By Brenda Norrell
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/
NEW YORK -- While visiting the United States, Bolivian President Evo Morales distinguished himself by exposing the US Embassy in Bolivia for fueling opposition support and stating that sovereign nations do not have the military bases of other nations in their countries.So, Bolivia will be ridding itself of US military occupations and establishing the country of Bolivia with the principle of non-violence and non-participation in war.Further, Morales urged the United Nations to move its headquarters out of the United States, where he felt unwelcome."I don't know how all of you managed to come here to the United States," Morales told the General Assembly. "At least my delegation had a great deal of visa problems.""My ministers here are subjected to hours and hours of controls at the airport," he said."Some of us are practically threatened by the rulers of the country, by President Bush," Morales said. "Perhaps if that's the case, we should change the site of the United Nations. Perhaps we should do research on that."Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, Morales welcomed the recent approval of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, thanking all countries, except the four which voted against it.“Our culture is a culture of life,” said the President, the first indigenous leader of Bolivia.Further, Morales called on the United Nations to convene a world indigenous forum to “understand different ways of life.”To indigenous communities, he said, the Earth is sacred, as demonstrated by their practices. “Let us gather these experiences to defend life and to save humankind,” he said.Natural resources should be accessible to all, he argued. “Water is a human right. Energy is a human right,” he said, stressing that these should not be considered commodities to be exploited by private businesses.He said talk of biofuels was confusing. “I don't understand how we can produce food for cars. Soil should be for life! Because there is a lack of gas we are going to divert food for automobiles?” He called for giving up luxury. “We cannot continue to accumulate garbage,” he said.President Morales spoke out against “economic policies that have caused genocide” and denounced the arms race. “War is the industry of death,” he declared.He decried the economic imbalance of the world, where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. “Collective globalization that does not respect plurality or differences is the source of the problem,” he said.Morales also revealed his humor on the Daily Show."Please don't consider me part of the axis of evil," Morales said to a roar of laughter from his host and audience.Listen online to Democracy Now: http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/09/26/1442242Links:http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=24008&Cr=general&Cr1=debatehttp://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h2G3oepr_IzgKRWwNKDZ2_01-wmw
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Mohawks: Haudenosaunee women are decision makers of land
MNN 6 Nations Spokespersons "Suckered" by Politicians & Lawyers
SUCKERED BY POLITICIANS & LAWYERS -
HOW THE CONFEDERACY WENT OFF THE RAILS
AND FORGOT TO CONSULT THE PEOPLE
Mohawk Nation News
Sep. 27, 2007. The original Haudenosaunee Law is based on clear thinking and not on emotion or fear.
The Six Nations Confederacy Royaner [chiefs] who follow the Handsome Lake religion are an emotional people. It’s a Christian based revitalization movement of the early 1800s that was brought into the longhouse.
They believe that the “creator’ is going to solve our problems for us. This fear based inhibition stops them from aggressively pushing the Six Nations sovereignty and land issue. Too bad!
In the Christian religion that the colonial law is based on there is a story about Moses and a burning bush and how he got the Ten Commandments directly from God. Our story is about our efforts to get people to join the confederacy. The extent and complexity of these stories is meant to remind us about how much care is needed to reach a true consensus. We have to understand people’s minds. The colonial law is based on command. They don’t need consensus.
They just have to obey.
Our spokespersons at the Six Nations “talks” with Canada and Ontario went off track somewhere along the way. In a recent update from one of our spokespersons there is a reference to the law of the
“Creator”. This is consistent with the English concept of legality where they stick a cross on top of everything, including the Crown.
According to the Kaianerekowa, the Great Law of Peace, only the women can make a decision concerning the land [wampum 44]. The Haudenosaunee women own the land and the soil. The newly created
“Haudenosaunee Development Institute” HDI is a violation of the Kaianerehkowa. It’s an attempt to usurp the power and authority of the Haudenosaunee women. The Royaner [chiefs] and Oyaner [clan mothers] are supposed to represent our ideas. Instead, they made decisions on our behalf without consulting us.
MNN did an internet search and found that the name, “Haudenosaunee Development Institute”, is not available in Ontario. This suggests that someone might have or is in the process of registering or incorporating the
“Haudenosaunee Development Institute” under Ontariolaw. This represents an alienation from our sovereign independence and a submission to Ontario law.
These spokespersons never presented the proposal to form such an Institute to us. We were never shown this organization’s constitutional documents. We are told that HDI is not incorporated, that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Confederacy. If it were to be incorporated under colonial laws, we could be sued and all our assets could be seized such as equipment and bank accounts, not to mention the main prize, our land itself.
Our assets are being signed over to the HDI board members. HDI not being incorporated allows individual board members to be sued and held responsible for any decisions HDI makes. What protection do we have in this new concoction that extinguishes our political rights in this area? None! Who’s paying the liability insurance for the board members?
The “Institute” is not being recognized as a governmental authority that represents us. It appears that the money collected for our land will go to the institute, not to the people. Sounds more and more like a private company, doesn’t it? It is just asking to be turned into a land surrender system?
What went wrong in the “talks”? It is our custom to change spokespersons frequently. This is to make sure that they continue to communicate with us and that we remain fully informed. Then we select someone else to be our spokesperson. This system raises the level of knowledge among everybody and better decisions are made. It also protects our representatives from bribery and assimilation into the elitist culture of those who sit in positions of power in colonial society.
We made a mistake. We have been letting the same people go to these meetings throughout. In the process they seem to have lost touch with us.
Everything was turned upside down. Instead of reporting on the “talks”, and letting us decide what to do next, an elite group of “faithkeepers, clan mothers, chiefs, and many of our Ratiskenekethe… took it upon themselves” to make decisions on our behalf. They did not meet the people BEFORE HDI was set up. They are trying “to explain what they did”.
We must be informed to make a proper decision.
Then that decision is taken back to the talks with Canada, Ontario or any other foreign nation or corporation we may be dealing with.
Our spokespeople should not have put us in a position where we are called “dissidents” on our own land by our own people who are supposed to be representing us. Their position is that we will be tolerated regarding the Stirling Street housing development. We are “O:ya non eagaeya dodinidoha” or “they’ve chosen a different idea to do something different from what the Council thought best for this situation”. This goes against the root concept of the
Kaianerehkowa and modern international law. Both require “prior, informed consent” of the people before any decision affecting our resources is made.
One of the spokespersons says in the update that those who obstruct them “will have to face our Creator”. This also shows how things got off track.
Nobody has to face the “creator”. They have to face us, the people, and tell us what they’re up to. They have to come out of their colonial trance and start thinking.
Haudenosaunee law provides that meetings shall not take place after sundown, to make sure that decisions are made with a clear mind and not rushed.
We all know how important it is to “sleep on” major decisions. MNN has learned that one clan mother was pressured into signing the documents that set up HDI at 3 am. Nothing signed at this hour is valid.
This must be why she forgot that she did not have the right to sign. Why are 3 Cayuga clan women signing for everybody? The proper person must be selected by the people in a public process.
Other questions concern the role of Aaron Detlor.
How did he come to be the lawyer for the Haudenosaunee?
He is not being paid by funds under our control. He is paid by the Ontario government. Therefore, he represents Ontario, not us. This is not independent legal advice.
It’s a huge conflict of interest.
Aaron Detlor claims to be a lawyer and technician for the Confederacy. He drafted what he calls a “precedent setting” agreement with a developer to build houses on our land. We never saw or agreed to this. The colonial police was sent in to stop those Haudenosaunee who were trying to force the Confederacy and the developer to follow our law.
Our spokespersons seem to have been bewitched by John Tory the conservative candidate for Premier in the Ontario election. In Caledonia he said “if elected … on October 10th, he would change provincial laws to broaden the definition of trespassing and double existing fines for those [Indigenous] who defy the order and illegally occupy lands”.
Our spokesperson exclaimed, “Finally someone who agrees with the Haudenosaunee”. What nonsense!!! John Tory did not say that Ontario would respect
Haudenosaunee law and sovereignty. He wants us to submit to the colonial order that he is hoping to head. Under him we can look forward to more oppression than ever. Our spokesperson gave him “three cheers”.
How can we get things back on track? We have to recognize that the HDI is not legal under Haudenosaunee law. It is merely a proposal. All the documents need to be circulated to all members of the Confederacy living at Six Nations and in our other communities on Turtle Island. We need to decide whether it conforms to our laws and to our “nation-to-nation” position.
We need to stop our spokespersons from being assimilated into the colonial government, especially their knee jerk apology to the people who attacked our children. These Indigenous kids were part of a group raising the issue of another illegal housing development.
They took a brave stand. We knew all too well that they were exposing themselves to the full force of colonial society.
One of those arrested was refused bail because “he disrespected Canadian rule of law, does not comply with band council rules and doesn’t listen to the Confederacy spokespeople”. He is being jailed for thinking for himself, attempting to protect the future generations and not obeying the law of usurpers and trespassers.
How can we trust the people who have been wining and dining with the colonial representatives? One day they told us there will be no development. The next day the shovels appeared and 90 new houses are going to be built by one man. What kind of man needs 90 homes?
The spokespeople pretend that the Haudenosaunee represents the settler population too. No way! It’s their problem when their government does not consult them. If they don’t like it, they can change their political system. We cannot represent those who have no participation in our government process.
Who are you, HDI? This is an evil slight of hand being tried against us. The colonists would like to solve the Six Nations problem once and for all by incorporating or registering the Six Nations in Ontario. What the Royaner, Oyaner and our spokespersons are doing is just plain illegal and they have to be stopped!
Contact: donations for legal defense and updates:
Janie Jamieson, %R.R. 1, Ohsweken
[Ontario, Canada] N0A 1M0 – DubbleJ71@aol.com.
Kahentinetha Horn
MNN Mohawk Nation News
See: “Six Nations”
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/news/news4.php?en=en&layout=mnn&category=21&srcurl=%2Fnews%2Fnews3.php%3Flang%3Den%26layout%3Dmnn%26sortorder%3D0
New MNN Books Available Now!
Mohawk Warriors Three - The Trial of Lasagna, Noriega, 20/20
$20.00 usd
Where Eagles Dare to Soar - Indians, Politics & Aids
$20.00 usd
The Agonizing Death of "Colonialism" and "Federal Indian Law" in Kaianere'ko:wa/Great Law Territory
$20.00 usd
Who's Sorry Now? The good, the bad and the unapologetic Mohawks of Kanehsatake
$20.00 usd
The books below, email us:
Rebuilding the Iroquois Confederacy
Karoniaktajeh
$10 usd
Warriors Hand Book
Karoniaktajeh
$10 usd
Mail checks and money orders to...
MNN
P.O. Box 991
Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0
Purchase t-shirts, mugs and more at our CafePress Store
http://www.cafepress.com/mohawknews
Subscribe to MNN for breaking news updates
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/news/subscription.php
Sign Women Title Holders petition!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Iroquois
Link to MNN
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Your Support
Make a contribution to our newsgroup.
Secure your online transaction with PayPal®.
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/pg.php?page=donate.html
Nia:wen,
Kahentinetha Horn
Kahentinetha2@yahoo.com
Speaking & Contemporary Native Issues Workshops
Katenies
Katenies20@yahoo.com
Manager
Stay tuned!
www.mohawknationnews.com
Please forward this email to a friend!
SUCKERED BY POLITICIANS & LAWYERS -
HOW THE CONFEDERACY WENT OFF THE RAILS
AND FORGOT TO CONSULT THE PEOPLE
Mohawk Nation News
Sep. 27, 2007. The original Haudenosaunee Law is based on clear thinking and not on emotion or fear.
The Six Nations Confederacy Royaner [chiefs] who follow the Handsome Lake religion are an emotional people. It’s a Christian based revitalization movement of the early 1800s that was brought into the longhouse.
They believe that the “creator’ is going to solve our problems for us. This fear based inhibition stops them from aggressively pushing the Six Nations sovereignty and land issue. Too bad!
In the Christian religion that the colonial law is based on there is a story about Moses and a burning bush and how he got the Ten Commandments directly from God. Our story is about our efforts to get people to join the confederacy. The extent and complexity of these stories is meant to remind us about how much care is needed to reach a true consensus. We have to understand people’s minds. The colonial law is based on command. They don’t need consensus.
They just have to obey.
Our spokespersons at the Six Nations “talks” with Canada and Ontario went off track somewhere along the way. In a recent update from one of our spokespersons there is a reference to the law of the
“Creator”. This is consistent with the English concept of legality where they stick a cross on top of everything, including the Crown.
According to the Kaianerekowa, the Great Law of Peace, only the women can make a decision concerning the land [wampum 44]. The Haudenosaunee women own the land and the soil. The newly created
“Haudenosaunee Development Institute” HDI is a violation of the Kaianerehkowa. It’s an attempt to usurp the power and authority of the Haudenosaunee women. The Royaner [chiefs] and Oyaner [clan mothers] are supposed to represent our ideas. Instead, they made decisions on our behalf without consulting us.
MNN did an internet search and found that the name, “Haudenosaunee Development Institute”, is not available in Ontario. This suggests that someone might have or is in the process of registering or incorporating the
“Haudenosaunee Development Institute” under Ontariolaw. This represents an alienation from our sovereign independence and a submission to Ontario law.
These spokespersons never presented the proposal to form such an Institute to us. We were never shown this organization’s constitutional documents. We are told that HDI is not incorporated, that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Confederacy. If it were to be incorporated under colonial laws, we could be sued and all our assets could be seized such as equipment and bank accounts, not to mention the main prize, our land itself.
Our assets are being signed over to the HDI board members. HDI not being incorporated allows individual board members to be sued and held responsible for any decisions HDI makes. What protection do we have in this new concoction that extinguishes our political rights in this area? None! Who’s paying the liability insurance for the board members?
The “Institute” is not being recognized as a governmental authority that represents us. It appears that the money collected for our land will go to the institute, not to the people. Sounds more and more like a private company, doesn’t it? It is just asking to be turned into a land surrender system?
What went wrong in the “talks”? It is our custom to change spokespersons frequently. This is to make sure that they continue to communicate with us and that we remain fully informed. Then we select someone else to be our spokesperson. This system raises the level of knowledge among everybody and better decisions are made. It also protects our representatives from bribery and assimilation into the elitist culture of those who sit in positions of power in colonial society.
We made a mistake. We have been letting the same people go to these meetings throughout. In the process they seem to have lost touch with us.
Everything was turned upside down. Instead of reporting on the “talks”, and letting us decide what to do next, an elite group of “faithkeepers, clan mothers, chiefs, and many of our Ratiskenekethe… took it upon themselves” to make decisions on our behalf. They did not meet the people BEFORE HDI was set up. They are trying “to explain what they did”.
We must be informed to make a proper decision.
Then that decision is taken back to the talks with Canada, Ontario or any other foreign nation or corporation we may be dealing with.
Our spokespeople should not have put us in a position where we are called “dissidents” on our own land by our own people who are supposed to be representing us. Their position is that we will be tolerated regarding the Stirling Street housing development. We are “O:ya non eagaeya dodinidoha” or “they’ve chosen a different idea to do something different from what the Council thought best for this situation”. This goes against the root concept of the
Kaianerehkowa and modern international law. Both require “prior, informed consent” of the people before any decision affecting our resources is made.
One of the spokespersons says in the update that those who obstruct them “will have to face our Creator”. This also shows how things got off track.
Nobody has to face the “creator”. They have to face us, the people, and tell us what they’re up to. They have to come out of their colonial trance and start thinking.
Haudenosaunee law provides that meetings shall not take place after sundown, to make sure that decisions are made with a clear mind and not rushed.
We all know how important it is to “sleep on” major decisions. MNN has learned that one clan mother was pressured into signing the documents that set up HDI at 3 am. Nothing signed at this hour is valid.
This must be why she forgot that she did not have the right to sign. Why are 3 Cayuga clan women signing for everybody? The proper person must be selected by the people in a public process.
Other questions concern the role of Aaron Detlor.
How did he come to be the lawyer for the Haudenosaunee?
He is not being paid by funds under our control. He is paid by the Ontario government. Therefore, he represents Ontario, not us. This is not independent legal advice.
It’s a huge conflict of interest.
Aaron Detlor claims to be a lawyer and technician for the Confederacy. He drafted what he calls a “precedent setting” agreement with a developer to build houses on our land. We never saw or agreed to this. The colonial police was sent in to stop those Haudenosaunee who were trying to force the Confederacy and the developer to follow our law.
Our spokespersons seem to have been bewitched by John Tory the conservative candidate for Premier in the Ontario election. In Caledonia he said “if elected … on October 10th, he would change provincial laws to broaden the definition of trespassing and double existing fines for those [Indigenous] who defy the order and illegally occupy lands”.
Our spokesperson exclaimed, “Finally someone who agrees with the Haudenosaunee”. What nonsense!!! John Tory did not say that Ontario would respect
Haudenosaunee law and sovereignty. He wants us to submit to the colonial order that he is hoping to head. Under him we can look forward to more oppression than ever. Our spokesperson gave him “three cheers”.
How can we get things back on track? We have to recognize that the HDI is not legal under Haudenosaunee law. It is merely a proposal. All the documents need to be circulated to all members of the Confederacy living at Six Nations and in our other communities on Turtle Island. We need to decide whether it conforms to our laws and to our “nation-to-nation” position.
We need to stop our spokespersons from being assimilated into the colonial government, especially their knee jerk apology to the people who attacked our children. These Indigenous kids were part of a group raising the issue of another illegal housing development.
They took a brave stand. We knew all too well that they were exposing themselves to the full force of colonial society.
One of those arrested was refused bail because “he disrespected Canadian rule of law, does not comply with band council rules and doesn’t listen to the Confederacy spokespeople”. He is being jailed for thinking for himself, attempting to protect the future generations and not obeying the law of usurpers and trespassers.
How can we trust the people who have been wining and dining with the colonial representatives? One day they told us there will be no development. The next day the shovels appeared and 90 new houses are going to be built by one man. What kind of man needs 90 homes?
The spokespeople pretend that the Haudenosaunee represents the settler population too. No way! It’s their problem when their government does not consult them. If they don’t like it, they can change their political system. We cannot represent those who have no participation in our government process.
Who are you, HDI? This is an evil slight of hand being tried against us. The colonists would like to solve the Six Nations problem once and for all by incorporating or registering the Six Nations in Ontario. What the Royaner, Oyaner and our spokespersons are doing is just plain illegal and they have to be stopped!
Contact: donations for legal defense and updates:
Janie Jamieson, %R.R. 1, Ohsweken
[Ontario, Canada] N0A 1M0 – DubbleJ71@aol.com.
Kahentinetha Horn
MNN Mohawk Nation News
See: “Six Nations”
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/news/news4.php?en=en&layout=mnn&category=21&srcurl=%2Fnews%2Fnews3.php%3Flang%3Den%26layout%3Dmnn%26sortorder%3D0
New MNN Books Available Now!
Mohawk Warriors Three - The Trial of Lasagna, Noriega, 20/20
$20.00 usd
Where Eagles Dare to Soar - Indians, Politics & Aids
$20.00 usd
The Agonizing Death of "Colonialism" and "Federal Indian Law" in Kaianere'ko:wa/Great Law Territory
$20.00 usd
Who's Sorry Now? The good, the bad and the unapologetic Mohawks of Kanehsatake
$20.00 usd
The books below, email us:
Rebuilding the Iroquois Confederacy
Karoniaktajeh
$10 usd
Warriors Hand Book
Karoniaktajeh
$10 usd
Mail checks and money orders to...
MNN
P.O. Box 991
Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0
Purchase t-shirts, mugs and more at our CafePress Store
http://www.cafepress.com/mohawknews
Subscribe to MNN for breaking news updates
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/news/subscription.php
Sign Women Title Holders petition!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Iroquois
Link to MNN
Get the code and banners to link to Mohawk Nation News.
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/pg.php?page=promote.html
Your Support
Make a contribution to our newsgroup.
Secure your online transaction with PayPal®.
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/pg.php?page=donate.html
Nia:wen,
Kahentinetha Horn
Kahentinetha2@yahoo.com
Speaking & Contemporary Native Issues Workshops
Katenies
Katenies20@yahoo.com
Manager
Stay tuned!
www.mohawknationnews.com
Please forward this email to a friend!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Navajos urged to oppose uranium mining Thursday in Gallup, NM
From Robert Tohe:
Your help is needed to turn out at the public scoping hearings to tell NRC NO TO GEIS! YES TO NEPA PROCESS ! NRC is trying to make it easier for Uranium Industry to get around the NEPA process to do ISL (In Situ Leach) by proposed a streamline Generic Environmental Impact Statement for ISL uranium milling. NRC will hold a public meeting in Gallup, NM at the Best Western Inn, 3090 West Highway 66, from 7pm to 9:30pm. Tell NRC they are accountable to Navajo Nation communities and residents to hold meetings in affected communities by the proposed ISL mining. To date NRC has only two community meetings in Casper , Wyoming , and Albuquerque , NM . NRC has ignored Grants, Crownpoint, Churchrock even the entire states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and South Dakota were ISL mining is proposed.
Tell NRC, “one size doesn’t fit all.”
· The Hydrology is different in each community,
· Water quality is different in each community,
· Geology is different in each community,
· Socio-economics is diverse,
· Our cultural resources are diverse,
NOTICE: NOTICES
ACTION: Environmental statements; notice of intent:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Revised notice of intent (NOI).
SUBJECT CATEGORY: Revised Notice of Intent To Prepare a Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Uranium Milling Facilities
DATES: The NRC has recently held public meetings in Casper , Wyoming and Albuquerque , New Mexico as part of the public scoping process required by NEPA. In response to public requests, the public scoping period for the GEIS has been extended to October 8, 2007. Written comments submitted by mail should be postmarked by that date to ensure consideration. Comments mailed after that date will be considered to the extent possible.
In addition, the NRC will conduct a third public meeting in Gallup , New Mexico to assist in defining the appropriate scope of the GEIS, including the significant environmental issues to be addressed. The meeting date, time and location are listed below:
Meeting Date: September 27, 2007, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Best Western Inn and Suites, 3009 West Hwy 66, Gallup , NM 873016813, Phone (505) 7222221.
For this meeting, members of the NRC staff will be available for informal discussions with members of the public from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The formal meeting and associated NRC presentation will begin at 7 p.m. For planning purposes, those who wish to present oral comments at the meeting are encouraged to preregister by contacting Carol Walls of the NRC by telephone at 18003685642, Extension 8028, or by email at CAW@nrc.gov no later than September 21, 2007. Interested persons may also register to speak at the meetings. Depending on the number of speakers, each speaker may be limited in the amount of time allocated for their comments so that all speakers will have an opportunity to offer comments.
Robert Tohe
Sierra Club-Environmental Justice
408 E. Route 66, #1
Flagstaff, AZ 86002
Phone 928-774-6103
Fax 928-774-6138
Your help is needed to turn out at the public scoping hearings to tell NRC NO TO GEIS! YES TO NEPA PROCESS ! NRC is trying to make it easier for Uranium Industry to get around the NEPA process to do ISL (In Situ Leach) by proposed a streamline Generic Environmental Impact Statement for ISL uranium milling. NRC will hold a public meeting in Gallup, NM at the Best Western Inn, 3090 West Highway 66, from 7pm to 9:30pm. Tell NRC they are accountable to Navajo Nation communities and residents to hold meetings in affected communities by the proposed ISL mining. To date NRC has only two community meetings in Casper , Wyoming , and Albuquerque , NM . NRC has ignored Grants, Crownpoint, Churchrock even the entire states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and South Dakota were ISL mining is proposed.
Tell NRC, “one size doesn’t fit all.”
· The Hydrology is different in each community,
· Water quality is different in each community,
· Geology is different in each community,
· Socio-economics is diverse,
· Our cultural resources are diverse,
NOTICE: NOTICES
ACTION: Environmental statements; notice of intent:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Revised notice of intent (NOI).
SUBJECT CATEGORY: Revised Notice of Intent To Prepare a Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Uranium Milling Facilities
DATES: The NRC has recently held public meetings in Casper , Wyoming and Albuquerque , New Mexico as part of the public scoping process required by NEPA. In response to public requests, the public scoping period for the GEIS has been extended to October 8, 2007. Written comments submitted by mail should be postmarked by that date to ensure consideration. Comments mailed after that date will be considered to the extent possible.
In addition, the NRC will conduct a third public meeting in Gallup , New Mexico to assist in defining the appropriate scope of the GEIS, including the significant environmental issues to be addressed. The meeting date, time and location are listed below:
Meeting Date: September 27, 2007, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Best Western Inn and Suites, 3009 West Hwy 66, Gallup , NM 873016813, Phone (505) 7222221.
For this meeting, members of the NRC staff will be available for informal discussions with members of the public from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The formal meeting and associated NRC presentation will begin at 7 p.m. For planning purposes, those who wish to present oral comments at the meeting are encouraged to preregister by contacting Carol Walls of the NRC by telephone at 18003685642, Extension 8028, or by email at CAW@nrc.gov no later than September 21, 2007. Interested persons may also register to speak at the meetings. Depending on the number of speakers, each speaker may be limited in the amount of time allocated for their comments so that all speakers will have an opportunity to offer comments.
Robert Tohe
Sierra Club-Environmental Justice
408 E. Route 66, #1
Flagstaff, AZ 86002
Phone 928-774-6103
Fax 928-774-6138
American Indians in Venezuela build solidarity in struggle
American Indians in Venezuela create bonds of solidarity and encourage spiritual values for world governments
By Brenda Norrell
Narcosphere
http://www.narconews.com/
CARACAS, Venezuela – American Indians from the north joined with Indigenous from around the world in Venezuela to unite in the struggle for Indigenous rights and opposition to colonial oppression.
The delegations included members of the International Indian Treaty Council, American Indian Movement and tribal members from the Tohono O’odham and Mohawk Nations in the United States and Canada.
Robert Free Galvan, Native activist from Seattle, said it was a rare opportunity to sit with Indigenous Venezuelan leaders as the country passed a new law recognizing Indigenous languages.
During international gatherings, both formal and informal, the delegations from the north urged their Venezuelan allies to vote “Yes” to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Galvan, who earlier spearheaded the delivery of low cost oil from Venezuela’s CITGO to Indian communities in North America, said the latest American Indian delegation to Venezuela, which follows several delegations, continues the commitment to create strong bonds between Indigenous in the north and south.
“Indians met with the Venezuelan people, government and communities to build awareness, solidarity and strong bonds to help each other with their struggles.
“We have met some of the most powerful people in this country and all happen to be Indigenous women! They have taken us under their wing and taken great care of us. We are honored,” Galvan said.
While in Venezuela, the Indian delegations attended the First International Meeting of Anti-Imperialist Indigenous Peoples of America, held in Venezuela on August 7-9, in conjunction with the celebrations of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. Sessions took place in Anzoátegui and Bolívar states.
The Minister of Indigenous Peoples Nicia Maldonado said Indigenous Peoples from 22 nations attended the Congress. The closing ceremony was held in the Indigenous Community of Pemón Kumarakapay, in Bolívar state.
After returning to Seattle, Galvan reflected on socialism, capitalism and Indigenous Peoples. "The real challenge for socialism is how much Indigenous views will be incorporated to truly protect the earth in a sustainable manner. It must evolve beyond the Euro-centric world views that the planet is here to exploit -- beyond both capitalism's free-wheeling and open-ended approach and socialism's rationale that if it is done in the name of the people, then it is alright. These views have left this planet in dire need of respect and sustainability.
“Studies by Henry Morgan in the 1800s of how Indigenous governments functioned in the best interest of the community formed the bases for Engles and Marx's theories on socialism. Europeans left out the spiritual respect guiding Indigenous governments. This is the challenge now before the two opposing world systems," Galvan said.
Galvan, with Tribal Connections which does consulting for bridge building between north and south Indigenous communities, said he was invited to participate in the gathering with Indigenous Peoples from the South Continent at the last minute. “I met up with others who had been invited, Robert Cruz, Tohono O’odham from Arizona and member of the International Indian Treaty Council and Vernon Bellecourt of the American Indian Movement. Our plane was delayed several hours in Atlanta and in the mix-up, we arrived very late in Caracas.
“We missed going to the southern Indigenous states in Venezuela, but were rescued by my friend Doctor Noly Fernandez, Minister of Indigenous Health for all of Venezuela. She immediately made accommodations for us and got us to be part of another event going on, the meeting of the Indigenous Parliament of South America, where we met with Indian legislative representatives from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala and other countries.
“Then, on Thursday, we were taken to participate and witness the passing of new Indigenous laws in Venezuelan respecting language and culture for Indigenous day activities across South America. We were seated next to the podium before the Venezuelan National Congressional Assembly, as Noeli Pocaterra, lobbied for the law.
"We were the first to enter the Parliament ever, as non-Venezuelan legislators," Galvan said, following the enactment of a new law which made this possible. “We were next to other invited Indigenous representatives from the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas. All the proceedings were broadcast nationally across the country!
“The Law is the Law of Indigenous Languages which states that Indigenous languages are official languages of Venezuela, alongside Spanish. Therefore, they should be taught, promoted and preserved by the State as part of our Indigenous heritage.
“The Law was approved in its first discussion unanimously. We later attended a lunch and met with President of the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas Isabel Ortega Ventura of Bolivia. “We discussed with the Indigenous Congress representatives that the Indigenous issues of the North Continent could be included in future meetings of the Congress. The president of the parliament agreed to the idea and also invited us to come to Bolivia where she would host us once we got there.
“The next day we spent several hours with long time Indigenous activist Noeli Pocaterra of the Wayuu Tribe. The very prominent member of the Venezuela National Assembly, Congresswoman Pocaterra, serves as second vice president.
“Venezuela Indigenous Congresswoman Maria Andarcia of the Kariña Tribe, who we met, hosted us most warmly and introduced us to fellow legislators. Jose Guido de Freitas of the National Assembly and others, asked about conditions for Indigenous Peoples in the North Continent and history of self-determination efforts.
“The one reason of priority for this trip to Venezuela was to inquire and lobby for Venezuela to vote ‘Yes’ for the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Venezuela abstained in the previous vote. After reiterating the history of the International Indian Treaty Council efforts for several decades at the United Nations and the global awaking and self-determination efforts against globalization and theft of Indigenous lands, resources of Indigenous Peoples, the legislators agreed it was imperative that Venezuela support and lobby other nations to pass the declaration.
“The Congressional representatives then asked for a report on the oil program to low income families, regarding how it was being implemented. I shared that hundreds of inquiries from tribal activists, traditional leaders, elected leaders and Indigenous organizations across the country continue to come in, as they seek participation in the oil program,” Galvan said.
The Chavez government was asked in August 2005, for low cost oil for Indigenous communities. “Implementing the program has resulted in Tribes becoming aware of their status as emerging nations and the need to act as nations with other nations,” Galvan said.
“Venezuela acknowledges the role of Indigenous nations in the world,” Galvan said, reiterating their words. “I shared problems as I saw them. Ms. Pocaterra was very interested in the details. A power point presentation of 35 years of Indigenous struggles in the North Continent was shown to representatives. Ms. Pocaterra suggested showing it on their national television.
“Later that night, there was a huge banquet for all the Indigenous representatives. Ms. Pocaterra spoke of the Indigenous struggles, in the north to the president of the Indigenous Parliament.
“Then it was requested to have it shown to everyone at the gathering. Representatives were there from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. Fifteen other Indians from the north also were invited, including Mohawk Kahentinetha Horn and others hosted by the new ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
“We missed the flight to the south Bolivian province on Indigenous Day. Luckily, we were picked up by friends in the Ministry of Indigenous Health, which we met during the world social forum in Caracas in January 2006.”
In September, the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly, with Venezuela voting “Yes."
Contact: robtfree@earthlink.net
Mohawks and Hugo Chavez unite to fight colonial oppression
Mohawk Nation News
CARACAS, Venezuela -- The Indigenous people and President Hugo Chavez are bringing together 40 Indigenous nations of Venezuela from August 7 to 9, 2007. The Mohawk delegation is made up of two women, Kahentinetha, an elder and Karenhahes, Bear Clan Mother.This congress is setting up a broad international movement of indigenous people to reject colonial oppression. READ MORE:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/08/mohawks-and-hugo-chavez-unite-to-fight.html
Venezuela hosts Indigenous Congress, gives land titles, recognizes Indigenous ownership
http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2007/08/venezuela-hosts-indigenous-congress.html
By Brenda Norrell
Narcosphere
http://www.narconews.com/
CARACAS, Venezuela – American Indians from the north joined with Indigenous from around the world in Venezuela to unite in the struggle for Indigenous rights and opposition to colonial oppression.
The delegations included members of the International Indian Treaty Council, American Indian Movement and tribal members from the Tohono O’odham and Mohawk Nations in the United States and Canada.
Robert Free Galvan, Native activist from Seattle, said it was a rare opportunity to sit with Indigenous Venezuelan leaders as the country passed a new law recognizing Indigenous languages.
During international gatherings, both formal and informal, the delegations from the north urged their Venezuelan allies to vote “Yes” to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Galvan, who earlier spearheaded the delivery of low cost oil from Venezuela’s CITGO to Indian communities in North America, said the latest American Indian delegation to Venezuela, which follows several delegations, continues the commitment to create strong bonds between Indigenous in the north and south.
“Indians met with the Venezuelan people, government and communities to build awareness, solidarity and strong bonds to help each other with their struggles.
“We have met some of the most powerful people in this country and all happen to be Indigenous women! They have taken us under their wing and taken great care of us. We are honored,” Galvan said.
While in Venezuela, the Indian delegations attended the First International Meeting of Anti-Imperialist Indigenous Peoples of America, held in Venezuela on August 7-9, in conjunction with the celebrations of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. Sessions took place in Anzoátegui and Bolívar states.
The Minister of Indigenous Peoples Nicia Maldonado said Indigenous Peoples from 22 nations attended the Congress. The closing ceremony was held in the Indigenous Community of Pemón Kumarakapay, in Bolívar state.
After returning to Seattle, Galvan reflected on socialism, capitalism and Indigenous Peoples. "The real challenge for socialism is how much Indigenous views will be incorporated to truly protect the earth in a sustainable manner. It must evolve beyond the Euro-centric world views that the planet is here to exploit -- beyond both capitalism's free-wheeling and open-ended approach and socialism's rationale that if it is done in the name of the people, then it is alright. These views have left this planet in dire need of respect and sustainability.
“Studies by Henry Morgan in the 1800s of how Indigenous governments functioned in the best interest of the community formed the bases for Engles and Marx's theories on socialism. Europeans left out the spiritual respect guiding Indigenous governments. This is the challenge now before the two opposing world systems," Galvan said.
Galvan, with Tribal Connections which does consulting for bridge building between north and south Indigenous communities, said he was invited to participate in the gathering with Indigenous Peoples from the South Continent at the last minute. “I met up with others who had been invited, Robert Cruz, Tohono O’odham from Arizona and member of the International Indian Treaty Council and Vernon Bellecourt of the American Indian Movement. Our plane was delayed several hours in Atlanta and in the mix-up, we arrived very late in Caracas.
“We missed going to the southern Indigenous states in Venezuela, but were rescued by my friend Doctor Noly Fernandez, Minister of Indigenous Health for all of Venezuela. She immediately made accommodations for us and got us to be part of another event going on, the meeting of the Indigenous Parliament of South America, where we met with Indian legislative representatives from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala and other countries.
“Then, on Thursday, we were taken to participate and witness the passing of new Indigenous laws in Venezuelan respecting language and culture for Indigenous day activities across South America. We were seated next to the podium before the Venezuelan National Congressional Assembly, as Noeli Pocaterra, lobbied for the law.
"We were the first to enter the Parliament ever, as non-Venezuelan legislators," Galvan said, following the enactment of a new law which made this possible. “We were next to other invited Indigenous representatives from the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas. All the proceedings were broadcast nationally across the country!
“The Law is the Law of Indigenous Languages which states that Indigenous languages are official languages of Venezuela, alongside Spanish. Therefore, they should be taught, promoted and preserved by the State as part of our Indigenous heritage.
“The Law was approved in its first discussion unanimously. We later attended a lunch and met with President of the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas Isabel Ortega Ventura of Bolivia. “We discussed with the Indigenous Congress representatives that the Indigenous issues of the North Continent could be included in future meetings of the Congress. The president of the parliament agreed to the idea and also invited us to come to Bolivia where she would host us once we got there.
“The next day we spent several hours with long time Indigenous activist Noeli Pocaterra of the Wayuu Tribe. The very prominent member of the Venezuela National Assembly, Congresswoman Pocaterra, serves as second vice president.
“Venezuela Indigenous Congresswoman Maria Andarcia of the Kariña Tribe, who we met, hosted us most warmly and introduced us to fellow legislators. Jose Guido de Freitas of the National Assembly and others, asked about conditions for Indigenous Peoples in the North Continent and history of self-determination efforts.
“The one reason of priority for this trip to Venezuela was to inquire and lobby for Venezuela to vote ‘Yes’ for the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Venezuela abstained in the previous vote. After reiterating the history of the International Indian Treaty Council efforts for several decades at the United Nations and the global awaking and self-determination efforts against globalization and theft of Indigenous lands, resources of Indigenous Peoples, the legislators agreed it was imperative that Venezuela support and lobby other nations to pass the declaration.
“The Congressional representatives then asked for a report on the oil program to low income families, regarding how it was being implemented. I shared that hundreds of inquiries from tribal activists, traditional leaders, elected leaders and Indigenous organizations across the country continue to come in, as they seek participation in the oil program,” Galvan said.
The Chavez government was asked in August 2005, for low cost oil for Indigenous communities. “Implementing the program has resulted in Tribes becoming aware of their status as emerging nations and the need to act as nations with other nations,” Galvan said.
“Venezuela acknowledges the role of Indigenous nations in the world,” Galvan said, reiterating their words. “I shared problems as I saw them. Ms. Pocaterra was very interested in the details. A power point presentation of 35 years of Indigenous struggles in the North Continent was shown to representatives. Ms. Pocaterra suggested showing it on their national television.
“Later that night, there was a huge banquet for all the Indigenous representatives. Ms. Pocaterra spoke of the Indigenous struggles, in the north to the president of the Indigenous Parliament.
“Then it was requested to have it shown to everyone at the gathering. Representatives were there from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. Fifteen other Indians from the north also were invited, including Mohawk Kahentinetha Horn and others hosted by the new ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
“We missed the flight to the south Bolivian province on Indigenous Day. Luckily, we were picked up by friends in the Ministry of Indigenous Health, which we met during the world social forum in Caracas in January 2006.”
In September, the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly, with Venezuela voting “Yes."
Contact: robtfree@earthlink.net
Mohawks and Hugo Chavez unite to fight colonial oppression
Mohawk Nation News
CARACAS, Venezuela -- The Indigenous people and President Hugo Chavez are bringing together 40 Indigenous nations of Venezuela from August 7 to 9, 2007. The Mohawk delegation is made up of two women, Kahentinetha, an elder and Karenhahes, Bear Clan Mother.This congress is setting up a broad international movement of indigenous people to reject colonial oppression. READ MORE:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/08/mohawks-and-hugo-chavez-unite-to-fight.html
Venezuela hosts Indigenous Congress, gives land titles, recognizes Indigenous ownership
http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2007/08/venezuela-hosts-indigenous-congress.html
Katrina's Flood: Apartheid and ethnic cleansing in New Orleans
Why hasn't the U.S. Congress probed the Apartheid that followed Hurricane Katrina? The neutered Congress does not want to deal with the controversial issue of racism in America.
By Brenda Norrell
http://www.bsnorrell.blogpsot.com/
TUCSON, Ariz. -- There is a new film out about Apartheid and ethnic cleansing. No, it is not about South Africa, it is about the United States' Apartheid in New Orleans. You might not have heard of this film, unless you follow the underground railroad in America, that's truth-seekers censored by the mainstream media.
"Welcome to New Orleans," is the story of Common Ground, the grassroots organization that rose up out of Katrina's flood waters to deliver aid to neighborhoods in Algiers and New Orleans in 2005.
In some ways, the 58-minute documentary is a simple story, revealing how Common Ground cofounder Malik Rahim and volunteers served their neighbors. But it is also the story of Apartheid and ethnic cleansing in America.
Rising above all of this, it is the story of hope. When Rahim issued the call across America that white mercenaries were shooting blacks, it was white people, like Scott Crow of Texas, who responded to help create a grassroots clinic. Rahim says there is no amount of money that can repay those who responded during those first days after Katrina's flood waters swept through and devoured communities. This is what gives him hope.
In the film, a group of white New Orleans residents talk about the fun they had shooting blacks after Hurricane Katrina. Smiling, one man said, it was like "shooting pheasants in South Dakota."
This film, one in a series of shown about racism, injustice and Hurricane Katrina at the University of Arizona Tuesday evening (Sept. 25), makes it clear that blacks were "demonized" after Katrina.
For most Americans, there is a singular bad memory harbored in our minds. It is of this: Turning on our television sets and watching morning after morning as blacks on rooftops in New Orleans waved for help. They were there, day after day, without water or food. "Why haven't they been rescued?" was the cry that followed across America.
The answer, according to those who live in New Orleans, is this: It was ethnic cleansing, Apartheid aimed at eliminating blacks and rebuilding new Orleans into a white tourist city.
It took this form: A jail was created before people were given food and water, to attract FEMA dollars. The mercenaries of Blackwater arrived to eliminate whoever they chose. New Orleans residents were ordered to evacuate homes that remained in good condition. For those unable to return to their homes from distant cities, 30-day notices were sent to their homes to tell them that their properties would be seized if there was no response.
Now, there is a new image to harbor in the place for horror in our minds, from video footage shown. It is the sight of hundreds of prisoners in Orleans Parish pressed against the glass ceiling of a jail as the flood waters rise. Guards fled the New Orleans' jails, leaving inmates locked in cells standing in water contaminated with sewage and screaming for help. Prisoners waited to be rescued three and four days, with sewage water up to their chests. Some were shackled and handcuffed. All were without food, drinking water and medicine, locked in those murky waters.
Why hasn't the U.S. Congress probed what happened in New Orleans? According to residents, the neutered Congress, including the Democrats, finds the issue of racism in America and Apartheid in New Orleans too controversial to deal with.
Meanwhile, just a few hours to the north, the town of Jena remains a dark vacuum of racism, where Wackenhut guards raped youths in the detention center and Hurricane Katrina evacuees became victims once again as they were tortured in prison. The current case of the Jena 6 is not a new condition, it just receives more media coverage than the covert Apartheid. The prison in Jena was not the only prison where New Orleans' evacuees were routinely beaten, pepper-sprayed and shocked with tasers, according to the ACLU.
Where are the billions aimed at reconstruction in New Orleans? Where are the clinics, hospitals and schools? Charter schools are becoming institutionalized as the corporate profiteers, well-known in Iraq, cash in on misery: Halliburton, Blackwater, Bechtel and Fluor.
Here is one scene that did not make it to the nightly news: A black man at a New Orleans fire station asks for bottled water, stacked high in crates against the wall. He is chased away by an armed fireman. Here is another scene that was video-taped: A group of policemen in New Orleans beat a lone black man in the head with their fists -- over and over and over.
Where was the U.S. Red Cross when all this was taking place? While focusing on fundraising nationally, New Orleans residents say the Red Cross was carrying out the state and federal agenda on the streets of New Orleans: Apartheid.
While American Indian Nations donated tens of millions of dollars to the Red Cross for aid to Indian Nations hit by Katrina, the largest tribe on the Louisiana coast, the United Houma Nation, said the tribe did not receive a single dollar from the Red Cross.
Read more about grassroots relief: Common Ground
http://www.commongroundrelief.org/
ACLU: Prisoner abuse during Katrina:
http://www.aclu.org/prison/conditions/26421prs20060810.html
By Brenda Norrell
http://www.bsnorrell.blogpsot.com/
TUCSON, Ariz. -- There is a new film out about Apartheid and ethnic cleansing. No, it is not about South Africa, it is about the United States' Apartheid in New Orleans. You might not have heard of this film, unless you follow the underground railroad in America, that's truth-seekers censored by the mainstream media.
"Welcome to New Orleans," is the story of Common Ground, the grassroots organization that rose up out of Katrina's flood waters to deliver aid to neighborhoods in Algiers and New Orleans in 2005.
In some ways, the 58-minute documentary is a simple story, revealing how Common Ground cofounder Malik Rahim and volunteers served their neighbors. But it is also the story of Apartheid and ethnic cleansing in America.
Rising above all of this, it is the story of hope. When Rahim issued the call across America that white mercenaries were shooting blacks, it was white people, like Scott Crow of Texas, who responded to help create a grassroots clinic. Rahim says there is no amount of money that can repay those who responded during those first days after Katrina's flood waters swept through and devoured communities. This is what gives him hope.
In the film, a group of white New Orleans residents talk about the fun they had shooting blacks after Hurricane Katrina. Smiling, one man said, it was like "shooting pheasants in South Dakota."
This film, one in a series of shown about racism, injustice and Hurricane Katrina at the University of Arizona Tuesday evening (Sept. 25), makes it clear that blacks were "demonized" after Katrina.
For most Americans, there is a singular bad memory harbored in our minds. It is of this: Turning on our television sets and watching morning after morning as blacks on rooftops in New Orleans waved for help. They were there, day after day, without water or food. "Why haven't they been rescued?" was the cry that followed across America.
The answer, according to those who live in New Orleans, is this: It was ethnic cleansing, Apartheid aimed at eliminating blacks and rebuilding new Orleans into a white tourist city.
It took this form: A jail was created before people were given food and water, to attract FEMA dollars. The mercenaries of Blackwater arrived to eliminate whoever they chose. New Orleans residents were ordered to evacuate homes that remained in good condition. For those unable to return to their homes from distant cities, 30-day notices were sent to their homes to tell them that their properties would be seized if there was no response.
Now, there is a new image to harbor in the place for horror in our minds, from video footage shown. It is the sight of hundreds of prisoners in Orleans Parish pressed against the glass ceiling of a jail as the flood waters rise. Guards fled the New Orleans' jails, leaving inmates locked in cells standing in water contaminated with sewage and screaming for help. Prisoners waited to be rescued three and four days, with sewage water up to their chests. Some were shackled and handcuffed. All were without food, drinking water and medicine, locked in those murky waters.
Why hasn't the U.S. Congress probed what happened in New Orleans? According to residents, the neutered Congress, including the Democrats, finds the issue of racism in America and Apartheid in New Orleans too controversial to deal with.
Meanwhile, just a few hours to the north, the town of Jena remains a dark vacuum of racism, where Wackenhut guards raped youths in the detention center and Hurricane Katrina evacuees became victims once again as they were tortured in prison. The current case of the Jena 6 is not a new condition, it just receives more media coverage than the covert Apartheid. The prison in Jena was not the only prison where New Orleans' evacuees were routinely beaten, pepper-sprayed and shocked with tasers, according to the ACLU.
Where are the billions aimed at reconstruction in New Orleans? Where are the clinics, hospitals and schools? Charter schools are becoming institutionalized as the corporate profiteers, well-known in Iraq, cash in on misery: Halliburton, Blackwater, Bechtel and Fluor.
Here is one scene that did not make it to the nightly news: A black man at a New Orleans fire station asks for bottled water, stacked high in crates against the wall. He is chased away by an armed fireman. Here is another scene that was video-taped: A group of policemen in New Orleans beat a lone black man in the head with their fists -- over and over and over.
Where was the U.S. Red Cross when all this was taking place? While focusing on fundraising nationally, New Orleans residents say the Red Cross was carrying out the state and federal agenda on the streets of New Orleans: Apartheid.
While American Indian Nations donated tens of millions of dollars to the Red Cross for aid to Indian Nations hit by Katrina, the largest tribe on the Louisiana coast, the United Houma Nation, said the tribe did not receive a single dollar from the Red Cross.
Read more about grassroots relief: Common Ground
http://www.commongroundrelief.org/
ACLU: Prisoner abuse during Katrina:
http://www.aclu.org/prison/conditions/26421prs20060810.html
The Other Jena Story: Wackenhut rapes and prison torture of hurricane evacuees
First youth, then hurricane evacuees were tortured by Jena prison guards
San Francisco Bay View
(Wednesday, 19 September 2007)
JENA, Louisiana -- Jena, the little town of 3,000 located about four hours north of New Orleans, where thousands of people are headed from all over the U.S. to a Sept. 20 rally for the young men known as the Jena 6, used to be best known for its notorious prison.
Called Jena Juvenile Justice Center when Wackenhut opened it in 1998, it promised counselors and teachers with college degrees to help young people turn their lives around. But in 2000, it was closed after a federal lawsuit revealed that youth were regularly being raped, brutalized and humiliated.
Expressing shock, the judge said, "The way this facility operates or has operated in the recent past is that young people are treated as if they walk on all fours." The infirmary logged 100 serious traumatic injuries in less than two months - a rate of two a day.
Some teenagers became so distraught they slit their wrists on the razor wire that surrounded the prison. Is it any wonder - considering that Jena was probably the home of most of the prison personnel - that this is the town where injustice against the Jena 6 has shocked the world?
The prison was reopened in September 2005 to house prisoners evacuated after Hurricane Katrina. Pretrial detainees were sent to Jena from Jefferson Parish Prison just outside New Orleans. Like the teenage prisoners housed there before them, treatment of these men by the guards in Jena amounted to nothing less than torture.
Interviews conducted with them Oct. 4, 2005, by Human Rights Watch and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) revealed widespread claims of abuse. Every detainee but one of the 23 interviewed reported that he had been hit or kicked by the prison staff.
The detainees said that correctional officers at Jena slapped, punched, beat and kicked detainees and sprayed them unnecessarily and repeatedly with pepper spray. The detainees, primarily African-Americans, also described degrading treatment and racist language by the Louisiana state correctional officers, who were primarily white. "LDF has worked for decades in Louisiana and believes that the alleged abuse at Jena reflects the larger crisis in the state's criminal justice system," said Vanita Gupta, attorney for LDF. "The racism and violence that Jena detainees have described should have no place in any prison."
The following day, Human Rights Watch and LDF lawyers interviewed Major Brad Rogers, the state correctional official in charge of day-to-day operations at the facility. They were not able to interview the warden, Richard Thompson. Rogers insisted that there had been no excessive use of force at the facility and that the staff were all "trained professionals." However, the interviews of detainees taken by the two groups contradict his statements.
"Katrina created a crisis for state corrections officials, but that's not an excuse for staff to beat detainees and kick them in the head," said Corinne Carey, researcher for Human Rights Watch's U.S. Program. "Detainees told us they felt they were being treated like animals. They were frightened and some were even crying. One said, ‘I don't know what they'll do to me once y'all leave here.'"
Detainees told Human Rights Watch and LDF that shortly after their arrival at Jena, officers pulled them from their beds in the middle of the night and they were forced to remain face down on the floor for up to eight hours. The detainees said the officers would hit and kick them if they moved or raised their heads. One detainee who turned his head after falling asleep reported that one guard kicked him in the face to wake him up, and then told him to put his face back down.
Rogers confirmed that all the detainees at Jena had been made to lie down on the ground as a security measure because detainees in one dorm had started "yelling ... and jumping up and down and threatening to burn the place down."
The detainees reported that officers at Jena hit and kicked them when they broke prison rules. For example, Human Rights Watch and LDF interviewed two detainees who had been in a fight with each other. After officers broke up the fight and handcuffed the detainees, they carried one of them to an isolation cell.
On arrival, the officials dropped him to the ground and punched him on the side and in the face. As he was lying with his mouth and nose bleeding, the officers ordered him to lick up his blood from the floor. The other detainee in the fight reported that officers had punched his chest and ribs and slapped him in the face after handcuffing him.
Another detainee said that officers kicked him in the head and slammed his face against a wall because he did not get out of bed quickly enough one morning. "This is a living nightmare for me," he said. "I know this isn't legal."
Rogers confirmed detainees' reports that they were sometimes ordered to kneel nose-to-wall as a security measure. Detainees claim they were kept kneeling for hours at a stretch, which Rogers denied. Detainees also said correctional officers struck them on the head if they moved.
Officers forcibly shaved the head of every detainee at Jena who had been sent there because of Hurricane Katrina. (After Hurricane Rita, more evacuated detainees were brought to Jena, but their heads were not shaved.) Shaving the heads of detainees is not a standard corrections procedure in Louisiana, but Rogers said the detainees from the New Orleans area were "filthy." Yet he also admitted that the detainees' heads were shaved after they had been able to take showers and use soap.
Detainees also reported that officers consistently used racial and sexual epithets against them. One reported a guard saying, "I can't stand none of you motherfuckers from New Orleans." Another guard grabbed a detainee by the hair (before his head was shaved) and called him a "mop-head motherfucker."
Other terms reportedly used by the officers include "monkeys," "bitches" and "pussy-ass motherfuckers." Several detainees also reported an incident in which detainees were told to line-up, place their hands behind their heads and press their groin against the buttocks of the detainee in front of them. An officer taunted them saying: "Hard dicks to soft ass! I know y'all are getting hard, because I am."
Initially, when Jena was reopened, it was staffed with Louisiana correctional officers. Shortly afterwards, the state requested assistance in staffing the facility, and officers came from New York City's Rikers Island jail to help.
Rogers said that the facility was operating "remarkably smoothly" given the circumstances under which it reopened. However, correctional officers reported chaotic conditions and an unprepared, overwhelmed staff. Detainees claim that Louisiana officers were primarily responsible for their abuse.
Rogers acknowledged that there are no grievance procedures in place at Jena. Detainees repeatedly requested grievance forms to make complaints about their treatment but never received any. In one instance, a guard handed a detainee a sheet of toilet paper in response to his request for a form. According to Rogers, detainees can come to him with their grievances. He said he had "spoken [to detainees] about grievances and I have corrected the problems we have had."
One inmate described having been with a group of detainees and asking the warden when they were going to be able to contact their families. According to the detainee, the warden responded, "Motherfucker, do I look like I care?" The warden ordered an officer to "lock this stupid motherfucker up," and he was placed in isolation.
Detainees complained about the lack of medical care at the facility and said that they had been unable to get medications, including antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, which they had previously been prescribed. According to Rogers, a doctor had begun coming to the facility once a week, two nurses were there from 9 to 5 and medications were being provided by the end of September.
Detainees evacuated to Jena because of Hurricane Katrina had no contact with the outside for the first two weeks they were there. They were not allowed to use the telephone until shortly before they were interviewed.
After two weeks, they had been given writing materials to send letters to their families, who had no idea where they were, if they were safe or whether they had survived the storm. But detainees reported that the correctional officers read their letters and refused to mail those that contained complaints about their treatment at Jena. One detainee said an officer ripped up his letter in front of him. None of the detainees had yet seen their attorneys.
On Oct. 1, 2005, LDF contacted Louisiana state legislators and Superintendent of State Police Colonel Henry Whitehorn about the abuse allegations at Jena. Two days later, on Oct. 3, Human Rights Watch called on Richard Stalder, the head of Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections, to conduct an investigation into allegations of abuse at Jena. Stalder had been elected in August 2004 to a two-year term as president of the national Association of State Correctional Administrators.
Following their interviews with detainees at Jena, Human Rights Watch and the LDF decided to call for an independent and impartial investigation by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice into the conduct of the state corrections staff at Jena. In August 2006, the FBI confirmed that an investigation had been opened.
Federal investigations of racist human rights violations in Jena seem to have a habit of generating more heat than light. CNN reports this week, "There is no link between the nooses hung by white students outside a Louisiana high school and the alleged beating of a white student by black teens, according to the U.S. attorney who reviewed investigations into the incidents." Donald Washington, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, apparently came to that conclusion because the events occurred three months apart.
PHOTO: When Human Rights Watch and the NAACP LDF went to Jena in 2005 to investigate prisoners’ claims of severe abuse, they found “KKK” spray painted on a dumpster outside the prison. The Klan is rumored to be planning a counter-demonstration in Jena on Sept. 20. Photo: naacpldf.org
San Francisco Bay View
(Wednesday, 19 September 2007)
JENA, Louisiana -- Jena, the little town of 3,000 located about four hours north of New Orleans, where thousands of people are headed from all over the U.S. to a Sept. 20 rally for the young men known as the Jena 6, used to be best known for its notorious prison.
Called Jena Juvenile Justice Center when Wackenhut opened it in 1998, it promised counselors and teachers with college degrees to help young people turn their lives around. But in 2000, it was closed after a federal lawsuit revealed that youth were regularly being raped, brutalized and humiliated.
Expressing shock, the judge said, "The way this facility operates or has operated in the recent past is that young people are treated as if they walk on all fours." The infirmary logged 100 serious traumatic injuries in less than two months - a rate of two a day.
Some teenagers became so distraught they slit their wrists on the razor wire that surrounded the prison. Is it any wonder - considering that Jena was probably the home of most of the prison personnel - that this is the town where injustice against the Jena 6 has shocked the world?
The prison was reopened in September 2005 to house prisoners evacuated after Hurricane Katrina. Pretrial detainees were sent to Jena from Jefferson Parish Prison just outside New Orleans. Like the teenage prisoners housed there before them, treatment of these men by the guards in Jena amounted to nothing less than torture.
Interviews conducted with them Oct. 4, 2005, by Human Rights Watch and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) revealed widespread claims of abuse. Every detainee but one of the 23 interviewed reported that he had been hit or kicked by the prison staff.
The detainees said that correctional officers at Jena slapped, punched, beat and kicked detainees and sprayed them unnecessarily and repeatedly with pepper spray. The detainees, primarily African-Americans, also described degrading treatment and racist language by the Louisiana state correctional officers, who were primarily white. "LDF has worked for decades in Louisiana and believes that the alleged abuse at Jena reflects the larger crisis in the state's criminal justice system," said Vanita Gupta, attorney for LDF. "The racism and violence that Jena detainees have described should have no place in any prison."
The following day, Human Rights Watch and LDF lawyers interviewed Major Brad Rogers, the state correctional official in charge of day-to-day operations at the facility. They were not able to interview the warden, Richard Thompson. Rogers insisted that there had been no excessive use of force at the facility and that the staff were all "trained professionals." However, the interviews of detainees taken by the two groups contradict his statements.
"Katrina created a crisis for state corrections officials, but that's not an excuse for staff to beat detainees and kick them in the head," said Corinne Carey, researcher for Human Rights Watch's U.S. Program. "Detainees told us they felt they were being treated like animals. They were frightened and some were even crying. One said, ‘I don't know what they'll do to me once y'all leave here.'"
Detainees told Human Rights Watch and LDF that shortly after their arrival at Jena, officers pulled them from their beds in the middle of the night and they were forced to remain face down on the floor for up to eight hours. The detainees said the officers would hit and kick them if they moved or raised their heads. One detainee who turned his head after falling asleep reported that one guard kicked him in the face to wake him up, and then told him to put his face back down.
Rogers confirmed that all the detainees at Jena had been made to lie down on the ground as a security measure because detainees in one dorm had started "yelling ... and jumping up and down and threatening to burn the place down."
The detainees reported that officers at Jena hit and kicked them when they broke prison rules. For example, Human Rights Watch and LDF interviewed two detainees who had been in a fight with each other. After officers broke up the fight and handcuffed the detainees, they carried one of them to an isolation cell.
On arrival, the officials dropped him to the ground and punched him on the side and in the face. As he was lying with his mouth and nose bleeding, the officers ordered him to lick up his blood from the floor. The other detainee in the fight reported that officers had punched his chest and ribs and slapped him in the face after handcuffing him.
Another detainee said that officers kicked him in the head and slammed his face against a wall because he did not get out of bed quickly enough one morning. "This is a living nightmare for me," he said. "I know this isn't legal."
Rogers confirmed detainees' reports that they were sometimes ordered to kneel nose-to-wall as a security measure. Detainees claim they were kept kneeling for hours at a stretch, which Rogers denied. Detainees also said correctional officers struck them on the head if they moved.
Officers forcibly shaved the head of every detainee at Jena who had been sent there because of Hurricane Katrina. (After Hurricane Rita, more evacuated detainees were brought to Jena, but their heads were not shaved.) Shaving the heads of detainees is not a standard corrections procedure in Louisiana, but Rogers said the detainees from the New Orleans area were "filthy." Yet he also admitted that the detainees' heads were shaved after they had been able to take showers and use soap.
Detainees also reported that officers consistently used racial and sexual epithets against them. One reported a guard saying, "I can't stand none of you motherfuckers from New Orleans." Another guard grabbed a detainee by the hair (before his head was shaved) and called him a "mop-head motherfucker."
Other terms reportedly used by the officers include "monkeys," "bitches" and "pussy-ass motherfuckers." Several detainees also reported an incident in which detainees were told to line-up, place their hands behind their heads and press their groin against the buttocks of the detainee in front of them. An officer taunted them saying: "Hard dicks to soft ass! I know y'all are getting hard, because I am."
Initially, when Jena was reopened, it was staffed with Louisiana correctional officers. Shortly afterwards, the state requested assistance in staffing the facility, and officers came from New York City's Rikers Island jail to help.
Rogers said that the facility was operating "remarkably smoothly" given the circumstances under which it reopened. However, correctional officers reported chaotic conditions and an unprepared, overwhelmed staff. Detainees claim that Louisiana officers were primarily responsible for their abuse.
Rogers acknowledged that there are no grievance procedures in place at Jena. Detainees repeatedly requested grievance forms to make complaints about their treatment but never received any. In one instance, a guard handed a detainee a sheet of toilet paper in response to his request for a form. According to Rogers, detainees can come to him with their grievances. He said he had "spoken [to detainees] about grievances and I have corrected the problems we have had."
One inmate described having been with a group of detainees and asking the warden when they were going to be able to contact their families. According to the detainee, the warden responded, "Motherfucker, do I look like I care?" The warden ordered an officer to "lock this stupid motherfucker up," and he was placed in isolation.
Detainees complained about the lack of medical care at the facility and said that they had been unable to get medications, including antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, which they had previously been prescribed. According to Rogers, a doctor had begun coming to the facility once a week, two nurses were there from 9 to 5 and medications were being provided by the end of September.
Detainees evacuated to Jena because of Hurricane Katrina had no contact with the outside for the first two weeks they were there. They were not allowed to use the telephone until shortly before they were interviewed.
After two weeks, they had been given writing materials to send letters to their families, who had no idea where they were, if they were safe or whether they had survived the storm. But detainees reported that the correctional officers read their letters and refused to mail those that contained complaints about their treatment at Jena. One detainee said an officer ripped up his letter in front of him. None of the detainees had yet seen their attorneys.
On Oct. 1, 2005, LDF contacted Louisiana state legislators and Superintendent of State Police Colonel Henry Whitehorn about the abuse allegations at Jena. Two days later, on Oct. 3, Human Rights Watch called on Richard Stalder, the head of Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections, to conduct an investigation into allegations of abuse at Jena. Stalder had been elected in August 2004 to a two-year term as president of the national Association of State Correctional Administrators.
Following their interviews with detainees at Jena, Human Rights Watch and the LDF decided to call for an independent and impartial investigation by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice into the conduct of the state corrections staff at Jena. In August 2006, the FBI confirmed that an investigation had been opened.
Federal investigations of racist human rights violations in Jena seem to have a habit of generating more heat than light. CNN reports this week, "There is no link between the nooses hung by white students outside a Louisiana high school and the alleged beating of a white student by black teens, according to the U.S. attorney who reviewed investigations into the incidents." Donald Washington, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, apparently came to that conclusion because the events occurred three months apart.
PHOTO: When Human Rights Watch and the NAACP LDF went to Jena in 2005 to investigate prisoners’ claims of severe abuse, they found “KKK” spray painted on a dumpster outside the prison. The Klan is rumored to be planning a counter-demonstration in Jena on Sept. 20. Photo: naacpldf.org
This story, which originally appeared at hrw.org and naacpldf.org, was updated by Bay View staff.
Nike Opportunism: Turning Native plight into profit?
Nike Opportunism: Turning Native Plight Into Profit?
By Klee Benally, Navajo, Indigenous Action
Nike has introduced what it is calling the "Air Native N7", a shoe designed especially for us Natives. Not only is Nike proud in producing its first shoe for a "specific" ethnic group, the company is also touting this product as a contribution to the fight against diabetes!
Before we start praising this billion-dollar multinational corporation for its recognition and attempt to promote wellness in our Indigenous communities, we should critically question the true intentions behind this gesture, their slick marketing scheme, and especially their business practices.
A recent AP article states that the shoe "will be distributed solely to American Indians; tribal wellness programs and tribal schools nationwide will be able to purchase the shoe at wholesale price and then pass it along to individuals, often at no cost."
At no cost? Sounds like a deal too good to be true. What about the cost to tribal schools and wellness programs already strapped for funding?
The AP article further states that "[Nike] anticipates selling at least 10,000 pairs and raising $200,000 for tribal programs." The article acknowledges that "At $42.80 wholesale, it represents less of a financial opportunity than a good will and branding effort."
Aside from burnishing Nike’s corporate image, what direct and meaningful benefits will this gesture bring to our communities? I know that $200,000 can go a long way on any Rez, but when a corporation reports $15 Billion dollars in total revenue and $1.392 Billion in net income in 2006,I would think that they could do better. The founder of Nike, Philip Knight is reportedly worth more than 5 Billion dollars. Nike and Philip Knight would do better to donate directly to health services on our 560+ Nations. Then I could believe in their professed concern for the health of our people.
In a recent news release Nike stated that the shoe "honors the traditional Native American Seventh Generation philosophy, an approach that respects the impact of decisions made today on seven generations. The shoe’s design draws inspiration directly from Native American culture." As Indigenous Peoples we have to ask ourselves if Nike is sincerely recognizing and honoring our traditional cultural beliefs or if this is just a marketing opportunity used to mask Nike’s unethical and frequently illegal labor practices. We follow the Seventh Generation philosophy because we know that our actions impact future generations. Can we really trust that respect, understanding, and altruism underlie this effort?
A 2000 Corpwatch press release, which was signed by numerous Human Rights advocates and submitted to the United Nations, stated "Nike, one of the Global Compact partners and an international symbol of sweatshops and corporate greed, is the target of one of the most active global campaigns for corporate accountability. The company has made announcements of changes to its behavior only after enormous public pressure. It has also aggressively opposed the only union and human rights-group supported independent monitoring program--the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC)."
Nonetheless Nike also aims to "...elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness." Does Nike think that they'll help bring meaningful and active awareness to our social/cultural issues or will their actions just pave the way for other corporations to profit off spiritual appropriation masked as cultural recognition and community service? This message concerns me deeply and should inform the community’s public reaction to this effort by Nike.
Dr. Rodney Stapp, Chief Executive Officer for the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas and consultant for Nike says that the shoe “comes at a critical time for the health and well-being of the Native American population.” He further states “Today, more than ever, we are faced with rising rates of chronic diseases brought on in large part by overweight and inactivity and for which physical activity is a noted step in the prevention of such diseases."
“Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” explained Sam McCracken, Manager of Nike’s Native American Business program in the same release.
Mark Parker, the President and CEO of Nike, says that his corporation wants to "...improve Native American communities…” and that “The Nike Air Native N7 marks an important moment for us and is a great example of what can be achieved when we challenge ourselves to innovate for a better world”.
I’m sure they don't really think that these shoes are going to save us, but if they are taking such a conscious stance then why aren't they promoting and supporting other Tribal programs, organizations or services? It further amazes me (but doesn't surprise me) that Nike can make these statements but continue to ignore the ongoing and dire issues facing the workers in their sweatshops.
Although Nike has made moves to improve its corporate image and distance itself from the sweatshop reputation, to this day they still refuse to pay a living wage, allow independent monitoring in its factories, and secure worker's rights to organize unions in their factories. Our communities should not partner with and support a corporation involved in denying people across the world rights and benefits in the name of profit.
Furthermore, in the context of sports teams perpetuating and profiting off of racist depictions of our peoples, could any kind of appropriation add insult to injury more than this? If Nike really wanted to honor Indigenous peoples and the Seven Generations then they would stand with us and work to ban racist mascots in the industry that they definitely have the most impact on and they would immediately end their deplorable labor practices.
Mark Parker says that his corporation wants to "...improve Native American communities.” Parker later states, “The Nike Air Native N7 marks an important moment for us and is a great example of what can be achieved when we challenge ourselves to innovate for a better world”.
Our Indigenous communities should challenge Nike to have fair & just labor practices if they truly desire "a better world". At least that would be a step in the right direction for the Seven Generations.
Klee Benally
Indigenous Action Media
indigenousaction.org
Before you trade your moccasins in for these corporate shoes, you should check these links (also sources for info in this article):
From Corpwatch (http://www.corpwatch.org/):
"Nike, one of the Global Compact partners and an international symbol of sweatshops and corporate greed, is the target of one of the most active global campaigns for corporate accountability. The company has made announcements of changes to its behavior only after enormous public pressure. It has also aggressively opposed the only union and human rights-group supported independent monitoring program--the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). CEO Phil Knight withdrew a $30 million donation to the University of Oregon after the University joined the WRC. Nike also cut its multimillion dollar contracts with the University of Michigan and Brown University after they joined the WRC. Nike became a sweatshop poster child not just through complicity in labor abuses but through active searching for countries with non-union labor, low wages, and low environmental standards for its manufacturing operations. This has made Nike a leader in the 'race to the bottom' -a trend that epitomizes the negative tendencies of corporate-led globalization."
By Klee Benally, Navajo, Indigenous Action
Nike has introduced what it is calling the "Air Native N7", a shoe designed especially for us Natives. Not only is Nike proud in producing its first shoe for a "specific" ethnic group, the company is also touting this product as a contribution to the fight against diabetes!
Before we start praising this billion-dollar multinational corporation for its recognition and attempt to promote wellness in our Indigenous communities, we should critically question the true intentions behind this gesture, their slick marketing scheme, and especially their business practices.
A recent AP article states that the shoe "will be distributed solely to American Indians; tribal wellness programs and tribal schools nationwide will be able to purchase the shoe at wholesale price and then pass it along to individuals, often at no cost."
At no cost? Sounds like a deal too good to be true. What about the cost to tribal schools and wellness programs already strapped for funding?
The AP article further states that "[Nike] anticipates selling at least 10,000 pairs and raising $200,000 for tribal programs." The article acknowledges that "At $42.80 wholesale, it represents less of a financial opportunity than a good will and branding effort."
Aside from burnishing Nike’s corporate image, what direct and meaningful benefits will this gesture bring to our communities? I know that $200,000 can go a long way on any Rez, but when a corporation reports $15 Billion dollars in total revenue and $1.392 Billion in net income in 2006,I would think that they could do better. The founder of Nike, Philip Knight is reportedly worth more than 5 Billion dollars. Nike and Philip Knight would do better to donate directly to health services on our 560+ Nations. Then I could believe in their professed concern for the health of our people.
In a recent news release Nike stated that the shoe "honors the traditional Native American Seventh Generation philosophy, an approach that respects the impact of decisions made today on seven generations. The shoe’s design draws inspiration directly from Native American culture." As Indigenous Peoples we have to ask ourselves if Nike is sincerely recognizing and honoring our traditional cultural beliefs or if this is just a marketing opportunity used to mask Nike’s unethical and frequently illegal labor practices. We follow the Seventh Generation philosophy because we know that our actions impact future generations. Can we really trust that respect, understanding, and altruism underlie this effort?
A 2000 Corpwatch press release, which was signed by numerous Human Rights advocates and submitted to the United Nations, stated "Nike, one of the Global Compact partners and an international symbol of sweatshops and corporate greed, is the target of one of the most active global campaigns for corporate accountability. The company has made announcements of changes to its behavior only after enormous public pressure. It has also aggressively opposed the only union and human rights-group supported independent monitoring program--the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC)."
Nonetheless Nike also aims to "...elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness." Does Nike think that they'll help bring meaningful and active awareness to our social/cultural issues or will their actions just pave the way for other corporations to profit off spiritual appropriation masked as cultural recognition and community service? This message concerns me deeply and should inform the community’s public reaction to this effort by Nike.
Dr. Rodney Stapp, Chief Executive Officer for the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas and consultant for Nike says that the shoe “comes at a critical time for the health and well-being of the Native American population.” He further states “Today, more than ever, we are faced with rising rates of chronic diseases brought on in large part by overweight and inactivity and for which physical activity is a noted step in the prevention of such diseases."
“Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” explained Sam McCracken, Manager of Nike’s Native American Business program in the same release.
Mark Parker, the President and CEO of Nike, says that his corporation wants to "...improve Native American communities…” and that “The Nike Air Native N7 marks an important moment for us and is a great example of what can be achieved when we challenge ourselves to innovate for a better world”.
I’m sure they don't really think that these shoes are going to save us, but if they are taking such a conscious stance then why aren't they promoting and supporting other Tribal programs, organizations or services? It further amazes me (but doesn't surprise me) that Nike can make these statements but continue to ignore the ongoing and dire issues facing the workers in their sweatshops.
Although Nike has made moves to improve its corporate image and distance itself from the sweatshop reputation, to this day they still refuse to pay a living wage, allow independent monitoring in its factories, and secure worker's rights to organize unions in their factories. Our communities should not partner with and support a corporation involved in denying people across the world rights and benefits in the name of profit.
Furthermore, in the context of sports teams perpetuating and profiting off of racist depictions of our peoples, could any kind of appropriation add insult to injury more than this? If Nike really wanted to honor Indigenous peoples and the Seven Generations then they would stand with us and work to ban racist mascots in the industry that they definitely have the most impact on and they would immediately end their deplorable labor practices.
Mark Parker says that his corporation wants to "...improve Native American communities.” Parker later states, “The Nike Air Native N7 marks an important moment for us and is a great example of what can be achieved when we challenge ourselves to innovate for a better world”.
Our Indigenous communities should challenge Nike to have fair & just labor practices if they truly desire "a better world". At least that would be a step in the right direction for the Seven Generations.
Klee Benally
Indigenous Action Media
indigenousaction.org
Before you trade your moccasins in for these corporate shoes, you should check these links (also sources for info in this article):
From Corpwatch (http://www.corpwatch.org/):
"Nike, one of the Global Compact partners and an international symbol of sweatshops and corporate greed, is the target of one of the most active global campaigns for corporate accountability. The company has made announcements of changes to its behavior only after enormous public pressure. It has also aggressively opposed the only union and human rights-group supported independent monitoring program--the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). CEO Phil Knight withdrew a $30 million donation to the University of Oregon after the University joined the WRC. Nike also cut its multimillion dollar contracts with the University of Michigan and Brown University after they joined the WRC. Nike became a sweatshop poster child not just through complicity in labor abuses but through active searching for countries with non-union labor, low wages, and low environmental standards for its manufacturing operations. This has made Nike a leader in the 'race to the bottom' -a trend that epitomizes the negative tendencies of corporate-led globalization."
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Puerto Penasco: Border Peoples' Conference, alternative to Border Governors Conference
PUERTO PENASCO, Sonora, Mexico -- While the Border Governors' Conference ignores the grassroots people, even clears the beaches of the people struggling to survive, the alternative Border Peoples' Conference will be a voice of the people
Border Peoples’ Conference Sept. 27 - 29, 2007, to Convene as Locals are Driven from Public Beaches
Contact: U.S.: Kat Rodríguez, Derechos Humanos: 520.770.1373
México: Sandra Mejia, Unión Popular Independiente: 0458712405930
Border Peoples’ Conference to Convene as Locals are Driven from Public Beaches in Preparation for Upcoming Border Governors’ Conference
For the third consecutive year, the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice will convene the Border Peoples’ Conference, an alternative conference to the annual Border Governors’ Conference and a space for border communities to come together to discuss issues and build solidarity on human rights and social justice issues.
The conference will be held on the public beach in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, México, and will include panels on human rights, economic justice, and environmental justice. Other planned events include a press conference and a community vigil in honor of those who have died attempting to cross the U.S.- México border.
In preparation for the twenty-fifth annual Border Governors’ Conference, the public beaches are being cleared of local vendors who rely on tourists for the majority of their income.
In a pattern that has been recently seen in México City, as well as the Olympic games in Atlanta, the “unworthy poor” are hidden from view as an alternate, “cleaned up” reality is presented to the public. Officials in Puerto Peñasco have ordered that locals and other visitors be restricted from access to the public beach despite the fact that access is guaranteed by the Mexican Constitution.
Locals are both saddened and angered by this denial of their existence, and many are worried that the loss of income they will suffer from the closures will directly affect the well-being of their families.
“It is typical behavior that this conference, which is supposed to bring border governors together to discuss the future of our communities, fails to include the actual communities that must deal with the inequalities, economic insecurities, deaths, and division, and oppression that border policies have caused,” says Kat Rodriguez of Derechos Humanos.
“They are hiding the very poverty that they are creating from themselves—clearing people off of the beaches and streets and everywhere else that the human cost of their policies is made visible.”
Confirmed participants in the Border Peoples’ Conference will be arriving from the border states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Baja California, Sonora, Coahuila, and Chihuahua. Participating organizations include: Coalición de Derechos Humanos, Alianza Indígena Sin Fronteras, Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc, AFSC, Tierra y Libertad, Radio Yoreme Nooka, Unión Popular Independiente, Frente de Consumidores (FEDECO), Centro Intercultural de Estudios de Desiertos y Oceanos (CEDO), Soc. Coop. Ostionera y Almejera Única de Mujeres, and Lideres Campesinas.
“Despite their every effort to deny that we exist or take our voices into account, we will be present every year as they gather in our name and profess to work in our best interest.”
The Border Peoples’ Conference is a nonviolent event, and is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Derechos Humanos at: 520.770.1373 or visit http://www.derechoshumanosaz.net/
Border Peoples’ Conference Sept. 27 - 29, 2007, to Convene as Locals are Driven from Public Beaches
Contact: U.S.: Kat Rodríguez, Derechos Humanos: 520.770.1373
México: Sandra Mejia, Unión Popular Independiente: 0458712405930
Border Peoples’ Conference to Convene as Locals are Driven from Public Beaches in Preparation for Upcoming Border Governors’ Conference
For the third consecutive year, the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice will convene the Border Peoples’ Conference, an alternative conference to the annual Border Governors’ Conference and a space for border communities to come together to discuss issues and build solidarity on human rights and social justice issues.
The conference will be held on the public beach in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, México, and will include panels on human rights, economic justice, and environmental justice. Other planned events include a press conference and a community vigil in honor of those who have died attempting to cross the U.S.- México border.
In preparation for the twenty-fifth annual Border Governors’ Conference, the public beaches are being cleared of local vendors who rely on tourists for the majority of their income.
In a pattern that has been recently seen in México City, as well as the Olympic games in Atlanta, the “unworthy poor” are hidden from view as an alternate, “cleaned up” reality is presented to the public. Officials in Puerto Peñasco have ordered that locals and other visitors be restricted from access to the public beach despite the fact that access is guaranteed by the Mexican Constitution.
Locals are both saddened and angered by this denial of their existence, and many are worried that the loss of income they will suffer from the closures will directly affect the well-being of their families.
“It is typical behavior that this conference, which is supposed to bring border governors together to discuss the future of our communities, fails to include the actual communities that must deal with the inequalities, economic insecurities, deaths, and division, and oppression that border policies have caused,” says Kat Rodriguez of Derechos Humanos.
“They are hiding the very poverty that they are creating from themselves—clearing people off of the beaches and streets and everywhere else that the human cost of their policies is made visible.”
Confirmed participants in the Border Peoples’ Conference will be arriving from the border states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Baja California, Sonora, Coahuila, and Chihuahua. Participating organizations include: Coalición de Derechos Humanos, Alianza Indígena Sin Fronteras, Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc, AFSC, Tierra y Libertad, Radio Yoreme Nooka, Unión Popular Independiente, Frente de Consumidores (FEDECO), Centro Intercultural de Estudios de Desiertos y Oceanos (CEDO), Soc. Coop. Ostionera y Almejera Única de Mujeres, and Lideres Campesinas.
“Despite their every effort to deny that we exist or take our voices into account, we will be present every year as they gather in our name and profess to work in our best interest.”
The Border Peoples’ Conference is a nonviolent event, and is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Derechos Humanos at: 520.770.1373 or visit http://www.derechoshumanosaz.net/
Flagstaff: Native Film Festival October, 2007
Contact: Klee Benallyinfo@indigenousaction.org
4TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS FALL SHOWCASE AND WORKSHOPS
(Flagstaff, Arizona)—The 4th Annual Southwest Native American Film Festival will be held in Flagstaff, Arizona at the Museum of NorthernArizona and the Coconino Center for the Arts, October 5 and 6, 2007. The film festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Native American video, film, and animation made by Indigenous filmmakers from throughout the Southwest.
This year’s festival will feature 25 films, including a special screening of the festival’s feature film Mile Post 398, with director Shonie De LaRosa and members of the cast and crew. Additional festival highlights include Crazy INDN, a unique short animation set in the future with a superhero who seeks to reclaim the skull of Geronimo.
Director Ian Skorodin will be on hand to talk about making Crazy INDN. Horse You See by Melissa Henry is a story that explains the very essence of being a horse in the Navajo Language. Miss Navajo, the festival’s feature documentary, explores the extraordinary beauty pageant. Eight youth shorts are also included.
This year’s festival will also offer a professional development opportunity with renowned Native American composer Brent Michael Davids, who will present a Film Scoring for Filmmakers Workshop.
The festival, presented in partnership by Indigenous Action Media, Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff Cultural Partners, Tacoho Productions, Native Movement, and Outta Your Backpack Media, seeks to provide anopportunity for audiences of all ages to further their understanding of Indigenous cultures today.
Screenings will be held at the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Branigar Halland the Coconino Center for the Arts. Weekend festival passes that include admission to receptions with filmmakers on both Friday and Saturday nights can be purchased in advance for $18 ($14 for students). General and student admission fees will be collected at the door. Passes can be purchased at Winter Sun Trading Co.,the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Coconino Center for the Arts.
Call 928/779-2300 for additional information or visit these festival partner websites for a schedule of events at http://www.indigenousaction.org/,http://www.musnaz.org/, and http://www.culturalpartners.org/
2007 Southwest Native American Film Festival Schedule
Friday, October 5 7–9:30 p.m. Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona 9:45–11 p.m. Reception at the Coconino Center for the Arts with filmmakers (open to weekend pass holders)
Saturday, October 6 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Film Scoring for Film Makers Workshop at the Coconino Center for the Arts (register at http://www.indigenousaction.org/) 2–4:30 p.m. Presentation of Short Films at the Coconino Center for the Arts 5–6 p.m. Meet the Filmmakers at the Museum of Northern Arizona (open to weekend pass holders) 6–9:30 p.m. Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona
FILMS
Friday, October 5, 7–9:30 p.m. Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona $10/general admission, $6/students
DC Navajo Director: Shonie De La Rosa (Diné), Melissa Henry (Diné)2007 10 min. Short Comedy A short film about a graphic artist trying to collect his pay from the Navajo Nation’s Washington, D.C. office.
Crazy INDN Director: Ian Skorodin (Choctaw)2006 25 min. Short Animation In this unique animation set in the future, the superhero Crazy Indn seeks to reclaim the skull of Geronimo, with implications all the way to the White House.
The Border Crossed UsDirector: Rachael J. Nez (Diné)2005 26 min. Documentary Short Since time immemorial, the Tohono O’odham have crossed borders freely between their communities in the U.S. and Mexico. This work examines theways in which current immigration and naturalization policy are putting their way of life at risk.
Tears Director: Klee Benally (Diné)2007 4 min. Music Video A compelling music video that reflects on former Miss Navajo Nation Radmilla Cody’strying past. Miss Navajo Director: William Luther (Diné/Hopi/Laguna Pueblo)2006 60 min. Documentary Feature No ordinary beauty pageant, the Miss Navajo Nation competition requires contestants to answer tough historical questions in the Navajo languageand showcase traditional knowledge. Friday, October 5, 9:45–11 p.m. Reception with Filmmakers at the Coconino Center for the Arts(open to weekend pass holders)_______________________________________________________
Saturday, October 6, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Film Scoring for Filmmakers Workshop with Brent Michael Davidsat the Coconino Center for the Arts$10 /general, $5/students (free for Indigenous youth)This intensive workshop is designed especially for producers, directors,and editors.
Saturday, October 6, 2–4:30 p.m.Presentation of Short Films at the Coconino Center for the Arts$5/general admission, $3/students
Horse You See Director: Melissa Henry (Diné)2007 7 min. Short Meet Ross, a horse from the Navajo reservation. Hear his story and sharehis thoughtsas he explains the very essence of being a horse.Navajo with English subtitles.
Knowledge is Dangerous Director: Outta Your Backpack Media (Red Team)2006 5 min. Youth Short Sometime in the future, knowledge is outlawed.
Inner Voices Director: Outta Your Backpack Media (Green Team)2006 3 min. 30 sec. Youth Short A skateboarder has an accident and finds that he can hear something strange.
How to Love Director: Katrina Molnar 2007 6 min. Experimental Youth ShortProduced by Outta Your Backpack Media, this video is a story about a loverwho is not sure how to show her love for her one and only.
Amoré Director: Donavon Sechili (Diné)2007 2 min. Youth Short Alcohol can make you see weird things.
A Change is Gonna Come Director: Donavon Sechili 2007 4 min. Youth Short A drug dealer makes his last stand.Spreading the LoveDirector: Diedra Peaches (Diné), Donavon Sechili2007 30 sec. Youth Commercial A paper bag finds love at first sight.
Real Love Director: Diedra Peaches, Donavon Sechili 2007 4 min. Youth Commercial Can paper bags dream?
(Flagstaff, Arizona)—The 4th Annual Southwest Native American Film Festival will be held in Flagstaff, Arizona at the Museum of NorthernArizona and the Coconino Center for the Arts, October 5 and 6, 2007. The film festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Native American video, film, and animation made by Indigenous filmmakers from throughout the Southwest.
This year’s festival will feature 25 films, including a special screening of the festival’s feature film Mile Post 398, with director Shonie De LaRosa and members of the cast and crew. Additional festival highlights include Crazy INDN, a unique short animation set in the future with a superhero who seeks to reclaim the skull of Geronimo.
Director Ian Skorodin will be on hand to talk about making Crazy INDN. Horse You See by Melissa Henry is a story that explains the very essence of being a horse in the Navajo Language. Miss Navajo, the festival’s feature documentary, explores the extraordinary beauty pageant. Eight youth shorts are also included.
This year’s festival will also offer a professional development opportunity with renowned Native American composer Brent Michael Davids, who will present a Film Scoring for Filmmakers Workshop.
The festival, presented in partnership by Indigenous Action Media, Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff Cultural Partners, Tacoho Productions, Native Movement, and Outta Your Backpack Media, seeks to provide anopportunity for audiences of all ages to further their understanding of Indigenous cultures today.
Screenings will be held at the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Branigar Halland the Coconino Center for the Arts. Weekend festival passes that include admission to receptions with filmmakers on both Friday and Saturday nights can be purchased in advance for $18 ($14 for students). General and student admission fees will be collected at the door. Passes can be purchased at Winter Sun Trading Co.,the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Coconino Center for the Arts.
Call 928/779-2300 for additional information or visit these festival partner websites for a schedule of events at http://www.indigenousaction.org/,http://www.musnaz.org/, and http://www.culturalpartners.org/
2007 Southwest Native American Film Festival Schedule
Friday, October 5 7–9:30 p.m. Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona 9:45–11 p.m. Reception at the Coconino Center for the Arts with filmmakers (open to weekend pass holders)
Saturday, October 6 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Film Scoring for Film Makers Workshop at the Coconino Center for the Arts (register at http://www.indigenousaction.org/) 2–4:30 p.m. Presentation of Short Films at the Coconino Center for the Arts 5–6 p.m. Meet the Filmmakers at the Museum of Northern Arizona (open to weekend pass holders) 6–9:30 p.m. Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona
FILMS
Friday, October 5, 7–9:30 p.m. Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona $10/general admission, $6/students
DC Navajo Director: Shonie De La Rosa (Diné), Melissa Henry (Diné)2007 10 min. Short Comedy A short film about a graphic artist trying to collect his pay from the Navajo Nation’s Washington, D.C. office.
Crazy INDN Director: Ian Skorodin (Choctaw)2006 25 min. Short Animation In this unique animation set in the future, the superhero Crazy Indn seeks to reclaim the skull of Geronimo, with implications all the way to the White House.
The Border Crossed UsDirector: Rachael J. Nez (Diné)2005 26 min. Documentary Short Since time immemorial, the Tohono O’odham have crossed borders freely between their communities in the U.S. and Mexico. This work examines theways in which current immigration and naturalization policy are putting their way of life at risk.
Tears Director: Klee Benally (Diné)2007 4 min. Music Video A compelling music video that reflects on former Miss Navajo Nation Radmilla Cody’strying past. Miss Navajo Director: William Luther (Diné/Hopi/Laguna Pueblo)2006 60 min. Documentary Feature No ordinary beauty pageant, the Miss Navajo Nation competition requires contestants to answer tough historical questions in the Navajo languageand showcase traditional knowledge. Friday, October 5, 9:45–11 p.m. Reception with Filmmakers at the Coconino Center for the Arts(open to weekend pass holders)_______________________________________________________
Saturday, October 6, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Film Scoring for Filmmakers Workshop with Brent Michael Davidsat the Coconino Center for the Arts$10 /general, $5/students (free for Indigenous youth)This intensive workshop is designed especially for producers, directors,and editors.
Saturday, October 6, 2–4:30 p.m.Presentation of Short Films at the Coconino Center for the Arts$5/general admission, $3/students
Horse You See Director: Melissa Henry (Diné)2007 7 min. Short Meet Ross, a horse from the Navajo reservation. Hear his story and sharehis thoughtsas he explains the very essence of being a horse.Navajo with English subtitles.
Knowledge is Dangerous Director: Outta Your Backpack Media (Red Team)2006 5 min. Youth Short Sometime in the future, knowledge is outlawed.
Inner Voices Director: Outta Your Backpack Media (Green Team)2006 3 min. 30 sec. Youth Short A skateboarder has an accident and finds that he can hear something strange.
How to Love Director: Katrina Molnar 2007 6 min. Experimental Youth ShortProduced by Outta Your Backpack Media, this video is a story about a loverwho is not sure how to show her love for her one and only.
Amoré Director: Donavon Sechili (Diné)2007 2 min. Youth Short Alcohol can make you see weird things.
A Change is Gonna Come Director: Donavon Sechili 2007 4 min. Youth Short A drug dealer makes his last stand.Spreading the LoveDirector: Diedra Peaches (Diné), Donavon Sechili2007 30 sec. Youth Commercial A paper bag finds love at first sight.
Real Love Director: Diedra Peaches, Donavon Sechili 2007 4 min. Youth Commercial Can paper bags dream?
Rape PSA Director: Diedra Peaches, Donavon Sechili, Shelby Ray2007 5 min. 30 sec.
Youth PSA This PSA was made with Outta Your Backpack Media and the P.E.A.C.E. ProjectOriginsDirector: Kelly Byars (Chocktaw)2004 5 min. Experimental Short A discovery of self.
Youth PSA This PSA was made with Outta Your Backpack Media and the P.E.A.C.E. ProjectOriginsDirector: Kelly Byars (Chocktaw)2004 5 min. Experimental Short A discovery of self.
Lye Director: Dax Thomas (Laguna Pueblo/Acoma Pueblo) 2005 5 min. Experimental Short An evocative experimental film takes on the concept of culture in today's world.
Poison Wind Director: Jenny Pond, Norman Brown (Diné) 2007 6 min Documentary Short This short video addresses uranium mining and the effects of radiation inthe Southwest. (work in progress)
Making a Stand at Desert Rock Director: Klee Benally (Diné)2006 8 min. Documentary ShortOn December 12, 2006 community members in Burnham, New Mexico established a blockade to prevent preliminary work for the proposed Desert Rockcoal-fired power plant.
Poison Wind Director: Jenny Pond, Norman Brown (Diné) 2007 6 min Documentary Short This short video addresses uranium mining and the effects of radiation inthe Southwest. (work in progress)
Making a Stand at Desert Rock Director: Klee Benally (Diné)2006 8 min. Documentary ShortOn December 12, 2006 community members in Burnham, New Mexico established a blockade to prevent preliminary work for the proposed Desert Rockcoal-fired power plant.
Overwhelming Director: Klee Benally (Diné) 2007 3 min. Music Video The award-winning Diné punk rock band Blackfire takes on global warmingwith a twist in this quick paced video.
Self Inflicted Director: Shonie De La Rosa (Diné)2007 4 min. Music Video Music video for Ethnic Degeneration from the motion picture soundtrack toMile Post 398.
Cry Director: Shonie De La Rosa 2007 4 min. Music Video Music video for Coalition from the motion picture soundtrack to Mile Post 398.
The Last Trek Director: Ramona Emerson (Dineé)2006 27 min. Documentary Short Elder Helen Bitsilly is one of the few Navajo people who still make the arduous journey on foot twice a year to take their sheep to distant grazing lands. The filmmaker follows Bitsilly on what the elder has said will be her last trek.
Share the Wealth Director: Bennie Klain (Diné)2006 7 min. Short A Native woman on an urban street encounters stereotyped misunderstanding in this poignant drama and ironic parable.
Saturday, October 6, 5–6 p.m.Meet the Filmmakers (open to weekend pass holders) Saturday, October 6, 6–9:30 p.m.
Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona $10/general admission, $6/students Mile Post 398 (festival’s feature film with members of the cast and crew)
Director: Shonie De La Rosa (Diné)2007 1 hour 50 min. Feature A Navajo man named Cloyd in his mid-30s, living in Kayenta, is dealing with his alcohol problem. One day Cloyd decides to turn his life around by quitting drugs and alcohol andmaking amends with his wife, son, and family. Although Cloyd may thinkthis may be easy, he soon realizes how hard it is to face his demons and deal with the unrelenting peer pressure of his so-called friends.
Weaving Worlds Director: Bennie Klain (Diné) 2007 57 min. Documentary Feature An exploration of the intricate relationships between Navajo rug weavers and reservation traders. This insightful documentary reveals the delicate balance between maintaining cultural traditions, economic survival, andthe artistic validation sought by many weavers.
Self Inflicted Director: Shonie De La Rosa (Diné)2007 4 min. Music Video Music video for Ethnic Degeneration from the motion picture soundtrack toMile Post 398.
Cry Director: Shonie De La Rosa 2007 4 min. Music Video Music video for Coalition from the motion picture soundtrack to Mile Post 398.
The Last Trek Director: Ramona Emerson (Dineé)2006 27 min. Documentary Short Elder Helen Bitsilly is one of the few Navajo people who still make the arduous journey on foot twice a year to take their sheep to distant grazing lands. The filmmaker follows Bitsilly on what the elder has said will be her last trek.
Share the Wealth Director: Bennie Klain (Diné)2006 7 min. Short A Native woman on an urban street encounters stereotyped misunderstanding in this poignant drama and ironic parable.
Saturday, October 6, 5–6 p.m.Meet the Filmmakers (open to weekend pass holders) Saturday, October 6, 6–9:30 p.m.
Evening Screenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona $10/general admission, $6/students Mile Post 398 (festival’s feature film with members of the cast and crew)
Director: Shonie De La Rosa (Diné)2007 1 hour 50 min. Feature A Navajo man named Cloyd in his mid-30s, living in Kayenta, is dealing with his alcohol problem. One day Cloyd decides to turn his life around by quitting drugs and alcohol andmaking amends with his wife, son, and family. Although Cloyd may thinkthis may be easy, he soon realizes how hard it is to face his demons and deal with the unrelenting peer pressure of his so-called friends.
Weaving Worlds Director: Bennie Klain (Diné) 2007 57 min. Documentary Feature An exploration of the intricate relationships between Navajo rug weavers and reservation traders. This insightful documentary reveals the delicate balance between maintaining cultural traditions, economic survival, andthe artistic validation sought by many weavers.
Photo: "Miss Navajo" Copyright © Idris Rheubottom
Hopi Reggae: Casper at Blue Water
Casper and the Mighty 602 Band at Blue Water Resort at Parker, Arizona, on the Colorado River, October 4, 2007.Big Mountain: Bulldozed Sun Dance Grounds, the rest of the story
From the Censored files: Bulldozed Sun Dance grounds, the rest of the story
By Brenda Norrell
Bulldozed Sun Dance grounds, Big Mountain, Arizona in 2001/Navajo grandmothers were jailed when they brought in the Sun Dance Tree. Later, Apache County, BIA and Hopi Rangers bulldozed the Sun Dance grounds and put the Sun Dance Tree through a wood chipper. It was among the most censored articles of our time.
In a disturbing development in 2005, Harvard University's Honoring Nations Project selected the Hopi Land Team, which includes the Hopi Rangers, as a recipient of an annual award for excellence. Along with destroying the Sun Dance grounds, the Hopi Rangers had routinely harassed and intimidated Navajo elders living alone on Black Mesa for decades.
Taser me down or suffocate me later
By Brenda Norrell
Human Rights Editor
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report
http://www.unobserver.com/
Taser me down, or suffocate me later -- what does the tasering of a student have to do with the protested Desert Rock Power Plant on the Navajo Nation? Skull and Bones.
Andrew Meyer, 21, was questioning John Kerry about his brotherhood with George Bush in the Skull and Bones society, when he was tasered, wrestled down by police and arrested Monday, Sept. 17. In more than 1,000 articles online now, there are many spins. The bottom line is this student was asking the questions that the Bush Administration, Kerry and the corporate powers do not want asked about the 2004 election and the relationship of Bush and Kerry to their secret society at Yale University and the powers that rule the world. In the 2004 election, there were two Bonesmen: Bush and Kerry. This dark power is also on the Navajo Nation, in the form of Sithe Global, the corporate power behind the Desert Rock Power Plant. Sithe's primary owner is Blackstone. Blackstone's cofounder is Stephen Schwarzman, a member of Skull and Bones. Here's the CNN Transcript before Meyer was tasered with the stun gun at the University of Florida: "How did you concede the election on the day? How did you concede the 2004 election on the day? And this book is one of five million books that have expressed that you won the election; didn't you want to be president? I'm so--- I'm not even done yet. I have two more questions. If you are so against Iran, how come you're not saying, 'Let's impeach Bush now'? Impeach Bush now, before we even invade Iran. Why don't we impeach him? Impeach Bush. Also, are you a member, were you a member of Skull and Bones in college with Bush? Were you in the same secret society as Bush? Were you in Skull and Bo--- Thank you for cutting my mic. Thank you. Are you going to arrest me? Excuse me! Excuse me! What are you arresting me for? " Meanwhile, Navajos who live on the land in northwest New Mexico continue to fight the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant, as the Bush administration pushes for more power plants. Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr., and the 88-member Navajo Nation Council are pressing for the Desert Rock power plant. The president and council salaries and travel expenses come primarily from the revenues from coal mining, power plants and other exploited natural resources. Speaking out of both sides of their mouths: While the Navajo politicians speak eloquently about preserving the culture, and mourn the loss of traditions, they enter into leases with the Navajos' Monsters. At the Navajo Nation Fair in September, President Shirley and Sithe Global entered into a pact with the disaster profiteer Fluor Corp., to build the power plant. Already the Four Corners air is choking people with respiratory problems. The power plant would be the third in the area, already littered with unreclaimed uranium tailings -- radioactive rocks -- from the Cold War and a deluge of oil and gas wells. The region of northwest New Mexico, already highly toxic with air pollution and toxic discharges, is also the Navajos' sacred place of origin, Dinetah. Read more about Skull and Bones and Geronimo's skull: http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/09/bush-klansmen-close-in-on-navajos.html "Secrets of the Tomb," Geronimo and the Bush-Kerry Bonesmen Alexandra Robbins wrote "Secrets of the Tomb" in 2002 revealing in the book and in an interview, about the incident in New York when Skull and Bones members attempted to give San Carlos Apaches a skull, claiming it was Geronimo's. However, the skull was that of a child and was rejected by the Apache tribal delegation. Former San Carlos Apache Councilman Raleigh Thompson confirmed the details during an interview during a Mount Graham gathering in Arizona. Earlier, according to the Skull and Bones log book, Grandfather Prescott Bush dug up the body of Geronimo in Fort Sill, Okla. for the secret society. Further, Robbins disclosed prior to the 2004 election that two Bonesmen, Bush and Kerry, would be seeking the US presidency. When Robbins was asked what was the biggest surprise during her book research, she said it was the fact that a group of Skull and Bonesmen controlled the production of the first atomic bomb. --Brenda Norrell Reader comment: Stephen Allen Schwarzman (S&B): CEO and President of The Blackstone Group, which purchased the mortgage on 7 World Trade Center, controlled by Larry Silverstein, on October 17, 2000. Silverstein's 47-story building mysteriously "self-demolished" at 5:25 p.m. on 9/11. It is the only steel-frame high-rise in history to have collapsed due to fire. Schwarzman's partner and co-founder of the Blackstone Group is Peter G. Peterson, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Council on Foreign Relations. The Blackstone Group has a "strategic alliance" with Kissinger McLarty Associates. Henry Kissinger was Bush's first choice to chair the 9/11 investigation. Link: How the Rockefeller Republicans raped America, Part 1: http://www.dailyscare.com/2043/how-the-rockefeller-republicans-raped-america-part-1
Human Rights Editor
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report
http://www.unobserver.com/
Taser me down, or suffocate me later -- what does the tasering of a student have to do with the protested Desert Rock Power Plant on the Navajo Nation? Skull and Bones.
Andrew Meyer, 21, was questioning John Kerry about his brotherhood with George Bush in the Skull and Bones society, when he was tasered, wrestled down by police and arrested Monday, Sept. 17. In more than 1,000 articles online now, there are many spins. The bottom line is this student was asking the questions that the Bush Administration, Kerry and the corporate powers do not want asked about the 2004 election and the relationship of Bush and Kerry to their secret society at Yale University and the powers that rule the world. In the 2004 election, there were two Bonesmen: Bush and Kerry. This dark power is also on the Navajo Nation, in the form of Sithe Global, the corporate power behind the Desert Rock Power Plant. Sithe's primary owner is Blackstone. Blackstone's cofounder is Stephen Schwarzman, a member of Skull and Bones. Here's the CNN Transcript before Meyer was tasered with the stun gun at the University of Florida: "How did you concede the election on the day? How did you concede the 2004 election on the day? And this book is one of five million books that have expressed that you won the election; didn't you want to be president? I'm so--- I'm not even done yet. I have two more questions. If you are so against Iran, how come you're not saying, 'Let's impeach Bush now'? Impeach Bush now, before we even invade Iran. Why don't we impeach him? Impeach Bush. Also, are you a member, were you a member of Skull and Bones in college with Bush? Were you in the same secret society as Bush? Were you in Skull and Bo--- Thank you for cutting my mic. Thank you. Are you going to arrest me? Excuse me! Excuse me! What are you arresting me for? " Meanwhile, Navajos who live on the land in northwest New Mexico continue to fight the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant, as the Bush administration pushes for more power plants. Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr., and the 88-member Navajo Nation Council are pressing for the Desert Rock power plant. The president and council salaries and travel expenses come primarily from the revenues from coal mining, power plants and other exploited natural resources. Speaking out of both sides of their mouths: While the Navajo politicians speak eloquently about preserving the culture, and mourn the loss of traditions, they enter into leases with the Navajos' Monsters. At the Navajo Nation Fair in September, President Shirley and Sithe Global entered into a pact with the disaster profiteer Fluor Corp., to build the power plant. Already the Four Corners air is choking people with respiratory problems. The power plant would be the third in the area, already littered with unreclaimed uranium tailings -- radioactive rocks -- from the Cold War and a deluge of oil and gas wells. The region of northwest New Mexico, already highly toxic with air pollution and toxic discharges, is also the Navajos' sacred place of origin, Dinetah. Read more about Skull and Bones and Geronimo's skull: http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/09/bush-klansmen-close-in-on-navajos.html "Secrets of the Tomb," Geronimo and the Bush-Kerry Bonesmen Alexandra Robbins wrote "Secrets of the Tomb" in 2002 revealing in the book and in an interview, about the incident in New York when Skull and Bones members attempted to give San Carlos Apaches a skull, claiming it was Geronimo's. However, the skull was that of a child and was rejected by the Apache tribal delegation. Former San Carlos Apache Councilman Raleigh Thompson confirmed the details during an interview during a Mount Graham gathering in Arizona. Earlier, according to the Skull and Bones log book, Grandfather Prescott Bush dug up the body of Geronimo in Fort Sill, Okla. for the secret society. Further, Robbins disclosed prior to the 2004 election that two Bonesmen, Bush and Kerry, would be seeking the US presidency. When Robbins was asked what was the biggest surprise during her book research, she said it was the fact that a group of Skull and Bonesmen controlled the production of the first atomic bomb. --Brenda Norrell Reader comment: Stephen Allen Schwarzman (S&B): CEO and President of The Blackstone Group, which purchased the mortgage on 7 World Trade Center, controlled by Larry Silverstein, on October 17, 2000. Silverstein's 47-story building mysteriously "self-demolished" at 5:25 p.m. on 9/11. It is the only steel-frame high-rise in history to have collapsed due to fire. Schwarzman's partner and co-founder of the Blackstone Group is Peter G. Peterson, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Council on Foreign Relations. The Blackstone Group has a "strategic alliance" with Kissinger McLarty Associates. Henry Kissinger was Bush's first choice to chair the 9/11 investigation. Link: How the Rockefeller Republicans raped America, Part 1: http://www.dailyscare.com/2043/how-the-rockefeller-republicans-raped-america-part-1
American Indians in Venezuela build solidarity in struggle
American Indians in Venezuela create bonds of solidarity and encourage spiritual values for world governments
By Brenda Norrell, Posted on Tue Sep 25th, 2007 at 01:32:50 PM EST
Narcosphere
http://www.narconews.com/
CARACAS, Venezuela – American Indians from the north joined with Indigenous from around the world in Venezuela to unite in the struggle for Indigenous rights and opposition to colonial oppression.
The delegations included members of the International Indian Treaty Council, American Indian Movement and tribal members from the Tohono O’odham and Mohawk Nations in the United States and Canada.
Robert Free Galvan, Native activist from Seattle, said it was a rare opportunity to sit with Indigenous Venezuelan leaders as the country passed a new law recognizing Indigenous languages.
During international gatherings, both formal and informal, the delegations from the north urged their Venezuelan allies to vote “Yes” to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Galvan, who earlier spearheaded the delivery of low cost oil from Venezuela’s CITGO to Indian communities in North America, said the latest American Indian delegation to Venezuela, which follows several delegations, continues the commitment to create strong bonds between Indigenous in the north and south.
“Indians met with the Venezuelan people, government and communities to build awareness, solidarity and strong bonds to help each other with their struggles.
“We have met some of the most powerful people in this country and all happen to be Indigenous women! They have taken us under their wing and taken great care of us. We are honored,” Galvan said.
While in Venezuela, the Indian delegations attended the First International Meeting of Anti-Imperialist Indigenous Peoples of America, held in Venezuela on August 7-9, in conjunction with the celebrations of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. Sessions took place in Anzoátegui and Bolívar states.
The Minister of Indigenous Peoples Nicia Maldonado said Indigenous Peoples from 22 nations attended the Congress. The closing ceremony was held in the Indigenous Community of Pemón Kumarakapay, in Bolívar state.
After returning to Seattle, Galvan reflected on socialism, capitalism and Indigenous Peoples. "The real challenge for socialism is how much Indigenous views will be incorporated to truly protect the earth in a sustainable manner. It must evolve beyond the Euro-centric world views that the planet is here to exploit -- beyond both capitalism's free-wheeling and open-ended approach and socialism's rationale that if it is done in the name of the people, then it is alright. These views have left this planet in dire need of respect and sustainability.
“Studies by Henry Morgan in the 1800s of how Indigenous governments functioned in the best interest of the community formed the bases for Engles and Marx's theories on socialism. Europeans left out the spiritual respect guiding Indigenous governments. This is the challenge now before the two opposing world systems," Galvan said.
Galvan, with Tribal Connections which does consulting for bridge building between north and south Indigenous communities, said he was invited to participate in the gathering with Indigenous Peoples from the South Continent at the last minute. “I met up with others who had been invited, Robert Cruz, Tohono O’odham from Arizona and member of the International Indian Treaty Council and Vernon Belcourt of the American Indian Movement. Our plane was delayed several hours in Atlanta and in the mix-up, we arrived very late in Caracas.
“We missed going to the southern Indigenous states in Venezuela, but were rescued by my friend Doctor Noly Fernandez, Minister of Indigenous Health for all of Venezuela. “She immediately made accommodations for us and got us to be part of another event going on, the meeting of the Indigenous Parliament of South America, where we met with Indian legislative representatives from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala and other countries.
“Then, on Thursday, we were taken to participate and witness the passing of new Indigenous laws in Venezuelan respecting language and culture for Indigenous day activities across South America. We were seated next to the podium before the Venezuelan National Congressional Assembly, as Noeli Pocaterra, lobbied for the law.
"We were the first to enter the Parliament ever, as non-Venezuelan legislators," Galvan said, following the enactment of a new law which made this possible. “We were next to other invited Indigenous representatives from the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas. All the proceedings were broadcast nationally across the country!
“The Law is the Law of Indigenous Languages which states that Indigenous languages are official languages of Venezuela, alongside Spanish. Therefore, they should be taught, promoted and preserved by the State as part of our Indigenous heritage.
“The Law was approved in its first discussion unanimously. We later attended a lunch and met with President of the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas Isabel Ortega Ventura of Bolivia. “We discussed with the Indigenous Congress representatives that the Indigenous issues of the North Continent could be included in future meetings of the Congress. The president of the parliament agreed to the idea and also invited us to come to Bolivia where she would host us once we got there.
“The next day we spent several hours with long time Indigenous activist Noeli Pocaterra of the Wayuu Tribe. The very prominent member of the Venezuela National Assembly, Congresswoman Pocaterra, serves as second vice president.
“Venezuela Indigenous Congresswoman Maria Andarcia of the Kariña Tribe, who we met, hosted us most warmly and introduced us to fellow legislators. Jose Guido de Freitas of the National Assembly and others, asked about conditions for Indigenous Peoples in the North Continent and history of self-determination efforts.
“The one reason of priority for this trip to Venezuela was to inquire and lobby for Venezuela to vote ‘Yes’ for the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Venezuela abstained in the previous vote. After reiterating the history of the International Indian Treaty Council efforts for several decades at the United Nations and the global awaking and self-determination efforts against globalization and theft of Indigenous lands, resources of Indigenous Peoples, the legislators agreed it was imperative that Venezuela support and lobby other nations to pass the declaration.
“The Congressional representatives then asked for a report on the oil program to low income families, regarding how it was being implemented. I shared that hundreds of inquiries from tribal activists, traditional leaders, elected leaders and Indigenous organizations across the country continue to come in, as they seek participation in the oil program,” Galvan said.
The Chavez government was asked in August 2005, for low cost oil for Indigenous communities. “Implementing the program has resulted in Tribes becoming aware of their status as emerging nations and the need to act as nations with other nations,” Galvan said.
“Venezuela acknowledges the role of Indigenous nations in the world,” Galvan said, reiterating their words. “I shared problems as I saw them. Ms. Pocaterra was very interested in the details. A power point presentation of 35 years of Indigenous struggles in the North Continent was shown to representatives. Ms. Pocaterra suggested showing it on their national television. “Later that night, there was a huge banquet for all the Indigenous representatives. Ms. Pocaterra spoke of the Indigenous struggles, in the north to the president of the Indigenous Parliament.
“Then it was requested to have it shown to everyone at the gathering. Representatives were there from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. Fifteen other Indians from the north also were invited, including Mohawk Kahentinetha Horn and others hosted by the new ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
“We missed the flight to the south Bolivian province on Indigenous Day. Luckily, we were picked up by friends in the Ministry of Indigenous Health, which we met during the world social forum in Caracas in January 2006.”
In September, the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly, with Venezuela voting “Yes."
Contact: robtfree@earthlink.net
Photo: Venezuela President Hugo Chavez with Noali Pocaterra/Courtesy photo Venezuela Government
Mohawks and Hugo Chavez unite to fight colonial oppression
Mohawk Nation News
CARACAS, Venezuela -- The Indigenous people and President Hugo Chavez are bringing together 40 Indigenous nations of Venezuela from August 7 to 9, 2007. The Mohawk delegation is made up of two women, Kahentinetha, an elder and Karenhahes, Bear Clan Mother.This congress is setting up a broad international movement of indigenous people to reject colonial oppression. READ MORE:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/08/mohawks-and-hugo-chavez-unite-to-fight.html
Venezuela hosts Indigenous Congress, gives land titles, recognizes Indigenous ownership
http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2007/08/venezuela-hosts-indigenous-congress.html
By Brenda Norrell, Posted on Tue Sep 25th, 2007 at 01:32:50 PM EST
Narcosphere
http://www.narconews.com/
CARACAS, Venezuela – American Indians from the north joined with Indigenous from around the world in Venezuela to unite in the struggle for Indigenous rights and opposition to colonial oppression.
The delegations included members of the International Indian Treaty Council, American Indian Movement and tribal members from the Tohono O’odham and Mohawk Nations in the United States and Canada.
Robert Free Galvan, Native activist from Seattle, said it was a rare opportunity to sit with Indigenous Venezuelan leaders as the country passed a new law recognizing Indigenous languages.
During international gatherings, both formal and informal, the delegations from the north urged their Venezuelan allies to vote “Yes” to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Galvan, who earlier spearheaded the delivery of low cost oil from Venezuela’s CITGO to Indian communities in North America, said the latest American Indian delegation to Venezuela, which follows several delegations, continues the commitment to create strong bonds between Indigenous in the north and south.
“Indians met with the Venezuelan people, government and communities to build awareness, solidarity and strong bonds to help each other with their struggles.
“We have met some of the most powerful people in this country and all happen to be Indigenous women! They have taken us under their wing and taken great care of us. We are honored,” Galvan said.
While in Venezuela, the Indian delegations attended the First International Meeting of Anti-Imperialist Indigenous Peoples of America, held in Venezuela on August 7-9, in conjunction with the celebrations of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. Sessions took place in Anzoátegui and Bolívar states.
The Minister of Indigenous Peoples Nicia Maldonado said Indigenous Peoples from 22 nations attended the Congress. The closing ceremony was held in the Indigenous Community of Pemón Kumarakapay, in Bolívar state.
After returning to Seattle, Galvan reflected on socialism, capitalism and Indigenous Peoples. "The real challenge for socialism is how much Indigenous views will be incorporated to truly protect the earth in a sustainable manner. It must evolve beyond the Euro-centric world views that the planet is here to exploit -- beyond both capitalism's free-wheeling and open-ended approach and socialism's rationale that if it is done in the name of the people, then it is alright. These views have left this planet in dire need of respect and sustainability.
“Studies by Henry Morgan in the 1800s of how Indigenous governments functioned in the best interest of the community formed the bases for Engles and Marx's theories on socialism. Europeans left out the spiritual respect guiding Indigenous governments. This is the challenge now before the two opposing world systems," Galvan said.
Galvan, with Tribal Connections which does consulting for bridge building between north and south Indigenous communities, said he was invited to participate in the gathering with Indigenous Peoples from the South Continent at the last minute. “I met up with others who had been invited, Robert Cruz, Tohono O’odham from Arizona and member of the International Indian Treaty Council and Vernon Belcourt of the American Indian Movement. Our plane was delayed several hours in Atlanta and in the mix-up, we arrived very late in Caracas.
“We missed going to the southern Indigenous states in Venezuela, but were rescued by my friend Doctor Noly Fernandez, Minister of Indigenous Health for all of Venezuela. “She immediately made accommodations for us and got us to be part of another event going on, the meeting of the Indigenous Parliament of South America, where we met with Indian legislative representatives from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala and other countries.
“Then, on Thursday, we were taken to participate and witness the passing of new Indigenous laws in Venezuelan respecting language and culture for Indigenous day activities across South America. We were seated next to the podium before the Venezuelan National Congressional Assembly, as Noeli Pocaterra, lobbied for the law.
"We were the first to enter the Parliament ever, as non-Venezuelan legislators," Galvan said, following the enactment of a new law which made this possible. “We were next to other invited Indigenous representatives from the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas. All the proceedings were broadcast nationally across the country!
“The Law is the Law of Indigenous Languages which states that Indigenous languages are official languages of Venezuela, alongside Spanish. Therefore, they should be taught, promoted and preserved by the State as part of our Indigenous heritage.
“The Law was approved in its first discussion unanimously. We later attended a lunch and met with President of the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas Isabel Ortega Ventura of Bolivia. “We discussed with the Indigenous Congress representatives that the Indigenous issues of the North Continent could be included in future meetings of the Congress. The president of the parliament agreed to the idea and also invited us to come to Bolivia where she would host us once we got there.
“The next day we spent several hours with long time Indigenous activist Noeli Pocaterra of the Wayuu Tribe. The very prominent member of the Venezuela National Assembly, Congresswoman Pocaterra, serves as second vice president.
“Venezuela Indigenous Congresswoman Maria Andarcia of the Kariña Tribe, who we met, hosted us most warmly and introduced us to fellow legislators. Jose Guido de Freitas of the National Assembly and others, asked about conditions for Indigenous Peoples in the North Continent and history of self-determination efforts.
“The one reason of priority for this trip to Venezuela was to inquire and lobby for Venezuela to vote ‘Yes’ for the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Venezuela abstained in the previous vote. After reiterating the history of the International Indian Treaty Council efforts for several decades at the United Nations and the global awaking and self-determination efforts against globalization and theft of Indigenous lands, resources of Indigenous Peoples, the legislators agreed it was imperative that Venezuela support and lobby other nations to pass the declaration.
“The Congressional representatives then asked for a report on the oil program to low income families, regarding how it was being implemented. I shared that hundreds of inquiries from tribal activists, traditional leaders, elected leaders and Indigenous organizations across the country continue to come in, as they seek participation in the oil program,” Galvan said.
The Chavez government was asked in August 2005, for low cost oil for Indigenous communities. “Implementing the program has resulted in Tribes becoming aware of their status as emerging nations and the need to act as nations with other nations,” Galvan said.
“Venezuela acknowledges the role of Indigenous nations in the world,” Galvan said, reiterating their words. “I shared problems as I saw them. Ms. Pocaterra was very interested in the details. A power point presentation of 35 years of Indigenous struggles in the North Continent was shown to representatives. Ms. Pocaterra suggested showing it on their national television. “Later that night, there was a huge banquet for all the Indigenous representatives. Ms. Pocaterra spoke of the Indigenous struggles, in the north to the president of the Indigenous Parliament.
“Then it was requested to have it shown to everyone at the gathering. Representatives were there from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. Fifteen other Indians from the north also were invited, including Mohawk Kahentinetha Horn and others hosted by the new ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
“We missed the flight to the south Bolivian province on Indigenous Day. Luckily, we were picked up by friends in the Ministry of Indigenous Health, which we met during the world social forum in Caracas in January 2006.”
In September, the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly, with Venezuela voting “Yes."
Contact: robtfree@earthlink.net
Photo: Venezuela President Hugo Chavez with Noali Pocaterra/Courtesy photo Venezuela Government
Mohawks and Hugo Chavez unite to fight colonial oppression
Mohawk Nation News
CARACAS, Venezuela -- The Indigenous people and President Hugo Chavez are bringing together 40 Indigenous nations of Venezuela from August 7 to 9, 2007. The Mohawk delegation is made up of two women, Kahentinetha, an elder and Karenhahes, Bear Clan Mother.This congress is setting up a broad international movement of indigenous people to reject colonial oppression. READ MORE:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/08/mohawks-and-hugo-chavez-unite-to-fight.html
Venezuela hosts Indigenous Congress, gives land titles, recognizes Indigenous ownership
http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2007/08/venezuela-hosts-indigenous-congress.html
Priests face prison to expose torture -- A call to the media!
By Brenda Norrell
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/
Two priests facing prison to expose torture, Fr. Louis Vitale and Fr. Steven Kelly, returned to federal court in Tucson on Friday. The U.S. is attempting to silence the priests and prevent them from exposing the role of the United States in torture, in violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Hopefully, news reporters around the world will not let this happen. The priests were arrested at Fort Huachuca in southern Arizona, as they knelt in prayer. They were there to deliver a letter opposing the U.S. role in torture, specifically Fort Huachuca's role in torture at Abu-Ghraib. Information already presented shows that at least six people died in U.S. custody while being tortured by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Further, Fort Huachuca was the site where the U.S. torture manuals were produced for the training of Latin military leaders, that resulted in the torture, rape, murder and disappearance of masses of Indigenous Peoples in Central and South America for decades, until those manuals were made public in 1996. Fr. Vitale and Fr. Kelly are willing to go to prison for the truth to be known to the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2007 Contact in Tucson: Jack or Felice Cohen-Joppa
COURT FURTHER RESTRICTS PRETRIAL RELEASE OF TORTURE PROTEST DEFENDANT; "NO CONTEST" PLEAS CONSIDERED
Fr. Louis Vitale, one of two Roman Catholic priests arrested at Fort Huachuca, Arizona while protesting torture last November, appeared in U.S. District Court in Tucson, Arizona for a pretrial release hearing. At the September 21 hearing, Magistrate Estrada restated his earlier order that defendants Fr. Vitale and Fr. Stephen Kelly not break any federal, state or local laws before their trial, which he originally gave when the pair had refused to sign onto the conditions of release at their April arraignment. Estrada criticized Fr. Vitale's participation in and resulting citation for an August 9 line crossing at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site, noting that if Vitale were imprisoned elsewhere or facing new charges when this pending trial begins, it would greatly complicate his case and inconvenience both attorneys, possible witnesses, and the court. Estrada also expressed his interest in keeping pretrial defendants out of jail and more readily available to meet with their attorney to prepare their defense. Bill Quigley, attorney for Fr. Vitale, told the court that because Fr. Vitale's sister is in grave health in California, and Vitale has committed to be with her during the next few weeks before his October 17 trial, the priest would agree not to be arrested at a federal military or nuclear installation during that time, to restrict his travel to California and Arizona unless the court agrees otherwise, and to report any law enforcement contact immediately. The court then imposed these further restrictions, which were signed by Fr. Vitale. Because the court had granted the prosecution motion in limine earlier in September, effectively gutting their defense, Quigley then told the court that on October 17 both priests are willing to consider a change of plea from "not guilty" to "nolo contendere" (no contest), with the desire that verdict and sentencing would proceed immediately. However, military prosecutor Capt. Evan Seamone told the court that it is a complicated matter, and that federal procedure states he "may not consent to a plea of nolo contendere except in the most unusual circumstances" and with the approval of a senior Justice Department official. Consultation with defense attorney Quigley had still not identified such circumstances, Seamone told the court. Magistrate Estrada encouraged both sides to continue pursuing the question, and offered his assistance if necessary to help expedite matters before the scheduled trial. Trial for Frs. Vitale and Kelly is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. October 17 before Magistrate Estrada in Courtroom 3A of the Federal Courthouse at 405 W. Congress St., Tucson.
For more information, visit http://tortureontrial.org/
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/
Two priests facing prison to expose torture, Fr. Louis Vitale and Fr. Steven Kelly, returned to federal court in Tucson on Friday. The U.S. is attempting to silence the priests and prevent them from exposing the role of the United States in torture, in violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Hopefully, news reporters around the world will not let this happen. The priests were arrested at Fort Huachuca in southern Arizona, as they knelt in prayer. They were there to deliver a letter opposing the U.S. role in torture, specifically Fort Huachuca's role in torture at Abu-Ghraib. Information already presented shows that at least six people died in U.S. custody while being tortured by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Further, Fort Huachuca was the site where the U.S. torture manuals were produced for the training of Latin military leaders, that resulted in the torture, rape, murder and disappearance of masses of Indigenous Peoples in Central and South America for decades, until those manuals were made public in 1996. Fr. Vitale and Fr. Kelly are willing to go to prison for the truth to be known to the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2007 Contact in Tucson: Jack or Felice Cohen-Joppa
COURT FURTHER RESTRICTS PRETRIAL RELEASE OF TORTURE PROTEST DEFENDANT; "NO CONTEST" PLEAS CONSIDERED
Fr. Louis Vitale, one of two Roman Catholic priests arrested at Fort Huachuca, Arizona while protesting torture last November, appeared in U.S. District Court in Tucson, Arizona for a pretrial release hearing. At the September 21 hearing, Magistrate Estrada restated his earlier order that defendants Fr. Vitale and Fr. Stephen Kelly not break any federal, state or local laws before their trial, which he originally gave when the pair had refused to sign onto the conditions of release at their April arraignment. Estrada criticized Fr. Vitale's participation in and resulting citation for an August 9 line crossing at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site, noting that if Vitale were imprisoned elsewhere or facing new charges when this pending trial begins, it would greatly complicate his case and inconvenience both attorneys, possible witnesses, and the court. Estrada also expressed his interest in keeping pretrial defendants out of jail and more readily available to meet with their attorney to prepare their defense. Bill Quigley, attorney for Fr. Vitale, told the court that because Fr. Vitale's sister is in grave health in California, and Vitale has committed to be with her during the next few weeks before his October 17 trial, the priest would agree not to be arrested at a federal military or nuclear installation during that time, to restrict his travel to California and Arizona unless the court agrees otherwise, and to report any law enforcement contact immediately. The court then imposed these further restrictions, which were signed by Fr. Vitale. Because the court had granted the prosecution motion in limine earlier in September, effectively gutting their defense, Quigley then told the court that on October 17 both priests are willing to consider a change of plea from "not guilty" to "nolo contendere" (no contest), with the desire that verdict and sentencing would proceed immediately. However, military prosecutor Capt. Evan Seamone told the court that it is a complicated matter, and that federal procedure states he "may not consent to a plea of nolo contendere except in the most unusual circumstances" and with the approval of a senior Justice Department official. Consultation with defense attorney Quigley had still not identified such circumstances, Seamone told the court. Magistrate Estrada encouraged both sides to continue pursuing the question, and offered his assistance if necessary to help expedite matters before the scheduled trial. Trial for Frs. Vitale and Kelly is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. October 17 before Magistrate Estrada in Courtroom 3A of the Federal Courthouse at 405 W. Congress St., Tucson.
For more information, visit http://tortureontrial.org/
Mohawk 'membership,' genocide and the Great Law of Peace
WHAT DOES THE “RULE OF LAW” MEAN IN KAHNAWAKE? BAND COUNCIL ATTACKS “COUNCIL OF ELDERS” AS PART OF GENOCIDE PLAN
Mohawk Nation News
Sept. 24, 2007. Every community has a set of rules to conduct its affairs. One of these in Kahnawake is the Membership Law. Before the European invasion the Mohawk lived according to the Kaianereh’kowa, Great Law of Peace. Many still do. In 1897 the colonial government of Canada illegally imposed foreign laws known as the “Indian Act”. Today the majority object to the illegal band council system and will not take part in their elections. However, this system is the only way the Mohawk can get access to the portion of our assets that these foreigners stole from us. The people of Kahnawake spent more than 20 years developing the Membership Law. The people wanted to decide for themselves who could be a member of our community instead of letting Indian Affairs impose foreign notions that are destructive to us and our culture. On May 14th 2004 the people established a Council of Elders at a public meeting. Their task was to apply the people’s Membership Law. So far over 90% of the applicants have been found to meet the requirements. This isn’t good enough for band council chief, Mike Delisle. At a closed meeting, without notifying the public, he unilaterally suspended the activities of the Council of Elders. Is this legal? No way. Not unless you believe in dictatorships. Mike Delisle has completely sidelined the people of Kahnawake and cut them out of taking part in the decision-making process. This brings to mind a situation that occurred in 2002 in Venezuela , a country with great oil wealth that has been held under the thumb of an oligarchy that kept most of the people in poverty. The 5% minority monopolized the resources, power and wealth. When President Hugo Chavez was democratically elected, he educated the people about their democratic constitution. He began to reorganize Venezuela so that the assets were fairly distributed. This infuriated the oligarchy. They organized a CIA backed coup. They invaded the Presidential Palace and abducted President Chavez. They declared that the elected government was disbanded. They immediately started a brutal crackdown, trying to disband popular institutions. The army was ordered to shoot anyone who objected. The people refused to accept the return of the old dictatorship. A huge crowd gathered around the Presidential Palace. The soldiers would not take orders from the usurpers to shoot the people and decided to defend the constitution instead. Within two days the usurpers were kicked out of the Presidential Palace and President Chavez was returned by the people. He did not take revenge. He simply confirmed that the country was a popular republic and would continue to be ruled according to the people’s constitution. No one has the power to suspend the operation of the law. Hugo Chavez said, “If anyone does not like what I am doing, they can vote me out of office”. Only the people can change the law. Mike Delisle was not been as brutal as the Venezuelan oligarchy but he has grabbed power like a dictator. He took it upon himself to suspend the Membership Law. Mike Delisle has managed to create a climate of fear. This is why he’s been able to push the Council of Elders around. Let’s take a closer look at what Mike Delisle and the band council did. At the beginning of September 2007 the Council of Elders was called by Jenny McComber of the Registrar’s office to pick up “your envelope” at the band council office. No explanation was given. Under threat of suspension Mike Delisle ordered us to attend an “urgent” meeting at 6:00 pm on September 5th at the “Golden Agers’ Club”. Mike Delisle spoke in a hostile and angry tone of voice as if he was scolding kids instead of speaking respectfully to the community’s elders, some of who are in their late 70s. Mike Delisle reviewed a “secret” 24-page document entitled “A Review of the Kahnawake Membership Law”. This document was not the result of consultation with the community. The Council of Elders was not given copies of this list of allegations. There was no indication who wrote it. On behalf of the Council of Elders T.B. carefully summarized the allegations that had been made by unnamed persons. T.B. asked for a copy of the document and time to discuss it. Then band councilor, Rhonda Kirby, a former member of the Council of Elders, repeated the allegations. She was followed by Timmy Norton, a member of the Council of Elders who used to be a band councilor. He stood behind us and made further allegations, in the course of which he admitted that he had breached the oath of confidentiality. He’s the one who told the television station about a decision before the applicant had been notified. He punctuated his tirade by resigning from the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders agreed to suspend application hearings until such matters were cleared up. Friday morning, September 7th the Council of Elders was shocked to read in the Eastern Door newspaper that Mike Delisle had suspended the activities of the Council of Elders. The elders were given no opportunity to see the evidence or to defend themselves against the charges. Just like the Venezuelan oligarchs, Mike Delisle made a public announcement of his “fait accompli”. On Monday, September 10th T.B. of the Council of Elders supposedly received an email from Alexis Shackleton of the Membership Registrar’s office declaring that the Council of Elders would no longer receive any support services from her office and that we would have no access to a lawyer. The Council of Elders is required to keep minutes, write letters and review all administration and files that are kept by the Registrar. The band council has followed a procedure that seems to have violated our tradition in a number of ways. The issue to be considered was not formulated by a neutral party. Mike Delisle told the elders that he is selecting a third party [maybe with the help of Indian Affairs?] to conduct his investigation. He is also hand picking the three members of the Council of Elders who will be involved with him. According to Haudenosaunee practice, a council serving the public must be neutral and cannot be removed once they have been appointed. Mike Delisle seems to think the Council of Elders can be neutral so long as long as it does what he says. Councils serving the people are given a support staff that must remain neutral and may not take part in the decision making process. The Council of Elders was appointed to conduct a quasi judicial function. Its neutrality is important. Members should be protected from arbitrary removal from office, just like any judge anywhere else in the world. Before this matter erupted, the Council of Elders had run into some problems. The Registrar, Alexis Shackleton, whose role should be purely clerical, was giving the Council of Elders written instructions on how they should decide a case before the applicant was even heard. She also was placing persons on the membership roll who were not qualified, which were subsequently overturned by the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders must make decisions based on the laws and customs of the people as set out in the Membership Law. There is no provision to usurp their decision making role. As it turns out, Alexis Shackleton is one of the authors of the report that Mike Delisle relied upon in his attempt to disband the Council of Elders. Mike Delisle’s suspension has no legal force or effect under any known concept of legality except totalitarian dictatorship. There was no evidence presented, no legal argument and the Council of Elders was not allowed to present its points of view. This violates the basic principles of procedural fairness that are recognized by most nations under international law If the community doesn’t like the rules, it should change the law. Mike Delisle is a member of the community. He has no more authority than anybody else to change it or to dictate how the Council of Elders applies it. There has always been pressure from Indian Affairs as to who can be a member. What are Mike Delisle’s motives? We understand that almost 4,000 people want to be enrolled. Perhaps many may or may not qualify according to the Membership Law. This reminds us of the situation that happened at Kanehsatake when James Gabriel was handing out membership cards prior to the 2005 election in the hope that it would garner him votes. This was done through Alexis Shackleton’s counterpart, Jean Vincent, the Registrar at Kanehsatake. The band council also wants more voters because it will get more money. The would-be Mohawks want tax free status, land, health and education benefits, to vote and take over Kahnawake. Is Indian Affairs planning to relocate the Mohawks to stop opposition to the expansion of the St. Lawrence Seaway , to build a ten-lane bridge right through the middle of Kahnawake and who knows what else! Somebody’s got a long term plan here. The band council hopes to “cash bleed” the Council of Elders. On September 24th the Elders paid for a meeting room from their own pockets. T.B. read the most recent dictate from the band council which appeared to declare that the Council of Elders can no longer meet except with the band council. This is a violation of the right of freedom of association that is guaranteed under international law. Mike Delisle seems to infer that it is “unlawful assembly” [according to who?]. Remember how the RCMP used to break up our longhouse meetings? Indian Affairs must be laughing at how they now have our own people suppressing us. This looks like a hostile corporate takeover of Kahnawake by the powers that think they are. What kind of future is in store for our children and the generations to come? A dictatorship under the direction of Indian Affairs and Mike Delisle? The Mohawks of Kahnawake better speak up quick. Delisle and his cohorts have put a noose around our necks. Kahentinetha Horn MNN Mohawk Nation News Contact Mike Delisle with your comments concerning his behavior at communications@mck.ca; send your concerns to loudspirits@hotmail.com and easterndoor@axess.com
Mohawk Nation News
Sept. 24, 2007. Every community has a set of rules to conduct its affairs. One of these in Kahnawake is the Membership Law. Before the European invasion the Mohawk lived according to the Kaianereh’kowa, Great Law of Peace. Many still do. In 1897 the colonial government of Canada illegally imposed foreign laws known as the “Indian Act”. Today the majority object to the illegal band council system and will not take part in their elections. However, this system is the only way the Mohawk can get access to the portion of our assets that these foreigners stole from us. The people of Kahnawake spent more than 20 years developing the Membership Law. The people wanted to decide for themselves who could be a member of our community instead of letting Indian Affairs impose foreign notions that are destructive to us and our culture. On May 14th 2004 the people established a Council of Elders at a public meeting. Their task was to apply the people’s Membership Law. So far over 90% of the applicants have been found to meet the requirements. This isn’t good enough for band council chief, Mike Delisle. At a closed meeting, without notifying the public, he unilaterally suspended the activities of the Council of Elders. Is this legal? No way. Not unless you believe in dictatorships. Mike Delisle has completely sidelined the people of Kahnawake and cut them out of taking part in the decision-making process. This brings to mind a situation that occurred in 2002 in Venezuela , a country with great oil wealth that has been held under the thumb of an oligarchy that kept most of the people in poverty. The 5% minority monopolized the resources, power and wealth. When President Hugo Chavez was democratically elected, he educated the people about their democratic constitution. He began to reorganize Venezuela so that the assets were fairly distributed. This infuriated the oligarchy. They organized a CIA backed coup. They invaded the Presidential Palace and abducted President Chavez. They declared that the elected government was disbanded. They immediately started a brutal crackdown, trying to disband popular institutions. The army was ordered to shoot anyone who objected. The people refused to accept the return of the old dictatorship. A huge crowd gathered around the Presidential Palace. The soldiers would not take orders from the usurpers to shoot the people and decided to defend the constitution instead. Within two days the usurpers were kicked out of the Presidential Palace and President Chavez was returned by the people. He did not take revenge. He simply confirmed that the country was a popular republic and would continue to be ruled according to the people’s constitution. No one has the power to suspend the operation of the law. Hugo Chavez said, “If anyone does not like what I am doing, they can vote me out of office”. Only the people can change the law. Mike Delisle was not been as brutal as the Venezuelan oligarchy but he has grabbed power like a dictator. He took it upon himself to suspend the Membership Law. Mike Delisle has managed to create a climate of fear. This is why he’s been able to push the Council of Elders around. Let’s take a closer look at what Mike Delisle and the band council did. At the beginning of September 2007 the Council of Elders was called by Jenny McComber of the Registrar’s office to pick up “your envelope” at the band council office. No explanation was given. Under threat of suspension Mike Delisle ordered us to attend an “urgent” meeting at 6:00 pm on September 5th at the “Golden Agers’ Club”. Mike Delisle spoke in a hostile and angry tone of voice as if he was scolding kids instead of speaking respectfully to the community’s elders, some of who are in their late 70s. Mike Delisle reviewed a “secret” 24-page document entitled “A Review of the Kahnawake Membership Law”. This document was not the result of consultation with the community. The Council of Elders was not given copies of this list of allegations. There was no indication who wrote it. On behalf of the Council of Elders T.B. carefully summarized the allegations that had been made by unnamed persons. T.B. asked for a copy of the document and time to discuss it. Then band councilor, Rhonda Kirby, a former member of the Council of Elders, repeated the allegations. She was followed by Timmy Norton, a member of the Council of Elders who used to be a band councilor. He stood behind us and made further allegations, in the course of which he admitted that he had breached the oath of confidentiality. He’s the one who told the television station about a decision before the applicant had been notified. He punctuated his tirade by resigning from the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders agreed to suspend application hearings until such matters were cleared up. Friday morning, September 7th the Council of Elders was shocked to read in the Eastern Door newspaper that Mike Delisle had suspended the activities of the Council of Elders. The elders were given no opportunity to see the evidence or to defend themselves against the charges. Just like the Venezuelan oligarchs, Mike Delisle made a public announcement of his “fait accompli”. On Monday, September 10th T.B. of the Council of Elders supposedly received an email from Alexis Shackleton of the Membership Registrar’s office declaring that the Council of Elders would no longer receive any support services from her office and that we would have no access to a lawyer. The Council of Elders is required to keep minutes, write letters and review all administration and files that are kept by the Registrar. The band council has followed a procedure that seems to have violated our tradition in a number of ways. The issue to be considered was not formulated by a neutral party. Mike Delisle told the elders that he is selecting a third party [maybe with the help of Indian Affairs?] to conduct his investigation. He is also hand picking the three members of the Council of Elders who will be involved with him. According to Haudenosaunee practice, a council serving the public must be neutral and cannot be removed once they have been appointed. Mike Delisle seems to think the Council of Elders can be neutral so long as long as it does what he says. Councils serving the people are given a support staff that must remain neutral and may not take part in the decision making process. The Council of Elders was appointed to conduct a quasi judicial function. Its neutrality is important. Members should be protected from arbitrary removal from office, just like any judge anywhere else in the world. Before this matter erupted, the Council of Elders had run into some problems. The Registrar, Alexis Shackleton, whose role should be purely clerical, was giving the Council of Elders written instructions on how they should decide a case before the applicant was even heard. She also was placing persons on the membership roll who were not qualified, which were subsequently overturned by the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders must make decisions based on the laws and customs of the people as set out in the Membership Law. There is no provision to usurp their decision making role. As it turns out, Alexis Shackleton is one of the authors of the report that Mike Delisle relied upon in his attempt to disband the Council of Elders. Mike Delisle’s suspension has no legal force or effect under any known concept of legality except totalitarian dictatorship. There was no evidence presented, no legal argument and the Council of Elders was not allowed to present its points of view. This violates the basic principles of procedural fairness that are recognized by most nations under international law If the community doesn’t like the rules, it should change the law. Mike Delisle is a member of the community. He has no more authority than anybody else to change it or to dictate how the Council of Elders applies it. There has always been pressure from Indian Affairs as to who can be a member. What are Mike Delisle’s motives? We understand that almost 4,000 people want to be enrolled. Perhaps many may or may not qualify according to the Membership Law. This reminds us of the situation that happened at Kanehsatake when James Gabriel was handing out membership cards prior to the 2005 election in the hope that it would garner him votes. This was done through Alexis Shackleton’s counterpart, Jean Vincent, the Registrar at Kanehsatake. The band council also wants more voters because it will get more money. The would-be Mohawks want tax free status, land, health and education benefits, to vote and take over Kahnawake. Is Indian Affairs planning to relocate the Mohawks to stop opposition to the expansion of the St. Lawrence Seaway , to build a ten-lane bridge right through the middle of Kahnawake and who knows what else! Somebody’s got a long term plan here. The band council hopes to “cash bleed” the Council of Elders. On September 24th the Elders paid for a meeting room from their own pockets. T.B. read the most recent dictate from the band council which appeared to declare that the Council of Elders can no longer meet except with the band council. This is a violation of the right of freedom of association that is guaranteed under international law. Mike Delisle seems to infer that it is “unlawful assembly” [according to who?]. Remember how the RCMP used to break up our longhouse meetings? Indian Affairs must be laughing at how they now have our own people suppressing us. This looks like a hostile corporate takeover of Kahnawake by the powers that think they are. What kind of future is in store for our children and the generations to come? A dictatorship under the direction of Indian Affairs and Mike Delisle? The Mohawks of Kahnawake better speak up quick. Delisle and his cohorts have put a noose around our necks. Kahentinetha Horn MNN Mohawk Nation News Contact Mike Delisle with your comments concerning his behavior at communications@mck.ca; send your concerns to loudspirits@hotmail.com and easterndoor@axess.com
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