PLEASE POST:
Public is welcome
AIM-WEST Presents
Press and Public Announcement
“517 Years of Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance to Colonization in the Americas-1492-2009”
Dia De La Raza
A benefit to bring attention to those who sacrifice daily for our Mother Earth; we are the memory of our ancestors.
Grandfather, I want my people to live. Lakota prayer
When: Monday, October 12, 2009
Where: Inter-Tribal Friendship House, 523 International Boulevard, Oakland (near Lake Merritt BART Station).
Time: 6 – 9:30 pm (film 7:15)
The event benefit’s AIM-WEST Annual Summit, scheduled November 23-27, in San Francisco (check website).
A selected film presents “Longest Walk-1978” withcast of familiar faces including the legendry Bill Wahpepah, Dick Gregory, Paul Owns Sabre, John Trudell, Ron Dellums, Phillip Deer, and Lehman Brightman, a must see, very historical. A short clip will be shown of the Mascot demonstration protest recently at Oakland Coliseum.
M.C. Jimbo Simmons of AIM, and Mary Jean Robertson, DJ of KPOO Radio 89.5 FM in San Francisco!
With special guests, local entertainment, Drummers, dancers, with traditional Mexicas, are welcome.
Guest speakers include Prof. Lehman Brightman, and Ms. Carol Wahpepah, Director, Inter-tribal Friendship House in Oakland.
A raffle, prizes, food and refreshments (bring your favorites to share!)
COVER CHARGE at the door $ 5.00 Kids under ten years free, no one turned away.
Event is co-sponsored by Inter-Tribal Friendship House 510-452-1235
*The event will be announced on KPFA Radio 94.1 FM and on “The Rock” during the Annual Sun Rise Gathering, on October 12TH.
The Public is invited!
For more information please call: 415-577-1492 www.aimwest.info
AIM FOR FREEDOM!
SAVE GLEN COVE! NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL! HONOR MOTHER EARTH! FREE LEONARD PELTIER!
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TODAY! Bird Runningwater, Carolyn Dunn and Design Team from ANOVA Architects, Inc. 4 p.m. (PST) The Maidu Nation Station!
"The Maidu Nation Station!"
Youth Radio Program
KRBS 107.1 FM lp
www.radiobirdstreet.org
pictured: Luis, Gavin, Director Brad Taylor (CIMC VISTA), Rachael, Shaina
Tuesdays at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (PST)
N.Bird Runningwater, isDirector of the Sundance Institute's Native American and Indigenous Program based in Los Angeles. In this capacity, he scouts world-wide and across the United Statesfor Indigenous artists with projects that can be supported through the Institute’s Feature Film Program, Documentary Program, Theatre Program, the Independent ProducersConference/Creative Producing Initiative, and Sundance Film Festival.
Runningwater also serves as a patron to the imagineNATIVEIndigenous Film Festival in Toronto and as an advisor to the newly established American Indian National Center for Television and Film in Los Angeles. He serves as an advisor to Film Independent’s Project: Involve Program and was a creative consultant on WGBH’s landmark documentary seriesWE SHALL REMAIN which premiered in 2009. Runningwater, born of the Cheyenne and Mescalero Apache peoples, was reared on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico.
AND,
Carolyn Dunn "
Carolyn Dunn is a James Irvine Foundation Fellow at the Center for American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California, where she is pursuing a doctorate. Dunn has taught and developed university curriculum in American Indian literature (poetry and fiction), history and theatre. She has adapted and directed numerous radio theatre plays as well as staged productions of traditional stories, poems and songs with the American Indian Theatre Collective, Chapa De Indian Youth Theatre Company, The Los Angeles Theatre Project, and directed a staged reading of Arigon Starr's one woman play, The Red Road for Native Voices at The Autry National Center in Los Angeles. She is Cherokee, Muskogee Creek, and Seminole descent on her father's side and is Cajun, French Creole, and Tunica-Biloxi on her mother's.
ANOVA Architects, Inc., is building green. What is LEED Certified and what does the various levels of silver, gold and platinum mean? How to recognize green components? How does implementing 'green' in the building specs from the beginning of a design save your tribe money? More importantly, how does 'building green' fit into our tribal traditions of respecting the enviornment? ANOVA's Design Professionals, Patty and Michael will call in to discuss their company's mission On Native Ground!
http://www.anovaarchitects.com
OnNativeGround@live.com
"First you dream it,
plot it out,
ask Creator to bless it,
only then will you achieve it, On Native Ground!"
- ppena, Kickapoo Tribe KS
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Friday October 2, World March Kickoff Event - Gandhi Statue at The Ferry Building in San Francisco
Forward-to-a-Friend
Friday October 2nd, 2009 - 5pm-7pm
Please Join Us To Celebrate The World March For Peace And Nonviolence Kick-Off
At the Gandhi Statue in front of the Golden Gate Ferry Terminal at the Bottom of Market Street in San Francisco
October 2nd is Gandhi's birthday, the United Nations International Day of Nonviolence and the very 1st Day of the World March which will start in Wellington, New Zealand, making mile 1 of a 99,000 mile journey.
Please join us for a celebration at Gandhi's Salt March Statue, Pier One, on the Bay Bridge side of the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Click here to get directions
Cultural/music performances by Mokai, Youth Poetry and the Tibetan Association of Northern California.
Guest speakers include:
Nancy Merrit, The Northern California Campaign for a US Department of Peace.
Jackie Cabasso, Western States Legal Foundation.
Dechen Tsering of TANC - Tibetan Association.
Dolores Perez, Peace organizer for the Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco.
Rev. Andre Shumake, Richmond Improvement Assocation.
Professor Lehman Brightman of United Native Americans
And more...
The afternoon will end in candlelight vigil to wish a safe journey to our world marchers for peace! Six candles will be lit for the six continents that the World March will visit and pass through.
Saturday October 3d, 2009
Harvest Picnic For Peace
William Land Park, 3800 S. Land Park Drive, Picnic Area #GA21, Sacramento, CA - 1pm to 4:30 pm
Get to know other local and regional peace builders. Organized by the Northern California Campaign for a US Dept. of Peace. Friends and organizers of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence will also be there and are co-sponsoring this event. Please bring food, drink, musical instruments, friends and family.
For more information, contact Trudi Richards at 530-757-7576
Sunday October 4th, 2009 - 1pm
Noam Chomsky
Crisis And Hope In The Age Of Obama
First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Franciswco
1187 Franklin Street, corner Geary, In the Sanctuary
Noted linguist, author, and political analyst on U.S. Foreign Policy - Iraq, Afghanistan and Latin America and the U.S. economy.
In dialog with activists who really think globally and act locally.
Participating: David Bacon, Author, Journalist, Antonia Juhasz, Author, Director of the Chevron Program at Global Exchange. Steve Williams, Co-Director, People organized to win employment rights (POWER)
Sponsored by UUs for Peace-SF and School of the Americas Watch-SF. Proceeds benefit the educational programs of the sponsors.
Wheelchair accessible, seating is first come first served.
Admission $20, Seniors and Students $15, Sliding scale upon request.
To purchase tickets, see www.uusf.org/chomsky
Ongoing Activities
Peace Poem Project
Poems are still needed, contact Charselle through her web site at:
http://peacepoemproject.com
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Cause Announcement from National Indian Child Welfare Association
American Indian and Alaska Native children are six times more likely to be placed in Oregon foster care than white children, according to a report from Portland State University.
Based on child abuse reports from 2008, along with data on children in foster care between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, researchers found that abuse cases involving Native families were less likely be investigated than those involving black or white families. Native children stayed in foster care for years, much longer than most other groups.
Overall, Native children accounted for 10 percent of foster care cases in the state. Yet they represent just 1.3 percent of Oregon's child population.
Get the Story:
Blacks, Native Americans more likely to go to foster care (The Oregonian 9/29)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/09/blacks_native_americans_more_l.html
Portland State University Report:
DOC: Disproportionality and Disparities in Oregon’s Child Welfare System (September 2009)
http://media.oregonlive.com/politics_impact/other/Oregon%E2%80%99s%20Child%20Welfare%20System.doc
Indianz.com | http://64.38.12.138/News/2009/016742.asp
Just thought I'd pass along this information.
Eddie Sherman
Cause Admin
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FIRST NATIONS FILMS Fall 2009
First Nations Films - Motion Visual distributes award-winning television documentary films for, by and about First Nations people. Our exclusive and affordable DVDs are shared with schools, universities, libraries, organizations, and other educational groups and institutions. These films are cherished by students and educators around the world. www.firstnationsfilms.com richard@firstnationsfilms.com 604-990-9337
NEW FILMS NOW AVAILABLE !
THE PIPEMAKERS
The award-winning true story of the few remaining native people who create the sacred stone Peace Pipes. Digging thru 12 feet of solid rock ... catalogue
THE STORYTELLERS
NATIVE PEOPLE saw the history of their land differently than the White man. The early European settlers brought many new things to this land ... catalogue
HIV: IF THERE'S A WILL
In the North approx 74% of newly infected people are First Nations. Many of them will not return home because of the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS ... catalogue
IN PRODUCTION!
MEDICINE WHEEL 2 - is now in production. Our small crews are traveling to locations across Canada to do interviews and shoot visual materials. Work is underway right now on the script and the film should be available soon!
SO FAR FROM HOME - is now in production. Initial research and contacts have begun on this exciting and emotional new film. Stay tuned!
WE ARE AT FILM FESTIVALS!
OFFICIAL ENTRY ... The Native Spirit Festival (London, England)
OFFICIAL ENTRY ... The Red Nation Film Festival (Los Angeles)
PEOPLE LOVE OUR FILMS!
Wonderful emails and notes from many of you about how you love our films and how you have positive feedback from your groups and classrooms. One man called our films "hidden gems" and wished he could tell everyone about them. Keep those notes coming as we love the feedback! catalogue
FIRST NATIONS FILMS - OUR EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION
The Medicine Wheel (native spirituality)
Whose Land is This? (history and land settlement)
Making Treaties (history and land settlement)
First Nations Role Models (inspiration for our youth)
Beat of the Drum (native music and history)
Native Women: Politics (history and settlement)
Reclaiming Our Children (child wellness)
The Residential Schools (the other side of the experience)
Living in Two Worlds (old and new)
Sleepdancer (a dramatic journey)
Vanishing Links (returning to her roots)
HIV: If there's a will ... (on HIV and native people)
Indianer (European people "being" First nations people)
Echoes of the Sisters (breast cancer)
Kinja Iakaha (a day in the village) From Brazil)
The StoryTellers (truth and honor)
The PipeMakers (on making the traditional pipe)
Please view "playable" clips of award-winning films on our catalogue page and order films on DVD www.firstnationsfilms.com
FIRST NATIONS STORIES IN THE NEWS
CanTeach
http://www.canteach.ca/links/linkfnations.html
Aboriginal Links - International
http://www.bloorstreet.com/300block/aborintl.htm
The Gathering Place
http://www.gatheringplacefirstnationscanews.ca/
Village of First Nations
http://www.firstnations.com/rss/google-news.php
TALK BACK
Here at FIRST Nations Films we are very interested in what YOU have to say about us and about the community around us. Why not send us your thoughts, suggestions and ideas? Just type up your stuff and send it torichard@firstnationsfilms.com. We might edit it a little and publish it if we can. Thanks!
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Frederick "Sonny" Woodruff: Quileute elder who helped to start canoe journey dies
Sept. 29, 2009
LAPUSH, WASH. State -- Frederick "Sonny" Woodruff, a Quileute elder and former chairman of the Tribal Council who 20 years ago helped revive the tradition of canoe journeys into the annual event they are today died of a heart attack Saturday.
Mr. Woodruff died at the age of 58 in Seattle.
"Sonny's contributions to the revival of the Tribal Canoe Journeys 20 years ago were instrumental to its current-day success," said Jackie Jacobs, tribal publicist.
In July, during this year's Tribal Canoe Journey, Mr. Woodruff called the event a "rebirth of our culture."
Tribal Chairwoman Carol Hatch, Mr. Woodruff's niece, praised her uncle for his work with the younger members of the tribe.
"Sonny was a strong leader and mentor for our youth, encouraging them to walk a clean, alcohol-drug-free path," Hatch said.
"He understood the significance and importance of sharing our cultural and spiritual values with the younger generations, so they would always have a solid foundation from which to stand.
"In addition, he was dedicated to teaching our tribal organizations to respect and embrace traditional, ancestral protocol."
Mr. Woodruff was committed to blending traditional and contemporary life, the Quileute tribe said in a prepared statement.
"He was everything to our tribe," said his niece, Bonita Cleveland, vice chairwoman of the Quileute Tribal Council.
"We were so close, like brother and sister. We grew up together, and I have never known anyone like him.
"He never, ever asked for a thing, but always gave recognition to all. He was a strong leader, someone who made sure all things were right."
Memorial service
A memorial service will be held at noon Thursday in the A-Ka-Lat Center in LaPush.
A traditional dinner and burial will follow. Harper Ridgeview Funeral Chapel in Port Angeles will handle the arrangements.
In addition to reviving canoe journey traditions, Mr. Woodruff, a Forks High School graduate, also worked to retain the tribal culture at the weekly Wednesday night healing drum circles at the A-Ka-Lat Center, the tribe's statement said.
Cleveland said that Mr. Woodruff believed strongly in youth, and in the importance of using Quileute culture as a way to help young people heal and move to a more stable life.
He helped many young people work through addictions to drugs and alcohol, she said.
In addition to his tenure as Tribal Council chairman, Mr. Woodruff served on the Quileute Tribal School Board, the Quileute Housing Board, the Fisheries Committee, the Tribal Planning Board, the Cultural Committee and as a natural resource policy representative for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.
He was a fisherman who often used a dugout cedar canoe and was master operator of heavy equipment.
Mr. Woodruff was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Woodruff Sr. and Sarah Hines Woodruff, his brother, Doug Woodruff, and his sisters, Pearl Conlow and Shirley Cleveland.
Mr. Woodruff is survived by his wife, Jill Woodruff; two sons, Dakwa Woodruff and Rick Woodruff; three daughters, Sharrah Woodruff, Brandy Woodruff and Maria Erickson; one brother, Russell Woodruff; five sisters, Pat Matson, Delores Woodruff, Bertha Wallstedt, Mary Eastman and Donna Jamie; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
For more information about the memorial service, phone the Quileute Tribal Center at 360-374-6163.
Article: http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20090930/NEWS/309309983
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MNN False Prophets look for Profits
False Prophets Looking for Large Profits
From http://letstalknativepride.blogspot.com/
MNN forward. The Akwesasne Womens Fire website was hijacked by non-native camel, Monica Lamb Peters. She is posting their flakey cult trash and fraudulently soliciting donations on behalf of the genuine people who are involved in the international border issue. They unsuccessfully tried to retrieve it. The people had to set up a new one, www.akwpeoplesfire.com 1-613-937-1813. They need materials for a modest building: windows, insulation, etc. The following is from Native Pride. [Ed. MNN]
Sept. 29, 2009. On June 1st I warned about the border guard incident in Akwesasne about false prophets and bogus leaders using the issue to further their causes. I reiterated my concerns on my June 24th post. Today I must address this concern again.
Whatever this new group of Meredith Quinn/Lester Howse/Kenny Kapplemier/Larry Thompson/Donny Smoke followers call themselves [at Akwesasne], they should formally renounce themselves as Mohawks. [Some already have formally renounced their community, nation, confederacy and Great Law affiliations calling themselves universal persons, citizens of the world].
They condemn the Kaianerehkowa. [They claim we Indigenous weren’t here but came after the Moors of northern Africa and Spain. It could have to do with overthrowing our inherent rights to Great Turtle Island. False history is being created that conforms to their agenda, with the help of far-out handlers].
They play all kinds of semantics and prey on the ignorance of others. Yet they insist on using the people of Akwesasne, the Kanienkehaka, to build a foundation for their new religion/history/cult/scam. They come in and out of [our] Longhouses, that they don't believe in [and practically condemn]. They participate in meetings with "other Mohawk leaders", [and try to take over the agendas and subject others to their Camel/Donkey Treaty excreta] although they no longer consider themselves [to be] Mohawks.
They hijacked the Akwesasne Women's Fire website posting full coverage of the Larry [King Tut] Thompson Show. The buzz is that they plan to use the history of Mohawk resistance to suck money out of Momar Khadafi of Libya and others.
What is the end game? Who knows! I, like many, simply want to just ignore all this nonsense. But opportunists like these use events like the Kawehnoke [Cornwall Island border] issue to confuse and undermine the will of the people. Most of us are just plain embarrassed by their ramblings and antics. The problem is that when the patients take over the asylum, it is hard to tell the mad scientist from the mad men and the mad men from the mindless.
Someone is behind all this with a purpose. No, it isn't enlightenment or eternal life [nor the best interests of Indigenous]. It is something much easier to grasp; $. Most of us have gotten used to looking the other way while our neighbors figured out the next get-rich quick scheme [while taking advantage of native sovereignty]. This time it is different. It isn't about selling out your own ethics or morality; or jeopardizing your own freedom or security. It is about selling out our identity.
There are plenty of non-native [interests] looking for a group of "onkwehonwe" to [use to] deny everything we stand for; sovereignty, freedom, ties to our land, stewards of that land, government by the people, equality, inherent rights, natural law and our connectedness to creation.
These prophets of the camel's eye are just what the doctor ordered to harm us. A few corrupt men can take advantage of those weakened by years of alcohol and drug abuse, desperate for something to believe in, abused or abandoned as kids, hooked on easy money and disgruntled. Those no one had ever done anything for.
This isn't their first attempt. After making millions [using our sovereignty] and establishing themselves as the envy of others, ruling over them becomes the next brass ring to grab. These guys have worked in and out of every court, political and religious system and movements. They never learned who they were. It is no wonder that they are drawn to the Egyptians. In our way there is no hierarchy. These guys admire the pyramid, the symbol of wealth and power.
From one of the camels that went to OPP cop school to jmkane, editor, Native Pride. Tue. 9/29/09: Hey John you are starting to sound like K. Horn. what gets you so upset because people are thinking and questioning history. you like to be quasi sovereign? well I don't. but that is a personal choice. anyway i disagree with your writing and the rant style you chose. maybe if you were here in the mix of what is happening you would be in some know.
BJD, a Kanion’ke:haka, suggested Kaianereh’ko:wa [Great Law] protocol: It is good that the [culprits are] named since you are directly familiar with their antics within our communities. This enables us who have not encountered them to be wary & prepared… I would call upon the Kanienke'ha:ka Nation's traditional authoritative bodies, the Otiyaner [Clan-Mothers] & Rotiya'ner [the Men] [on behalf of the people] to make a public statement denouncing these [counterfeit] Kanienke'ha:ka persons who are engaging in subversive activities.
MNN Mohawk Nation News,www.mohawknationnews.com kahentinetha2@yahoo.com Note: Your financial help is needed and appreciated. Please send your donations by check or money order to “MNN Mohawk Nation News”, Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0. Or go to PayPal on MNN website. Nia:wen thank you very much. Go to MNN AKWESASNE category for more stories; New MNN Books Available now!
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AIM Central Texas Action Alert
September 26, 2009
The American Indian Movement of Central Texas has issued this action alert in regards to the Eagle Nest “Uniting All Nations” Pow Wow being held on October 10th, 2009. The event organizer, David Silva, has not been honorable in his dealings with the Native American community. He has promised to make cash payments to those who would “perform” for the tourist and spectator draw he believes he can obtain. He dishonors our elders by making orders of blankets from them, only to leave them without payment or giving reason for cancellation of order. He further dishonors other elders by not heeding wise counsel on how to conduct himself as a chairman, or keeping his word. He claims Cherokee blood, but has non-Indians in his so called “Native American Group”. His persistence in trying to make for a show and a good impression with the Euro-American society has made for the issuance of a boycott of this “Commercialized Pow Wow”.
We also do not support the Eagle Nest Native American choice for MC for this event, Rene Rodriquez aka “Golden Eagle”. During the 2009 “Honoring the Animals” Paw Wow in San Antonio, TX, Apache del Rio Intertribal requested of Mr. Rodriquez to ask spectators to keep all dogs away from the arena. He complied for the moment, only near the end of the pow wow to call all dogs into the dance arena. He stated he had permission of the Pow Wow Committee and the young Chair presiding. The Pow Wow Chair during this time still is a member in good standing with AIM, and has apologized to several people for what transpired that day, but reluctantly Mr. Rodriquez has not done so himself. Mr. Rodriquez also made several promises to the committee he could not deliver on, and delayed the pow wow by an hour and a half. The man also claims to be Mescalero Apache, but has also claimed to be Chiricahua Apache in the past. Which is it, Mr. Rodriquez? We need to remember that pow wows are an important part of our culture that gives us strength, rejuvenates the heart, and heals us. Although money is needed to fund pow wows, they should not be exploited for the benefit of many. Please DO NOT attend non-Indian run pow wows. The Pow Wow coordinator and MC continually demonstrate ignorance and blatant disrespect for Native culture, for this pow wow has found a way to exploit our cultural traditions to make money that should be distributed back to the less fortunate. If you are planning to or have already planned a trip this year, please consider the larger issue at stake – our CULTURE, our FUTURE. Thank You!
AIM of Central Texas
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White House calls and Comment
From: Billie Fidlin
First - a message from Wanbli:
Burn up the White House comment lines on Friday for Leonard Peltier.. Obamas Personal Political Prisoner.. 202 456 1111.. Let the president know we hold him responsible for the well fare and freedom of his own personal Political prisoner. Mr. Leonard Peltier!
Second - Friends, I have been privy to a variety of discussions about the LP DOC, recent changes etc. I would like to comment briefly now, but will do so in more detail later.
Wanbli and Ben Carnes have worked tirelessly for YEARS on Leonard's behalf. Their endless efforts have absolutely provided positive movement in both the case and for Leonard himself. In this last year, their work with the LP DOC was incredible and extremely productive.
The fact that the parole was denied doesn't diminish the surfaced support from thousands of people globally, as well as political support among some sectors of US legislators etc. Leonard was moved after the beating because of their work with the LP DOC and all supporters. The strongest team on record was compiled because of their efforts, case knowledge, and counsel. Like myself, all efforts were volunteer. No one and I mean no one, including the Communications Coordinator Julie Baris, has recevied compensation at any level of any kind. If people were lucky at times travel costs were covered - and most of the time this is/was not the case. At the LP DOC itself, people work for minimal salaries, and deal with things like utility bills being turned off etc. No big dollars here. As with many small non-profits, there continues to be the need for clear process and the LP DOC is working on such process. At the helm of the LP DOC - Leonard Peltier. So when one tries to destroy the credibility of the LP DOC you are attacking Leonard Peltier himself.
Beyond this - now more than ever - Leonard needs unified support. We need to be part of a solution and not part of the problem. If you have direct questions please contact Kari or Betty at the LP DOC.
Thank you,
Billie
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Speak Out Against Coal Plant on Oconee October 6
Greetings ARK members,
Please join with others throughout the state next Tuesday to speak out against Plant Washington Coal Plant on the Oconee River.
See announcement below.
Additional information included in attachments.
Thanks for your help.
The excitement is building for Clam Jam 2009 this weekend. Please check out the updates on our websitewww.altamahariverkeeper.org and make a donation or buy your tickets on line.
thanks Deborah
*Tell EPD to Protect Us!* **
*Tuesday, October 6^th , 6 p.m.***
*Family & Environmental Health Citizens’ Hearings***
Learn about the health effects that a new proposed coal plant, Plant Washington, will have on you and your family
*/_Have your comments entered into the official record._/*
*/_ _/*
*Kennesaw* *State** University*
Contact: Mary Carr, SACE Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, mcarr@cleanenergy.org
*Macon*
*/_JOSHUA’s CUP_/**/./* 1090 Washington Avenue (478) 745-9099
Contact: Deb Sheppard, Altamaha Riverkeeper,stewards@altamahariverkeeper.org
*Atlanta***
*/_DOWNTOWN ATLANTA 4-7p.m_/*/. /Take a picture with your photo comment that will be posted online and sent to EPD. Contact /erin.glynn@sierraclub.org
*Augusta*
*/_THE BOATHOUSE._/* 103 Riverfront Drive Contact: Tonya Bonitatibus, Savannah Riverkeeper,tbonitat@savannahriverkeeper.org
* *
* *
*Voice your concerns directly by sending an email to*
*Carol.couch@dnr.state.ga.us
* *
*EPD PROTECT ME!* **
Last month, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issued draft permits for a proposed coal plant near Sandersville. This plant will be allowed to put an additional 122 pounds of toxic mercury into our air EVERY YEAR – _mercury that will find its way into our rivers and our fish. _
In addition to issuing the draft permits, the state IGNORED the requests of over 1,000 people to hold hearings on this proposed coal plant at locations around the state.
Please join us at Family and Environmental Health Citizens’ Hearings to voice your concerns over this proposed coal plant and enter your comments into the official record.
As Americans, it is our right and responsibility to remind government officials that we want them to protect our air and water from pollution.
If you live in the Sandersville area, attend the EPD meeting in Sandersville on October 6, 6 p.m. and share your concerns – then *come back on October 20* and put your comment _on the record_. Both meetings will be at Ridge Road Elementary School, 285 Ridge Road Sandersville, 31082.
*/Special/** **_SAVANNAH_** **event!*
*OCTOBER 13, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.*
*/_Carnegie Library_/* meeting room, 537 East Henry Street, Savannah, GA 31401
*EPD PROTECT ME **·** EPD PROTECT ME **·** EPD PROTECT ME*
--
Bryce Baumgartner
Operations Manager
Tell EPD to Protect Us!
Tuesday, October 6th, 6 p.m.
Family and Environmental Health Public Hearings
Join us for an open house where you can learn about the health effects that a new proposed coal plant that will be built 50 miles from Macon will have on you and your family and then have your comments entered into the official record.
Where: Joshua Cup Coffee at
1090 Washington Ave, #114 in Macon
When: Tues October 6, 2009 6-8pm
What: Learn about the health effects that a new proposed coal plant will have on you and your family and then have your comments entered into the official record.
For more info: info@altamahariverkeeper.org
Let’s get smart about
Plant Washington & water
www.georgiansforsmartenergy.org
Plant Washington will guzzle valuable water
Power4Georgians is proposing to draw up to 16 million gallons of water every dayfrom the Oconee River and 16 groundwater wells in order to run Plant Washington. This is water that is necessary for the wellbeing of the region’s residents, businesses and way of life. Once it used up by Plant Washington, there will be insufficient water for agricultural uses, harming local economies.
The aquifer under the plant site is already overdrawn
When the Oconee River’s flow is inadequate to feed Plant Washington, the plant will have to draw water from the underlying Cretaceous Aquifer. The water table in Washington County already has dropped 47 feet in the last 40 years. At a meeting in August 2008, Power4Georgians confirmed that had the plant been running then,more water would have been pulled from the aquifer that year alone than operators had projected using an entire average five-year period.
Source: U.S Geological Survey
Our water, air and wallets are at risk if Plant Washington is built.
The plant will worsen mercury contamination in GA waters
Plant Washington will emit more than 100 pounds of mercury every year, worsening environmental conditions that have already led to numerous fish consumption advisories for a number of lakes, rivers and streams, including the Ogeechee, Oconee, Ohoopee and Appalachee rivers, Brier Creek and Clark Hill Lake. The EPD also has measured mercury in those rivers in excess of state water quality standards. The mercury emissions from Plant Washington will further burden these waters with mercury, a potent neurotoxin that is particularly harmful to women of child-bearing age and young children.
Source: Southern Environmental Law Center
Good, clean solutions to Plant Washington and dirty coal
Energy efficiency and renewables can deliver 30% or more of the Southeast’s electricity.
Despite claims by Power4Georgians that Plant Washington is needed to meet soaring demand for electricity, demand is actually decreasing, and over the next 20 years is expected to rise only a modest 11 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Jobs for a clean energy future are here now. The federal stimulus package contains more than 8,000 clean energy jobs for Georgians. According to a recent analysis by Georgia Tech, only 79 local jobs will be generated by Plant Washington – or one job for every $26.6 million in costs. Energy-efficiency weatherization, and smart renewable energy generate six times more jobs than fossil fuel production.
Fall-line Alliance for a Clean Environment
P.O. Box 591 Ÿ Sandersville, GA 31082 Ÿ 478.553.9151 Ÿ www.facenvironment.org
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http://www.nlj.com
Strange justice in Ind ian country
Mark J. MacDougall and Katherine Deming Brodie
September 28, 2009
Conditions in this obscure country, as reported by sources ranging from Amnesty International to a U.S. Senate committee, are appalling. One in three women will be raped in her lifetime. Half the reported murders and 72% of child sex crimes are never prosecuted. Ninety percent of sexual assaults on native women are committed by men from the dominant ethnic groups. The nation's highest courts regularly reverse convictions based solely on the defendant's race.
This country is not Sudan, Rwanda or Kosovo during ethnic cleansing. Rather, this is the state of law enforcement today on the 310 Indian reservations that are home to nearly a million Native American citizens of the United States.
"Indian Country" — the federal government's name for the 54 million acres of reservation lands in the United States — is larger than Minnesota or Utah. The layers of social ills on most reservations — alcohol and drug abuse, unemployment, malnutrition and chronic disease — are a well-documented national shame. But the failure of the U.S. government to provide equal legal protection to victims of serious crimes, who happen to be Native American, is just bizarre.
As the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit wrote in February of this year, inU.S. v. Cruz, "The exercise of criminal jurisdiction over...Indian country [encompasses] a comp lex patchwork of federal, state, and tribal law, which is better explained by history than logic." That patchwork is rooted in 19th century legislation that established the rule that serious crimes in Indian country can only be prosecuted in the federal courts. A 1978 Supreme Court case, Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe, expanded that doctrine by holding that only the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) — not tribal or state authorities — may prosecute crimes committed by non-Native Americans on Indian lands. Although tribal courts operate on most reservations, their authority is limited to the prosecution of Indian defendants and to prison sentences of a year or less.
The consequences of these laws are stark. Unless federal authorities intervene, murder, rape and other felonies committed on the reservation by Native Americans may only be punished in a tribal court with a sentence of a year. Crimes committed by non-Indians cannot be prosecuted by tribal courts at all.
Felony prosecutions on Indian reservations are the responsibility of the U.S. attorney for the district in which the reservation is located. The 93 U.S. attorneys — one for each judicial district — are appointed by the president. Like the rest of DOJ, however, U.S. attorney's offices have limited resources and must establish priorities. With few exceptions, crimes committed in Indian country are rarely at the top of the list. U.S. attorney's offices in districts 0Awith some of the largest Indian reservations, such as those in Arizona and California, are also responsible for major urban and border areas. Rural offices — such as those in Alaska and the Dakotas — must allocate small staffs to vast territories.
In June, addressing the National Congress of American Indians, Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli announced the first major DOJ initiative in 15 years to address escalating public safety problems in Indian country. Among other steps, he announced a listening conference with tribal leaders to increase engagement, coordination and action on a variety of tribal justice matters.
Earlier this month, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee approved the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009. The act would allow tribal courts to impose sentences of up to three years and create a special office to review decisions by U.S. attorneys to decline prosecutions of reservation crimes.
The DOJ initiative and the Senate bill, although commendable, don't go far enough. Greater accountability and transparency are important, but equal legal protection for victims of serious crimes in Indian country requires more.
A SEPARATE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
One immediate solution that Congress and the Obama administration should consider is a separate office of the U.S. attorney for Indian country (USAIC). The jurisdiction of the USAIC would extend to all Indian reservation and trust lands. The USAIC would h ave the authority to investigate felonies on Indian reservations nationwide, seek indictments and pursue prosecutions, without regard to the race of the defendant. Cases would be brought by the USAIC in the judicial district where the crime was committed, like any other case brought by the U.S. attorney for that district.
The critical difference would be that serious crimes on reservations — by Indians as well as non-Indians — would receive the same level of prosecutorial resources as an offense committed outside the reservation. At the same time, the jurisdiction of the USAIC would not be limited to violent crimes but would extend to the full range of federal offenses, including political corruption, financial fraud and narcotics trafficking in Indian country.
The treatment of native peoples is one of the darkest chapters in American history. Although nothing can be done to change that history, extending basic legal protections to residents of Indian country, equal to those enjoyed by their fellow citizens, is a modest goal.
Mark MacDougall, a former federal prosecutor, is a partner, and Katherine Deming Brodie is policy counsel, at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in Washington
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Water Bottles Back in Stock; Vote for Buffalo
Dear sharon,
I am writing today to share two quick and easy ways you can help keep BFC strong. Our Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles are back by popular demand and available for sale. These bottles sold out incredibly quickly the fist time around so we ordered more per your request.
The second way you can help is totally free and will take only a minute of your time. We need your vote in order to earn our share of a $25,000 grant being offered by the Christie Cookie Company.
With winter right around the corner we are doing all we can to make sure that the buffalo are safe when they leave Yellowstone National Park on their yearly migration. We're preparing to host scores of field volunteers and laying the groundwork for meetings in Washington DC with members of Congress and the Obama Administration. Please read on to learn about two innovative ways you can help us to cover some of costs associated with our work.
For the Buffalo,
Dan Brister
Buffalo Field Campaign
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* BFC Klean Kanteens Back by Popular Demand
These 27 oz (800ml) stainless steel water bottles were specially produced by Klean Kanteen to benefit Buffalo Field Campaign. Each bottle is printed with BFC's "Let Buffalo Roam" logo and proceeds from their sale go directly to fund our bison protection efforts.
PURCHASE A WATER BOTTLE TODAY and help Buffalo Field Campaign protect America's only continuously wild population of bison.
Hydrating with this eco-friendly, reusable stainless steel water bottle provides a safe, non-leaching and toxin-free alternative to plastic and other lined metal containers and is a great way to help support the efforts of Buffalo Field Campaign.
If you would like to make a contribution to Buffalo Field Campaign without purchasing a water bottle, you can do so by clicking HERE.
Thank you!
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* Help BFC Earn Our Share of $25,000 in Charity Contest!
Please take a minute and Vote for Buffalo Field Campaignto help us raise much needed funds through the Christie Cookie Charity Contest. It only takes a minute and can make a huge difference for America's only continuously wild population of bison.
Thanks to our incredible supporters, we quickly vaulted into the top 50 after learning about the contest and posting the link in last week's Update. Since then we've been steadily climbing in the ranking and currently stand in 30th place with 872 votes. We need everyone who reads this to vote and send the link to as many friends and associates as possible (http://www.ilovechristiecookies.com/contest/form.asp).
The contest ends October 15 so please cast your vote today!
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So you say you support the movement?
AIM
La Raza
Brown Berets-
First Nations
No borders- 4 directions, we are all related-
We get messages from people every day that they want to be part of the movement- the will ask, "what can we do?" This is the first start-
This is the first order of business, because being part of the movement means you are willing to sacrifice everything for the people- like Peltier and his family has- and just think, if you went to Jail for the movement, wouldn't you want to know that your people were out there doing something for you? Like taking 5 minutes out of their day to call and tell the WHITEHOUSE to release Peltier or FUCK OFF
(KEEP CALLING 202-456-1111 OR 202-456-1112 TO HELP FREE LEONARD PELTIER NOW)
The next thing is find a way to support Glen Cove, CA - either show up and get ready to stop some bulldozers or write a letter, send some change! do something to stop the desecration of a Sacred Burial Movement-
For More Information : Wounded Knee707-557-2140 Vallejo Intertribal and Maggiemaggie.madden@gmail.com
Linda Roberts (Orannhawk)505-603-2908
firefly817@msn.com
The third thing you can do to be in the movement is use this time of year organize either a celebration for INDIGENOUS People's DAY or an Anti- COLUMBUS DAY Rally- Remember this GOVERNMENT and the rednecks that run it REFUSE to acknowledge and to take RESPONSIBLITY for the CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY- Heinous ACTS of cruelty and Mass Murder against the Indigenous People of the hemisphere.
(There is a call out in Colorado for some planning- if your interested contact 720-262-4240)
Don't just talk or type- GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
its good for you and your soul
AIM SB
http://www.facebook.com/l/a26d5;www.aimsb.org
aimsby@ymail.com
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Hello to all Link Center Foundation friends,
We are sending this email to past friends and donors of Link Center Foundation. Please forgive us if we've reached you in error. We're working from a database list of email addresses.
It is with deep sorrow that I pass on the following information to you. Stephanie M. Schwartz, Link Center's President and Director, passed away on August 17, 2009. Her sudden death was a tragic loss to her family, friends, and the Lakota people whom she served and loved. Below is a memorial tribute written by Stephanie's good friend and Link Center Foundation supporter, Tamra Brennan.
The week after Stephanie's death, LCF's Board of Directors immediately scheduled several emergency meetings to explore ways to keep LCF open. The 2009-2010 winter season begins in October, and time is of the essence. Unfortunately, we don't have the several months needed to reorganize. Therefore, after weighing our options and other considerations, LCF's Board members have unanimously agreed to shut down.
But with this sadness comes a new light of cooperation and hope: the Link Center Foundation is honored and delighted to refer our donors, applicants, and friends to a marvelous organization, Pathways to Spirit.www.pathwaystospirit.org. Pathways to Spirit's director, Carmeen Klausner, will accept all LCF customers applications and will direct all donations coming from LCF friends to their Utilities Assistance Program which assists with heating and fuels costs.
http://www.pathwaystospirit.org/start.html
For LCF friends wishing to apply for emergency heating and utility assistance, please contact Pathways to Spirit at:
Pathways To Spirit
4307 Goldeneye Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 282-3819 info@pathwaystospirit.org
For those wishing donate funds to help the Lakota elders, you may contact Pathways at the address above or donate through their website,http://www.pathwaystospirit.org/start.html
Please be as generous as possible. Every year people die from the cold because they lack heat, and this winter is expected to be among the most dangerously cold on record. The People need our help.
Thank you, Carmeen, for your graciousness and hard work during this transition time.
In our final message to you, The Link Center Foundation Board of Directors -- Jim Beard; Alva Duke; Laura Duke; Sarah Peterson; and Gina Boltz --wish to recognize other LCF friends and individuals who worked behind the scenes to help the people. Among them are our webmaster, Tom Gleason, who donated his time to create and oversee our Internet presence. Warm thanks to LCF attorney Dave Perlick and accountant Jeff Cohen for their expertise and dedication to our cause. Thank you's also to author Harvey Arden, activist Tamra Brennan, and our good friend Keith Rabin who supported us in so many ways.
And for those not mentioned, your importance to our cause and your efforts to help enabled hundreds of people to remain in their homes during the winter. Creator knows who you are. Thank you
Finally, we send our heartfelt appreciation to those we've served, or those who have helped us serve, the many wonderful people in need on South Dakota's Indian Reservations. It has been a pleasure and very great honor to be included in your lives. Our prayers and best wishes for your futures of good health and happiness.
Gina Boltz
Director, Native Village Publications
Director, Youth Forum for International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
http://www.nativevillage.org
Secretary, Link Center Foundation
http://linkcenterfoundation.org
In Memory of Stephanie M. Schwartz
January 17, 1947 - August 17, 2009
Written by Tamra Brennan
August 18, 2009
It is with a sad heart that I bring this news to you today. Our dear friend and sister, Stephanie Schwartz, has left for her journey to the spirit world. Steph suffered from a brain aneurysm late Sunday night. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and remained in a coma and unresponsive until she passed away, Monday August 17th just before 11:00 PM (MTN time).
Steph was 62 years of age and resided in Firestone, Colorado. Stephanie is survived by her only daughter Caitlin Schwartz and fiancee Matthew Rumery, a sister Renee Bolton, four nieces and nephews: Jennifer Mitchell, Kathy Naumann, William Sutfin and William Borton, in addition to many, many beloved friends.
Steph was a member of NAJA and a well known journalist in Indian Country. She was the webmaster and editor for Wambli-Ho news publication. Her work and research has been published in Native publications for over a decade. She tirelessly dedicated her life working to help the elders and the Lakota people on the South Dakota Reservations. Her outstanding and renown publication written in October 2006, "Arrogance of Ignorance," about the reality of life and hardships on the SD Reservations, was published and referenced in journals across the country. Read more of Steph’s writings at http://silvrdrach.homestead.com/Index.html
Steph volunteered for Link Center Foundation, a non profit organization, providing heating assistance to the elderly and disabled on the South Dakota Reservations since 2002. Steph became the Director of the foundation in 2008 after founder Audrey Link passed away.
Many of you may recall the devastating blizzards we had in South Dakota this past winter, along with severe life threatening temperatures. Steph literally worked 15+ hours a day, flooded with calls and applications for people in need this winter. She refused to rest until funding was secured and it was all taken care of, which ultimately of course, ended up not being until winter was finally over. I remember talking with her at all hours of the night and early morning, asking her if she ever even went to sleep. Many times her response was, "well for a couple hours, maybe." Steph was a warrior woman, she always put the people and their needs before her own.
Steph volunteered with so many issues over the years, including building and maintaining the website and raising awareness for “Miracle,” the Sacred White Buffalo Calf, born on August 20, 1994. She also volunteered for Wolakota for many years.
Stephanie was very dedicated and faithful to her work, the people and most of all, to her spirituality and this way of life.
Steph, you will truly be missed by many; your legacy and footprints will always remain. It was an honor to know you, my dear friend and sister. We laughed, cried and walked through many challenges together over the years. Your guidance and wisdom will never be forgotten.
I know you will be welcomed with open arms by many elders that have gone before us.
We will celebrate your life and the path you walked, and wish you a safe journey home.
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Flu Information
CherokeeLink Newsletter
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For The HTML Format of the Newsletter:
(Having Problems With The Links? Try this version instead.) http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=newsletter&Date=10/2/2009
AOL - 10/2/2009 Newsletter
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Osiyo,
The weather is starting to cool down around the Cherokee Nation, which means it is flu season. Cherokee Nation Health Services has an Influenza Steering Committee with staff from many different areas, including health, communications, facilities, emergency management, human services, risk management and more. The committee tracks flu information of all types in the area each day and will send out and post updates as needed. The information posted will come from our own sources, as well as from official city, county, state and federal sources. To follow or get information , please visithttp://fluinfo.cherokee.org.
On another note, if you have not taken the opportunity to view the Cherokee Nation Annual Report to the People or the 2009 State of the Cherokee Nation, visithttp://www.cherokee.org/Government/AnnualReports/Default.aspx and http://www.cherokee.org/NewsRoom/Player.aspx?WMType=high&id=599.
Wado! (Thank you)
Cherokee Nation
P.O.Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74465
918 453-5000
communications@cherokee.org
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***Cherokee Nation News***
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Cherokee Nation Receives $13K Water Pipe Contribution from Cherokee Builders, Inc.: 10/1/2009 4:17:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation recently received a generous contribution of PVC water pipe valued at $13,000 from Cherokee Builders, Inc., a privately owned business located in Tulsa. The pipe will be used in area communities as new waterlines are constructed.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3003
Sequoyah Schools’ Students Get First Hand Look at Pollution Effects: 10/1/2009 4:15:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
Textbooks can be informative when it comes to studying the effects of pollution on our natural resources, but nothing is as memorable as pulling on a set of hip waders and hitting the water for an up close and personal look. A group of Sequoyah Schools’ students did just that to learn more about local pollution and the effects that it has on our ecosystem.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3002
Cherokee Nation to Host Oklahoma Tax Workshop: 10/1/2009 4:14:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
Small business owners who would like to learn more about Oklahoma tax laws are invited to participate in a special workshop hosted by the Cherokee Nation on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Indian Capital Technology Center located at 240 VoTech Rd. in Tahlequah.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3001
Cherokee Nation Announces Fall Community Language Class Schedule: 10/1/2009 4:09:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation will be offering Cherokee language classes in several area communities within the tribe’s 14-county jurisdictional area this fall.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3000
Cherokee National Youth Choir Nominated for two NAMMY Awards: 9/30/2009 5:17:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee National Youth Choir has once again been nominated for two NAMMYS at this year’s 11th Annual Native American Music Awards. The awards ceremony will be held Saturday, October 3 at the Seneca Entertainment Center in Niagara Falls, New York.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=2999
Cherokee Nation to Host Blue Thumb Training: 9/30/2009 5:15:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
Area residents have an opportunity to help protect the beautiful streams and rivers of northeast Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation is hosting a Blue Thumb training for new volunteers on Oct. 20 and 21, and those who attend both days of the training have the option of becoming a Blue Thumb stream monitor.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=2998
Cherokee Nation Tag Office to Open in Sallisaw: 9/30/2009 5:08:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation will be opening a new tag office to better serve citizens in the tribe’s southernmost counties soon. The doors to the new office will open on Monday, Oct. 5, at 8:30 a.m. It is located in Sallisaw at 1502 West Chickasaw (near Kerr Blvd. just south of First National Bank) where it will share space with Cherokee Nation Career Services.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=2997
Cherokee Nation Offering Registration Assistance at Area Sites: 9/28/2009 12:39:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation will offer assistance this spring with applications for Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) cards and citizenship in the Cherokee Nation at several field sites throughout the tribe’s 14-county area. The sites and schedule follow.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=2996
Cherokee Nation, County Health Department Offering Flu Shots: 9/28/2009 12:37:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation will be offering a free adult seasonal flu shot drive-thru clinic beginning Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9, at W.W. Hastings Hospital, located at 100 South Bliss Avenue in Tahlequah. The clinic will be held from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7 a.m. until noon on Friday.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=2995
Claremore Woman Chosen as Miss Cherokee: 9/28/2009
(C) Cherokee Nation
Danielle Culp of Claremore was crowned the new Miss Cherokee during the 57th Cherokee National Holiday held over Labor Day weekend.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=2994
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**** Other Links of Interest ****
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Games - http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=culture&culture=games
Community Calendar - http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=calendar
RSS Feed - http://rss.cherokee.org
Podcasts - http://podcasts.cherokee.org
E-Cards - http://ecards.cherokee.org
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**** Cultural Tidbits ****
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After European contact, the Cherokee government consisted of a consortium of towns. Basically, the Cherokees lived in small stockade towns in the lower Appalachains. A red government and a white government system existed, in times of war, the red government was in charge, and in times of peace, the white government and the priests were in charge.
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rail of Tears Memorial Walk
Cherokee - The Third Annual Trail of Tears Memorial Walk will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009, starting at the Cherokee Historical Association building which is located at 564 Tsali Blvd. (Hwy.441 North). Seventeen thousand Cherokee were forced to walk twelve hundred miles from North Carolina to Oklahoma in the winter of 1838. More than four thousand died along the way.
This Memorial Walk is a way to remember all those who made this long, hard journey and to also celebrate the triumphant spirit of the Cherokee people who are today a strong, thriving Nation.
The Memorial Walk will follow the Cherokee River Trail Loop approximately 2.5 miles and ending at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. A light breakfast, special tour of the Village which will include a War Council Meeting presentation and t-shirt will be offered to participants with a $10.00 paid registration fee. Children under 12 will be free with a paid adult. There will be free t-shirts to the first 20 children only who have a registered adult.
Parking will be available at the Oconaluftee Indian Village with shuttle services to the Cherokee Historical Association parking lot will be provided by Cherokee Transit starting at 8:00am. For more information please call 828-497-2111.
http://www.maconnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5602&Itemid=85
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EQUAL JUSTICE FOR LEONARD PELTIER - PETITION TO SIGN AND CIRCULATE
PETITION BODY:
Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Dear Attorney General Holder:
Thank you for taking the necessary steps to investigate and vacate the conviction of Senator Ted Stevens because of misconduct by federal prosecutors. We the undersigned, in the interest of EQUAL justice, now ask that you undertake an Executive Review of COINTELPRO-era politically motivated cases, starting with the case of Leonard Peltier.
In 1975, the Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities (also known as the Church Committee) investigated the counterintelligence activities of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over a 25-year period. With regard to its COunter INTELligence PROgram, or COINTELPRO, operations, the Church Committee found the Bureau responsible for: violating and ignoring the law; exceeding its powers with regard to domestic intelligence activity; using excessively intrusive techniques against United States citizens; using covert action to disrupt and discredit domestic groups; abusing intelligence information for political purposes; and having inadequate controls, as well as no accountability. As you know, COINTELPRO was centrally directed and targeted a range of political dissidents and organizations. The stated goals of COINTELPRO were to "expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize" those persons or organizations that the FBI found objectionable, i.e., a threat to the status quo. The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most notable of these COINTELPRO targets.
During the 1970s, the American Indian Movement (AIM) also was a target of the FBI. AIM activist Leonard Peltier was wrongfully convicted in 1977 in connection with the shooting deaths of two FBI agents and has served over 30 years in federal prison despite proof that he was convicted on the basis of fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony.
The United States Courts of Appeal have repeatedly acknowledged investigative and prosecutorial misconduct in this case—evident from the time of Peltier's extradition from Canada to his trial and subsequent sentencing.
Peltier also has been denied fair consideration for parole by unscrupulous, untruthful, and overzealous prosecutors who know parole authorities do not consult the court record and will therefore take on faith any false statements the prosecutors care to make.
On June 23, 1995, Amnesty International submitted a letter of concern about the Peltier case to then Attorney General Janet Reno. The world renowned human rights organization sought but failed to obtain an Executive Review of the case.
We agree with senior deputy director of Amnesty International-USA Curt Goering who, after the U.S. Parole Commission denied Peltier parole in August 2009, stated: “Given that the case against Peltier unraveled years ago, his continued imprisonment is only protracting a grave miscarriage of justice... When you consider the concerns that plague the case... it is unconscionable that Leonard Peltier should continue to suffer behind bars. It is high time for the U.S. government to... right the wrongs of the past.”
We call on you, Mr. Holder, to conduct an Executive Review of the Peltier case without delay, one that addresses:
--FBI agents' use of improper techniques or coercive tactics, as well as fabricated evidence;
--FBI laboratory personnel's use of poor scientific techniques, mishandling of evidence, provision of skewed or completely false testimony to support prosecution claims, or providing fabricated evidence; and
--prosecutorial misconduct such as courtroom misconduct; mishandling of physical evidence (hiding, destroying, and/or tampering with evidence, case files or court records); failing to disclose exculpatory evidence; threatening, badgering, and/or tampering with witnesses; and using false or misleading evidence.
This review also should include examination of post-conviction actions on the part of FBI officials and agents, as well as prosecutors, to prevent fair consideration of Peltier's applications for parole and Executive Clemency.
It is long past time to rectify an immense and evident injustice. The politically-motivated prosecution of Leonard Peltier is an abuse of power at least as troubling as that in Senator Stevens' case.
Conduct an Executive Review of the Peltier case now. Only through such honorable action, which is wholly in your power, can we be sure that justice will, at last, be done.
http://www.facebook.com/l/a26d5;www.ipetitions.com/petition/Executive_Review/
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Message: 1
From: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 10:05:29 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Consumers Warned Not to Eat Certain Imported Dried Plums
Consumers Warned Not to Eat Certain Imported Dried Plums
Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:35:00 -0500
The Texas Department of State Health Services is warning consumers not to eat certain imported dried plums and products containing imported dried plums because they have elevated levels of lead.
State Press Release: FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and safety alerts from states as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA is not responsible for the content of these notices.
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