Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

January 31, 2011

Crumbs! Cobell Settlement

Is the Cobell settlement another scam?
UPDATE: Attorneys ask judge to more than double their feesBy Brenda Norrell
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/


Attorneys in the Cobell settlement jacked up their bill in January, more than doubling it, and the United States is now attempting to buy up Indian lands under the settlement.
Indian land owners, long cheated by the US government, will be receiving peanuts. Individual Indians are expected to receive on the average $1,200, of the $3.4 billion settlement.
Native Americans question if the settlement is no more than another US scam to buy up Indian lands.
Never sell the landVi Waln said she has already received three letters, with increasing offers. Waln is Sicangu Lakota, editor of Lakota Country Times and lives on the Rosebud Indian Nation in South Dakota.
"I got three letters on the Cobell settlement. And I will get more letters offering to buy my fractionated interests. Every time they send me a letter with an offer to buy the fractionated interests they offer more money. Maybe I will sell if they offer me $99.9 million like the Cobell lawyers are getting," Waln said.
"But then again I always tell my family to never sell the land, even if the letter says you own only one acre!"
Attorneys want a big chunk of the pieNow that the US has agreed to the Cobell settlement, the attorneys, including a large number of non-Indian attorneys, are seeking to more than double their fees.
The $3.4 billion class action settlement, Cobell v. Salazar, seeks to resolve claims related to Individual Indian Money (or IIM) accounts and land held in trust by the federal government for the benefit of individual Indians.
The attorneys now say that $99.9 million isn't enough. On Jan. 25, the attorneys asked a presiding judge for far more: $223 million plus $1.3 million in expenses and costs (see court petition below.)
Although some of the attorneys are Native Americans, the majority are not.
Washington solo practitioner Dennis Gingold and a team of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton attorneys told a judge their fees should be more than doubled.
The National Law Journal online reports, "Kilpatrick Chairman William Dorris in Atlanta, who bills at $690 an hour, revealed in court records the hourly rates for nearly 100 current and former partners, associates and counsel in Washington; Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Atlanta, among other cities."
Ben Carnes, Choctaw in Oklahoma, questions why the United States isn't paying the legal fees.
"What is absent to me is why the defendants (US Government) isn't paying the attorney fees, which is what is usually requested in civil actions. Unless the negotiations in the settlement were that their payday came from the plaintiffs.
"There has been an argument that many of the current plaintiffs have passed on since the filing of this case, but that has been going on for more than a hundred years. If there is a fear they won't get money in hand before their deaths, then it disturbs me. One should never give up just so they could be bought out."
What about criminal charges?
Carnes said he views the settlement as a cover-up, aimed at protecting the criminals involved in the theft and fraud of billions of Indian dollars.
"My opinion of the Cobell settlement is that it is a cover-up. There is no doubt that to do an historical accounting would be a monumental undertaking, but the costs would be more than dollars.
"It could cost careers, expose covert illegal activities and where possible, lead to a demand for federal indictments. Someone mentioned that during the Iran-contra hearings evidence was revealed that funding had been diverted from our accounts.
"As to the fractionated lands issue, I was told that the lands purchased would be turned over to the tribal government as a part of the consolidation. Since these entities are created by the federal government, it wouldn't be a far stretch to think that the federal government could 'lease' these lands more easily than dealing with heirs."
"Another aspect I haven't seen mentioned here is that when notices are sent out, and if an heir couldn't be reached, they will lose out anyway. These lands will be purchased at fair market value, but when these lands are gone, they will be gone."
Through the years, whistleblowers, including one at the BLM in Farmington, N.M., exposed the fact that the amounts of oil and gas being extracted from the Aneth, Utah, oil and gas fields on the Navajo Nation, were intentionally underreported to benefit the corporations. Navajos in Aneth had long protested the hundreds of oil and gas wells around their homes that were poisoning their families.
Sweetin' the pie: Indian scholarshipsThe dangling carrot of the offer of Indian scholarships was supposed to sweeten the pie, but American Indians aren't buying that either. They've seen these vague scholarship offers fall by the wayside, or end up with most of the funds going into the pockets of CEOs and for travel, or squandered in more fraud.
Theresa Yarbrough listed many concerns over the settlement.
"The scholarship fund is nothing more than dangling an apple in front of the lead plow horse," Yarbrough said.
The vague wording in the settlement states: "Depending on the level of participation in the land consolidation program, up to $60 million will be set aside to provide scholarships for higher education for American Indian and Alaska Native youth."
The truth is, "up to $60 million," is vague wording and means anything less than this amount.
US seeks to benefit from its crimesYarbrough points out that the United States would never enter into the Cobell settlement, unless it benefits the United States.
In the settlement, as usual, the US states that it has done nothing wrong.
"They agree to settle, they don't believe they have committed any crime or wronged anyone," Yarbrough pointed out.
"Another thing wrong with this is that the settlement allows for a huge amount of the monies to establish a new government program that will be used to buy up fractionated lands. This is nothing more than another land acquisition movement," she said. "Unless the land is returned to the Indians with a land patent, and all mineral and resource rights, it is still property of the United States," she said.
Native Americans point out that the US can not be trusted. Further, they point out that tribal governments are entities manufactured by the US government. When it comes to land, and revenues from energy, many Native Americans feel neither the tribal government nor the US government can be trusted.
Although the settlement says the newly-acquired lands purchased will become a "benefit" to the tribes, beware. The US also considers toxic waste dumps as good economic development for Indian country.
It is the purchase of fractionated interests that is a red flag among many.
"Under the Settlement Agreement, $1.9 billion will fund a Department of the Interior program to buy fractionated interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers to benefit tribal communities and aid in land consolidation."
Yarbrough said what the government is really saying, with the land acquisition is: "We will benefit from your lands and keep you from leaving it to your heirs."
Grassroots Natives remain uninformedThe settlement comes with many warnings that may never reach the grassroots Native people who live without electricity or Internet. For some, English is a second language. Still, if they don't opt out, they are considered part of the settlement.
"Individuals wishing to keep their right to sue the federal government over mismanagement claims covered by the settlement must exclude themselves from the settlement by April 20, 2011," according to the settlement.
Hush moneyAs with any settlement, this means an end to claims.
"Settlement means just that, once the deal is accepted, the issue is settled, put to rest, and can never be brought up again," Yarbrough said.
Crumbs again for the people
As more is learned about the settlement, it increasingly resembles some of the casino negotiations.
These resulted in casino management companies and the states receiving fortunes from lucrative casinos. The grassroots Native people whose tribes operate lucrative casinos, including the Tohono O'odham, continue to live in desperation, seeking food, homes and jobs, while profits go to casino management companies and large percentages to the states.
MoreUPDATE Feb. 2, 2011: Cobell is holding meetings with land owners:http://64.38.12.138/News/2011/000330.asp
Current payout information for landowners:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/court-ordered-notification-in-34-billion-indian-trust-settlement-to-begin-114639824.html
Attorneys petition for increased fees:"This fee petition is submitted by plaintiffs on behalf of Dennis M. Gingold, Thaddeus Holt and the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, LLP, including William E. Dorris, Keith M. Harper, Elliott H. Levitas, David C. Smith, Adam H. Charnes, G. William Austin and Justin M. Guilder (collectively, “Class Counsel”) in accordance with the terms of settlement. Work after December 7, 2009 will be the subject of future applications.
Court petition:http://www.indiantrust.com/docs/20110126_petitionbrief.pdf
National Law Journal: Cobell attorneys seek $223 million
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202480032511



Flagstaff Protest: NAU off sacred Mount Graham

Contact: Robin Silverrsilver@biologicaldiversity.org
(602) 799-3275 (Photo: Mount Graham website:
www.mountgraham.org )
Action in support Winona LaDuke's presentation at NAU campus on Feb 1st. Protest rally to stop NAU desecration and extinction on Mount Graham!
When: Tues. February 1.
Gather at 5:00 PM
Walk starts at 6:00 PM
Where: NAU High Country Conference Center located at 201 West Butler Avenue.
Meet outside near Butler Ave and Conference Center main entrance.
Look for banners.
Why: The Mount Graham telescope project desecrates a central Apache religious site. It destroys and fragments the old growth forest heart of an endangered species' critical habitat.
Northern Arizona University is a partner in the projects centerpiece Large Binocular Telescope.
NAU administration has ignored previous attempts to address this issue.
Please join us!
Who: NAU students, faculty and concerned community members. Elders from San Carlos Apache will be in attendance.
This action is being supported by: Center for Biological Diversity, Mount Graham Coalition, and Indigenous Action Media.
Plan: Walk from Conference Center to Winona LaDuke's speech at Ardrey
Auditorium (ticket necessary for admission: http://nau.ticketforce.com/ordertickets.asp?p=432&backurl=default.asp)
Contact: NAU President Haeger and urge him to respect the Apache, to save the Mount Graham red squirrel and to get NAU out of the Mount Graham telescope project.
Phone: (928) 523-3232 Email: John.Haeger@nau.edu
Further Info: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2010/mount-graham-red-squirrel-12-22-2010.html
NAU OFF MOUNT GRAHAM! PROTECT SACRED SITES!
Background:
For the Apache, Mount Graham or Dzil nchaa si' is of central sacred importance to the Western Apache as a geographical landform, as a burial ground, and as home to the Gaahn (mountain spirits). Mount Graham is also sacred in very specific locations. One of these sites is Emerald Peak where the centerpiece Large Binocular Telescope (formerly the Columbus telescope) is now located. NAU is a partner in this telescope which is now visible from the San Carlos reservation.
The Mount Graham Red Squirrel is found nowhere else except on Mount Graham. Only a little more than 200 squirrels now survive. The telescopes destroy and fragment the forested heart of the squirrels' essential spruce-fir habitat. Nearly one third of the spruce-fir was needlessly destroyed recently under the guise of protecting the telescopes from fire.

O'odham: Border Patrol protesters call for more action

NEWS RELEASE Monday January 31, 2011
Contact: Alex Soto Email: stopbordermilitarization@gmail.com

Update: Events in Tucson, Flagstaff and Phoenix. Feb. 2011:http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/02/all-out-against-borders.html

Border Patrol Headquarters Occupation Protesters to Fight Charges
Group Calls for Further Action Against Border Militarization
TUCSON -- On February 23, 2011, 2:00 PM at Tucson City Court, five of the six protesters who locked-down and occupied the US Border Patrol Tucson Headquarters on May 21, 2010 are going to trial fighting one count each of "criminal trespassing". One of the six has chosen to take a diversion.

The action was taken, in part, to demand that BP, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), their parent entity, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Obama administration end militarization of the border, end the criminalization of immigrant communities, and end their campaign of terror which rips families apart through increasing numbers of raids and deportations.

Alex Soto, one of the arrestees and member of O'odham Solidarity Across Borders states, "As we did not enter the BP headquarters alone but with prayers of O'odham elders and community supporters, we are asking for support once again for our continued stand against border militarization. Our messaging is the reality for everyone that is forced to feel the pain that borders inflict upon us in our daily lives. The Border Patrol is not the only agency responsible for the militarization of the border – and it's subsequent destruction of Indigenous and migrant communities – or the only benefactors of border militarization." Soto states.

In a previous release O'odham Solidarity Across Borders and O'odham elders stated, "The development of the border wall has lead to desecration of Tohono O'odham ancestors graves, it has divided communities and prevents O'odham from accessing sacred places. Troops and paramilitary law enforcement, detention camps, check points, and citizenship verification are not a solution to "issues" of migration. Indigenous Peoples have existed here long before these imposed borders, elders inform us that we always honored freedom of movement. Why are Indigenous communities and the daily deaths at the border ignored? The impacts of border militarization are constantly made invisible in the media, the popular culture of this country and even the mainstream immigrants rights movement which has often pushed for “reform” that means further militarization of the border, which means increased suffering for Indigenous communities. Border militarization destroys Indigenous communities."

Since the creation of the current U.S./Mexico border, 45 O’odham villages on or near the border have been completely depopulated.

According to the migrant support group No More Deaths, from October 2009 to Sept. 2010 there have been more than 250 deaths on the Arizona border alone.

Actions toward ending border militarization and the decriminalization of our communities:
- Immediately withdraw National Guard Troops from the US/Mexico border
- Immediately halt development of the border wall
- Immediately remove drones and checkpoints
- Decommission all detention camps and release all presently held undocumented migrants
- Immediately honor Indigenous Peoples rights of self-determination
- Fully comply with the recently signed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Respect Indigenous People's inherent right of migration
- End NAFTA, FTAA and other trade agreements
- Immediately repeal SB1070 and 287g
- End all racial profiling
- No BP encroachment/sweeps on sovereign Native land
- No raids and deportations
- Immediate and unconditional regularization (“legalization”) of all people
- Uphold human freedom and rights
- Support dignity and respect
- Support and ensure freedom of movement for all people

Put this message in action and help end the attack on Indigenous and migrant communities. Take these messages to the street where you are. If you can, join us inside and outside the court room in Tucson at 2:00pm. on February 23, 2011.
Tucson City Court is located at 103 E. Alameda St. Tucson, AZ.

Additional ways to take action in your community to bring awareness to the impacts of the militarization of the border and criminalization of our communities:

1. Directly intervene by:
- Protesting institutions and agencies directly responsible (a brief list available at: http://www.survivalsolidarity.wordpress.com/)
- Being part of (or starting) Border Patrol, ICE, National Guard, Minutemen watch groups in your community
- Stopping ICE vehicles from deporting migrants
- Providing aid for migrants crossing the border

2. Pressure political officials:
Janet Napolitano
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528
Comment Line: 202-282-8495

3. Organize or attend an awareness or benefit event:
An awareness and benefit show will be held in Tucson on February 22nd at Dry River Infoshop.
A discussion on border issues will be held in Flagstaff, AZ on February 22nd at Taala Hooghan Infoshop.

4. Donate to Border Action Defense Fund:
http://www.borderopposition.blogspot.com/

5. Support local Indigenous struggles for self-determination and freedom of movement.
In particular, bring awareness to Indigenous communities on the US/Mex border that have been militarized.

To view the occupation video and for additional resources please visit:
http://www.oodhamsolidarity.blogspot.com/
http://www.survivalsolidarity.wordpress.com/

Fat Takers and the return to awareness of nature

Mohawk John Kane: 'Nature will always be there to teach'
By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
Photo: Schools for Chiapas published with permission
.
National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel's State of Indian Nations address earned him the title "Fat Taker," from Lakotas. Mohawk John Kane responded with a reminder that the truths within nature are always there for people to return to, when they have lost their way.

Keel’s address earned him the title “Fat Taker,” for his focus on the Rape of Mother Earth, exploiting the land and resources for profits, without regard to the health of the people or resources such as clean water for future generations.

Debra White Plume, Lakota on Pine Ridge Indian land in South Dakota, said, "Some 'Indians' are Fat Takers in disguise, think nothing about raping Mother Earth, Ina Maka, Unci Maka -- so long as they get the 'best price.'"

Mohawk John Kane said an awareness of nature is there for people to return to.

"Our culture was based on and committed to nature. Those that have tried to transform our knowledge and teachings into beliefs or religion have lost their way. The good news is that nature will always be there to teach even when we fail to."

"We could lose every word or act our ancestors ever tried to hand down and get it all back if we just can return to respecting our relationship to creation. No great spirit, no hocus pocus, no faith; just awareness. Of course we will never lose all that those that came before us tried to leave for us but we certainly can continue to misinterpret things as the last 7 or 8 generations have," Kane said.
.
John Kane's Native Radio, "Let's Talk Native Pride," is on the web:
http://letstalknativepride.blogspot.com

January 30, 2011

Photos Schools for Chiapas: Silence of the Harvest







Schools for Chiapas, photos by Peter Brown, published with permission
"Si l@s zapatist@s están en silencio. Casi total. Pero están sembrando, están cosechando. Están presentes ~ vivas y vivos . . . fuertes. Esperando.

Yes, the zapatistas are “in silence." Their silence is almost total. But they are also planning, harvesting. They are present ~ the women and men are alive . . . and strong. Waiting."

Censored: Abuse of Indian elders, abuse of the land


NCAI president 'Fat Taker,' for focus on rape of Mother Earth

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/

Photo Brenda Norrell/southern border
There was more news censored in Indian country during the month of January 2011, than any other period in recent history. The lack of real reporting reflects both the sharp decline of reporters in American Indian communities and the increased corporate control of the media.

The abuse of Chief Red Cloud and elderly Lakota women at a secret meeting on the Oglala Tribal Council in South Dakota is the top news story at Censored News. Among the most censored topics in the news this week is the reaction to the address of National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel.

Keel’s State of the Indian Nations address earned him the title “Fat Taker,” from Lakotas, for his focus on the Rape of Mother Earth, exploiting the land and resources for profits, without regard to the health of the people or resources such as clean water for future generations.

Debra White Plume, Lakota on Pine Ridge Indian land in South Dakota, said, "Some 'Indians' are Fat Takers in disguise, think nothing about raping Mother Earth, Ina Maka, Unci Maka -- so long as they get the 'best price.'"

The Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council’s passed two resolutions that were censored by most Native American media. The Black Hills Treaty Council demanded the release of Leonard Peltier. A separate resolution rejected the limited and conditional support by the United States of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“In the first paragraph of the ‘support’ statement they make it is clear that the Declaration is in no way a legal document, nor are they bound by it,” the Black Hills Treaty Council said, exposing a fact ignored by most media.

The true war at the US Mexico border, fueled by US corporate profiteering and the xenophobia engineered by politicians and the media, was exposed in the censorship of the trial of the murder of a nine-year-old girl in Arizona.

Brisenia Flores was murdered by Shawna Forde, a female member of the racist anti-migrant hate group the Minutemen, and two other assailants, according to Brisenia's mother who survived gunshot wounds. The trial of Forde is now underway in Tucson. Brisenia's father was murdered during the home invasion south of Tucson in Arivaca near the border.

The US media refuses to expose the real war at the border and the underlying climate of hate toward people of color. The media refuses to report on the danger posed by racist hate groups, including the Minutemen and white separatist groups at the border.

In this mine field of hate, racism and white supremacy, the Minutemen have operated with impunity at the Arizona border. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, the Arizona State Legislature and Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio promote violence and racial hatred. With racist legislation and excessive police force, this trio also provides the private prison industry with profits from incarcerating people of color.

Arizona is a staging area for white supremacy rule in other states.

The assaults and murders at the southern and northern borders are not limited to white separatist militia, but the violence is also perpetrated by US and Canadian border guards and police, especially for American Indians living on the border, including the O‘odham in the south and the Mohawks in the north.

Kahentinetha Horn, 71, publisher of Mohawk Nation News, was recently served with charges after suffering a heart attack from a stress hold applied by Canadian Border Guards at the Akwesasne/Cornwall border in 2008. With no funds to defend herself in court, she pleaded guilty in January to obstruction and the assault charge was dropped. The obstruction charge was then discharged.

Navajos protested outside the uranium-funded inauguration of newly elected Navajo leaders in Window Rock, Ariz. The community of Church Rock, N.M., the site of the deadliest uranium tailing spill in history, is now targeted by Uranium Resources, Inc., for new uranium mining that could poison the water supply of Navajos. The inauguration committee of President Ben Shelly, Vice President Rex Jim and new council delegates, accepted $10,000 from URI. The corporate-friendly Associated Press did not cover the protest.

Navajo filmmaker Arlene Bowman, who now makes her home in Vancouver, BC, responded to the “Mississippi Burning,” style racist attack by Virginia State Police on Leadhorse Choctaw and an Indigenous youth film crew from Akwesasne. The voices of yelling racist Virginia police were recorded.

In her article, Bowman points out how film and video can document the unjust racist attacks of police in the US. Bowman lived with this racism targeting Indians during her years in Los Angeles, where she received a master’s degree in filmmaking. In January, Leadhorse Choctaw served 10 days in jail for obstruction, and then joined the Akwesasne crew and carried blankets and donations to Lakotas at Pine Ridge.

In January, a law firm apologized for one of its attorneys insulting a Yaqui prayer during the memorial for shooting victims in Tucson. “Ugly” was the word that columnist and attorney Paul Mirengoff used to describe the Yaqui prayer in Mirengoff's Power Line blog. Mirengoff is a partner in Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, with numerous American Indian clients across the US.

In this week’s top censored news story in Indian country, the Strong Heart Warrior Society said Lakota elders were assaulted and threatened with a gun by Tribal Councilwoman Deborah Rooks-Cook, from the Oglala District. The attack occurred outside a secret meeting of the Oglala Tribal Council, an entity manufactured by the US government.

“Respected Lakota Elders, including Chief Oliver Red Cloud, 89-year-old Marie Randall, Loraine White Face, 69, and 1973 Wounded Knee participant Cecilia Martin, were visiting the tribal offices to request a new building for the elderly in the Porcupine community of Pine Ridge,” the Strong Heart Warrior Society said.

The elders were cursed and hit by the tribal councilwoman, who pulled a gun on them. The police refused to arrest Rooks-Cook.

Carter Camp, Ponca and Wounded Knee warrior responded. “These Elders have been in the struggle for as long as I can remember. They deserve our love and respect. Chief Red Cloud is a powerful voice and the Council better listen to him and his people."

In global Indigenous news, Wikileaks continued to expose the US machinations in the global war on Indigenous Peoples for their resources, as the US media continued to fail.

The US Ambassador in Iceland said Iceland’s support of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was an “impediment” to US/Iceland relations at the UN.

In Chile, the US Embassy tracked Mapuche activists and questioned whether the Mapuche struggle encouraged Easter Islanders. The cables also exposed that the US trains police in Chile. Chilean police attacked Easter Islanders, Rapa Nui, on their ancestral lands in December, wounding innocent women and children. In another cable, Peru expresses concern over US arms sales to Chile.

The US Ambassador in Guatemala insulted Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu. The US diplomat claimed the president of Guatemala labeled Manchu a “fabrication,” and blamed her for a death, resulting from the struggle to defend the land. Menchu said the president is a liar during a radio broadcast.

Finally, the US Ambassador in Mexico attempted to state that the Zetas were not trained by the United States as Special Forces. However, the US Ambassador admits that the US can not deny the claim that the US trained Zetas, due to the lack of “paper,” (on black ops) and the fact that one of the Zetas trained by army special forces at Fort Bragg, N.C., was “forcibly” recruited into a life of crime with the Zetas.

The Zetas, the most notorious murderers and torturers in the drug war in Mexico, were originally trained as Special Forces and deserted. The Zetas training was also provided by notorious Guatemalan Kaibiles, who also received training from US Special Forces.

As Indigenous Peoples rise up to fight oppression and the theft of their lands for mining and destruction around the world, the National Congress of American Indians in the US failed the people as its president rallied with the "Fat Takers," and the secrecy and assault at the Oglala Tribal Council exposed the US manufactured tribal councils.
Read more articles at Censored News: http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/

This month's top news stories at Censored News:
Strong Heart Warrior Society: Lakota elders abused at secret council session
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/strong-heart-warrior-society-lakota.html
Mohawk Kahentinetha Horn: Resistance
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/mohawk-kahentinetha-horn-resistance.html
Akwesasne film crew in court after attack by racist Virginia State Police
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/akwesasne-film-crew-in-court-after.html
Navajos protest uranium-funded inauguration
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/censored-navajos-protest-uranium-funded.html
Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council rejects US limited support of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/black-hills-treaty-council-rejects-us.html
Law firm apologizes for insulting Yaqui prayer
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/law-firm-apologizes-for-insulting-yaqui.html
Navajo filmmaker Arlene Bowman: Virginia police and Indigenous men in a van
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/arlene-bowman-virginia-police-and.html

January 29, 2011

Black Hills Treaty Council Resolution Demands Release of Leonard Peltier


From Kent Lebsock, Owe Aku International Justice Project

We are forwarding the attached Resolution that was passed today by consensus by the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council representing the traditional, non-colonial government of the Lakota Oyate. It was also supported by delegates from the treaty councils of Dakota and Nakota relatives. We send it out to the world with prayers for Leonard Peltier and call for his immediate release while acknowledging all the sacrifices of our warriors fighting for freedom. Hecetu.
Kent Lebsock
Coordinator
Owe Aku International Justice Project
for Lakota Treaty Justice & Advocacy
oweakuinternational@me.com 646-233-4406
on the web at
www.oweakuinternational.org
RESOLUTION
Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council Resolution Condemning the Illegal
Imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and Demanding His Immediate Release
January 29, 2011 – Prairie Winds Casino, Pine Ridge Reservation
WHEREAS, the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Nation Council assembled in
quorum along with representatives of the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Nations
present from January 27‐29 2011 at the Prairie Winds Casino on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and
WHEREAS, the United States has violated Article I and Article II of the Fort
Laramie Treaty of 1868, by failing to remove and, or, punish “bad men” who commit wrongs against the Lakota people and by failing to remove non‐tribal members illegally residing in the treaty territory, and
WHEREAS, Leonard Peltier was one of a number of warriors who came to the
defense of the Oyate and the traditional government after repeated acts of violence by agents of the United States government and others subject to U.S. government jurisdiction, and
WHEREAS, Leonard Peltier’s conviction is built upon fraudulent affidavits
coerced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and bolstered by falsified physical evidence from the F.B.I. lab, and
WHEREAS, Leonard Peltier has been illegally held as a political prisoner by
the United States government since 1976,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council declares that the continued imprisonment of Leonard Peltier by the United States government is illegal, immoral and unjust, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council
demands the immediate release of Leonard Peltier.
C‐E‐R‐T‐I‐F‐C‐A‐T‐I‐O‐N
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, do
hereby certify that the above resolution has been approved by consensus of all
delegations of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, effective January 29, 2011.
ATTEST: Chief Oliver Red Cloud,

Itancan Frederick Cedar Face, Secretary

January 28, 2011

VIDEO: Russell Means: Rights of Indigenous Peoples


Republic of Lakotah
http://www.republicoflakotah.com

Wikileaks Egypt: Nuba seek rights under UN Indigenous Declaration

Wikileaks begins Egypt cable releases:
Nuba utilizing UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/
Photo: Britannica(Jan. 28, 20110 Wikileaks released a cable from the US Embassy in Egypt, describing the Nuba peoples struggle for human rights, utilizing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Nuba said the model is to obtain similar rights to the Aborigines in Australia.
US Ambassador Margaret Scobey describes the launch of the Nuba Mountains People's Forum.
"Leaders of the Nuba community informed Embassy Cairo that they have created the International Permanent Forum for the Nuba Mountains Indigenous People (Nuba Forum) to protect and advocate for the rights of the Nuba people, which they believe are in danger under the NCP regime. Cairo-based Nuba leaders are taking a cautious approach to registering local members of the Forum alleging evidence of surveillance."
The US Ambassador states concern that the events could become a "flashpoint," in the Sudan. Further, Nuba state how an incomplete census will decrease their voice in Egypt's Parliament.
Nuba representatives in Sudan, Australia, Egypt, France, Kenya, Libya, Norway, Saudi Arabia and the United States created the Forum to protect and advocate for the rights of the Nuba people. The Forum's agenda is based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Nuba Forum has officially opened offices in Norway, France and Sweden.
Cable:
http://www.wikileaks.ch/cable/2010/02/10CAIRO169.html
The UN Refugee Agency states how the Nubians were displaced from their homeland by the building of a dam:Nubians live in the Upper Nile region. When the Condominium Agreement of 1899 fixed the boundary between Egypt and Sudan, Lower Nubians found themselves under direct Egyptian rule and politically separated from their kin to the south. This arbitrary frontier divides the Nobiin-speaking group more or less equally between Egypt and Sudan. Close ties of culture, language and family continue to unite the people north and south of the border, and until the evacuation of 1964 that accompanied the building of the Aswan High Dam there was continual visiting back and forth between them. Egyptian Nubia is part of the Governorate of Aswan which also includes a populous area whose inhabitants are not Nubian. As a result, Nubians have found themselves a minority within their native province.

Hearst Castle Protest: Theft of the Black Hills

Demanding Reparations and Accountability for the Illegal Taking of The Black Hills and The Homestake Gold Mine
Friday March 25th 2011
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Press conference at noon
Saturday March 26th 2011
8:00AM - 3:00PM
Please Bring Drums & Hand-Held Signs
to show Solidarity in Protesting the Theft
of The Black Hills and The Homestake Gold Mine
Rally at The Hearst Castle Entrance
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
For More Information Please Contact United Native Americans, Inc.
Lehman L. Brightman
National President of UNA
(510)758-8160
unitednativeamericansinc@gmail.com
or Quanah Parker Brightman
Vice President of UNA
(510)672-7187
qbrightman75@hotmail.com
United Native Americans, Inc
The First Militant Indian Organization To Rise To National Prominence
Double click on poster to enlarge

Black Hills Treaty Council rejects US limited support of UN Indigenous Declaration

MEMBER RESERVATIONS Cheyenne River, Crow Creek, Fort Peck, Lower Brule, Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Standing Rock, Santee

Resolution of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council
Rejection of the United Statesʼ Statement of U.S. Support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
By Black Hills Sioux Treaty Council
Photo Chief Oliver Red Cloud
Owe Aku International Justice Project, with the support of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, is pleased that the United States announced its “support” of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on December 16, 2011. Although, the United States was the last country in the United Nations to do so, with the “support” of the United States, the Declaration now enjoys, at least nominally, universal support amongst the world family of nations, including the Lakota Oyate.

As newcomers to North America, where Lakota people have lived for thousands of generations, it is only right and fitting that the American people and their government acknowledge their hosts on this continent in a respectful way by supporting our international and inherent rights to land, territory, water, culture, sovereignty, self determination and the enforcement of treaties. We would like to believe that this “support” of the Declaration means a time is coming when the United States, like the
Lakota Nation, respects and honors all the treaties that have been made between our two nations.

However, a positive reaction to U.S. support did quickly turn to disappointment.

We were dispirited by the unreasonable and inequitable limitations and qualifications placed on the Declaration by the United States in its official statement. In the first paragraph of the “support” statement they make it is clear that the Declaration is in no way a legal document, nor are they bound by it.

Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council
Pine Ridge Agency, SD
Chief Oliver Red Cloud - Itancan
Alexander White Plume - Eyapaha
P.O. Box 535, Manderson, SD 57756 - 605-455-2155
“The United States supports the Declaration, which—while not legally
binding or a statement of current international law—has both moral and
political force.”1
Despite the Presidentʼs optimistic public speech introducing U.S. support, in nearly every sentence of the statement where “support” is indicated, there is a significant qualification or denial placed upon the tenets set forth in the Declaration.
[The Declaration] expresses aspirations of the United States, aspirations
that this country seeks to achieve within the structure of the U.S.
Constitution, laws, and international obligations, while also seeking, where
appropriate, to improve our laws and policies.2
Which begs the question: under what circumstances would it be inappropriate to improve law and policy? Given the lessons of history, it is clear that not improving laws and policies in the U.S. is often considered inappropriate if it extends equal rights and justice to American Indian peoples and nations. In their statement that purports to “support” the Declaration, they reiterate the U.S. has done nothing but justify continuance of discriminatory policy.
The world has long recognized that the United States has lost any moral authority it may have ever claimed with regards to human rights or even the international laws of aggression and peace. This statement is further indication that, rather than leading in the work in human rights, the United States prefers to arrogantly stand outside the circle of nations while demanding that others conform to policies the U.S. is happy to violate.
They even manage to get in a comment that reduces Native Americans American Indians (and probably, more significantly, our lands and territories) to an exclusive right of dominion. Apparently the State Department and the President are comfortable referring to American Indians in a subservient, unequal and even proprietary manner. “... few have been more marginalized and ignored by Washington for as long as Native Americans—our First Americans.”
Not “the First Americans” or simply “First Americans”, but “our First Americans.” This is hardly an accident given the obvious swarm of lawyers that combed through the document adding the numerous limitations.
“The decision by the United States to support the Declaration was the
result of a thorough review of the Declaration by the relevant federal
1 Announcement of U.S. Support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Initiatives to Promote the Government-to-Government Relationship & Improve the Lives of Indigenous
Peoples, p. 1
2 Id. p. 1
agencies.”3
In his remarks in November during Native American Heritage month, he acknowledged that:
“While we cannot erase the scourges or broken promises of our past, we
will move ahead together in writing a new, brighter chapter in our joint
history.”4
We would respectfully suggest that a good start at moving ahead would be to honestly endorse the Declaration, recognize the human rights of Indigenous peoples, and honor the hundreds of treaties that have been broken. As it stands, the U.S. support of the Declaration is a meaningless shell that permits the American people and their government to continue the colonial policies it has practiced with respect to American Indian peoples since the newcomers, the United States, established its own right to self determination.
To expect that we, as Indigenous peoples, would accept anything less is
a barely veiled attempt to deny our humanity and to try to somehow convince people that our rights are somehow separate and, in face, unequal to, those of all the worldʼs other peoples.
Further evidence of this attitude continues In the most alarming part of the statement of support when the U.S. states:
“The United States is therefore pleased to support the Declarationʼs call to
promote the development of a new and distinct international concept of self-determination specific to indigenous peoples. The Declarationʼs call is to promote the development of a concept of self determination for indigenous peoples that is different from the existing right of self-determination in international law. 5
This is nothing more than saying that, as Indigenous peoples, we are NOT entitled to
the same rights as other peoples. By adding their own unilateral spin on the
Declaration , as though it were a Fox News story, they are stating that the Declaration
indeed supports US Federal Indian policy, colonization, disenfranchisement from
resources, and isolation from ecological and economic self-determination.
Nonetheless, even dismissing their redefinition of self-determination and the removal of
Indigenous peoples from the rights granted to all other peoples in the world, the U.S.
limits even their own narrow definition of self-determination to federally recognized
tribes. This, then, makes the Declaration simply another manipulation in their policy of
3 Id. p. 1
4 Id. p. 1
5 Id. p. 3
domestication, assimilation and colonization of American Indian peoples. There is no
change here.
“The Declarationʼs concept of self-determination is consistent with the
United Statesʼ existing recognition of, and relationship with, federally
recognized tribes as political entities that have inherent sovereign powers
of self-governance.” 6
Self-governance refers only to BIA tribal councils that were installed unilaterally by the
United States government, 7 and owe allegiance and are dependent on Washingtonʼs
programs regarding Indian lands and resources. Their statement on the Declaration
actually uses many pages to list the programs they use in this process.
In the section entitled “Protection of Naive American Lands and the Environment” 8 they
actually state that although “
“some of the most grievous acts committed by the United States and
many other States against indigenous peoples were with regard to their
lands, territories, and natural resources” … “the United States
understands these provisions to call for the existence of national laws and
mechanisms for the full legal recognition of the lands, territories, and
natural resources indigenous peoples currently possess. … [The U.S.]
“intends to continue to work so that the laws and mechanisms it has put in
place to recognize existing, and accommodate the acquisition of
additional, land, territory, and natural resource rights under U.S. law
function properly and to facilitate, as appropriate, access by indigenous
peoples to the traditional lands, territories and natural resources in which
they have an interest.” [Emphasis added.]
It would be difficult to insert more qualifications and references to U.S. authority over
American Indian people. Fortunately this is a written statement, otherwise the wagging
of the “forked tongues” would be visible from a satellite in outer space. Part of the
rights under US law for “tribes” is to have land acquired and held in trust.
6 Id. p. 3
7 Even though the U.S. held elections on the institution of tribal councils, at Pine Ridge it never passed,
but was forced upon the people. This does not demonstrate a right to self-determination under
international law.
8 Id. p. 6
The Obama Administration claims they have acquired over 34,000 acres of land in trust9
on behalf of Indian tribes. They indicate that this is a good thing without acknowledging
that these lands were illegally taken in the first place through treaty violations and/or the
impacts of genocidal policies. What is not added to the back-patting is that “land in
trust” merely continues the same policy of trust land that is given to mining, ranching,
and other corporate interests, instead of stewardship by Indian peoples as clearly
outlined in the Declaration. They even cite the case, City of Sherrill v. Oneida Indian
Nation10 in which they deny treaty rights based on the Doctrine of Discovery.11 This is
hidden under the guise of protecting tribal lands, a clear distortion of the truth.
“The United States has also sought to protect tribal lands, and tribal
jurisdiction over those lands, in several other court cases, including the
City of Sherrill v. Oneida Indian Nation…” 12
Paternalism and colonization are clearly evident again in their discussion of their
“training program” for Indians to prepare us “to manage their own natural resources.”
An ironic concept since, for thousands of years, Indian nations were capable of
managing our resources without U.S. interference. Indeed, it is that very interference
which made it necessary for the Declaration to include numerous articles on the rights
of Indigenous peoples to manage, access, conserve and use our resources according
to our traditions and customs.
9 Id. p. 6
10 City of Sherrill v. Oneida Indian Nation of New York, 125 S. Ct. 1478, 148384 (2005).
11 United Nations, E/C.19/2010/13, Preliminary study of the impact on indigenous peoples of the
international legal construct known as the Doctrine of Discovery Submitted by the Special Rapporteur, ¶
49.
“That the Doctrine of Discovery is still being used as an active legal principle by the
United States Supreme Court in the twentieth-first century is revealed in the case City of
Sherrill v. Oneida Indian Nation of New York58 decided in March 2005, exactly 50 years
after the Tee-Hit-Ton ruling. The case involved a dispute over taxation of ancestral lands
of the Oneida Indian Nation. During oral arguments, it became clear that the case would
hinge on whether, in the opinion of the Court, the Oneida Indian Nation “has sovereignty
status” with regard to the ancestral lands the Oneida Nation had reacquired. To
contextualize the Courtʼs decision and to decide the sovereign status of the Oneida
Indian Nation, the Supreme Court relied upon the Doctrine of Discovery. This is revealed
in footnote number one of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsbergʼs decision for the Court majority:
“Under the ʻDoctrine of Discoveryʼ”, wrote Justice Ginsberg, “... fee title to the lands
occupied by Indians when the colonists arrived became vested in the sovereign — first
the discovering European nation and later the original states and the United States”. As
documented by this preliminary study, the Supreme Courtʼs reference to the Doctrine of
Discovery places the context for the Courtʼs decision in Sherrill v. Oneida Indian Nation of
New York within the Framework of Dominance, dating back to the era of the Vatican
papal bulls.”
12 Supra p. 6, Announcement of the U.S. on the Declaration
“Sixteen different tribes, from Maine to Alaska, participated this summer in
the Department of the Interiorʼs Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Training
Program. The Training Program is taught by instructors from several
Department of the Interior bureaus. The program strengthens tribal
governments and prepares them to manage their own natural resources
with qualified tribal government employees who have the necessary
expertise to help alleviate the shortage of technical expertise on Indian
reservations.”13
This statement demonstrates how the U.S. utilizes its own self-proclaimed “laws” to
deprive us from the protection of international human rights. This particular example of
an agency program designed to “enhance tribal self-determination” is particularly ill
conceived given the fact that mining projects that are contaminating water and adding
deadly heavy metals and chemicals to the ground water throughout treaty territory, are
being supported and encouraged by the United States government. “Tribal self determination”
has resulted in water contamination over the objections of Indian nations
that are wholly inconsistent with the Declaration.
As to redress, their qualifications are even more imperial and reflect the same attitude
used since 1776. The various cases and acts that they cite as enhancing tribal authority
actually only enhance federally recognized tribes continued dependence on the federal
government and an inability to act under the provisions of self-determination set forth as
it is defined in the Declaration.
“The United States will also continue to implement the many U.S. laws
that require the agreement of federally recognized tribes or indigenous
groups before certain actions can be taken or that require redress for
takings of property.”14
Although they state that they are pursuing efforts to implement laws that “require
redress for takings of property,” they go on to list a series of “new offices to ensure
proper implementation of their consultation policies.” Consultations do not address the
taking of property, the violation of treaties or the blatant disregard for basic human rights
when it comes to Indian people in the U.S.
“Tribal” self-determination is a tool designed by the United states that allows them to
control the tribes and then allows them to legitimize their actions of treaty violations. On
the contrary, self-determination is not a concept to be defined by the United States, its
President, its Congress or its people. It is an international legal concept that all member
nations of the UN adhere to and understand.
“[The policies being adopted by the U.S.] demonstrate not only that the
United States has a well-developed court system that provides a means of
13 Id. p. 4
14 Id. p. 5
redress for many wrongs suffered by U.S. citizens, residents and others –
including federally recognized tribes and indigenous individuals and
groups -- but also that redress is available from the U.S. Congress under
appropriate circumstances. The United States will interpret the redress
provisions of the Declaration to be consistent with the existing system for
legal redress in the United States, while working to ensure that
appropriate redress is in fact provided under U.S. law.”15
Again this is a distortion of the reality of the lives of Indian peoples who find themselves
living within U.S. established borders. As pointed out in many studies and the
interventions and testimonies before the United Nations by Indigenous peoples in many
different international forums, neither recourse nor redress can be found within the
domestic legal systems of the United States. On the contrary, the United Statesʼ history
with respect to American Indian nations and peoples, as well as its contemporary
dominion of land and resources, also provide ample evidence of the inadequacies of
U.S. domestic policies towards Indian peoples.16
United States support of the Declaration is, in fact, harmful when looked at carefully and
analyzed under the guiding principles underpinning purpose of the Declaration.
Because of its paternalistic and unsupported separation of Indigenous peoples from the
same rights afforded to all other peoples, the “support” by the United States, should be
seen as a warning to Indigenous peoples of true American intentions. Despite their
ongoing belief in some kind of moral authority when it comes to rights, especially,
human rights, the United States on behalf of its people, continues to stand outside the
family of nations and insists that other nations adhere to international law and
standards, while they arrogantly interpret everything from torture to colonization in terms
of their interests alone. The Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council rejects the
“support” provided by the United States in its entirety and stand by the principles of
international law to which all peoples are entitled and to which all peoples owe a duty to
responsibly act according to those laws and principles.
Therefore, be it resolved that:
The Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council calls upon the United States of America to
adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without inserting unilateral
qualifications, limitations, and abrogations that clearly stand in violation to internationally
binding treaties, international treaty law, and international human rights laws and
standards.
15 Id. p. 8
16 See: Towards the International Court of Justice, An Analysis of the Case of the Black Hills Sioux Nation
Treaty Council on the violations of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868: The Legal and Historical Basis for
International Adjudication, Owe Aku International Justice Project, 2011.
The Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council further calls upon the United States of
America to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in solidarity with
the United Nationsʼ member nations that have endorsed it uncompromisingly. By
inserting unilateral qualifications, limitations and abrogations, the United States of
America steps away from the other nations of the world, including the Lakota nation,
who seek peace, security and the rule of international human rights standards to bring
equality applicable to all peoples. Anything less only demonstrates a U.S. belief that it
is not bound by international law nor that it should be held to the same standards of
human rights adopted by all other nations.
The Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council calls upon the world family of Indigenous
and non-Indigenous nations to stand with it in urging the United States to reconsider its
position and apply equitable, just and legitimate standards in the same way the rest of
the United Nationsʻ members have accepted and adopted the Declaration.
C-E-R-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, do hereby certify
that the above resolution has been approved by consensus of the Oglala Delegation of the
Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, effective January 19, 2011
ATTEST:
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Chief Oliver Red Cloud, Itacan! ! ! Frederick Cedar Face, Secretary

January 27, 2011

Strong Heart Warrior Society: Lakota elders assaulted at secret council meeting

Update: Councilwoman charged
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye - Strong Heart Warrior Society
Free & Independent Lakota Nation
Box 512, Hill City, South Dakota 57745 605-454-0449 or
605-517-1547 lakotaoyate.net

January 27, 2011
Contact: Duane Martin Sr. 605-517-1547 or 605-454-0449

“WE’VE HAD ENOUGH, THE LAKOTA PEOPLE ARE TAKING BACK OUR GOVERNMENT!”

• Oglala Lakota Tribal Council Representative Deborah Rooks-Cook (photo left)
brandishes gun, assaults traditional Elders outside closed, secret
council meeting on Tuesday

• Elders demand immediate removal of Representative Rooks-Cook, Cante
Tenza Warrior Society seeks banishment under traditional Flotter Law

• Tribal Police, Council take no action against Rooks-Cook

• Former Council President Theresa Two-Bulls’ attorney Mario Gonzalez
calls tribal police, asks them to stand down on Councilwoman Rooks-
Cook

• Concerns mount that Tuesday’s secret meeting sought to reinstate Two
Bulls in council, allow cover-up of graft and corruption in her
administration including the attempted false arrest of traditional
Elders in October 2010 for “inciting a riot”

Pine Ridge Reservation, SD – The decades long tinderbox of tenuous
relations between the poor, full-blooded and traditional Lakota people
and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) supported Oglala Tribal Council
that claims to represent them is set to explode as traditional Elders
stumble upon a secret tribal council meeting and are assaulted by
councilwoman Deborah Rooks-Cook.

On Tuesday, outside a secret meeting of the Oglala Tribal Council, a
group of Elders were physically assaulted and threatened with a gun by
Deborah Rooks-Cook, council representative from the Oglala District.

Respected Lakota Elders, including Chief Oliver Red Cloud, 89 year old
Marie Randall, Loraine White Face (69), and 1973 Wounded Knee
participant Cecilia Martin, were visiting the tribal offices to
request a new building for the elderly in the Porcupine community of
Pine Ridge, but grew confused when they were barred from the secret
meeting.

As they sat outside the meeting, waiting to be told what was being
discussed, Oglala District Representative Rooks-Cook stormed outside shaking her fist and verbally chastised them, turning to Chief Red Cloud and asking, “What the fuck is going on?”

“She should have respect for the Elderly people,” said Cecilia Martin,
who turns 91 on Sunday and uses a wheelchair to get around. “We don’t
say, not one word. We don’t even know what’s going on!”

Cecilia’s son, Melvin Martin, a 68 year old veteran of the 1973
Occupation of Wounded Knee explained, “Elder’s should be able to
express themselves in Council. Instead, Elders stay outside, knocking
on the door. Why is the door closed? Why is this a closed session? Why
do they keep the Elders out? That I can’t understand.”

As Rooks-Cook became more agitated she began to physically push the
Elders in their chests. As warriors and others arrived to defend the
Elders, Rooks-Cook brandished a gun and retreated to the judicial
office to call in the tribal police.

Though Oglala tribal police were called in, Rooks-Cook was not
arrested for pushing the Elders or brandishing a gun at them. Later,
reports surfaced that Mario Gonzalez, attorney for ousted President
Theresa Two Bulls, contacted tribal police and intervened on Rooks-
Cook’s behalf. Two-Bulls attempted to arrest many of these same
Elders under the false charge of “inciting a riot” after the Elders
refused to be silenced at an October 2010 council meeting.

Cante Tenza: the traditional Strong Heart Warrior Society of the
Lakota Oyate (people) intervened to protect the Elders at Tuesday’s
incident and has been speaking with groups of traditional Grandmothers
and Treaty Council Grandfathers to discuss what action is needed in
the wake of this latest injustice.

Due to slow action by the Tribal Council, Elders are now speaking out
for the immediate removal of Deborah Rooks-Cook while Strong Heart
will seek banishment of Rooks-Cook and her family under the
traditional Flotter (pronounced “Floater”) Law that is supported by
the “Bad Man Clause” of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie between the
Lakota and the United States.

“We don’t want that woman there,” Cecilia Martin shared. “She might
hit us again!”

This winter has also seen more injustices against Elders and
traditional people who have been denied propane heating assistance at
the expense of those with family connections or who exchange illegal
drugs and alcohol to ensure receipt of tribal government benefits.

“In Lakota Country, there is no law for the Lakota people,” Martin
explained. “We have to be careful.”

On Monday, respected Grandmother Wilma Thin Elk (69 years old) was
illegally evicted from her home in the dead of winter, and her
attempts to get housing from Tribal Housing have been rebuffed because
they refuse to accept her Lakota tribal identification and are
demanding South Dakota state ID.

“We are the Oyate (people) who put them in there to get us help, but
we don’t get any help,” shared Cecilia Martin. “This is Indian
Country, it belongs to the Oyate, but they (tribal officials) have no
respect for us.”

Strong Heart Warrior headsman Duane Martin Sr. explained, “When tribal
officials violate the human rights of the Elders and the people using
tax payer dollars to abuse them – that’s not right!”

Many Lakota who have watched for decades while the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) supported Oglala Tribal Government has squandered or
stolen millions of dollars in U.S. support while alienating and even
attacking full-blooded and traditional Lakota people while dismissing
traditional Lakota governance called customary law.

“We are taking our government back,” said Duane Martin Sr. “We’ve had
enough!”

“I’m Lakota. No one is going to step on me and tell me what to do,”
Cecilia Martin said.

Strong Heart with support from the Urban Warrior Society/Black Hills
AIM (American Indian Movement) and Autonomous AIM of Rapid City will
be working to support the will of the Elders and bring justice back to
Pine Ridge and the Lakota oyate (people).
Cante Tenza Okolakiciye also known as the Strong Heart Warrior Society
of the Lakota Nation is an ancient Lakota warrior society as well as a
broad-based civil rights movement that works to protect, enforce and
restore treaty rights, civil rights, and sovereignty of Native people
and their communities across Turtle Island. In addition to activist
efforts to protect the land and people, each year Cante Tenza collects
and freely distributes shoes, winter coats, school supplies, food, and
other support to Oglala Lakota elders, children and families.
UPDATE:
Councilwoman to Native Sun: "I just lost it ... I just snapped."
http://64.38.12.138/News/2011/000341.asp
Rooks-Cook was charged with disorderly conduct and second degree assault.

January 26, 2011

No jail time for Kahentinetha Horn



No jail time for Kahentinetha Horn
Jan. 26, 2011

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
On January 21, 2011, Kahentinetha Horn pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting police officers and obstructing justice. The charges arose when the publisher and editor of Mohawk Nation News was attacked at the Akwesasne Canada-US border on June 14, 2008 by Canadian Border Service Agents (CBSA.)

Her lawyer, Phil Schneider, and the crown attorney at Cornwall Court agreed that if she pleaded guilty to the obstruction, the assault charge would be withdrawn. The judge gave her a sentence of an absolute discharge, with no criminal record.

Background: Kahentinetha had a problem that occurred at the border two and a half years ago one June 14, 2008. She drove to the Canada-US checkpoint on Cornwall Island with two Mohawks, a man and a woman. They were pulled over allegedly because the woman passenger had an outstanding arrest warrant.
An hour went by. She said that around 2:15 pm, “We were surrounded by about a dozen flak jacketed, steel toe booted, gloved and well armed special squad."

The male passenger got out and sat on the nearby bench. The customs officers wanted to speak to her female passenger, who was reluctant to get out. The CBSA pulled her out, pushed her to the ground, handcuffed, subdued her and took her away.

Kahentinetha said, “I became afraid for my safety. They had no reason to stop me. When they asked me to get out of the car, I became scared after I saw what they did to her."

The mob of guards came around to her side ordering her to get out without giving a reason. She hesitated.

She told them, “I’ve done nothing wrong, have no outstanding charges, contraband, or reason to be questioned.”

After the treatment of the others who were under her protection, she wondered what they would do the owner of the car. “I told one customs officer after another, “I refuse to be mistreated like my passengers." They gave her no guarantees this was not going to happen to her or worse. She had no independent witnesses.

Twelve large male and two female customs officers swarmed around. “I saw big trouble for me if I got out," Kahentinetha said.

At a signal from a guy taking orders by cell phone, they pounced on her, pulled her out and started twisting her left arm. The pain was so severe she thought they were trying to break it. She screamed and tried to pull her arm away. (This is all on the Canada Customs video.)

She began to think they were after her, not her passenger. They obviously knew who she was. They kept calling their superiors and must have been told to take her out and arrest her, no matter what.

The question is why did they need so many large male guards to deal with a 68-year old woman? They had taken a long time verifying her age, address, background and car.

“I’ve been through this before with police officers who have tried to put me in hospital or a morgue. There seems to be a lot of anger towards me."
They finally dragged her handcuffed behind her back into the customs house where she was out of sight. She was put alone in a cell and treated roughly. One of the guards would tighten the cuffs. He tried to bend her over and push her arm up to stop the blood from circulating into her arms and across her chest. It seemed like they knew what they were doing.

“An officer stood in front of me and tried to pull my head down towards her crotch area. I found that very disgusting." They both kept yelling at her to bend forward.

"What really scared me was I could feel them trying to pull my pants down as I was being bent over. At that moment I saw stars, became dizzy, starting panting and having pains in my shoulder and across my chest and back. I almost passed out," said Kahentinetha. The guards had tasers, which is electric shock that can kill a person. “They thought they could get rid of me without using it," Kahentinetha believed.

It was at that moment her brother, Taiotekane, a lawyer, and his son Kanatase appeared. Everybody backed off. He wanted to talk to her privately. They went to a room. He realized she was having serious physical problems. Her eyes were becoming glazed, her face was flushed and she had a hard time breathing. He demanded she be taken immediately to the hospital.

Mohawk Constable Pyke contacted the emergency team from Hogansburg, New York, who rushed an ambulance. His sister, a paramedic, began to deal with Kahentinetha. Her quick work saved her life.

When she got to Cornwall Community Hospital, doctors told her she had suffered a heart attack. Before this she never had problems with her heart or health. Her heart was damaged permanently. Since then, she had to stop a lot of activities.

Kahentinetha realizes that every indigenous person who crosses the border could be subjected to this treatment. It looks like the CBSA have hired those who have no concern for the lives of those who traverse the border.
The border guards deliberately misstated the facts. They knew Kahentinetha’s true age. Yet they described her as being a “large strong 55-year-old woman," which is untrue. Such disinformation is sent out to keep the public uninformed. Don’t believe anything the CBSA says. Beware!
.
Contact her at:
kahentinetha2@yahoo.com
Also read: 'Kahentinetha Horn: Resistance'
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/01/mohawk-kahentinetha-horn-resistance.html

New York film fest: Qapirangajug: Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change


Subject: Environmental Focus Opens Native American Film + Video Festival in New York City Mar 31-Apr 3
The New York screening premiere of “Qapirangajuq: Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change” by renowned Nunavut-based director Zacharias Kunuk (“Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner”) and Winnipeg researcher and filmmaker Dr. Ian Mauro (“Seeds of Change”) will open the 15th Native American Film + Video Festival. Produced by the Film and Video Center of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the festival is held at the New York City branch of the museum from Thursday, Mar. 31 to Sunday, Apr. 3. The festival will include some 100 films and an international symposium about endangered indigenous waterways, “Mother Earth in Crisis,” on Friday, Apr. 1.

All programs are free to the public. Reservations are recommended for evening programs.

Screening on Thursday, Mar. 31, “Inuit Knowledge” teams the filmmakers with Inuit elders and hunters to uncover the social and ecological impacts of a warming Arctic. The film will also be simultaneously stream on the Internet courtesy of Isuma TV, an independent network of Native and Inuit media, at http://www.facebook.com/l/410765-6MnFeUEBI-zMPu9G1Omw;www.isuma.tv. Dr. Mauro will be in attendance for the screening and Zach Kunuk will be available via Skype. Both filmmakers will be available to answer questions from audiences worldwide via Twitter.

The day-long symposium, “Mother Earth in Crisis,” features award-winning films on Native perspectives about the fate of the earth and its rivers throughout the hemisphere. The program includes discussion with the filmmakers following each screening and a panel with environmental and indigenous organizations, moderated by Tonya Gonnella Frichner, of the American Indian Law Alliance. Co-presented with Amazon Watch, International Rivers and Rainforest Foundation.

The festival showcases outstanding feature films, short fictions, documentaries, animations and youth works from throughout the Americas. Screenings take place each evening and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Other featured works include “Kissed by Lightning” by Shelley Niro (Mohawk); a a contemporary story based on a traditional tale; “Y el Rio Sigue Corriendo/And the River Flows On” by Carlos Efraín Pérez Rojas (Mixe), an award-winning film from Mexico about communities threatened by a dam project; and the world premiere of “Apache 8,” a documentary by Sande Zeig, telling the story of the first all-female wildland firefighting crew, comprised entirely of White Mountain Apache women.

The 15th Native American Film + Video Festival is a production of the National Museum of the American Indian’s Film and Video Center. The program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency. Special support has also been provided by the Ford Foundation and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the George Gustav Heye Center, is located at One Bowling Green in New York City, across from Battery Park. The museum is free and open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays until 8 p.m. Call (212) 514-3700 for general information and (212) 514-3888 for a recording about the museum’s public programs. By subway, the museum may be reached by the 1 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to Whitehall Street.
www.americanindian.si.edu

In Defense of Raza/Indigenous Studies: Five sentenced, but not guilty!

In Defense of Raza/Indigenous Studies: Five sentenced, but not guilty!
It is the law that is illegal

By Roberto Dr. Cintli Rodriguez
Four students and myself were just sentenced to 10 hours of community service for a crime we did not commit. More importantly, our act of civil disobedience was in response to an illegal, immoral and unconstitutional law: hb 2281 – a piece of legislation that makes the teaching of Ethnic Studies in Arizona illegal.

Back in May, 15 of us were detained as a result of refusing to leave the 2nd floor of the state building because the state superintendent of schools refused to speak to our community. About a thousand of us – mostly middle, high school and college and university students, plus community members – had been awaiting his arrival earlier at TUSD headquarters where he had come to gloat because Gov. Jan Brewer had just signed an Inquisition-style law that made it illegal to teach Ethnic Studies. Rather than showing, he opted to have an impromptu press conference at the state building instead. Using Martin Luther King Jr. as a prop, he continued, and he continues, to claim that his actions to destroy and eliminate ethnic studies, complies with MLK’s dream of a color-blind society.

Despite the 15 of us doing the same act of civil act of disobedience, we have all been treated differently. Two were outright acquitted. From the original 15, three more remain. They will be tried March 3.

As far as many of us are concerned, the battle over hb 2281 has just begun; the teaching of ethnic studies became illegal on Dec 31 and MAS was ruled out of compliance on Jan 3. We are not only convinced of its illegality, but we are certain of it because of the unambiguous actions of the state legislature. The same day the president came to Tucson, a new Republican-introduced bill (SRC 1010) calls for Arizona to be exempt from international law. As written, it will go to the voters in 2012. The thing is, this issue has already been litigated in U.S. courts. But since when has that stopped our 19th century state legislature?

Yet, that state legislators would attempt to nullify international law in Arizona is outright proof that the forces of hate in and out of the legislature are fully aware that hb 2281, sb 1070 (the legislation that promotes racial profiling) and the efforts to nullify the 14th amendment all are illegal, immoral and unconstitutional. Beyond U.S. laws, src 1010 would violate virtually every international human rights treaty and convention. Under such treaties, the right to education, history and culture is sacrosanct. These treaties are in place in order to protect small nations, peoples and cultures from being swallowed up by larger ones.

At the moment, there is a lawsuit against the state in regards to hb 2281; this involves 11 educators who are challenging the constitutionality of the law (saveethnicstudies.org).

It is also not out of the realm of possibility that a case(s) will be taken to the Organization of American States or the United Nations. What’s at stake here is not simply the right of 11 teachers to teach, but rather, the right of all peoples (students) to education, history and culture. In Arizona, everything has been flipped upside down. Things Greek-Roman are deemed to be American and part of Western Civilization, whereas things Indigenous (MAS-TUSD Indigenous-maiz-based curriculum) are deemed to be un-American and alien.

That’s why many of us were arrested. In one sense, it’s a 42-year struggle; the same battle – one over legitimacy – that’s been waged since the creation of Ethnic Studies. At another level, it’s a 518-year clash of civilizations, even though it needn’t be (the civilizations can absolutely co-exist). Yet in actually, this is part of a battle to preserve and maintain (and to learn about) a 7,000-year AmerIndigenous maiz-based culture. Nothing less.

That’s why many students walked out in May. That’s why many were arrested. That’s why many continue to run, walk, vigil, protest and why others in the future – in the actual tradition of MLK Jr. – will commit to further acts of civil disobedience. We are not satisfied with hiding our culture in the home. And that’s why we welcome the OAS and the UN to examine Arizona’s lunacy in their forums and courtrooms.

At the moment, TUSD has until April 24 to be in compliance (elimination of MAS). One thing is certain, if it ever came to that, many of us will teach MAS/Indigenous Studies in front of the state building and/or the state capitol until the courts fix this symbol of the new Inquisition.

Rodriguez, a professor at the University, can be reached at: XColumn@gmail.com. It is also posted at: http://drcintli.blogspot.com/

January 25, 2011

Danny Glover 'The Black Power Mixtape'


DEMOCRACY NOW: "The Black Power Mixtape"–Danny Glover Discusses New Doc Featuring Rare Archival Footage of Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton, Stokely Carmichael
We broadcast from Park City, Utah, home of the Sundance Film Festival, the nation’s largest festival for independent cinema. One of this year’s selections that is creating a lot of buzz is a documentary called The Black Power Mixtape. The film features rare archival footage shot between 1967 and 1975 by two Swedish journalists and was discovered in the basement of Swedish public television 30 years later. We speak with renowned actor and activist Danny Glover, who co-produced The Black Power Mixtape.
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/1/24/the_black_power_mixtape_danny_glover

O'odham Unity Run Benefit

O'odham Unity Run Benefit
Feb. 26, 2011, 10 am to 5 pm; Live show at 6 pm
Location Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Multi-Purpose Building, 1880 N. Longmore Rd., (NW corner of McDowell and Longmore) Salt River, Arizona
By Alex Soto, Thomas Breeze Marcus
Come help raise funds and food donations for our O'odham runners from Salt River, Gila River, Ak-Chin, Tohono O'odham and O'odham in Mexico as they make their journey from the Salt River Indian Community to Posa Verde, Mexico.
We, members of all O'odham communities, will be hosting this benefit to help raise donations.
Featuring Music performers DJ Element (Salt River,) Blackfire (Flagstaff,) Definition Rare (Albuquerque, NM,) Shining Soul & Darrell D (Phoenix and Tohono O'odham,) Cozmobrown & DJ Lingos (Tucson) and DJentrification (Phoenix.)
Live Art By: Brez, Dumperfoo, Tha Nox (Tohono O'odham)
LIVE PAINTING AND DEMOS
TRADITIONAL O'ODHAM SONGS AND DANCE
B-Boy Showcase (info soon to come)
Skate Expo + Live Art 10am-5pm
Live Show Begins At 6pm, $5 DONATION OR $3 W/food donations [prefered:rice, beans, flour, water, gatorade]
If you like to donate, help with food, table, media or help in general, contact us.
This year will be the 16th Annual O'odham Unity Run. The run will be March 14-20th, 2010
Brief History of Unity Run:
The Akimel O'odham, Hia-Ced O'odham and the Tohono O'odham have long been known for their expertise in long distance running in the desert regions of what is now southwestern United States and Mexico. For over 150 years the O'odham Nations have dealt with separation by the U.S./Mexico Borders. We do not acknowledge this separation within our culture; we encourage our unity to continue.
The Unity Run was founded in 1995, by a small group of grassroots people from both sides of Mexico and the United States, consisting of Tohono O'odham and Akimel O'odham. The group's main goal is to bring awareness to the youth and adults the legacy that our ancestors gave to us centuries ago. The coordinators are actively working to perpetuate that which we inherited and for this to continue for the generations yet to come. Reinstating the tradition of running and the spirituality that comes with running is a challenge to help unite, preserve, heal and respect our history, language and culture. The Unity Run is highly recognized as a drug free, alcohol free and gang free cultural event.

US Diplomats in Wikileaks, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

US Diplomats in Wikileaks, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
There's some very important new information leaked in the Wikileaks diplomatic cables. There's also another category of ravings based on the US diplomats tainted view of the world and their imagined truths. These involve a great deal of insults to world leaders in Bolivia, Venezuela, Libya and elsewhere.
There's still another category and these are lies, based on gossip, misinformation and US imperialism. Rigoberta Menchu responded to one of these cables and called the president of Guatemala a "liar." According to the US Ambassador, the Guatemalan president called her a "fabrication" and blamed her for a death, based on her resistance while defending the land. The cables have to be read carefully, and compared to other valid information, to discover what is truth and what is truth for a US diplomatic who may be suffering from isolation, visions of grandeur, paranoia, loneliness, white privilege or racism.
Some of the cables are obviously the truth, like when the US Ambassador in Iceland says that Iceland's support of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, is an "impediment" to US/Iceland relations at the United Nations.
On the other hand, it is difficult to discern the truth of other cables, including the one where the US attempts to deny that the Zetas, the most notorious murderers in Mexico's drug trafficking, were trained by US Special Forces. After being trained by the US as killing machines, they defected and became rogue security for narco traffickers. Although the US Ambassador in Mexico attempts to deny this, it is doubtful that the US actually checked the records of US Special Forces training of Guatemalans and Colombians, in the jungles of South America. But even the US Ambassador admits there's a lack of paper on such training, and that one Mexican special ops trained at Fort Bragg, N.C., was "forcibly" recruited into a life of crime with the Zetas.
"Critics of U.S. military training and conspiracy theorists have long speculated that members of the notoriously violent cartel Los ZETAS once received U.S.-funded special forces training. Since we cannot know the name of every Mexican soldier who has joined Los ZETAS, we cannot irrefutably reject this possibility," said John Feeley, deputy chief at Mexico's Embassy.
Finally, there is a great deal of new information in Wikileaks. Consider this: The US Embassy in Indonesia asked for $100,000 to advertise on Facebook and promote Obama's visit to Indonesia. So, were do such funds, to advertise on Facebook for an elected official, actually come from? The US Embassy asked "R" for those funds.
Along with the new information, there are important details, like how the US trains police in Chile. Chilean police brutally attacked Rapa Nui on Easter Island in December, including women and children. Rapa Nui said the billionaire president of Chile and a German hotel owner on Easter Island are responsible for these attacks on the aboriginal inhabitants of Easter Island.
The Ambassador in Chile pointed to the Easter Islanders. A cable, describing Mapuche activists in Sept. 2009, reveals the US was watching the Easter Islanders: "Meanwhile, another indigenous group -- Easter Islanders -- seem to have been inspired by Mapuche activism, recently occupying the island's only airport for 24 hours in a successful effort to gain government attention to their demands."
And when it comes to the profiteering from war and weapons sales, there's plenty of new info, like how Peru is concerned over US arms sales to Chile.
What Wikileaks has given us in the diplomatic cables is an inside look into the dark recesses of the minds of US diplomats. It is not always a pretty place to be, or an honest one.
There's also plenty of smut there, along with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's now famous command: Get DNA, e-mail passwords, credit card accounts and frequent flyer numbers, on world leaders.
ZETAS CABLE released by Wikileaks on Wed., Jan. 26, 2011:
http://213.251.145.96/cable/2009/08/09MEXICO2473.html

MAPUCHE CABLE:
http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2009/09/09SANTIAGO843.html