The threat of violence escalated last week when Tribal Chairman Fred Dakota
brought in tribal police from other Indian communities to launch an attack
on the FFJ compound Wednesday morning with assault weapns, tear gas, and
riot gear. Dakota was quoted in the _Marquette Mining Journal_ indicating
that if resolution of the current conflict "takes a body, there will be a
body." He has also indicated that "the only thing that is negotiable is how
long the rope is."
While the picketers were holding their "No Violence" signs near the side of
Highway M-38 in front of the Casino, a Dakota supporter approached three
female picketers and verbally assaulted them with sexually and racially
harassing language.
The Upper Peninsula Witnesses for Non-Violence plan to continue picketing
for "No Violence" each evening from 5 to 7 until it is clear that the threat
of violence is dispelled. We urgently need supporters to come to the Tribal
Center at Assinins, on US 41, one mile NW of Baraga, Michigan. A massive
showing of non-violent resistance may be all that can avert extensive bloodshed.
Please demonstrate your concern for this spiraling situation by faxing the
KBIC Tribal Chair, Fred Dakota, at 1-906-353-7540 (phone: 1-906-353-6623)
and by faxing the KBIC Tribal Police at 1-906-353-6838 (phone: 353-6626).
The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe is supplying Dakota with police. Please protest
this by faxing their Tribal Chair (517-772-3508) and their Tribal Police
(517-775-3407). Migwetch.