Since signing on to your network a few weeks ago I have read numerous and very
well written letters and articles concerning events that one does not see or
hear about daily. I also receive the Indian Country News by mail, so you can
understand why I was delighted to learn of your existence. I sincerely hope
that I can contribute to your excellent efforts in some small way. Attached
are four letters that I recently sent to the President and Vice-President via
E-mail. To date I have not heard back from them. I also sent these, via fax,
to members of the Congressional Committe on Indian Affairs. As of now members
of Congress are not connected to electronic mail, but are currently being
tested. I have a listing of their fax numbers (they appeared recently in the
Indian Country News) if anyone would like to write to them, plus I have a
listing of the other members fax numbers. If everyone on this network were to
send electronic mail daily to these people, perhaps someone in Washington will
finally get the message that Native Americans are not to be forgotten. (I also
sent a fax
to the Brzilian Embassy last week in abhoring the recent massacre of the
YANOMAMI
in their country.)
Perhaps you might wonder why I have such an affinity for indigenous peoples,
cultures, music, etc. In my family tree I have ancestors who belonged to the
Chippewa Nation (my great-great-great grandparents). This would make me only
1/32nd Native American, but its what you feel in your heart, soul, and mind
that gives you empathy with peoples. Maybe this is why all of my closest
friends here are from other countries (Iran, Iraq, Mexico, etc.). Also being
married to someone from Mexico might have something to do with it. Knowing
that my children are Mexican-American (I don't like labels) is something I am
proud of, because they can point with pride to being descended from the great
races of Mexico (Aztecs, Mayas, Toltecs, Olmecs, etc.). It's too bad that
there isn't a statue here in Washington as there is in Mexico City, honoring
Native Americans (a statue honoring Cuatemoc, the last great Aztec chief).
Having lived in Mexico for six months (in the country among the pueblo), I
really wish people here could accept Mexicans and others with brown skin,
here, the same way I was treated there, as if I were one of them. That is the
biggest problem in the world today. No one wants or cares to understand the
cultures of other people.
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I have a question for anyone out there from the Chippewa or Delaware Nations.
Where I was born is a small town (Otsego) in the state of Ohio. My sister is
doing research on this area (specifically Chief White Eyes) to trace our native
roots. On the plot of land where my father used to grow his garden, there was
once a Delaware village. There are two creeks in this area, named Wills Creek
and White Eyes (both after Chief Wills and Chief White Eyes).
If someone is familiar in this area, could you please send it by E-mail
or to:
Carol Welker
10890 Friendship Drive
Route 1
New Concord, OH 43762
Thank you very much for listening to me. Let me know if I can be of service to
you in any way.
Sincerely
Glenn Welker
P.S. - Has anyone heard of the artist (Swedish, I believe) who has been
traveling through South America making plaster casts of different groups
of people? He has an unique museum in Lima, Peru. What is gratifying is that
he takes back to all the villages he visits a copy of his statues, giving back
something to native peoples instead of always taking. He also is planning to
travel through the United States doing the same thing. (I saw this on a National
Geographic Special.)
P.S.S. - Another question? Are there any articles written on the ancient pyramid
city of Cahokia,
located in the Mississippi Valley?
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Four Letters that can be sent to the President & Vice-President via E-mail
The Honorable William Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington DC. 20500
Dear President Clinton,
InterNet Address: president@whitehouse.gov
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The Honorable Albert Gore
Vice President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington DC. 20500
Dear Vice-President Gore,
InterNet Address: vice.president@whitehouse.gov
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(1)
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I am writing to urge your support of legislation to amend the
American Indian Religious Freedom Act. As a strong believer in the
First Amendments protection of religious freedom, I find it appalling
that American Indians are still denied one of the most fundamental
constitutional
rights that many American citizens take for granted.
I understand that American Indian religious sacred sites have little
or no protection under current laws, and that sacred sites can be developed
or destroyed in the name of progress, regardless of the sanctity American
Indians feel for these sites. I wonder how other Americans would feel
if someone proposed bulldozing the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington
Monument. While these are not sacred sites in a religious sense the
importance of these sites to the American people cannot be disputed.
For example, it is my understanding that American Indians are not
allowed to practice their beliefs within our prison system, or are subject
to stringent requirements, whereas other prisoners can practice their
various faiths with little or no restrictions. By supporting these
amendments to the 1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act, I believe
this and other issues concerning American Indian religious Freedom can
be strengthened and brought up to an equal level with all other religious
beliefs, as guaranteed by the United States Constitution.
I understand that the Native American Church uses peyote in their
worship services, much like Christians use wine, and that States discriminate
against American Indians for this practice and consider the use of peyote
illegal. I still believe that American Indians have the right to practice
their religions according to their customs, much as the Judeo-Christians'
religion practice according to their customs. This is just one of the
many issues American Indians face when it comes to their freedom of
religion.
Because most Native American religions and ceremonies hold certain
plants and animals sacred, I understand that the use of eagle feathers
should be permitted by Native practitioners in accordance with the 1978
American Indian Religious Freedom Act. The draft amendments would permit
the religious use of eagles except where the Secretary of the Dept.
of the Interior determines that a species "is endangered or threatened
and is negatively affected by religious takings."
Finally, please do not confuse this legislation (also known as
the Religious Freedom Restoration Act) with other legislation introduced
last session by former Cong. Solarz to restore the "compelling interest"
requirement that the state must actually have a reason to interfere
with religion. The remedy offered
in the previous Solarz bill is not sufficient to ensure religious freedom
for American Indians. SEPARATE LEGISLATION IS NEEDED. I am looking
forward to your support on this important issue.
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(2)
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The American people have spoken out for change and progress and
have vested their trust in your words and actions. Therefore, I find
it a moral obligation to bring to your attention a case of injustice
so outrageous that it must be remedied immediately.
Leonard Peltier has spent nearly seventeen years in federal prison,
illegally convicted of killing two FBI agents at point blank range.
The government has since conceded that it does not know who fired the
killing shots during the June 26th, 1975 firefight on the Pine Ridge
Indian Reservation in South Dakota which included 30-40 Indian activists
and well over 100 FBI agents, BIA police, and tribal police known as
the Goon Squad. Senior Circuit Judge Gerald Heaney, a man who wrote
to Mr. George Bush asking for consideration of a sentence reduction
for Leonard Peltier, has stated that the FBI was "equally to blame"
for the events that day. Yet, Mr. Peltier is the only person serving
a prison sentence for the shoot-out, a sentence that spans twice his
natural life.
Documentation uncovered long after his conviction indicates that
the government knowingly used fabricated evidence to extradite him
from Canada and to influence the jury, coerced witnesses, committed
perjury, and withheld exculpatory evidence. Today the government argues
that Mr. Peltier should remain in prison despite admitting that they
have no real evidence against him, claiming that he was prosecuted for
both first degree murder and aiding and abetting. Anyone familiar with
the legal proceedings and possessing even the most rudimentary reading
skills can see that this is an outright lie.
Leonard Peltier was a potential leader. He was considered a threat
because he is a good organizer and his love for his people and traditions
rub off on those around him. From his prison cell he still guides his
people through his wonderful art work and ideas which he instructs supporters
to put into motion. A health plan is in its beginning stages. He has
donated a painting to establish a scholarship for deserving Native American
law students. He asks for food and clothing to be delivered to the
poorest of the reservations. In fact. he was a nominee for last year's
Nobel Peace Prize. He is supported by many Congressmen and Senators,
world religious leaders. and Amnesty International. Millions of signatures
have been collected supporting his release.
I urge you as a concerned citizen and registered voter to take
immediate action in this blatant case of injustice. In the land of
the free and home of the brave, Leonard Peltier's imprisonment is totally
unacceptable.
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(3)
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Letter to Mr. Clinton - from W. J. Davey III - Abenaki Nation) *
I'm writing you in reference to the Abenaki Indians. As the President
of the United Slates, you should be aware of the recent Supreme Court
ruling in favor of the State of Vermont (not in favor of the Abenaki).
The Supreme Court's decision stated that: the moment Vermont was declared
a Republic (1791), the Native Indians within the republic's boundaries
were automatically stripped of their inherent rights!
But, you see, this ruling more than stretches the imagination ...
to the point where you wonder ... which laws, on which planets, did
the court be its Judgment? Even a fifth-grade history student knows
that the Abenakis never made consensual transfer of land or rights to
the Republic of Vermont! Furthermore, even if the early Vermont settlers
(Allen Brothers) contacted with the British and/or French and/or other
Colonial American States, in reference to Abenakis ... these said Vermont
settlers did not contract directly with the Abenakis.
And, this said, one of the most fundamental principles of intentional
law from its inception is that treaties can only bind the parties--third
parties may not be bound without their express consent. Thus, Abenakis,
though they may be in the wording of contracts between Vermont and Federal
and/or International treaties, they did not participate in, or consent
to the treaties! With only a short study in Constitutional history,
one can see, that the Constitution was not intended to give congress
a license to encroach on the sovereignty of Indian Nations!
There exists today a very strong case to be made that Indian Nations
are not subject to the Constitution because they existed prior to its
adoption and have inherent powers whereas the Constitution is a document
of delegated and ceded powers. I ask you, Mr. President, how can the
courts and congress subject the Abenakis to a rule of law to which they
have not consented? I believe our forefathers set up this U.S. government
with full intentions of a fair system of checks and balances. However,
our government seems to have regressed into a protect its own self interests
form of government ! The courts mostly rule in favor of the legislative
branches of the States, when it comes to legitimate claims brought
forward by Native Indians of these States. I hope you can look into
this case: (State of Vermont vs. Abenaki Nation) in detail.
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(4)
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LETTER OF SUPPORT to Bill Clinton - by KANENTIIO (Doug George) IROQUOIS
Nation *
(Bill Clinton's victory built on Native American traditions)
On Tuesday, November 3, 1992 a young man from the lower social
and economic classes, tempered by adversity, challenged by ambition
and secure in the strength of his character defied the odds and won
the most powerful political office in the world. The Iroquois were
pleased, not necessarily because Bill Clinton won the election but because
the fundamental principles of American democracy, as taught to European
ancestors by ours, was affirmed.
It was not so long ago. when a flood of homeless refugees, driven
by despair, hunger and disease, came to the eastern shores of America
searching for a better way of life. They were wretched people, weak
and sick, ill prepared to survive in the New World. They had left a
European continent ignorant of liberty, where despotic monarchs ruled
by force and coercion, where governments were the exclusive prerogative
of the rich and titled.
For the common man there was little opportunity to rise above his
station in life as he spent most of his waking hours in arduous labor
not simply to survive, but to sustain the extravagant lifestyles of
his masters. By leaving the sewage sodden slums that were London, Paris
and Rome, the refugee gambled with his existence. He chose the unknowns
of America over the familiar miseries of a tired Europe. In America,
life was different. Here, breathing clean air and tasting pure waters,
the immigrant was given the choice to become a part of something new
and unique. And waiting for him were a people who deemed hospitality
and friendship cardinal virtues.
Once here the new arrival was confronted with a completely different
environment, both geographically and socially. As the seacoast towns
were left behind the settler was now, for the first time, on his own.
Free from the oppressive restraints of European society he was now
defined not by class or heritage but by his ability to adapt to a distinctly
Indian way of life. Some would argue ethnic Europeans have never enjoyed
such a high degree of true freedom, then or now, as when they were on
the American frontier.
It was on the edges of European civilization where fundamental
lessons in democracy were learned by the colonists, extending progressively
to the elections of this past November. In native society, particularly
that of the Iroquois, no person had a right to assume leadership; it
was a privilege granted by the people based upon the individual's abilities.
Leaders were of the community; they did not, however, lead from above
but from within.
They did not hold office in perpetuity but only so long as they
held popular consensus. They were free to define the issues and offer
solutions insofar as they strived for consensus and demonstrated the
ability to govern. Americans of today have grown accustomed to a two
house government, a popularly selected chief executive, universal suffrage,
referendums, equality before the law, party caucuses, freedom of worship,
freedom of speech, division of powers between federal and regional governments,
judicial review and consensus: all principles developed by the Iroquois
Confederacy and taught to the American colonists.
Every politician in the U.S. today, including Bill Clinton, is
a result of those discussions held between our leaders and yours seven
generations ago. Bill Clinton fits the Iroquois ideal in many respects.
He was born into a family without excessive means yet was not swayed
by the lure of wealth. Like many Iroquois families, his mother and grandparents
shaped his values and molded his character. His elders and peers recognized
his leadership potential from his earliest years and gave him the chance
to prove himself. He was encouraged to learn, to serve, to fight if
necessary as he did for his family when his stepfather had become abusive.
When his brother had problems with the law involving drugs, Bill
Clinton did not misuse the power of his office to help him escape responsibility
for his actions but stood firm by him as he struggled to straighten
for his actions but stood firm by him as he struggled to straighten
out his life as an older brother should. In typical Iroquois fashion
Clinton elected not to participate in a war which was unjust, a decision
which would have bought him honor in our society.
In our world there are no age limitations to becoming a leader;
one was given responsibility dependent only upon merit and ability.
Bill Clinton was given great powers by the people of his state at a
very young age. He made errors he later apologized for and emerged a
man who knew how to govern in ways which balanced the many different
interests of his community.
Governing in Indian terms is never a matter of simply reacting
to social concerns but at its best is taking each concern in turn and
through negotiation and compromise arriving at equitable solutions.
Bill Clinton demonstrated over his 12 years in Arkansas qualities which
will undoubtedly serve the nation well in his dealings with a new Congress.
Our traditional representatives were (and are held to strict codes
of ethical behavior. One who strayed from these rules was cautioned,
admonished and forgiven three times before being expelled from office.
A change in abrasive or abusive behavior were to us the best indicators
of a healthy conscience. Apparently the people of Arkansas also believe
this to be true for they returned Bill Clinton to power when he had
the courage to admit his mistakes and replace his arrogance with humility.
An overbearing ego and blind ambition would automatically disqualify
a person from office in Iroquois society; we observe no such taint in
President Clinton. We think Thomas Jefferson and his Iroquois tutors
would have been pleased with the conduct of Bill Clinton during the
campaign and assured the democratic system they devised has produced
a man uniquely qualified to lead the United States into a new era. After
years of decline, a new faith in popular government seems to have arisen
across the country. We trust this will include Americans recalling our
collective history, of the hospitality with which your ancestors were
met by ours. Perhaps, on the brink of a new era, Bill Clinton and the
generation he represents will show justice towards this continents first
Americans.
* Ref: - "INDIAN COUNTRY NEWS"