Police search for missing native girl
VANCOUVER - Tyeshia Jones, 18, texted friend she'd meet him after party, but didn't show
RCMP are looking for an 18-year-old Duncan girl who hasn't been seen since she wandered away from a friend's house early Saturday.
The mother of Tyeshia Jones alerted the North Cowichan/ Duncan RCMP that she hadn't heard from her daughter since late Friday, according to police spokesman Cpl. Kevin Day.
That night Jones was at a gathering at a friend's house in the 5000-block Miller Road in Duncan, which is on the Cowichan First Nation reserve. She was supposed to spend the night there, but police believe she left the house early Saturday and walked along August Road.
Day said alcohol was consumed at the party but he doesn't know whether Jones was drinking.
A male friend in his early 20s told police that at around 3 a.m. Jones sent a text message while on August Road and arranged to meet him at the Superstore in Duncan, Day said.
But Jones didn't show up and she hasn't been heard from since.
On Sunday, a caretaker found her cellphone outside the Yuthuythut Adult Learning Centre at River Road.
Police have checked Jones's bank and cellphone records and interviewed family and friends to try to determine what happened.
"It's out of character for her [to go missing], which obviously is one of the reasons her mom became so concerned for her well being," Day said.
Jones is of First Nations ancestry, has long, black hair and weighs about 120 pounds.
She has braces and was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and black boots.
Anyone with information is asked to call North Cowichan/ Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
© Copyright (c) The Province
Read more: http://www.theprovince.
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I'M BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL HERE! I WANT YOU ALL TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE "WARMING HEARTS" PROJECT! THIS IS JAY TAVARE'S PROJECT TO HELP OUR ELDERS.
WITHOUT OUR ELDERS WE WOULD NOT HAVE CONTINUED AS A RACE. PLEASE SHOW SOME LOVE AND RESPECT AND DO WHAT YOU CAN TO HELP JAY HELP THOSE IN NEED.
JAY IS ALSO AN ANTI SUICIDE ADVOCATE. HE IS INVOLVED WITH CHILDREN DOWN IN NEW MEXICO. IT IS MY HOPE AND HEART'S DESIRE THAT SOON EVERY REZ WILL HAVE AN ANTI SUICIDE SQUAD AROUND THE CLOCK AND THE TEEN SUICIDE EPIDEMIC WILL CEASE TO EXSIST. FOR EVERY NON-INDIAN CHILD THAT COMMITS SUICIDE, THERE ARE 12 INDIAN CHILDREN. THESE STATISTICS ARE STAGGERING WHEN THE FACT THAT AMERICAN INDIANS ARE THE SMALLEST MINORITY IN THE WORLD AND HOLD THE HIGHEST SUICIDE RATE IN OUR NATIVE COUNTRY. STAGGERING AND DEPLORABLE!
LET'S GIVE IT OUR BEST EFFORT TO HELP OUR ELDERS. WITHOUT THEM, WE WOULD NOT BE HERE.
MUCH LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL. AS ALWAYS, FORGIVE THE CAPITAL LETTERS. I'M THE WORLD'S LAZIEST TYPIST!
NEVER EVER DRINK AND DRIVE. TOSS THE KEYS TO A FRIEND AND DO NOT GET INTO A CAR IF YOU PLAN ON HAVING A "FEW"!
STAR B.C.
Dave Ortiz January 25 at 4:51am
please help our relatives.
We realize we're getting a late start on this but the need is great and it's not too late to help out the folks at Cheyenne River South Dakota rez who do not have adequate winter coats, hats, mittens, boots, snow-pants, etc... It is very cold there and winter is long...it will be cold until May... Many people do not have the warm winter clothing they need and many children are going to school without proper clothing or missing school because they don't have it.
We are asking in a good way for you to please donate new or gently used warm winter clothing. There are two ways to do this: 1. send the items directly to our contact at Cheyenne River (who will ensure that the items wind up in the hands of those that truly need them,) or 2. folks in the San Antonio, TX area can also contact us directly via this FB page to donate; we will gladly meet you and pick up your donations.
We are also asking for cash donations to help cover the cost of shipping; any money we receive over and above the cost of shipping will be used to purchase new warm winter clothing for children at Cheyenne River.
The contact in Cheyenne River is as follows:
Cheyenne River Youth Project
attn: Tamara LaPlante
PO Box 410
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
(605) 964-8200
tamara@lakotayouth.org
I would like to say "Thank You!" to my AIM/Sundance Sister Jackie Dunn for her assistance with this project and for agreeing to monitor donations to ensure they go where most needed and "Thank You!" to all of you who take the time to help out with this. We plan to make this an annual AIMCTX project and will let you all know how it goes - next year we will get started a little earlier and try to be a little better organized. We might be a little late, but better late than never....
Thank you my relatives,
Dave Ortiz
High Schoolers Call for Walkout Against Police Brutality
2001 Western Ave. Seattle, WA
(North end of Pike Place Market)
When: January 26, 2011
Time: Walk out of your school at 1 PM; Rally all together at 2 PM at Victor Steinbrueck Park
Have you ever been harassed by a police officer for no reason? If you have or if you know someone who has, come and help us stop police brutality by walking out on January 26 at 1p.m. and rallying at 2.
John T. Williams is one of the victims of police brutality. He was shot 5 times by Officer Ian Birk for having a carving knife which was CLOSED. He was in the 7th generation of a Native American carving family. John T. Williams isn’t the only victim of Police Brutality; Martin Monetti was stomped on multiple times by cops who suspected him for robbery, they didn’t even know if he was really a robber. These two people aren’t the only people who have been through this; there are many more victims of police brutality. HELP US STOP THIS!
People from every school, every hood, every gender, and every race are welcome to join.
Contact Info:
Philiptolentino7@gmail.comLady
Facebook event page:http://www.facebook.com/
From my collection for sale.
1. Raven and Bear $700
2. Harvey $500
3. Grandfather Whale Hunter $500
4. Eagle and Serpent $400
Profits will be donated to the homeless in Olympia area...
- Location: Olympia
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
 |  |
 |  |
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
$3.4 Billion to be Paid to US Indians--Original due $176 Billion
Firefly (Lilia Adecer Cajilog) |
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/
Grass-Fed Bison is the Answer!
"Like" this page and send a message to the bison industry to respect the Tatanka Oyate. Keep them OUT of feedlots and IN open pastures.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/
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All programs are free to the public. Reservations are recommended for evening programs.
Screening on Thursday, Mar. 31, “Inuit Knowledge” teams the filmmakers with Inuit elders and hunters to uncover the social and ecological impacts of a warming Arctic. The film will also be simultaneously stream on the Internet courtesy of Isuma TV, an independent network of Native and Inuit media, at http://www.facebook.com/l/
The day-long symposium, “Mother Earth in Crisis,” features award-winning films on Native perspectives about the fate of the earth and its rivers throughout the hemisphere. The program includes discussion with the filmmakers following each screening and a panel with environmental and indigenous organizations, moderated by Tonya Gonnella Frichner, of the American Indian Law Alliance. Co-presented with Amazon Watch, International Rivers and Rainforest Foundation.
Updates and additional information on the festival are available athttp://www.facebook.com/l/
The festival showcases outstanding feature films, short fictions, documentaries, animations and youth works from throughout the Americas. Screenings take place each evening and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Other featured works include “Kissed by Lightning” by Shelley Niro (Mohawk); a a contemporary story based on a traditional tale; “Y el Rio Sigue Corriendo/And the River Flows On” by Carlos Efraín Pérez Rojas (Mixe), an award-winning film from Mexico about communities threatened by a dam project; and the world premiere of “Apache 8,” a documentary by Sande Zeig, telling the story of the first all-female wildland firefighting crew, comprised entirely of White Mountain Apache women.
The 15th Native American Film + Video Festival is a production of the National Museum of the American Indian’s Film and Video Center. The program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency. Special support has also been provided by the Ford Foundation and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the George Gustav Heye Center, is located at One Bowling Green in New York City, across from Battery Park. The museum is free and open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays until 8 p.m. Call (212) 514-3700 for general information and (212) 514-3888 for a recording about the museum’s public programs. By subway, the museum may be reached by the 1 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to Whitehall Street. The museum’s Web site is http://www.facebook.com/l/
N.W.T. Aboriginal groups walk out on ceremony
N.W.T. Premier Floyd Roland signed a historic agreement with the federal government Wednesday that puts the territory on track to gain control over Crown lands and resources.
Some aboriginal groups remain unhappy with the move, however. About 50 people from the crowd of 250 gathered for the signing at the Yellowknife legislature walked out on the ceremony.
"You're selling out our territory," one woman said as she left the room.
N.W.T. Premier Floyd Roland is signing an agreement-in-principle that sets out the terms for transferring authority from Ottawa to the territorial government, giving it the power to collect some royalties on resources and control over Crown lands. N.W.T. Premier Floyd Roland is signing an agreement-in-principle that sets out the terms for transferring authority from Ottawa to the territorial government, giving it the power to collect some royalties on resources and control over Crown lands. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)
The "devolution" agreement-in-principle sets out the terms for transferring authority from Ottawa to the territorial government, giving it the power to collect some royalties on resources and to give it control over Crown lands.
The deal comes after more than two decades of talks and has topped the agenda for every territorial government over that time.
Previously, final approval for any resource development always had to come from the federal minister of Indian affairs and northern development.
"This is a historic agreement and one which will provide the Northwest Territories with the long-awaited and rightful ability to manage and control public lands and to secure a share of the revenues generated from those lands," said Ann Marie Tout, president of the N.W.T. Chamber of Commerce. Aboriginal requests for delay denied
Some aboriginal groups have said the deal isn't good for them, and leaders had asked for a meeting with federal Indian Affairs Minister John Duncan, asking that he hold off until their concerns were addressed. But Duncan refused.
Dehcho Grand Chief Sam Gargan speaks at the protest following the signing of the devolution agreement-in-principle between the Northwest Territories and the federal government. Dehcho Grand Chief Sam Gargan speaks at the protest following the signing of the devolution agreement-in-principle between the Northwest Territories and the federal government. (CBC)
"This has been a long time in the making," Duncan said. "There's nothing in the [agreement] that pre-empts or takes away any of their … aboriginal rights," he said.
In the end, only two of the seven aboriginal groups asked to sign the treaty did so: the Métis nation and the Inuvialuit.
Dehcho Grand Chief Sam Gargan was upset with Duncan's refusal to meet.
"I don't know whether or not democracy is alive and well in the North," Gargan said. "I think the building that's supposed to represent people of the North [is] really ignoring the people of the North and they're plowing ahead with whatever they wish and want to do."
Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus said the federal government has a duty to consult with aboriginal communities, but didn't in this case.
"We're not against devolution," he said. "People are not against that. They want to be equal partners and they want to participate in developing the future of the North in a positive way."
Erasmus says leaders will discuss whether to take legal action to challenge the agreement.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/
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American Indian World's Fair and Pow-Wow 
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN CO-OPERATIVE
Fred Synder, Director-Consultant
Carole J. Garcia, International Representative
P.O. Box 27626, Tucson, AZ 85726-7626 U.S.A.
Tel: (520) 622-4900 Indian Trade Center
Fax: (520) 622-3525
Email: info@usaindianinfo.org
Statement
The Co-operative provides incentives to 2,700+ American Indian artists representing over 410 tribal nations for the preservation of their contemporary and traditional crafts, culture, and education through involvement in Indian Culture Programs, including dances, traditional food, fashion shows, and performances. The Co-operative sponsors various Indian events i.e.: Pow-Wows, cultural festivals, information services, and publishesNative American Directory : Canada,Alaska, and United States..."information that is hard to find" - American Library Journal, ..."directory on Indians for the 21st century" - News From Indian Country, ..."valuable resources" - Ethnic Forum ..."our Indian red page bible" - National Indian Child Welfare Association.
Areas Of Interest
Traditional and contemporary Native American techniques in arts and crafts including jewelry, basketry, wood and stone carving, weaving, pottery, beadwork, quill-work, rug-making, tanning and leather work, dance reglia, and cookery, produce and distribute Indian music and videos: Native American artists and tribal arts and crafts traditions in the United States, Canada, and Alaska.
Holdings
Collections in all the above areas. A computerized mailing list of and for people who buy, teach, collect, are interested in, and/or are Indian (130,000+) is set up on Native American organizations, media, events and Indian affairs. North America Native American Indian Information and Trade Center established January 1991. (N.A.2 I.I.T.C.)
Publications
Native American Reference Book ('82, '96) revision 2010; Native AmericanDirectory: Alaska, Canada, United States (a quick reference for locating Native Organizations, events, media, and tribal offices and reserves); special guide for evaluating and acquiring Native crafts and raw materials through trading posts, stores, galleries, cooperatives, and guilds; researching your Indian Ancestory. Pow-Wow andIndian Events on the Red Road..."most comprehensive listing of American Indian events in U.S. and Canada". ('93, '95) revision 2010.
Information Services
Answers inquiries; provides advisory, consulting, reference, and current-awareness services; conduct seminars and workshops; makes referrals to other sources of information; permits on site use of collections. Information and referrals are free; other services are subject to fee. Services are intended primarily for Native Americans, but others will be assisted with large self-addressed stamped envelope. Currently working in a motor home as a portable Indian Chamber of Commerce (1988-2009). Available: American Indian Information Packet, events, programs, sample newspapers, etc. Send $10.00 and priority (stamped*) mail self-addressed envelope. Free Indian Pow-Wow calendar/list (quarterly) send (flat fee*) priority mail self-addressed stamped envelope. Forward (4) S.A.S.E for the entire year.
* Check with your local Post Office for current rates.
Index Terms
Native Americans, Native American arts and crafts, Indian Information services - Research and Referrals. Marketing authentic Indian crafts worldwide. Native American music and events.
Established: 1969
Latest Directory Info Date:September 2010
www.google.com
Saturday, October 2, 2010
>>> Click Here For Details <<<
HOST HOTELS FOR
"THUNDER IN THE DESERT"
Flamingo Hotel
1300 N Stone Ave
Tucson, Az 85705
520-770-1910
SHOW ALL HOTELS
Traditional Feast & Fundraiser | Native American Month Social Pow-Wow & Craft Market
New Year's Competition Pow-Wow | American Indian Exposition |Catalog
Thunder In The Desert | Schedule of Events | Press Release | About Us |Frequent Questions | How Can You Help
Request Information | Directions | Lodging & Resources | Sponsorships & Donations | Electric Pow-Wow
Youth & Elders Day | Veteran Honor Day | Email Us | Home
© 2011 National Native American Cooperative All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Permission To Copy | Webmaster ----- Teresa Anahuy
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FirstPeoplesNews @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@Thanks to Your Actions, 62 Bison Spared from Slaughter!
Buffalo Field Campaign is the only group working in the field
and in the policy arena to protect America's last wild buffalo.
Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
January 27, 2011
------------------------------
------------------------------
* ACTION REWARDED! Yellowstone Releases 62 Bison!
* 'Corridor to Nowhere' Continues to Harm Wild Bison
* Update from the Field--Bison 'Hunt' Continues Along Yellowstone Boundary
* VOLUNTEER! Please Join BFC on the Front Lines!
* Just $10 for Wild Bison 2011 Calendars! Accepting Photos for 2012 Calendar
* Last Words
* By the Numbers
* Helpful Links
------------------------------
* ACTION REWARDED! Yellowstone Releases 62 Bison!
Buffalo Supporters,
Thank you for contacting Yellowstone’s Acting Superintendent Colin Campbell to urge him not to slaughter the 62 bison currently confined in the Stephen’s Creek trap. After receiving hundreds of phone calls and emails on behalf of these bison, the Park announced this afternoon that all the bison will be released! Please give yourselves a pat on the back and take a moment to contact acting Superintendent Campbell and thank him for doing the right thing.
------------------------------
* Corridor to Nowhere Continues to Harm Wild Bison
The 62 bison being set free today were in the trap as a direct result of an inhumane and wasteful plan hatched and supported by Yellowstone Park; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; the Greater Yellowstone Coalition; the National Wildlife Federation; and the Montana Wildlife Federation. Buffalo Field Campaign has opposed this plan from the start and refers to it as the “Corridor to Nowhere,” a name that has proven tragically true.
In order to come up with 25 bison to artificially confine on a small parcel of Gallatin National Forest known as Cutler Meadows, Yellowstone Park Rangers captured, confined, tested, tagged, and tormented 88 wild bison between January 4 and January 24. One cow bison was severely injured in the trap and was killed by the Park Service on January 12. (The Park Service didn’t notify the public of this death until today, when we specifically asked about it.) 25 of the bison were released from the trap and chased across Church Universal and Triumphant land to Cutler Meadows, where they were magically expected to stay.
As soon as they were hazed there, they began to leave, swimming across the Yellowstone River. One was deemed "unhazable" by government agents and was shot and killed on Monday. The others have repeatedly left the area and been hazed back to Cutler Meadows on a daily basis.
This failed experiment harms the bison and erodes their wildness, costs taxpayers and supporters of the misguided conservation groups more than 3.3 million dollars, and has already resulted in the deaths of two bison. The Park Service, after publicly promising to release all of these bison, subsequently said they will be slaughtered. After hearing from hundreds of people from across the country and around the world who demanded that the buffalo be released, Yellowstone officials announced today that the bison will not be slaughtered. Thank you for taking action and helping to save the lives of these buffalo!
Buffalo Field Campaign and our supporters played an instrumental role in saving these 62 bison from slaughter. With patrols on the ground documenting every action against the buffalo and advocating for the bison in the courts and in the state and federal legislatures, we are the only organization exclusively dedicated to protecting wild bison and their right to migrate. Please support the work of a truly grassroots group with a tax deductible contribution today.
------------------------------
* Update from the Field--Bison 'Hunt' Continues Along Yellowstone Boundary
Even as we celebrate the release of the buffalo from Yellowstone's trap, heavy snows continue to push buffalo from the high country of Yellowstone National Park. Sadly, they are gunned down by hunters almost as quickly as they step foot in Montana. As of this writing, at least 102 buffalo have been killed in this manner. BFC patrols are monitoring the hunt zones and have been documenting and preventing many illegal and unethical actions.
Last weekend, while giving a tour to a group of Prescott University students, BFC witnessed an illegal kill about to take place, alerted the hunters to the fact that they weren’t allowed to kill bison in that location, and prevented the bison’s death. Suprisingly, Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has no game wardens on the ground near West Yellowstone, where 56 bison have been killed. A game warden with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, whose hunters have killed at least 54 bison, has been escorting hunters to the bison. The local Forest Service biologist, hearing many stories of unethical and illegal activities, is finally taking action to remind hunters not to shoot on, from, or across Forest Service roads and is promising to send out rangers to monitor the hunt.
In a bit of good news relating to the hunt, a bison calf that was orphaned when its mother was killed by hunters several weeks ago has been 'adopted' by a different family group, greatly increasing its chance of survival. Here is a photo we shot shortly after the calf joined up with two other female bison.
Buffalo Field Campaign will continue to be in the field with the bison every day and to share their story with the world.
------------------------------
* VOLUNTEER! Please Join BFC on the Front Lines!
Noah watches a bull buffalo in the snowy distance inside Yellowstone National Park. Monitoring buffalo migrations is just one of the many ways you can help in our efforts to protect America's last wild population. BFC file photo by Stephany. Click here for larger image.
Buffalo Field Campaign's multifaceted approach to helping protect our nation's last free-roaming population of bison often leaves us spread thin for volunteers. We are finding ourselves in need of experienced volunteers to join us on patrols of the Yellowstone boundary. The last call for return volunteers was answered with a tremendous and much needed response. THANK YOU!!!!! If you can again - or are able to for the first time this season - come home to Horse Butte, Sandy Butte, the Madison River, your community, your Campaign, and to your buffalo. We all need you and miss you.
volunteer@buffalofieldcampaign.org
406-646-0070
------------------------------
* Just $10 for Wild Bison 2011 Calendars! Accepting Photos for 2012
Calendars are now only $10, including shipping and handling!
BFC is very pleased to announce that we are offering the remaining Wild Bison 2011 calendars to you at a great discount! They are now only $10, which includes shipping and handling!
Order Yours Today!
We are going for it again in 2012! We are looking for high quality digital images of wild buffalo for every season, so if you have photographed the wild buffalo of Yellowstone, please consider submitting your pictures for BFC's Wild Bison 2012 calendar! Please email Stephany for photo submission guidelines, more information, or with any questions.
------------------------------
* Last Words
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed,it's the only thing that ever has.
~ Margaret Mead
Do you have submissions for Last Words? Send them to bfc-media@wildrockies.org. Thank you all for the poems, songs and stories you have been sending; you'll see them here!
------------------------------
* By the Numbers
AMERICAN BUFFALO ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S. which currently numbers fewer than 3,800 animals.
2010-2011 Total: 105
2010-2011 Government Slaughter: 1
2010-2011 State & Treaty Hunts: 102
2010-2011 Quarantine: 0
2010-2011 Shot by Agents: 1
2010-2011 Highway Mortality: 1
2009-2010 Total: 7
2008-2009 Total: 22
2007-2008 Total: 1,631
-----------------------------
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.
KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES
Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free!
Tell-a-Friend!
Take Action!
ROAM FREE! 
| NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN CO-OPERATIVE
Fred Synder, Director-Consultant Carole J. Garcia, International Representative P.O. Box 27626, Tucson, AZ 85726-7626 U.S.A. Tel: (520) 622-4900 Indian Trade Center Fax: (520) 622-3525 Email: info@usaindianinfo.org | ||
Statement
Holdings
* Check with your local Post Office for current rates.
| ||
Saturday, October 2, 2010 >>> Click Here For Details <<< | ||
HOST HOTELS FOR
"THUNDER IN THE DESERT" Flamingo Hotel 1300 N Stone Ave Tucson, Az 85705 520-770-1910 SHOW ALL HOTELS | |
Traditional Feast & Fundraiser | Native American Month Social Pow-Wow & Craft Market
New Year's Competition Pow-Wow | American Indian Exposition |Catalog
Thunder In The Desert | Schedule of Events | Press Release | About Us |Frequent Questions | How Can You Help
Request Information | Directions | Lod
Youth & Elders Day | Veteran Honor Day | Email Us | Home
© 2011 National Native American Cooperative All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Permission To Copy | Webmaster
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Thanks to Your Actions, 62 Bison Spared from Slaughter!
Buffalo Field Campaign is the only group working in the field
and in the policy arena to protect America's last wild buffalo.
Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
January 27, 2011
------------------------------
------------------------------
* ACTION REWARDED! Yellowstone Releases 62 Bison!
* 'Corridor to Nowhere' Continues to Harm Wild Bison
* Update from the Field--Bison 'Hunt' Continues Along Yellowstone Boundary
* VOLUNTEER! Please Join BFC on the Front Lines!
* Just $10 for Wild Bison 2011 Calendars! Accepting Photos for 2012 Calendar
* Last Words
* By the Numbers
* Helpful Links
------------------------------
* ACTION REWARDED! Yellowstone Releases 62 Bison!
Buffalo Supporters,
Thank you for contacting Yellowstone’s Acting Superintendent Colin Campbell to urge him not to slaughter the 62 bison currently confined in the Stephen’s Creek trap. After receiving hundreds of phone calls and emails on behalf of these bison, the Park announced this afternoon that all the bison will be released! Please give yourselves a pat on the back and take a moment to contact acting Superintendent Campbell and thank him for doing the right thing.
------------------------------
* Corridor to Nowhere Continues to Harm Wild Bison
The 62 bison being set free today were in the trap as a direct result of an inhumane and wasteful plan hatched and supported by Yellowstone Park; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; the Greater Yellowstone Coalition; the National Wildlife Federation; and the Montana Wildlife Federation. Buffalo Field Campaign has opposed this plan from the start and refers to it as the “Corridor to Nowhere,” a name that has proven tragically true.
In order to come up with 25 bison to artificially confine on a small parcel of Gallatin National Forest known as Cutler Meadows, Yellowstone Park Rangers captured, confined, tested, tagged, and tormented 88 wild bison between January 4 and January 24. One cow bison was severely injured in the trap and was killed by the Park Service on January 12. (The Park Service didn’t notify the public of this death until today, when we specifically asked about it.) 25 of the bison were released from the trap and chased across Church Universal and Triumphant land to Cutler Meadows, where they were magically expected to stay.
As soon as they were hazed there, they began to leave, swimming across the Yellowstone River. One was deemed "unhazable" by government agents and was shot and killed on Monday. The others have repeatedly left the area and been hazed back to Cutler Meadows on a daily basis.
This failed experiment harms the bison and erodes their wildness, costs taxpayers and supporters of the misguided conservation groups more than 3.3 million dollars, and has already resulted in the deaths of two bison. The Park Service, after publicly promising to release all of these bison, subsequently said they will be slaughtered. After hearing from hundreds of people from across the country and around the world who demanded that the buffalo be released, Yellowstone officials announced today that the bison will not be slaughtered. Thank you for taking action and helping to save the lives of these buffalo!
Buffalo Field Campaign and our supporters played an instrumental role in saving these 62 bison from slaughter. With patrols on the ground documenting every action against the buffalo and advocating for the bison in the courts and in the state and federal legislatures, we are the only organization exclusively dedicated to protecting wild bison and their right to migrate. Please support the work of a truly grassroots group with a tax deductible contribution today.
------------------------------
* Update from the Field--Bison 'Hunt' Continues Along Yellowstone Boundary
Even as we celebrate the release of the buffalo from Yellowstone's trap, heavy snows continue to push buffalo from the high country of Yellowstone National Park. Sadly, they are gunned down by hunters almost as quickly as they step foot in Montana. As of this writing, at least 102 buffalo have been killed in this manner. BFC patrols are monitoring the hunt zones and have been documenting and preventing many illegal and unethical actions.
Last weekend, while giving a tour to a group of Prescott University students, BFC witnessed an illegal kill about to take place, alerted the hunters to the fact that they weren’t allowed to kill bison in that location, and prevented the bison’s death. Suprisingly, Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has no game wardens on the ground near West Yellowstone, where 56 bison have been killed. A game warden with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, whose hunters have killed at least 54 bison, has been escorting hunters to the bison. The local Forest Service biologist, hearing many stories of unethical and illegal activities, is finally taking action to remind hunters not to shoot on, from, or across Forest Service roads and is promising to send out rangers to monitor the hunt.
In a bit of good news relating to the hunt, a bison calf that was orphaned when its mother was killed by hunters several weeks ago has been 'adopted' by a different family group, greatly increasing its chance of survival. Here is a photo we shot shortly after the calf joined up with two other female bison.
Buffalo Field Campaign will continue to be in the field with the bison every day and to share their story with the world.
------------------------------
* VOLUNTEER! Please Join BFC on the Front Lines!
Noah watches a bull buffalo in the snowy distance inside Yellowstone National Park. Monitoring buffalo migrations is just one of the many ways you can help in our efforts to protect America's last wild population. BFC file photo by Stephany. Click here for larger image.
Buffalo Field Campaign's multifaceted approach to helping protect our nation's last free-roaming population of bison often leaves us spread thin for volunteers. We are finding ourselves in need of experienced volunteers to join us on patrols of the Yellowstone boundary. The last call for return volunteers was answered with a tremendous and much needed response. THANK YOU!!!!! If you can again - or are able to for the first time this season - come home to Horse Butte, Sandy Butte, the Madison River, your community, your Campaign, and to your buffalo. We all need you and miss you.
volunteer@
406-646-0070
------------------------------
* Just $10 for Wild Bison 2011 Calendars! Accepting Photos for 2012
Calendars are now only $10, including shipping and handling!
BFC is very pleased to announce that we are offering the remaining Wild Bison 2011 calendars to you at a great discount! They are now only $10, which includes shipping and handling!
Order Yours Today!
We are going for it again in 2012! We are looking for high quality digital images of wild buffalo for every season, so if you have photographed the wild buffalo of Yellowstone, please consider submitting your pictures for BFC's Wild Bison 2012 calendar! Please email Stephany for photo submission guidelines, more information, or with any questions.
------------------------------
* Last Words
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed,it's the only thing that ever has.
~ Margaret Mead
Do you have submissions for Last Words? Send them to bfc-media@wildrockies.org. Thank you all for the poems, songs and stories you have been sending; you'll see them here!
------------------------------
* By the Numbers
AMERICAN BUFFALO ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S. which currently numbers fewer than 3,800 animals.
2010-2011 Total: 105
2010-2011 Government Slaughter: 1
2010-2011 State & Treaty Hunts: 102
2010-2011 Quarantine: 0
2010-2011 Shot by Agents: 1
2010-2011 Highway Mortality: 1
2009-2010 Total: 7
2008-2009 Total: 22
2007-2008 Total: 1,631
-----------------------------
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.
BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.
KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES
Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free!
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Sovereign Nations Legislative Alert!Native 8(a) Works - Legislative Alert!
Frequently asked questions about SECTION 811
Frequently asked questions about The Native 8(a) Program The Department of Defense is moving quickly to develop rules implementing Section 811 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. No. 111-84). However, tribal consultations are necessary to evaluate any substantial direct effects of the procurement regulations that were not considered by Congress prior to enactment of Section 811.
We urge you to send a letter to OMB Director Orszag and Defense Secretary Gates urging them to engage in tribal consultations as required by Executive Order 13175 and cc your members of Congress. Here is a draft copy of a letter you can use to let your voice be heard!
View example Tribal Letter 1 View example Tribal Letter 2 Letters can be faxed to:
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Winnemem Journey to Justice Benefit / Feb. 3 / Berkeley, Calif An evening of films, food and silent auction to assist the Winnemem Wintu Tribe in their pursuit of justice, protection of sacred sites and the return of their salmon to the McCloud River.
Featuring: * Caleen Sisk-Franco, Winnemem Wintu Spiritual Leader * Documentary Film-in-progress excerpts of a new Sacred Land Film Project * Moving Image Productions - Dancing Salmon Home * Silent Auction - presenting the works of the Winnemem Wintu & other artists When: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 Where: David Brower Center 2150 Allston Way Berkeley, Calif. PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE or at the door: $15-$25 (sliding scale) Contact: Amy Vanderwarker, amyvander@gmail. To Purchase Tickets online, click on link below: http://www.facebook.com/l/ |
Upcoming Special Events and Tours
The Bok Kai Taoist Temple Festival
Marysville, California
A Sacred Sites International Study Tour
Saturday, March 5 & Sunday, March 6, 2011
Join Sacred Sites International Foundation for the 131st Bok Kai Taoist Temple Festival, in Marysville, California, the only remaining Chinese festival of its kind! Come experience the rituals & festivities honoring the water-fertility god Bok Eye amidst temple incense and offerings for good fortune in the New Year, dragons, lion dancers and special firecracker “bombs” with lucky rings. This weekend trip benefits the Bok Kai Temple, dating to 1880, which is in need of funds to restore its unique temple murals. The trip includes tours of local museums and history collections and visits to the Bok Kai Temple, plus a private tour of the Historic Chinese Cemetery.
The trip is designed to be flexible and you may attend any or all of the following:
$25 for Saturday's events (temple tour, museum & exhibit tours, 60-page study guide)
$15 for Saturday evening Chinese dinner
$20 for Sunday's events (tour of historic Chinese cemetery, walking tour of historic Chinatown, "Bomb" Day ceremonies)
$____Suggested Donation to help restore the unique Chinese temple murals - separate check to Marysville Chinese Community, Inc
Not included: transportation to Marysville, a 1 1/2 hour drive from the Bay Area; lodgings, meals not specified or beverages at dinner. Lodging list is available - early reservations recommended because people come from throughout the U.S. and the world to attend this festival and motels fill up quickly. Directions and details will be sent upon receipt of registration. Deadline: February 26th; space is limited to a small group of 15.
To register, send Check/checks - if donating to the temple - to Sacred Sites International, 1442A Walnut Street #330, Berkeley, CA 94709, along with Name, Address, Phone and Email. Questions: 510-525-1304 or email: sacredsite1@gmail.com
The Gods and Goddesses of the Mission District Murals
San Francisco
Sunday, May 29, 2011, 11:30 -1:30
$17 per person
This Site Stroll combines a walking tour of some of San Francisco Mission District murals with an emphasis on the Gods & Goddesses depicted on some of the most famous areas. The tour begins with a slide-lecture on the history of mural-making from the earliest temple, the prehistoric caves, to the Egyptian tombs and Pompeii. One of the muralists will lead our tour and tell the myths and legends associated with the gods and goddesses, while also including adjacent murals with other themes.
To Register: Send Name, Address, Phone, Email and a check for $17 per person made out to Sacred Sites International, 1442A Walnut St #330, Berkeley, CA 94709, 510-525-1304 or sacredsite1@gmail.com for questions. Meeting place and directions will be sent upon receipt of registration. The group is limited to 20 people.
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The recently federally-recognized California Valley Miwok Tribe encourages all interested individuals who believe that they are of Miwok heritage and have an affiliation to the California Valley Miwok Tribe to apply to the Tribe and work within their enrollment process when it is completed. Silvia Burley is Chairperson and Rashel Reznor is Secretary/Treasurer FMI: Tribal Office: 209-931-4567.
The Potlatch (Chinook for the native spirit of goft giving) Fund based in Seattle, WA seeks a new Executive Director. FMI: http://www.potlatchfund.
Chief Oliver Red Cloud, Itancan of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, has called for a treaty meeting (Wolakota Omniciye) of all tiyospaye/bands of the 7 Council Fires of the Lakota Nation (Oceti Sakowin), including Nakota and Dakota relatives. Allies are welcome. The purpose of the gathering is to present and discuss issues relevant to the international status and enforcement of the 1851 and 1868 Fort Laramie Treaties. It will be January 28 - 29, at the Prairie Wind Casino on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. FMI: www.
One small victory when people speak up and speak out and never quit!!!
this is big for peterborough!!! yeah to those who persevere and don't get charmed!!! keep vigilant
Remember Eagle Watch ##11
Stop the Expansion of Peterborough Nukes:
No More Nuclear Madness, October 16, 2009
List-Archive: < http://npogroups.org/lists/
Kittoh
<kittoh@storm.ca>
http://www.rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/campus-notes/2011/01/ how-residents-delivered-major- upset-ge-hitachi-canadas- nuclear-o
Low Enriched Uranium (LEU):
How residents delivered a major
upset to GE-Hitachi Canada's
nuclear operations
By Zach Ruiter and Liat Mandel, January 28, 2011
This artilce was originally published inArthur, the
Peterborough and Trent University independent press.
![[]](http://www.rabble.ca/sites/rabble/files/imagecache/preview/node-images/GE+Hitachi+victory+by+John+Horton.jpg)
David versus Goliath has recently been retold as a story of environmental justice:
a small group of Trent students and Peterborough residents defeated the General
Electric-Hitachi Corporation of Canada (GE) at the Canadian Nuclear Safety
Commission (CNSC) tribunal. On December 23, permission for GE's secretive
plans to process enriched uranium downtown were officially revoked. The tribunal
decision stated, "the issued license does not authorize activities related to
low-enriched uranium (LEU) or possession of the same."
Amanda Lickers and Matthew Laing-Gibbard, second-year students at Trent,
caught sight of GE's hazy yet green-lighted approval to manufacture LEU rods to
power the "CANDU-Two," the descendant reactors to Canada's use and export of
atomic energy. Having studied the effects of cumulative and non-metabolizable
radiation exposure on cell structure, Lickers and Laing-Gibbard knew the health
of Peterborough residents was in danger.
Making odd neighbours, the Prince of Wales Elementary School and GE face
each other on Monaghan road. An Arthurarticle Lickers wrote ("Russian roulette
with General Electric", issue 10) was circulated among parents of the school
community. Enough whispers about low-level radiation exposure and discussions
of its impact on children's bodies necessitated a face-off; GE earned an invite to
a public meeting in the gymnasium, and a different kind of sport ensued.
GE's CEO Peter Mason pitched safety assurances with PowerPoint graphs. Bullet
points scored a "responsible history." The meeting then went critical during the
question period. Multiple speakers shared their frustration of feeling kept in the
dark. Maybe it was the clip-art image of daffodils growing out of a nuclear stack
in Mason's presentation, but GE clearly lost the audience's trust. For the parents,
it was their Erin Brockovich moment. Despite the lack of information they were
given, they were qualified to concur as parents and residents of the area that GE
made every effort to hide their plans from public consultation.
Hurtling into action, many parents submitted to the CNSC -- after a deadline for
written interventions. The CNSC accepted the written interventions owing to a
common complaint that the community was not properly notified as required by
law.
With a borrowed minivan, a small group of Trent students arrived in Ottawa on
December 8 to deliver oral interventions at GE's ten year license renewal hearing.
Representatives of the CNSC presented, followed by Peter Mason, and then
came the critical interventions.
Through quotations, Zach Ruiter's oral presentation gave the testimony of multiple
Prince of Wales parents. This reiterated the extent of GE's efforts to avoid public
consultation by those who would not be silenced.
Daniel Adaszynski hammered Mason's earlier claims to a "legacy of responsibility"
by citing GE's past environmental scandals and dodgy safety record. GE tried
selling land adjacent to their site for use as a hockey arena but it was found so
contaminated by PCBs, GE paved it over. GE actively drained PCBs into Little
Lake and the Otonabee River from the 1930s to the 1970s. GE regularly mixed
the PCBs with solvents and oils and poured them into the sewer. PCB-laden
solvents were also sprayed on the dirt parking lot around the facility.
Adaszynski cited a 2005 health study of retired GE workers. The study found
cancer rates well above the national average; 50 out of the 120 GE Peterborough
retirees studied presented life-threatening cancers.
Adaszynski provoked great denial from Mason by mention of a nuclear shutdown
and "lost-time" event in 2004 as documented by the Peterborough Examiner. The
Examiner noted workers at the natural uranium fuel bundling facility were
evacuated for 72 hours. The incident remains a mystery. Mason argued it may
have been a standard training exercise, but this is not documented, only that there
was a "technical issue." The Examinerreported that the mayor and City of
Peterborough Council were surprised not to be informed by GE of the
circumstances of the evacuation. Adaszynski argued "This is how historically things
have been handled. And that points to how things will be handled in the future."
Amanda Lickers refuted Peter Mason's claim that GE had gone "above and beyond"
the required public consultation with surrounding First Nations, arguing, "the 15
Aboriginal communities that were contacted were not actually given a copy of the
Environmental Assessment Screening Report and were simply given a document
outlining how to participate in public hearings, which I feel is misleading and does
not provide sufficient information for local First Nations to act properly."
Turning to the more scientific problems associated with exposure, Lickers cited
peer-reviewed studies on the effects of LEU on human cellular structure. The
studies found that all levels of exposure, including low-doses, affect reproduction
and health of cells, spurring the development of cancer cells. Indeed, unhealthy
cell reproduction is genetic and therefore can be passed down to future
generations.
In the end, GE was not able to justify their plans to process LEU. Although they are
not experts in the field of radioactive carcinogens, the residents were not too
intimidated to call the energy giant to account for its actions.
The victory shared by parents, students, and residents comes with numerous
lessons.
First, be persistent. An instant rush of enthusiasm rose up only after a
long period of indifference to initial rallying calls.
Second, show up. With almost 50 written and oral interventions from the
Peterborough folks and none from Toronto, Peterborough residents
stopped GE's plans to process LEU in both cities.
Third, create a diversity of voices. The campaign's success was strengthened
by the collaboration of individuals and not any one source or organization. We
created strong allies in the community. People from all walks of life intervened
with differing positions; decentralized sources are less apt to be brushed aside
by officials.
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![[]](http://www.rabble.ca/sites/rabble/files/node-images/GE+Hitachi+victory+by+John+Horton.jpg)
Parents, this one is for the children. The advisory states this man claims to be a healer and frequents Native activities.
http://www.facebook.com/l/
Wanted Fugitive: Accused Child Molester Went Into Hiding
http://www.facebook.com/l/
Island County law enforcement officials are searching for a suspected child molester.
Please excuse any duplication. If you're on gordon edwards' list you will already have this article as well as part 2 which follows.
It's interesting to see how a swede wants to trace the dirty trail of nukes all the way back to dene territory to show his people the harm being done. good for fredrik!
kittoh
Part 1: Uranium has forced people to move
http://www.nyheterna.net/kaernkraftens/the_origin_of_ nuclear_power/uranium_has_ forced_people_to_move
by Fredrik Loberg, "The Origin of Nuclear Power", Part 1, March 25 2010
For over 30 years, a large proportion of the uranium used
to produce electricity in the Oskarshamn nuclear power
plant in Sweden derived from Canada.
Uranium mining has forced indigenous people to flee from
the land where they lived for thousands of years.
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.3&disp=emb&realattid=b481d139e0b00dc3_0.0.1&zw)
Annie Benonie, Photo: Mattias Rubin
"Mining companies came and robbed us of our country, where
we lived, fished and hunted. The land will never be restored
again to future generations", says 88-year old Annie Benonie
who today lives in Wollaston Lake Indian Reservation.
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=b481d139e0b00dc3_0.0.2&zw)
THE ORIGIN OF NUCLEAR POWER Publicerad 100325 15:40.
To Wollaston Lake, which is the closest town to the world's largest uranium
mine fields, no roads go. Tourists are not coming here, rarely some politicians
and almost never journalists. After driving the car a thousand kilometres north
from the city of Saskatoon in the Canadian state of Saskatchewan, mostly on
gravel road, we are fortunate enough to catch the small ferry that takes us to
the reserve.
"Mining companies came and robbed us of our country, where we lived, fished
and hunted. The land will never be restored again to future generations", says
88-year old Annie Benonie who today lives in Wollaston Lake Indian Reservation.
Wollaston Lake is located thirty kilometers from the nearest mine, Rabbit Lake.
From here, the Oskarshamn nuclear power plant in Sweden recovered much
of its uranium, and OKG, the Swedish nuclear company, has a contract with
the mining company Cameco to continue to do so until 2018, at least.
Impossible to live
In Wollaston Lake 88-year-old Dene Indian Annie Benonie lives. In her home in
the middle of the village she welcomes us. Her grand daughter Flora Natomagan
interprets as Annie, like many other elderly people in this part of Canada, only
speak Dene. After we've talked for a while Annie feels very anxious to ask some
questions to us:
– You say you come from a distant country, where you use the uranium
that comes from our country. I wonder if people who live where you live,
where you have nuclear plants, what you gain from it? What advantages
does it give you in addition to the jobs the industry creates?
– Does it bother the people where you live what is happening here in
our country?
– Do the people know that our country has been destroyed because of this
uranium mining?
– I want people in your country to know what is happening here because
of the uranium industry, that it made it impossible for us to live the way we
have always lived.
Traditional life
Before the uranium mines' time Annie Benonie and her family lived a traditional life.
They moved around and lived in tipis, tents, in different places. They lived of fishing
and hunting, fruit and berries, just as her ancestors did in North America for
thousands of years.
– We live off what nature has to give us. Nature does everything for us, Annie
says with pride in her voice.
Usually the family stayed at Collins Bay on the other side of the lake, where the Rabbit
Lake mine is today. At Collins Bay Annies husband Louis had his trap-lines, traps he
caught small animals in. There he hunted caribou and elk. The family made the
traditional medicine of nature's wild plants.
– A few times a year we came to a village like this, Wollaston Lake.
– Otherwise, we lived this way, in smaller homes or in tipis.
Saskatchewan mines have supplied uranium for both nuclear power and nuclear
weapons countries since the 1950s. Mining companies are constantly finding new
deposits with high levels of uranium in various locations in northern Saskatchewan.
Here lives almost exclusively indigenous, or First Nations people as they are called
in Canada.
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.14&disp=emb&realattid=b481d139e0b00dc3_0.0.3&zw)
Fredrik Loberg
fredrik.loberg@ostran.se
0491-78 41 00
and here's part 2 of fredrik's article. his email is included in case you want to send him an email.
kittoh
Part 2: "Our land is stolen"
http://www.nyheterna.net/kaernkraftens/the_origin_of_ nuclear_power/our_land_is_ stolen
by Fredrik Loberg, "The Origin of Nuclear Power", Part 2, April 9 2010
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.7&disp=emb&realattid=972328247c29104c_0.0.1&zw)
Marius Paul is stil in strong opposition to the uranium industry.
Photo: Mattias Rubin
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.2&disp=emb&realattid=972328247c29104c_0.0.2&zw)
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.12&disp=emb&realattid=972328247c29104c_0.0.3&zw)
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.10&disp=emb&realattid=972328247c29104c_0.0.4&zw)
Men and women wear clothes like these at the pow-wow festivities.
Photos: Mattias Rubin
Cameco's uranium or not?
Oskarshamn nuclear power plant can get uranium from any part of the world,
the company in Oskarshamn, OKG, explains, sometimes having to fill out its
uranium needs by buying from the open so-called spot market, and this uranium
can according to OKG not be traced at all.
But as another example of how incredibly complicated world uranium trade is, OKG
in 2010 suddenly declares that this Swedish company only uses Cameco regarding
natural uranium. Trucks from Saskatchewan that for decades have rolled up to the
Blind River refinery and the conversion process there, are now driving south across
the border to the United States.
For this year, the U.S. company ConverDyn is contracted for conversion, says
Alexander Lindqvist, the one responsible for OKG's uranium supply. The reason is
some production problems for Cameco, according to Alexander Lindqvist.
We must be sure of supplies, he says.
Good to deal with
Just as we had been told, Alexander Lindqvist believes the U.S. radiation protection
laws are stricter than the Canadian laws. During its own check visit in the U.S. OKG
has also concluded that Converdyn is a good company to deal with. It is a company
half-owned by Honeywell, which according to the Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
is the world's 15th largest arms manufacturers. Honeywell makes control systems
for nuclear weapons and is is blacklisted by a number of ethical funds. After the
Swedish Radio at the end of last year reported on the Nobel Foundation's close
collaboration with Honeywell, this cooperation has been criticized.
OKG stresses how vital it is to make their own checks, during the conversion but
especially in mining areas. According to OKG, contracts of buying uranium is made
after careful evaluation of the supplier's environmental and quality programs.
- If our suppliers get a bad image, it could spill over to us and we do don’t
want that, Alexander Lindqvist says.
- We try to see as much as possible, meet with local politicians, representatives
of trade unions and indigenous people so that we not only have the company's
version.
During the autumn of 2009 OKG carried out a so-called audit, an on-the-ground
analysis in Canada.
- We saw nothing alarming, Alexander Lindqvist says.
Cameco has been singled out as a positive example. A year and a half ago, a
seminar was held in Malmö in Sweden, where Cameco told about their program
to involve indigenous people in the uranium industry. Cameco's efforts have got
many positive reactions from uranium buyers like OKG.
During our trip in Canada and Saskatchewan, we visited another place where few
Swedes have been, another First Nation reserve. It is located just outside society
Meadow Lake and on the weekend when we arrive the annual "pow-wow" is
going on. That is a colorful celebration of indigenous traditions with songs, dances
and cuisine. One thousand people have arrived.
Still angry
Here we meet Marius Paul. He has brought a bus with young people from
another reserve area, even further north, in Beaval. Marius Paul has been
active in the resistance movement against uranium mining in Saskatchewan
– in particular against the Key Lake mine, the world's largest uranium mine.
He has over the years participated in many demonstrations against the uranium
industries' consequences and he is still very angry.
- They have stolen our country, people have been forced to move and
uranium mining has caused human illness. For us, the uranium is not
anything good as it is for authorities, companies and people in Europe.
- For us it is a negative energy force, which also creates terrible weapons,
Marius Paul says.
- We would need the whole world to look at these problems, but the major
economic forces that are moving are very powerful, Marius says before
he drives the bus back north from the festivities in Meadow Lake, to the
reserve Patunak outside Beaval.
![[]](https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0ece757c40&view=att&th=12de46fd10042d53&attid=0.8&disp=emb&realattid=972328247c29104c_0.0.5&zw)
Fredrik Loberg
fredrik.loberg@ostran.se
0491-78 41 00
We have a group to report here, that is not as straightforward as an outright Nazi group - this is a similar situation to when the Martin Luther King site came under attack in a way.
Let me explain.
First I will let you know that I myself am an Indigenous person, and this group was originally begun by Indigenous peoples and some of our allies, when we first began to encounter anti-Native racist sites on Facebook.
The page that we are asking you to report is most insidious, as it purports to be a "Native News Network", yet after some disturbing posts were made, friends have done some investigating, and have found that the people behind it are not Indigenous at all.
Now, this can be the worst type of racist group for Indigenous Peoples, because it draws people who are concerned with our Rights, and may indeed be true allies - yet one look at the page, and you will see some of the most heinous comments ever. There are slurs against "white" people, women, and the GBLT community. Also, individual people - REAL Indigenous people, have been named and Libeled, some have had their photos posted with horrific captions as well.
To give you an idea what is going on, I have included some posts from the page, as it seems that some get deleted, so I captured some of the worst to show you, so that you may see for yourselves.
I must apologize and warn you - that these comments are highly offensive....
______________________________
Native Citizen News Network Irish scum.. you must be sucking Thomas Beauchman's cock. You know how he loves his white women!! LOL
6 hours ago ·
Native Citizen News Network Here is a picture of Native Woman Cher Baum. Lmao.. Looks white to me.. what do you all think? I think she looks like she can suck a mean indian dick but that's about it... ;)
6 hours ago ·
Native Citizen News Network Now what makes you Native Ms. Krott? Was your grandmother a cherokee princess or are you an indian dick sucker like Cher??
6 hours ago · 1 person ·
Native Citizen News Network The great Thomas Beauchman defending white people and GAY rights!!! Yeah that's Native Pride!! All the way!! What a joke you are Thomas Beauchman. All we need to know about you is that you are married to a white bitch. The devil herself. Nothing more need be said.
6 hours ago · 1 person ·
Native Citizen News Network Sarah Johns! Everyone welcome her to the party. What is your deal Sarah? Besides being a white bull dyke wannabe??
3 hours ago ·
______________________________
So, that is just a small sample of the many comments that have been made on that site.
I must assure you, that this is NOT a site for Native Americans...this is NOT how we behave, and more importantly, this is not how we wish to be seen to behave.
In fact, this is the type of thing, that brings more very real hatred against us, and puts our Youth and children at risk - we have the highest rates of suicide in the Americas, as our youth must face horrible racism almost daily from many sources,whether it is in looking for jobs, or in the mass media.
Whoever is in control of this page - does not have the best interests of Indigenous Peoples in mind.
Please report the page, and report specific comments. Remember, there are anti-gay, and misogynistic comments as well. Check out a couple of the longest threads there.
We caution members against engaging with the page, as People who do are attacked, and have their profile pics hijacked. Just flag and report. You will not have to join the page to do this - just scroll down below the profile pic on the left hand side and click on "report", then follow the prompts.
Thanks for your participation.
Here is a link to the page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/
We have a group to report here, that is not as straightforward as an outright Nazi group - this is a similar situation to when the Martin Luther King site came under attack in a way.
FROM & in Agreement with
FACEBOOK SHOULD DELETE RACIST PROFILES
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=
Let me explain.
First I will let you know that I myself am an Indigenous person, and this group was originally begun by Indigenous peoples and some of our allies, when we first began to encounter anti-Native racist sites on Facebook.
The page that we are asking you to report is most insidious, as it purports to be a "Native News Network", yet after some disturbing posts were made, friends have done some investigating, and have found that the people behind it are not Indigenous at all.
Now, this can be the worst type of racist group for Indigenous Peoples, because it draws people who are concerned with our Rights, and may indeed be true allies - yet one look at the page, and you will see some of the most heinous comments ever. There are slurs against "white" people, women, and the GBLT community. Also, individual people - REAL Indigenous people, have been named and Libeled, some have had their photos posted with horrific captions as well.
______________________________
______________________________
So, that is just a small sample of the many comments that have been made on that site.
I must assure you, that this is NOT a site for Native Americans...this is NOT how we behave, and more importantly, this is not how we wish to be seen to behave.
In fact, this is the type of thing, that brings more very real hatred against us, and puts our Youth and children at risk - we have the highest rates of suicide in the Americas, as our youth must face horrible racism almost daily from many sources,whether it is in looking for jobs, or in the mass media.
Whoever is in control of this page - does not have the best interests of Indigenous Peoples in mind.
Please report the page, and report specific comments. Remember, there are anti-gay, and misogynistic comments as well. Check out a couple of the longest threads there.
We caution members against engaging with the page, as People who do are attacked, and have their profile pics hijacked. Just flag and report. You will not have to join the page to do this - just scroll down below the profile pic on the left hand side and click on "report", then follow the prompts.
Thanks for your participation.
Here is a link to the page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/
January 30, 2011
This is the 3rd in a series by swedish journalist fredrik loberg. we wrote to him and he answered right back. he is asking for readers to go to the web site and post comments. he has done such a brilliant job covering the uranium trail. would you get over your shyness and send him a note?!?!? <fredrikloberg@hotmail.com>
the anti nuclear movement is quickly going international. the people with the power of truth can defeat money with its power of force. don't ever give up!!!
http://www.nyheterna.net/
<kittoh@storm.ca>
You can get part 4 and other articles at the link too.
Part 3: Much is at stake
http://www.nyheterna.net/kaernkraftens/the_origin_of_ nuclear_power/much_is_at_stake
by Fredrik Loberg, "The Origin of Nuclear Power", Part 3, April 12 2010
There will always be a big problem to take care of all waste safely,
says Jim Penna. Photo: Mattias Rubin
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Road signs between Saskatoon and the sparsely populated
parts of northern Saskatchewan warns of large trucks,
particularly trucks carrying large quantities of uranium
from mining areas. Photo: Mattias Rubin
Eleanor Knight is a volunteer in Saskatoons oldest anti-nuclear
organisation. She houses a big archive in her basement.
Photo: Mattias Rubin
As in many other countries, much of the electricity in Sweden is
based on nuclear power. Three of the biggest nuclear power
plants are located in the southeast of Sweden, outside the city
of Oskarschamn. In Oskarschamn the local newspaper Nyheterna
is covering the electrical production at the nuclear power plants,
but also much of the discussion over how to handle the waste
from the plants. In order to produce nuclear power it is necessary
to have uranium. That is why Nyheterna's journalists Fredrik
Loberg and Mattias Rubin went to Canada.
Jim Penna and Eleanor Knight from Saskatoon's oldest organization critical of
nuclear power, the Inter-Church Uranium Committe, thinks that neither Kevin
Scissons and his authority nor state organization Health Canada is doing their
job.
- There will always be a big problem to take care of all waste safely after the
mining, due to the extremely long half-life of uranium substances. The
companies still have not found a technique that works to take care of the
material safely, Jim Penna says.
- There are many examples of leaks from waste sites, but the worst is that
the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) closes its eyes and does
not mete out to the companies any proper fines or penalties. We require
basic health studies of current workers in the mines and of people living in
these areas. It is nothing less than scandalous that this still has not been
done, Eleanor Knight says.
In Saskatchewan there are examples of contaminated materials leaking that had
been known long after the uranium mining stopped. The most large-scale leak was
discovered in northern Saskatchewan, the Gunnar Mine in the early 1990s. From
old abandoned barrels, there was a large leak of radioactive material into the big
Lake Athabasca.
Cleaning up costs millions
Now, 20 years later, there seems to be a big clean-up. It likely will take many years
and cost hundreds of million of dollars. The Gunnar Mine is close to Uranium City, the
world's largest mining area until the mines closed down in 1983. Now it is a deserted
ghost town where only around 50 people still living. In the late 1970s and early 1980s,
for example Sweden got uranium even from this area.
- The big question is how all the waste after mining can be stored safely. It is only
several decades after the mine has been closed that it is possible to say whether
the companies have succeeded. If they failed, then it is leaking into groundwater,
so we risk incalculable problems, Peter Prebble from the Saskatchewan
Environmental Society says.
There's a lot of money, a lot of energy and many jobs at stake in the nuclear industry.
Because of this Jim Penna, from the Inter-Church Uranium Committee, thinks that the
authorities in the uranium mining countries have problems seeing the environmental
and health impacts in a serious manner. What is needed is external pressure, from
the UN for example, he says.
- In the future, the crucial thing is likely to be whether or not there is a much
stronger UN action on uranium mining. The present regulatory regimes
are not powerful enough and do not result in any penalties at all in those
countries where pollution occurs, or where people are adversely affected,
Jim Penna says.
During our stay in Saskatoon, we had no representative from Cameco either to agree
to an interview or to allow us a place in any of the tours of the uranium mining sites in
Saskatchewan. This was despite a total of 5-6 requests before and during our trip report.
Apart from two short phone calls later in our trip, the company chose to communicate with
us only via e-mail.
After the trucks carrying uranium have driven through Saskatoon many of them continue
thousands of kilometers towards the east of Canada, through the neighboring province
of Manitoba to the southwestern part of Ontario.
Here, just outside of the town of Blind River, is the world's largest plant for refining
uranium, which is also operated by Cameco.
Since 1983, the uranium from the mines in Saskatchewan going to Oskarshamn nuclear
power plant, has been processed here. In Blind River uranium is converted to uranium
trioxide. Then there is another plant where the uranium is upgraded to a more highly
active form.
There are people who are concerned about emissions of uranium duist that spreads
over the surrounding region. Not far from here lies the vast mining area at Elliot Lake.
There has also been uranium mining in this area.
The effect on the lives of indigenous people in the surrounding region, due to all the
hazardous substances in the Serpent River, has been described in Magnus Isacsson's
award winning short film "Uranium" from 1990. Lorraine Rekmans, whose father
worked in the underground mines and died from cancer in 2002, has written the book
"This is my Homeland", about how indigenous people have been affected by uranium
mining in the Elliot Lake region.
For decades, uranium used for example in the Oskarshamn nuclear power plant, has
been processed here. Oskarshamn company OKG state that their "Cameco uranium"
comes from Cameco's Canadian mines. The system in terms of uranium imports saying
that there should be original codes, indicating from which country or region, the uranium
is taken.
At our first contacts with OKG in the summer of 2009 representatives of the company
declares that uranium mainly comes from McArthur River mine in Saskatchewan, but
also the Rabbit Lake mine, which is closest to Wollaston Lake, are used frequently.
Impossible to track
But our inquiries and the responses we got from Cameco indicate that there is no
absolutely guarantee that all the uranium for the Oskarshamn reactors comes from
Saskatchewan.
Uranium from other mines around the world is also transported to the processing
plant in Blind River. During our trip in Canada, several people who worked for many
years in the refining facility in Blind River, says that it is impossible to track all of the
uranium's original source.
- If someone says that it is possible to know how much a particular uranium mine
serves a nuclear power plant, that is a pure lie. Uranium derived from several different
countries and a number of mines are mixed in the process of Blind River, one of the
workers we talked to says.
During the final days of our trip to Canada we estbalished a telephone contact with a
representative of Cameco, Doug Prendercast, to ask about this.
- Yes, we can trace the country and the mine, but not all the uranium to one
hundred percent, Doug Prendercast says at first.
But only just about an hour later he calls back to us. He says:
- I must really apologize. I was wrong before when I called. Because of the
processing technology used in Blind River, we can not trace anything. My
colleagues have told me that this is the way it is.
- Sorry I had wrong information earlier, but actually I've never had this question
before.
It is not possible to trace from which mines uranium going to Sweden comes from.
Doug Prendercast, who has worked as an information officer for Cameco for 7-8 years,
says that the uranium that comes to Blind River, and then carried on to countries including
Sweden, can come from any country in which Cameco has uranium mines. These
countries include, for example, the U.S. and Kazakhstan.
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Fredrik Loberg
fredrik.loberg@ostran.se
0491-78 41 00
Hopi Code Talkers Receive Honor Beyond the Mesas
Hopi Code Talkers Receive Honor
Published January 22, 2011 Hopis in MilitaryLeave a CommentTags: Arizona Capitol Times, Eugene Talas,Hopi, Hopi code talkers, Hopi Tribal Council, Hopi Tribal Council Resolution H-024-2011, Hopi Tribe Public Relations, Hopi Veterans Affairs Office,Hopis in military, LeRoy Shingoitewa, Louella Nahsonhoya, SCR1009, State Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committe
For the past few months one of the most pressing Hopi-related issues on my mind has been the proposed Hopi Constitution Draft 24A. However, there are other important happenings out at Hopi that I want to highlight on this blog. Yesterday, theArizona Capitol Times reported that “During Indian Nation and Tribes Legislative Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee voted unanimously to endorse a resolution that would formally honor the 10 members of the Hopi Tribe who served as code talkers.” And one day earlier on January 20, 2011, Louella Nahsonhoya, Public Information Officer of the Hopi Tribe, released the following statement:
—————————————————————-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 20, 2011
The State Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee vote unanimously to endorse SCR1009 which will formally acknowledge and honor 10 Hopi Code Talkers
KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. – On Jan. 11, the Hopi Tribal Council passed Resolution H-024-2011, authored by Eugene Talas, Director of Hopi Veterans Affairs and endorsed by Hopi Vice Chairman Herman G. Honanie to formally recognize Rex Pooyouma and Orville Wadsworth as additional Hopi Code Talkers. The resolution passed unanimously by a vote of 12-0.
Previously, the Hopi Council passed Resolution H-039-2007 acknowledging and recognizing the following men as Hopi Code Talkers during WWII: Franklin Shupla, Warren Koiyaquaptewa, Frank Chapella, Travis Yaiva, Charles Lomakema, Percival Navenma, Perry Honanie Sr., and Floyd Dann, Sr., all who were assigned to the 323rdInfantry Regiment of the 81st Infantry Division, known as the “Wildcat Division”......
For more information, contact Eugene “Geno” Talas at the Hopi Veterans Affairs Office at 928-737-1834 or by email at hopivets@yahoo.com.
###
Read more & explore this site at:
© Matthew Sakiestewa Gilbert and BEYOND THE MESAS, 2009-2011.
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Jekyll Island Conservation Plan Nears Completion
As this newsletter reported a few months ago, the 2004 Jekyll Island Master Plan Update recommended the creation of a conservation plan to manage, conserve and protect Jekyll Island's natural resources and help guide development decisions.
After several false starts, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) has finally released a draft of the recommended Conservation Plan and is accepting public input on it until February 11. Thanks to input from readers like you, the Conservation Plan will be redrafted and will then be discussed at a public meeting on February 23.
The importance of creating a first-rate Conservation Plan for Jekyll Island State Park cannot be overstated, as that document will be the primary means of protecting the island's natural resources against a wide range of threats and stresses, including those associated with real estate development. For this reason, the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island is encouraging concerned citizens to read the draft plan and share their impressions -- brief or detailed -- with the JIA's Conservation Plan Committee. A copy of the plan is available here and comments can be sent to Jay.Exum@aecom.com and tnor
The draft conservation plan has a number of positive features -- such as its extensive inventory of Jekyll's natural resources, comprehensive outline of the threats to the island's wildlife and vegetative communities, and natural resource management prescriptions.
However, if the plan is to reach its full potential, it must provide adequate means for realizing its objectives. With that fact in mind, the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island has identified a number of problems including:
- Inadequate administrative procedure to assess the environmental impact of development proposals.
- Insufficient authority given to conservation staff members to amend or block development proposals that are at odds with conservation objectives.
- Insufficient attention to clarifying the 65% of Jekyll Island required by law to remain in its natural condition.
- Neglect of the concept of Jekyll Island's carrying capacity and how it relates to conservation objectives.
- Inadequate provisions for conservation staffing and for securing the funds needed to implement CP strategies and secure the plan's goals.
Details of this constructive criticism are available here. We need to make the Jekyll Conservation Plan a document of which we can all be proud!
Email your comments and attend the public hearing on February 23rd!
Quick Links
The Georgia Water Coalition is working to collect 5000 signatures to let our elected leaders know that we want our rivers and communities protected from water grabs.
The Board of Natural Resources did not strengthen regulations for Interbasin Transfers on Wednesday, read about it in the Macon Telegraph. Now the Georgia Water Coalition will be asking the General Assembly to step in. Click here to sign the petition.
Sierra Club Meetings
Smart Energy Team Meeting, Monday, February 7th, 6:30p.m. refreshments, 7p.m. start, Colleen Kiernan - colleen.kiernan@sierraclub. Wildlands & Wildlife Committee Meeting, Tuesday, February 15th, 7:00p.m., Phil Zinsmeister - Chair, pzinsmeister@ RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday January 24th, 6:45 p.m., Jim Dexter - Chair, call 678-313-2407, jimdex@aol.com Atlanta Inner City Outings (ICO), Tuesday, February 22nd, January 25th, 7:30p.m., contact Allison Williams adwilliams8@yahoo.com |
Environmental Events
A 1200 megawatt coal-fired power plant is a minor source of hazardous air pollutants? -- February 7th
If you like courtroom television, consider attending the live version as the State of Georgia defends its acquiescence with LS Power's request. The out of state power company is trying to reclassify itself from a major to a minor source of hazardous air pollutants to avoid more stringent requirements.
Our attorneys and experts are not aware of any coal plant of this size being a "minor source" of any pollutants anywhere else in the country.
February 7th at 9:30am at the Office of State Administrative Hearings. 230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 850, (map)
Atlanta Green Drinks -- February 9th
Network with green professionals and friends at H. Harper Station, 904 Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown (map). Click here for more information.
The March Window is coming and we need volunteers! -- February 23rd
The Georgia Chapter sends out its annual appeal to all of our members in March -- almost 10,000! Come to a mail party and stuff and address some envelopes with us. Wednesday, February 23rd 2pm-9pm and Thursday February 24th 2pm-5pm.
Please email Naseem at naseemg.sierraclub@gmail.
Georgia River Network's Weekend for Rivers - February 25th-26th
Join us for two days of informative workshops and conference sessions, as well as field trips, networking opportunities, awards and a great party! At the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. Click here for more information.
Sierra Club 101 is back! Mark your calendar!
Attention, Members! You joined the Sierra Club to help protect the environment -- now what? Sierra Club 101! Come learn about the Sierra Club and how to get involved in our local efforts. Open to members and non-members alike--bring a friend! Refreshments provided. March 12, June 11, Sept 10, Dec 10th, 10:30-12. RSVP to sybil.cypress@gmail.com
Show your support to these students that are standing up for the rights and dignity of all our people- it will only take 5 minutes- only 3 sentences! or you can use this as an example-
be sure to cc: reynoso.cheyenne@gmail.com
Pilayame/Megwetch/Thank you
in advance for your cooperation
______________________________
http://www.facebook.com/note.
January 30, 2011
VIA EMAIL (taparham@uci.edu)
Assistant Vice Chancellor Thomas Parham
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-5075
Re: Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity
“Pilgrims and Indians” Party
Dear Mr. Parham:
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and outrage regarding the theme event held by the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity this past Fall.
I have read the formal statement provided to UCI by the American Indian Student Association (AISA) and am in complete agreement with their position and demands. I am shocked that UCI ignored the concerns and formal complaints from AISA regarding this event, which were voiced well in advance, and that the “Pilgrims & Indians” theme party was nevertheless allowed to commence despite UCI’s knowledge of the legitimate grievances of AISA.
I should not have to tell you that it is incumbent upon UCI—as well as any other institution of learning—to provide an environment that respects and supports its students; not only in their academic endeavors, but in their ability to thrive as individuals. UCI allowed a hostile, divisive and deeply offensive event to occur on its campus and through one of its fraternities—with the full and prior knowledge of the concerns of AISA-- and is therefore equally guilty by virtue of its inaction. And, in fact, UCI should and will be held to a higher standard of accountability and culpability than even the members of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity will be. While it is bad enough that frat members hosted a theme party that perpetuated racism, stereotyping and discrimination, it is simply mindboggling that not a single individual within a rather large academic body of experienced and seasoned adults was able to recognize the inherent problem at hand and put a stop to it before it ever occurred.
As an aside, I have to wonder whether UCI would have allowed an event to take place that parodied African Americans, where fraternity members dressed in blackface, or dressed in Zulu Warrior outfits? Or an event that stereotyped Latinos? Asians? Would the ensuing student outrage for such events been sufficient to garner the attention of UCI? Why, then, are the voices and concerns of Native American students falling on deaf ears? Is their right to respect and cultural integrity any less valid than those of other groups?
I would strongly encourage you to meet with AISA members and work closely with them toward a resolution of this matter. While UCI may perceive this to be little more than an isolated campus-related event, I can assure you that this incident will not soon be forgotten, and you will find that it is in fact a much larger issue with the support of many voices across the country, all echoing the same words of AISA.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Yuhas Gall
queserasera1119@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/l/
http://www.facebook.com/
Show your support to these students that are standing up for the rights and dignity of all our people- it will only take 5 minutes- only 3 sentences! or you can use this as an example-
be sure to cc: reynoso.cheyenne@gmail.com
Pilayame/Megwetch/Thank you
in advance for your cooperation
http://www.facebook.com/
______________________________
January 30, 2011
VIA EMAIL (taparham@uci.edu)
Assistant Vice Chancellor Thomas Parham
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-5075
Re: Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity
“Pilgrims and Indians” Party
Dear Mr. Parham:
We are writing to express our shock, disappointment and anger regarding the theme event held by the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity this past Fall.
We have read the formal statement provided to UCI by the American Indian Student Association (AISA) and we are in complete agreement with their position and demands. We understand that the AISA followed through with proper protocol in making a complaint about this event and the fact that UCI ignored the concerns and complaints is what shocked and outraged us even more. Even more outrageous; was despite UCI’s knowledge of the legitimate grievances of AISA, your University offered transportation to an event. Not only did the UC system not follow their own policies and procedure but in providing transportation they supported and contributed to the racism and suggests the event was sanctioned by your school, how does that work? A racist event approved by your school?
Ms. Dixie Pauline, an Indigenous Scholar in Northern California, eloquently states- “What effects do such acts have on Native communities? To quote some Bay Area native community members about a similar event: "The Native costume perpetuates damaging, misleading, and deeply offensive stereotypes. It also perpetuates the idea that anyone can espouse a certain cultural aesthetic with disregard to the peoples whom identify and live by that culture. It is disrespectful of Native American ceremonial rituals and regalia for non-natives to don their own aberrations of what they think Native attire might be.”
Poking fun at the sacredness of our culture: - is PROFANE, as it is unacceptable.
Ms. Pauline goes one to state, “Native peoples are some of the only oppressed peoples in this country that are continually ignored in their requests to not be characterized and romanticized. The results have real and tangible effects on Native youth especially, and the community as a whole. Scholars such as Stephanie Fryber from the Univeristy of Arizona have done great work on stereotype threat, and the very significant reality it has in the Native community due to our invisibility in mainstream society. We encourage you to read Stephanie Fryberg's study entitled "Honor or harm: The effects of American Indian mascots on American Indian selves (with H.R. Markus, D Oyserman, and J.M. Stone)." Whether intended not, this 'playing Indian' by non-indian peoples are acts of spiritual appropriation and degradation. Every year controversy and dialogue erupts across the nation when a few white college frat boys dress in black face (& rightfully so!) Native communities have to witness this with every kid who dresses up like Pocahontas on Halloween, or every time they turn on the TV to watch the Redskins, Braves, or Indians play. It's disrespectful and racist to imitate and appropriate indigenous people and indigenous culture in the same fashion you would a spider man costume or a sesame street theme party. It is what allows non-Native peoples to feel entitlement and that they can rightfully own indigenous peoples identity and land.”
The fact that UCI allowed this Fraternity to have this “Pilgrims and Indians” Racist Party, was wrong. The fact that UCI and officials participated in the transportation of this event, even after there was a complaint filed showed total disregard and disrespect for the Native American Students- and lacked total common sense. Why would the University California Irvine play a role in the disrespect and degragation of Native Americans? and make it socially acceptable at your school? Is this the kind of “Diversity programs” your school boasts about on your website? We know that you receive numerous Federal Grants to support those programs, as well as provide for the advertisement of their Diversity- how will UCI’s participation in this racist event, affect those grants?
Disciplinary action must be implemented to the employee or employees, that allowed this disgraceful event to occur, and that were aware of the complaint and still went ahead with overseeing the transportation. These employees should be severely reprimanded and/or terminated from employment. University California Irvine should be a safe place for everyone and should not tolerate any type of racial or sexual misconduct against anyone.
The American Indian Movement of Southern California will stand in close and complete support and solidarity with these students. We strongly encourage you to meet with AISA members and work closely with them toward a resolution of this matter. While UCI may perceive this to be little more than an isolated campus-related event, we can assure you that this incident will not soon be forgotten, and you will find that it is in fact a much larger issue with the support of many voices across the country, all echoing the same words of AISA.
Sincerely,
Corine Fairbanks
American Indian Movement Southern California
http://www.facebook.com/l/
http://www.facebook.com/l/
http://www.facebook.com/group.
http://www.facebook.com/l/
http://www.facebook.com/l/
Since 28.01.2011 1505 people have participated in this protest action.
- The mining corporation has already marked trees for logging inside a forest belonging to the indigenous Palawan.
Palawan is the third largest island group in the Philippines and a biodiversity hotspot, home to 49 animal and 56 plant species which are threatened with global extinction according to the international conservation organisation IUCN.
UNESCO declared the entire Province of Palawan a Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1990 – a diverse natural landscape with tropical rainforests, montane forests, mangroves and coral reefs. The spectacular Tubbataha Reef Marine Park and the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Parc have been designated as World Heritage Sites by Unesco.
The southern part of the main island is home to the indigenous Palawan, some of them are living in partial isolation. Their livelihood is based on swidden cultivation, hunting and gathering, and commercial collection of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Lowland Palawan also engage in cultivation of coconuts and processing of copra, as well as in animal rearing. In 1992, a Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (SEP) was drawn up through massive support from European Union, which is to promote sustainable development, under consideration of nature conservation and the livelihoods and consent of the population. It also demarcates core zones which are to be absolutely protected and other zones, where activities are restricted and controlled. The SEP Programme has been supported by the European Union, which has also invested 17 million Euros in the Palawan Tropical Forestry Protection Programme (PTFPP). PTFPP is a 7-year special project, which started in 1995 with the objective of assisting forest preservation in Palawan through catchment approach, with sustainable development strategy implemented by the communities. Nevertheless, many people on the island complains that most of the money was used to pay disproportionally high salaries to foreign consultants, project directors/managers and government officials and that, ultimately, the project has left behind little tangible evidences of success.
In spite of all conservation efforts and investments, the Provincial Government of Palawan seems to favour the intensification of mineral exploitation on the island, in compliance with the policy of mining revitalization passed in 1995, during the former administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. MacroAsia Mining Corporation, Ipilan Nickel Mining Corporation and LEBACH are making claims to protected zones and cultivated land, where they have already excavated test-pits and made deep drilling-holes. Specifically, this has also occurred in the upland forests of Brooke's points, which are home to indigenous communities, and in the Gantong Watersheds. Further south, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) has already built roads across the Bulanjao mountain range, thus undermining the integrity of a unique biodiversity hotspot. All of this has been documented by the indigenous network ALDAW with photos, GPS and a videos.
Very soon, the Governor of Palawan and Chair of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development will make a crucial decision on whether to give the green light to MacroAsia, Ipilan Nickel and LEBACH to pursue their mining activities in forested land.
UNESCO must act immediately, so as not to lose their reputation as a respected protector of natural and cultural heritage. They must not allow the unique habitats of Palawan and the livelihoods of the population to be sacrificed by short-sighted policy makers and greedy companies. The work of the murdered journalist Gerry Ortega must not have been in vain.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
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The Secretary has asked the Forest Service and USDA OTR to provide a final report and recommendations for sacred site policy changes and proposed policy language by November 2011, following the conclusion of Tribal consultation.
Inviting Tribal Participation
The USDA and the Forest Service request your participation in another telephonic listening session, scheduled for February 14, 2011, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please dial-in to the listening session at (888) 469-1285 and enter passcode 5116673.Those requiring TTY/Captioning Access may link to http://www.fedrcc.us//
Please note, there will be multiple opportunities throughout the course of this effort for tribes and others to meet face-to-face with Forest Service and USDA officials through more local, in-person listening sessions, or in conjunction with certain national or regional meetings of intertribal organizations. In addition, government-to-government consultation with federally recognized tribes will take place in summer 2011 to hear those tribes' input and recommendations on a draft report to the Secretary which will be developed based on the listening sessions.
Proposed Timeline
The proposed timeline for this initiative is as follows:- November 2010 – March 2011
The Forest Service and USDA OTR will first engage the Tribes in listening sessions specific to Sacred Sites procedures. - March – April 2011
The Forest Service and USDA OTR will prepare a report for the Secretary, including recommendations for new Sacred Sites procedures. - May – August 2011
The Forest Service and USDA OTR will conduct Government-to-Government consultation on the draft report and its recommendations. - September – October 2011
The Forest Service and USDA OTR will write the final report and refine the recommendations for the Secretary. - November 2011
The Secretary of Agriculture will review the final report with recommendations and proposed procedural changes.
Previous Sacred Sites Listening Sessions
Transcript of the calls are available by request. Please send transcript requests toTribalSacredSites@fs.fed.us.Background Materials
- Sacred Sites – Questions & Answers for the Review of USDA & Forest Service Policies and Procedures for the Accommodation of Indian Sacred Sites(PDF, 123 KB).
- Review of USDA & Forest Service Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Indian Sacred Sites: Summary of Summary of 2003-2007 Forest Service Sacred Sites Policy Review (PDF, 125 KB)
- Policy Review and Consultation Regarding Tribal Sacred Sites on National Forest System Land (November 9, 2010) (PDF, 43 KB) - Forest Service Chief Tidwell's letter to line officers requesting their participation.
- USDA Forest Service News Release: USDA American Indian sacred sites procedures go under review (November 24, 2010)
- Tribal Participants Letter from the USDA Under Secretary and the Forest Service Chief (PDF, 1.1 MB) - On November 3, 2010, USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment, Harris Sherman, and Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell jointly signed a letter asking Tribes for their assistance. The letter also invited Tribes to participate in the first national telephonic listening session that occurred on November 29, 2010.
Contact
Please send comments, concerns, and questions to TribalSacredSites@fs.fed.ushttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee Blog Update
Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council Demands Immediate Release of Leonard Peltier Posted: 31 Jan 2011 07:39 AM PST Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council Resolution Condemning the Illegal Imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and Demanding His Immediate Release January 29, 2011 – Prairie Winds Casino, Pine Ridge Reservation WHEREAS, the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Nation Council assembled in quorum along with representatives of the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Nations present from January 27‐29 2011 at the Prairie Winds Casino on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and WHEREAS, the United States has violated Article I and Article II of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, by failing to remove and, or, punish “bad men” who commit wrongs against the Lakota people and by failing to remove non‐tribal members illegally residing in the treaty territory, and WHEREAS, Leonard Peltier was one of a number of warriors who came to the defense of the Oyate and the traditional government after repeated acts of violence by agents of the United States government and others subject to U.S. government jurisdiction, and WHEREAS, Leonard Peltier’s conviction is built upon fraudulent affidavits coerced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and bolstered by falsified physical evidence from the F.B.I. lab, and WHEREAS, Leonard Peltier has been illegally held as a political prisoner by the United States government since 1976, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council declares that the continued imprisonment of Leonard Peltier by the United States government is illegal, immoral and unjust, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council demands the immediate release of Leonard Peltier. C‐E‐R‐T‐I‐F‐C‐A‐T‐I‐O‐N I, the undersigned Secretary of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, do hereby certify that the above resolution has been approved by consensus of all delegations of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, effective January 29, 2011. ATTEST: Chief Oliver Red Cloud, Itancan Frederick Cedar Face, Secretary @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Announcing ...
Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development’s Dialogue on Leadership and Empowerment: Indigenous Voices at the United Nations REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED (Available February 1, 2011) Due to very limited space there is a limit of (5) registrants per group / organization -- please call our office first week of February for more information as needed) This one-day introductory workshop on Indigenous Peoples’ diplomacy is designed primarily for Native American/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian/Indigenous/First Nations Peoples (and will receive in preference for registration) and those working in direct partnership and/or in ally relationships with Native community-based projects and tribal initiatives. The workshop will focus on the United Nations, including the basics of navigating the UN system, building understanding and strategies for implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples(DRIP), and participation in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Topics will also include: Self-determination, climate justice, free, prior and informed consent. We are honored to culminate the day in a “Listening Session” with Grand Chief Edward John (Tl'azt'en Nation) North American Regional Representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for 2011-2013. Time will be set aside for Native communities and Tribal Nations to share the issues impacting their peoples, cultures, homelands, ecosystems, sovereignty, etc...with the new North American Regional Representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (specific protocol and details on this item to be announced) Presentations from the following and other Indigenous Experts:
Registration Required due to very limited space – Call 707-825-7640 the first week of February to receive registration info Elahkwa – Thank you, Tia Tia Oros Peters, Executive Director Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development PO Box 4569 Arcata, California 95518 USA Office Ph: 707-825-7640 x111 Fax: 707-825-7639 Cell Ph: 707-362-6447 tia@7genfund.org http://www.facebook.com/tia. www.7genfund.org An Indigenous Peoples’ identity based fund supporting sovereignty and justice through community empowerment 1977-2011 |
New Office to Serve as Advocates for Tribal Veterans
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the creation of a new Office of Tribal Government Relations to ensure the more than 200,000 Veterans who are American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians receive the VA benefits they have earned.“There is a long, distinguished tradition of military service among tribal peoples,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is committed to providing these Veterans with the full range of VA programs, as befits their service to our nation.”
Although VA has long provided benefits to Veterans in tribal lands, the new office will further strengthen and expand that relationship.
Stephanie Elaine Birdwell, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation from Oklahoma, has been selected as the office’s first director. A former social worker, she has spent nearly 15 years working on tribal issues with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and, most recently, the Bureau of Indian Education.
She will oversee a six-person office responsible for “establishing, maintaining and coordinating a nation-to-nation, federal-tribal relationship,” according to a VA briefing.
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People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe to the VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution
List.http://www.va.gov/opa/
VA seeks to build stable and enduring relationships with tribes by:
- Communicating with Tribes on a government-to-government basis in recognition of their sovereignty.
- Requiring that communications address Tribal concerns between Tribes and the Department.
- Assessing, through consultation with tribal leaders, the effect of proposed actions by the Department that may have a potential to significantly affect tribal rights and prerogatives.
- Removing, to the extent possible, procedural or regulatory impediments to the Department working directly and effectively with tribes on activities that may affect tribal rights and prerogatives.
- Coordinating, with other federal agencies and in consultation with Tribes, to minimize duplicative interactions with Tribes or requests for information or actions from Tribes.
- Ensuring that the Department fully and often consults and communicates with Tribal governments on issues important to the Tribe through a process of government-to-government dialogue. Consultation with Tribes requires that Department officials recognize that whenever actions by the Department may have potential to significantly affect protected tribal resources, tribal rights or Indian lands, the Department will provide the affected Tribes with an early opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.
- Providing timely notice to, and consulting with, Tribal Governments prior to taking any actions that may have the potential to significantly affect protected tribal resources, rights or lands. First notification to tribal leadership must be given sufficiently in advance to allow tribes to prepare. The more complex the matter, the more lead time that should be allowed for Tribal leaders to prepare a response.
- Consulting in good faith, early and often, in any decision-making processes that affect Tribes, their rights or lands. That any proposal to develop, revise or eliminate a policy, regulation or law that would affect tribal governments should go through a consultation process.
- Developing and maintaining effective communication, coordination and cooperation with tribes, especially at the tribal leadership level.
- Honoring the government-to-government relationship and promoting tribal self-determination by committing to improve communication and consultation.
- Department representatives for consultation should include: a person who is well informed about the Department’s proposal and a decision maker who is responsible for making the decision on the matter to work with individuals designated by tribal leadership.
- The Department will honor and recognize distinct tribal cultures, protect and preserve their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise their traditional religions, and the freedom to worship through ceremonial and traditional rites.
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