The following information is preliminary.
I just spoke with the Western Shoshone Defense Project. Oro Nevada,
a Canadian Gold Mining company, has begun test drilling near Dewey
Dann Creek above the family ranch of Carrie and Mary Dann. A mobile
drilling rig began work a few days ago. The creek is the primary
source of water for the Dann ranch, and drilling activities pose a
serious threat. Oro has also formulated plans to drill near a
sacred hot spring in the area.
The drilling rig arrived without any notification from Oro Nevada or
the Bureau of Land management, in spite of assurances from the company
and the government that drilling would only take place after the
Shoshone were notified.
Two days ago, the Defense Project's base camp was visited by three
police agents of the federal Bureau of Land Management. One was in
uniform; the others were plain clothes. The federal officers expressed
concern for the safety of the drilling rig and Oro Nevada personnel.
Defense Project personnel reiterated their adherence to peaceful
resistance, as directed by the Western Shoshone.
I will be learning more in the next few days, and will post a more
detailed article as soon as possible.
The Defense Project is in desperate need of funds! They cannot afford
to send out a newsletter alert about this situation; their resources
are very limited. Please contact them if you can help.
Western Shoshone Defense Project
P. O. Box 211106
Crescent Valley, NV 89821
702/468-0230 voice
702/468-0237 fax
--- Scott Robert LaddScottRobertLadd@juno.com 957 Empire Street voice: +1 970 387 0271 P.O. Box 617 fax: +1 970 387 0277 Silverton, CO 81433 USA