Volume II Issue VIII 2000 WINTER 2000
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Click on
The Hunger Site.
Feed one person for one day - free!
Bookmark for routine. And then come back and see us! |
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The year 2000 has interesting challenges; some based on fact - some on fancy. Did you ever walk through the woods, looked back, and everything was strange? It is easy to get lost if we don't check our backtrail often. Another way is to ask the people who have been there. Win, lose, regain, we continue.
| Ancient Prophecies | Evolution/Creation | War On Women |
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| Yellowstone Bison | Bird Extinction | Tigers-Turtles-Grizzlies-Whales |
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| The History of Medicine | Sanity and Prayer | Plymouth Thanksgiving |
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| Six Seasons | Paleontology Finds | The Big Bubble |
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| Atlantis Found Again | Curse From The Sky | Makah Whalers |
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|
Mendota:
Cultural Genocide Of An "Unrecognized" People |
Update 12-11-1999
The Raid |
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|
American Indian Religious Freedom Act
Aug. 11, 1978 [S.J. Res. 102] |
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| Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 |
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Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act
Public Law 101-601--NOV. 16, 1990 |
| Greenpeace Arrests | Who Owns The Food? | Dark Harvest |
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| Monsanto Water Monopoly? | Asleep At The Switch | Mad Hatter's Treaty Party |
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| American Indian Heritage Month | National Museum of the American Indian | Cherokee Chief Agenda |
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| Mankiller Encourages Activism |
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| North American Independent Indigenous Community, Inc. |
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| Ancestor's Bones: Interested Parties | Red River Compact |
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| Political Bedfellows: One Thousand Years of Evil |
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| Senator Chafee Passes | Kansas Buffalo Better Than Beef | KKK Unmasked |
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| Sacred Objects Returned | Navajo Relocation | Navajo/Hopi Water |
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| Cherokee Wisdom |
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|
Rain Forest Journey
Ecuador in March and April. This has to be great. And you are invited! |
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These were sent to me by email, and were excerpted from:
Hopi:
Black Elk saw that his people would be plagued by famine and sickness
and war. They would lose heart and the sacred hoop of his nation would be
broken.
But he saw a vision of his own nation being reunited after seven
generations and becoming part of the greater hoop of all the nations
of the earth. Then he saw the daybreak star rising in the east,
and heard a voice that said:
"It shall be a relative to them, and who shall see it shall see much more,
for from there comes Wisdom; and those who do not see it shall be dark."
Black Elk thought this meant that a great Prophet from the East would
bring a message to his people.
Crazy Horse's vision foretold the darkness that descended on his people.
He saw the coming of automobiles and airplanes and the tragic world
wars of the modern era. He saw his people gradually awakening after the last war and
beginning to dance again under the Sacred Tree.
Then amazingly he saw that dancing along with his people were
representatives of all races who had become brothers. Thus he
foresaw that the world would be made whole again, not just by
his own nation but by all peoples working together.
When she left, she turned into a white buffalo, and promised some day to
return. In 1994 a white buffalo calf was born in Wisconsin; in 1996 another
was born in South Dakota. For the native peoples these births have been a
sign to "mend the hoop" of the nations, to establish brotherhood
within the family of man, and return to a spiritual way of life.
He would come in the same
spirit as other prophets before Him, but would renew the spirit of
man in a way more worldwide and all-embracing than ever before in history.
Through books, lectures and workshops, Dhyani Ywahoo is disseminating
that knowledge. She claims that her own Ywahoo lineage was founded
by a legendary prophet called the Pale One who rekindled the sacred
fires throughout the Americas.
She says: "The Pale One is a cyclically incarnating being. He comes when the
people have forgotten their sacred ways, bringing reminders of the Law,
recalling all to right relationship. He is expected soon again, and
he may be alive even now. It is good."
In 1975 the elders met in Canberra, drawing together over 350 Aboriginal
people. They gave a warning of cataclysms to come and told the people
to go out and teach their knowledge to the world, to prepare it for a
future time when we would go back to our beginnings; when all cultures
will exist as one.
In 1990 the elders saw in the heavens a configuration that was a
sign for them to release their sacred knowledge.
A book, The Song of Waitaha, by Barry Brailsford, contains these
teachings. In their language wai means water and taha
means gourd, implying the idea of a water carrier, the sign of Aquarius.
Alarmed by the excessive mining and deforestation of modern times,
in 1990 (for the one and only time) they allowed a BBC television
film crew to visit them and document their lives.
Calling themselves "The Elder Brothers",
they wished to issue an urgent warning to the
"younger brothers."
High in their mountain lands, they see that the earth is drying up,
the sources of water that should give sustenance to the plains below
are no longer vital. They warn us that the earth is dying and,
"When the Earth dies we will all die."
Now he tours the world teaching his simple message: "Humanity should
cure itself and give help to the poor. Regenerate yourself with light,
and then help those who have poverty of the soul. Return to the inner
spirit, which we have abandoned while looking elsewhere for
happiness."
In his book Secrets of Mayan Science/Religion, he
reveals teachings that mirror the Hindu and Buddhist ones of
astrology, meditation, and the septenary root of creation.
He speaks of Kukulcan and Quetzalcoatl, not so much in light
of an expected return, but rather in terms of the possibility
that each of us can attain the same exalted stage by treading the
path of attaining knowledge. "To be Quetzalcoatl or Kukulcanis;
to know the seven forces that govern our body — not only
know them but also use them and understand their intimate
relationship with natural and cosmic laws. We must comprehend the
long and short cycles and the solar laws that sustain our lives.
We must know how to die, and how to be born."
Don Alejandro Oxlaj is a seventh generation priest from
Guatemala and head of the Quiche Maya Elder Council. He has
traveled throughout North America, comparing the native
prophecies of different tribes. In the coming year he hopes to
record and publish, for the first time in 500 years, the Mayan
prophecies of his people.
Now is the time to join
together and work in harmony to rehabilitate the planet and
establish an era of alignment and peace.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Apostle Paul said, "For we have been
given the Ministry of Reconciliation." This is from the
Gospel that is now "ill spoken of." The culture that seems
bent on using its teachings for conquest would do well to
return to the heart. The scripture that matches all of the
foregoing prophecies is: "Your hearts will enlarge and
you will flow together." Don't hear that one taught much.
END NOTE.
Suggested reading:
Excerpted from:
"Ancient Prophecies For Modern Times" by Bette Stockbauer.
Bette Stockbauer is a free-lance writer whose
philosophical background is Esoteric Christianity, as expressed
through the teachings of Helena Blavatsky, Alice Bailey, and
Benjamin Creme.
She co-ordinates a Transmission Meditation group
in Austin, Texas, and has a bachelor's degree in Sociology.
Here is the link to see this whole article or to see other
articles by
Bette Stockbaur.
As of this writing, over the past four years Arizona, Alabama, Illinois,
Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, and Nebraska have been working at
getting evolution removed from science subjects.
Creationists are gaining a foothold for the Book of
Genesis to be accepted literally.
The State of Alabama's textbook's have a sticker that
says evolution is controversial, and that:
Editor's note: There's that word "any" to play with.
The Book of Genesis is "any." Confusion breeds confusion. End Note.
Here is a little time line - as much as I could find -
of the evolution of creationism in the schools.
Contradictions run amok, but this is a beautiful example
of the check and balance system that is
still alive and well in America.
Two quotes:
Tom Willis, Director of the Creation Science Association for Middle
America, said about evolution, "It's deception. When you tell students
science has determined evolution to be true, you're deceiving them."
Policy language such as "Discuss the evidence for and against and
employ the concept of evolution" was replaced with
"Discuss the various mechanisms proposed to explain and
interpret the evolutionary process."
This was done because they felt that vague language
"left the door open for religious alternatives."
None of the speakers at an open meeting favored
creationism, but said that they were "concerned that
children would not be allowed to think critically
about evolution."
Three quotes:
Christine Truijullo, Board member and
chairwoman of instructional committee,
"I want to give my students the right to progressive thought."
Flora Sanchez, President of the New Mexico
Board of Education, about creationism,
"It should be taught in social studies alongside the Native American
(view of the) origin of the world and that of other cultures."
Editor's note: A calm still voice in a world of madness.
Good for you, Flora Sanchez. End note.
The statement was written by
Steve Rankin, assistant professor of religion and
campus minister, Philip Schmidt, professor of history, and
Patrick Ross, assistant professor of biology.
Southwestern is affiliated with the United Methodist
Church, and joins several Kansas public universities
who have made the same statement.
Three quotes:
Patrick Ross, assistant professor of biology,
"One of the goals of passing this resolution is to show the rest of
the country that the actions of the State Board of Education are not
only unrepresentative of Kansas' educational community, but that
the board's view is not shared by all faculty members of Kansas'
church-related colleges."
Dick Merriman, president of the college,
"This is not an official expression of college policy.
It is an exercise of faculty members' rights to express
such views, and I am committed to protecting those rights."
The Kansas State Board of Education also wants to do away
with such issues in science classes as cosmology, global warming
and population pressures.
A large group of religious folks lived in a small
area called Rhode Island Plantation. A smaller group
of a different religion moved into the neighborhood.
This could not be allowed, so the big guys began to
murder the little guys in the Name of God.
The victims appealed to the Governor and he set aside
a little spot for these people to survive and practise
religious freedom.
"The Lord has provided!" they cried. Providence.
Do you remember Pat Robertson running for president and
garnering a healthy 10% of support? Do you remember
Jim Baker having to take hard lumps for his errors, and
being kicked-while-down by his "buddy" Jerry Falwell?
Why, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Let's write a silly scenario here.
It's Sunday morning and a truck pulls up to your
house to help you "tithe." One-tenth of your money
and goods (right down to the "mint in the garden")
is taken to meet your religious obligation.
Then the bus comes by, with something like "The Only
Way To Heaven" painted on it, and you are taken to church.
Once in God's house a rule of silence is imposed upon
the women, while the men expound their God-given
rights of dominance.
Aw, it can't happen here.
This is pared this down, but otherwise the
basic information is here as it came to me.
Date: September 08, 1999
Since the Taliban took power in 1996, women have had to wear burqua and
have been beaten and stoned in public for not having the proper attire,
even if this means simply not having the mesh covering in front
of their eyes.
One
woman was beaten to DEATH by an angry mob of fundamentalists for
accidentally exposing her arm while she was driving. Another was stoned to
death for trying to leave the country with a man that was not a relative.
May 24, 1999:
She refused to give up her seat in December of
1955 and in November of 1965 the Supreme Court ruled
that segregation on public transportation was
unconstitutional.
The Buffalo Field Campaign is calling for help to
Stop The Slaughter of the last wild roaming bison herd.
People, money, and supplies are needed in West Yellowstone.
These folks are well-organized and they put it on the line.
If you cannot be there in person they will tell you
about other ways to help.
For background information see the first
article in the Clamor:
Yellowstone Bison Battle
Video clips for an "in the field" look at the buffalo and
their plight with the Montana Department of Livestock at
Buffalo Field Campaign
Email
Stop The Slaughter
with any questions or for specifics. They have a
long wish list. If you can't provide a snowmobile
then bring chapstick.
Birdlife International says that damage to the environment
will affect one in eight species of birds in the world.
This means 1,200 species extinct in the next 100 years,
and as many as 1,000 more in danger.
Countries with the most birds at risk:
The damage is caused by deforestation, burn-offs, logging,
mining, and poor farming practices. People are at risk, too.
Tigers
The Indian Government implemented Project Tiger in 1972 to
save the remaining 1800 tigers in that country. Forests were
protected and shooting was prohibited. By 1989 the tiger
population was at 4300.
They are in danger again: poaching for "tiger parts" and encroachment
development, such as dams, has brought the count down to 3500.
The prediction is that by the Year of the Tiger, 2010, there will be none.
How to catch swordfish without hooking
turtles, sharks, blue marlin, and albatross? Yes, albatross.
Evidently no one has figured it out, and because the leatherneck
turtle is becoming endangered, longline fishing has been banned
in thousands of square miles in the Pacific Ocean.
A study that is being conducted in the meantime will take
two years, and some environmentalists are seeking a permament
ban.
This is a serious blow to fisherman - small operations - and is a tough call.
Only six grizzly bears were killed in October of 1999 when
they came into the British Columbia village of Oweekeno. Two of them
were cubs.
They were hungry: Grizzlies depend on salmon for as much as 70% of
their diet, and the salmon return this year was 3500, compared to the
usual 3 million.
The depletion of the salmon run is due to overfishing and the destruction
of their breeding grounds.
Eagles and ravens, who also feed mainly on salmon, are also
disappearing.
Guess who is going to be hungry next?
One millenium ago there were 100,000 Southern Right Whales, and it
took only 35 years to almost wipe them out. Now there are 7,000 and the
population is growing at about 7% a year.
This animal can measure 50 feet and weigh 70 tons. The name "right whale"
means they were the ones recognized by the whalers as being the most commercial.
A report entitled "Mental Health Promotion and
the Christian Church" says prayer can't hurt.
The report also recommends faith and scripture
readings and quote:
Here are some related articles from past Clamors:
Medicine Men
are valid medical expenses.
Sacred Circle Ceremony
coincides with cancer remission.
The Right to Believe
with link to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Osage Mystery Power
and visit the Web site of Jay Gentle Sky.
Two years ago 25 Native American Indians were arrested
after a Thanksgiving parade confrontation that led to
charges of police brutality.
This year limousines carried Native American Indian leaders
to be seated as honored guests in the review stand.
"Today is about unity," said Rodney Randy Joseph, a member
of the Federation of Old Plymouth Indian Tribes.
From: "Ron 'Big Bear' Goddard"
Two new dinosaurs were discovered in Niger:
There is possible new proof of an old theory that a giant
methane bubble rising from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean
was a factor in the rise of the mammals.
Scientists believe that the methane was in the form of ice
that had been created under great pressure, and because
of its density had sunk to the bottom.
This ice was then crushed by pressure from an underwater
reef and the methane was released. The sudden increase in
carbon dioxide (55 million years ago)
in the atmosphere caused global warming at
the rate we are experiencing today.
This happened about 10 million years after dinsaurs had
begun dying off about 65 million years ago.
Water temperatures increased by as much as 14 degrees
Fahrenheit and many deep sea creatures began to die off.
There are more methane ice chunks still on the ocean floor.
A British explorer, who has devoted 20 years of his
life to the quest, has found Atlantis in Bolivia.
Here's how the proof stacks up.
Plato said:
He has a book, "Atlantis: The Andes Solution," but I'm
waiting for the movie.
In January of 1980 a TV was flown in to a village of
the Gwich'in, People of the Caribou, who have tradition
going back more than 1,000 generations. They now have
satellite dishes with over 300 channels.
In less than 20 years, these folks are losing
story-telling, hunting, language, tradition - their children.
The electronic salesman has convinced them that
canned (food and thought) is better. Manufactured
has replaced homemade: moccasins to Nikes, dog sleds
to snowmobiles, jerky to bubblegum.
The trees are gone and the village wallows in
broken appliances, abandoned cars, and candy wrappers.
The caribou are tracked by satellite, but the young
hunters can't tell cow from bull.
And now they lock their doors.
An article in Blue Eagle Newsletter -
taken from the First Nations Digest.
Here is is, slightly shortened, but powerful in
the telling.
FIRST_NATIONS Digest - May 16, 1999 to May 17, 1999
It was my privilege to be able to the watch the entire hunt this
morning on TV. At least two stations carried it, so now I report what I
saw with my own eyes. On Saturday, the Makah went to hunt and
protestors buzzed the canoe and the whales so badly that one, for certain,
and possibly two whales were injured by the protestors' aluminum boat.
The protestor boats went right over the back of the whale in an effort
to "protect" the whale. Blood was clearly visible on one whale where
the engines and boat bottom had cut it. As a result, the Coast Guard
confiscated 3 boats and a jet ski.
This morning at 4:30 am, the whalers took to the sea. There were no
protest boats out (Coast Guard had all the small ones locked up).
Although I had been taught how a relation offers itself to the people, I
have never before witnessed it. It was a magic moment.
There were four
whales in the sea. The first the Makah approached, turned itself alway
from them and they left it. The whalers approached the second. It
waited for them and when the canoe was close and the harpooner stood,
the whale raised its head out of the water right next to the canoe.
There was a moment when you could almost hear the whale and harpooner
speak to each other.
The harpoon was thrown and stuck. The whale began
to move out. A second harpoon was thrown, and then the whalers got a
wild ride.
When the first harpoon struck, the whale thrashed some and
the canoe was right above it. There was fear the canoe would overturn,
but the whale was careful and never raised its tail or tried to harm the
whalers. In just a few moments, the support boat pulled alongside the
whale and a third harpoon with a heavier line was thrown and struck.
The whalers on the support boat shot at the whale three times, missing
on the first two. The whale again raised its head high and the third
shot killed it instantly. The entire hunt lasted just 10 minutes.
The Makah are now towing the whale to a beach where the people are
waiting to do ceremony. Media will not be allowed at the ceremony.
After the ceremony, the whale will be rendered by the Makah and
distributed to the people.
Puyallups, Nisquallys, Tulups (and I'm sure others) peoples are on the
rez today to support the Makah, particularly after what happened
Saturday which was so incredibly dangerous and explosive.
A reporter this morning spoke with people at a restaurant on the rez
(the only
restaurant BTW). She said that as they watched the hunt, the mood was
quiet and somber and when the whale was taken, a prayer attitude
prevailed. There was no whooping and hollaring, just a quiet respectful
moment and lots of tears of gratitude. The whalers, themselves, were
hugging each other and raising their paddles in the air.
After the whale was taken, the large Sea Shephard boat raced toward the
canoe at a really high rate of speed and broke the 500 feet boundary.
I applaud the Coast Guard and the men who protected the whalers. A small
rubber dingy with 3 Coast Guard personnel put itself between the large
ship and the canoe and the ship turned away before hitting the dingy.
Please hold the Makah and the whale in your prayers this day.
Mendota Links
at end of article.
This article is begun (November 26, 1999) before the finality,
but the conclusion is foregone.
Update 12-11-1999
" You may recall
that the indigenous Americans were blatantly left out of the
President's Committee on Race last fall, and there is no assistance from
the
government or the BIA.
"In fact, even though the area the Mendota are
defending is the probable area of the old fashioned Sky Burials
(which means there are the remains of their Ancestors all over the place
as they fell from the trees with age), the Minnesota Historic
Preservation people claimed they had done extensive research and
excavation there
and proved there were "no graves".
"The Mendota People have followed all the legal procedures and been
thwarted at every turn. They complied with a list of 10,000 local
inhabitants demanding the preservation of the Grove, they went to
court and got stays of destruction, they proved that it was indeed a
Sacred Place.
"Many Tribal Members provided affidavits and testaments (all
legal according to the requirements of the state) so that the place
would be protected under the federal
"The media information has been suppressed, as the first
attack by the MinnDOT militia came last winter where they had 600
uniformed and armed law enforcement agents "remove" 36 Mendota People
and environmentalists." End Email.
Our people were not released until after 11:00 pm and some
of them, including the elder were not released until 2:00 am. Today
we were told that anyone who had already been arrested and came back to
the protest site, would be arrested again and held for 72 hours without
bail.
This is a public park that has been turned into a police state. One
of our supporters was there this morning and he was chased down and
arrested again, without provocation.
Two others have also been arrested and one young woman's head was
slammed against the squad car.
You will not read in the papers of the arrest and brutality of
juveniles, 17 year olds, 15 year olds, and yesterday they assaulted
a thirteen year old boy, four troopers jumped him and punched him
in the mouth. He was taken to the hospital and never charged,
they don't want people to know they are beating
children who will stand up for their beliefs.
THIS JUST IN!
(This is an unedited email)
On Monday a tripod
was set up in the middle of Interstate Highway 55 to protest its
proposed reroute. People then moved existing construction barricades
into the street to shut down the highway. The road was shut down for
blocks all day and we had a big ol' street party.
One woman locked down
to a hauling truck and blocked the front gate of the construction site
so they couldn't do any more work.
Seven people were up in an old=growth
cottonwood tree that we thought they were planning to take down that
day.
At about 5:00, 60 state trooper cars came in. They arrested 13
people on the ground and attempted to evict and cut the squatted tree.
They broke out the cherry pickers and fire truck ladders and wound up
cutting the branches that people were still in, almost killing the
sitters. 3 people from the tree were arrested, with one sent to the
hospital. 4 people stayed up there.
The police presence on the ground
continued...they vowed to deprive the remaining sitters of all food and
water, and they cut their lines so they can't get down safely.
On
Wednesday a group of college students opposed to the reroute took over
the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation's offices. 12 people were
arrested, and are still in jail. The troopers and MN/DoT and the
contractors, in a retaliation move, went and cut thirteen trees on the
site where the occupied houses used to be. One person was arrested
trying to get up a tree (she is also still in jail), bringing the total
number of arrests to 13...the same number of trees they cut.
Today, we
get the rumor that they're going to bring in the National Guard, armed
with rubber bullets, to evict our occupation on Saturday. We don't know
if this rumor is true, but we know something is going to happen. State
trooper helicopters have been encircling camp all week, and state
troopers on foot have been seen in the woods, scouting trails and tree
sits. All tree sits are now being staffed 24 hours a day. 2 people came
down from the cottomwood sit today and are in jail...the remaining 2 say
they're in it foir the long haul. The troopers are still on the ground
in an effort to starve them out. Things are escalating fast.
Kitridge and Emerson had a ceremony within the Four Sacred Oaks with
Jim Anderson and members of the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community
and the American Indian Movement in which they were offered to smoke
the pipe. After they were told that this was not a peace pipe, but a
truth pipe, Kitridge smoked and Emerson declined.
They assured Jim Anderson that the raid would be soon, sometime in
the next 2 to 3 weeks, that it would be in the morning and that there
would be no tear gas or pain compliance holds used. They gave their
word that people would be offered the chance to leave before being
arrested for trespassing. They said that the machines of destruction
would follow immediately after the arrests, and that the University
of Minnesota has requested a oak slab from each tree.
They said that they would try and respect the sacred items and make
certain that eagle feathers and other items would be returned.
Emerson made the same promise of allowing people to leave before the
last raid in December of 1998.
Pidamaya,
We await the next email.
Update as of 5:30 p.m. central time
December 11. 1999,
The people were arrested.
The Sacred Oaks were cut.
"Ancient Prophecies For Modern Times" by
Bette Stockbaur.
Hopi prophecies speak of the return of Pahana, their True White
Brother, who left them in ancient times, promising to return.
They wear their hair in bangs to form a window, they say, by
which to see their Elder Brother when He returns. It is also an
identifying mark for the Elder Brother to recognize
them.
Lakota Sioux:
Black Elk and Crazy Horse were leaders of the Lakota Sioux in the late
1800s, a period which saw in the US the decimation of many native groups.
Each had a vision of the future.
White Buffalo:
Among the Lakota, the Crow, the Chippewa and other Native American
tribes, the White Buffalo is one of the most sacred symbols. It represents
purity, sacrifice and a sign that prophecy is being fulfilled. The Messiah
honored by the Lakota Sioux is the White Buffalo Calf Woman who brought the
Sacred Pipe and established the foundation of their ritual and social life.
Mohawk:
Jake Swamp of the Mohawk nation tells of the Peacemaker, Deganawida, who
unified the tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Peacemaker foresaw the
turmoil and destruction that would destroy the lives and culture of the
Confederacy tribes. But he also saw a time beyond when there would come a
great Prophet who would be a World Uniter.
Tsalagi/Cherokee:
In 1969 the elders of Dhyani Ywahoo's Tsalagi/Cherokee group decided to
release teachings that have been kept in secret since the conquest.
Australia
Among the Australian aboriginals it is believed that each
tribe has a responsibility to take care of one part of the
environment. They believe that underground minerals are a vital
part of the earth's energy grid and are greatly concerned
about the excessive mining in modern times, particularly of uranium.
New Zealand
The Waitaha nation claims the most ancient lineage in New Zealand.
When the nation was broken up by warriors from the Pacific the
elders concealed 1,000 years of their generational history and
wisdom teachings, passing the knowledge
on through only a tiny number of people in each generation.
South America
The Kogi are a pre-Columbian tribe who live an isolated
existence in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia.
They are one of the few who escaped the destruction of the Europeans
and still live their lives in accordance with their ancient
spiritual heritage.
Quechua Incan:
Willaru Huarta grew up in the jungles of Peru, studying with the shamans.
He says that his native Quechua Incan prophecies predicted
the white man's coming would bring 500 years of
materialism and imbalance. But now they say that era is coming to
an end and the Age of Aquarius will "signal the return of
Light to the planet and the dawn of a golden era. We live in a
time of the fulfillment of prophecy."
The Q’ero:
Another Peruvian group that are releasing
prophecy, traveling to the industrialized nations to hold
ceremonies and share their vision of the future.
Mayan Prophecy:
Hunbatz Men tells of an ancient confederation of Native
American elders made up of representatives from Nicaragua to the
Arctic Circle. They have been meeting for thousands of years and
continue to do so today. Before the Spaniards came the
confederation decided to hide the Mayan teachings, entrusting
certain families with their care. Hunbatz Men is an inheritor of
that lineage.
What is enlightening in all of these statements is their
consistent tone of reconciliation. The native groups are opening
their doors to people of every color, speaking of themselves as
Rainbow Warriors. Their elders have reminded them
to "remember the original instructions" when each tribe
was given by the creator a mandate to follow. That mandate has
told them that now is the time to heal the past, despite the
centuries of pain and persecution.
At the top of this list for suggested
reading I suggest the Bible. Strange that it is the book
most often allowed to be read to us rather than
studied personally.
"We live in a time of the fulfillment of prophecy."
considered a theory and not a fact."
Charles Darwin presents the Theory of Evolution, and it
is accepted as the basis for modern biology.
John Thomas Scopes, Tennessee science teacher, is convicted
and fined for teaching evolution. State Supreme Court
later reverses conviction on a technicality.
The Illinois Board of Education changes the word "evolution"
to "change over time." Local schools still have a choice, but
the new Illinois Standards Achievement Test in February, 2000,
will not use the "e" word.
The Kansas Board Of Education, by a vote of 6 to 4,
"erased" from "required curriculum" Darwin's Theory of
Evolution, which has been traditionaly taught for 140 years.
Though evolution can still be taught, it will not be
required to pass the state-sanctioned tests.
Janet Waugh, Kansas Board of Education member said,
"Evolution has been removed. Instead of Kansas's curriculum
having more and more credibility, it will have less and less."
Kentucky strikes the word "evolution" from school policy
guidelines.
By a vote of 10 to 1, the New Mexico Board of Education
stated that "only evolution belongs in science classes,"
and K-12 state content standards were changed.
Phil Robinson, science teacher of 18 years,
"The greatest liars in this whole
debate are the ones that say evolution is valid."
Faculty members at Southwestern College (in my home town of
Winfield, KS) announced a statement asking the Kansas State Board of
Education to change its August, 1999 decision to remove evolution
from Kansas curriculum.
Philip Schmidt, professor of history, "The state board's actions
threaten the academic freedom of Southwestern graduates preparing
to teach high school science classes, and could eventually become
a threat to the academic freedom of college faculties."
Christian conservatives campaigning for Republican
presidential candidate Gary Bauer claim they influenced
the July 1997 Illinois Board of Education's decision
to take the word "evolution" out of the state's educational
standards.
I remember from my childhood a little poem about evolution.
It compared human behavior, such as lying, stealing,
cheating, and murder, with monkey society.
Then the monkey sums it up:
"Man descended, the ornery cuss, but he certainly didn't
descend from us."
How Providence, Rhode Island got its name:
But, it's happening in the Afghanistan
The government of Afghanistan is waging a war upon women.
Here are the Taliban's rules and consequences:
Who will suffer, the terrorists or
the women?
The First Freedom Rider
The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to
Rosa Parks, the woman whose determination started
the Montgomery, AL, bus boycott.
Meanwhile the folks in West Yellowstone
are:
For The Winter Campaign
Most of these birds live in the forests, but even
the sparrows and skylarks have declined by 50% in
Europe in the past ten years.
that species' removal from the
endangered list. The eagle bit him.
Turtles
Grizzlies
Whales
(Thanks to Ish and Ray.)
However:
to patients, were confused by doctors with symptoms
of the mental illness itself."
Kwe all,
In the Algonquin region of Maniwaki and the Ottawa
Valley we have 6 seasons. In the Atikamek Nation language which
also apply to the same in the Algonkin
region as far the Mik'maq region:
That's it! I rely a lot on this info and have noticed
these circles ever since I was taught this 6 yrs ago.
meegwetch..
O:na,
Ron 'BigBear' Goddard
Jobaria tiguidensis:
Nigersaurus taqueti:
Found in Madagascar:
Found in Siberbia:
The previous record
for a living organism was
3.5 billion - no,
2.7 billion - uh, 2.5 billion.
And there you have it
.
.
.
at an altitude
of 12,000 feet. He may be correct.
is where the legendary city most probably existed out of any other
possible site in the world. South Americans shouldn`t call
themselves South Americans, but
rather Atlantians."
Meanwhile:
Special issue(#1999-320)
From: Storm Reyes
Using the words of a Makah Elder: "This morning, a whale presented
itself to the Makah people and offered itself to the whalers and was
taken."
I am in awe of what I saw this morning.
Storm
Another Sad Loss
The Raid
First here is part of an email from
Deb Huglin
Coordinating Archaeologist E.M.I.T.A.
(Early Man in the Americas)
Archaeologist for the Mendota People.
Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act
and the
Protection of Indigenous Beliefs
laws...all
to no avail.
And here are some examples the developments as they unfolded:
"the last two days have been horrifying, they have
arrested and brutalized over 40 people - they arrested an ojibwe elder
who sat down to block traffic - a white nun is not arrested,
though she supports the cause - another white supporter is
pushed aside by troopers and two Native American women who were behind her
are pushed down and arrested.
to all that heaed about me
iam the 13 year old that was beaten up yesterday
my name is jesse l. hop ,,my native name is WAKPA ICIMANI
im from mendota ,minn
when i was in the ambulance the cop said that i was vary lucky that
he did
not beat me with his belly club....
well i hav to go now so i see u all later
bye
This is the
short version of everything that's going on because everything is
totally insane right now and I can't spend too much time on here. COME
TO MINNEHAHA IF YOU CAN! WE NEED PEOPLE! WE NEED YOU!
Minnehaha Spiritual Camp Receives Warning of Imminent Raid:
Yesterday, Thursday, the Minnehaha Spiritual Camp was visited by
Captain Kitridge of the Minnesota State Highway Patrol and Lieutenant
Bud Emerson of the Third Precinct of the Minneapolis Police
Department. Lieutenant Emerson commanded the raid last December 20th
in which 802 troopers and police tear gassed and tortured non-violent
people and desecrated sacred items including eagle feathers and a
ceremonial drum.
Jim Anderson - Cultural Chairman of the Mendota Mdewakanton
Dakota Community - (612) 910-0730 - camp cell phone (651) 398-5249
EDITOR: So here we are: Feeling the
helplessness of good folks on all sides as a juggernaut
of greed and hate rumbles across our homeland and the
planet:
people who are trying to guard their sacred trusts, pitted
against people who are sworn to uphold the law and who know
that the law is not being upheld by the people in power.
End note.
If you would
like to know what laws are being broken (and by guess who)
the following documents are at this Web site:
|
American Indian Religious Freedom Act
Aug. 11, 1978 [S.J. Res. 102] |
|---|
| Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 |
|
Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act
Public Law 101-601--NOV. 16, 1990 |
|
Betsy Barnum
Taking Responsibility for the Earth |
|---|
|
Stop The Reroute
Source for background, science and political links. |
|---|
| MendotaDakota.org | Photos of the Occupation |
|---|
| Mdewakanton Mendota Band | MendotaDakota | Mendota Sacred Sites |
|---|
The new prisoners of war.
Though the United States has approved 50 varieties of genetically modified crops, Britain has approved none - yet.
GM crops are being "hotly debated" in Britain, with many against allowing any experimentation and others supporting test crops. At this time there are five large fields and 100 small fields involved in genetic testing.
The executive director of Greenpeace, Lord Melchett, and 30 other protestors have been arrested for the destruction of a six-acre test plot of genetically modified corn - from AgriEvo - before it could flower. They used a tractor with a mower - and their feet.
The Greenpeace folks say they were acting "for the people," and the Government says there cannot be debate without giving the tests a chance.
Both sides remain committed to their respective courses of action.
PS: Monsanto has accomplished a legal ban on protests. Also, the genetic companies claim that if any of the pollen from their plants mix with any other plants - for example by blowing into another field - their patent has been used without permission.
There have already been cases of fields near test plots being destroyed when the GM plants cross-pollinated. The policy is "trespass if necessary." I guess this comes under the legality of "hot pursuit."
The country of Kenya, representing all of Africa, has set forth a proposal to the World Trade Organization, stating that no plants, animals, or micro-organisms be patented.
Africa is gathering other developing countries to join with them to ask that the Bio-Diversity Convention, and the Food and Agriculture Organization's International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, be included in decisions concerning Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights.
Under the 1994 World Trade Organization agreement there is "mandatory patenting" of "some life forms and natural processes," and this could restrict the use of genetic resources.
Now, that is clear and simple enough, but there seems to be another issue mixed in with this.
In 1997 South Africa allowed the manufacture of generic drugs to fight the HIV epidemic that is affecting 23 million people in sub-Sahara Africa. This is legal.
But now, South Africa, as well as Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, and India have been accused of unfair trade tactics concerning patent rights.
We are in a serious gray area here. To group all life forms as unpatentable will certainly assure that foods that only grow in certain parts of the world will not become property of large companies. An example would be the patenting of bananas by an American company. This would actually allow the company to "own" produce of another company.
But - and it's a big one - if no life-forms are patentable then drug companies would have no incentive to develop vaccines. There are already many people with rare diseases and disorders that go untreated because the treatment is not "profitable."
Food plants have traveled around the globe, and no country relies on its own "native" foods anymore. A walk through the produce section is a lesson in history.
I could write thousands of words depicting all the possible scenarios of hunger versus disease.
It is a shame that what used to be called commerce has degenerated into forms of blackmail.
This will only be resolved with terrible human sacrifice - or a complete change of human conscience.
And here is how that works:
Editor's note: I began working on this article in late summer as the info came in - it was a long article - and now it has been compressed to this. Don't peek at the surprise ending!
Before this fall's grain harvest the following decisions had been made:
The American Corn Growers Association claimed that trust has been betrayed.
Grain elevators considered the following problems with contamination caused by mixing:
Farmers that did not plant GM crops are being promised "premium prices" for corn and soybeans.
Monsanto in St. Louis: "We believe farmers will continue to adopt the technology."
The president of Bio-Plant Research complains about "indecision" in the market. (My little comment here was, "It sounds pretty decisive to me.")
Problems (both present and imminent) with the rejection of GM seed brought these reactions:
Email: GrainNet.com Posted Thursday, September 23, 1999
Monsanto Reports Few Grain Handlers Are Segregating Non-Biotech Crops.
This article is taken from a Monsanto news release.
It's business as usual at most grain elevators across the Midwest this fall. Despite some rumors to the contrary, the vast majority of grain handlers are commingling all export-approved grain they receive, whether or not it has been improved through biotechnology.
A survey last week by Sparks Companies, Inc. (SCI), a Memphis commodity research firm, found that only eight (8) percent of Midwest grain elevators are segregating non-biotech soybeans from commodity soybeans and only 11 percent are segregating non-biotech corn.
The majority of elevators don't ask if the grain they're receiving has been improved through biotechnology, according to the survey, which involved 100 elevators in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota. According to SCI, the sample size adequately reflects the market in those states.
Of the small number of elevators segrgating non-biotech soy or corn, just a few are paying farmers a premium for the non-biotech crop. Only three (3) percent of the elevators surveyed said they are paying a premium for non-biotech soybeans.
Only one percent of the elevators in the survey said they are paying a premium for non-biotech corn. Not a single elevator surveyed was discounting biotech corn and soybeans.
Carl Casale, director of Monsanto's North American agricultural business, said the results of the survey reinforce for us the important fact that biotech crops are part of the commodity mix and that the demand for premium-priced non-biotech grain is small.
"This survey helps put the segregation noise in perspective. The fact is that non-biotech crops continue to be an opportunity for only a few growers to serve the niche needs and budgets of specialty buyers," Casale said. "It's unfortunate that there is confusion in the marketplace during harvest, especially now with growers facing economic difficulties."
Roundup Ready soybeans and YieldGard corn have approvals for export worldwide. Regulatory agencies in the largest importing regions--including Europe and Japan--have said the biotech-enhanced crops are as safe and nutritious as other soybeans and corn. End Monsanto news release.
Switzerland has raised another concern based on research by their Federal Bureau for the Environment, Forests and Landscape. In addition to other crops being pollinated by GM plants, or the pollen being a contaminate in honey, they have some very nasty news concerning the human body.
The maize being grown in Britain was engineered using parts of antibiotic-resistance gene, and this could lead to "resistance to several key penicillins used to combat fatal diseases such as meningitis."
The maize has been banned in Switzerland and the Swiss say that all other field trials should "stop immediately."
The British already new it! And shared the knowledge with the USA! I am leaving this email intact.
Science in Society Contact: Dr. Mae-Wan Ho
The following warnings come from a letter from N. Tomlinson of UK MAFF's Joint Food Safety and Standards Group dated 4 December 1998 to the US FDA, commenting on its draft document, "Guidance for Industry: Use of Antibiotic Resistance Marker Genes in Transgenic Plants".
It mentions other new research showing that bacteria in the mouth can take up foreign DNA and express the gene(s); and transformable bacteria are also present in the respiratory tract.
MAFF warns that "there is a case to be concerned about the problem of gene transfer to environmental organisms" and that bacteria that have taken up the antibiotic resistance genes
"The widespread use of transgenics carrying antibiotic resistance marker genes will involve a massive amplification of these genes in the biosphere.
"Whether or not these genes are expressed, amplification on the scale that will occur when transgenic crops are planted in large fields means that arguments about the rarity of possible transfer events will become less significant." (p.5).
MAFF cites recent publications showing that transgenic DNA may gain access into mammalian cells by being carried in pathogenic bacteria that invade cells.
The ampicillin-resistance marker gene encodes a beta-lactamase which inactivates penicillin and other penicillin-like antibiotics. This gene is highly mutable, and hence capable of extending its spectrum of resistence to many other similar antibiotics.
"Human respiratory flora contains notable potential pathogens including Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria do not currently exhibit high-level, beta-lactamase mediated resistance to penicillins." (p.5)
Dr. Mae-Wan Ho, a scientist who has been warning of these possibilities of horizontal gene transfer to unrelated species for several years, says, "It is irresponsible for the Government to continue with the massive farm-scale field trials in view of the evidence its own scientists are taking into account."
She points out that transgenic pollen can travel for miles. Not only farm workers and food processors, but the general public will also be exposed to transgenic DNA, while bees will certainly take it up and contaminate the honey.
There is no provision to monitor for horizontal gene transfer or impacts on health in the current farm-scale trials.
The current farm-scale field trials involve herbicide-tolerant transgenic maize and canola. The transgenic maize carries a 'disrupted' ampicilllin-resistance gene, which is not expressed. However, given the mutability of that gene, it may become re-activated in bacteria.
This came in email from
Ishgooda,
who is a very active watchdog.
I do not subscribe to this
Activist Mailing List
as I am crazy enough,
but this came through an organic
farming list which I do subscribe to.
Here it is unedited. Fair use, I hope.
Date: Monday, September 27, 1999 4:21 PM
Monsanto wants to corner
INDEPENDENT (London) September 26
By Geoffrey Lean
MONSANTO, the genetically modified food giant, drew up plans to make billions of dollars out of the world's water crisis, confidential company documents reveal. The documents, seen by the Independent on Sunday, identify a "vast economic opportunity" for the company in impending global shortages of resources such as water.
They outline a strategy to use "environmental issues" to "deliver strong financial returns" and create "a compelling possible future for Monsanto - financially, strategically and aspirationally."
The revelation of the strategy - drawn up in connection with recently dropped plans to establish water businesses in India and Mexico - follows the publication 10 days ago of a report on the growing global environmental crisis by the United Nations Environment Programme.
The GEO 2000 report identifies impending water shortage as the world's greatest environmental problem after global warming. It says that over one-third of the world's people already live in countries suffering "water stress" and that, on present trends, two-thirds will do so by the year 2025. It adds: "The declining state of the world's freshwater resources may prove to be the dominant issue on the environment and development agenda of the coming century."
The confidential Monsanto document - a "sustainable development sector strategy" and a "water business plan" use the same statistics and take up the same theme. The business plan adds that two billion people worldwide "still lack reasonable access to safe water" and says that this is likely to rise to 2.5 billion over the next decade.
The document, like much of Monsanto's material on genetically modified foods, is written in idealistic language. The strategy paper says that one of its aims, as well as strengthening Monsanto, is "to help solve some of the world's major environmental issues and to improve quality of life in the process". It concludes: "We at Monsanto have been given the rare opportunity to enjoy the wealth of spirit that comes from doing the right thing while we are doing business."
But the documents display a sharp sense of the gains for Monsanto, both now and in the future: "Initial entry into the water business will create US$400m in annual revenues . furthermore, extension of the water platform beyond the safe and healthy water business has the potential to create several billion dollars in annual revenue."
It adds that there would be "other strategic benefits", including "reshaping Monsanto's image as a more sustainable and environmentally positive company".
It goes on: "Population growth and economic development will apply increasing pressure on natural resource markets. Those pressures, and the world's desire to prevent the consequences of those pressures if unabated, will create vast economic opportunity."
Yesterday Dr Vandana Shiva, director of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology in New Delhi, India, said: "Monsanto is seeking a new business opportunity because of the emerging water crisis. Since water is as central to food production as seed, and without water life is not possible, Monsanto is now trying to establish its control over it . [as] a source of guaranteed profits. Privatisation and commodification of water are a threat to the right to life."
A Monsanto spokesman confirmed that the company had made plans to exploit the world water situation but had decided several months ago not to proceed. "We do not like to talk too much about plans that were never completed," he said. But he did not rule out that the company might return to them in the future.
Reprinted under the Fair Use doctrine of international copyright law.
Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
Thanks for this one Ish.
. . . Again.
Hoaxes are the subject - "well-intentioned" is the excuse. And it is no excuse at all.
I have once again been suckered - this makes 3 (count 'em) 3 times. The first hoax I forwarded was about a tax on email, the second I do not remember the topic - a mind block there - and this latest was about canceling of funds to PBS.
Each time I received an announcement it was from a "reliable source" and I, being a "reliable source," was concerned and sent the info on.
I'm losing my credibility, even to me.
In the Hopi Ten Point Check List number nine is, "Don't look outside yourself for the leader."
So can I criticize the perpetrators of hoaxes for not being responsible? Yes, and look to myself. Can I criticize my "reliable source" for not checking first? Oh yeah, and it's me again.
How about zeal and concern? No excuse!
The learning process is more complicated in these times. We are bombarded with confusion and fear, and we want to fix the world. I know I'd like to.
So, with every attempt to set things straight there is the possibility of twisting things further.
There is a story of Diogenes, who took his lamp and went out into the world to search for an honest man. After 200 or so years, he was asked if he had found an honest man yet.
His reply: "So far I've managed to hold on to my lamp."
Here's what I'm gonna do: Keep on keepin' on, learning as
I go, and takin' the rap when I'm wrong. Arggh!
Alice (in Wonderland) sat down at the Mad Hatter's
Tea party and he asked her, "More tea?"
She answered, "How can I have more when I haven't had any?"
Hold that thought.
Early in November George W. Bush said:
And here are a few of the issues:
Now here is a puzzler:
And here is how he does it:
SEE:
Red River Compact
That's enough. You get the picture.
There have always been a breed of men apart
that want everything. Cultures have taken turns
controlling empires and dynasties, or tyrants have
reinvented cultures.
Powerful leaders have always promised "peace"
to the privileged. The Mayan Empire had
500 years of peace.
Hitler took crime (by independent operators)
off the streets. Mussolini made the trains run on time.
When the Soviet Union fell, it brought about
Sarajevo, Bosnia, Yugoslavia, and everywhere.
Small countries are now demanding help from
centralized power: The United Nations.
The Navajo appealed to the UN and that group
is considering sanctions against the US for
ongoing human rights abuse in Arizona.
My latest info is that some sort of
"slap on the hand" was administered.
Abuses continue.
Enough and Ahem.
Without bothering to untangle this - and I
challenge any mortal to do so - here is the
end game.
OPINION:
In many ongoing confrontations,
Mendota
and
West Yellowstone
for example, the
demonstrators are appealing to the Federal
government to control the states. In gaming
the reverse is the case.
The next result will be a demand for a
"higher" power to give "protection."
This will lead to an appeal to the UN,
as in the human rights issue in Arizona.
Then who will speak of "sovereignty?"
Watch for a harsh confrontation between
NATO and the UN, because alliances are
being re-negotiated.
Two "higher" powers fighting to be the
"supreme" power; two big dogs making scraps
of the people. END of opinion. - and probably
the start of another email flood.
It's official.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November
1998 as National American Indian Heritage Month. I urge all Americans,
as well as their elected representatives at the Federal, State, local,
and tribal levels, to observe this month with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth
day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and
ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and twenty-third.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
After reading this I must bow to a
superior writer and leave it in its
entirety. It would have been more
respectful to give the link address,
but I don't have it, so I apologize
for that, but this is too powerful
not to be heard in the exact voice
of the author.
So, out of respect, I'm stealing it! Or, "sharing it"
without permission.
By Carter Camp
There is an enormous cultural rip-off being foisted upon
our Nations by Washington D.C. I've warned of it before, but a small
voice is easily drowned out when millions of dollars
are being spent and the voice of the Great White Father anoints Indian
leaders.
For a decade or more the Smithsonian fundraising machine has gone merrily
along, draining
much needed funds away from the Indian community and diverting America's
attention away
from the economic, cultural and legal devastation going on across our
homelands.
Many
interest groups coveted the final two vacant spaces on the National Mall.
Congress in its
wisdom awarded one site to a very politically powerful (and deserving)
Jewish applicant
and another to the very politically powerful Smithsonian Institution,
their 'keeper of the
loot'.
Contrast the two new museums and you can see how they are used to
support a conqueror's
cleansed view of history:
For the Jewish museum no thought at all
was given to using it to
show the world ancient Jewish culture and artifacts.
They could have
displayed scenes of
ancient Jewish life: hunting, tanning hides and pastoral living. Like
an Indian museum, it
would have been beautiful and easy for people to enjoy.
It wasn't done that way for one reason...The Jewish people were in
charge and they decided
for themselves what aspect of their history to show the world.
Jewish politicians funded and protected Jewish intellectuals,
artists,
historians, Rabbis, and survivors as they crafted a way to commemorate
their dead and to
use their past to protect their future.
They refused to allow the dreams
of others to
distort the truth of their horror, and now their museum is a powerful
testament to a
Jewish dream, not a gentile revision of reality.
Our space, and the
world's window to our
Nations, was turned over to the Smithsonian Institution to enshrine the
lie of 'manifest
destiny' and the historical inevitability of the American Holocaust.
America's museums have always been a prime purveyor of the big lies of
American history,
now the largest and worst is given an army of non-Indian historians,
anthros, romance
writers and a couple of Indian scouts, to define us to the world.
THEY decided with one voice NOT to use our rare and precious space as a
shield of truth
against the American Holocaust or to prevent the conclusion of its evil
purpose against my people.
We still die, our sacred sites are paved over, our dead dug up,
our children
stolen and mis-educated. Missionaries search the jungle for the last of
us.
American's sensibilities are being spared at the cost of continuing
depredations against
Indian people.
Americans will go to the Holocaust Museum and be told
the horrible truths
of what Hitler and the Nazi's did to the Jews. They will cry for the
victims and mourn
with the survivors, in the end they too will be determined to protect
the Jewish people
from a repeat of the Holocaust. All thinking people support this.
They
will also be
comforted (and exempted) to know that America defeated the Nazi, stopped
the killing, and
helped Jews return to their homeland.
Next, Americans can walk over to the museum of 'Indian' history.
They will be amazed and pleased at the beauty of our past. Scenes of
tipis, tanning hides
and pastoral living will hide the blood covering every-square-inch of
America. Our blood.
They will go home marveling at our ancient art and beauty and a little
sad we had to pass
into history. They may even feel a twinge of guilt at the part their
ancestors played in
our demise.
But they will go away without seeing or knowing the
"time of horror" each and
every Tribe went through upon contact with the European.
They will go
home without
realizing how much of the slaughter was an officially inspired, government
planned, and
racist policy of genocide.
They will not realize the depth of the crime
committed so they
will not understand the crimes being committed today or the need for
reparations to heal
the devastation.
They will not understand that there were entire Societies
for whom the
"final solution" worked.
Entire Tribes, as whole and complete as the Jewish Tribes, were
completely erased from
Mother Earth. Their language will never be heard, their poetry, music,
science and art is
lost to the world because they met a people who believed in their own,
god given,
superiority and the inferiority of all else. (The base cause of all
genocide.)
They will
go home without feeling the need to help Indian Nations secure their
own homelands or
becoming determined there never is another American Holocaust.
Missionaries and Governments
still work and plan
to erase us from the face of our Mother Earth. Indian Country, from the
Artic to
Antarctica, is still awash in the blood of our People.
Should American Indians be suspicious about the placement and content
of these two
Museums? Jew and "Indian?"
Did it take some C.I.A. psy-war
expert to figure out how best
to cover-up the murder of over 200 million people? Will this museum,
with a mere nod to
the 500-year holocaust, stand as the permanent enshrinement of the
American lie and the
final resting place of Indian history?
I believe there should be a
holocaust museum on
Americas National Mall, in Americas Capitol city. But not one of the
European disasters.
It must be a Bright Red Museum of the American Holocaust! It must call
the roll of entire
Nations of beautiful people who succumbed to the genocidal onslaught.
"IT MUST BEGIN OUR
TIME OF MOURNING BY ENDING OUR TIME OF FEAR" ...for all my relations.
Chad Smith, the newly elected Principal Chief of
The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, is also a lawyer,
and he has gone to work with a dedication to change
the public image of Native American Indians.
In a speech to law students at the University of
New Mexico, Principal Chief Chad Smith said that
tribes are to be recognized as governments dealing
with the U.S. government; written laws and treaties are
clear, the courts are ignoring them, and instead are
following a "vague public policy" of bigotry and greed
against Native American Indians.
An example of this concerns the Arkansas River in
northeastern Oklahoma:
Quotes from Chad Smith:
"We're at the crisis point," he said. That view is based on a mix of
hard evidence - Cherokee children aren't learning their tribal language,
for example - and tribal lore. The children, the 14th generation of
Cherokees since contact with the Europeans, have traditionally been
viewed as the fulcrum on which the Cherokees' future will turn, he
said.
I am sickened by this continual pettiness of people in
power who are supposed to be representing the values that
this country is to stand for.
It seems to me that many tribes have brilliant check and
balance systems: The War Chief (male) and Peace Chief
(female) is worthy of emulating; also the Navajo ideas
of the women owning the orchards, for example.
We need to have a true Congress of the People, and
show respect for and to the people who have an
understanding of the land, the water, the animals,
and the connections in the Creator's plan that
sustain the life on this planet.
We also need a Young People's Congress (don't trust anyone
over 30) and listen to those who are inheriting
this mess and are concerned. End of Soapbox.
Former Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller, in a recent speech,
said that key issues to Native American Indians are
political activism, strength in sovereignty,
sustaining tribal identity, and solving their own
problems.
This came from the Blue Eagle Newsletter and is a Q and A
about the North American Independent Indigenous Community.
Email:
BlackWolf
Director, NAIIC
History:We started this project in 1994 as a result of over 30 NA
and mixed bloods gathering to discuss what we could do to support each
other in this part of the world.
We are Mohawk, Dineh, Apache, Lakhota,
Cheyenne, Yaqui, Cherokee, Ute, Oneida, Pomo and several others (I just
can't remember everybody's relationship....have enough trouble
remembering my own!!!)
We decided to try to develop a group which would
help each other in doing the necessary ceremonies here since most of us
can't get home to do them.
None of us are rich or have the time to
travel to the homelands to do the ceremonies and return to jobs.
Many of
us would move back to the rez but most don't want to go back to the
racist poverty stricken places that we escaped from. So, we decided to
develop our own community where we can help each other.
Our charter is
on file in the Secretary Of State's Office and is listed as the
"North American Independent Indigenous Community, Inc."
We are a Texas
Non-profit and have our 501(c)(3) on file with the state and with the
IRS.
You are welcome to contact the State but we will send you a one
page copy of the acceptance/award by the state and a clipped copy of our
IRS form (without the number) if you like. Our papers were filed in
1997. No web page yet but we are working on it.
What tribe/Nation are you connected with?
I am Lakhota/Plains Cree but am not registered. Our group consists
of several tribes. We do not demand a blood card or an enrollment
card...only that each member adhere to the traditions of their "claimed"
relationship.
If you are Cheyenne then you follow those traditions. We
pretty much accept those who follow the Red Road. Many of our group are
enrolled members of their tribe but live here due to school, job,
medical reasons or military service.
Are these trailers going to be used strictly for NA's?
These mobile homes are going to be used primarily for those who are
NA. There are a couple of families who are mixed-blood and are white but
who follow the traditions they have been taught (Dineh and Lakhota) who
wish to live with us. The group has accepted them in ceremonies and in
social activities.
Also, could you please tell me what NAIIC stands for and what is your
position with this organization?
NAIIC is North American Independent Indigenous Community and I am
the "elected" Executive Director, garbage man, dog catcher, gardener and
water pipe installer!
I hope I have given you what you needed...if not then please feel
free to ask more specific questions. I respond well to specific
questions but don't do so well with " tell me about your project".
There's so much to say and I don't type all that well!!!
Email:
BlackWolf
Director, NAIIC
DONATIONS: We would like to ask those who can to send donations to:
NAIIC
All donations are tax deductible since we are a tax exempt,
501 (c)(3) community. Please feel free to reprint this in your newsletter.
We really do need all the help we can get!
From:
Deb Huglin
Ask
Tusweca
NAS win recognition in Tennessee, for now
For the first time ever a Tennessee court ruled June 29th, 1999 that
Native American's are "interested parties" in a termination and removal
suit regarding Native American graves. This is in regards to TDOT's plan
to widen Hillsboro Road at Old Hickory Boulevard.
There are two suits in
this case in that burials straddle Williamson and Davidson County lines.
Actions are being held separately in Chancery Court in both counties, in
and of itself a unique occurrence.
However, the Tennessee State District
Attorney's office has stepped in to contest the recognition of Native
Americans as "interested parties" by the Williamson County court. The
final hearing for the Williamson County case is set for July 22nd, 1999
and a hearing for the Davidson County case is set for hearing August
27th, 1999.
In the meantime, a hearing for interlocutory appeal will be
heard in Williamson County Chancery court July 12, 1999 as well as a
motion for error in the court recognizing Native Americans as
"interested parties".
IN THE CHANCERY COURT FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE AT FRANKLIN
STATE OF TENNESSEE, ON RELATION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF
TRANSPORTATION, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF SAID DEPARTMENT, Plaintiff,
Order of Court June 29th, 1999
19. The testimony of these Native Americans constitutes the finding of
the Court concerning the religious beliefs and rights of conscience of
the Native American defendants as said beliefs and rights of conscience
apply to the burial grounds and remains at issue in this case.
The same
must be respected even though the Department of Transportation sees a
need for a "slope" from a road to be built so as to interfere with
the remains.
20. The Native Americans listed as defendants above have a right in and
incident to the burial ground at issue in this case. It is a fundamental
right protected by two parts of Article I, Section 3 of the Declaration
of Rights of the Tennessee Constitution: "That all men have a natural
and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates
of their own conscience" and
21. Conscience is that moral sense in man which dictates to him right
and wrong." Harden v. State, 216 SW. 2d 708, 711 (Tenn.1948). The "moral
sense" of the Native Americans who are interested persons in this case
and all Native Americans who hold to traditional Native American
religious beliefs is that it is morally wrong and religiously offensive
for the remains of a deceased Native American to be disturbed at all by
"human authority."
The State of Tennessee, the Department of
Transportation, its Commissioner, the Attorney General and Tennessee
Courts are "human authorities." "In any case whatever," these "human
authorities" cannot control or interfere with the rights of conscience
or religious beliefs of the Native Americans in this case by removing
the remains of the Native Americans from these graves or burial grounds
unless there is a legally recognized exception to the enforcement of
this fundamental right. That exception in Tennessee Law is called the
"compelling" or "substantial" state interest text.
22. In State ex rel. Swann v. Pack, 527 S.W. 2d 99, 107 (Tenn.1975), the
Tennessee Supreme Court held that Article I, Section 3 of the Tennessee
Constitution "contains a substantially stronger guaranty of religious
freedoms" than the federal constitution. The Court added: "The
government must view all citizens and all religious beliefs with
absolute and uncompromising neutrality.
The day this Country ceases to
countenance irreligion or bizarre religions, it will cease to be free
for all religions. We must prefer none and disparage none." Id. The
Court then noted the compelling state interest exception to enforcement
of Article I, Section 3, at page 107 as follows:
This is not to say; however, that this or any other religious group has
an absolute and unbridled right to pursue any practice of its own
choosing. The right to believe is absolute; the right to act is subject
to reasonable regulation designed to protect a compelling state
interest.
23. It would violate the Native Americans' fundamental right under
Article I, Section 3 not to find them to have the required statutory
"right' to be "interested persons" under T.C.A. 464-102.
At the final
hearing in this cause, in order for this Court to grant the relief
prayed for in Plaintiffs petition, the Plaintiff State of
Tennessee must carry its burden of proof under T.C.A. 46-4-101 and
464-104 and also demonstrate a compelling or substantial state interest
to remove the Native American remains in favor of a new slope
from the road, as that test is defined in State ex rel. Swann v. Pack,
527 S.W. 2d at 111:
We hold that under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United
States and under the substantially stronger provisions of Article I,
Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee, a religious practice may be
limited, curtailed or restrained to the point of outright prohibition,
where it involves a clear and present danger to the interests of
society; but the action of the state must be reasonable and reasonably
dictated by the needs and demands of society as determined by the nature
of the activity as balanced against societal interests.
Essentially,
therefore, the problem becomes one of a balancing of the interest
between religious freedom and the preservation of the health, safety and
morals of society. The scales must be weighed in favor of religious
freedom, and yet the balance is delicate.
The right to the free exercise of religion is not absolute and
unconditional. Nor is its sweep susceptible of discrete and concrete
compartmentalization. If is perforce, of necessity, a vague and
nebulous notion, defying the certainties of definition and the niceties
of description.
At some point the freedom of the individual must wane
and the power, duty and interest of the state becomes compelling and
dominant. The right to the free exercise of religion is not absolute and
unconditional.
But, again, the scales are always weighted in favor of free exercise
and the state its interest must be compelling; it must be substantial;
the danger must be clear and present and so grave as to endanger
paramount public interest.
24. If Plaintiff State of Tennessee does not carry its burden of proof
at trial to show a "compelling" or "substantial" state interest under
the Pack case in removing the remains of the Native Americans at issue,
the remains shall not be removed and the road must therefore be
"widened" around the remains or the slope constructed in some
accommodating manner not to disturb the remains.
25. Toye Heape as Executive Director of the Tennessee Commission on
Indian Affairs and the Commission on Indian Affairs are also "interested
persons" and shall be named defendants under T.C.A. 46-4-103 (b). Their
rights in and "incident to" the burial grounds at issue principally
arise from statute and administrative rules.
3. Petitioner believes that the court's holding will affect all land in
Williamson County which may contain ancient remains and artifacts. The
holding would delay if not halt development of property which
landowners' would otherwise be able to develop.
In the case at bar, as in Bailey, there is no statutory provision
authorizing suit by groups such as the Commission on Indian Affairs or
Eastern Band of Cherokees. As such, those groups should not be permitted
to intervene in this matter.
"The only rights the Native Americans have with regard to the excavation
of burial grounds are the rights to oversee the excavation and
subsequent reinterment process as stated in §§ 11-6-116 and 11-6-119.
Petitioner believes that this right to oversee is the only right that
Native Americans have regarding burial WHEREFORE, movant respectfully
requests the court to permit Petitioner interlocutory appeal of the
court's previous order declaring as "interested persons" the Tennessee
Commission on Indian Affairs and the fifteen (15) Native Americans
appearing before the Court on June 14,1999 grounds.
Native Americans
have absolutely no rights under §§ 11-6-101 et seq. to contest the
excavation of burial grounds and the reinterment of the remains found
therein."
MOTION 1
WHEREFORE, movant respectfully requests the court to permit Petitioner
interlocutory appeal of the court's previous order declaring as
"interested persons" the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs and the
fifteen (15) Native Americans appearing before the Court on June
14,1999.
MOTION 2
1. The Court erred in finding that the Tennessee Commission of Indian
Affairs and its executive director Toye Heape are "interested persons"
as defined by Tenn. Code Ann. § 46-4-102.
2. The Court erred in finding that Medicine Bird Black Bear White Eagle,
Albert Bender, Leela Vaughn, Gilbert Cupp, Roger Clinch, Dan Kirby,
Grady Jones, Michael Simms, Norman Totten, Marion Dunn, Edna Faye, Dale
Mitchell, Robin Lockwood, Anita Stevens and Shelia Totten are
"interested persons" as defined by Tenn, Code Ann. § 46-4-102.
WHEREFORE, movant respectfully requests the Court to vacate its
judgement by denying "interested persons" status as defined by Tenn.
Code Ann. § 46-4-102 to the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs and
its executive director Toye Heape and the fifteen Native Americans
appearing before the Court on June 14, 1999, who asserted that they are
"interested persons" as defined by Tenn. Code Ann. § 46-4-102.
The 'State of Tennessee' has taken great exception to the court finding
that Native Americans, tribes, commissions, organizations, etc. are
interested parties in burial termination issues.
The two above motions
are to be heard July 12nd at 9am, CST. The excerpts above are of motions
and rebuttals of the Tennessee DAS office in regards to the order of the
court dated 6/29/99.
Please, all who can attend do.
Tusweca
by Liz Pollard
ANADARKO, Oct. 25, 1999 - On Tuesday, October 19, 1999, a proposal
was introduced in Congress which raised a red flag for the Kiowa,
Comanche, and Apache tribes of Oklahoma.
The KCA, a consortium of
tribes, called an emergency meeting of its Intertribal Land Use Committee
(KCAILUC) on Oct. 21 which extended into Oct. 22, said Alonzo Chalepah,
Vice Chairman of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, to decide on action to
take in response to this threat.
The Red River Compact, as it is commonly referred to, was passed by the
state of Texas in May of this year and by the state of Oklahoma in June. It
was subsequently signed by Governor Bush of Texas and Governor Keating
of Oklahoma, and it was introduced in Congress last week as H.J. Resolution
72, "granting the consent of Congress to the Red River Boundary Compact."
The boundary between the two states of Texas and Oklahoma, based on the
course of the Red River, necessarily passes directly through the land which
was the old Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache reservations (see map) and is still
public land held in trust by the federal government for those tribes.
This
boundary was established by the Supreme Court in 1925 as the south bank
of the Red River. In 1926, the royalties on oil and gas deposits from the
south half of the river were designated by an act of Congress for a trust
fund to benefit the members of the three tribes.
The commission which put together the Red River Compact contained one
representative from the three Indian nations, said Emily Saupitty, Apache
member of the KCAILUC. The fact that they are sovereign nations in their
own right was given little or no consideration next to the states.
Said Earl
Yeahquo, Kiowa tribal chairman, "The Boundary Commission must recognize
tribal sovereignty." The committee favors the southern bank of the Red River
for the state boundary, as it has been since 1925.
The Red River Compact calls for a permanent boundary to be established
along the vegetation line on the south bank of the Red River. This poses
problems for the KCA tribes in that
and it is feared that as a result, the tribes will lose their rights to the
resources of such territories. Emily Saupitty also pointed out that many of
the individual allottees in the three tribes will lose considerable land
under the compact.
Henry Kostzuta, Apache tribal chairman, noted that both
governors have already approved this compact, and he commented,
The Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache nations have decided to take action to
protest and combat this compact. According to the KCAILUC chairman,
Melvin Kerchee, Jr., Comanche, the National Congress of American Indians
has been contacted and is cooperating fully in this effort.
The committee is
sending letters to all members of Congress, with the help of NCAI, as well
as to Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, NCAI itself, and
the Bureau of Land Management. A position paper has been prepared to
send with these letters, and a concentrated lobbying effort is taking shape.
The deadline for the compact to be approved and take effect is December 31,
1999. Kerchee said the committee "must convince Congressmen of the
importance of Indian needs in the Red River Valley."
The next few weeks will
present an interesting struggle and a crucial one for the Kiowa, Comanche,
and Apache, as evidenced by the committee's deliberations.
FOR MORE INFO:
KCA Opposition to Red River Boundary Compact
by Liz Pollard
ANADARKO, OK, Nov. 20, 1999 - The Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Tribes (KCA)
of Oklahoma have made some progress in their opposition to the Red River
Boundary Compact (H.J.Res 72), a struggle reported on in this paper last
month.
On Oct. 25, 1999 The KCA Intertribal Land Use Committee (KCAILUC)
passed a resolution, #99-13, expressing its support of the laws as set by
the Supreme Court on the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma, as well as
their concern that their rights and jurisdiction in lands formerly part of
their reservations be maintained.
At the request of the KCA, the National Congress of American Indians wrote
to Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior, asking his support of the
KCA's position. NCAI also wrote a similar letter to the Chairmen of the
Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Orrin Hatch, of the Senate Committee on
Indian Affairs, Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, of the House Judiciary
Committee, Rep. Henry Hyde, and of the House Resources Committee, Rep. Don
Young.
The letters requested that no further action be taken on H.J.Res. 72
until the KCA representatives have a chance to present their concerns to
Congress. It also pointed out that the sovereign entities represented by
these tribes were given inadequate representation and protection in the
deliberations of the Texas and Oklahoma Boundary Commissions.
On November 9, Babbitt wrote to Congressman Hyde, Chairman of the House
Judiciary Committee, supporting the concerns of KCA and further elaborating
the reasons for them. He also requested an amendment to the Red River
Boundary Compact, which the KCAILUC supported in a resolution on November
10. Babbitt requested the following language be inserted in H.J.Res.
72 to amend it:
of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Tribes, the Chickasaw
Nation and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and their members or successors
in interests, nor any boundaries that are now, or may be established, under
federal law, nor shall this Compact affect or abate the sovereign rights,
jurisdiction, or other governmental interests, of the Kiowa, Comanche and
Apache Tribes, the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma,
presently existing, or which may be acknowledged, by federal and tribal law."
Babbitt's letter also pointed out that 1,600 acres of land on the Red River
are held in trust for the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, twenty-six trust
allotments in the area are held by Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Tribes, and
approximately twenty-five restricted allotments are held by members of the
Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations that border the Red River.
It also expressed
concern that confusion will result from the change in boundary recommended
by the Red River Boundary Compact unless the rights of the tribes are
explicitly protected by an amendment to the compact.
James Dunegan, Chairman
of the Oklahoma Red River Boundary Commission, wrote to Congressman Henry
Hyde on November 15 concerning Babbitt's suggested amendment. The commission
supports the amendment, he said, with some minor wording changes.
On November 15, Charles Blackwell, Chickasaw Ambassador to the United States
of America, wrote to the House Judiciary Committee requesting that their
interests also be included in amending H.J.Res.72. The Chickasaw Nation
desires to protect the 290 miles of the Red River which was formerly the
southern boundary of its reservation, he said. Pursuant to that interest,
he stated, the Chickasaw Nation supports the amendment presented by Secretary
Babbitt.
Presently, the issue rests while awaiting further consideration on
the floor of the House of Representatives, which seems likely to be delayed
until the next session of Congress after the new year begins, according to
Mary Pewo, KCA staff member.
FOR MORE INFO:
Web sites designed and developed include:
American Indian Exposition
Moccasin Telegraph
A poll by the New York Post asked 20,000 people,
"Who is the most evil person of the last 1,000 years?"
Some of the choices on the list were a review of nightmares:
Also expected was Stalin being "honored" with a
high score: 1,284 votes = 6.69 percent.
Two people who were not on the list and had
to be voted by write-in ballots:
The passing of Senator Chaffe, chairman of the
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has
left a void that is of a great concern to environmental
groups.
He was the "only Republican, pro-environmental voice on the committee,"
according to the Sierra Club political director,
Daniel Weiss, and was a guardian of clean air and water,
and waste cleanup programs.
The two choices for new chairman - who
are both approved by business leaders as friendly
to business - are:
Voting record
of pro-environment: 14 percent in the past two
congresses.
Voting record of pro-environment
in the 105 congress: Zero.
At a seminar hosted by Sunflower Resource Conservation and
Development of Kansas a rancher spoke of the advantages
of raising buffalo rather than cattle.
Tom Price, of Oxford, Kansas, bought 15 buffalo heifers
and two bulls in North Dakota in 1988, and his herd is
now 250.
Livestock producers who are not pleased with the return they are getting on
cattle may want to consider raising buffalo. Tom Price said it has worked
for him, and shows "a steady upward trend."
Advantages of the buffalo are:
A point I would like to present first is that we
should be thankful that the American Constitution
guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
And so should the Church of the American Knights of the
Ku Klux Klan, from Butler, Indiana.
Sixteen of their members stood unmasked and silent in New York City
in October of 1999 while thousands of angry people registered
their disapproval.
Loudly, but peacefully.
You could tell the "good guys" - they were dressed in white.
New York City has a law - passed in 1845 - that says
folks cannot wear masks while gathered in public.
Banks frown on it, too.
Lawyers - just doing their job - said that the masks
"protected the Klan's right to free speech."
The Grand Wizard of the Butler, IN, group said that
there would have been 100 people if they could have
hidden their faces. His words.
Now there's a real minority group.
What's the problem? Invent an online alias - something subtle
would be a good idea - and go into the chat rooms and have
at it.
We're waiting to hear from you. Betcha can't do it
without giving it all away. Unmasked online, too!
In September of 1999 four sacred Navajo objects were
returned after ten years of absence.
The items are hundreds of years old and are a mask, a tortoise shell,
and "two coverings that may be drum heads or
ceremonial vessel coverings."
The thief had taken them from a cave in 1986, they were tracked
to dealers in Santa Fe and New York, recovered in 1991 in a Santa
Fe gallery and a Tucson, AZ home, and in 1992 a New Mexico man
pleaded guilty to the crime.
Now that is the long arm of the law.
Dineh who are living on the Hopi Partioned Lands
were given the deadline of March 31, 1997 to sign
the
Accommodation Agreement
and those that refused to sign were told that
they would be evicted before
February 1, 2000.
Those who did sign were told that the
Bennett Freeze
would be lifted, and they would be allowed
increased grazing.
In these past years there have been complaints by
those who did not sign: unidentified flyovers,
and continued hassles from the BIA and Hopi rangers.
There have been no evictions.
Notices to vacate were served a year ago, and eleven
non-signers still refuse.
Now it is up to the U.S. Attorney, and the legal process
ahead is long and involved: court, higher court, Supreme
Court.
Cathy Colbert, Public Affairs Officer for the
U.S. Attorney's Arizona District Office in Phoenix:
There was a brief mention of this in the previous
Clamor Five,
but I want to present the article as it came to me in its
entirety, because there are indications that this issue was
swept under the rug.
I am not letting go of this; these people are being hurt.
So here again is:
From BIGMTLIST
UN Human Rights Delegation Holds Hearings on Forced Relocation and
Religious Persecution of the Dineh people
by Shawn Ewald and Lyn Gerry
BIG MOUNTAIN, NORTHEASTERN ARIZONA -- On February 2nd and 3rd,
1998 at the home of Glenna Begay, a tradtional Dineh elder,
hearings were held by Mr. Abdelfattah Amor of the UN Commission
on Human Rights, and several UN affiliated NGO's.
They were investigating charges of the forced relocation of
traditional Dineh people from
their homes, religious persecution against those who practice
traditional Dineh beliefs, and environmental degradation of
traditional Dineh lands by Peabody Coal Company.
The hearings were the result of a complaint filed by the Dineh in
1997 charging the US Federal Government with human rights violations.
The hearings are an attempt to pressure the US Federal Government to
repeal Public Laws 93-531 and 104-301 which have legalized the denial
of access to water, livestock confiscation, the denial of the right to
gather firewood for the Dineh to heat their homes in winter -
and the denial of the right of theDineh to make improvements
in their housing.
See Clamor One:
Bennett Freeze
The Dineh filed the complaint because the US Federal Government
has consistently blocked
any attempt by the Dineh to address their grievances in a US court.
The Dineh also hope that the United Nations will formally charge the
United States with human rights violations.
British-owned
Peabody Coal Company
(henceforth, PCC), the world's
largest privately-held coal company, operates the
Black Mesa/Kayenta
strip mine in the heart of the Black Mesa region of the Dineh
reservation.
Over 4,000 burial and sacred sites have been destroyed as
a result of strip mining. There is no protection given to Dineh burial
grounds and sacred sites.
Their religion, which is land based and
site specific, is the foundation of their way of life. The Dineh state
that Public Laws 93-531 and 104-301 were written specifically to
promote PCC's interests in the region.
Mr. Amor and the visiting NGO's heard the testimony of Dineh elders
from all over the Black Mesa region of the Dineh reservation. They
gave their accounts of their forced eviction or the eviction of their
neighbors from their land, the demolition of theirs and their
neighbors homes, as well as accounts of harassment by the US Bureau of
Indian Affairs. The hearings for both days lasted well into the night.
Elders from the neighboring Hopi reservation also gave their
testimony. They verified many of the statements of the Dineh elders,
especially the accounts of the increasing scarcity of water in the
region.
The Dineh and Hopi reservations sit on top of one of the largest
aquifers in the South West. PCC has been using massive amounts of
water from the aquifer to operate coal slurry pipelines that transport
coal to Las Vegas and Southern California without replacing the water
they use, (over one billion and running fast)which is a requirement
of US mining regulation.
The result
of these mining violations has meant that well's are rapidly running
dry all across the Dineh and Hopi reservations.
The Hopi elders also came to publicly dispel the myth of a Dineh/Hopi
land dispute,
SEE Clamor One:
Navajo - Hopi Partition
which the traditional Dineh and Hopi say has been
manufactured by the Hopi and Dineh tribal councils in an effort to
prevent solidarity among the Hopi and Dineh in this struggle.
The traditional Dineh and Hopi regard their tribal councils as nothing
more than puppets of the US Federal Government who merely rubber-stamp
any proposal made by the Federal Government and its corporate backers.
Well over one hundred Dineh supporters from all over the United
States also came to attend the event, and donate food, clothing
and their labor. Members of Free Radio Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) and
Radio Clandestina (Los Angeles, CA) set up a temporary micropower
radio station, Free Radio Dineh, for the UN visit.
For three days,
interviews and commentary from Dineh resistors as well as testimony
from the hearings were broadcast to residents of the Black Mesa/Big
Mountain region. The members of FRB and RC hope to set up a permanent
micropower station for the traditional Dineh in the near future.
The event was universally considered to be a success, and the Dineh
are hopeful that they will see a positive result from the hearings.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Amor told those in attendance at the
hearings, "I will listen with an open mind and an open heart".
Whether the UN General Assembly will listen with open minds and
hearts and have the strength to charge the United States with human
rights violations remains to be seen.
Public PGP Block
From an email (un-edited) dated February 2, 1998,
regarding the UN investigation of the US.
Today, I was only one among many, from First Nations across
America. We listened as each individual spoke of incidences of religious
intolerance and/or violation.
Mr Abdelfattah Amor, Tunisian
the U.N. special Rapporteur, spoke of the "U.N. Declaration on
Elimination of Intolerance of Religious Beliefs", Human Rights
Violations, and his investigation in the U.S.
Again today, those of Indigenous Cultures, spoke the same truths
that have echoed across the ages, and again I fear, these words will fall
on the same deaf ears.
They no longer notice, when the Song of the Water ceases,and
their little water brothers die by the thousands as developments fill the
streams and rivers with silt and pollution.
When the mountains tremble,
as development blasts and strip mines all that can be "taken" with
nothing, given back.
They ignored the protection of Father Sky, the
layers of the atmosphere, until they had assaulted Him to the point that
they had skin cancers all over.
They no longer notice, when they walk the
meadows, that thousands of
wild flowers have been lost and destroyed by over-cultivation, that
species after species are lost due to over management, development, and
destruction of natural habitat.
How can we help them to HEAR ?? They are "Related" to all the
elements of Creation, we are all inter-dependant !! If we seperate the
mind from the body, both suffer, if we seperate the human tribe from
the other tribes, animal, plant, mineral, all suffer.
If we violate the
Sacred Sites upon the Earth, we violate the spirit of the Creator AND the
Created, both suffer.
For my people, the Tsalagi/Cherokee, the Creator of the Heavens
and the Earth, is named Une' Lanu' hi, this translates to mean the
Creator/Apportioner. He who brought all, into being, where there was
nothing before, then to each
Creation he apportioned a part of his "medicine" his spirit, his power.
Each Element Created, has received a living vibrant spirit, yes, the
stones that fill the canyons, the mountains, grow by a process now
identified as "replication."
Spiritually powerful places, were given, to each of the Ancient
Indigenous Cultures, these sites are called "Sacred Ground." Just as a
child would rather die, than violate his birth mother, so these
Indigenous Children of the Earth would rather die, than violate these
Sacred Places.
The very fiber of their bodies were bio-genetically
imprinted with the Care, Respect, and Love of these Sacred Sites. When
the Human Spirit, seeks the place to offer prayers, it will seek these
places upon the Earth.
Each member of these cultures were
imprinted, this is why we are driven to seek our "Roots" and to make the
journey "Home" to these ancient places. When we come full circle, in the
journey of life, we pray, all of us will return to, this TRUTH.
When the Anglo-European people came to these continents, the
Americas, they longed for the "Old Country" they were not connected to
the Sacred Ground, where they were transplanted. They forgot, that these
Sacred Places ARE the "Old Country" for the Indigenous Peoples.
Americans
and displaced peoples the world over, seek to return to, The Pyramids,
Stonehenge, NewGrange, Mtn. Sinai, Carnac, etc. We, are not so different.
Just as the city of Jerusalem, and the Wailing Wall, is Sacred,
to the Hebrew People, so the Warrior Walls and the Stone Burial
Mounments, are Sacred to the Tsalagi/Cherokee People.
Just as the Great
Stone Temples of Machu Picu, are Sacred, to the Incan People, so the
Great Earthen Mounds of Etowah and Cahokia, are Sacred, to the Indigenous
People.
These Sacred Places are now, Tourist Attractions, Federally,
Privately or State Owned,and NO prayers, NO Ceremonies, NO songs, not
even a sprinkle of sage or tobacco can be dropped or offered here.
We have journeyed to the Pyramids, Stonehenge, Carnac,
NewGrange, Mtn. Sinai, Wailing Wall, and Jerusalem. We were allowed to
openly pray, sing, and perform ceremony at each of these Sacred Places,
yet I was almost SHOT at the Holy City of Echota, the Ancient
Tsalagi/Cherokee City.
I wanted to pray there, for my Tsalagi/Cherokee
people who died on the Trail of Tears. Young Tsalagi/Cherokee Bloods and
Breeds were threatened with arrest, when they sprinkled tobacco on the
ground, atop the Earthen Mound at Etowah, and another visit resulted in
eviction, when tobacco was offered to an ancient Cedar Tree that grows on
the grounds.
In Egypt we were escorted, to Deep burial chambers in the
pyramids to offer prayers, in England, France and Ireland, ancient places
are open for prayer, songs and ceremony. The farmers open their fields
and meadows to the people from all over the world.
In Israel, anyone can
pray or leave prayers tucked into the crevices of the Wailing Wall, or
pray at The Tomb, or the Garden. When access to these Sacred Places
is blocked, the World Screams.
Something is Terribly Wrong in the United States of America, the
Anglo-European People who conquered its Indigenous Cultures, ARE,
incredibly INTOLERANT of the Religious Beliefs and Practices
of the First Nations People who were Born here.
Who were given the
"Responsibility" by their Creator, to Care for, these Sacred Places, and
given the "Priviledge" to access the power, of these Sacred Places, to
sustain their People and their Culture, and their Heritage.
There is a deep Hope within, that these words of the Indigenous
Peoples and my words will finally, be heard:
These are My Words and I Own them, I am, Danawa-Olivia Kelly,
Corporate Agent for Preservationists of Native American Sites, Inc.,
Tsalagi/Cherokee Descendant, Member of the Native American Church of
America, Mother and Elder, Keeper for the Seven Future Generations.
END Email.
Those who hear the Spirit will release the Creation from the
abuses by those who have not been listening. They are true
Christians, as are true Hopi, or anyone true to their ancient
teachings.
Saved something really good for the last and
here is the email unedited:
The School of Consciousness & Transformation at
The California Institute of Integral Studies
is pleased to host:
March 21 - 31, 2000
Come in solidarity into the Ecuadorian Amazon, beholding the majesty of
primary Rainforest, with elders and youth of the Secoya People. We will
be hosted by Indigenous families at a jungle lodge.
The SECOYA are an ethnic minority living within 100,000 acres of the
upper Amazon Rainforest. Their name, Secoya, means "Multi-Colored People."
Your journey will be facilitated by a cadre of elders and youth -
forest masters, healers, visionaries and ethnobotanists - who,
with commitment and dedication, work at ground-level to support
Rainforest conservation and Indigenous cultural transmission among
the generations.
We intend this event to be an unforgettable experience with
unforgettable people that in some way will nourish, enrich and strengthen
the root of your life.
Guest Teacher and Artist-in-Residence Don PABLO CESAR AMARINGO, a
world-illustrious visionary painter from the Peruvian Amazon,
is co-author of the book "Ayahuasca Visions" and Director
of the Usko Ayar School of Amazonian Painting in Pucallpa, Perú.
He believes, "Every plant-tree is a city populated by spirit." During the
Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (June 1992), Pablo was elected to the
Global 500 Roll of Honor of the United Nations Environment Program in
recognition of outstanding practical achievements in the protection and
improvement
of the environment through the Usko Ayar School.
His paintings express the
peril, anguish and healing power yet left in the sacred botanical
kindom.
Pablo dedicates his life to spiritual development, healing, Rainforest
conservation, the arts and education.
Coordinator
JONATHON MILLER-WEISBERGER is Director of Grupo Osanimi and an
Ethnobotanist - Rainforest conservation activist, deep ecologist,
naturalist. He was born in Berkeley, California in 1970 and brought to
Ecuador at the age of two, where he was raised with his sister.
In 1988
Jonathon attended Humboldt State University in California, and since
1990
he has worked in the Ecuadorian Amazon on Rainforest conservation and
cultural heritage projects with the elders and a cadre of youth from
several different Indigenous tribes.
He is working towards a New Ethnobotany, an emerging discipline that
seeks to enact new methods of cultural transmission to revive and
strengthen the vast plant lore in the
region. This he believes to be a crucial link for ongoing forest
protection.
To receive a journey manual with complete information,
including registration form, please send US$10 to:
Sentient Experientials
Academic credit is available through The California Institute of
Integral Studies, an institution of higher education promoting spiritually
engaged fieldwork in anthropology, philosophy, psychology and organizational
development. END Email.
In a recent email an anthropology student sent a request
for info on the Navajo, in areas that her teacher required.
These were part of a curriculum that does not do justice
to the Navajo - so I gave a brief outline of how skewed the
"popular" version of Native Amercian Indian culture is.
In our next exchange, she said that she found herself both
"laughing and cringing" at what I had written. That apt phrase
sums up the process of writing a Clamor as well.
So, for the most part, a Clamor of concern, change, and chagrin.
Mike
Back to
Four Corners Postcard
And here is a rap-in-the-making:
"Governor Bush believes the states should have the opportunity
to work out a fair settlement with Indian tribes without
interference
from the federal government."
Mr.Bush is after a one-world governemt,
as his father is. He brings up the issue
of state's rights not because he believes
in them, but because they appeal to the
people he is trying to manipulate.
to build a government "of, by, and for the people."
If you would like a copy of any of the 370 treaties
Write to: Diplomatic Branch,
National Archives and Records Services, Washington, DC 20408.
A duplicate of a treaty is available upon request for a fee.
The agency will also answer questions about specific Indian treaties.
The National Museum of the American Indian
to protect their people against a repeat of the Nazi holocaust.
our people still suffer ongoing policies of genocide
and attacks on our existence.
EDITORS NOTE: Mr. Carter Camp's indightment of the
Smithsonian Museum is correct and the power of that
organization to shape history is as subtle as book-burning.
Read the
Native American Graves and Repatriation Act
for yourself or just take a quick glance at
these paragraphs of definitions of
Federal Agencies
and
Museums
that exempt the Smithsonian.
Take my name off of it!
Also on the Principal Chief's agenda is sending
a delagate to Congress within two years. This is
also a treaty issue that has not been honored.
to change the rest of the country's view of them."
EDITORS NOTE: This is interesting in that the 14th
generation in Anglo society - the Millenium Generation -
is considered to be a turning point also. So I say this
about that. (First of all, I am not a Native American Indian,
and, as always, I only speak for myself.)
And here is some "doing it."
I would like to know more about this project and about how it came
about. You had mentioned in your letter that it was non-profit and 501 (c)
(3), so I am assuming that it is an established organization. Does your
organization have a web page?
5033 Hueco Tanks Rd.
El Paso, TX 79938
Interested Parties
control or interfere with the rights of conscience."
This is the reaction of the plaintif (State of Tennessee.)
Filed with the Court July 2nd, 1999
PETITIONER'S MOTION TO
RECONSIDER
INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL BY PERMISSION
Red River Boundary Pact
trying to take Indian lands."
Email:
Liz Pollard
Draws Support from Many Important Sources.
any present or future
rights and interest
Email:
Elizabeth "Liz" Pollard
Smoke Signals Enterprises
505 W. Louisiana Ave.
Anadarko, OK 73005
(405)247-2251
On the Web:
Smoke Signals Enterprises
And our own home-grown misery:
As would be expected, Adolf Hitler was the number
one choice for the evil of the century, with
1,664 votes = 8.67 percent.
Both candidates are against any new air pollution controls.
Mr. Price says that he prefers not to de-horn his
buffalo because they "lose character."
But they keep on pumping that water.
At Big Mountain
The following article was sent in by Mauro Oliveira of SOL Communications.
for The A-Infos News Service
the animals, the plants and the atmosphere, ever understand???
Tsigeyui, Dohiyi
Sunale Danawa
Beautifully spoken, and a truth that cuts across all
cultures and religions. In the Book of the culture I
was raised in the words are: "All Creation groans, waiting
for the manifestation of the Sons of God."
In The Ecuadorian Amazon
and Rainforest Conservation Strategies."
April 6 - 16, 2000
PO Box 1004
El Cerrito, California 94530, USA
Telephone: (510) 235-4313
Fax: (510) 215-9840
Contact Person:
E-mail:
Dahlia Kresch Miller,
Sentient Experientials' Liaison
Web page:
California Institute of Integral Studies
But not to worry: "These could be good times." I believe that.
OK, it's your turn. Please send e-mail to
The Mike Smith.
And thank you to all have shared their knowledge,
corrected my errors, and have been an encouragement.
and events concerning Native American Indians.
Mark Silversmith Gallery.
Mark researches the tribes and portrays their lives of then and now.
crafts, and enterprises. For quality creations
by our select artisans see the
Four Corners Postcard
Business Directory
for listings and contact information.
© Copyright 1999-2000 by L. Michael Smith. Fair use granted.