2120 August 6th - 8th - Merritt B.C; Johnny on the Rez Store - Traditional Pow Wow Arts & Crafts Tables - $100/weekend (BYOT) Camping? Delores or Judy Peck (604) 378-2280 20th - 22nd - Kamloops B.C; Kamloopa - Traditional Pow Wow Arts & Crafts Tables - /weekend Camping? (604) 828-9700 November 11th - Litton B.C; Annual Rememberance Day Pow Wow Arts & Crafts - (604) 455-2523 =================================== Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 20:29:41 EST From: LtLBearWmn@aol.com Subj: POWWOW LISTING -- please. 5th ANNUAL GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE POW WOW JULY 22 and 23, 2000 THE NATIVE AMERICAN FOUNDATION OF WESTERN INDIANA IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VIGO COUNTY CONSERVATION CLUB OF VIGO COUNTY INDIANA (TERRE HAUTE AREA) TRADERS OPEN THE HOST DANCING 10:00 A.M. 12:00 NOON MC: BOBBY LAW, Inola, OK HEAD VETERAN: TBA HEAD MAN DANCER: FRED WARBONNETT, Jacksonville, IL HEAD LADY DANCER: SHARON KINCADE, Athens, IL ARENA DIRECTOR: TBA DRUMS: TBA STORYTELLER: MAX HAFFNER, Lafayette, IN ****ALL DANCERS WELCOME**** CLUB GROUNDS LOCATED 1 1/10 NORTH OF US 40, EAST OF TERRE HAUTE AND WEST OF BRAZIL, INDIANA NORTH OF US 40 AT JUCTION 340 AND MIAMI GARDEN ROAD. NORTH ON MIAMI GARDENS FROM US 40 AND 340 JUNCTION, APPROXIMATELY 1 + 1/10 MILE TO FIRST CROSS ROADS (GROTTO ROAD) TURN WEST APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TO 1/2 MILE TO CLUB GROUNDS. PUBLIC ADMISSION $2.00 PER PERSON CHILDREN UNDER 10 FREE FREE PARKING FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: NORMAN OR VICKI RAINBOLT 6909 WEST COUNTY ROAD 900 NORTH BRAZIL, IN 47834 812+877-4670 NEITHER CONSERVATION CLUB OR NATIVE AMERICAN FOUNDATION RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS TO PERSON OR PROPERTY NOR THEFT OF PROPERTY. =================================== Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 22:16:00 -0800 (PST) From: stephen beamer Subj: Aug.26-27,2000 Gathering Gary, Please add this to your events list for this year. I thank you for adding it last year. It was a great success. Lets hope the second is greater than the first. Wado! Osdaiga. Stephen Beamer 2nd. INTERNATIONAL INTERTRIBAL TRADITIONAL GATHERING To be held at CAMP SERTOMA, in Indianapolis, Indiana. on ( 52 ) or Brookville Road, and German Church Road, 4 Miles East of 465. Will be well marked from Brookville Road Exit. PUBLIC INVITED - BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS HEAD VETERAN - Brings The Wind - Stephen Beamer - of Indiana HOST DRUM - Black Swamp Singers - Newbreman, Ohio LEAD SINGERS - Matt.Wynk - 12, and Justin Baker 15 GRAND ENTRY & DANCE TIMES are: Saturday 26th.12:30 to 4:30 & 7:00 till ???? SUNDAY 27th. 12:30 to 4:00, with give away following. EVERYONE HAS TO FURNISH THERE OWN SEATING. Admission is $5.00 a person, Children Under 12 Admitted Free ( Accompanied by an Adult ) Parking will be Free. No Pets Around The Dance Arena, or Trading Areas. Physically Challenged K-9 assistance exempt. No pets allowed at any time in the Dance Arena. NO, CAMERAS OR VIDEO RECORDERS PERMITTED. NO ALCOHOL, DRUGS, FIREARMS, or POLITICS ON THE GROUNDS. NO EXCEPTIONS. Primitive Camping - $5.00 for weekend, no fires, unless you furnish your own wood and a way to contain it. TRADER INFORMATION call - 317-356-5187, ask for Jim or Happy. ( 36 ) trader booths and ( 3 ) food vendors are our limit. Volunteers will be appreciated. Contact # same as above. Not Responsible for Accidents, Damage, or Theft on the Grounds. NAIA of Indiana, Reserves the right to ( eject ) or refuse admission for this Gathering. Please come and join us and share your Native American Traditions with us, as we honor the dancing in both directions, to honor all. Coordinated By: The Native American Indian Association of Indiana,Inc.A Not for Profit Organization. 1440 S.Hawthorne Lane Indianapolis,Indiana 46203-3801 Co-Directors Wohali Standing Black Bear-Jim Donnelly & Happy Dancer-Sharon Donnelly Lucas =================================== Date: Tue, 2 May 2000 13:46:45 -0700 (PDT) From: chuck crowkiller Subj: Fwd: [huron_newsletter] Wyandotte Pow Wow September 8-10, 2000 ------- FORWARD, Original message follows ------- From: ishgooda@voyager.net Sent by Darren..thanks! This Page can be Found at http://www.ukans.edu/kansas/wn/oklahoma/powwow.htm [September 8-10, 2000 11th Annual Wyandotte Pow Wow] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Grand Entry Friday Saturday Sunday 8 PM 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM 2:00 PM Head Staff Head Singer Cozad Family Head Man Dancer John Gibson Head Lady Dancer Clarice Buffalohead Head Gourd Dancer Charlie Chibitty Color Guard Wyandotte Honor Guard Arena Director Jess Robedeaux Master of Ceremonies Steve Kinder Over $7,000 in Prize Money Everyone Welcome! Bring your cameras and lawn chairs! SPECIAL DELIVERY For Additional Limited Craft Grandparent Day Honor Information Contact: and Food Booths Dance Sherri Clemons Available: Prizes for the oldest Wyandotte Nation Contact Sherri Clemons Grandmother and P.O. Box 250 Grandfather Present Wyandotte, OK 74370 918-678-2297 NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFTS OR ACCIDENTS ABSOLUTELY NO FIREARMS, DRUGS, OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED! POW-WOW CONTEST SCHEDULE Friday, Septemer 8 Saturday, September 8 Sunday, September 10 Evening Afternoon Afternoon Jr. Girl's Fancy Shawl Jr. Girl's Cloth Men's Grass Jr. Boy's Traditional Jr. Boys Straight Women's Cloth Men's Straight Jr. Girl's Jingle Jr. Boy's Fancy Women's Jingle Women's Fancy Shawl Men's Fancy Evening Tiny Tots Jr. Gir's Buckskin Men's Traditional Stomp Dance Leader Shell Shaker Activities Friday Night Saturday Night Sunday Morning Sunday Morning 49 Contest Stop Dance Leader Children's Games Closest-to-the-Pin Jennifer Lunsford & Obstable Course Golf Tournament & Shell Shaker Horseshoe Coordinator Contests Jay Bridget Cook Tournament Blalock Coordinator Chrisie & Wayne Coordinator (Ages 3-12) Blalock Coordinators Must be registered and participate in two Grand Entries and two exhibitions to qualify for contests. Must be registered in only one category. Must be in full dress to receive contest monies. All decisions by the committee are final! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Host Motels: Cowskin Prairie Motel 918-786-6047 Best Western Inn of Miami 918-542-6681 Limited Camping Spaces Available =================================== Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 23:31:19 -0400 From: ossahatchee@mindspring.com Subj: Ossahatchee Please include us in your Pow Wow Calendar for October 2000. The Fourth Annual Ossahatchee Indian Festival & Pow-Wow will be held October 20-22, 2000 in Hamilton, Georgia. Hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, you are invited to witness an American Indian Pow Wow. Over $12,000 In Prize Money: DRUM COMPETITION, $800 First Place. DANCE COMPETITION, $500 First Place, Proper Regalia Required. TIPI COMPETITION, $200 First Place. Primitive Skills from basket weaving to weaponry will be demonstrated. American Indian Arts, Crafts and Foods. The festival is truly a family event, educational and entertaining for young and old alike. The festival offers a School Day Program for students, K-8th grades, Friday 9am-3pm, gate opens Friday night 6pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission: Adults $6, 6-12yrs $3, 5 & Under Free. For information call (706) 628-5400 or look on the Web at www.hamiltonchamber.org Ossahatchee Committee of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce PO Box 3, Hamilton, GA 31811 For Information call (706) 628-5400 or e-mail: ossahatchee@hamiltonchamber.org Web-site: http://www.hamiltonchamber.org/ossahatchee.htm Thank you, Tracie Moore =================================== Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 08:56:11 -0500 From: gars@netcom.com Subj: The Circle Pow Wow Calendar 5/1/00 June 27-July 2 Sault Ste. Marie Tribes 19th Annual Pow Wow & Summer Gathering Sault Ste Marie, Michigan Fore more info call 1-800-793-0660. June 30-July 2 Red Cliff Pow Wow Red Cliff Pow Wow grounds, WI Grand entries are at 1 & 7 on Sat, and 1 p.m on Sun. For more info call Jim at (715) 779-3152. July 7-9 Prairie Island Dakota Dance & Singing Championships Pow-Wow Prairie Island is located 10 miles north of Red Wing MN, on County Road #18. The Pow Wow grounds are next to Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Free Admission. For more info call 1-800-554-5473, ext. 4103 or 4126. July 14, 15, 16 Sugar Island 4th Annual Traditional Pow Wow Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Free Admission. For more info & directions call 1-800-793-0660. July 21, 22, 23 Honoring Our People Pow Wow Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Maawanji'iding Ojibwa Campground Baraga, MI For more info & directions call Pauline Spruce at (906) 353-6623, ext. 4140. July 29, 30 Gagaguwon Pow-Wow OuSable Children's Park Oscoda, MI For more info call Joe or Sue at (517)739-1994, or email at gagaguwon@hotmail.com. August 5, 6 Mdewakanton Community Welcome Home Traditional Pow Wow St. Peters Church Grounds Mendota, MN $5 donation asked at gate. For more info call MMDC at (651) 452-4141, or Michael Scott at (612) 789-6642. -------------------------- The Circle 1530 East Franklin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 879-1760 =================================== Date: Sat, 03 Jun 2000 17:22:41 CDT From: "D. Mitchell" Subj: Summer/Fall Events Listings Events of Native American Interest ~Summer & Early Fall, 2000~ Abbreviations: HD - Host Drum, HND - Host Northern Drum, HSD - Host Southern Drum, InD - Invited Drum(s), HM - Head Man Dancer, HL - Head Lady Dancer, HG - Head Gourd Dancer, HGS - Head Gourd Singer, GS - Gourd Society, HS - Head Singer, HH - Host Hotel/Motel, AD - Arena Director, MC - Master of Ceremonies, WS - Warrior Society/Honor Guard, FP - Flute Player, ST - Story Teller, FP - Featured Performer/artist, HV - Head Veteran; GO - Gates Open, GC - Gates Close, GE - Grand Entry. A small "c" at the beginning of an abbreviation stands for "co-"; such as cHD = Co-Host Drum, cMC = Co-Emcee. ~Note: some of these listings may have appeared before, but many of them are being listed for the first time.~ *Note II: some events are not strictly Native American in origin, but still hold enough appeal to be included in these pages. Such events may include genealogical seminars, alternative medicine festivals, or other events. These will be listed with a star (*), unless they are part of a Native festival or occur on a reservation.* ~*~ June 24: Cherokee Voices Festival, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian on the Qualla Reservation in Cherokee, NC. Info: (828) 497-3481. June 24: Cornbread Cook-Off, Linville, NC. It may be something of a Redneck competition these days, but the Cherokee were making selu gadu before the white man ever heard of corn. Info: (704) 733-5213. June 26-27: Wounded Knee Memorial Gathering, at Wounded Knee, SD. An honoring for the People of Oglala and a call for Peace, Freedom & Reconciliation. Twenty-five years ago, the FBI initiated a shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Reservation that left one Lakota & two FBI agants dead. It also lead to the eventual unjust conviction & incarceration of Leonard Peltier. This is a call to remember the fallen, mend the hurt, and bring about freedom for Peltier. Those choosing to participate should come prepared to be self-sufficient with food & shelter. Camping will be available. Schedule of events/ June 26: Sunrise Ceremony, to honor the people of Oglala & all those who lost loved ones during the Pine Ridge Reign of Terror. A Traditional Feast Dinner will be held later in the day; June 27: Sunrise Ceremony, followed by meetings to bring about freedom for Leonard Peltier and to bring to justice those who caused the loss of lives during the Pine Ridge Reign of Terror. There will also be a Youth Awareness Concert, featuring Dine' Hip-Hop artist, Natay. All are encouraged to bring gifts for the giveaway for the people of Oglala. [For a more complete background on Wounded Knee, please latch onto a copy of Peter Mathiesson's excellent book, "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse."] To receive directions, information about nearby motels & other preparatory information, contact the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, PO Box 583, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 842-5774/fax: 842-5796. June 30-July 2: Cherokee 4th of July Pow Wow, at the Cherokee Ceremonial Grounds, Cherokee, NC. There will be fireworks at 11pm on July 1. Info: (828) 497-3481. July 6-8: 17th Annual Tomato Festival, Ripley, TN. Salutations to another fruit that originated in the America's. Info: (901) 635-9541. July 8-9: Honor the Ancestors Festival & Pow Wow, at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN. Co-sponsored by the Alliance for Native American Indian Rights and the Tanasi Ma'tera Indigenous Circle, this event has been moved from its former location at Jim Warren Park in Franklin to the Cumberland University Football Field in Lebanon. HM: Jamie Pheasant; HL: Stephanie Lewis-Pheasant; MC: Joe French; AD: Randy Medrano; HD: TBA; Guest Northern Drum: Eagle Crossing. All dancers & guest drums are welcome. Hours: 10am-9pm, Saturday; 10am-5pm, Sunday. GE: 1:00pm each day. Info: Gilbert Cupp (615) 791-0646, Diane or Sandy Perry (615) 871-0940, or Pat Cummins (615) 885-9402. July 15-16: Charity Pow Wow for the Special Wish Foundation, at Dillon State Park, near Zanesville, OH. This foundation grants wishes to terminally ill children. HM: Jimmy LaQuay; HL: Tammy LaQuay; AD: Wayne Appleton; HV: Bob Gibson; MC: Tony Jennings; HD: Our Brothers Drum. Guest Drums: Little Hawk, Mystic Lake Singers, Red Bird Singers, Mother Earth Beat, and more. All dancers & singers will be fed, provided camping sites, and showers. Info: jennis@zoomnet.net or littlesquirrel55@hotmail.com. Sept. 1-3: Wolfsong Heal the People Pow Wow, at Thelma Stoval Park, Munfordville, KY. HM: Hawk Laughing; HL: Regina Laughing; MC: David Midthunder; AD: Randy Eggers; HV: Jim Pennell; HD: Red Willow Creek; Guest Drum: Eagle Nation Singers; FP: Lone Fish; ST: David Midthunder & David Whitewolf Trezak. Feast & Trade Blanket on Saturday night. Friday is Children's Day. A donation from the proceeds will be made to the Leonard Peltier Defense Fund. Info: Little Wolf (270) 749-9026. Sept. 1-3: 10th Annual Lake Shawnee Traditional Inter-tribal Pow Wow, at Lake Shawnee, Topeka, KS. Hours: Friday, 5pm-10pm; Saturday & Sunday, 1pm-10pm. There will be Gourd Dancing at this event. Info: Mike Ballard (785) 272-5489 or e-mail: cmballard@aol.com. Sept. 9-10: Indian Springs Native American Festival, at Indian Springs Hotel, Hwy. 42, Indian Springs, GA. cHM: Frank Hall & Jerry Denton; HL: Jaye McKoy; HD: Buffalo Heart. Admission: Adults - $3.00, Ages 8-16 - $1.50, Under 8 - Free. Accepting applications for up to 15 vendors. Vendor fee is $75.00. Info: Mrs. Deryle Lamb (770) 775-6734 or e-mail: derylel@juno.com. Sept. 15-17: Guilford Native American Association Pow Wow, Greensboro, NC. Info: (336) 273-8686. Please note: most of you who receive these mailings are already familiar with pow wow etiquette, but for those of you who aren't, keep the following rules in mind: weapons, drugs, alcohol or bad attitudes are not welcome at these events; do not touch anyone's regalia or other possesions without their permission; do not take pictures without first asking permission; listen to the emcee to find out when it's okay to enter the arena or take photos. When in doubt, just ask. ~*~ This concludes my current listings. If you have additional listings or corrections, please send them to: wanige1@hotmail.com. This list is sent out free of charge to those requesting to be put on Wanige's Events mailing list. Please feel free to copy & share the list with your friends. If you wish to have your name added or deleted from the mailing list, send your request to: wanige1@hotmail.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- Notice of Copyright Clearance by Contributors: The following have granted permission for their original articles to be reposted in order to help mend the Sacred Hoop: Biah Yazzie Seminole, Dave Chief via Ravenwolf Ohawe, Sandra Morgan, Larry Innes, Ann Pohl, Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Martha E Ture, Sumer W Cree, Lona, Roger Iron Cloud via John Berry, Janet Smith, Lona, Gary Smith, Robert Dorman, KOLA HQ, John Rustywire, Debbie Sanders, Barbara Landis --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-