Other Indigenous Issues & News

Other Indigenous Issues & News

South Dakotan's for Health Care, Kyle SD June 9th
You are cordially invited to attend the South Dakotan's for Health Care

Solutions and Western South Dakota Native American Organizing Project's “Native Health Equity Roundtable” discussion next Tuesday, June 9th, from Noon until 3:00 pm at the Pejuta Haka College Center in Kyle. Lunch will be served at noon.

Confirmed panelists include Dr. Don Warne, Executive Director of the Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairman's Health Board,OST Vice President Brewer,Mr. Jim Waters, OST Community Health Representative Program Director, and State Representative Kevin Killer. We sincerely appreciate your attendance and participation.

During this event we will be taking personal health care stories from attendees which will be given to Senator Tim Johnson to be part of the discussions offered to Congress during the Indian Health Care Improvement Act reauthorization debate which begins in the upcoming weeks.

A limited number of people can be offered rides from Rapid City to Kyle early Tuesday morning.

If you have any questions or want more information, please feel free to contact Andrew Iron Shell at (605) 593-7059 oaironshell_ndnorganizing@hotmail.com

In peace & solidarity,
Tamra Brennan
www.NDNnews.com
www.protectsacredsites.org
www.protectbearbutte.com
PROTECT BEAR BUTTE!
"Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes"
"Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?"

"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what’s left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?" ......excerpt from One Nation, One Land, One People by Tamra Brennan, 2006
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ACTION ALERT - Help Protect Sacred Site Mt.Tenabo - June 10 in SF
Greetings,
Please forward widely and come out to support! Housing is needed in the Bay Area for 10-12 Western Shoshone Elders and drummers/drum groups are requested to open up the prayer gathering. Please contact John Hadder if you can help to provide support.

Support Religious Freedom
Stop Barrick Gold mining company
from Destruction of the Sacred Mt. Tenabo (Nevada)

June 10 – 7:30 AM - a peaceful and respectful ceremony
will open with native drumming, song, and prayer.
Western Shoshone elders will speak at 8:00 AM
Your Support is Needed
San Francisco
The James R. Browning Courthouse
95 7th Street

On June 10, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in South Fork Band Council et al. vs. United States Department of the Interior et al., and Barrick Gold Corp. on whether Barrick will be allowed to construct a massive open pit gold mine on the Western Shoshone sacred site, Mt. Tenabo, in Nevada.
On November 8 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management approved the construction of a massive open pit cyanide heap leach gold mine on the face of well-known spiritual area, Mt. Tenabo. The Federal Court in Reno has denied a preliminary injunction that would have stopped mining operations at Mt. Tenabo. South Fork Band Council of Western Shoshone of Nevada, Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, Western Shoshone Defense Project, and Great Basin Resource Watch are seeking to overturn the Reno court ruling to stop further destruction of Mt. Tenabo by Barrick Gold Corporation.
This mine will cause permanent destruction of the cultural and spiritual practices of the Western Shoshone. Mt. Tenabo has been, and continues to be, used by Western Shoshone people as a central part of their religious practices and world view. According to the Western Shoshone, Barrick’s gold mining operation will cause “Spiritual Genocide” and cause permanent destruction of Western Shoshone cultural and spiritual practices because this area is a central site for their religious practices and creation stories. Western Shoshone visit the mountain and the valley below (the location of the mine pit) for prayer ceremonies, gathering of sacred plants, fasting, and vision quests, among other uses. The Mountain also contains Western Shoshone gravesites. All of these values and uses will be destroyed by the mine. In addition, the massive pumping of groundwater will likely dry up sacred springs and streams on and around Mt. Tenabo.
For more information - www.gbrw.org - www.wsdp.org
Sample letter to President Obama


Morning Star Gali
morningstar@treatycouncil.org
Community Liaison Coordinator
International Indian Treaty Council
Office: 415.641.4482 ext. 303
Fax: 415. 641.1298
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[OYBM] Help Support and Sustain Native Youth Media!
Please look at these kids incredible films and support this organization!
http://oybm.org/videos/#

Please forward to all!
Christine
Greetings Media Justice Supporters!

Arizona's premiere Indigenous Youth media empowerment group, Outta Your Backpack Media, needs your support!
We are currently in need of financial support for rent and associated costs for our media center in Flagstaff, AZ.

We also have a workshop coming up this month that we need support for as well.

Rent per month: $350.00
Phone/Internet: $40.00
Workshop costs (video tape & food): $400.00

Total: $790.00

OYBMedia is an all-volunteer collective that has become very efficient at using it’s resources.
OYBMedia emphasizes being a creative and resourceful community-supported/sustained organization. We don’t want our organizing to be dependent on foundations but supported by the communities we work in, so we need your help!

If you would like to make a contribution, please contact us at: oybm@oybm.org or (928) 527-1431. We can email you our project proposal and budget for 2009 if you would like to donate more.

Thank you!
Klee Benally
OYBM Project Coordinator | www.oybm.org
oybm@oybm.org
(928) 527-1431


0A
8 ways you can help sustain and support OYBMedia:
• Donate funds to OYBMedia.
You can either donate directly or donate and have your name or organization’s name in the credits of our videos and on our site! More info here: http://oybm.org/credits/
You can make a tax deductible donation to Outta Your Backpack Media:
Contact:
Klee Benally, Indigenous Action Media/OYBmedia Coordinator
Phone: (928) 527-1431 - Email: info@indigenousaction.org
Shelbi Ray, OYBMedia Youth Coordinator - Email: shelbysmedia@gmail.com
• Volunteer with OYBMedia!
We always need volunteer mentors. Please contact us for details!

• Purchase OYBMedia Vol. 2 at Filmbaby.com for 12.99! (www.filmbaby.com/films/3575).
• Donate used or new equipment such as old MiniDV video cameras!
Specifically we need:
1. Apple computers (800mhz G4s or better). Laptops preferred for backpack kits.
2. Video Cameras (MiniDV or Digital 8.)
3. Tripods for video cameras
4. Digital still cameras
5. External Harddrives
6. Lighting equipment
7. Headphones
8. Microphones
9. Computer monitors (flat panel preferred)
10. Solar Panels (email for details of what specs we need)
• Bring us to your school or community for a reasonable cost.
ul>
Click here for OYBMedia Workshop hosting details: http://oybm.org/oybmedia-workshop-hosting-rates/
• Hire OYBMedia to produce promotional videos for your group or organization for little cost.
Contact us for details.
• Come to our events!
We host lots of great events, come support us!
• Spread the word about the OYBMedia Movement!

--
www.oybm.org - Indigenous Youth Empowerment! / Filmmaking Workshops / Resource Distribution

*If you would like to be removed from this list, please reply with the subject "REMOVE".


--
Klee Benally
indigenousaction@gmail.com
www.indigenousaction.org - Independent Indigenous Media
www.oybm.org - Indigenous Youth Empowerment!
www.savethepeaks.org /a> - Protect Sacred Places
www.myspace.com/taalahooghan - Flagstaff Infoshop
www.blackfire.net
www.myspace.com/eelk
www.twitter.com/eelk
Skype: indigenousaction
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Border crossing, disputed in Akwesasne protest, may be closed
OTTAWA (CP) — Canada's federal public safety minister says a border crossing in eastern Ontario might be shut permanently unless Mohawks accept a decision to arm border guards.
Peter Van Loan says the government is examining all options, including moving the port of entry that now links Cornwall, Ont., and Massena.
Appearing Sunday on CTV's Question Period, he refused to say when a decision would be made.
Canada Border Services Agency workers left their posts on Cornwall Island, citing safety concerns, just before midnight May 31 in advance of an Akwesasne Mohawk demonstration.
The Seaway International Bridge, which spans the St. Lawrence River, handles about 2.4 million passengers annually.
Mohawk protesters say they're worried that arming guards with handguns could lead to violence on their land.
Van Loan notes that giving customs officers guns was a promise made by the Conservatives in the 2006 election campaign — and no exception will be made for the Cornwall Island crossing.
"They'll have to accept armed border officers there," he told CTV.
"What we're looking at is a potential long closing, and as a result we are right now examining the long-term viability of that particular port of entry.
"We're exploring all options, and that includes moving it."
For the time being, travelers have been advised to use a point of entry at Prescott, which is 60 kilometers west, or the Dundee crossing, which is 17 kilometers southeast.

http://www.pressrepublican.com/homepage/local_story_158234818.html?keyword=topstory

In peace & solidarity,
Tamra Brennan
www.NDNnews.com
www.protectsacredsites.org
www.protectbearbutte.com
PROTECT BEAR BUTTE!
"Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes"
"Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?"

"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what’s left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?" ......excerpt from One Nation, One Land, One People by Tamra Brennan, 2006
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Supreme Court steers clear of Ariz. ski resort dispute
By Michael Kiefer - Jun. 8, 2009

The United States Supreme Court on Monday turned down a request by several Arizona Indian tribes to stop a Flagstaff ski area from making artificial snow from treated wastewater on the San Francisco Peaks.
The case has bounced through federal court for several years, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals considered the case twice, first siding with the Native Americans, who revere the mountains as sacred sites. Last August, the Appeals Court reconsidered in favor of the management of Arizona Snowbowl.
At issue is whether religious groups can trump the mandated multiple uses of federal land by the general public. Snowbowl sits in the Coconino National Forest, not on Indian land.
Several Native American tribes, including the Navajo, who were the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, the Hopi, Hualapai, Havasupai, and Apaches, believe using reclaimed wastewater there was tantamount to dumping sewage on their sacred sites.
The Indians and supporting environmental groups took the case to the Supreme Court, which discussed the case in closed conference last Thursday. On Monday the news was posted that the court had turned down the case, letting the lower court decision stand.
The decision essentially clears the way for Snowbowl to make artificial snow, although it won't happen this season.
www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/08/20090608snowbowl0608-onl.html
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Contributed by Jennafer Yellowhorse

Teresa Anahuy
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FirstPeoplesNews
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Supreme Court Affirms Tribes Have No Religious Rights, Tribes and others Call For Congressional Action to Protect Sacred Places
ATTN NEWS DESK – NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6th, 2009
Contact: Klee Benally, Save the Peaks Coalition
(928) 380-2629 | coalition@savethepeaks.org | www.savethepeaks.org

Supreme Court Affirms Tribes Have No Religious Rights,
Tribes and others Call For Congressional Action to Protect Sacred Places
Flagstaff, AZ -- On Monday, June 8th 2009, the Supreme Court denied the petition by Tribes & Environmental groups to hear the case to protect the holy San Francisco Peaks.

For nearly a decade, the Save the Peaks Coalition, Tribes, Environmental groups, and community members lead an effort to stop the Snowbowl ski area’s plan to expand it’s development on the Peaks, and make snow from treated sewage effluent. The ski resort operates on the Holy Mountain through a lease by the United States Forest Service, which sanctioned the proposed development in 2004.

This is the second time that a petition for the protection of the San Francisco Peaks has been denied by the Supreme Court.
According to Howard Shanker, attorney for the Navajo Nation, the Havasupai Tribe, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Flagstaff Activist Network, the Center for Biological Diversity and others, and former congressional candidate: “It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court denied our petition for certiorari. The Court’s denial serves to perpetuate injustice and the application of bad law regarding the rights of Native Americans to protect sacred and holy sites. It is, however safe to say that as long as the San Francisco Peaks remain, there will be people willing to continue the struggle to protect the Peaks and to honor the beliefs and cultures of those peoples who hold them sacred.”

“The Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in the Navajo Nation case is unfortunate to say the least.” Stated Jack Trope of the Association on American Indian Affairs who is working together with DNA Legal Services, representing the Hualapai Tribe, Navajo medicine practitioner Norris Nez and Hopi spiritual practitioner Bill Preston. “It means that the San Francisco Peaks, sacred to so many tribes, will continue to be at great risk from the development approved by the Forest Service that allows treated sewage water to be used for snowmaking. It also means that the Ninth Circuit’s narrow interpretation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) – an interpretation which in practice will make that law virtually unavailable to protect sacred lands in the states covered by the Ninth Circuit – will stand.”
According to the previous ruling of the en banc panel of the 9th Circuit, "the only effect of the proposed upgrades is on the Plaintiffs' subjective, emotional religious experience. That is, the presence of recycled wastewater on the Peaks is offensive to the Plaintiffs' religious sensibilities…the diminishment of spiritual fulfillment – serious though it may be – is not a 'substantial burden' on the free exercise of religion." The Court dismissed Plaintiffs' religious beliefs as calling them mere "damaged spiritual feelings." Regrettably, the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case leaves the en banc panel’s decision in place as the law in the Ninth Circuit.

“The Navajo Nation cannot express enough disappointment and disapproval.” Said Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan. “Navajo people understand Dook’o’ooslid, the San Francisco Peaks, to be a significant relative that we attribute value, concern and meaning to as anyone else would to a mother, father or grandparent. It is very unfortunate that our non-native relatives do not realize the seriousness of their decisions.”
Don Watahomigie, Chairman of the Havasupai Tribe stated, “Where do native people stand now in relation to our govt to govt relationship with the federal govt when laws passed like RFRA, airfa and NAGPRA don't hold water? If this goes on this will be a precedent for other developments to start on other spiritual sacred lands anywhere in the country. I call on other tribal leaders to work together to find a way to create laws to hold water and protect the sacred.”

“The Supreme Court, the Forest Service, and the Flagstaff City Council have all failed us.” Stated Jeneda Benally of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “In this day and age, we are still denied our basic civil and human rights by the U.S. government. We have no guarantee for the protection of our religious freedom. This case was important to insure religious freedom in the United States of America. Our own courts have failed the American people once again.”

“This is nothing new. The Supreme Court is deflecting its responsibilities toward indigenous people all over the country.” Stated Carly Long, President of the Board of Directors of the Flagstaff Activist Network, a plaintiff in the case. “Indigenous people and their allies need to stand up in the wake of this injustice and demand more from the US government. It is high time Congress stepped in with legislation to protect Native rights and sacred sites.”

“This is a setback, but it is not the end. The Obama Administration still has the authority to stop this development and develop policies to ensure that future decisions are more respectful of sacred sites.” stated Jack F. Trope, Executive Director, Association on American Indian Affairs. “Moreover, other circuits like the Tenth Circuit have interpreted RFRA more broadly and efforts to use that law to protect other sacred places will continue. Finally, the struggle over the San Francisco Peaks and the failure of RFRA to protect this sacred place ought to send the message to Congress that it is time for the lawmakers to approve legislation that would strengthen applicable law so that it will better protect Native American sacred places across the country.”
“As one of the plaintiffs in this case, I talk with Hopi elders, they have been telling me that they are tired of white men making decisions without coming to Hopi to tell us.” Stated Bucky Preston, a Hopi spiritual runner and plaintiff in the case. “A government is run by human beings and we are not above one another as humans. We are all equal. If we want good lives, consultation should be humans coming together by consensus. This is the Hopi way and this has never happened. We need to respect life and this can’t be done with this kind of consultation. True consultation has yet to be seen at Hopi. I remember that Obama told the Crow people that he would be thinking of Indian People every day. I point to him now and call upon him to come to Hopi in true consultation to resolve this matter with the true Hopi elders from our villages.” Stated Bucky Preston.
“This case goes far beyond the interests of a single for-profit private business. Our traditional cultural teachings compel us to continue to fight Snowbowl’s attempts at expansion and snowmaking with treated sewage on this Holy Mountain.” Stated Klee Benally of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “We will continue our work to protect the sensitive mountain ecosystem and public health. Our way of life is in peril. We will continue to pray and struggle to safeguard mother earth for our cultural survival.

Navajo Nation Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan stated, “If we stop here, we are short changing ourselves, we have to stand our ground and continue the fight for the protection of our sacred sites,” he added. “We cannot allow the flood gates to open even further. It is extremely important to seek all means of legal remedies, these decisions will impact future generations, it is imperative that we seek a decision in our favor.” 
 

For more information and background please visit: www.savethepeaks.org
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In peace & solidarity,
Tamra Brennan
www.NDNnews.com
www.protectsacredsites.org
www.protectbearbutte.com
PROTECT BEAR BUTTE!
"Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes"
"Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?"

"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what’s left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?" ......excerpt from One Nation, One Land, One People by Tamra Brennan, 2006
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For your Rights...
Stand up

The ongoing problems at Akwesasne, Tyendinaga, Kanawake, Kanesatake and Six Nations started in 1924 when the RCMP showed up in the Longhouse and put a gun to the head of our people and installed their puppet “assembly of first nations” as a way to legalize their act of war, in the eyes of the international community. The Indian Advancement Act of 1924 was the instrument that created the “Reservations”, which were designed as internment camps for anyone who is Onkwahonwe. This legislation is the blueprint for genocide, it introduced Blood Quantum legislation (apartheid), the residential school holocaust, the reserve system and the Indian agent (prison guards).

Contrary to popular misconceptions is the fact that we have always had the fire of peace burning now for over 3000 years. We have never forgotten who we are and what our role is. The corporate (fascist) state called Canada has been set up using fraud and obfuscation on the colonists they lured here. The corporation of Canada works like every other corporation; The shareholders own the corporation and appoint Directors to oversee the officers (PM, Leader of the Opposition, etc.) who run the day to day business of the corporation. The employees (citizens) are expendable depending on what the shareholders want. We just need to look at what is happening to GM now as they take the bailout money and run to China with no regard for their faithful employees. Right now in Montreal there is a New World Order conference as they are using Canada as a stepping board for the “corporate” takeover of the world. They have always viewed Canadians as gullible “sheople”. The fact is that all of the people who live here are influenced by the indigenous law of the land. The law of the land states that you must think for yourself and take into consideration 7 generations ahead of you, before making any decisions regarding our future generations land.

Citizens of Canada are waking up to the fraud and taking back their right to think for themselves as Free People. The corporation continues to count them as employees (slaves). Ignatief is a globalist working for the Rothschild faction and Harper is a globalist working for the Rockefeller side. The illusion of democracy is being revealed for all to see, the Banksters own both sides of this government and of every other IMF, World Bank democracies.

We, the people are standing up to the tyrants at Akwesasne. We, the people call on all other people to stand up to the tyrants. The globalists have the island of Cornwall cut off from all supplies and food is a necessity to live. In 1990 at Oka, the Canadian army had us surrounded and cut-off for 78 days. It was the real people who brought us food and they were not government employees. We ask you same people to assist our brothers and sisters under siege now at Cornwall Island.

The Rotiskenrakete are taking action to gain public support at Tyendinaga by blockading the Bridge over the Bay of Quinte. We honour our good neighbors and know they understand our role as the guardians of the peace here on Turtle Island. We hope they will show some support for this action against absolute tyranny.

“Get up stand up, Stand up for your rights”

Unity, Strength, Peace,
thahoketoteh of Kanekota

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Lori Piestewa National Native American Games to be Held July 17th
June 08, 2009
Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is on track to draw record numbers
Tempe, AZ - Calls are pouring in from all across the nation for athletes to compete in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games. The seven sport festival will be held July 16th - 20th at the Fort Mc Dowell, Salt River, and Fountain Hills communities.
Whether your sport is Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball or Weightlifting, if you are ¼ Native American there is a chance for you to compete and bring home a medal in this years event. For more information on the venues, entry deadlines, and sport details please visit the Games website at www.gcsg.org.
Registration is open now and the process to sign up is simple. You can pick up an entry booklet at any Sleep America, Keller Williams Realty, U.S. Bank, or Mountainside fitness location statewide. Fill out the application and mail or fax it to the Grand Canyon State Games office at 2120 East 6th Street, Suite 4, Tempe, AZ 85281, FAX 480-517-9739 or go online to www.gcsg.org to download the entry form. Sign up TODAY! Call the office if you have any questions at 480-517-9700. Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
Submitted on behalf of Grand Canyon State Games
The Grand Canyon State Games is a multi-sport Olympic Festival for Arizona amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. The Games is organized by the Arizona Sports Council and is affiliated with 47 other state games throughout the United States. It is sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee through the National Congress of State Games. The Games seeks to provide Arizonans with an avenue for personal development through sports. In 2007, over 30,000 Arizonans participated.
www.evliving.com/2009/06/08/7196/lori-piestewa-national-native-american-games

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Teresa Anahuy
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FirstPeoplesNews
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Native American Project Gaining Major Celebrity Supports

In an effort to raise awareness for lingering racism and equality issues in Hollywood for Native Americans, Ticci Man Project is gathering hundreds of stars and dignitaries together and showcasing the world's best talent from Native America with all charity proceeds benefiting several aspects of the native community.

Los Angeles, CA, June 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Ticci Man Project (TMP) is racking up major star power in an effort to raise respect, value, and equality for Native Americans in Hollywood. Among its quickly growing celebrity supporter list is comedian-actor Tim Allen of television's "Home Improvement" fame.
"We are bringing fun and excitement to Hollywood toward celebrating Native America-we want the industry and world to see what it's been missing by all but excluding Native Americans as we raise stereotyping awareness. Mr. Allen, like so many Hollywood celebrities, is a true humanitarian who wants to help benefit millions of Native people by simply celebrating them and their culture in a positive and fun way while raising awareness-how cool is that," said project sponsor Kon Ticci International president Zelan Bonn.
Proclaimed by the L.A. Times as the most famous Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, Native American actor-activist Russell Means recently signed on as celebrity spokesperson. Means will be meeting with prominent leaders across Native America toward gaining major tribal, leadership, and financial supports.
"This is right up my alley. This is what Native America has been hoping for and needing for a long time and I am proud to be a key part of this project on behalf of all Native Americans. I thank everyone in Hollywood who are showing their support toward aiding Native Americans to find greater equality and voice in this industry and in America," said Means. "This is going to help in many ways still unimaginable to most of us."
Native producer-director-actor Georgina Lightning, known for her work in Ghosts from the Heartland and shows like West Wing, has also agreed to take on the role of official spokesperson for the project.
"We still have some strong racism and discrimination issues in Hollywood for Native Americans and I love the idea this project will draw some awareness for that through a positively charged series of events that showcase just how great and talented Native Americans are-kudos to all the warm hearted Hollywood celebrities generously pitching in to help both Native Americans and our industry toward redemption-this just shows how great our celebrity class really is," said Lightning. "You have no idea how much this project means to Native Americans-that the celebrity class in Hollywood is trying to help us now."
The crown jewel event is TMP's Celebrity Festival For Native America, a glamorous red carpet theater, film, award event that will feature some of the best talent Native America has to offer. A star studded audience is expected to include a variety of world dignitaries starting with President Obama and New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson.
A key component of the Native talent showcasing aspect is the upcoming "Koto and the Ticci Man" film and "Ticci Man" network series that will feature the first ever Indian superhero portrayed by a Native American. Imajilan PicturesT has pledged a portion of all proceeds to TMP. The entertainment projects already have a growing fan base in over 23 countries, say producers.
"Americans and Indians both want to see an iconic, modern-day Indian hero-and Native people of the globe want to see if Hollywood will support them in their fight for greater equality and voice," said producer David Skinner. "It's a very fun and exciting time to be a Hollywood celebrity, to be able to so easily demonstrate humanitarian support for American Indians, and even global Natives, without having to leave home."
At last count, TMP has invited over 270 celebrities to endorse support for the project toward a show of Hollywood solidarity in aiding Native Americans find more social and industry equality. Those endorsing will receive coveted invitations to the exclusive Celebrity Festival charity event where seats are expected to range from $2,500 to as much as $10,000.
"We're going to have some unique and rare entertainment from Native America that most people never have the privilege to witness-really a once in a lifetime treat for those lucky enough to attend," said Tom Bee, entertainment coordinator. "These top performers will give all their hearts to this because it means so much for all Native Americans that Hollywood is finally helping them gain industry respect," he said.
Current plans are to hold the event in late summer or early fall in the famed Kodak Theater but have not been formalized as yet. All proceeds benefit TMP's line-up of Native America aid projects, including language preservation, museum and cultural center assistance, media and film scholarship programs, Native cultures road show, and more.
A major Native American art contest will culminate in bringing one lucky winner to Hollywood to paint a wall-sized edition of the winning entry. A week of invitation only celebrity photo-shoots and art signings will culminate with the historical painting being permanently housed in the newly built American Indian Museum and Cultural Center in Oklahoma-celebrity signatures will be on display for generations and officially cemented in Hollywood, Native American, and US history books.
"This is a very high honor that is being bestowed on select Hollywood celebrities from the Native American community and perspective so it should be given the weight and dignity it deserves," said Means. "This is a great honor for everyone involved and shows how far both Hollywood and Native America have progressed toward coming together."
Other TMP events include a charity auction and gourmet diner that will include sample taste-treat dishes of authentic Native American cuisine and various authentic crafted gifts and prizes.
The heart-warming project is designed toward making amends for 100 years of film and television racism and discrimination that was once plied on Native Americans, focusing instead on celebrating the beauty of Native America. Donations can be made online. Learn more at: www.ticciman.com / www.konticci.org.
Company Information: The Ticci Man Project is hosted by Kon Ticci International, a pending 501 (c) (3) nonprofit based in San Diego, CA, lead by president Zelan Bonn with key advisors Roger Peterson, CPA and Russell Means, Georgina Lightning, and a growing volunteer staff.
Contact Information

Ticci Man Project
Zelan Bonn
323 952-3914
tmp@ticciman.com
www.ticciman.com
Russell Means, Chief Spokesperson
575 421-0046 / treaty@plateautel.net

Receive press releases from Ticci Man Project: By Email

www.pr.com/press-release/157424

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Teresa Anahuy
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FirstPeoplesNews
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TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT SACRED PLACES! Save the Peaks Rally Sunday, June 14th!
From: On Behalf Of Klee Benally
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2009 8:59 PM
To: info@indigenousaction.org
Subject: [Save the Peaks] TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT SACRED PLACES! Save the Peaks Rally Sunday, June 14th!

Save the Peaks Rally Sunday, June 14th! TAKE ACTION!

Sunday, June 14th at 2:30PM
at Flagstaff City Hall on the Rt 66 side in support of Peaks Protection.
Please join us to protect our environment, public health and cultural survival!
Bring signs!

Also June 21 will be an international day of prayer for sacred sites - you can participate in this from wherever you are. Invite friends, hold a discussion about the issues, spread awareness wherever you may be.

www.savethepeaks.org

TAKE ACTION:

Contact Congress (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/) & the Obama Administration (http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/) and urge them to take action to guarantee protection for Native American Religious freedom.
Specifically we are asking that immediate action is taken to pass legislation protecting Native American sacred places.

Obama has previously made statements during his campaign vowing to help tribes protect threatened sacred sites. “Native American sacred places and site-specific ceremonies are under threat from development, pollution, and vandalism,” stated his platform. “Barack Obama supports legal protections for sacred places and cultural traditions, including Native ancestors’ burial grounds and churches.”
Read more here at indianz.com (http://64.38.12.138/News/2009/013723.asp)


Urge the City Council to stop its sale of the wastewater to the Snowbowl for snowmaking!
City of Flagstaff Mayor and Council
E-mail: council@ci.flagstaff.az.us
Opinion Hotline: (928) 779-7691
Telephone: (928) 779-7600
Mail: 211 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff AZ 86001


WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITORS OF YOUR LOCAL PAPERS!
This is a regional list from the southwest, please email your local papers to help spread awareness about this issue.
You can email us to add your local paper's editorial contact.
Please be aware that newspapers have policies about content & length of submissions, generally they will allow up to 200 or 250 words, if you exceed their limit they will usually respond.

Navajo-Hopi Observer: editorial@flagstaffaznews.com
Navajo Times: duanebeyal@thenavajotimes.com

Hopi Tutuveni: snicholas@hopi.nsn.us

Arizona Daily Sun: rwilson@azdailysun.com

NAU Lumberjack: lumberjack@nau.edu

Gallup Independent: gallpind@cia-g.com
Indian Country Today: editor@indiancountry.com

Arizona Republic: opinions@arizonarepublic.com
Boycott Snowbowl.


--
Klee Benally
indigenousaction@gmail.com
www.indigenousaction.org - Independent Indigenous Media
www.oybm.org - Indigenous Youth Empowerment!
www.savethepeaks.org - Protect Sacred Places
www.myspace.com/taalahooghan - Flagstaff Infoshop
www.blackfire.net
www.myspace.com/eelk
www.twitter.com/eelk
Skype: indigenousaction
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Marcie
Date: Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Subject: Fw: [Protecting_our_Ancestors_Sacred_Sites] Federal Agents Bust Ring of Antiquity Thieves Looting American Indian Sites for Priceless Treasures
To: Tiger Lilli Sakima tigerlilli@charter.net


-------Original Message-------

From: tamra@NDNnews.com
Date: 6/10/2009 6:24:45 PM
To: Tamra@NDNnews.com
Subject: [Protecting_our_Ancestors_Sacred_Sites] Federal Agents Bust Ring of Antiquity Thieves Looting American Indian Sites for Priceless Treasures

.

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U.S. Department of the Interior
Date: June 10, 2009
Contact: Frank Quimby, (202) 208-6416
Nedra Darling, 202-2194150
Federal Agents Bust Ring of Antiquity Thieves Looting American Indian Sites for Priceless Treasures
Largest Ever Undercover Operation Nabs Diggers, Dealers and Collectors Operating in Four Corners Region
SALT LAKE CITY – An unprecedented two-year undercover operation led by agents from Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the FBI today began rounding up what prosecutors call a ring of archeological grave robbers who looted pristine sites in the Southwest, desecrated ancient American Indian burials and stole priceless artifacts, selling them to dealers and collectors who were associated with the network.
In the nation’s largest investigation of archaeological and cultural artifact thefts, law officers from BLM, FBI, and U.S. Marshals, joined by local and state law enforcement partners, began arresting 23 individuals and executing a dozen search warrants in four states. The defendents, from Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado, were named in 12 indictments handed down by a Salt Lake City grand jury for multiple violations of federal law. Federal agents have identified more than 250 artifacts stolen by the ring, with an estimate value exceeding $335,000, including decorated Anasazi pottery, burial and ceremonial masks, a buffalo headdress, and ancient sandals known to be associated with Native American burials.
“Let this case serve notice to anyone who is considering breaking these laws and trampling our nation’s cultural heritage that the BLM, the Department of Justice, and the federal government will track you down and bring you to justice,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “As these alleged criminals are prosecuted and as federal agents continue to hunt down wrong doers, BLM cultural resources staff will work to ensure the proper recovery, identification, repatriation, and storage of the artifacts that have been confiscated.
“Looters robbing tribal communities of their cultural patrimony is a major law enforcement issue for federal agencies enforcing historic preservation laws in Indian Country,” said Interior Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk. "Today's action should give American Indians and Alaska Natives assurance that the Obama Administration is serious about preserving and protecting their cultural property."
The indictments were announced by Secretary Salazar; Assistant Secretary EchoHawk; Deputy Attorney General David Ogden of the U.S. Department of Justice; Brett L. Tolman, U.S Attorney in Utah; and Timothy J. Fuhrman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. The ring is charged with multiple counts of violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act as well as theft of government property, depredation of government property, and theft of Indian tribal property.
The Four Corners region, rich in archaeological resources, contains priceless and sacred artifacts of vital importance to Southwest American Indian communities, as well as of cultural and historical interest to scientists and academic scholars. The looting of the archeological sites also means the permanent loss of significant amounts of archeological, cultural and historical information because the artifacts can not now be identified in their in-situ context.
“These archaeological treasures are precious and protecting them preserves a rich history and heritage,” said Deputy Attorney General Ogden. “That is why the Justice Department will use all of its tools to vigorously enforce the laws designed to safeguard the cultural heritage of Native Americans. Recommitting resources and focus to criminal justice in Indian Country is of paramount importance to the Justice Department.”
Ogden said the Department of justice is conducting a training initiative with the Interior Department for federal prosecutors and law enforcement personnel on looting, vandalism, and illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, and the Department plans to reach out to Indian Country leaders in the near future to engage in consultation on these issues.
“These treasures are the heritage of all Americans, and some of the objects are sacred to American Indians,” said U.S. Attorney Tolman. “Those who loot or damage public and American Indian resources for their own personal use or gain take something from all of us. Those engaged in this kind of conduct will be prosecuted,” Tolman said.
“The FBI has taken this matter seriously and spent a significant amount of personnel and financial resources in exposing this network of individuals illegally trafficking in these items,” Said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuhrman. “The FBI remains committed to devoting all necessary resources to address this problem.”
A list of defendants is included as an attachment to this press release. The defendants were scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel Alba at the Grand County Courthouse in Moab later today. Defendants charged in federal indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act prohibits the unauthorized excavation and removal of archaeological resources on federal lands as well as the unlawful sale, purchase, or exchange of such resources. Under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, any Native American human remains, funerary objects, objects of cultural patrimony and sacred objects must be repatriated to Indian tribes.
The BLM will consult with tribes to determine cultural affiliation and to facilitate repatriation Of the stolen artifacts. For objects not subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the BLM will work with museums to stabilize, identify, and preserve them under the provisions of Archaeological Resources Protection Act and make them available for scientific research and public education.
U.S. Department of Justice

Brett L. Tolman
United States Attorney
District of Utah

Defendants in ARPA/NAGPRA cases
1. Loran St. Clair, Age 47, Monticello, UT
2. Rulon Kody Sommerville, Age 47, Monticello, UT
3. Kevin W. Shumway, Age 55, Blanding, UT
4. Sharon Evette Shumway, Age 41, Blanding, UT
5. David A. Lacy, Age 55, Blanding, UT
6. Aubry Patterson, Age 55, Blanding, UT
7. Dale J. Lyman, Age 73, Blanding, UT
8. Jeanne Redd, Age 59, Blanding, UT
9. James D. Redd, Age 60, Blanding, UT
10. Raymond J. Lyman, Age 70, Blanding, UT
11. Vern Crites, Age 74, Durango, CO
12. Marie Crites, Age 68, Durango, CO
13. Steven Shrader, Durango, CO
14. Tammy Shumway, Age 39, Blanding, UT
15. Joseph Smith, Age 31, Blanding, UT
16. Meredith Smith, Age 34, Blanding, UT
17. Harold Lyman, Age 78, Blanding, UT
18. Reese Laws, Age 27, Blanding, UT
19. Nick Laws, Age 30, Blanding, UT
20. Brandon Laws, Age 38, Blanding, UT
21. Tad Kreth, Age 30, Blanding, UT
22. Brent Bullock, Age 61, Moab, UT
23. Richard Bourret
http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/061009a.html


In peace & solidarity,
Tamra Brennan
www.NDNnews.com
www.protectsacredsites.org
www.protectbearbutte.com
PROTECT BEAR BUTTE!
"Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes"
"Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?"

"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what’s left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?" ......excerpt from One Nation, One Land, One People by Tamra Brennan, 2006


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"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what’s left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?"

www.ProtectSacredSites.org

www.ProtectBearButte.com