Ever since the arrival of Columbus 500 years ago there has been a
terrible contradiction in the Americas (and around the world) between
the "discoverers" and the native peoples approach to the land and the
preservation of life itself. Nowhere is that more obvious than the
struggle over nuclear weapons today. Although human life existed on this
planet for about 2.4 million years, only in the last half century, has
so-called "civilized man" made vast tracts of the Earth uninhabitable
for untold generations to come.
No developed nation tests its own weapons on its own lands. All
nuclear testing is done on indigenous people's lands. Thousands of
Marshal Islanders were radiated by U.S. testing in the 50's, and the
French have tested both in Algeria and Tahiti. China tests on ugyur. In
KAZAKHSTAN where the Soviets tested, one out of every four children is
born with birth defects. The United States and Britain (whose tests
affected 11 different indigenous nations in Australia) now test in
Nevada. The Western Shoshone are the rightful custodians of this land,
affirmed by the Treaty of Ruby Valley signed in 1863.
With over 900 bombs exploded they are the most bombed nation on
earth. Shoshone, Paiutes and other downwind communities suffer from
cancer, leukemia, thyroid problems, and birth defects. In addition, in
the U.S. 70% of all uranium reserves lie beneath Indian lands. Navaho,
Havasupai, and others are poisoned by dust and waters from these mines.
In Canada the Cree suffer the same fate.
THE WESTERN SHOSHONE NATION ARE INVITING CONCERNED PEOPLE FROM AROUND
THE WORLD TO JOIN THEM FOR 10 DAYS TO STOP NUCLEAR TESTING IN NEVADA IN
OCTOBER OF 1992. A series of events entitled Healing Global Wounds is
being planned for October 12th by the Global Anti-Nuclear Alliance, a
worldwide network of anti-nuclear activists. We hope that you can join
us all at this historic time.
The attached response form outlines many ways for you to participate,
from organizing a local caravan, to advertising the event in your
group's publication. Future materials will be posted at a later date and
sent to those who respond, including how to organize in your area,
approach the media etc.
In this year, 1992, the possibility of a nuclear testing moratorium
and a comprehensive test ban is closer than ever before. The 500th
anniversary of the invasion of the Americas is concentrating on the
struggles of this country's native people, and the November elections
are focusing the eyes of this nation on the bloated military and nuclear
budget. We feel we can be no place else on October 12th. Please join us
if you can!
Raymond D. Yowell
Chief, Western Shoshone Nation
Participating groups to date: Abalone Alliance, Alliance of Atomic
veterans, American Peace Test, Citizen Alert, Citizen Alert Native
American Program, Citizens Call, Eugene Peaceworks, European Peace
Pilgrimage, Food Not Bombs, Gensuikin(Japan), Global Anti-Nuclear
Alliance, Grandmothers for Peace, Great Basin and Southern Nevada Green
Alliance, 100th Monkey, Mobilization for Survival, National Association
of Radiation Survivors, Nevada Desert Experience, Nevada - Semipalatinsk
Movement (Kazakhstan), Oregon Peaceworks, Peace Test Campaign (Germany),
Seeds of Peace, Shivwits Paiutes, Snake river Alliance, Tri-Valley
Cares, Walk Across America for Mother Earth, Western Shoshone National
Council, Western States Legal Foundation.
Schedule of Events:
October 2 Welcome European Peace Walkers
Two different groups left the east coast on Feb. 1,
and will be arriving for the events, 8 months later. A
reception will be held to welcome them.
October 3-4 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES FORUM
**** Documentation and Testimony of human rights
violations ***** Self Determination and Land Rights
resolutions **** Medical effects of nuclear weapons,
development, production, and testing **** Economic
Consequences and conversion of Nevada Test Site.
October 5 PRESS CONFERENCE AND DIRECT ACTION AT THE DOE
A press conference will be held at the DOE Las Vegas
Operations Office, to announce the findings of the
forum. Following the Press Conference, We will demand
a response from the DOE and those who are moved will
sit-in until a response is made or they are physically
removed.
October 5-9 PEACE WALKS CONTINUE
The Walk Across America For Mother Earth, and European
Peace Pilgrimage will be joined by others and finish
walking to their destination, the Nevada Test Site.
A 5 day 60 mile trek...all are invited to join...
October 10 ALL NATIONS INDIGENOUS HEALING CEREMONY
Spiritual leaders from many peoples are planning an
all day ceremony, dedicated to the healing of the
earth, and all life upon it.
October 11-12 MULTI-CULTURAL EVENTS AT THE NEVADA TEST SITE
Workshops, sweat lodges, cultural and musical
events and direct action are planned during the
encampment at the test site from October 8 - 12th.
The main program event will be on October 11th. On
the 12th a commemoration of 500 years of resistance.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
HEALING GLOBAL WOUNDS RESPONSE FORM
Yes, We want to be a part of healing Global wounds!
[ ] Regional Organizer: We would like to organize the groups in
Region to participate, and function as a regional center.
[ ] Area Organizer: I would like to organize people from our
group and/or immediate area to come to the event.
[ ] Information and Local Media Contact: We are able to organize
for this event but would like to be the local contact for
information and the media.
[ ] We can Publicize in our newsletter & meeting place
[ ] We want to endorse this project
[ ] We want to attend International Organizing Meetings
(Next Meeting Aug. 22 and 23 in Las Vegas, NV)
Organization____________________________________________________
Contact Person__________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________Fax_________________ Peacenet_________
Address__________________________________________________________
City_______________________State______zip_______________________
************** astingsh@ksuvm