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 part A
is being sent to the NATIVE-L mailing list, one of the NativeNet
lists managed by Gary Trujillo (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us). It is also
echoed on AISESnet, IND-NET, and EIRP listservers and archived by
AISESnet.
Thanks to Marc Becker, mbecker@uclink2.berkeley.edu, issues of Wotanging
Ikche/Kanoheda Aniyvwiya are now being archived at a World-Wide-Web site.
The URL is http://ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu/~marc/journals/nanews/
This is a test site, and at some point in the future the location of these
files will change.
Thanks to Phil Duran, duranp@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu, issues are now being
archived at the Washington State University gopher in the following
directory:
gopher.wsu.edu /WSU Campuses Info /Public Services /Native Peoples
"The true Indian sets no price upon either his property or his labor.
His generosity is limited only by his strength and ability. He regards
it as an honor to be selected for difficult or dangerous service and
would think it shameful to ask for any reward, saying rather: "Let the
person I serve express his thanks according to his own bringing up and
his sense of honor."
__ Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa), Santee Sioux
+- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+
| 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!
So you can know others are aware of the plight of the First Nations....
Over the next few issues I will be including resolutions passed during
the recently closed Euromeeting. These will be included in Part B, as they
have already been included in messages on the Native-L listserver. The
following note from one of the organizers/participants will help explain
what these resolutions represent.
From: Oliver Kluge <100303.703@compuserve.com>
Resolutions of the Euromeeting are usually the result of the work of
workshops that deal with special cases. Resolutions are a good means
to show government officials that the protest against Human Rights
violations of Americas first peoples not only comes from some few
individuals, but from a broad variety of organizations across Europe.
I work for Big Mountain Action Group, a german human rights organization
focussing on North America. BMAG was one of the organizers of this year's
conference. Although the relocation at Big Mountain gave us our name nine
years ago, we have about a dozen cases in the US and Canada we do campaign
for.
Of course you may reproduce, archive and re-post all resolutions of the
Euromeeting and all the other documents produced.
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
- Wounded Knee Bill - Conferences and Powwows - online
- Cherokee Nation Elects New Chief - Euromeeting 95 Officially Opened
- Domenici Won't Cut HPF - Wounded Knee 1995
- Book List Update (Aug. 95) - New Jersey Organization
- Gustafson Lake - 07/20/95 - CD Commemorates 50th Anniversary
- Indigenous Peoples' Rights of Nuclear Age
and Recognition
- Indian Education Appropriations
Update
- Poem: Fingers Wet With water
- Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days
- Conferences and Powwows - offline
--------- "RE: Wounded Knee Bill" ---------
Date: Mon, 07 Aug 1995 18:58:03 EDT
From: BTRU93A@prodigy.com (MS BROOKIE M CRAIG)
Subj: Wounded Knee Bill
UUCP email
O'siyo...I have heard both sides of the issue of the Proposed National Park
being built at Wounded Knee and have now taken a stand. I send this to
each of you so that you might know my intention.
To: marie_fouche@infozone.telluride.co.us Order #9589540
From: BTRU93A
Subject: WOUNDED KNEE BILL
Date: 08/07/95 03:27 PM
O'siyo Marie...
Wado for sending me the latest revised version of the impending Proposed
Wounded Knee National Park Bill. I have examined my heart carefully on this
issue and I have personally sat in the homes of the People, this last week,
on the Pine Ridge Reservation talking of this issue. It is now time for me
to take a stand on this issue.
First...I want to let you know that I worked as an employee of a Native
Tribe, responsible for writing grant proposals so I am very familiar with
wording, language, legalities of proposed legislation. After reading this
latest proposal I am filled with concerns and questions which I will list
as follows:
Under the Purposes section referring to sites to be established are
listed to all sites relating to the massacre AND Ghost Dance Religion
located on the Pine Ridge Reservation. (since both the Cheyenne River
Indian Reservation and Pine Ridge are similar I shall use instance of Pine
Ridge in example)
My concern here is that no specific sites are mentioned..leaving open
the distinct possibility that the government may/could designate any
individual site as such. I see no specific restrictions in this section
prohibiting this.
My concern is that "to memorialize the Indian victims of the massacre is
not specific enough. How? What way? Who decides this? Its language is too
broad.
Visitor and information center? Where, run by whom, what hours of
operation with what purpose and goals?
Under (4)..Real Property..."For the purposes of this Act, the term "real
property" includes lands and ALL MINERAL RIGHTS, WATER RIGHTS, EASEMENTS,
PERMANENT STRUCTURES and FIXTURES on such lands." This GREATLY concerns me
as it gives (per your information also) no boundary lines..no designated
lands..and WHAT Permanent structures and fixtures? WHY all MINERAL and
WATER RIGHTS? This puts direct control over land and water rights in the
area to the Federal Government...too broad and generalized for me to
accept. Why are they needing these rights?
Under Section 4 (i) citing "such sites relating to the l890 Wounded Knee
Massacre and Ghost Dance Religion..etc...What sites? Who decides these?
Where are these designated on a map? Too broad and generalized.
Where is the cultural center and museum complex "AT or NEAR the Wounded
Knee Massacre site"...to be located?
What is a "suitable and APPROPRIATE national monument?
Under Cooperative agreements subsection B...The SECRETARY would approve
the procedures and requirements of the construction, federal management
policies and is given full power to "the Secretary CONSIDERS NECESSARY to
qualify both units of the Park for affiliation." This is too broad a power
base with no mention in this section of any Indian final decision making
process.
"Restore the Wounded Knee Massacred Site and OTHER important (what
others?) historic sites located WITHIN the units to the ORIGINAL (original
is nothing on the land here) condition of the sites....Including the
REMOVAL OF ALL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES THAT HAVE NO HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE. Who "decides" this? What buildings and structures? I saw
no such structures there this week other than Indian housing.
Enactment of tribal zoning ordinances? WHAT zoning ordinances? No
specific mention is made in reference to this.
Who under (iv) decides what the appropriate "visitor education
concerning Lakota history and culture" is? Who has final approval of this?
Under (vi)..Who and how is the "training and EMPLOYING of tribal members
provided?" Talking with residents this week in Wounded Knee I was told
that if they receive monies...they are disqualified from living in the
Indian Housing project there. So..by being employed this will
automatically move them off. As you may or may not know there is no
alternative housing available in that area that they might move to.
I hope you caught the legal phrasing in (d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE...(1)
which states the Secretary "MAY" provide technical assistance, etc...and
again in (2). Having written grants for the U.S. Government I assure you
that this is phrased as a catchall phrase which gives broad scope of power,
which in most cases, is not beneficial to anyone other than the Government.
Under Section 5 (a) (1)
The Tribes may acquire Surface And SUBSURFACE RIGHTS to any tract of
fee-patented or trust land OR Easements that cover such lands....that the
Secretary CONSIDERS NECESSARY..etc." This frightens me...I think its a
open invitation for mining...for the takeover of lands without individual
right to recourse.
Under Section 6..Management (1) ...."OR A DESIGNATED AGENCY OR
AUTHORITY of that tribe shall OPERATE, MAINTAIN and MANAGE the Units...etc"
This throws the door open for private white corporations to lease
concessions and run them on the Park lands..Seen this..KNOW how this works.
Under Section 7 (1) The National Monument with be PLANNED< DESIGNED AND
CONSTRUCTED BY THE SECRETARY AFTER "consultation" with an advisory
committee that the SECRETARY SHALL APPOINT..etc."...I happen to sit on a
advisory committee for the U.S. Postal Service and I can assure you that
nothing we "propose" is ever taken action on. I see the way open here for
the Secretary to either appoint those who will agree with changes or those
who will "suggest" but the Secretary is not BOUND LEGALLY to follow up on.
Please NOTE: "Authority of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal council and
the Oglala Sioux Council...SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY to plan and design the
monuments referred to..." WHAT!?!?!?! Why Not? I fear I see the
handwriting on the wall here...
Also included that they shall have no AUTHORITY To enter into contracts
for the consideration, operation and replacement of monuments under the
Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et.seq)..This did it in for
me. This strips all power of self determination from the tribes in
reference to having any authority.
Under Advisory Commission
(a) "The Commission shall ADVISE (key word here)...Gives absolutely NO
SCOPE OF POWER to the commission of council for changes or construction.
Under "Membership" The SECRETARY shall APPOINT 17 members of a
commission...etc...and the DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE or a
"DESIGNEE" shall serve as ex-officio member of the Commission. Why not an
Indian council?
You will note under Section 9 (a) (b) "With the APPROVAL of the
SECRETARY may enter into an agreement with a NONPROFIT CORPORATION to raise
funds from PRIVATE sources to be used in LIEU of or supplement of any
Federal funds..etc." and reference to a SEPARATE AGREEMENT WITH A
NONPROFIT CORPORATION..etc.
So...that having been said...My opinion is that this bill is NOT
designed with the best interest of the Indian People and will not PROTECT
and DEFEND their constitutional rights of self determination and ownership
of properties.
I see the door cracked WIDELY open for opportunists to have great
monetary gain at the expense and suffering of the First Nations People and
I must go on record in OPPOSITION of the building of the National Park at
Wounded Knee and shall so publicly state.
I am, Marie, sending this to you and copies to each member of my circle
and publicly publishing this both in Print and on my Homepage and
addressing the issue with the media that my stand shall be in opposition to
the proposal.
I do thank you for your time and consideration in sending this to me but
again state that this is too broad...giving away of water and mineral
rights and taking easements without the consent of the Native People in the
Wounded Knee area appears to me to be both a flagrant violation of their
constitutional rights and the Indian Self Determination Act.
I am faxing Committee on Indian Affairs to go on record in opposition
and so state that I shall be an active opponent.
I remind you of our famous leaders who said.."These lands are NOT for
sale." Each involved in this must examine his/her heart on this issue but
by history I have NEVER seen a single action that promoted First Nation
People's welfare nor benefited any single tribe. I have, however, watched
Dominant Culture Corporations make millions from private concessions from
National Parks located on First Nation lands. This appears to me to be
another attempt to exploit First Nations Peoples without regard to their
individual rights. I have said this...It is so. Brooke Craig
Cherokee@wolfe.net
--------- "RE: Cherokee Nation Elects New Chief" ---------
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 1995 03:31:15 GMT
From: gehring.1@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu (Glenn J. Gehring)
Subject: Cherokee Nation elects new Chief
Newsgroup: soc.culture.native
The recent runoff election has resulted in Joe Byrd being elected
Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Joe will be the first
full-blood Chief of CNO since allotment in 1906. He served on the Tribal
Council for eight years prior to his election as Principle Chief.
George Bearpaw, who Wilma Mankiller supported for the position, not only
lost the vote in the runoff, but was also declared ineligible due to a
felony conviction in 1975. This created some confusion as to whether Joe
had actually won the election. My understanding is that the Tribunal
decided there will not be a new runoff election with Chad Smith (the third
place candidate) or a new general election. Therefore, Joe Byrd will be the
new Principle Chief of CNO. The Council hasn't changed much with most being
re-elected.
--Glenn
--------- "RE: Domenici Won't Cut HPF" ---------
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 1995 17:41:38 -0400
From: TomWheaton@aol.com
Subj: Domenici Won't Cut HPF
UUCP email
August 7, 5:30 PM
ACRA provides the following update from CEHP Incorporated concerning action
in the Senate regarding Senators Domenici's and Inouye's amendment to cut $14
million from the Historic Preservation Fund. So far we seem to be leading a
charmed life. Let's hope it continues. In the meantime, don't let your
senators forget that historic preservation has a vociferous and active
constituency.
Tom Wheaton
Exec Dir - ACRA
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Preservation Wins Again - But Help Still Needed
We have learned that Senators Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) and Daniel Inouye
(D-Hawaii) won't include the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) in their floor
amendment to the fiscal 1996 Interior Appropriations bill. Last week, they
had announced that they would offer an amendment on the Senate floor that
would increase Indian programs by $285 million at the expense of other
Interior programs. As originally announced, the amendment would have cut the
HPF by $14 million, a 37% reduction. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) has
joined as a cosponsor of the amendment; it was apparently through his efforts
that the HPF was taken off the list of programs to be cut.
Senate floor action on the Interior bill has not been scheduled yet, but
it could occur as early as tomorrow. The Senate is currently caught up in
controversial welfare reform legislation and the Department of Defense
appropriations, which could block other bills from coming to the floor.
However, the majority leader, Sen. Robert Dole (R-Kansas) had stated last
week that the Interior Appropriations was one of the funding bills he hoped
the Senate would complete before they adjourn for the August recess, which is
likely to happen by this coming weekend.
ACTION STILL NEEDED:
While this is good news, nothing in Congress is certain until the votes are
over. And we still have the House/Senate conference committee to worry about,
which will meet in September. So ACRA members and others concerned about
archaeology and historic preservation should contact your Senators by phone
this week and urge them to support the Interior Appropriations bill and to
oppose any amendments that would cut programs that benefit archaeology and
historic preservation. All Members of Congress can be reached through the
Capitol Switchboard, (202) 224-312.
FOLLOW-UP:
The best defense, they say, is a good offense. We have been fighting defense
battles this summer. We need to go on the offense, both in preparation for
the conference committee that will meet on the Interior Appropriations bill
and to set the stage for other legislation that may come up this fall.
Your contacts do pay off! We've already won four victories this summer.
Two were in the House of Representatives: the approval of the amendment by
Rep Sanders to retain and fund the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
and the defeat of the amendment by Rep. Hutchinson to eliminate funding for
the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We also had two victories in
the Senate, an increase in funding for the National Trust and withdrawal of
the proposed cuts in Historic Preservation Fund from the amendment Sen.
Domenici plans to offer on the Senate floor.
Now we need to get back on the offensive. We must continue educating
members of the House and Senate about why cultural resources programs are
important and how these programs benefit their districts and states. The
House is now in recess and won't come back to Washington until September 6.
The Senate is likely to go out this weekend and come back around the same
time (nothing official has been announced for the Senate yet.) This is a
good time to write thoughtful letters to your representatives in both the
House and the Senate.
Set up an appointment, if you can, to see one or more of them while they
are back home. Attend a "town meeting" if the representative is hosting one
in your community. You want them to get to know you and to trust your
knowledge and opinions about these matters. If you don't know their local
office phone numbers or addresses, call them here in Washington and ask.
Last but not least, thank you to everyone who responded to our pleas for
help, which many of you will recall started last May. It seems longer than
just 3 months! We will keep you posted on upcoming issues and events as they
happen.
--------- "RE: Book List Update (Aug. 95)" ---------
Date: Fri, 4 Aug 1995 10:04:42 -0500 (CDT)
From: Michael <mwilson@csd.uwm.edu>
Subj: Book List Update (Aug. 95)
Mailing List: NATIVELIT <NATIVELIT-L@cornell.edu>
Here is the updated, collated list of books recommended by this list. If
you want to make your own suggestions, please submit 7-10 titles, rather
than just one (I'll be doing this forever if I do one title at a time).
Thanks for your help. I hope some find this useful or at least interesting.
Mike
=====================================
List of American Indian Books Suggested by the Electronic Mailing List
NativeLit-L August 1995
Question:
If you had only 10 books you could use to teach, what would they be?
Books recommended by more than one person (number in parentheses indicate
the number of recommendations).
Erdoes and Ortiz, eds. American Indian Myths and Legends
(translated/transcribed oral tales) (2)
Erdrich, Louise. Love Medicine (fiction) (5)
Harper's Anthology of Twentieth Century Native American
Poetry, ed. Duane Niatum (2)
Momaday, N. Scott. House Made of Dawn (fiction) (5)
Momaday, N. Scott. The Way to Rainy Mountain (autobiography) (3)
Silko, Leslie. Ceremony (fiction) (3)
Silko, Leslie. Storyteller (fiction/poetry) (4)
Welch, James. Fools Crow (fiction) (3)
Other Books Recommended
Fiction
Alexie, Sherman. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
Broker, Ignatia. Night Flying Woman
Bruchac, Joe. Dawn Land
Dorris, Michael. Morning Girl
Dorris, Michel. Yellow Raft in Blue Water
Erdrich, Louise. Tracks
Henry, Gordon. The Light People
King, Thomas. Green Grass, Running Water
King, Thomas. Medicine River
McNickle, D'Arcy. The Surrounded
Mourning Dove. Cogewea
Ortiz, Simon. Fightin': New and Collected Short Stories
Tapahonso, Luci. Saanii Dahataal, The Women are Singing
Vizenor, Gerald. Bearheart
Vizenor, Gerald. Dead Voices
Vizenor, Griever: An American Monkey King in China
Welch, James. Winter in the Blood
Young Bear, Ray. Black Eagle Child
Anthologies
An Anthology of Canadian Native Literature, ed. Moses and Goldie
Callaloo, Vol. 17 (poetry/prose/ including literature by
high school students)
Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology,
ed. Gerald Vizenor
Returning the Gift: Poetry and Prose from the First North American
Native Writer's Festival, ed. Joe Bruchac
Talking Leaves, ed. Craig Leslie (short fiction)
The Remembered Earth (essays/fiction/poetry), ed. Geary Hobson
The Oral Tradition
Bullchild, Percy. The Sun Came Down
Bruchac, Joe. The Faithful Hunter: Abenaki Stories
Smith, Theresa. Thunderers and Water Monsters
Swann, Brian. Coming to Light
Wallis, Velma. Two Old Women
Walters, Anna Lee, Peggy Beck, Nia Francisco. The Sacred
Non-Fiction
Apess, William. The Complete Writings of William Apess
Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the
Oglala Sioux as told through John G. Neihardt
Black Hawk. Black Hawk : An Autobiography, ed. Donald Jackson.
Translations of Washington Mathews
Interviews
Bruchac, Joe. Survival This Way: Interviews with American Indian Poets
Cotelli, Laura. Winged Words
Critical Works
Ruoff, A. Lavonne Brown. American Indian Literatures: An
Introduction and Bibliography
Owens, Louis. Other Destinies: Understanding the American Indian Novel
Vizenor, Gerald. Narrative Chance
Sarris, Greg. Keeping Slug Woman Alive
Warrior, Robert. Tribal Secrets
Krupat, Arnold. New Voices in Native American Criticism
--------- "RE: Gustafson Lake - 07/20/95" ---------
Date: Fri, 4 Aug 1995 17:43:29 UTC
From: an254787@anon.penet.fi
Subj: Gustafson Lake - 07/20/95
Newsgroups: alt.native,soc.culture.native
[note: this is the soonest I was able to post this. I realize it is
two weeks old. It is the most recent press release.]
PRESS RELEASE
July 20/95
FROM GUSTAFSON LAKE SUNDANCE GROUNDS'
The Caribou Tribal council called a meeting and invited the Gustafson
Lake Faithkeepers to attend to "discuss ways to resolve the situation
with the traditional bands at Big Lake." A delegation of Chiefs,
including Percy Rosette, Ernie Archie and William Ignace along with
warriors and a documentor honored the request and appeared at 6:00 P.M.
to express again the Faithkeepers' immovable position to uphold the great
Law, defend the grounds and push for a reclamation of 2000 square miles
which was illegally confiscated by various individuals over the last 137
years. One of the council's elders, the only one with a voice, attacked
Chief Rosette personally, creating an atmosphere of unease and tension.
The Caribou Council's intention was to find a solution but only on their
terms without healing the hearts and demands of the Defenders of the Free
Nation at Gustafson Lake. No resolution was found and the position of
both parties became more defined.
Later in the same evening, a cowhand from the Lyle James Cattle Company
trespassed on the Sundance grounds accusing the people of horse stealing
and insulted Chief Ignace. He was told to leave the grounds immediately
and keep his horses and cows out of the Sundance boundaries. Upon
retreating he threatened to return, after which two shots were fired in
the bushes, a direct act of provocation. The warriors responded with
several return warning shots while women and children in the camp were
taken to safety. The attack has reinforced the position of a full-scale
war against the ranchers, those aiding and abetting their illegal
occupation of traditional Shuswap land. Lyle James still has yet to
produce a deed or any type of valid documentation of a legal transaction
between the Shuswap Nation and concerned individuals.
The evidence of forced invasion and illegal confiscation becomes more
apparent.
For more information contact Bob or Lee at (604) 396-4963, or
the Gustafson Lake camp at (604) 395-7117.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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If you reply to this message, your message WILL be automatically anonymized
and you are allocated an anon id. Read the help file to prevent this.
Please report any problems, inappropriate use etc. to admin@anon.penet.fi.
--------- "RE: Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Recognition" ---------
Date: 95/08/07 06:44
From: Ann Stewart <75361.1143@compuserve.com>
Subj: Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Recognition...Now
UUCP email
On August 9, 1982, a United Nations' Working Group on Indigenous
Populations met for the first time. Thirteen years later on that day, a
ceremony will be held at UN headquarters in New York City to celebrate the
first International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. From now on,
August 9 will be honored as "the beginning of the recognition of
indigenous peoples and their struggle for dignity by the United Nations
system," as a report to the UN's General Assembly noted recently.
The term indigenous refers to the estimated 400 million people
throughout the world who have their own distinct cultures, languages,
economies and spiritual traditions, and distinct claims to particular
environments. But indigenous peoples who reside in the Americas, Africa
and Asia, have lost control over their lands and waters, their economies,
their governments and their destinies, first by colonialism and now by
increased mining, oil and gas development, dam building and timber
extraction. These peoples face the threat of extinction.
Despite an overwhelming lack of resources, more indigenous peoples than
ever before are uniting to make their unjust and critical situations
understood by governments, multinational corporations and citizens. They
are convinced that environmental destruction and cultural genocide will
cease only when people everywhere accept their efforts to protect and
manage their own lands and lives.
How do peoples overcome global perceptions that they are neither
entitled to nor capable of handling their own affairs? Earlier this summer,
an incident in the Canadian Parliament made headlines when one legislator
objected to Inuktitut being spoken in the House of Commons by a legislator
from the Eastern Arctic. What still holds true in most countries applies
to the UN as well, which suffers from a lack of indigenous personnel who
hold visible managerial and political positions of authority. Worse yet,
four hundred million peoples have no voice or representation in the UN.
Along with persistent racial discrimination, indigenous cultures face
unique situations. In Burma, Unocal, a California-based corporation, is
building a natural gas pipeline - with the support of the country's ruling
military junta - through the remaining rainforest inhabited by the Karen.
In Peru, Shining Path guerrillas and the army clash repeatedly on lands
farmed by the Ashaninka who have been forced to relocate time and again.
In Quebec, hydroelectric dams being built to provide electricity to the
northeastern United States have destroyed the Cree and Inuit traditional
ways of life.
Search the planet's multitudinous political bodies and you will not find
a permanent organization universally recognized by all governments that
gives indigenous peoples an effective voice in the special concerns which
affect them and greater responsibility for their own interests.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu Tum, a Mayan leader of the
indigenous people of Guatemala, is determined to alter this situation. "We
want the reality of indigenous peoples for all to see, so the perception
of the past will not remain in the future," she said at a precedent-
setting conference she convened in Paris in February, that was attended by
seventy representatives of indigenous peoples.
Permanent status at the UN for indigenous peoples where they may assert
violations of their rights by corporations and governments must be
addressed by the nations of the world. Many governments, including the
United States, are largely silent on the subject of indigenous peoples'
needs and human rights. At a time when American hysteria about the role of
the UN in world affairs is rising, there is much we could learn as we
observe the initiatives of indigenous peoples themselves to secure their
future.
In the history of movements for change, thirteen years is not long. Many
will belittle August 9 as just another day set aside for speeches by those
who stand in the way of "progress." But if we in the larger society will
recognize and support cultures as rich as our own, then the quality of the
world's habitats and diversity of its peoples will be protected and
enhanced rather than diminished.
----Ann Stewart is a registered agent in the US for the Grand Council of the
Crees (US Department of Justice #4632)
--------- "RE: Indian Education Appropriations Update" ---------
Date: Thu, 3 Aug 1995 11:48:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: Denise Bambi Kraus <bambi@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu>
Subj: Indian Education Appropriations Update
UUCP email
For Immediate Release, August 2, 1995, by the:=20
NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
121 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, Virginia
phone: (703) 838-2870 fax: (703) 838-1620
Contact: Lorraine Edmo, Executive Director
Jack Jackson, Jr., Legislative Analyst
"Senate Appropriations Committee Reduces Indian Education Funds,
BIA Programs: Action Moves to Senate Floor"
Wash., DC-August 2: Action on FY1996 funding for American Indian
and Alaska Native education programs, which are part of Interior
Department Appropriations bill H.R. 1977, will shift to the Senate
floor this week. While some Senate staffers have predicted that
the members will act on the Interior bill after the August recess,
they cautioned that a vote could take place before the planned
August 11 recess date.
At stake is funding for the Office of Indian Education (OIE) in the
Department of Education as well as funding for 187 Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA)-funded schools and other education programs under the
agency's jurisdiction. Last Friday the full Senate Appropriations
Committee, chaired by Senator Mark Hatfield (R-OR), voted to accept
the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee's report that set BIA
funding at $997.2 million - a level that is $522 million below the
FY1995 level and $612.6 million below the President's FY1996
funding request. The Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Slade Gorton
(R-WA), moved $394 million in program funding to a new Office of
Special Trustee for American Indians that would be located in the
Interior Department.
In response to the Committee's action, NIEA President Lorena Zah
Bahe stated, "We are alarmed at the deep cuts being made in the
BIA's budget in general and Indian education programs in
particular. Education is the number one priority for thousands of
American Indians and Alaska Natives who hope to improve their
communities and secure a productive future for their children.=20
These cuts will have a serious impact not just on the public and
BIA-funded schools, but on all of Indian country. We urge the
Senate to consider the future of Indian and Alaska Native children
when the time comes to vote on the Interior Appropriations
legislation. Our children cannot afford any more cuts to their
education."
Senators Pete V. Domenici (R-NM) and Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI)
offered a bipartisan amendment at the July 28 hearing that would
have restored $284.5 million in critical program funding for the
BIA. The Domenici-Inouye amendment was not acted on at that time
and will, instead, be brought up when the Interior bill is
considered on the Senate floor. Senator Domenici argued that most
of the $394 million in program funding would come from the Office
of Indian Programs and "Non-Recurring Programs," which fund special
BIA law enforcement efforts, tribal courts, community development,
self-governance programs, Indian business development grants,
irrigation programs, forestry initiatives, and water management
programs. Staff analysis by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
revealed that if these programs are not restored, then program
funds for salaries at the tribal government level will face a 28
percent cut.
Senator Domenici indicated that the major programs the Domenici-
Inouye amendment is intended to re-establish are those that
"directly employ Indians on their own reservations. These funds
flow directly to the tribal governments, where priorities are set
in such key areas as tribal government, human services, education,
public safety and resource management." According to Carole
McGuire, Professional Staff member of the Senate Budget Committee,
the Senate Appropriations Committee "found funds to restore the
basic program of the Office of Indian Education [however] this was
all the Committee could do."
Funding for OIE was approved by the Committee at $54.6 million.
This would provide $52.5 million for formula grants to local
education agencies (LEAs) and $2.1 million for administration of
these grants. In order to meet the FY1995 level, and additional
$28 million would have to be found in offset funds.
Senate sources have indicated that if any amendments are offered to
try to restore the $28 million to OIE, these funds would have to
come from the same sources as the Domenici-Inouye amendment would
draw upon in order to fund Tribal Priority Allocations and other
BIA programs. The amendment identifies offsets from ten competing
Interior agencies. Senate Indian Committee staff members are still
not sure whether the offsets will be approved in the Senate and
they are expecting objections to be raised about some of these
agency reductions.
The following are the Senate Appropriations Committee's actions
regarding BIA Education Programs Other than TPA:
The SPECIAL HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM administered
by the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) in Albuquerque,
NM was included in the Senate bill at $2.7 million. The House
did not include any funds and the fate of this program will be
decided in Conference Committee.
BIA SCHOOL OPERATIONS. The Committee increased this category
by $2.2 million above the FY 1995 level. For Indian Student
Equalization Program (ISEP) funds, the Committee recommended
an increase of $3.4 million above the FY1995 level. The
Senate figures are little higher than the House, which
recommended a $1.9 million increase for school operations.=20
These figures, however, remain far short of the President's
request. The House was $31 million under and the Senate is
$30.6 million under the Presidents's request. It is estimated
that BIA's Weighted Student Unit (WSU) will be below the 1993-
94 level in FY1996.
(The Committee, in its report accompanying the bill, noted the
following: "Offsetting these increases is a reduction of $2
million associated with the PROHIBITION [emphasis added] of use of
funds for travel and training costs associated with national
meetings." Section 328 of the provisions section states that "the
Committee is troubled by the excessive costs associated with
multiple national conferences each year. During a time of
declining budgets, it is imperative that scarce resources are spent
on classroom activities." This language applies to both the Office
of Indian Education at the Education Department and BIA Education
Programs.)
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. The Committee recommended $5.5
million, a reduction of $1 million below the FY1995 funding
level. This reduction represents savings expected from the
prohibition on travel and training expenses related to
national conferences (see above).
BIA SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION. The Committee recommended $45.5
million for education construction - a cut of $23.6 million
from the President's request. Funding was provided to
complete the Chief Leschi Indian School in Washington State.=20
No funding was provided for the Many Farms High School. The
Committee recommended a reduction of $134,000 for pay costs
and $10 million for facilities improvement and repair. The
Committee also included no funding for a pilot project for
alternative financing for school construction.
CONTINUING EDUCATION. The Committee provided $27.4 million
for this item that provides funds to the tribally-controlled
community colleges. There was no change from the President's
request.
The Committee provided no funds for the EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS
PROGRAM and instead, transferred that funding for distribution
to all schools through ISEP. The Committee did not provide
any funds for TRIBAL DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION.
Although the Committee recommended funding THE INSTITUTE OF
AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS AND CULTURE in Santa Fe, New Mexico at
$5.5 million, it also recommended, like the House, that
federal funding be phased out.
NIEA is in the process of preparing a more detailed newsletter
supplement for its membership that will also include information on
appropriations for programs funded under the authority of the
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations
Subcommittee. If you are not an NIEA member and want a copy of the
supplement, please call NIEA at 703/838-2870.
--------- "RE: Poem: Fingers Wet With water" ---------
Date: 15 Aug 1994 13:13:37 -0500
From: turtle@aicap.s21.com (Turtle Heart)
Subj: Fingers wet with water
Newsgroup: alt.native
I was there
a place where corn was growing
Old Antelope Man
put water in his fingers
and dripped it onto my heart
and fed me cedar
and made me look inside an old old pot
all night I slept singing
and watched my feet on his earth
his heart was there
open all around me
open in all directions
Old Antelope Man
holding an old pot in his hands
later I went and wept into the river my heart
Tobacco Indian
Turtle Heart turtle@soft21.s21.com (Ahnishinabeg)
American Indian Computer Art Project BBS 619-374-2100
Land of Kaw-ii-su ancestor: Land of Light
Land of Kaw-ii-su ancestor: Land of Light
--------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" ---------
Date: 95/08/05 18:29
From: Debra F. Sanders (dfsanders@genie.geis.com)
Subj: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days
GE Electronic Mail
A HAWAIIAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of August 13-19
AUKAKE
(August)
(Mahoe-mua)
13
Wherever I journey, this place of wonder walks by my side.
14
The fullness of each day is made up of both light, malamalama,
and shadow, ke aka.
15
Tiny lights bob in the darkness as paper boats carry them out to sea
on the evening tide -- we are one with our past.
16
The gecko sings inside my home, blessing it.
17
The bird of paradise flower erupts with bright color amidst the green
coolness of the ferns.
18
Arise with joy to greet the day!
19
Accept what cannot be easily explained.
(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, 10 Aug 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: Denise Bambi Kraus <bambi@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu>
Subject: 52nd Annual Convention Registr. (fwd)
For more information, contact Georgette Horse, National Congress of
American Indians, 2010 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 2nd Floor, Washington,
DC 20036, (202) 466-7767 [fax: 202/466-7797].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAI 52nd ANNUAL CONVENTION INFORMATION SHEET
"CHARTING THE COURSE FOR
EMPOWERMENT AND EQUITY"
WHEN: Sunday, October 29 through Friday, November 3, 1995
WHERE: Town & Country Hotel For reservations call:
San Diego, California 1-800-77-ATLAS or
HOW MUCH: $69.00 - Single $85.00 - East Tower/Ctyard-Single
$69.00 - Double $85.00 - East Tower/Ctyard-Double
$95.00 - West Tower-Single
$95.00 - West Tower-Double
REGISTRATION: Early Bird Registration Fees (Deadline August 15)
Member $250 Non-Member $300 Student $150
Pre-registration Fees (After August 15 - October 16):
Member $275 Non-Member $325 Student $175
On-Site Registration Fees:
Member $325 Non-Member $375 Student $200
DEADLINE: Pre-registration Deadline: October 16, 1995
MEMBERSHIP: Membership Fees:
Individual $10 Indian Student $6
Joint Indian Couple $12 Associate $25
Associate $50 (Non-Indian, Non-Voting)
Lifetime $100
EXHIBITORS: Fees (Space: 8' X 10')
$300 Tribe/Tribal Enterprise $350 Indian Arts & Crafts
$400 Non-Profit Organization/ $600 Corporation
Educational Institution $800 Federal Agency
ADVERTISING: In NCAI "52nd Annual Convention" Program: $350 Full Page;
$200 Half Page; $125 Quarter Page; $100 Patron
TRAVEL AGENT: NATIVE AMERICAN TRAVEL SERVICE
4130 No. Goldwater Blvd. #114
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(602) 945-0771
(602) 945-0264 - Fax
MORE INFORMATION:
Lorenda Sanchez,
California Indian Manpower Consortium
1-800-640-2462
Georgette Horse
National Congress of American Indians
202-466-7767
-----------------------------------------------
Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com
The Confederated Siletz Tribes of Oregon will hold their annual Nesika
Illahee, our Circle of Friendship Pow Wow, the weekend of Aug 11-13, 1995
at the Tribal grounds on Government Hill in Siletz, Oregon. This is
located just east of Newport and north of Toledo a few miles.
On Friday, Aug 11, the Grand Entry will take place at 7pm. Saturday,
the 12th, the Parade will get underway at 11am; Grand Entry at 1pm and
again at 7pm. On Sunday, the 13th, the Grand Entry will be at 12 noon.
For questions concerning the weekend activities, call the Tribal Center
at 1-800-922-1399. And don't forget to stop by the Siletz Casino, Chinook
Winds, located at the north end of Lincoln City, OR, on the beautiful
coast.
The neighboring tribe of the Siletz, the Grand Ronde, will be holding
their Pow Wow the weekend of August 18-20 at Grand Ronde, OR. Call them
at 1-800-422-0232 for info.
Also on the weekend of August 18-20, the Klamath will be having their
Treaty Days at Chiloquin, OR.
The Mill-Luck Pow Wow will be a feature of the weekend of Sept 8-10 at
the Mill Casino in North Bend, OR. Friday night Grand Entry at 7pm;
Saturday at 1pm; and Sunday at 1pm. Contact them at 1-800-953-4800.
____________________________________________________
From: angels@islandnet.com (Shirley Garneau)
Subject: SONGHEES POTLATCH
SONGHEES POTLATCH..hosted by the "Spirit of Nations" Youth Committee
August 23, 1995, Lekwammen Longhouse, Lekwammen Grounds
Maple Bank Road, Esquimalt, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Starts at 1:00 p.m.
The Potlatch is to honor all elders and ancestors of all the
"First Nations" peoples. The Lekwammen Youth Committee invite other
Youth Committees to come and join in and learn about putting on a major
Potlatch. Youth Committee extend an invitation to other native groups
to come and share their songs, dances and legends at this Potlatch.
Seeking Donators and Sponsors
Please call Cookie Sam at 1 604 388 3475
or e.mail canpac@islandnet.com
Many Thanks Shirley Garneau
---------------------------------------------------
From: angels@islandnet.com (Shirley Garneau)
Subject: SONGHEES POW WOW
4TH ANNUAL SONGHEES COMPETITION POW WOW
AUG 25- 27, 1995
MAPLE BANK ROAD, Esquimalt, VAncouver Island, B C
Grand Entries: 7 pm August 25/95
1 pm & 7 pm Aug 26 & 27/95
Arts & Crafts plus good food.
NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
Pow Wow information from: Cookie Sam 1 604 388 3475
or e.mail canpac@islandnet.com
Many Thanks Shirley G
=========================================================================
From _The Spike_
Aug 18-20 Danbury, WI - St. Croix Wild Rice Powwow
Info: 715-349-2195 (Hazel Hinsley)
Aug 18-20 Haddam, CT - 9th Annual Quinnehtukqut Rendezvous & Native
American Festival.
Info: 203-282-1404
Aug 18-20 Prior Lake, MN - Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Powwow
Info: 612-445-8900 (Glenn Cooks)
Aug 19-20 Stanhope, NJ - 3rd Annual Festival of the Andes
Info: 201-347-0900
Aug 19-20 Lebanon, IN - 13th Annual Traditional Powwow at Boone County
Info: 317-482-3315 (Nancy Malaterre)
Aug 19-20 Chuckatuck, VA 7th Annual Nansemond Indian Festival
Info: 804-393-1634 (Earl Bass)
Aug 19-20 Eleanor, WV - Kanawha River Powwow
Info: 304-496-2923 (Suzanne Tewawina)
From _Char Koosta News_
Aug 18-20 Twin Buttes, ND - Twin Buttes Celebration
Info: 701-627-4781
Aug 18-20 Kyle, SD - Wazi Paha Oyate Festival
Info: 605-455-2321
Aug 18-20 White River, SD - White River Celebration
Info: 605-259-3670
Aug 18-20 Suquamish, WA - Chief Seattle Days
Info: 206-598-3311
Aug 18-20 Wakpala, SD - Wakpala Celebration
Info: 701-854-7231
Aug 18-20 Grand Ronde, OR - Grand Ronde Powwow
Info: 503-879-5211
Aug 18-20 Satus, WA - Eagle Spirit Celebration
Info: 509-856-5251
Aug 18-20 Kamiah, ID - Chief Looking Glass Celebration
Info: 208-935-2144
Aug 18-20 Chiloquin, OR - Klamath Treaty Days
Info: 503-783-2219
Aug 18-20 Rosebud, SD - Rosebud Fair and All-Indian Rodeo
Info: 605-747-2381
From _News from Indian Country_
Aug 16-21 Crow Reservation, MT - 77th Crow Fair
Info: 406-638-2601
Aug 18-20 Kamloops, BC - 16th Kamloops Powwow
Info: 604-828-9700
Aug 18-20 Mille Lacs, MN - 29th Mille Lacs
Info: 612-532-4181
Aug 18-20 Ft. Thompson, SD - Crow Creek
Info: 604-245-2221
Aug 18-20 Piapot Reserve, Saskatchewan - Piapot Celebration
Info: 306-781-4848
Aug 18-20 Duck Lake, Saskatchewan - Beardy's/Okamasis
Info: 306-467-4523
Aug 18-20 Houck, AZ - Unity Gathering and 5K Indian Trail Run
Info: 520-521-1063
Aug 19-20 Charlemont, MA - Mohawk Trail
Info: 413-339-4096
Aug 19-20 Lebanon, IN - 13th AIC Traditional
Info: 317-482-3315
Aug 19-20 Peshawbestown, MI - Peshawbestown Powwow
Info: 616-271-3538
Aug 19-20 Belvidere, IL - 39th O-Sa-Wan
Info: 815-568-7997
Aug 20 Calgary, Alberta - 7th International Native Arts
Info: 403-233-0022
=========================================================================
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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:
Janet Smith, Debra F. Sanders, Brookie Craig, Mike Wilson, Tom Wheaton,
Turtle Heart(Mending the Sacred Hoop with song poems), MaryAnne BrokenNose,
an254787@anon.penet.fi(Press Release), Denise Bambi Kraus(Press Release),
Oliver Kluge, Glenn J. Gehring, Wanbli Sapa, Carol Liu(Press Release),
--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ all items below this line have already been distributed via
the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists.