Recent postings have reported on the visit of the Hopi and 28 traditional
Native American elders to "the House of Mica" -- United Nations headquarters, on
Nov. 22, 1993, and the deadline of "four days, four weeks, and four months" that
the elders gave to government officials when they asked for a sincere response
to the range of profound issues they addressed in their remarks at the UN.
As some will know, the deadline came and went on April 23, 1994 with no
sincere response from any government. At that time there was also 'cyber-chat"
concerning bulldozers and backhoes poised to rip up the Earth in Hopi land, but
no real hard information about what was happening.
The following Draft letter is being circulated by the Wittenberg Center for
Alternative Resources (188 Wittenberg Rd., Bearsville, NY 12409 Phone
914-679-9764), which helped to make it possible for the elders to visit the UN.
Wittenberg is also now distributing video tapes of the messages they spoke
there.
The letter below is a draft intended to be used as a model by people who
wish to write to their Senators, Representatives, or other government officials
to express their opinion on these matters, as well as about Senate Bill S1021 -
The Indian Religious Freedom Bill. The draft also, incidentally, gives a bit
more information on the bulldozers and backhoes that are poised to rip the
Earth.
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Dear....
I am writing to express my concern for the traditional Native American
caretakers of this land. I know that efforts have been made under this
Administration to begin a dialogue with Native American leaders. Sadly though,
all too often, the only voices that are being heard are those of the
BIA-sanctioned tribal councils, who often do not represent the views of the
nations they speak for.
Right now Senate Bill S1021, The Indian Religious Freedom Bill, is being
considered. Although this bill is severely flawed, it begins to address the
rights of Indigenous Peoples to preserve their sacred sites and traditional
ways. Yet as I write, there are bulldozers on the land at the Hopi traditional
village of Hotevilla. Within days or weeks construction crews will install
water and sewer lines that will run right across the Hopi traditional prayer
lines, and will make it impossible for the traditional elders to practice their
ceremonies.
I am writing to ask that this program be halted immediately, under consideration
of the preservation of sacred sites, and that appropriate methods be initiated
to begin discussions with the traditional elders so that their concerns may be
heard. The elders are heirs to an ancient tradition of caretaking this Earth.
The Hopi and other First Nations elders have spent many years of their lives
reaching out to tell their warnings of what will happen if this Earth is not
maintained in balance. They have traveled all the way to the chambers of the
United Nations. Now they say they will speak out no more until there is some
indication that the government is willing to listen to their concerns. The
extreme weather patterns of the past few years, which puzzle even scientists,
were predicted by their teachings, and the elders say that the worst is yet to
come if we don't change our treatment of the Earth.
The Hopi and other indigenous elders are living treasures for all those people
worldwide who care about the future of this planet. Before they pass away,
wouldn't it be reasonable to give careful consideration to their concerns? If
their voices are heard, perhaps we will all learn something.
We have not done so well in caretaking this world for future generations by
shutting out their concerns. They are part of the biodiversity that is
vanishing so rapidly from this planet. When they are gone, much of their
earth-wisdom will pass with them.
I am writing as a citizen, a taxpayer , and a voter to say that I care about
what happens to the Hopi and other indigenous elders and the sacred sites they
preserve. As a native born American, I know that they are an important part of
my heritage, and the heritage of all Americans. Many thousands of your
constituents also care deeply about what happens to the elders, and to the land
they caretake. I request that you immediately initiate inquiries regarding this
situation, and keep me informed of your actions.
Very Truly Yours,.........