Articles appearing have been previously posted for public dissemination
and/or permission for inclusion has been secured.
Letters of authorization are on file. A list of those granting permission
to repost their words in this issue are listed at the end of part A.
I thank each of you for allowing your words to be shared with the people.
<----<<<< >>>>---->
This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our
Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the
Red Road.
It is archived at the Native American FTP site ftp.cit.cornell.edu
in the directory /pub/special/NativeProfs/newsletters; and is being
sent to gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us to include in the NATIVE-L lists.(part A)
It is echoed on AISESnet, IND-NET, and EIRP listservers and archived
by AISESnet.
Thanks to Marc Becker, mbecker@uclink2.berkeley.edu, a World-Wide-Web site
contains a pointer to Phil Duran's gopher site.
The URL is http://ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu/~marc/journals/nanews/
Thanks to Phil Duran, duranp@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu, issues of Wotanging
Ikche/Kanoheda Aniyvwiya are now being archived at the Washington State
University gopher in the following directory:
gopher.wsu.edu /WSU Campuses Info /Public Services /Native Peoples
"... all things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man
... the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports."
__ Chief Seattle, Dwamish
+- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+
| Indian Pledge of Allegiance | The Indian Pledge of Alleg-
| | iance was first presented
| I pledge allegiance to my Tribe,| on 2 December '93 during the
| to the democratic principles | opening address of the Nat-
| of the Republic | ional Congress of American
| and to the individual freedoms | Indian Tribal-States Relat-
| borrowed from the Iroquois and | ions Panel in Reno, NV. NCAI
| Choctaw Confederacies, | plans distribution of the
| as incorporated in the United | Indian Pledge to all Indian
| States Constitution, | Nations.
| so that my forefathers |
| shall not have died in vain | Walk in Beauty! Night Owl
+- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+
O'siyo Brothers and Sisters!
This issue contains a poem for strength from our Western Shoshone
brother, Larry Kibby. The remainder of the articles are primarily about
attacks on our people and our way of being.
Clearly, that strength is needed.
Peace! Night Owl
, , Gary Night Owl gars@genie.geis.com
(*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@netcom.com
(`-') Marietta, GA 30067, U.S.A. gars@igc.apc.org
===w=w=== NativeNet Node 90:133/2501 FidoNet 1:133/2501
----------- News of the people featured in this issue ----------
Part A: Usenet and e-mail Part B: NATCHAT and NATIVE-L lists
- Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe Response - Conferences and Powwows - online
- Silko's Use of Blue and - Lighting the Seventh Fire
the Directions - Newfondland Derails Discussions
- Contract on America to Defuse Voisey Bay
- Chiapas Action Kit - Kemano, Tobin Tasked
- Whitedog's 16 Powwow Rules
- Revenue Rez (Sweetgrass Revolution)
- NATO to Invade Innu Airspace
- Poem: A Prayer of Strength
- Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days
- Conferences and Powwows - offline
--------- "RE: Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe Response" ---------
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 07:28:46 -0800 (EST)
From: C. Peggy Venable (forwarded by Janet Smith <jans@genie.geis.com>
Subj: Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe Response (Re:Recognized Groups in Georgia)
GE Electronic Mail
From: C. Peggy Venable
Speaker of the House
The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe
Re: Rep. Dist. 66, House of Representatives
Response Concerning Letter regarding State
Recognized Groups in Georgia
Written testimony for the Council of Churches
Hearings on Racism as a Human Right Violation
in the United States--Tulsa, OK., Oct. 15, 1994.
Submitted by Isabel Catolster, Eastern Band Cherokees
This letter is in response to Ms. Isabel Catolster referring to the "three
groups of non-Indian people granted state recognition in Georgia" in 1992.
The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe East of the Mississippi is one of those
three tribes and, on behalf of the Tribe, I would like to respond to Ms.
Isabel.
First, I would like to address some facts about the Lower Muskogee Creek
Tribe. If Ms. Isabel had done her research before speaking such
pernicious words against us, she would have found a rich history of the
indigenous Creek people of the State of Georgia, whose ancestors would
have rather died or be forced into European culture rather than leave
their beloved homes. Even though these genuine people were forced to
assimilate and live according to the European society rules, they kept
their traditions, culture, and heritage alive surreptitiously.
If Ms. Isabel had done investigation into The Lower Muskogee Creeks
before making such accusations as she has, she would have had a better
understanding of a remnant of a proud people who, as years go by, find
more and more written documentation of what they know to be true by oral
education brought down through generations.
The first treaty made by the Creeks with Great Britain was with
Oglethorpe in Savannah, Georgia in 1733 when the colonies were newly
settled. Many treaties followed the Oglethorpe Treaty and recognized the
Creek Nation as an existing continuous people with the United States
Government.
If Ms. Isabel had delved into the historic background of the Muskogee
Creeks as vehemently as she tried to decimate the truth about our people,
she would have found that the first Treaty between the United States and
the Creek Nation took place in 1790 as a treaty of peace and friendship.
She would have found that this treaty has never been made null and void.
The United States guaranteed the Creek Nation a large territory covering
most of Georgia and Alabama in this 1790 Treaty.
In 1802, the State of Georgia sold all the Creek land to the United
States government, and in return, the United States government promised
to remove all the Creek people as soon as possible. The boundary line of
the Treaty of 1790 changed twice before 1812. In the war of 1812, the
Upper Creeks chose to side with the British, while the Lower (or
Friendly) Creeks chose the side of the United States. This resulted in a
Creek Civil-War on 1813-14. Regardless of the Creek Civil War, the Lower
Muskogee Creeks have never born arms against the United States government,
but, as history shows, have found alongside them against the enemies of
the United States. Many Muskogee Creeks fought in the Civil War, World
War I, World War II, The Korean Conflict, Viet Nam, and Desert Storm.
If Ms. Isabel had pounced on the evidence that the United States did
nothing while the State government made oppressing laws which resulted in
the tormenting and suppressing of the Creeks who chose to stay and not
leave in the wholesale round-up of their people, in the same manner which
she pounced on the honor of our people, she would understand the
"submerging" of a people into hiding and fear. She would see how South
Georgia because a haven for friendly Creeks in 1832 when the wholesale
removal began. These friendly Creeks would join the church and try to
adapt to the way of life of the settlers in order to remain near where
their ancestors' bones rested. They were called persons of color, black,
or mulatto, but were denied the right to be known as what they were--
Muskogee Creek. Ceremonial, tribal, and social rights were taken from
the Creeks, as well as the right to publicly speak our language.
Therefore, this all went underground and resulted in secret government
and ceremonial meetings in the South Swamps of Attapulgus, Georgia.
Many displaced Creeks looked to leaders such as William Williams for hope
and protection, and many listed themselves as slaves in order to remain.
Church records show listings of many Creeks who joined the church to be
able to stay in the East. Documents such as wills, debts, marriage
records, marks and brands, and Creek meetings were found in South Georgia
courthouses. As late as 1856, trainloads of Indians were seen going
through Thomasville Georgia being moved West. Rewards were offered for
Warriors, women and children.
Some Creeks did leave Georgia. In chains. Rounded up like cattle. Some
escaped and fled to the South Swamps of Attapulgus, Georgia, the vicinity
of Poarch, Alabama, and Holmes Valley, Florida. Many descendants of
those who stayed live in these areas today.
The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe maintained an economical dependence upon
farming, sharecropping, fishing, and agricultural labor. Leadership
among the Creeks was from the elders of each community represented.
Government was carried on by each family and each clan had their form of
government with a national meeting known as "Homecoming." Each family
served one another in a spirit of community whether looking after each
other's children, support during a death, tending the sick, and sending
each other letters, as noted in the Decatur County, Georgia, courthouse.
A one hundred year old struggle began in 1854 when a petition was filed
for payment on Creek land wrongfully taken. It may interest you to know,
Ms. Isabel, that two of our chiefs (Daniel S. Aspberry, died 6/2/1856 and
William Brown If'a Imathl, died 12/21/1886) died in Washington, D.C.
fighting our cause, and are buried in a private cemetery in Washington, D.
C. alongside some of the United States' Presidents. The suit was filed
again in the 1940's by Calvin McGhee, a documented descendant of Len
McGhee, a known member of the original Creek Nation. Some 800 Georgians
were recognized as Creek descendants. McGhee contributed greatly to the
survival of the Creek people, as did Neal McCormick, Wesley Thombley, and
host of individual members of the Lower Muskogee Creeks. Read the
newspapers, search the chronicles, look us up, Ms. Isabel. You'll find
us. The price was paid with blood, sweat, and tears. We fought and we
won.
The struggle was kept alive so our children can perform traditional
ceremonies, speak our language, dance our stomps, and tell Creek stories
around the fire.
We know racism. We know prejudice, and we will not execute this
treatment on anyone.
We are not soon-to-be Indians, or non-Indians, and these highly
inflammatory remarks need to be retracted by Ms. Isabel. Cherokees know
struggle, as Creeks do. It is difficult to understand her prejudice
towards us, as we are all the same race. We suffer the same diseases,
same hardships, the same poverty and lack of education. We do not want
to hurt anyone, just help our people.
We have maintained a culture, and are rightly given the title as state
recognized. We have our own land, purchased by our people, with no
little sacrifice. We should all have the "benefit" of a good, warm, clean
home, food on the table, and a job.
Read our documents. We sometimes grow tired of repeatedly having to
prove our history, our heritage, and our existence. But, the point is,
Ms. Isabel, we are here to do exactly that. We will continue the
struggle to maintain what we have accomplished, and when we are gone, our
children will continue, and when they've gone, their children will
continue. We survived.
Time will not allow us to go into detail of our hundreds of years history,
and our accomplishments of this last decade. That is why we would like
to extend an invitation to Ms. Isabel, or anyone interested, to come and
see.
Regards,
C. Peggy Venable
Speaker of the House
--------- "RE: Silko's Use of Blue and the Directions" ---------
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 14:34:58 -0500
From: zzshem@acc.wuacc.edu (sheldon mary)
Subj: Silko's Use of Blue and the Directions
Mailing List: NATIVELIT <NATIVELIT-L@cornell.edu>
Daniel Bonadurer wrote: "Consider blue as an important signifier of
geographical direction i.e. blue wind. Is blue for west, white for
north, red for east, and yellow for south, in Laguna Pueblo?"
Carter Revard wrote: "And one thing to consider is how Silko insists on
`changes' as crucial."
Susan Brill wrote: "Yes, different colors point to different directions
for different tribes, and even within some tribes, the colors might
shift their directional referents based on the particular ceremony or
story."
I, a university professor nonetheless, learned this from a Potawatomie
elder when he was alive a few years back: Not only can the colors vary,
but the directions are beyond my imagination [and certainly knowledge!]
After a sweat, the elder who had directed it motioned me over. He knew
who I was, but we had never spoken. He said, "What are the directions?"
Wow! Was I relieved he had asked me something I knew! I said: "North,
South, East, and West." He held out his hand in which he was already
holding something and motioned for me to place mine under his. I did.
Four small pieces of yellow glass fell into my hand. Happy, I knew
I would always keep them, (proof of how much I knew, after all!)
After the next sweat some time later, he motioned me over again and
asked me the same question. I responded in the same way. He said, "Is
that all?" I answered, "I think so!" He held out his hand in which
he was already holding something and motioned for me to place mine
under his. I did. As two small pieces of yellow glass fell into my
hand, he said, smiling, "There's above and below!" Wow! Did I feel
foolish! I put those two with the other four. And I was pleased
with this new insight! After the next sweat some time later, he motioned
me over again and asked me the same question. I said "Six!" and listed
them to prove I could learn. He held out his hand in which he was already
holding something and motioned for me to place min under his. I did.
As one small piece of yellow glass fell into my hand, he said, sternly,
"There's WITHIN!" Wow! Now I was stunned. Of course, that explained
visions, for instance! I put this one with the other six. And now,
I believed, I, a university professor, DID FINALLY KNOW the directions.
Quite a while later, one of my students died and this elder had prayers
for her at this time. After the prayers and good words, I headed to
my car in the dark night. Out of nowhere, so it seemed stepped this
elder in front of me. He held out his hand and motioned for me to
place mine under his. I did. A rain of small pieces of yellow glass
filled my hand. "And after we die," he whispered, "these are all the
directions then." I cried on the way home.
So now I wonder if blue is for within, which is where Tayo traveled,
in one sense, to find so many things in the heart--starting with
that ceremony that led to the rain clouds coming over Mount Taylor.
Or is it for yet another direction, one I still have not yet fathomed
exists? (Until, maybe, someday, when another piece of yellow glass
might fall into my hand?)
Just some thoughts. (And if feels good to start the weekend with
a story, friends!)
Mitakuye Oyasin (Someday, may we all believe it!)
Mary Sheldon
--------- "RE: Contract on America" ---------
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 1995 03:53:33 -0500
From: Tracy.L.Canard@DARTMOUTH.EDU (Tracy L. Canard)
Subj: Contract on America
UUCP email
Hi all,
I KNOW THIS IS LONG POST, AND I MAY SPARK SOME DEBATE, BUT IT IS VERY
IMPORTANT AND AFFECTS ALL, I URGE YOU TO READ IT IN ENTIRETY!!!!
This past Sunday students at Dartmouth held a rally to protest the proposed
education cuts in the GOP's "Contract on America"
These cuts scare me as a student on financial aid, who has a mother going
to college as well. I will post the cuts with this message, but briefly let
me explain a little. If these cuts go through, I will not be able to finish
college here or go on to grad. school, I depend on student loans, work
study, pell grants, etc. to cover the $27, 000+ a year tuition bill. I do
not agree with Newt Gingrich's statement that my generation is filled with
apathetic people who are taking a free ride. I don't have the bill number
handy to give you all, but the fact that it is even being theorized about
scares the hell out of me! and if they pass then they will go into effect
next year, the 1995-1996 academic year!!!.....
I have e-mailed, and called all my congress reps. in Utah, and New
Hampshire, as well as other districts and states to voice my concern.
Not only are these cuts going to affect the poor, the minorities, etc. it
will affect EVERYONE in this country!.....the proposed cuts not only deal
with student loans and financial aid, but the humanities, science research
and others.
This is a plan which will catapult us back by 50 years!! making the
"American Dream", and the "college dream" possible for only the wealthy
once again!.....
While the "minority" groups on campus organized this event, this is not
just a minority issue, although statistically the majority to be affected
will be the minority groups, poor, and lower-middle class families.
I urge you to call, e-mail, snail mail, your local representatives in
congress and ask them to take a stand against these proposed cuts.
EDUCATION is a RIGHT we all deserve under the constitution of the United
States, it should NOT be a huge political issue. Why the republicans and
democrats have to make it so angers me....
I for one want to go on to grad. school, and someday when I have children,
I would like to know that education is available to them and not just to
the rich elite. I am going into education ultimately, I want to be a
teacher, I don't want to have to say to a classroom of bright, young native
children that they will never be a doctor, or scientist because they can't
afford to go to school!! We need to protect the right for an education for
our future generations!!!
Like I said I don't have the exact bill number, but from what we do know,
there will be a preliminary vote taking place on tuesday(some time today!!)
regarding the first of these cuts which are the SEOG's and Perkins Loans I
believe. Please call your congress rep. have your family call, and have
your friends call.
Education is a RIGHT not a privilege!!!
I know this post is long but please keep reading!!
mvto! Tracy L. Canard
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The following are contents of a pamphlet the students distributed, and
are included for reference.
Calling Congress
The US House of Representatives is putting together its version of the FY
1996 Budget. One of the cuts to that budget suggested by the Republican
Contract with America and associated documents is that of the student loan
interest exemption for Perkins Loans and Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, and
SEOG Grants.
The interest exemption is that subsidy by the federal government that keeps
you from paying interest on the loan while you are in school. Without this
exemption, students with loans could experience debt increases of as much
as 50%, up to $35,000 for some graduate & professional students. Grants
are gifts or awards that do not have to be paid back. Pell Grants help
about 91% of families who earn less then 30,000 dollars a year, which
totals about 6.2 billion dollars per year. SEOG Grants help with about
583 million dollars per year. Dartmouth receives roughly about 1 million
dollars yearly from SEOG Grants.
Call your representative directly in Washington, DC. If you don't know the
number, call the House Information Switchboard at (202) 225-3121 and give
them the name of your Representative and ask to be connected to that office.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Proposed cuts:
1) "Reduce the overhead Rate on Federally Sponsored University Research"
1.6 billion dollars
2) "Reduce Indirect Teaching Adjustment to 3%"
Refers to reducing Medicare payments to hospitals for the indirect
costs of teaching programs. A medicare reduction that will affect the
quality of health care for the poor and the quality of medical education
and biomedical research.
13.5 billion dollars
3) "Student Loan Interest Accrual"
Would eliminate the subsidy on the Stafford Loan, causing students
to pay interest while still in school. Would increase student indebtedness
by 15-50 percent depending on length of study.
9.6 billion dollars
4) "Convert campus based aid"
Would eliminate The Supplemental Grant, Work Study, and Perkins
Loan. Would eliminate an average of $3125 dollars per student for 1.4
million of the nations neediest students
2.9 billion dollars
5) "Limit rate of Growth for the National Science Foundation"
The NSF provides grants to universities for fundamental science
research, graduate student support and research infrastructure needs. Would
harm long term scientific research.
350 million dollars
6) "Eliminate the Advance Technology Program"
Provides fundamental support to generic precompetitive technologies
through matching grants.
820 million dollars.
7) "Reduce Arts and Humanities"
Would eliminate the National Endowment for the Humanities, the
primary source of funding for Historical and Humanities research.
531 million
++Total cuts 18.7 billion dollars in education cuts over the next five
years. The effects of these cuts would be catastrophic to higher
education:
1) Force approximately 2 million students out of school.
2) Increase Student indebtedness
3) Force the closing of many smaller colleges with as yet unmeasured effect
on their communities.
4) Force remaining schools to curtail programs.
5) Put the burden of funding education more heavily on the States, forcing
tuition to spiral upwards.
6) Flood the work force, devaluing all Americans real wages even further.
****Student Aid Action****
Student Aid Action calls upon students to fight these cuts through
direct demonstrations at their local representatives offices, at house
budget committee hearings in the field, and wherever else you can make an
impact on the national agenda.
We have agreed to send information, media support, contacts with
other student groups, and speakers, and whatever else is needed to help
students on other campuses beat back the Right's attack on education.
Student Aid Action
c/o Antioch College Student Government 795 Livermore Ave Yellow Springs OH
45387 513 767 9607 smoon@college.antioch.edu
WHAT DO I SAY?
1. Give your name and address.
2. Tell that you oppose cuts to the student loan interest
exemption.
3. Ask for the Representative's support AND ask the
Representative to contact Rep. John Kasich (House Budget
Committee) and let him know not to cut the interest exemption
in his budget.
4. Ask for a return call or letter identifying your
Representative's position.
Possible Text:
"Hello, my name is Dick/Jane, a student at blank college and I'm
calling to make sure that Representative Smith doesn't vote to
cut student financial aid. I'm most concerned about the student
loan interest exemption. Are you familiar with that program?
(IF NOT) The federal government pays interest on my student loan
while I am in school. I can't go to school without my loans, but
if the interest were to accumulate while I was in school, I would
graduate owing thousands and thousands more. I can't afford it!
I wouldn't have been able to go to grad school, except for student
loans. Some have proposed eliminating the interest exemption as a
way to pay for other programs in the Contract with America. I want
to make sure that education remains a priority. I hope Representative
Smith will call Rep. John Kasich (House Budget Committee Chair) and
tell him not to cut the student loan interest exemption in the budget."
Call twice. Call the Representative of your home town and call the
Representative of the district around your campus. Have Mom and Dad call.
Have Grandma and Grandpa call. Have your significant other call.
--------- "RE: Chiapas Action Kit" ---------
From: gwelker@mail.lmi.org
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 95 09:03:14 EST
Subj: CHIAPAS ACTION KIT
UUCP email
Here are 3 letters that came to me via the Chiapas List. They have been sent
to several lists. If you think they can help the situation in Chiapas,
please forward them to whomever you can think.
Thanks. Glenn
P.S. - There is a new list called PNEWS, which sent me this too. It is part
of the .apc groups I believe.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Erik T. Thompson <ethompso@NMSU.Edu>
I am aware that not all of you will be able to carry this, however, I am
hoping that at least a few of you will be able to post this or print it.
Please try to get this out to as many as possible. There may not be much
more time.
Thank you,
Erik Thompson, NMSU.
At the end of last week the Mexican government launched a military attack
on the EZLN. There are reports of torture as well as coerced confessions.
All press has been excluded from the region. However, Professor Neil
Harvey, of New Mexico State University has been in contact with many of
the contacts he has made in the course of a decade worth of research.
According to Harvey, the Mexican government has trumped phoney reasons to
justify breaking the cease fire. For example, the Zedillo administration
claim that the Zapatistas have received a shipment of arms from Central
America, were planning an imminent offensive and have kidnapped soldiers in
Chiapas, none of which, according to Harvey's sources, is true. As of
Friday February 10, judicial police had surrounded the offices of Bishop
Samuel Ruiz and human rights monitors in San Cristobal. Harvey, co-author
of _Party Politics in "an Uncommon Democracy": Political Parties and
Elections in Mexico_, speculates that pressure from Wall Street to resolve
the Chiapas problem is what encouraged the Zedillo government to act.
Americans are encouraged to contact your Senators and Representatives and
make it clear that this is not an acceptable course of action.
################################################################
From: Paul Houle <ph18@crux2.cit.cornell.edu>
Subject: Following Messages
Hank, I'm sending you the CHIAPAS ACTION KIT even though I have
posted it to a number of groups; although it is on MAP, LEFT-L, CHIAPAS-L
and other lists, I think it's very important and timely so you might want
to put it on PNEWS, particularly in FIDO country where people might not
get MAP.
#######################################
From: Paul Houle <ph18@crux2.cit.cornell.edu>
Subject: CHIAPAS ACTION KIT INFO
Subject: **URGENT!** CHIAPAS ACTION KIT INTRO
--text follows this line--
[The following is the introduction for the CHIAPAS ACTION KIT,
a set of electronic documents designed to help activists quickly respond
to the rapidly developing crisis in Chiapas. Three more messages that
follow will include two petitions to the Mexican government and a draft
letter to President Bill Clinton. ACTIVATE NOW to protect the indigenous
people of Chiapas!]
On January 1st last year, the first day that NAFTA took effect, a
guerilla army seized several cities in the south Mexican provence of
Chiapas. Chiapas has a population composed mostly of indigenous people,
Mayan indians who have been severely oppressed for centuries since the
coming of the Spaniards; today it is one of the poorest parts of mexico,
terrorized by government security forces and the "white guards", private
armies belonging to rich landowners.
The EZLN, or Zapatistas, rose up because NAFTA endangers their
already marginal livelihood; although Chiapas is an agricultural region
rich in natural resources, it cannot compete with heavily subsidized high-
tech corporate agriculture in the US.
This last week, as of 2/11/95 the Mexican government has begun
a campaign of suppression against the EZLN and the people of Chiapas. The
city of San Cristobal has been surrounded by the army and the media has
been excluded from the area; attempts have been made to capture
Zapatista leaders, including "Subcommandante Marcos" who has been a
articulate spokesperson for the EZLN.
Because this situation is developing rapidly, we are attempting
to use e-mail to rapidly organize both a local and national petition drive.
In the next few messages you will find some basic information about the Chiapas
situation, two petitions to the Mexican government and a draft e-mail
message to President Bill Clinton of the United States. This is an
electronic action kit that you can use to help the people of Chiapas
survive. The CHIAPAS ACTION KIT helps you and other activists respond to
this situation by providing draft petitions and letters that you can use
to become part of an international campaign to help the EZLN and people
of Chiapas.
[1] Print out copies of the two petitions that follow.
[2] Distribute them at meetings of organizations where people would
be interested in signing. Talk to people in your organization to
coordinate these efforts
make them available.
[3] Mail the petitions to the addresses given or FAX them to the numbers
given.
[4] Use this information as a nucleus to build you own petition drive
to support the EZLN. Because these files contain already-written
petitions, all you have to do is print them out (edit them if you
wish) get signatures and mail them.
[5] Use our draft E-MAIL letter, part 3 of the CHIAPAS ACTION KIT to
write an electronic or paper message to President Bill Clinton urging
him to talk the Mexican government into a peaceful solution and to
respond to the Zapatista's demands.
[6] Distribute the CHIAPAS ACTION KIT by E-mail, paper, fax to anybody
who might be interested in participating.
Please send E-mail to ph18@cornell.edu about your experiences, thoughts
and comments with the CHIAPAS ACTION KIT; particularly we're interested
in finding out how effective an electronic petition kit can be for rapid
organizing.
Remember that this situation is developing by the hour, and that what
we do can make a difference for the survival of the indigenous people of
Chiapas, the EZLN, and perhaps the future of North America. In Struggle,
Paul Houle
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: CHIAPAS ACTION KIT (PART 01/03)
(cut here)444444
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To:
Lic. Ernesto Zedillo,
Presidente de la Republica,
Palacio Nacional
06067 Mexico D.F. Mexico
We recognize that the people of Chiapas, represented by the
EZLN have suffered from centuries of repression and risk losing what
livelihood they do have to heavily subsidized US agriculture under NAFTA;
we recognize that they have legitimate grievances and hope that they can
find a peaceful, reasonable and democratic settlement with the Mexican
government. We deplore the recent attacks against the EZLN which appear
to be related to Mexico's current economic crisis.
We protest this act of overt violence and call for an immediate
withdrawal of Mexican military personnel from the region. We also call
for humane treatment of prisoners and respect for their civil rights, and
for compliance with the Geneva Convention. We call on the Mexican
government to seek a peaceful resolution to the situation, and to
respond to the just demands being issued by the EZLN for peace, liberty
and justice
Name Address Phone #
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: CHIAPAS ACTION KIT (PART 02/03)
(cut here)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To:
His Excellency Silva Herzog
Embassy of Mexico
1911 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 728-1600
We recognize that the people of Chiapas, represented by the
EZLN have suffered from centuries of repression and risk losing what
livelihood they do have to heavily subsidized US agriculture under NAFTA;
we recognize that they have legitimate grievances and hope that they can
find a peaceful, reasonable and democratic settlement with the Mexican
government. We deplore the recent attacks against the EZLN which appear
to be related to Mexico's current economic crisis.
We protest this act of overt violence and call for an immediate
withdrawal of Mexican military personnel from the region. We also call
for humane treatment of prisoners and respect for their civil rights, and
for compliance with the Geneva Convention. We call on the Mexican
government to seek a peaceful resolution to the situation, and to
respond to the just demands being issued by the EZLN for peace, liberty
and justice
Name Address Phone #
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Paul Houle <ph18@crux2.cit.cornell.edu>
Subject: CHIAPAS ACTION KIT (PART 03/03)
(cut here)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: president@whitehouse.gov
I recognize that the people of Chiapas, represented by the
EZLN have suffered from centuries of repression and risk losing what
livelihood they do have to heavily subsidized US agriculture under NAFTA;
we recognize that they have legitimate grievances and hope that they can
find a peaceful, reasonable and democratic settlement with the Mexican
government. I deplore the recent attacks against the EZLN which appear to
be related to Mexico's current economic crisis.
I protest this act of overt violence and call for an immediate
withdrawal of Mexican military personnel from the region. We also call
for humane treatment of prisoners and respect for their civil rights, and
for compliance with the Geneva Convention. I call on the Mexican
government to seek a peaceful resolution to the situation, and to
respond to the just demands being issued by the EZLN for peace, liberty
and justice.
Given the close relationship between the US and Mexico, I implore
you to use your influence to help bring about the peaceful resolution of
this situation, and to influence the Mexican government to respond to
the demands of the Zapatistas. Thank you,
<add your name + contact info here>
--------- "RE: Whitedog's 16 Powwow Rules" ---------
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 22:16:56 GMT
From: Charles Phillip Whitedog <WHITECOYOTE@JPL.NASA.GOV>
Subj: Whitedog's 16 Powwow rules
Newsgroup: soc.culture.native
Since new people join all the time, I have been asked to repost my
rules a couple times a year. Here they are:
Some people don't want rules, yet others can't function without them.
The POWWOW that many of us take for granted can be intimidating for
those that are unfamiliar with it. The following are general rules I
give to "first timers" when they go to a POWWOW.
1) Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. Each Powwow is different and
this is rule number one! All instructions for guests and participants
come from the MoC.
2) Do not sit within the arena. The chairs inside the arena are
reserved for the dancers or signers. Use the outside circle or
bleachers if provided.
3) If you want to take pictures, check with the POWWOW host first,
then check with the person you are taking pictures of and ASK THEIR
PERMISSION. Under no circumstances may you enter the arena to take
photos. Put your camera down for all memorial dances.
4) All tape recording must be done with the permission of the Master
of Ceremonies and the Lead (or Head) Singer of EACH drum.
When a new drum starts, do not enter the arena to get to the other
drum. Don't run. Miss the song and wait for the next one to take
your time getting to the drum. Nothing is more rude than
"Recorder-runners" ganging around a drum. Many Powwows disallow this
anyway (fine by me!).
5) If you are not wearing traditional Regalia, you may dance on social
songs (like Two-Step, Blanket Dance, Honoring Songs, Circle, etc..)
Sometimes a blanket dance is held to gather money. You may enter the
circle to donate and dance.
6) Only those with the permission of the Lead Singer may sit at a
drum. (And it's a good idea to know the songs because it's often a
habit to ask the "stranger" to lead one.)
7) Stand and men must remove their hat (unless traditional head gear)
during the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Invocation, Memorial, Veterans
Songs, and the Closing Song.
8) During the Gourd Dancing, only Gourd Dancers and Gourd Dance
Societies are to enter the Dance arena. Owning a gourd rattle does
not make one a Gourd Dancer. Check with the local Societies.
9) Please do not permit your children to enter the dance circle
unless they are dancing.
10) Do not touch anyone's dance Regalia without their permission.
These clothes are not "costumes" and yes we use modern things like
safety pins and such because we are a "living" culture, our Regalia
is subject to change. Leave your stereotypes at home. (Yes there are
some blond tribal enrolled Indians... no ones fault that life goes on!)
11) If you are asked to dance by an elder, do so. It is rude and
disrespectful to say, "I don't know how." They know that you don't
know how to dance so how can you learn if you turn the elders down?
12) Most all Powwows do not allow Alcoholic beverages, Gold Paint
cans, or drugs here. The Powwow is a time of joyful gathering and
celebration of life. Alcohol and drugs are destroying our way of
life and these "bad" spirits are not welcome.
13) It's funny how much trash we as people drop. Make an extra effort
to walk to the trash can. Respect Mother Earth.
14) Remember always: Native American Indian dances are more than the
word "dance" can describe. They are a ceremony and a prayer which
all life encompasses and produce many emotional and spiritual reactions.
Some dances are old, some are brand new... the culture continues to
live and evolve. Respect what is sacred to others.
15) Urban Powwows are much more "tense" than Powwows on the rez. As
people are away from the comfort of culture, they tend to take things
more seriously. Abide by peoples wishes and requests. We as Indian
people believe differently. Some dance around clockwise, others
counter clockwise. If our host asks, we sometimes voluntarily show
our respect by temporarily changing our way(s). When they are in our
house they do the same.
16) Have fun. Buy something from the vendors. Donate if you can. And
most of all don't be so uptight and relax. The whole universe comes
together this day to celebrate. You are invited to join in.
Hope this helps.
--Charles Phillip Whitedog, Ojibway
++ Many people have asked, so permission is granted for you to use
these rules for your Powwow. All I ask is you send me a copy via
Email or just let me know. Charles.P.White@JPL.NASA.GOV
--------- "RE: Revenue Rez (Sweetgrass Revolution)" ---------
Date: Mon Feb 20, 1995
From: Suzan Horovitch (a.horovitch@genie.geis.com)
Subj: Revenue Rez (Sweetgrass Revolution)
GE Electronic Mail
REVENUE REZ
The Sweetgrass Revolution has Started
On Weds. Feb 8, 1995, a small group of aboriginal people arrived
in Ottawa to continue a protest which started with the 39 day occupation
of the Revenue Canada building in Toronto. The occupation of the fifth
floor of that building, and the support camp which grew outside the
building has become known as Revenue Rez.
By Wednesday afternoon, three small tents and a tipi containing our
groups's sacred fire had been erected on parliament hill, and fifteen to
twenty people were on hand to endure the first afternoon of peaceful
protest in bitter winds and sub-zero temperatures. With us were men and
women of all backgrounds, including two of our grandmothers, women over
seventy years of age. Our hearts and spirits were strong together, as our
traditions and ceremonies had kept us strong throughout the Toronto
occupation. Permission for the protest had been granted us by the
Algonquin Nation of Golden Lake, who are the rightful owners of this land.
At sundown, our group was attacked by 60 members of the RCMP riot
squad, bearing automatic weapons and equipped with shields, helmets,
batons, dogs and all the riot gear necessary for their protection from our
little band of 16 unarmed people. Our tipi was smashed down, causing
damage and breaking poles, our tents were pulled down, our people were
shoved, two among us were wrestled to the ground and arrested, and an
attempt was made to stomp out our sacred fire. Desecration and violence
were, once again, visited upon us.
The next day we were back on the hill. There were a few more of us,
and in our closing ceremony that afternoon our prayers were stronger, our
circler larger, and again, the day after that.
By Friday we had created a new camp located on Victory ( Victoria)
Island and the sacred fire of Revenue Rez was burning anew. Our tipi is
back up, broken but standing firm, and the courage and prayers of our
people have kept us warm through the long nights and days or sleeping out
and walking the Hill.
But our voice is small. Our issues are many: not only is our concern
for the unjust changes in the taxation laws which contravene all treaties
and agreements between native peoples and the federal government, but also
it is time for all to hear the truth of our lives and our communities in
which our children are killing themselves because they do not know why
they have been given lives that are degraded, devalued, demeaned. Yes, it
is that bad for them.
Without the support and resources of those of us here in Ottawa who
care about the children of the earth, our voice will continue to be
unheard, and we will all suffer for it. Donations:
We have an ongoing need for the following:
Food
Water, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages
Firewood
Cedar and spruce boughs
Clothing appropriate to cold weather conditions
Flashlights, batteries and candles
Billeting
shower facilities
garbage bags, toilet paper etc.
$$$$$$
We can also use tools, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, foam
mattresses, sheets, blankets , portable radios, cameras.
Services: photocopying, electrical, fund raising and driving &
transportation
The Sweetgrass Revolution is a people based, grassroots movement. We
have no corporate sponsors, no funding and little support from
conventional organizations. We are people doing what we have to do
because we have nothing else, because 500 years have exhausted all other
approaches to establishing our own well being, and because we cannot bear
to see what tomorrow will bring to our children if nothing changes.
We are a spiritual movement under the guidance of our elders. We speak
each day to Creator, offering our tobacco and our tanks for what has been
given us, and asking that our hearts and spirits stay strong for a little
longer. Your prayers will always help. Donations can be taken directly to
Victory Island.
More information is available from:
Stone Angel Institute
314 Lisgar Street, Ottawa, Ont. K2P 0E2
Fax (613) 235-1791 Tel:(613)236-7826
Come and join us on the Hill where you will find us each day between
12 noon and 4:30 pm. Walk with us an hour or two, bring your friends, your
open minds and hearts. visit us at home on Victory Island, the life and
work we are sharing, our songs, our sacred fire and our circle.
Meegwetch
Paul & Ann Paquette, Roger Obonsawin, Bobby Woods
Posted with permission from Paul Paquette Posted by Brave Star
--------- "RE: NATO to Invade Innu Airspace" ---------
Date: 95/02/17 07:29
From: James D. Audlin (j.audlin@genie.geis.com)
Subj: NATO to Invade Innu Airspace
GE Electronic Mail
O'siyo, brother!
This is a mailing from the "Friends of Nitassinan", for which, you may
recall, I'm one of two New England coordinators. Wado! --D.E.
ACTION ALERT: NATO to Invade Nitassinan Airspace in Spring 1995
The United States Air Force has announced plans to conduct low-level
training over Innu land this spring. They join the British, German, and
Dutch air forces, which currently conduct 7 to 8000 low-level training
sorties per season over Innu land, called Nitassinan by the Innu, in eastern
Quebec, operating out of Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay.
The Innu Nation has just learned that the Belgian, Italian, and French air
forces will also be training at Goose Bay this spring. The Canadian
Department of National Defence has announced these flights without even
waiting for the results of the federal environmental review of the program,
suggesting that the military already knows the result and the
recommendations, and is moving to implement its objective of bringing in a
fourth air force and increasing the number of sorties to 18,000 per season.
The following is a sample letter drafted to Dr. William Perry, Secretary of
Defense of the United States. Please make a copy, sign it, and send it.
Circulate it to friends and colleagues. Similar letters can be sent to the
governments of Italy, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, the U.K., and
Canada.
The Innu urgently need your help now to stop the flights!
--the Friends of Nitassinan
Dr. William Perry,
Secretary of Defense,
The Pentagon,
Washington, D.C. 20301.
(703) 697-5737
(703) 695-1219 FAX
Dear Dr. Perry:
I am writing to express my objections to the USAF low-level flying training
proposed for Innu airspace this coming April. It is my understanding that
the training will involve F-16 aircraft from the 52nd Fighter Wing based at
Spangdahlem, Germany. They will stop at Goose Bay for stepdown training on
their way to the Maple Flag exercises at Cold Lake, Alberta.
The airspace that the USAF plans to train in has never been ceded to the
Canadian government by way of treaty or land rights agreement, and belongs,
therefore, to the Innu people. In lieu of treaty, the Canadian government is
illegally renting out Innu airspace and certain ground facilities to third
parties (i.e., NATO air forces) against the will of the Innu people.
Low-level training to the Innu means jets screaming over their land and
camps at an altitude of 100 feet. The noise and disruption of overflights
cannot be dismissed: however accidental they may be, the impact on the Innu
is considerable. Some children now refuse to go back into the country because
they are frightened of the jets. There is also evidence that overflights
have negative impacts on hearing and health.
The Innu are also extremely concerned about the impact of the training on
the wildlife they depend on for survival. Scientific studies corroborate what
Innu elders have been saying for some time now, that the flights are having
a negative effect on the health of caribou, waterfowl, raptors, and other
important species.
The planned USAF deployment to Goose Bay, should it come to pass, will take
place without adequate environmental protection. The Canadian Department of
National Defence (DND) has attempted to implement an avoidance program that,
at least in theory, requires pilots to avoid noise-sensitive areas for
wildlife (including two endangered species), outfitter lodges, and Innu
camps.
However, the avoidance program was proposed by DND before it had done
surveys to locate the noise sensitive areas. When the surveys were
completed, they indicated that huge areas would be closed to flying. The
client air forces claimed that such environmental protections would
interfere with their training programs, and, subsequently, DND relaxed the
avoidance criteria to the point that they are ineffective. The conclusion is
that military pilots cannot both train and avoid people and wildlife, even
at the current training levels.
A Canadian federal environmental assessment of the low-level training
activities was completed last fall, despite a boycott of the public hearings
by the Innu and many environmental groups. The results of this review have
not been made public, but it is clear that the Canadian military is
proceeding as though it has a green light to increase the number of flights
per season from 7,000 to 15,000, construct a second bombing range, and
"market Goose Bay to the world".
Thus, should the USAF commence training at Goose Bay this April, it will do
so in the context of unresolved aboriginal rights, a defective environmental
mitigation program, and a shoddy and discredited environmental review.
For these reasons, I urge you to reconsider the deployment of the USAF to
Labrador this spring. I look forward to your reply.
--------- "RE: Poem: A Prayer of Strength" ---------
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 1995 07:28:46 -0800 (PST)
From: Larry Kibby <kibby@scs.unr.edu>
Subj: A Prayer of Strength
A PRAYER OF STRENGTH
Great Spirit Grandfather,
These words are for you,
For Father Sun,
Grandmother Moon,
For those That
You have created as I,
To the Four Winds
That bring us the
Seasons of Life.
Great Spirit Grandfather,
Hear my words
For I am humble
Before you.
I seek the strength
To continue on this path
That I travel on before you
In a most Sacred manner.
Great Spirit Grandfather
My words are for you
To know and understand
That in a most Sacred manner
I honor and respect
The life you have put before me,
I seek the strength
To forever continue
Upon this Sacred path.
Great Spirit Grandfather
Upon the four winds
Are my words for strength
For they come from the
Heart, soul and mind
Words I send to you
In a Sacred manner.
Great Spirit Grandfather
Let all
The wisdom, knowledge and understanding
Be my strength
To continue on this path
That I travel on before you
As a Traditional Native American Indian,
Now and forever.
--------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" ---------
Date: 95/02/19 17:28
From: Kepola (dfsanders@genie.geis.com)
Subj: A HAWAI'IAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of February 26-March 4
GE Electronic Mail
A HAWAI'IAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of February 26-March 4
PEPELUALI
(February)
(Kau-lua)
26
What is once found is never truly lost.
27
I return to the earth to find the place of my beginnings.
28
Within me lie the wellsprings of my own renewal.
MALAKI
(March)
(Nana)
March was the season when the malolo, the flying fish, swarmed in the ocean.
1
Everywhere I look, I see beauty.
2
Listen if you would hear the music of the land.
3
Imitate nature in your art.
4
Give one blessing for every two you receive.
(c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sanders
Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue
(With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream)
--------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - offline" ---------
Date: Thu, 23 February 95 08:00 -0500
From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.geis.com)
Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows not previously posted
to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L
GE Electronic Mail
From: Rio Lara-Bellon <larabell@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu>
GATHERING OF NATIONS POWWOW & MISS INDIAN WORLD CONTEST
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
April 19, 20, 21, 22, 1995
"Miss Indian World" represents all Indian people of North America, and
serves as a Goodwill Ambassador to other Cultures throughout the world.
"Miss Indian World 1995" will be crowned April 22, 1995 at the
Gathering of Nations Powwow.
For more information and an application, call or write to:
*****************************************
* GATHERING OF NATIONS *
* c/o MISS INDIAN WORLD CONTEST *
* P.O. Box 75102 *
* Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194 U.S.A. *
* 505/836-2910 *
* 505/839-0475 Fax *
*****************************************
Application Deadline is March 15, 1995 - no exceptions.
=========================================================================
From: "Shadiin Garcia (ES 1997)" <shadiin@minerva.cis.yale.edu>
Re: Upcoming Yale Conference
I just wanted to let you all know that our Friday night keynote speaker
on April 21 starting off the conference will be Wilma Mankiller. She will
also be speaking on one of the panels on Saturday -- If you need me info
please let meknow. shadiin@minerva.cis.yale.edu or 203.624.9552
--shadiin
========================================================================
From: Rio Lara-Bellon <larabell@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu>
Subject: Indian Family Preservation
<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>
<National Indian Family Preservation Conference >
<April 12-14, 1995 >
<Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza >
<Phoenix, Arizona >
<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>
Presented by the InterTribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
In coordination with: Dept. of Health & Human Services
Indian Health Services
Dept. of the Interior (BIA)
Arizona Dept. of Economic Security
Arizona State University
========================================================================
From: EIRP News <EIRPnews@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu>
The 17th Annual Pink & Chum Salmon workshop will be held March 1-3 at the
Lakeway Inn, Bellingham, Washington. The workshop is sponsored by the
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and the Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife.
Sessions will include: Stock identification and Evolved Stock Structure;
Fisheries Management Case Studies; New Enhancement Technologies/Strategies;
and Restoration of At-Risk Populations and Endangered Species Act
Considerations.
The workshop will begin at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 1st, and conclude
around noon on Friday, March 3rd. The cost of the workshop is $55. which
includes a copy of the proceedings and a banquet dinner on March 2nd.
For more information, contact: Gary Graves (NWIFC) 360.438.1180
This information provided courtesy of the Extension Indian Reservation
Telecommunication Project and EIRPnews:
pablob@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu
============================================================================
From: EIRP News <EIRPnews@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu>
Jack McCloud Sr. Memorial Basketball Tournament
March 10, 11, & 12, 1995
-- Nisqually Tribal Gym --
- Nisqually, Washington -
FOR FURTHER INFO CALL: Tom McCloud (360) 456-5221 / (360) 491-7323
This information provided courtesy of the Extension Indian Reservation
Telecommunication Project and EIRPnews:
pablob@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu
============================================================================
From: EIRP News <EIRPnews@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu>
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
DENVER MARCH POW WOW
March 17-19, 1995
Denver Coliseum - Denver, Colorado
-- Over $15,000 in Prizes --
sponsored by: Arnetta Hughes; Shayne, B.J.,
Cree Cree, and Casey Hughes
----------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Denver March Powwow, Inc
P.O. Box 19178
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 455-4575
=========================================================================
From: Rio Lara-Bellon <larabell@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu>
Announcement For Native American Women:
** Wellness and Native Women **
- Celebration of Life -
Two Wellness & Native Women conferences will be held again this year. The
first is slated for *February 20-24 in Mesa/Phoenix, Arizona* and the second
in *Portland, Oregon, April 10th through the 14th.*
Workshops topics will include:
* Personal & Professional Development *
* Humor For Healthy Living *
* Native Spirituality *
* Creative Expression *
Participants will also be able to take part in a Health Fair and Well
Women's Clinic, Alcoholic Anonymous meetings, wellness and recreational
activities, sweat lodge ceremonies, and a social pow-wow.
The conferences are sponsored by Health Promotion Programs: A department
of Public and Community Service in the College of Continuing Education at
the University of Oklahoma.
See you there! Riodeluz Lara-Bellon
=============================================================================
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--
Notice of Copyright Clearance by Contributors:
The following have granted permission for their original articles to
be reposted in order to help mend the Sacred Hoop:
Kepola, Suzan Horovitch, Janet Smith, Larry Kibby, Charles Phillip Whitedog,
C. Peggy Venable(via Janet Smith), Mary Sheldon, Tracy L. Canard,
Glen Welker, Suzan Horovitch, James D. Audlin, Rob Reuss, Larry Innes,
Cheslatta Carrier Nation(posted by request)
--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ all items below this line have already been distributed by our
brother, Jay Brummett, via the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists.