_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' VOLUME 14, ISSUE 044 / /-< / /--/ /-- __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, WOTANGING IKCHE - Lakota - Common News Wotanging Ikche and Native American News Copyright c. 1996-2006 nanews.org Aboriginal/AmerIndian Perspective about the First Nations of Turtle Island November 4, 2006 Klamath Kapchelam/Snow Moon Mvskogee Echolee/Frost Moon Mountain Maidu Tetem-Tsampauta/Moon when Large Trees Freeze Blackfeet iitaohkanaikokotoyi niitahtaistsi/Moon when all the rivers freeze +-------------------------------------------------------+ | Much more happens in Indian Country than is reported | | in this weekly newsletter. For daily updates & events | | go to http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm | +-------------------------------------------------------+ Otapi'sin Atsinikiisinaakssin -- Blackfeet -- News for All the People Ni-mah-mi-kwa-zoo-min -- Ojibwe -- We Are Talking About Ourselves Aunchemokauhettittea -- Naragansett -- Let Us Share News Kanoheda Aniyvwiya -- Cherokee -- Journal of the People O Es'te Opunvk'vmucvse -- Creek -- People's New News O o O Acimowin -- Plains Cree -- Story or Account O o O Tlaixmatiliztli -- Nahuatl -- News O o o o o O Agnutmaqan -- Listuguj Mi'kmaq -- News O o O Sho-da-ku-ye -- Teehahnahmah -- Talking Birchbark O o O Un Chota -- Susquehannic Seneca -- The People Speak O Ha-Sah-Sliltha -- Ditidaht Nation -- News of the People Ximopanolti tehuatzin, inin Mexika tlahtolli -- Nahuatl -- For you we offer these words It-hah-pe-hah Ah-num pah-le -- Chickasaw -- Together We Are Talking Dineh jii' adah' ho'nil'e'gii ba' ha' neh -- Navajo Nation -- What's Happening among The People News Okla Humma Holisso Nowat Anya -- Choctaw -- People(s) Red Newspaper Hi'a chu ah gaa -- Pima -- The stories or the talk of the People s ch mA mL tL squee Lux -- Okanogan -- News from the People Native American News -- Language of the Occupation Forces ++>If you speak a Native American language not listed above, please send us your words for "News of the People." We'd rather take up this whole page saving these few words of our hundreds of nations than present a nice clean banner in the language of the occupation forces who came here determined to replace our words with their own. email gars@nanews.org with the equivalent of "News of the People" in your tribal language along with the english translation <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is produced in straight ASCII text for greatest portability across platforms. Read it with a fixed-pitch font, such as Courier, Monaco, FixedSys or CG Times. Proportional fonts will be difficult to read. <================<<<< >>>>================> This issue contains articles from www.owlstar.com; www.indianz.com; www.pechanga.net; Frostys AmerIndian, Chiapas95-En and AI Injustice Mailing Lists; UUCP Mail IMPORTANT!! ----------- 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@speakeasy.org ++ It is archived at http://www.nanews.org <================<<<< >>>>================> +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + | As historian Patricia Nelson | | Once a language is lost, it is | | Limerick summarized in "The | | gone forever | | Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken | | * Of the 300 original Native | | Past of the American West... | | languages in North America, | | "Set the blood quantum at | | only 175 exist today. | | one-quarter, hold to it as a | | * 125 of these are no longer | | rigid definition of Indians, | | learned by children. | | let intermarriage proceed as | | * 55 are spoken by 1 to 6 elders;| | it had for centuries, and | | when they die, their language | | eventually Indians will be | | will disappear. | | defined out of existence." | | * Without action, only 20 | | "When that happens, the federal | | languages will survive the next| | government will be freed of | | 50 years. | | its persistent 'Indian problem.'"| | Source: Indigenous Language | +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ | Institute | |http://www.indigenous-language.org| This issue's Quote: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + =================== "To understand the depth of this message you must recognize the importance of Sacred Sites and realize the interconnectedness of what is happening today, in reflection of the continued massacres that are occurring on other lands and our own Americas." "Our people have striven to protect Sacred Sites from the beginning of time." "These places have been violated for centuries and have brought us to the predicament that we are in at the global level." __ Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Spiritual Laeder Carrier of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! Last issue (Vol 14 - Issue 43) the 'Native Prisoner' column included two articles that focused on prison discrimination directed against our Native brothers and sisters confined to Canadian prisons. This issue the 'Native Prisoner' column includes an article that speaks of discrimination against Native Peoples that begins before they are even tried, when they are incarcerated without bail or with unreasonably high bails simply because having reservation ties is regarded as a risk. The discrimination continues after trial and imprisonment. My wife, Janet, and I had the honor for close to nine years of serving as volunteers for our brothers housed in a U.S. Maximum Security Prison and a sister confined to a Georgia State Correctional Institute. I can absolutely attest to the discrimination directed against Native prisoners we assisted. Talks with other volunteers at other institutions further my belief that our observations were not incorrect or limited to one or two facilities. The discriminatory practices against imprisoned Natives is pervasive and ingrained in the system(s). Those of you who can volunteer to assist our relatives in the iron house, I urge you to do so. Your aggravation will be great, but your rewards will be far greater. Those of you who know of imprisoned Native People who are being subjected to discrimination, I very strongly urge you to write/call congressional representatives, news media, ACLU and prison officials to keep these injustices in the light of truth, where they cannot hide and continue to punish our brothers and sisters in the iron house beyond the often excessive sentences already given by the courts. Talk about what you know to your friends and relatives. Discrimination thrives best in the dark. =========================================== - Warrior Moccasins Project seeks out your help Date: Sunday, September 24, 2006 02:10 pm From: Sherry Subj: Warrior Moccasins Project seeks out your help! Mailing List: Frostys AmerIndian Warrior Moccasin Project seeks out experienced beaders, moccasin makers and names for a pair of moccasins for their service in the military. Those interested in donationg Deer Hides, please email me so i can give you the name and address of where to ship it to. Deer hides CAN be donated to this project. To do so, you must first salt the hides with medium grade salt which can be purchased at any farm supply store. After salting the hide(s) ship them to the address i will give you following the laws as specified BY YOUR STATE. A copy of the possession tag which was issued by the game warden must be included for each hide being shipped. Any monetary donation to this project is also greatly appreciated. Each cost of the pair of moccasins is $32.00 (includes shipping/handling charge). Those serving in harms way and those who have returned state side are encouraged to get in touch with my via email. If you know of a native military troop member who you want to honor, please get a hold of me through my email. Thank you :) =========================================== Again, this winter this editorial section will feature groups or individuals who are helping those in need, primarily on reservations and especially those who aid children and elders. Urban help will not be excluded. I have lived in the Cedar-Riverside area of Minneapolis and been a guest in Lakota Housing in Rapid City and in Shiprock. The need to eat and be warm does not end because a person has left the rez. PLEASE forward contact information for all you know who help those less able to do so make it through the harsh winter months. ----- Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:15:49 +0300 From: "Brigitte Thimiakis" Subj: HYS WINTER 2006 Toys & Clothing Request Winter & Christmas 2006 - Toys and Clothing Request Winter will set in soon in many places of the world, but once again it will not be the same for all the children. Some are lucky and have everything they need, other children have much more than they need... and yet there are also the children who have very little - or nothing... They don't have the right clothes, and they have no toys. These children need warmth, and they need hope, and loving support. You can be there for these children, and make a difference in their lives. Even if the Northern Cheyenne Reservation is far away from you, toys, warm clothing and shoes can be sent to them directly on the reservation, where they will be distributed by trusted Northern Cheyenne contacts who have helped so much the previous years. There is a large need especially for new and good quality used warm items, as well as toys. During Montana winters, the temperature can drop to 30 or 40 degrees below zero so warm winter clothing and blankets can be lifesaving. These items will be distributed right away. The toys will be distributed during the Christmas give away. Here is a list of things that can be sent in support of these children: - warm clothing such as knitted items for children of all ages from babies to teenagers, children's jeans, coats and warm T-shirts - socks, gloves, boots, hats and scarves - blankets - toys for Christmas Other items that would also be appreciated: grooming supplies like toothpaste, tooth brushes, soaps and shampoos, combs, hair brushes, hair barrettes, rubber bands or other types of hair or pony tail holders. Last but not least : pampers diapers or pull-ups. Please make sure that the items sent are safe, and sensitive to the culture of the children and their People. When sending a box, it would be appreciated if you could send us a short email with your name or location, type of items sent ('toys', 'clothing', etc), approximate weight and shipping date, so that we can help our contacts by keeping a list of what is sent to them. Our aim is to always make sure that everything reaches the reservation. The priority of our group, "Honor your Spirit - Protect the Children" is to make sure all donations get to where they are supposed to and recognized. It is very important to us to make sure that everything is distributed fairly and to those in the greatest need. Our goal is to help the children of families unable to make ends meet due to the high unemployment rate, the difficult conditions and the extreme poverty on the reservation. These children need all the help and encouragement they can get, so if you can help, please contact us for more information. Contact Info: Dodie Finstead, USA dodie_finstead@yahoo.com JR Robertson, USA Jim_ Robertson@BarefootCreations.com Dominique Larrede, France d.larrede@wanadoo.fr Brigitte Thimiakis, Europe thimiakischool@the.forthnet.gr Respectfully, Honor Your Spirit, Protect The Children "Your help makes a huge difference for those who have never received help. Your donations provide hope and encouragement to those who have never known these qualities. Your concern and solidarity can improve the lives of many children, elders, families, on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. There is still a lot to do but all together you can help us make these dreams come true. Thank you for being a part of this project and supporting it." Respectfully, Manuel Redwoman, Northern Cheyenne/Lakota/Arapaho To learn more about the HYS projects, please visit: http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/home Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support ! <>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o ==[This message may be forwarded under the condition that it is not altered in any way] == ---- http://www.devilslakejournal.com/articles/2006/10/20/news/news01.txt "Stuff a Truck" help for the holidays begins By Crystal Martodam Journal Staff Writer October 20, 2006 Load 'em up and move up, it's that time of year again for the "Stuff A Truck" food drive to fill the local food pantry at the Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency in Devils Lake. Dakota Prairie disperses food according to need and not income. For example the loss of a house in a fire or some other tragic accident that leaves a family or individuals in need of emergency food supplies. This year the food drive will begin on Oct. 23 and run until Nov. 12. This will be the fourth annual "Stuff A Truck" event. Dave Burstad, assistant manager at Leevers County Market said that there will be very large bins set up at the front of the store with the "Stuff A Truck" logo on them. Any non-perishable food items can be placed in these bins for donation. Cash donations are welcome also. There will be paper trucks that can be purchased, your name can be placed on the truck or it can be left blank. The trucks will then be hung on the walls in the store. Brustad also commented that items will be tagged in the store. "Many times people are unsure of what the pantry is lacking," he said. "This will help make it easier for those who wish to contribute." There will also be pre-bagged groceries than can be purchased for $10 and then placed in the bins. These bags are non-perishable food items that have been pre-bagged by Dakota Prairie with needed items. For every bag bought Leevers will also be donating between $1.75 and $2 per bag. "The bag has a value of $12 rather than $10," Brustad said. Last year there was approximately $1,500 worth of groceries collected. "We try to make it bigger and better every year, so we are hoping for more this year," Brustad said. This is the seventh year that the Stuff a Truck Program has been running. It began at that time in the Country Markets in Minnesota donating to the local food pantries. "This is not designed as an advertising entity, it is designed to help the community," Brustad said. People can also make direct cash donations to the Dakota Prairie Agency. "It is such a fun program we look foreword to every year." Brustad said. The local food pantry run through the Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency is an emergency pantry. It is there to help people in need. There are other services available at the DPCAA that can provide aid to an individuals situation such as providing money management services and services that can help an individual receive services from government programs that may be available to them because of income. For more information contact them at (701) 662-6500. Street Address: Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency 1219 College Drive Devils Lake, ND 58301 USA Mailing Address: Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency P. O. Box 698 Devils Lake, Nd 58301 Contact Name Phone 701-662-6500 FAX 701-662-6511 Copyright c. 2006 Devils Lake Journal, a GateHouse Media paper. ---- Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2006 11:24:06 -0600 From: "NDN@NDNnews.com" Subj: Children's Village needs your HELP! Please forward to your groups and lists! Thank you, Tamra Children's Village a foster care home located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is in need of disposable diapers. They currently have four little ones in diapers, ages 11/2, 2, 3, and 4. Also, toiletries are needed. If you can, and would like to help, you can mail diapers directly to: Children's Village c/o Louis and Melvina Winters 100 Main Street P. O. Box 1034 Pine Ridge, SD 57770 For the past few years, we have decided that in lieu of a giveaway at our pow wow, we would put the money toward purchasing propane for Children's Village. We also hold a blanket dance to help in this need. If anyone is interested in helping too, you can send a check to Midwest SOARRING and mark it as propane fund to designate your donation. Both Midwest SOARRING Foundation and Children's Village are nonprofit, 501c3 and donations are tax deductible. If you have any further questions, please contact Janet at 773-585-1744. Thanks so much for any help you can give. Janet Sevilla www.midwestsoarring.org Tamra www.NDNnews.com www.protectsacredsites.org "Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes" "Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?" "Life is a learning place. Existence is forever. Challenges are only challenges because life has given you an opportunity to grow in an area of your fear or weakness." Leonard Peltier, Sept. 2006 ---- Date: Friday, October 27, 2006 03:27 pm From: Del \Abe\ Jones Subj: A couple notes for/about our Military and Vets please pass along to people who may be interested -----Original Message----- From: jesuandirenel@frontiernet.net To: almclwest@aol.com Sent: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 9:47 AM We are getting ready to pack Thanksgiving and Christmas "We care packages" for the troops and we need addresses. Would you please help us get the word out to other detachments that we need addresses. Maybe we can share list and exchange whatever names are available. All we want is names of troops all services and we are looking for names of women serving and the aux. makes up special packages for the women serving based on feedback from women serving in theatre... Marine J. Marrero jesuandirenel@frontiernet.net FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE American Legion offers way to thank veterans, troops on Veterans Day INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 11, 2006) - With thousands of troops deployed overseas, The American Legion has launched a free, easy way to thank them for their service on the eve of Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The electronic greeting cards are also ideal to thank all veterans, of all generations, who have served in the U.S. armed forces. "In today's computer age, what better way to say 'thank you' to a veteran or a servicemember either here at home or serving thousands of miles away than a musical greeting card with your personalized message that will reach them almost instantaneously," said Paul A. Morin, national commander of The American Legion. Anyone who has an e-mail address can receive the special cards. Creating the card is quick and easy at The American Legion's website, www. legion.org (click on Veterans Day E-greeting cards). "As our troops continue to serve in harms way, as countless thousands before them did in other wars, a message of support and thanks means more to a veteran than you realize," Morin said. "Please take a few moments to use this free service and brighten the day of one or more of America's veterans." The American Legion site offers e-mail cards representing each military service along with the service song that plays when the card is opened. Each card provides plenty of space to compose a personal message. Cards may be sent now through Nov. 12, 2006. Greeting cards may be sent direct to active duty service men and women if their military e-mail addresses are known. The 2.7 million-member American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans organization....# ---- Dohiyi Ani Oginalii , , Gary Smith (*,*) wotanging@bellsouth.net P. O. Box 672168 (`-') gars@nanews.org Marietta, GA 30006, U.S.A. ===w=w=== http://www.nanews.org ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ----------- Editorial Section: - Ontario seeks $25M . Prison discrimination for Caledonia costs . Warrior Mocassins - Deep Impact: Scheme . Winter Help to steal Indigenous Resources - Horizon recedes again - Battle over Lobster on Indians' Royalty Claims spreads to Schools - Bush seeks dramatic changes - Aboriginal education system to Cobell Settlement coming to Anishinabek - Message from Arvol Looking Horse - Colonial 'Social Engineering - Council supports Rights of Indigenous People on Indigenous Peoples - Zapatistas Share w/ O'odham - Nikolski runs out of Fuel - Atenco,Oax,Zapatistas Unite - Domestic Violence; - Oaxaco: Teachers refuse to Budge Violent wake-up call - Police Storm Oaxaca - The Treaty of Point Elliott to Suppress Protest - Indians afflicted by Diabetes - Bird presents - Census Facts: American Indian/ Aboriginal Court Party Alaska Native Month - Man battles to have - Gathering celebrates confiscated Feathers returned Indian Languages - Graffiti investigated - JODI RAVE: UN to honor as Hate Crime Sioux Spiritual Leader - Red Lake man dead - GIAGO: Important election day after altercation with Police for South Dakota - Native Prisoner - JODI RAVE: Restoring Earth -- Judges set higher bail new role for Natives -- Penpal Request - JIM NORTHRUP: - Rustywire: In Beauty It Begins Question of the Month - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days - Women offer to comb out - Del "Abe" Jones Poem: Halloween Bush and Harper's Snakes - Benefit For The Elders --------- "RE: Horizon recedes again on Indians' Royalty Claims" --------- Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 20:22:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CONGRESS FAILS TO ACT AGAIN, STILL, YET" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/ la-na-tribes23oct23,1,7615238,full.story? coll=la-news-a_section&ctrack=1&cset=true The horizon recedes again on Indians' vast royalty claims By Sam Howe Verhovek, Times Staff Writer October 23, 2006 HEART BUTTE, MONT. - Hopes were high this summer when news reports from Washington, D.C., indicated that Congress could be on the verge of settling a long-running lawsuit against the federal government over billions of dollars claimed by Native American landowners across the West. The suit also returned to the national radar when an appeals court took the highly unusual step of removing the federal judge overseeing the matter, saying he had become too biased in favor of the Indians. But Congress adjourned for the election season without taking up the $8- billion near-deal outlined by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee. And anger and frustration returned to places like the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, home of Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in the complicated case. "I'm afraid this whole problem is going to be swept under the rug again," said Cobell, a banker and rancher here. "That's where a lot of the money owed us has been for more than a century." At issue are the royalties for oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and grazing on 10 million acres of Indian-owned lands, which the federal government has managed as far back as 1887. Under the system, the Interior Department calculates and collects these royalties and mails checks to Indian landowners and their descendants. A 10-year case The lawsuit has stretched on for 10 years and the title of the case has changed three times, marking the shift in federal Interior secretaries, who are named as the chief defendant: first it was Cobell vs. (Bruce) Babbitt; then Cobell vs. (Gale) Norton; now it's Cobell vs. (Dirk) Kempthorne. In that time, the plaintiffs have thrown around plenty of big numbers, arguing at one point that the unpaid royalties plus interest would top $100 billion. And the federal judge overseeing the case, a conservative Reagan administration appointee, has been blistering in his criticism of the government's handling of the matter - so harsh that a federal appeals court this summer removed him from the case, saying he had lost his objectivity. In a July 2005 opinion, the judge, Royce C. Lamberth, wrote: "Our 'modern' Interior Department has time and again demonstrated that it is a dinosaur - the morally and culturally oblivious hand-me-down of a disgracefully racist and imperialist government that should have been buried a century ago, the last pathetic outpost of the indifference and anglocentrism we thought we had left behind." Even the appeals court that removed Lamberth chastised the Interior Department for its "deplorable record" in managing the royalties. The plaintiffs have filed a motion asking the appeals panel to reconsider its removal of Lamberth. The judge's dismissal has caused plenty of discord on the Blackfeet reservation, a windy, chilly expanse of plains and hills in northwestern Montana, just south of the Canadian border and east of Glacier National Park. "This is a judge who spent a lot of time looking into this fiasco," said Victor Leonard Sure Chief, 71, a maintenance man taking a break between rounds in Browning, the biggest city on the reservation. "It seemed to us he was very fair, and look what happens - they whacked him." Sure Chief's sporadic royalty payments for his family's land, leased to wheat farmers, range from $200 to about $700. Recipients average a few thousand dollars a year. "You never quite know what you're going to get," he said. "Someone's been making a lot of money off that land, but it's not us." Catherine Marie Salois Hall, 62, who lives in tiny Heart Butte, in the southern tip of the reservation, said she had never really understood how the checks are calculated that show up in her mailbox - usually a few hundred dollars. They are for patchwork pieces of land in her family that are leased by mining, ranching and oil interests. "My late mother told us that someday, something might happen and this land would be really worth something to us," said Hall. "But it's never really happened." 'Not holding my breath' Her brother, Edward Chief All Over, 60, said he wasn't sure the legal case would ever untangle just how much his family might be owed. "If somebody puts the money in my hand someday, I guess I'll believe it. But I'm not holding my breath." The royalty system dates to 1887, when Congress passed the Dawes Act, intended to "civilize" the Indians and granting each Indian head of household as much as 320 acres. But because congressional leaders questioned the Indians' ability to manage their own affairs, the land was put in trust, with the federal government overseeing royalty payments for its use. Over the decades, the paternalistic system turned into an accounting mess, with records lost and the government often unable to track descendants entitled to a share of royalty rights. Original files were eaten by insects, destroyed in fires and floods, and in one case, left inaccessible for years at a New Mexico warehouse because of fears that they might be contaminated with hantavirus from rodent droppings. The finances were so tangled that in recent years, plaintiffs took to calling their lawsuit the "Indian Enron case." In theory, with as many as 500,000 Native American claimants to the royalty payments, an $8-billion settlement could average out to $16,000 per person. sam.verhovek@latimes.com Copyright c. 2006 Los Angeles Times. --------- "RE: Bush seeks dramatic changes to Cobell Settlement" --------- Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:44:52 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="COBELL BUSH WHACKED AGAIN!" http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/016562.asp Bush seeks dramatic changes to Cobell settlement October 24, 2006 The Bush administration is proposing sweeping changes to the Cobell settlement bill that would phase out the federal government's trust management responsibilities and force consolidation of Indian lands. Within 10 years, the Interior Department would no longer manage the 54 million acres held in trust for individual Indians and tribes. The goal is to turn the system into a "beneficiary-managed" trust for which the United States cannot be held liable for any damage claims. To facilitate the major shift, the administration wants to consolidate the Indian land base through voluntary and involuntary mechanisms. Highly fractionated parcels would be whittled down to just 10 owners in the next 10 years. And the administration is asking Congress to resolve all tribal trust claims in addition to the Cobell suit over the Individual Indian Money trust. Takings claims, land claims and environmental claims would not be affected. These proposals were contained in a briefing paper released by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Monday. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the chairman, and Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the vice chairman, have not approved the changes. But the leaders are asking Indian Country for their comments on the ideas, which mark the first time in over a year that the Bush administration has responded to the Cobell settlement bill. "To gain support for a multi-billion dollar bill, it may be necessary to incorporate significant changes to the management system for Indian trust assets. As proposed, these changes would not remove the trust status of Indian lands, but would reallocate significant decision-making authority and legal responsibility from the federal government to the Indian tribes and individuals," the briefing paper states. The document, also called "New Issues for S.1439," did not attribute the proposals to any particular party. But the Cobell plaintiffs tied them to the administration, whose officials have raised similar ideas in the past about the Indian trust system. Jim Cason, the associate deputy secretary at Interior, has advocated for the resolution of all tribal and individual Indian trust claims. David Bernhardt, the recently-confirmed solicitor, has lobbied Congress to limit the liability of the United States. Cason's testimony to the committee on July 26, 2005, also outlined each of the proposals now up for debate as Congressional staff hold meetings across the country to get input on the bill. The first meeting took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, yesterday. The last will be held November 9 at the Senate Russell Office Building in Washington, D.C. Other meetings have been scheduled in Cabazon, California (October 24); Rapid City, South Dakota (October 25); Albuquerque, New Mexico (October 31); and Bismarck, North Dakota (November 2). Congress returns to work on November 13 after the elections. Lawmakers will dedicate most of their time to passing the appropriations bills that keep the government operating. The outlook prompted one Democratic staffers on the committee to label chances for the bill's passage as "dire." But a Republican staffer was more optimistic when both spoke at the National Congress of American Indians annual conference earlier this month. Either way, McCain and Dorgan have tied the delay to the Bush administration. "I think it's incomprehensible that the administration would not be able to come up with at least a response with what is a product of years of effort on the part of this committee and the interested parties," McCain said in September. Dorgan said Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales have been cooperative. "It's the White House and the Office of Management and Budget that have not given us a number," Dorgan said via video at NCAI. The Cobell case was filed in June 1996. The federal courts have affirmed the duty of the federal government to account for billions of dollars that have passed through the system. More than two dozen tribes subsequently filed lawsuits for accounting, mismanagement and related claims. But some cases - notably the Navajo Nation's $1.8 billion claim - have been pending in court for years longer than Cobell or the more recent tribal suits. Copyright c. 2000-2006 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Message from Arvol Looking Horse" --------- Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 08:24:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MESSAGE TO UN FROM ARVOL LOOKING HORSE" http://www.indianz.com/News/News/2006/016542.asp UN Observer: Message from Arvol Looking Horse October 24, 2006 "I, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Nation, ask you to understand an Indigenous perspective on what has happened in America, what we call "Turtle Island." My words seek to unite the global Community through a message from our sacred ceremonies to unite spiritually, each in our own ways of beliefs in the Creator. We have been warned from Ancient Prophecies of these times we live in today, but have also been given a very important message about a solution to turn these terrible times around. To understand the depth of this message you must recognize the importance of Sacred Sites and realize the interconnectedness of what is happening today, in reflection of the continued massacres that are occurring on other lands and our own Americas. I have been learning about these important issues since the age of 12, upon receiving the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle and its teachings. Our people have striven to protect Sacred Sites from the beginning of time. These places have been violated for centuries and have brought us to the predicament that we are in at the global level. Look around you. Our Mother Earth is very ill from these violations, and we are on the brink of destroying the possibility of a healthy and nurturing survival for generations to come, our children's children. Our ancestors have been trying to protect our Sacred Site called the Sacred Black Hills in South Dakota, "Heart of Everything That Is," from continued violations. Our ancestors never saw a satellite view of this site, but now that those pictures are available, we see that it is in the shape of a heart and, when fast-forwarded, it looks like a heart pumping." Copyright c. 2000-2006 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Council supports Rights on Indigenous Peoples" --------- Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 08:55:24 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="UN RESOLUTION URGED BY TRIBES" http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=8286 Council of Large Land Based Tribes supports Rights on Indigenous Peoples Requests the United Nations to adopt the same October 26, 2006 During a meeting on October 24, 2006, the Council of Large Land Based Tribes passed a resolution by consensus supporting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and requesting the United Nations to adopt the same. Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan (Iyanbito/Pinedale) presented the resolution for consideration along with Legislative Branch chief of staff Leonard Gorman and Hogback Council delegate Ervin Keeswood. Present at the meeting were representatives from several tribes, including the Crow Tribe, the Blackfeet Tribe, Northern Arapaho and Rocky Mountain. Speaker Morgan, who is the vice president of CLLBT, said that the Navajo Nation has been advocating for the passage of a strong Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for more than a decade and that the Declaration was passed by the Human Rights Council of the United Nations in June 2006. Gorman further explained the history of how the United Nations declared an International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples in 1994 with the intent of adopting a declaration on their rights by the end of the decade. The working group of the Commission on Human Rights held 11 sessions between 1995 and 2006, during which the Navajo Nation participated. Keeswood was present during the CLLBT meeting because he and Rock Point Council delegate Rex Lee Jim took the lead within the Navajo Nation in advocating on behalf of indigenous peoples for the passage of the declaration. The draft as passed by the 47-member Human Rights Council includes 23 preambular paragraphs and 46 articles outlining the rights of indigenous peoples. It was passed by a vote of 30 in favor, 2 against, 12 abstaining and 3 not voting. The United States is not part of the Human Rights Council. "It's very important for us to encourage the United States to not vote against the document," Gorman said. He noted that the General Assembly is currently in session and it is possible the document may come up for consideration very soon. Speaker Morgan further emphasized to the members present that it is very important that they continue to educate others on the declaration. Some members remarked that they had heard about how the Navajo Nation was taking the lead among the indigenous peoples of the world in advocating for the document. The document is especially important to CLLBT members because it speaks to issues with land, territories and resources in particular. During the October 25th meeting, members of CLLBT also discussed the proposed "Indian Trust Reform Act of 2006," Section 1813 Rights of Way Study of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the 2006 Health Care Improvement Act and problems with funding that could be arising for larger tribes concerning Bureau of Indian Affairs roads. CLLBT members are concerned with many national issues because their issues differ from the issues of tribes with smaller land bases. According to its website, "The Council is an organization of sovereign Indian Tribes and Nations formed to advocate for the needs of the Tribal Nations with a large land base (over 100,000 acres) and population." Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Nikolski runs out of Fuel" --------- Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 08:24:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="UMNAK ISLAND ISOLATED BY WEATHER" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/ap_alaska/story/8335393p-8231466c.html Nikolski runs out of fuel The Associated Press October 23, 2006 UNALASKA, Alaska (AP) - The Aleutian village of Nikolski has run out of fuel, leaving the remote community without phone service or electricity. Few details were available from Nikolski on Monday because all phone lines to the village were down. Officials with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association were looking into the situation, but had little information. Fuel suppliers in Unalaska who deliver to Nikolski said that the village had been calling them about a delivery. But poor weather was forecast for the next few days and is expected to keep fuel barges from reaching the community before the end of the week. Delta Western Fuels has delivered a small amount of fuel by plane for use in the Nikolski Village School, which is believed to last through midweek. Nikolski is on Umnak Island, about 120 miles west of Unalaska or 925 miles southwest of Anchorage. The village is home to about 34 mostly Native residents. Like many subsistence-based villages in Southwest Alaska, it's been hit hard by rising fuel prices. But APIA President Dimitri Philemonof, who spoke with Nikolski community leaders Monday, said that this fuel shortage was a logistical problem and not related to financial issues. Copyright c. 2006 The Anchorage Daily News. --------- "RE: Domestic Violence; Violent wake-up call" --------- Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 08:24:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="PROSECUTORS OVERWHELMED" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.gallupindependent.com/2006/oct/102306nkj_violent.html Violent wake-up call Tribal prosecutors overwhelmed by number, severity of cases By Natasha Kaye Johnson Dine' Bureau October 23, 2006 WINDOW ROCK - Domestic violence is on the rise on the Navajo Nation, and crimes involving domestic violence cases are becoming more violent than they were 15 years ago, according to officials. Officials say the increase is proportionate to an increase in population, with repeated violators and victims being seen in the judicial system. "We see the same people," said Leonard Livingston, Navajo Nation Senior Prosecutor. "We see the same cases, the same people, it's just that the injuries are more serious and the children are more involved. Today it's more graphic and a little more violent." According to the Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement, there were 1,166 total recorded cases of domestic violence in the past three months alone, with only 281 cleared by arrest or exceptional means. Twenty of the cases were recorded as being alcohol related, with four drug related, and 18 cases committed by juveniles. During the second quarter of this year, Livingston said there were around 2,500 recorded domestic violence cases. With the large volume of cases, prosecutors have seen words like shouting, hitting, striking, and even killing become common terms. Livingston, who has been a prosecutor for the tribe for 16 years, also said that most cases involve some form of drug use, like alcohol, meth, or cocaine. Over the years, Livingston said he seldom heard a case where a man pushed, shoved, and beat his girlfriend or wife when she was pregnant. Today, Livingston has observed that it's almost ordinary. "Today we see more and more and why? I don't know," he said. "They (men) have no disregard for women." Some Navajo Nation officials speculate that drugs such as meth, which causes users to become especially violent, are to blame. Though there are women who abuse their male partners, women are statistically more likely to be the victims. Women at risk According to the American Indian Health Council, American Indian women experience the highest rate of violence of any group in the United States, with domestic violence leading to homicide as the third leading cause of death for Native women. Of Native American women murdered, more than 75 percent were killed by a family member or someone they knew. Though domestic violence is rampant on the reservation, there is no Navajo Nation law specifically addressing domestic violence within the Navajo Nation Code. "If we see an increase in injuries and priors, we will ask for the maximum fine and jail time," said Livingston, which is a maximum of 365 days in jail, and a $5,000 fine. Livingston said when repeat offenders go through the system, the courts will order them to counseling, such as anger management. Though Livingston said formal intervention is key, he said many victims end up dropping the charges, leaving the courts limited. "They (victims) plea with us to drop the case," he said. Livingston said he has seen cases where victims plead with the judge, tribal leaders, and even officials at the President's office to get charges dropped. Because victims do not follow through on charges filed, the court cannot follow through on prosecution. Advocates lost Almost a year ago, Livingston said the office lost its Victim Advocate's program, which he said was a key component to getting cases prosecuted. The program ended abruptly because a contract with the State of Arizona was not renewed. The loss of the program is not the only area where resources within the branch are lacking. When Livingston began in 1992, there was a total of six prosecutors at the office. Today, there are only three. "They (the tribe) will not create new positions, they just move jobs around," said Livingston. Livingston said positions within the nation only get shifted from agency to agency, leaving many offices understaffed. And with the increased population of the enrolled members, the shortage in hired staff doesn't make sense to Livingston. "We haven't adequately adjusted to the numbers. We don't have the adequate resources," said Livingston. Along with leaving officials in the judicial system "not happy," Livingston said they leave a lot of victims dissatisfied as well. Because of the shortage of prosecutors and resources, officials said cases usually have to be prioritized with the most violent being put first, and the "not-so-violent" being shoved aside. And with jail facilities filled to the max, officials said that jail time for offenders is limited, if it's even given at all. "Justice is probably short served," said Livingston. "We're not applying the full meaning of justice." "The law needs to sit down and strategize how we can best maximize the intent of the law," he said. "In some ways, we're just going backwards." Copyright c. 2006 the Gallup Independent. --------- "RE: The Treaty of Point Elliott" --------- Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 20:22:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="INDIAN LAW/TREATY RIGHTS" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/06/10/22/100loc_a1treaty001.cfm Tribes push treaty rights Tulalips assert claims to every tree, flower and weed from their land By Krista J. Kapralos and Eric Stevick October 22, 2006 Patkanam, Chief of the Snoqualmoo and Snohomish. Goliah, Chief of the Skagits. Whailanhu, or Davy Crockett, sub-chief of the Lummi. The list rolls on, 82 Indians who drew an X by their names on a treaty granting them peace, prosperity, their way of life. The Treaty of Point Elliott, signed in 1855, promised them their future. One of the state's most important documents, its 15 articles are still disputed. The Indians have scuhd.dxw - salmon - and xp.y'uhc - cedar. They have independence. Now, they want to own the DNA of all that was around them, and to become ultimate stewards of that land. Patkanam's descendents, the Tulalip Tribes, are trying to claim much of what they believe was lost 151 years ago. They draw power from the Treaty of Point Elliott. --- Treaty's key points of contention Document that established Indian reservations still debated By Krista J. Kapralos and Eric Stevick Herald Writers October 22, 2006 Like the U.S. Constitution, the language of the Treaty of Point Elliott is constantly debated. This is a primer on what the treaty means and key issues still being argued today: Experts interviewed include: Fronda Woods, a lawyer for the state Attorney General's office. David Dilgard, historian, Everett Public Library Northwest Room. Mason Morisset, a tribal attorney, and Charles Maduell, a property rights attorney, both from Seattle. Tulalip tribal members Terry Williams and Ray Fryberg, who both have testified in federal court cases on treaty issues. Article I This stated which lands the U.S. wanted to claim. The tribes signed away a vast swath of northwestern Washington. It extended from a narrow point near Mount Rainier, stretching north to what is now the Canadian border, west to the San Juan Islands, and east toward what is now the Wenatchee National Forest. All told, the treaty added roughly a fifth of what is now Washington state to U.S. territory. That's more land than Massachusetts and Connecticut combined. Article II This set up what were supposed to be temporary reservations. The United States reserved for the tribes two areas, each 1,280 acres. The first was at the head of Port Madison, near the current Suquamish Reservation in the Puget Sound. The second was near the current Lummi Reservation near Bellingham. These reservations were meant to be temporary, said Fronda Woods, a lawyer for the state Attorney General's office. A larger reservation, outlined in Article 3, was to be the permanent home of all the tribes who signed the treaty. What federal agents didn't either know or acknowledge then was that not all Indian tribes got along, and not all tribes would willingly leave their areas. These smaller reservations still exist today. This article included language aimed at keeping whites off the reservation without tribal permission. Article III This set up the Tulalip reservation, where all Indians were expected to settle. This is one of the more controversial parts of the treaty. The treaty created the 23,040-acre Tulalip Indian Reservation where nearly two dozen tribes west of the Cascade Mountains were expected to settle. Since the treaty was signed, the boundaries of the reservation have been disputed. Article 3 raises property rights debates even today. Non-Indians who own land within the reservation, and state attorneys, interpret it as saying the tribes don't own Tulalip Bay or the water in it and that the reservation begins where the water ends. The tribes say their land includes the water in the bay and the tidelands at its edges. Federal Indian policy in the 1800s and the early 1900s encouraged assimilation and created reservation schools where tribal members would learn to farm. The tribes would never have agreed to give up Tulalip Bay, said Ray Fryberg, a tribal member. "It's a spiritual thing, and salmon is a part of it," he said. "Salmon is a main spoke in the wheel of the life of our people." By law, treaties must be interpreted in favor of the Indians, said Mason Morisset, the Tulalip Tribes' attorney. "If the Indians would have intended that they kept their tidelands, then that's how they interpret it," Morisset said. "They wouldn't have said, 'This is your reservation, but you can't go wading.' I've never understood that." Non-Indians with homes along the shores of Tulalip Bay say they're willing to go to court to assert ownership of the tidelands. Early this year, the tribes announced that non-Indian landowners must pay rent for space used for decks and bulkheads. They also banned new construction of the structures. The landowners say their property deeds, many of which were drawn up when Indians sold their personal land allotments a century ago, argue that their property extends to the low water mark of Tulalip Bay. "This is almost taxation without representation for some of those property owners," said attorney Chuck Maduell, a Seattle property rights lawyer. The treaty doesn't say who has jurisdiction over lands that were allotted to individual Indians and then sold, Maduell said. Article IV This set up a deadline for Indian resettlement. All 22 tribes were to relocate to the reservations within a year of when the treaty was ratified. President James Buchanan signed the executive order that approved the treaty four years later, in 1859. Until they relocated, the Indians were allowed to live on any land that wasn't yet claimed by U.S. citizens. Article V This allowed tribes to continue their traditional way of life throughout the territory. This article is the treaty's most contentious and most-often litigated. The article ensured the tribes' right to camp out and fish at their normal fishing sites. They could gather roots and berries on unclaimed lands, but they couldn't take shellfish from areas cultivated by settlers. Historically, most disputes between the state and the tribes have been over the tribal fishing rights outlined here. Now, tribal members are using this article to gain more control over western Washington's ecosystem. What started as a fight to catch salmon has become a legal tool that could toughen environmental regulations throughout the region. In the 1950s and 1960s, the tribes argued that this article gives them the right to fish when and where they choose. State and federal officials said Indians should comply with existing guidelines. The controversy brewed, peaking in the 1970s, when protests and armed conflicts over fishing rights led to a federal courtroom. In 1974, U.S. District Court Judge George Boldt ruled that the treaty reserved for Indians the right to half of all salmon and steelhead harvests and opened the door for other claims, including access to shellfish. It was a decision that stunned the state, and bolstered the confidence of the tribes. Now, the tribes argue amongst themselves over the locations of "usual and accustomed" fishing grounds. They're also arguing with the state over hunting and gathering rights, and over environmental regulations that could affect those rights. The tribes say the U.S. government has an obligation to sustain the region's natural habitat as it was when the treaty was signed. The treaty tribes have filed a lawsuit scheduled to be heard in court next year, which could give sharp teeth to the Endangered Species Act and other environmental edicts. "In order to hunt, there has to be an animal," said Terry Williams, a tribal leader on environmental issues. "And in order for there to be an animal, there has to be a habitat that supports the animal." Article VI This promised payment for the land. The U.S. government agreed to pay the tribes $150,000 - about $3 million in today's dollars - over a period of 27 years. A federal court was established in the mid-20th century to hear tribal claims that the payments weren't fair. That court was dissolved about 10 years ago. Article VII This allowed the reservation to be divided and given to individual Indians. This happened on the Tulalip reservation between 1883 and 1909. Later, some tribal members sold their allotments, many to non-Indian families who still live on that land. Now, the reservation is a checkerboard of tribal and nontribal land. Article VIII A financial restriction on the payment. None of the money guaranteed in Article 6 was to be used to pay individual debts within the tribe. Article IX Proclaiming the tribes as rulers of their reservation, but prohibits them from warring with the United States. The tribes promised to be friendly with U.S. citizens and were not allowed to make war with any other tribes or shelter criminals wanted by the U.S. government. Non-Indians who live on the Tulalip reservation have used Article 9 to challenge the right of tribal police officers to detain them for traffic and other offenses. The state Supreme Court ruled in 1993 that tribal officers can stop non- Indians and detain them until a sheriff's deputy or other official is called. Some non-Indians who live on the Tulalip Reservation, and state lawmakers who support them, say they're not under tribal jurisdiction. They point to a recent informal opinion offered in a letter from a state attorney at the request of Republican legislators Val Stevens of Arlington and Dan Kristiansen of Snohomish. The letter raises a question about whether tribal police are covered under the definition of law enforcement officers in state law. The treaty's language isn't clear on jurisdictional issues including law enforcement, Maduell said. Snohomish County Prosecutor Janice Ellis and Sheriff Rick Bart urge anyone pulled over by tribal police to comply, saying they can raise jurisdictional issues afterward. Article X Banning alcohol. The tribes requested that no alcohol be allowed on the reservations. Article XI Freeing slaves. Some tribes took members of other tribes as slaves. This pre-Civil War article required the tribes to free those slaves. Article XII Trade restrictions. The tribes would not be allowed to trade on Vancouver Island. This article was to prohibit the tribes from conducting business with British outposts to the north while the U.S. and Great Britain sparred over boundaries. Today, this edict is routinely ignored by Western Washington tribes. Woods said the state isn't concerned about it. Article XII Financial support. The tribes were required to move to the reservations and break up portions of the land for farming. The federal government agreed to pay the tribes $15,000 - about $300,000 in today's dollars - to help develop those portions. Article XIV Assimilation promises. The tribes were to get an agricultural and industrial school, and a blacksmith and a carpenter to teach tribal members the traditional skills of white settlers. It was part of a U.S. policy of assimilation that failed. Tribal children were taken from their homes and placed in boarding schools where they were not allowed to speak their native language. The boarding schools were closed in the 1920s and 1930s.Tribal members had long fought various diseases introduced by white settlers. In treaty negotiations, the tribes demanded that a doctor provide health care and a clinic on the reservation. Today, the tribe has a federally-funded health clinic. There is some debate as to whether this article guarantees universal health care to all tribal members. Article XV This is where everyone signed. There are 100 signatures in all. Eighty-two of them, those belonging to Indians, are simple Xs. Copyright c. 2006 The Daily Herald Co., Everett, Wash. --------- "RE: Indians afflicted by Diabetes" --------- Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 20:22:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DIABETES" http://www.norwichbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20061022/NEWS01/610220337/1002 Indians afflicted by diabetes By BRIAN WALLHEIMER Norwich Bulletin October 22, 2006 MASHANTUCKET - Diabetes strikes every race, ethnicity and age, but at much higher rates for American Indians. How does the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe plan to work against the potentially deadly disease? With a long, straight drive down the fairways at Lake of Isles. The tribe is holding a golf tournament, Drive for Diabetes, at Lake of Isles Monday to raise money and awareness for diabetes research. Proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. "Diabetes is a prevalent illness and disease among our people and our community," said Richard E. Sebastian, Mashantucket Pequot tribal councilor and co-chairman of the tournament. In fact, diabetes is more than twice as common among American Indians as whites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Socorra Vargas, an endocrinologist at The William W. Backus Hospital's Diabetes Management Center, said diabetes is especially high among all minority groups, though research hasn't discovered why. "I wish I knew," Vargas said. "As to why it is more prevalent, I'm sure it has something to do with genetics." Vargas said the Mashantucket Pequots might be even more susceptible as a tribe, because tribal members represent myriad races through marriage. "Perhaps the combination will put them at greater risk," Vargas said. But the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, owner and operator of Foxwoods Resort Casino, has the ability to get the message out on a large scale and the beginning of that effort is Monday's golf tournament. Sebastian and tournament co-Chairman Rodney Butler, who also is tribal treasurer, said Monday's tournament will be followed by other events to aid diabetes research and bring awareness to the disease's impacts. "We've never really focused on native health," Butler said. "Health is perpetual. It goes forever." Sebastian said the research was going to juvenile diabetes because he thought it was important to teach healthy lifestyles at a young age. "We have to start with our youth," Sebastian said. "You have to start with the kids and impress upon them the kind of lifestyle changes that are necessary." Brian Sebastian, 39, of Ledyard is a Mashantucket with diabetes. His wife, Vanassa Sebastian, 34, said the disease has turned his life upside down. "The changes are enormous," she said. "Nutrition changes, you have to watch the carbs that you eat, the starchy foods." Brian Sebastian has to exercise more and watch his blood sugar level. Once, while shopping for a homecoming dress for his daughter, the family had to leave the store immediately so he could eat something. "Something else has control of your body," his wife said. "His whole eating style revolves around what his blood sugar level is." Vargas said one of the biggest things people can do to stave off diabetes, even those with the gene that causes it, is to eat properly and exercise. "Our lifestyle is pretty sedentary. We go everywhere in our car. Everything is drive-thru," Vargas said. "If you live a healthy lifestyle, you're able to keep your weight down, you can prevent it." Reach Brian Wallheimer at 425-4241 or bwallheimer@ norwichbulletin.com BY THE NUMBERS Percentage of the U.S. population with diabetes, by age: # 20-34:1.3 percent. # 35-44:3.7 percent. # 44-54:7.6 percent. # 55-64: 12.7 percent. # 65 and older:16.9 percent. Percentage of the American Indian population with diabetes, by age: # 20-34: 3.1 percent. # 35-44: 9.4 percent. # 44-54:19 percent. # 55-64:30 percent. # 65 and older:28.3 percent. Total percentage of the U.S. population with diabetes in 2005: 7 percent. # About 20.8 million peoplehave diabetes, 14.6 million diagnosed and 6.2 million undiagnosed. Diabetes by race in 2005: # Non-Hispanic whites:13.1 million or 8.7 percent. # Non-Hispanic blacks:3.2 million or 13.3 percent. # Hispanic Americans: 2.5 million, or 9.5 percent. # American Indians and Alaskan Natives:118,500, or 15.1 percent. # Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders:Data not available. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TIPS: COPING What do you do if you have diabetes? # To survive, people with type 1 diabetes must have insulin delivered by injection or a pump. # Many peoplewith type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by following a healthy meal plan and exercise program, losing excess weight and taking oral medication. # Many peoplewith diabetes also need to take medications to control their cholesterol and blood pressure. # Among adults with diagnosed diabetes, 16 percent take insulin only, 12 percent take insulin and oral medication, 57 percent take oral medication only and 15 percent do not take either insulin or oral medications. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention GLOSSARY What is diabetes? # Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications. What are the types of diabetes? # Type 1 diabetes previously was called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. To survive, people with type 1 diabetes must have insulin delivered by injection or a pump. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults, although disease onset can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. # Type 2 diabetes previously was called non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. It accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases. It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity. Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians and some Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes and its complications. Clinically based reports and regional studies suggest that type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, although still rare, is being diagnosed more frequently, particularly in American Indians, blacks and Hispanic/Latino Americans. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Copyright c. 2006 Norwich Bulletin. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Census Facts: American Indian/Alaska Native Month" --------- Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 08:42:15 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CENSUS FACTS" http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20061025/pl_usnw/ u_s__census_bureau_facts_ for_features__american_indian_ and_alaska_native_heritage_month__ november2006157_xml U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: November 2006 October 25, 2006 To: National Desk Contact: U.S. Census Bureau Public Information Office, 301-763-3030, or pio@census.gov WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994. ------ Population 4.5 million As of July 1, 2005, the estimated population of American Indians and Alaska Natives, including those of more than one race. They made up 1.5 percent of the total population. http://www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/population/006808.html 43,000 Increase in the nation's American Indian and Alaska Native population from July 1, 2004 to July 1, 2005. http://www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/population/006808.html 30.7 Median age of the American Indian and Alaska Native population in 2005, younger than the median of 36.2 years for the population as a whole. About 1.3 million American Indians and Alaska Natives were under 18, and 336,000 were 65 or older. http://www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/population/006808.html 696,600 The American Indian and Alaska Native population in California as of July 1, 2005, the highest total of any state in the nation. California was followed by Oklahoma (401,100) and Arizona (334,700). About 36,500 American Indians and Alaska Natives were added to Arizona's population between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2005. That is the largest numeric increase of any state in the nation. About One in Five The proportion of Alaska's population identified as American Indian and Alaska Native as of July 1, 2005, the highest rate for this race group of any state in the nation. Alaska was followed by Oklahoma and New Mexico (11 percent each). 26 Percent Percentage of Alaska's preschooler population that was American Indian and Alaska Native, as of July 1, 2005 -- the highest proportion of any state. 154,000 The number of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Los Angeles County, Calif., as of July 1, 2005. Los Angeles led all of the nation's counties in the number of people of this racial category. Maricopa County, Ariz., added about 18,000 people to this group between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2005, leading the nation's counties in this category. Source for the preceding three statements: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/ releases/archives/population/007263.html. 40 Percent Percentage of the population in the Farmington, N.M., metropolitan area that was American Indian and Alaska Native, as of 2003. Farmington led all metro areas, with only Flagstaff, Ariz. -- at 31 percent -- anywhere close. http://www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/miscellaneous/007137.html ----- Families and Children 525,800 The number of American Indian and Alaska Native families. Of these: -- 312,400 are married-couple families, including those with children. -- 154,900 are married couples with their own children, under the age of 18. (Source: American FactFinder, from 2004 American Community Survey) 3.41 Average number of people in an American Indian and Alaska Native family. This is larger than the average size of all families (3.18 people). (Source: American FactFinder, from 2004 American Community Survey) ----- Housing 56 Percent The percentage of American Indian and Alaska Native households who own their own home. (Source: American FactFinder, from 2004 American Community Survey) $95,454 Median value of homes owned by American Indians and Alaska Natives. (Source: American FactFinder, from 2004 American Community Survey) ----- Languages 25 Percent Percentage of American Indians and Alaska Natives 5 years and older who speak a language other than English at home. (Source: American FactFinder, from 2004 American Community Survey) ----- Education 76 Percent The percentage of American Indians and Alaska Natives age 25 and older who have at least a high school diploma. Also, 14 percent have at least a bachelor's degree. (Source: American FactFinder, from 2005 American Community Survey) ----- Businesses $26.9 billion Receipts for American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned businesses in 2002. These businesses numbered 201,387. 20,380 Number of American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, Calif., combined statistical area, making that area number one in the metro category. Among counties, Los Angeles had the highest number of firms (13,061). 38,125 Number of American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms in California, which led the nation's states. Oklahoma, Texas, New York and Florida followed. Nearly Three in 10 Ratio of American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms which operated in construction and other services (such as personal services, and repair and maintenance). 24,498 Number of American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms which had paid employees. These businesses employed 191,270 people. 3,631 Number of American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms with receipts of $1 million or more. These firms accounted for nearly 2 percent of the total number of American Indian and Alaska Native-owned firms and more than 64 percent of their total receipts. 178 Number of American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms with 100 or more employees. These firms generated nearly $5.3 billion in gross receipts -- 24 percent of the total revenue for American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned employer firms. New York; Los Angeles; and Gallup, N.M. The three cities with the largest number of American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms, with 7,134; 5,767; and 2,642, respectively. For more information on the data in this section, go to http://www.census. gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/business_ownership/007013.html. ----- Jobs -- Management and Professional 26 Percent The percentage of civilian employed single-race American Indian and Alaska Native persons age 16 and older who work in management, professional and related occupations. (Source: American FactFinder, from 2005 American Community Survey) ----- Veterans 170,000 The number of American Indian and Alaska Native veterans of the U.S. armed forces. (Source: American FactFinder, from 2005 American Community Survey) ----- Income and Poverty $33,627 The median income of households where the householder reported they were American Indian and Alaska Native and no other race. The median income is based on a three-year average (2003-2005). 25 Percent The poverty rate of people who reported they were American Indian and Alaska Native and no other race, based on a three-year average. For information on the data in this section, go to http://www.census. gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/income_wealth/007419.html. ----- Health Insurance 30 Percent The percentage of people who reported they were American Indian and Alaska Native and no other race who lacked health insurance coverage, based on a three-year average. http://www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/income_wealth/007419.html Editor's note: The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. Questions or comments should be directed to the Census Bureau's Public Information Office: telephone: 301- 763-3030; fax: 301-457-3670; or e-mail: pio@census.gov. http://www.usnewswire.com/ Copyright c. 2006 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770. Copyright c. 2006 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Gathering celebrates Indian Languages" --------- Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:44:52 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CELEBRATING INDIAN LANGUAGES" http://www.newsok.com/article/2960499/ Gathering celebrates Indian languages By Tami Althoff Staff Writer October 24, 2006 NORMAN - Elton Yellowfish is a full-blood Comanche, one of few who can speak his native language fluently. "There are not very many of us left," Yellowfish said Friday night at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds where he was attending the ninth annual Celebration of Oklahoma Language and Culture. "In this contemporary society, we are the minority. We get lost in the shuffle." Yellowfish was among several American Indians who gathered Friday to honor the Indian languages of Oklahoma. The evening began with gourd dancing to the drum of Ernest Toppah and friends. Terrence Atkins, 9, of Norman, an Otoe, was in native dress from head to toe. He hopped from one foot to the next, dancing along to the beat of the drum with men and women five times his age. "I look at other people and just learn," he said. "It's fun." Following the dance, cultural presentations were given in the Pawnee, Comanche, Cheyenne, Chickasaw and Kiowa languages. Sharing stories were Dorna Riding In (Pawnee), Beatrice Saupitty (Comanche), Carlin Thompson (Chickasaw) and LeRoy Sealy (Choctaw). Yellowfish said the presentations are important because languages retain individuality more than dance and material culture do. That's why it's so important for elders to teach the language. "Anything today that's related to saving and keeping our history, our culture, alive is important to me. It's important to my niece and to my granddaughter," he said. "If we don't make the effort to learn, to take part, we'll lose it faster than we think. We'll lose our identity." Yellowfish said learning their native language is more important to young people today than it was 20 years ago. "It's the thing to do now," he said. "I hope it continues. I hope it grows." Events like Friday's encourage parents and grandparents to pass their heritage to younger generations, he added. "It's important that the parents know it's their mission. Young people will not know if their parents don't teach them," he said. "If the parents don't know, it's never too late to learn. Then, pass it on as soon as you can before it's too late. We have to foster it, nurture it, and keep it going." The celebration was sponsored by the Intertribal Wordpath Society, a private foundation that promotes the teaching, awareness, status and use of Oklahoma Indian languages. Copyright c. 2006 News 9/The Oklahoman, Produced by NewsOK.com. --------- "RE: JODI RAVE: UN to honor Sioux Spiritual Leader" --------- Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 08:24:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JODI RAVE: UN TO HONOR ARVOL LOOKING HORSE" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/10/18/jodirave/rave59.txt U.N. to honor Sioux spiritual leader By JODI RAVE of the Missoulian October 18, 2006 A spiritual leader from the Great Sioux Nation will be honored Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York City for a decade's work in encouraging world peace. "Chief Arvol Looking Horse was chosen because he's one of the great peacemakers of our time," said Alison Van Dyk, executive director of The Temple of Understanding, a nongovernmental organization with U.N. status, which is presenting the award. Past recipients of the Juliet Hollister peace award have included the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and Queen Noor. This year's Hollister honorees also include the late Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street Journal reporter, and the Venerable Yifa, a Buddhist nun who chairs the Department of Religious Studies at the University of the West in California. Van Dyk said the honorees were selected because they all overcame adversity in their lives. "I'm proud he's received the award on behalf of our people," said Tom Van Norman, a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe attorney from South Dakota. He described Looking Horse as a role model who opens people's "eyes to the world." Born on the Cheyenne River Reservation, Looking Horse was chosen at the age of 12 to represent the 19th generation of Lakota as Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe. The pipekeeper holds revered status because the pipe was brought to the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota, or the Great Sioux Nation, by the White Buffalo Calf woman, who was akin to a holy woman. The pipe has been a historical guiding force for how the Lakota are expected to live their lives. Looking Horse has used his position as keeper of the pipe to provide spiritual leadership to the Sioux Nation. He also has used the pipe's strength to help spread a message of peace around the globe. "He's done a lot to preserve the culture and educate Indians and non- Indians alike," said Gene Blue Arm, president of the Wounded Knee Survivors' Association. "He's done most of it on his own." The birth of a white buffalo calf in 1994 moved Looking Horse to honor the earth and promote world peace. He welcomed the calf's birth by performing a series of Four Direction ceremonies at sites sacred to indigenous people. In 1996, Looking Horse established the World Peace and Prayer Day. He travels and speaks extensively on peace, environmental and Native rights issues. "He says to look to spirituality rather than fighting over different perspectives of spirituality," Blue Arm said. "Everybody should pray together." Reporter Jodi Rave can be reached at 1-800-366-7186 or jodi.rave@lee.net Copyright c. 2006 Missoulian, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: GIAGO: Important election day for South Dakota" --------- Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 08:24:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="GIAGO: DECISION DAY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA VOTERS" http://www.indianz.com/News/News/2006/016539.asp Tim Giago: Important election day for South Dakota October 24, 2006 Posted by request of Tim Giago, Nanwica Kciji. Copyright c. 2006 Native American Journalists Foundation, Inc. Politics can be different in South Dakota. It is a red state where the independent-minded voters often vote blue. With only one member of the House of Representatives to its name, Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), the South Dakota went Democratic two years ago in support of Herseth. Of the two US senators, one - Tim Johnson - is a Democrat. This year Herseth is challenged by a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Bruce Whalen, for her Congressional seat. Whalen is a Republican, a real oddity in Indian country since most tribes usually vote the Democratic ticket. But there are also important campaigns taking place on a couple of the Indian reservations. After Cecilia Fire Thunder, the impeached president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, narrowly lost her bid for re-election when she fell by three votes in the reservation's primary election this month, the incumbent and acting president Alex White Plume, will face former three- time-president, John Yellow Bird Steele. Steele is a formidable opponent and has strong support in the reservation's two largest districts, Wounded Knee and Pine Ridge. White Plume took over the duties of president after the tribal council suspended and then impeached Fire Thunder for her feminist stand on abortion rights. The irony of the council's action against Fire Thunder is that if any of the council members truly knew their own history and culture, they (especially the men) would never have taken her to task for her stand on women's rights because the traditional male of the Oglala Sioux Tribe never, not ever, interfered in the rights of a Lakota woman to decide her own fate when it came to child birth. A Lakota woman always had the traditional and spiritual right to make her own decision. It has only been since the Christianization of so many members of the tribe that moral issues, usually guided by cultural and traditional values, have made the transition to the values and beliefs of the different Christian religious groups. A physician, Jack Billion, of Sioux Falls, has challenged Governor Mike Rounds (R-SD). Billion has made the issue of banning all abortions, HB1215, passed by the South Dakota legislators this year and signed into law by Governor Rounds, the centerpiece of his campaign. Because the law also prevents an abortion by victims of rape or incest, Billion believes it is a law that is unfair and dangerous for women. The law was challenged by the South Dakota voters and is on the ballot. And although Gov. Rounds, a Catholic, has allowed his religious beliefs to overshadow his political beliefs, he remains a popular governor. However, his popularity has waned on the Indian reservations where a strong voter turnout has influenced several state and national elections of late. He made a solemn vow to work with the tribal leaders in the state by inviting them to his home and sitting down and talking about the issues impacting the reservations on a one-to-one basis. To my knowledge, this had not happened. As a matter of fact, several tribes, including the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in Eastern South Dakota, have been campaigning relentlessly to get Gov. Rounds to amend their gaming compacts to allow for more gaming devices in their casinos. They see this as a way to increase jobs and revenues on the reservation and thus greatly improve their economic position. To date, Rounds has refused to comply. This stubbornness has prompted the Flandreau Tribe to take out television ads statewide addressing the issue. Gov. Rounds and his attorney general, Larry Long, also fought tooth and nail to stop Mike Jandreau and his Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, from taking land into trust near the city of Chamberlain, SD to use as a recreational site for the tribe. The tribe won in the lower courts and watched apprehensively as the case wound its way all of the way to the US Supreme Court where the court refused to hear the case and let the lower court ruling stand. Clearly a sound defeat for Gov. Rounds and Larry Long. Long is challenged this year by an attorney named Ron Volesky, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Volesky, a Democrat, has been active in South Dakota politics for many years and is well respected by whites as well as Indians. However, Long has a strong Republican following and the job position of attorney general can have many implications to state politics and the Republican majority fears the politics of the more liberal candidate Volesky. Long has hidden behind this fear quite effectively over the years. The Indian media in South Dakota will come out strongly in favor of Billion for governor and Volesky for attorney general, but the powerful Republican vote will more than likely countermand the Indian vote. Stepanie Herseth is the odds on favorite to retain her seat in Congress against Whalen. She was leading 60 percent to 26 percent in the latest statewide poll. Whalen has identified himself much too strongly with the anti-abortionists to the point where he has almost become a Johnny-one- note on the subject. In a recent televised debate with Herseth he turned nearly every topic to include the abortion issue knowing full well that Herseth does not support the ban. Yes, politics in South Dakota can be different and for such a small state, it drew some of the Republican Party's heaviest hitters and huge funds from the Republican National Committee two years ago when it pushed Senator Tom Daschle out of the national political arena. November 7 should be very interesting when the polls open on that day throughout the state and on the Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River Reservations where Harold Frazier, the incumbent president, is expected to retain his seat. --- McClatchy News Service in Washington, DC distributes Tim Giago's weekly column. He can be reached at P.O. Box 9244, Rapid City, SD 57709 or at najournalists@rushmore.com. Giago was also the founder and former editor and publisher of the Lakota Times and Indian Country Today newspapers and the founder and first president of the Native American Journalists Association. Clear Light Books of Santa Fe, NM (harmon@clearlightbooks.com) published his latest book, "Children Left Behind". Copyright c. 2000-2006 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: JODI RAVE: Restoring Earth new role for Natives" --------- Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 08:42:15 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JODI RAVE: RESTORING EARTH" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/10/26/jodirave/rave57.txt Jodi Rave: Restoring Earth new role for Natives October 26, 2006 BOZEMAN - How do you restore the Earth? The concept is at odds with indigenous peoples, who find themselves at an unprecedented crossroads. Tribal people never had to think about restoring Mother Earth on a global level because it was inconceivable anyone would wantonly destroy the Earth and sky. But images of a crying Earth appear each day. We have stinking rivers, melting ice caps, dwindling rainforests and polluting oil refineries. On Saturday, I visited an honored elder who invited me to be on an environmental panel with her during the Northern Rockies Bioneers Conference in Bozeman. Bioneers - biological engineers - seek to unite nature, culture and spirit in an Earth-honoring vision founded in social justice. I can relate to this. The conference reminded me how people of different cultural backgrounds can still share common dreams and goals. Participants viewed the documentary "Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action" prior to the environmental panel discussion, which was led by international educator Henrietta Mann. The film highlighted four indigenous communities at odds with the world in which they live. The Penobscot Nation in Maine is fighting to maintain the cultural integrity of the Penobscot River, which is being polluted by a paper mill so consumers can buy chlorine-whitened toilet paper. The Northern Cheyenne in Montana are waging warfare against coal bed methane development, which threatens the community's well-being and drinking water supply. The Navajo, or Dine', are beginning the second round of a fight against the uranium mines they say contaminate their land and kill their people with cancer. And then there is the Gwich'in Nation in Alaska and Canada, which continually battles with all-powerful oil companies and congressional lawmakers who want to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - the calving grounds for caribou herds that have sustained the Gwich'in for thousands of years - for oil development. While the Bioneers were spreading their message about Earth preservation, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, an internationally known spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations, shared similar thoughts Sunday when he released a message imploring all of us to end the desecration of Mother Earth. "To understand the depth of this message you must recognize the importance of Sacred Sites and realize the interconnectedness of what is happening today, in reflection of the continued massacres that are occurring on other lands and our own Americas," wrote Looking Horse, who was honored this month at the United Nations for promoting world peace. "Our people have striven to protect Sacred Sites from the beginning of time," he said. "These places have been violated for centuries and have brought us to the predicament that we are in at the global level." Looking Horse reminds us that some of the sacred sites of which he speaks contain Mother Earth's vital organs. The Earth is a living organism. And all her parts depend upon one another to survive. The spiritual leader tells us our mother's heart lies in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a place the Lakota refer to as "Heart of Everything That Is." "Our ancestors never saw a satellite view of this site," said Looking Horse, "but now that those pictures are available, we see that it is in the shape of a heart and, when fast-forwarded, it looks like a heart pumping. "The Dine have been protecting Big Mountain, calling it the liver, and we are suffering and going to suffer more from the extraction of the coal from there and the poison processes used in doing so. "The aborigines have warned of the contaminating effects of global warming on the coral reefs, which they see as Mother Earth's blood purifier. "The indigenous people of the rainforest relay that the rainforests are the lungs of the planet and need protection. "The Gwich'in Nation has had to face oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain, also known to the Gwich'in as `Where life begins!' " I heard similar messages about Earth preservation in June when two traditional storytellers - one from New York and one from Alaska - visited Montana. Their stories remind us how all living beings, from rocks and trees to the moon and stars, are related and interdependent. The storytellers told us to preserve the land for the seventh generation to come before us. Yet we let greed destroy our planet day by day. Al Gore's book and film of the same name, "An Inconvenient Truth," uses Western science to warn us how the Earth can no longer sustain the carnage when tons of natural resources are stripped from the ground and tons of pollutants are sent skyward, causing global warming to spin out of control. The Bioneers, Looking Horse, the Native storytellers and Gore all share a similar social and ecological consciousness in which they inspire others to save the Earth from environmental degradation. Their work should inspire all individuals to work collectively to restore the Earth. Jodi Rave covers Native issues for the Missoulian. She can be reached at (800) 366-7186 or jodi.rave@lee.net Copyright c. 2006 Missoulian, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: JIM NORTHRUP: Question of the Month" --------- Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 08:24:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JIM NORTHRUP: FOND DU LAC FOLLIES" http://www.indianz.com/News/News/2006/016540.asp Fond du Lac Follies: Column by Jim Northrup October 24, 2006 Question of the Month, Ojibwemong Q: Aaniishwiin maanendamoyan noongom? A: Gii-zhoomiingweni niwiiw gii-gashkigwaadang nimakasinan **** Fond du Lac Follies motored to Milwaukee as a result of an invitation from Kim Blaeser to help promote the new book she edited. It is called Traces in Blood, Bone, & Stone, Contemporary Ojibwe Poetry by Loonfeather Press. This is a handsome book with a painting by Joe Geshick on the cover. Inside are contributions from 32 Ojibwe poets. The event was called The Voice of the Crane: A Celebration of Ojibwe Literature and was held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I motored to Milwaukee with my brother-in-law Richard (Husband) Krieg in the silver Silverado. He has family in Milwaukee and he wanted to visit them. I met Kim and the assembled poets at a nice place just off the campus of UW-M. There I saw and talked with Kim, Heid Erdrich, Denise Sweet, and Gordon Henry. We moved our conversation to the area where we were supposed to read. Each one of us read our poetry, poured our words out to the assembled crowd of about 80 people. I think we connected with the audience and each other. It was good. After the doings we all signed books and talked with audience members one on one. We ate good while we were there and I was sad to see the event end. Heid Erdrich and I motored north to Minneapolis. She wanted to ride with me because the train was too slow. Once again I avoided the gauntlet of casinos in Wisconsin. I dropped her off at her house and headed north to the Rez with a feeling of accomplishment. The week after the Milwaukee gig we assembled to read again. It was a slightly different cast this time. Noted author Gerald Vizenor was there as was Kim and Heid. Doyle Turner also shared his words at Birch Bark Books, the setting for this reading. I wonder where we wandering Ojibwe poets will meet to read again? **** Question of the Month, English version Q: What is worrying you now? A: My wife was smiling as she was sewing my moccasins. **** My connection with Older than America, the movie, started with a phone call from Riki McMasters of the Minnesota Film Board. She said she was with people who were making a movie and were scouting locations in this area. She asked if she could visit here, the World Headquarters of the Fond du Lac Follies. I said goat head. Riki and I had first met when they were filming the movie "Iron Will". We met the Director, Georgina Lightening, and we talked about her upcoming movie. We had coffee inside then went outside to hang around the fire pit. Ray Earley was there spinning stories, he had a brand new audience. I gave Georgina a ride in that snarling Corvette. They left then we didnt hear anything more until Veronica Smith pointed out the film had a website. I looked and sure enough the Corvette was pictured there. I don't think the sports car will be in the movie, it'll be winter when they are shooting and that is when the Corvette is hibernating. There was a news conference held at the Black Bear casino and Director Georgina Lightening and Producer Christina Walker spoke about the film. While talking with Georgina about the movie I learned she rewrote the script to include my fire pit and house in the movie. A week later my family motored to the Black Bear Casino for the open casting call. I heard about 700 people showed up for the auditions. Pat and I auditioned as did three of my sons. I learned my son Ezigaa is being considered for one of the speaking roles, also my wife Pat. She will be speaking with Adam Beach in one of the hospital scenes. Ray and I will be trading lines with Mr. Beach at the fire pit in the yard. The film company will be shooting on and near the Fond du Lac Reservation for about a month. People are always asking me what the movie is about and I tell them I don't know because I haven't seen a script. I did hear some key words however, words like boarding school, an earthquake, an art teacher that looks exactly like Georgina Lightening, Adam Beach who looks exactly like Adam Beach. We shall see. I think Older than America will be in the Follies again. **** We motored to Duluth to see the movie Flags of our Fathers, we went because we heard that son of a Beach, Adam was a good actor. Wrong, he is a great actor. --- The views expressed in this column belong to the writer alone, they are not meant to represent this newspaper, this Reservation, the movie, Older Than America, Riki McMasters, Georgina Lightening, Christine Walker, Ray Earley, or even my wife Patricia. Comments and movie passes can be sent to FdL Follies, PO Box 16, Sawyer, Minnesota 55780-0016 email: northrup@cpinternet.com. Website: http://www.jimnorthrup.org. Copyright c. 2000-2006 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Women offer to comb out Bush and Harper's Snakes" --------- Date: Monday, October 23, 2006 05:50 pm From: frostyca2000 Subj: TRANSFORMATION OF "ADODARHO", CHAIRMAN OF IROQUOIS CONFEDERACY: INDIGENOUS WOMEN OFFER TO COMB OUT BUSH AND HARPER'S SNAKES Mailing List: Frostys AmerIndian TRANSFORMATION OF "ADODARHO", CHAIRMAN OF IROQUOIS CONFEDERACY: INDIGENOUS WOMEN OFFER TO COMB OUT BUSH AND HARPER'S SNAKES MNN. Oct. 22, 2006. The formation of the Rotinonhsonnion:we/Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy was preceded by the founders, Dekanawida, Ayonwatha and Jigosaseh, overcoming a treacherous remorseless power-hungry man. Our ancestors had the challenge. This miserable despicable man was determined he was going to take over the whole world. He led one of the nations, Onondaga, and was later transformed into "Adodharo". He enjoyed causing fear among them and other people. He drove himself into such a hateful state of mind that he thought he could control everyone. Living out his delusions caused sicknesses among the people throughout Turtle Island. People were fighting and killing each other. Societies were breaking down. His behavior infected everybody else. After a while, the people began to realize their own worst fears. Adodharo had grandiose ideas of his own omnipotence. He wanted to control everything from a high position of power over life and death to satiate his madness. He was symbolically depicted as a man who had live serpents coming out of his head. This illustrated the kind of mind he had, that of a twisted destructive sense of his own self- importance. His stance was similar to the systems of governance that had developed in other parts of the world. For example, Louis XIV called himself the "Sun King" taking onto himself the power of the sun. As such he meted out untold cruelty to the French population. And he could stay on the throne for life. He made a declaration that, "We will eradicate the Iroquois from the face of the earth". After many years of warfare with us, his successor came here begging for peace and signed the "Peace of Montreal, 1701". Alexander the Great, Ghengis Khan and others were the Adodarhos of their nations. Today they are being promoted as great people of the past. In their time the people didn't think of them as being great. They thought of them as being insane. The people couldn't stop their incessant warfare and cruelty. The chaos on Turtle Island was finally ended. Deknawida recognized that Adodharo's way of thinking was actually a disease of the mind. He brought a egalitarian system of peace where no one had power over another. This is the Kaianereh'ko:wa/Great Law of Peace, the greatest and oldest system of democracy ever developed anywhere on earth. True Democracy came from the minds of the Indigenous people of Turtle Island, not from Greece. The Great Peace is believed to have lasted approximately 3,000 years and was broken in 1609 when Champlain invaded the Mohawks. People all over the world have tried to emulate what we accomplished. Dekanawida and Ayonwatha had to remove the perverted twisted thinking from Adodharo's mind. They symbolically combed the serpents out of his head until he became calm and humbled himself before the people. He was knocked off his high position to become equal to everyone else. After his recovery, he became the chairman of the Rotinonhsonnion:we/Six Nation Iroquois Confederacy. When the confederacy was formed it was always understood no one was above anybody else. Here the women could cut a man down to size. Chiefs and clan mothers were actually the servants of the people. Today the mothering instinct of the Indigenous women makes us feel sorry for people like George Bush and his prote'ge', Stephen Harper. They have deluded themselves into thinking they are all-powerful. In fact Bush is powerful because he sits on top of an arsenal of deadly weapons. He has his finger on the nuclear button with which he can incinerate the whole world. We are concerned that such a confused person could be in that kind position and a danger to all of us. We are worried about these two young mixed-up boys. We want to straighten them out before its too late. We have to bring them back to reality. We want to show them the true compassion that comes out of the minds of the indigenous people. This is how we brought Adodharo out of his confused state to one of equilibrium with the people. If the women aren't allowed to carry out this ceremony, then these two men will destroy themselves and possibly others around them. The difficulty with people in their positions is that they think they don't need anyone. As we can see we are in a state of emergency. Bush has all the symptoms of someone going off the deep end, such as wanting to take over the whole universe. For the good of the world, we indigenous mothers want to speak to these men. We are worried. Symbolically they both need a good spanking with the red willow to bring them back to reality and "skennen:en" just like when we put our chiefs in their place when they get out of hand. George and Stephen, we want to comb the snakes out of your hair and sing to you to soothe your nerves. Your minds will become clear and you will no longer be dilusional. This method works on Turtle Island because the ceremony is rooted in our traditional practices. It doesn't come from European-spawned psychiatry and psychology, which is formed elsewhere for other people. You guys don't need expensive psychiatric treatment. We'll help you for nothing. Don't be afraid to come off your high pedestal and join us. We are not afraid of falling because we're not on top of anyone. We have this innate knowledge of egalitarianism that comes from our relationship with and connection to the natural world. This act was done at the beginning of the formation of our Confederacy and is the same process today. It brings those with grandiose ideas of themselves back into the "circle". We want you to participate with us. Instead of going into outer space, we want to bring you back down to earth so that you won't harm yourselves or others. The earth could be a beautiful and plentiful place. But we have a lot of work to do to restore it. We want those around you to start telling you the truth even it means losing their jobs. How many thousands more have to die in Iraq, Afganistan, Indian communities and your prisons before you stop this insanity. Why should this nuclear threat be hanging over the heads of all humanity where one guy can push the button and kill us all? Putting one man into such a positions is not only out of balance, it's insane. The people worldwide can't be wrong when they say that one man is causing more trouble in this world than anyone else has ever done before. You're the president, Mr. Bush. You have a responsibility to serve the people. You can start acting like Adodharo who spent the rest of his life bringing true peace to many nations on Turtle Island. Kahentinetha Horn MNN Mohawk Nation News Kahentinetha2@yahoo.com For updates and to sign up go to www.mohawknationnews.com --------- "RE: Ontario seeks $25M for Caledonia costs" --------- Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:44:52 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ONTARIO SENDS $25M TAB TO OTTAWA" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer? pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article& cid=1161726631871&call_pageid=968256289824&col=968342212737 Ontario seeks $25M for Caledonia costs CANADIAN PRESS October 24, 2006 Ottawa must pony up at least $25 million to cover the costs of an ongoing aboriginal occupation in Ontario, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Tuesday as he pressed the federal government to end what's being called the longest- running police operation in Canadian history. The province's taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for reimbursing local businesses, paying provincial negotiator Jane Stewart's $1,300-a-day salary and buying the land in question - a moribund housing development in Caledonia, south of Hamilton, McGuinty said. "That doesn't include any additional costs connected with...policing, and we'll wait and see what we're looking at there," McGuinty said. The final cost "certainly could be higher," he added. The total cost of the occupation, which began in February when protesters from the neighbouring Six Nations reserve took control of the property, could be as high as $55 million with police overtime factored in, according to estimates by the Opposition Conservatives. "The federal government has really been AWOL on this whole matter," said Finance Minister Greg Sorbara. "It's time now they make their presence felt and they make their presence felt financially as well." McGuinty said David Ramsay, the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs, was to meet this week with his federal counterpart to discuss compensation. But Deirdra McCracken, spokesperson for Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, said no meeting is scheduled and Prentice won't respond until he gets a formal request for funding. "They're saying they're going to ask us, but we haven't received anything official yet and, until we do, we won't be commenting on it," McCracken said. The federal government has a negotiator at the table and has been actively involved in the talks to resolve the land claim, she added. Ramsay said he'll be talking to Prentice by phone this week and hopes to arrange a face-to-face meeting next week. "I'm going to present to him some ideas of how the federal government can be a financial contributor to what we're doing there and how they could become the dominant player in the negotiations, as they should be." While critics accuse McGuinty of shirking responsibility for the ongoing occupation, more groups are joining the call for Ottawa to take ownership of the standoff. Karl Walsh, president of the association that represents provincial police officers, said Ottawa seems virtually invisible on the Caledonia file, even though aboriginal land claims are a federal responsibility. Ottawa should be stepping up efforts to resolve the dispute, and should send RCMP officers to help police the town, he added. Walsh called Caledonia the longest-running police operation in Canada's history. The only operation that comes close, he said, is the 1990 aboriginal standoff in Oka, Que., when Kanesatake Mohawks set up a blockade to prevent encroachment onto a burial ground. It ended after 78 days. "It's got to be costing money," Walsh said. "Enough's enough. We've been bearing the burden down there when it's a federal issue." Ken Hewitt of the Caledonia Citizens' Alliance said many town residents agree the federal government isn't playing a large enough role in the dispute. The alliance has been calling on the federal government to increase its profile in closed-door negotiations that seem to be moving far too slowly, Hewitt said. "People want their lives back." Opposition critics say the Ontario government is blaming Ottawa for its own bungled handling of the occupation. McGuinty realizes the standoff has lasted far too long and is now looking for someone else to take responsibility, said Conservative member Elizabeth Witmer. "It's like everything else - they're simply not managing issues in this province in the best interests of taxpayers so they just push everything onto the federal government." New Democrat Leader Howard Hampton said blaming other levels of government won't end the occupation and resolve the land claim. "I think the public is sick and tired of that kind of scapegoating," he said. Six Nations protesters descended on the property in late February, but it was April when police moved in, touching off a massive skirmish that prompted dozens more protesters to seize back the land and erect makeshift barricades which cut the town in half. A number of clashes between protesters and local residents have erupted since; one was narrowly escaped just weeks ago when protesters rallied outside the site to protest what they called special treatment of aboriginals by police. Copyright c. 2006 Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. --------- "RE: Deep Impact: Scheme to steal Indigenous Resources" --------- Date: Monday, October 23, 2006 05:52 pm From: frostyca2000 Subj: T"DEEP IMPACT" - OMINOUS OMEN OF HORRENDOUS SCHEME TO STEAL INDIGENOUS RESOURCES Mailing List: Frostys AmerIndian "DEEP IMPACT" - OMINOUS OMEN OF HORRENDOUS SCHEME TO STEAL INDIGENOUS RESOURCES MNN. Oct. 20, 2006. Here's another clandestine colonial plot to defraud Indigenous people and steal everything that's not nailed down. Canada is in the middle of "deep impact". No, it's not like "deep throat", though it is obscene. In the movie "Deep Impact", an asteroid hit the ocean. The two mile high waves traveled 600 miles an hour and covered the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, except for the high hilly country. Why is this scheme called "deep impact"? Is there going to be a tidal wave coming from the east to destroy and gain mastery and control over Turtle Island? The Iroquois and other Indigenous people have been stationed in the Northeast to deal with this coming onslaught. What's in store for the Mohawks who are the "Keepers of the Eastern Door" in the Confederacy? Deep Impact is a secret economic and cultural shafting being carried out by a small group of high powered American, Mexican, and Canadian businessmen. In Canada it's called "deep integration". The plan is "deep subjugation" of everybody on Turtle Island to U.S. dictates. This is in motion after two decades of "deep infiltration" by corporate interests of all institutions, including governments, military and police. In Canada everything was done under cloak and dagger. There was no consultation or consent by the public to what the few CEO's and government bureaucrats are doing. Canadians don't know about this because it did not originate in "Parliament, in cabinet or by popular demand". It was set up to bypass the elected members of Parliament and the U.S. Congress. Though it is not law, it is being implemented by the governments of these three countries. Canada is using "Orders-in-Council" which don't need scrutiny or debate in Parliament. These are "exceptional powers" that governments are trying to use to bring the military up to Six Nations and Caledonia. Parliament won't be told about it. The decision will be made by a "cabal" of businessmen who have usurped the powers of Parliament. The "Security and prosperity partnership of North America" (SPP) in Canada was started by 150 members of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE), an organization of Canadian CEOs. In January 2003, they laid out a plan for the integration of Canada's and the USA's energy markets, regulations, trade rules, and security strategy. It was published in April 2004. Then in 2005 it became the blueprint for the SPP. In November 2004, the CCCE joined with its American and Mexican counterparts, the Council on Foreign Relations (a blue-blood American think-tank which controls the highest levels of the U.S. government) and the Consejo Mexicano de Asuntos Internacionales. They formed a tri-national "Independent Task Force on North America", broken down into three sections: (1) the highest ranks of business; (2) former and current high-level government officials; and (3) a few international-policy scholars. In March 2005 Canadian prime minister Paul Martin, American president George W. Bush, and Mexican president Vicente Fox launched the SPP. What is the Security and Prosperity Partnership? Its CEO, Thomas d'Aquino, boils it down to three main categories: (i) harmonizing rules and regulations, (ii) delivering Canada's (read Indigenous) natural resources to industry, and (iii) combining North American security forces and information. Harmonizing all rules and regulations means that no product can be banned as substandard or dangerous in Canada if it's considered okay in the USA, or vice versa. Canadian and U.S. tariffs should match on all goods. A product considered safe in the USA should automatically be considered safe in Canada. However, the USA has no federal testing program for mercury in any fish and Canada would not be able to do any testing. Regulations for utilities, transportation, telecommunications, etc., have to be harmonized. So much for Canadian and Mexican-content! Environmental regulations should converge toward the highest common denominator, which is pretty damn low. They want to make a big mess, hide it, move along to the next place and leave another big mess for our future children to clean up. Provide more guarantees to the USA on how much of our (Indigenous) raw materials they can have. Currently 60 percent of our (Indigenous) natural gas output is guaranteed to the USA. They want more such agreements on (Indigenous) oil, electricity, coal, uranium, primary metals, forest products, and agriculture. Disband NAFTA and WTO tribunals which can hold up trade in the name of the national good. The big one is combining military forces with US officers commanding Canadian forces in `some' situations. Meld Canada and US border policing and customs inspection. They've already started that. Have you noticed the new OPP uniforms? If you thought the OPP looked like NYS Troopers, it's no coincidence. The bottom line is a "prosperity agenda" and a "security agenda". Whose prosperity and whose security? Not ours! Canada has already pledged at least $303 million to carry out this agenda. This probably won't cover the conference expenses in Texas and Cancun. These guys are high flyers. You bet they don't eat at McDonalds, and it ain't for ethical or political reasons. At the 2006 meeting in Cancun, Harper, Bush, and Fox set up the "North American Competitiveness Council" NAAC ? a group of 30 corporate executives, ten from each country, to "provide recommendations on North American competitiveness". These are the guys who drew up the blueprint. They will "define priorities" and "provide recommendations" for the governments of these three countries without reporting to the public. The bureaucracies are being commanded to work toward the goals they set. Doesn't this sound like martial law could be brought in if you don't do what you're told? The movie, "Deep Impact", ended with the survivors returning to Washington in front of the ruined White House and Congress saying, "We will find a new way". Yes, there is a new way that is old. Stop violating nature. Follow the Kaianereh'ko:wa philosophy of caring for the natural world and of considering the impact of all your decisions on the 7 generations into the future! Unfortunately the U.S. is running the show. They have not defined what happens if one party refuses to compromise. We can guess! Canada has lost its sovereignty and would have no choice but to go along with the USA. This group of unelected "faschist" businessmen will be declaring the law for Turtle Island without a debate. In Germany, once Hitler gained power and became the Chancellor, he completely ignored the people. He became a dictator and only dealt with his backers. They were the multi-billionaire businessmen who ran the military- industrial complex he needed to try to conquer the world. A totalitarian dictator consolidates all power and takes it out of the hands of the people. They put it into the hands of the few powerful and rich. It's happening here, folks! The only true sovereignty left on Turtle Island is Indigenous which can never be removed. We're warning the world of what's coming. Kahentinetha Horn, MNN Mohawk Nation News Kahentinetha2@yahoo.com For updates and to sign up go to www.mohawknationnews.com --------- "RE: Battle over Lobster spreads to Schools" --------- Date: Monday, October 23, 2006 05:41 pm From: frostyca2000 Subj: Battle over lobster spreads to schools Mailing List: Frostys AmerIndian Battle over lobster spreads to schools Nine natives pulled out of class after white students shun them By TERA CAMUS Cape Breton Bureau October 23, 2006 CHAPEL ISLAND - The aboriginal woman kept telling him to keep his mouth shut. "There are 150 boats from Big Cove and places around Nova Scotia ready to come here if we need them," the Chapel Island man repeatedly told The Chronicle Herald last week at a makeshift encampment that has sprung up on the northeast side of the provincially owned St. Peter's Canal. "I am a Mi'kmaq warrior," the long-haired man shouted as he looked to the sky, thumping his chest proudly. "And all this is starting to piss us off," he continued, causing some to laugh but others to avert their eyes uncomfortably. Chapel Island residents last week began keeping 24-hour watch over band-owned gear and vessels in St. Peter's Canal - about 10 kilometres from their homes - after more than 300 native-owned traps were destroyed or cut from their buoys in recent weeks. Their vessels were also taken and pulled out to sea and tied to buoys since they began fishing lobster through the band's ceremonial food licence, set to expire Nov. 14. Non-native commercial fishermen who ply the same waters, but at other times of year, are upset natives are harvesting 250 traps and collecting hundreds of pounds of lobsters a day to feed the community's 700 residents. They claim the Mi'kmaq are damaging stocks because lobster moult and are easier to catch now because they're aggressively eating for winter. RCMP suspect a "few hot-heads" are responsible for the mischief directed against Chapel Island. "We still don't know who did this," Cpl. Rick Beaton said late last week. Now similar tensions have surfaced but among younger generations in Richmond County. According to several Chapel Island women, nine natives were pulled out of Richmond Academy in Louisdale after predominantly white students shunned them or directed racist or threatening remarks at them last week over the ongoing fishery dispute. "Now they're starting to hate our kids," one native woman said sadly as her children played at the encampment while a soiled aboriginal flag flickered in the wind. School officials refused to comment Friday. Strait regional school board officials said they would look into the situation but didn't provide any further information over the weekend. Natives say they could be targeted by more mischief or violence as they continue to harvest lobster, pointing to last week's most public display of anger when 20 or so large lobster vessels ? operated by predominantly white fishermen ? made it difficult for natives to leave port to check their day's catch. Shelley Denny, a scientist and fisheries management expert at the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources in Eskasoni, said the tension at sea and now in schools shows how deep racism runs and how centuries-old treaties still seem to mean very little to the rest of society. "It's a combination of racism and ignorance," Ms. Denny said. "All the intimidation and bullying. . . . There's a lot of underlying issues going on here but we've all heard their racist comments, we've all been targeted." In lobster fishing areas 27 to 30, the area of dispute that stretches from Cape Breton's northern tip of Cape North to its southeast coast in the Strait of Canso, non-natives benefit from the bounty collected annually in 158,250 traps while five First Nations bands in Cape Breton split a small quota of 1,250 traps, including Chapel Island's 250. Ironically, the clash between natives and non-natives last week inside St. Peter's Canal was metres from an archeological site where scientists last year unearthed aboriginal hunting and fishing artifacts and spears that predate the arrival of Europeans to North America. "This is not a commercial lobster fishery," Ms. Denny said after attending a meeting between fisheries officials and Chapel Islanders on Thursday when natives again reaffirmed their rights to fish lobster until the season ends on Nov. 14. "Just like when we hunt moose where we don't eat it in one day . . . they are storing their food for winter . . . they are gathering from fishing," she said. "First Nations don't fully utilize their full quota. Imagine if the rest of us showed up there to set our traps . . . this is just silly. Does anyone actually think that 250 traps set by Chapel Island food fishers for two months is going to drive the lobster population to low levels?" RCMP are monitoring the normally quiet canal and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans also has two officers on duty near the encampment. DFO spokesman Gus VanHelvoort said the native fishery will continue until Nov. 14 and both sides will have to talk over the coming months. "There are some management issues that need to be addressed," he said. But reducing the larger non-native commercial fishery to make room for natives isn't something DFO will consider, although the department acknowledges conservation is its No. 1 priority, followed by aboriginal concerns and, thirdly, the larger commercial interests. "The right that they (natives) have is to fish on a reasonable level and it's their intention to fish at a reasonable level and we have to sit down with the non-natives . . . on how to integrate this fishery into the overall picture in a way that everyone is comfortable, that everyone is on the same page," he said. Ms. Denny, who represents the Eskasoni, Chapel Island, Waycobah, Membertou and Wagmatcook bands, said slicing the native fishery isn't fair when the lion's share of the resource is harvested by non- natives. Chapel Island has agreed to report all catches to DFO. Catches must be of legal size, no female lobsters carrying eggs can be landed and newly mottled lobster must be released back into the water. No native fishermen have been charged with violating any of the rules. DFO is investigating a charge by non-native fishermen that natives are selling lobster catches door to door, but so far they have found no evidence to support the allegation. ( tcamus@herald.ca) 'It's a combination of racism and ignorance. All the intimidation and bullying. . . . There's a lot of underlying issues going on here but we've all heard their racist comments, we've all been targeted.' --------- "RE: Aboriginal education system coming to Anishinabek" --------- Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:44:52 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ANISHINABEK NATION TO ESTABLISH OWN EDUCATION SYSTEM" http://www.firstperspective.ca/fp_combo_template.php?path=20061024edu Aboriginal education system coming to Anishinabek Nation by 2008 by Joseph Quesnel October 24, 2006 Member communities of the Anishinabek Nation in Ontario are poised to establish their own independent Aboriginal education system by the year 2008, says the grand council chief of the Ontario-based organization. "We've been working on this agreement for the past seven years," says Grand Council Chief John Beaucage of the Union of Ontario Indians. The group acts as the secretariat for the 42 communities that comprise the Anishinabek Nation. Members of the organization met recently for a three-day symposium entitled "Anishinaabe Kinomaadswin Nongo - Anishinaabe Pane", which translates to "Anishinaabe Education Today - Forever Anishinaabe." At the symposium, Anishinabek educators met and discussed how to implement the Aboriginal education system in Ontario. The deal as envisioned will involve placing the education system under Anishinabek control and will involve the establishment of Ojibway as the official language of instruction at the schools. Most controversially, the agreement will involve placing the system outside of the sections of the Indian Act that deal with education. According to Beaucage, the organization has already signed