>From the VPAT statement of mission:
"Veterans Peace Actions Teams is a nonviolent and nondiscriminatory
organization committed to honor and respect the sovereignty of
nations and the self-determination of all people. VPAT believes
justice is the main prerequisite in achieving world peace and
therefore strives to end all oppression."
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Hopi Elders Speak
U.S. government and multi-national corporate interests have
portrayed the relocation struggle as a conflict between Hopi and
Navajo people. In reality, the U.S. government and these
multi-national interests have created this conflict to detract from
the real issues of land and mineral exploitation. We are pleased to
print the following public statement in an effort to clarify this
false dispute.
To Whom It May Concern:
When Hopi arrived at the Sacred Land, they met Maasaw. The people
asked him to be their leader. Maasaw declined their invitation,
telling them that they were not yet ready to fully accept His
leadership, for they were still consumed with selfish desires. The
Hopi would need to work through this mortal dilemma, a test, within
themselves first. As the Hopi near the final stages of their test,
more and more people have been tricked into following false ways.
Maasaw's warning has gone unheeded, for today, many Hopi have sold
their soul, their very birthright for the favors and promises of a
corrupt society. The dire consequences of the action is that it has
almost cost the Hopi their self-reliance.
The Hopi who feel that a turning point has been reached are faced
with a decision, a choice which must be made: "When Pahana's
"progress" is desired, let those who want it, live where it already
exists, but when the Hopi Way is preferred, give those the right to
protect the Sacred Land from Pahana's intrusions."
Let there be no misunderstanding - the lineage of the Hotevilla
leadership will not deviate from the instructions as given by
Maasaw. The founder of the Hotevilla, Yukeoma, spent thirty years
of his life in prison, because he did not want to betray the Hopi
Spirit. It is time that the Hopi who broke under the pressure of
big business and the United States government come to realize that
they have relinquished their covenant with Maasaw. They are no
longer guardians of the Heart of the Earth.
The Hopi were foretold that in endtime, many of their people would
fail the test. Some would claim authority over the Sacred Land, but
their "authority" and "leadership" would be as worthless as the money
received for selling out the Hopi. The Tribal Council was set up
through the arbitrary use of law (a democratic scam) and therefore
has no legal basis for it's actions. To ask the Hopi to send
representatives to the Council and perpetuate it's illegality is
ludicrous. Furthermore, the Council listed a few examples of their
handling of Hopi concerns:
1. 'The Council has defended the Hopi land base againsts efforts
by the Navajo tribe to take Hopi land...'
In fact, the Hopi gave the Navajo permission to live on Hopi lands,
with the promise that the Navajo would protect the sacred land
against Pahana's intrusions. This agreement was sealed with the
Navajo giving their medicine bundles to the Hopi. Similarly, as
with the Hopi, many of the Navajo have sold out to big businesses
and the United States Government. Having the Navajo removed from
the Hopi land means that it simply becomes easier for the
"Hopi Council" to have Hopi lands raped and plundered.
2. 'The Council took the lead in successfully fighting Peabody
Coal Co. and the Federal government to force meaningful efforts
to stop pumping groundwater for coal slurry pipeline
purposes...'
The mining at the Sacred Land is as illegal as the Tribal
Council. Furthermore, the Council would never bite the hand that
feeds them! Who is kidding who?
The Council has also complained about so-called "outside
interference", making it difficult for them to communicate. Let
it be perfectly clear that millions of dollars and "expert
advice" come from an exploitative society and none of it is
conducive to the protection of the Sacred Lands.
Ever since the "Hopi Tribal Council" has been forced upon the
Hopi, the number of "Do's" and "Don'ts" have been increasing at
Hopi land. They have enacted "exclusion laws" without Hopi
consent. Soon they will come into our very homes to impose
building codes on us! Additionally, some of our friends have been
harassed by their police, which is embarrassing to us. The
Council even tried to intimidate some of our leaders who escorted
visitors who were taking pictures.
The Council's hidden agenda is clear. They want to unite the Hopi
under a foreign banner for political reasons. As they have
already admitted 'to maximize their lobbying power...'
...We have spoken,
Signed,
Hopi Mothers and Fathers.
(excerpted with permission by Manuel Hoyungowa.)
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Michele Lord * Walk in Peace with
(milo@scicom.alphacdc.com) * our Mother Earth
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