Other Important Indigenous Issues

Miller: Will others follow Episcopal Church’s lead?

By Robert J. Miller

Story Published: Aug 9, 2009

Story Updated: Aug 7, 2009

During its 76th General Convention in California, the Episcopal Church adopted a resolution entitled “Repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery.” In adopting this resolution, the church said the international law called the Doctrine of Discovery has created “destructive policies. ... that [led] to the colonizing dispossession of the lands of indigenous peoples and the disruption of their way of life.”

The church also called on the United States to review its “historical and contemporary policies that contribute to the continuing colonization of Indigenous Peoples” and for Queen Elizabeth II to “disavow, and repudiate publicly, the claimed validity of the Christian Doctrine of Discovery.”

Some people are hoping the Supreme Court will reverse Johnson v. M’Intosh. That is
highly unlikely.

I hope this call to action by the Episcopal Church will be adopted by other Christian churches and governments around the world.

The Doctrine of Discovery is a tenet of international law that was primarily developed by European monarchs and the Catholic Church in the 15th and 16th centuries. Starting with a papal bull issued by Pope Nicholas V in 1455, European Christians declared it was their divine right to own vacant lands around the world and to claim lands that were occupied by “pagans and enemies of Christ.” Europeans then began operating on a first-come, first-served basis and the race was on to “discover” new lands.

In 1493, Pope Alexander VI further defined Discovery when he issued three papal bulls and divided the world for Spanish and Portuguese claims over indigenous peoples and lands.

England and France ultimately established their rights to engage in acquisitions of non-Christian lands. Thereafter, Spanish, French and English explorers planted their flags and crosses in North America and claimed the lands and peoples for their God and kings.

The English colonists and colonial governments also based their claims to land and sovereignty over Native peoples on “first discovery.” The United States Constitution and federal laws reflected the Discovery Doctrine as early as 1787 – 90.

In 1823, the U.S. Supreme Court formally adopted and further defined the Doctrine. In Johnson v. M’Intosh, Chief Justice John Marshall set out the history of European discoveries and claims in North America and held that Discovery had always been the law on this continent.

The court stated that Indian and tribal rights “to complete sovereignty, as independent nations, were necessarily diminished, and their power to dispose of the soil at their own will, to whomsoever they pleased, was denied by the original fundamental principle, that discovery gave exclusive title to those who made it.”

In short, Indians no longer owned the full property rights in their tribal lands or their own sovereignty because their discoverers essentially owned those rights. This 600-year-old Doctrine of Discovery and the Johnson v. M’Intosh case is still the law in the United States and under international law. In fact, it remains the dominant legal principle by which many countries, including the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia, continue to control the lands and sovereign powers of their indigenous peoples.

But what would be involved in ending the Doctrine of Discovery and removing its vestiges from American Indian law? In other words, what does the Episcopal Church’s call to action entail?



I hope this call to action by the Episcopal Church will be adopted by other Christian churches and governments around the world.

Some people are hoping the Supreme Court will reverse Johnson v. M’Intosh. That is highly unlikely. Instead, I have called for Congress to work in cooperation with American Indian nations to seriously consider the Doctrine; how it developed and how it injured the Native peoples and tribal governments of the U.S. Congress and tribes could then draft various laws and take actions that would in essence reverse Johnson v. M’Intosh and undo or ameliorate the Doctrine of Discovery. It will obviously take very careful planning and consultation to change federal policies and laws that are up to 200 years old, and to perhaps alter tribal and Indian property rights under federal Indian law.

Some have reasonably asked what would happen to the land and assets that were taken from Indian tribes if the Doctrine of Discovery was repudiated by the federal government.

It seems clear that the real-world effect would probably amount to very little if the Vatican withdrew the 1455 and 1493 papal bulls or if Queen Elizabeth II withdrew the 1496 charter to John Cabot. But on the other hand, if Congress were to seriously consider Discovery and move federal Indian laws and policies away from that feudal, racial, ethnocentric and religiously inspired law there could be important and major advances for American Indians and their governments, and it could result in a more fair legal system in the United States. I hope that Congress will reconsider the total control it has over Indian affairs and the paternalistic guardian/ward relationship it has with tribal governments and Indians under Discovery.

Even if these dramatic events never take place, however, the Episcopal Church has taken a valuable and courageous step by focusing Americans and the world on how European Christians used international law to dominate indigenous peoples and to dispossess them of their lands and assets. Will other Christian churches and the international community have the same courage to look at the foundations, histories and laws that helped create European domination of indigenous peoples?

Robert J. Miller is a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Ore. and a citizen of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe. He is the author of “Native America, Discovered and Conquered: Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and Manifest Destiny.”





http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/52646107.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

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


"Justice and Dignity for Christopher Cornstalk"
annan Cornstalk sent a message to the members of Justice and Dignity for Christopher Cornstalk.

Subject: Christopher Cornstalk

"I have contacted all my brothers and sisters, Franklin Cornstalk, Sandy Johnson, Debbie Gray, Michael Denley and still looking for my other brother Eric...we are all appalled...I will be setting up a bank account to start getting a legal fund going...also if everyone can tell three friends of our plight and the task at hand and keep us in your prayers..chiimegwech..the creator will be using my brother for the good of mankind...I do not feel vindictive only humble empowered and fearless and know now what I have to do I am grateful for this task he has given me. in his infinite wisdom he knows with him I can handle this...don't forget tell three friends everyone!! nahow!!!"

"Justice and Dignity for Christopher Cornstalk"
Barbara Nichol-Low sent a message to the members of Justice and Dignity for Christopher Cornstalk.

--------------------
Subject: A Request from the Cornstalk Family

Hello Everyone,

Meegwitch and thankyou all for joining and standing by with the Cornstalk Family as they seek justice and dignity for their beloved Brother.

The Family is requesting that we all participate in a PRESS BLITZ.

We are going to start with a handful of news outlets, which the family has chosen. We ask that you take a few moments to make a call or send an email to one or all of the following:

The Chicago Tribune
t.i.p.s@tribune.com
Investigative reporter: dtrice@tribune.com

The Chicago Sun Times
Donald Hayner-Editor in Chief
(312)324-3000

CBS 2 Broadcast Centre-Chicago
Investigative Producer-Michelle Youngerman
mayoungerman@cbs.com
(312)899-2256

Native American Calling
Susan Monica Brain
(505)999-2444

Indian Country Today
Ken Polizi Jr.
1-(888)327-1013

News From Indian Country
Paul Dumain
(715)634-5226


Each of these people/sources have already been contacted directly by Jannan Cornstalk or Barbara Low. They have each been spoken with, and have had evidence forwarded directly to their desks.

Jannan requests that you contact them and tell them why this is such an important story. The family wants answers, apologies, and for people who have violated laws and codes to be treated accordingly. They want all HIPAA infractions investigated, and those found at fault, to lose their licences to work in public health and safety positions.

Most of all, they want their Brother, Christopher, to be remembered with dignity and respect.

So - we have all vowed to stand with this family. Let's get to work!

One phone call or email can make the difference.

Let's shine our lights on this issue!

Best Regards,

On Behalf of Jannan Cornstalk and Family,

Barbara


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Daily Digest Bulletin

You have requested to receive a Daily Digest e-mail from U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Message: 1
From: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:56:11 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Adams Extract & Spice, LLC Announces Recall Because of Possible Health Risk

Adams Extract & Spice, LLC Announces Recall Because of Possible Health Risk
Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:29:00 -0500

Adams Extract and Spice, LLC. is announcing a voluntary recall of products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products contain a specific lot of ground red pepper supplied by Van de Vries Spice Corporation, 9 Elkins Road, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816

Firm Press Release: FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Manage your FDA Subscriptions:

Questions about this service?support@govdelivery.com
Other inquiries? webmail@oc.fda.gov
This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) · 5600 Fishers Lane · Rockville MD 20857 · 800-439-1420

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@



Tyendinaga: Pow Wow and Politics

Shawn Brant has been locked up since June 10 when the OPP invaded Tyendinaga in
yet another attack against Mohawk people. The agents of the Canadian state
claimed to be there to open the Skyway Bridge which had allegedly been blocked
by Tyendinaga Mohawks in support of our sister community, Akwesasne. Akwesasne
Mohawks had taken over the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) building on
June 1 to stop the CBSA from carrying weapons in Akwesasne community. The CBSA
agents left and have not returned.

One regular visitor to Tyendinaga relayed to us that the bridge was not
actually blocked. Mohawk people there were slowing traffic and handing out
leaflets. Traffic was moving through.

An August 9 Toronto Sun Media article, "The end of an activist?" reported on
an interview with Brant. There are a few things wrong with this article.
First of all, it is suspiciously unusual for Indigenous to be interviewed in
jail. You can be sure that it would not have been reported if Brant were
calling for resistance. Something has happened with him. We are surprised and
concerned. Is this just more disinformation to slander his name and divide
people at Tyendinaga?

We are reminded of the alleged 100-day incarceration of Robert Lovelace of
Ardoch Algonquins which occurred to prop up his ailing credibility. He was
interviewed by the media and subsequently referred to as a "political
prisoner". As if!

Lovelace was a lead player in a phoney protest against uranium mining near
Sharbot Lake. The police-run experimental protest took place to support a
fraudulent Algonquin land claim. This conspiracy has since been exposed. To
date there is still no uranium mining near Sharbot Lake.

The title of the article on Shawn Brant is discouraging and likely meant to be
so. It is also disturbing and unusual to find Brant quoted as criticizing the
Longhouse at Tyendinaga. We don't usually air our dirty laundry in public if
this is what really happened. Mainstream media are notorious for misquoting
people.

It is important to be analytical and to carefully read between the lines. The
mischievous media whores are getting more tricky every day. If we are not
closely acquainted with Shawn, how are we to know what is really going on with
him? He will be in jail at Lindsay until the end of October.

Five months is an outrageous sentence for mischief charges. Who is really
committing the mischief? More likely, Julian Fantino, head of the OPP who
never tires of stirring up trouble for us Mohawks.

Tyendinaga just hosted their 22nd annual pow wow on August 8 and 9. It was
well attended and a very relaxing event. We decided to go and do some dancing.
The drumming, singing and dancing are for the healing of the nations.

The drive from Sharbot Lake to Tyendinaga is a pleasant 2-hour country drive.
We took a pit stop off Hwy41 north of Napanee. We turned down a side road and
parked under the shade of a big tree. As we were leaving, we noticed the name
"Nibourg" on a mailbox. Could this be the same Nibourg who tried to build some
housing for the military close to Tyendinaga in 2008? Mohawk people put the
run on them during a situation that involved hundreds of OPP and SWAT. Mohawks
including Shawn Brant were beaten and arrested.

We are always acutely aware of the politics behind the scenes but sometimes you
just have to relax and enjoy life a bit. The brochure for the pow wow didn't
let us forget the politics, though, for one minute. The inside cover was a
letter from the band council chief, R. Don Maracle.

We will always remember him as the guy who wanted to bring a porta prison into
Tyendinaga against the wishes of most of the people there. Tyendinaga needs a
community water system because most wells there are polluted, likely from
Thurlow Aggregates excavation activities and toxic waste dumping. Shawn Brant
never tires of speaking out about this matter. A new school and more housing
is needed for the growing community. The people rejected the porta prison last
November.

The band council helped to finance the pow wow. The comments coming out from
the arbour were quite subdued, no sovereigntist rhetoric could be heard. Lynn
Brant sang and spoke the Ohenton Karihwatekhwa (Words before all else) in
Mohawk. The dancers taking part in the Grand Entry were impressive in their
regalia. There could have been more of them.

Everyone was quite friendly. The crowd was an interesting mix of people of all
races. There was a good sprinkling of Asian and African people and many of
European ancestry. This might disturb some people. Many brought their entire
families. Little children were running about. One woman was honoured for
reaching her 100th birthday. She didn't look a day over 80! There were
disabled people and many elderly enjoying themselves. Isn't this a good thing?


Iakohakowa

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@


Your piece on Leonard Peltier on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01xN5W1SBRo

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Corporation of Canada

Canada is the first “fascist” state in history, they were incorporated in Washington D.C. and are registered under the corporate number 0000230098 CANADA.

The directors of the corporation are the senators and they oversee the officers (PM, Minister of finance, etc.) whose job it is to make sure the shareholders have ever-growing dividends. The citizens are considered employees and are expendable. Through legalese they have accomplished their fraud against the people who now live here. Every court in Canada is listed as a corporation for profit under Maritime Admiralty Law, the only courts that banks and corporations can deal in. One only needs to look at any court docket and notice that all of the names will be in all capital letters, this signifies an artificial entity or corporation, as that is all they can deal with in Law of the Sea. When they send you a summons to appear in their place of business, it is actually an invitation as they can only have jurisdiction if you attend their courts of your own free will. I have attached a letter written by a retired judge who has so generously exposed the fraud

The SPP and proposed North American Union are all illegal entities that are trying a “hostile takeover” of the corporations of Canada, Mexico and the United States and all of their corporate property (citizens and natural resources). That means you and your future children. Check www.manleymedia.com and you can view a trailer of the film “You, me and the SPP, trading democracy for corporate rule” every Canadian needs to watch this film. Canadians should also read and sign this petitionhttp://canadacorp.petitionhost.com

When Stephen Harper stood up and admitted to every description of the crime of genocide last year, he should have created a “Nuremburg” type of trial to end this cycle in Canada. http://www.un.org/millennium/law/iv-1.htm No one is above this law, including the shareholders, officers and directors of the corporation of Canada.

Law of the land is kayanerakowa or council of the great peace, it is available to all who seek it and it was designed to spread peace to the people of the world. This is the formula for living with each other in harmony and peace forever. It is the new world order that is needed for our future generations.

The 13 bloodline families (Illuminati) are also the bankers and the Masters of War. Through their hijacking of Freemasonry’s 33rd degree in 1776 they have arrived where they are now. They are the annunaki of biblical lore and the only obstacle to Peace on Earth. In their bloodline oath they expose their greatest fear, that the people will see them for what they are and they will be cast down to the depths from where they came, for eternity.

Ending the war cycle is the solution to all of the problems in the world. These same families have engineered and financed all of the wars for millenia, here on earth. It is time to eliminate the Annunaki and return to the peace as Tekanawita showed us 3,600 years ago. We are all one and when we embrace the oneness, the power of unity of mind will be revealed and the return to the peace.

Unity, Strength, Peace
thahoketoteh of Kanekota
www.myspace.com/thahoketoteh
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Protest at the Oxford Native American Stone Mound"
"Protest at the Oxford Native American Stone Mound" on Sunday, August 30 at 2:00pm.

Event: Protest at the Oxford Native American Stone Mound
"Organized by local Native Americans (Mark Davis & others)/ Peaceful protest and Reconsecration Ceremony"
What: Lecture
Host: Stop Sacred Burial Mounds from becoming a Sam's Club
Start Time: Sunday, August 30 at 2:00pm
End Time: Sunday, August 30 at 5:00pm
Where: The stone mound behind Kohls at the Oxford Exchange, Oxford Exchange Blvd; Oxford, Alabama.

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=131132657058&mid=ee5dddG47867ceeG60516dG7
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

"American Indian Movement Santa Barbara"
NBA Clippers offering a special night to honor Natives in Nov

For more information, contact Anthony Morales, (626) 286-1532, Ron Andrade, (213) 351-5308, or Rudy Ortega, (818) 837-0794. Thank you.



Friends:

The NBA Clippers have offered a special night to honor Native American Heritage Month in November. The date will be Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 pm.

The Clippers have offered various performances before the game on the plaza and on the court before the game. There will be a short program at half time. There will be t-shirts and posters for attendees.

The ticket prices will range from $10, $36, and $75.

We are trying to see at least 600 tickets at the $10 level. Please contact Anthony Morales at 626-286-1532 or Rudy Ortega at 818-837-0794 for more information. This activity has been coordinated by Anthony Morales and Rudy Ortega. You can contact Ron Andrade at 213-351-5308 for more information as well.

This is the first time a professional sports team has offered this to the Native American Indian community
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
August 13, 2009

------------------------------
------------------------------
In this issue:
* Update from the Field
* Obama Sign-On Letter
* Update: Stockgrowers Lawsuit Against Wild Bison
* Quarantined Buffalo: Tribe, Zoo, Group May Want Them
* Join BFC for Wood Cut Week Sept. 14-20
* BFC Needs Two On-Demand Hot Water Heaters
* Last Words
* Kill Tally
* Important Links

------------------------------
* Update from the Field



On August 5 a bull buffalo was shot and killed after migrating from Yellowstone's interior through a corner of southwest Montana and into Idaho. You can read BFC's press release here. This marks another natural effort by buffalo to restore themselves in their historic native range of Idaho, only to be abruptly halted by government bullets.

This time it was not Idaho Fish & Game who killed the buffalo, but USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) officials. APHIS is a participant in the Interagency Bison Management Plan, and also one of the agencies spearheading the bison quarantine feasibility study (see below for an update). Apparently APHIS was in the area inspecting captive elk at a facility that operates canned elk hunting. The APHIS official fired three shots from a 30.06 rifle to kill the buffalo. BFC was there to witness and document the incident, and to our knowledge, the bull never mingled with cattle.

The theoretical threat of brucellosis transmission from wild bison to cattle is the continued excuse used by the government and cattle industry to prevent wild bison from gaining any ground outside of Yellowstone National Park's boundaries even though there has never been a documented case of wild bison transmitting the disease to cattle. Furthermore, the National Academy of Science states that bull bison pose virtually no brucellosis risk to cattle. And if brucellosis is such a dreaded disease, why then does the government so willingly give the meat of the buffalo they kill to tribal charities and food banks, as they did with the remains of this bull? Brucellosis is not the threat, but the excuse used to maintain control; what the cattle industry really fears is wild bison restoring themselves to their native range and eating the grass the cattle industry feels is for their cattle only. Idaho already has laws in place that prevent the migration of wild bison into its borders, effectively staunching any natural restoration efforts before they begin. The land continues to suffer with the absence of buffalo, but not for lack of buffalo trying.

Meanwhile, the agencies implementing the Interagency Bison Management Plan met in Helena this week for another round of "public" meetings, where the public gets to sit in the audience while the talking heads shuffle paperwork and decide the fate of America's last wild bison. The agencies are due to make a report to Congress in response to the scathing Government Accountability Office's report that slammed the IBMP and called on the agencies to scrap it or make some real progress. So far, the agencies have held meeting after meeting with very little, if any, positive, on-the-ground change. Now the agencies are saying that to prevent future large-scale slaughtering of bison, they will haze bison more aggressively this coming season. Here's abrief news story.

These government officials want to keep the focus off of the real solution: HABITAT. If left unchecked and unquestioned, they will repeat their rhetoric and mismanagement actions, wasting millions of U.S. tax dollars and harming wildlife and wild lands until America's last wild bison have been hazed, captured, shot, quarantined and killed to the point of genetic dysfunction, behavioral manipulation, wild integrity compromised; buffalo families harassed and annihilated to the point of no return.

Only outside-the-box action will bring positive change for wild bison; outside the box that is Yellowstone: HABITAT. President Obama has the authority to move the agencies outside the confines of current thinking; he has the power to force the agencies to give the buffalo a fighting chance and he's on his way to Yellowstone nowand he needs to hear from you!

SEND AN EMAIL TO PRESIDENT OBAMA. It doesn't matter if you've already done so (but, thank you!) because you can edit the letter to give it that critical, personal touch reflecting current news and information. Pleasespread the word to help defend the herds!

Roam Free!
~Stephany


------------------------------
* Obama Sign-On Letter

In addition to the more than 3,235 emails that you have already sent to President Obama through BFC's Take Action Center, we have been working with Native American tribes, businesses, and organizations on a sign-on letter we will send to the President in the fall.

We will begin circulating this letter early next week and, in order to make sure the effort is as successful as possible, will need your help. If you are part of a group, business, or tribe that might like to join us in asking President Obama to protect America's only continuously wild population of bison, please contact BFC Executive Director Dan Brister at bfc@wildrockies.org. Dan will then contact you with a copy of the letter.

------------------------------
* Update: Stockgrowers Lawsuit Against Wild Bison

On August 4 Montana District Court Judge John Brown presided over oral arguments in a state lawsuit on the fate of wild bison in Montana.

Attorney John Bloomquist representing Sitz Angus Ranch, Bill Myers and the Montana Stockgrowers Association filed suit against the Montana Department of Livestock claiming that the Interagency Bison Management Plan obligates all wild bison "be returned" to Yellowstone National Park "no later than May 15 of each year."

The two ranchers who truck cattle in to graze seasonally on leased private pastures are seeking a court order compelling the slaughter or forced removal of wild bison in the entire Hebgen Basin, an area that encompasses tens of thousands of acres of bison habitat including Horse Butte Peninsula where cattle no longer graze.

Earthjustice attorney Tim Preso, representing local Horse Butte residents, argued there is no "legal duty" for the State of Montana to kill or remove bison by May 15 every year who have roamed to range outside Yellowstone National Park. To download legal filings click here.

Locals who intervened in the rancher's suit want wild bison to roam on places like Horse Butte without government harassment. The locals rightfully claim that their private property interest in allowing wild bison to be in their neighborhood is not represented, and that Montana livestock agents trespass and intrude where they are not wanted.

"The majority of Horse Butte is public land. The National Forest Service has a responsibility to manage it for wildlife. We encourage them to do so," says Horse Butte resident Karrie Taggart, who also heads up Horse Butte Neighbors of Buffalo. "Since cattle no longer graze there it stands to reason that bison should be allowed room to roam."

The nonprofit lawyers argue the bison plan is adaptive and Montana law is permissive in how bison can be managed. They were joined by Assistant Attorney General Norman Peterson, representing the Board of Livestock, who asked the court to dismiss the suit as the ranchers lack standing to sue and are not a party to the bison plan.

It is unknown when Judge Brown will rule. But stay tuned as the fate of wild bison to occupy habitat year-round in Montana hangs in the balance of his decision.

------------------------------
* Quarantined Buffalo: Tribe, Zoo, Group May Want Them

The unfortunate quarantined buffalo who were ultimately rejected by Northern Arapaho tribal officials may have found some folks who want them, though in some cases their existence will be behind bars. These buffalo, now numbering nearly 50 animals, have been confined to an ill-conceived Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service quarantine feasibility study since 2005. The buffalo were calves when they and their families were captured after migrating towards Yellowstone's boundary. The adults went to slaughter, while the calves grew up in small fenced enclosures, being treated like livestock, in a government experiment to "create a disease-free herd" with a goal of providing "seed stock" for bison restoration efforts. But, the bull that was shot in Idaho last week (see above) and the hundreds of bison that attempt to migrate into Montana every year are enacting real buffalo restoration, yet the same agencies spend millions of U.S. tax dollars each year to prevent their success. Migration corridors to habitat, not quarantine, will be the real road to bison restoration. Read the news story about the latest on the quarantined buffalo.

------------------------------
* Mark Your Calendars: Wood Cut Week, Sept. 14-20

Join Buffalo Field Campaign in beautiful West Yellowstone during the week of September 14-20, and help gather, stack, and cut the wood that will keep volunteers warm and alive this coming field season. Room and board will be provided. Please contact Mike atmease@wildrockies.org or 406-646-0070 if you are interested. Please let your friends know - the more the merrier!

------------------------------
* BFC Volunteer Cabin Needs Two On-Demand Hot Water Heaters

The BFC main cabin, which houses our volunteers, is in need of two on-demand hot water heaters in order to save energy and space. These energy efficient water heaters could shave 25% off our gas bill each month and will free up much-needed space in our crowded cabin.

If you can help, please make a secure online donationand specify that it is for the water heaters, or send a check or money order (no cash please) to BFC-Maintenance, P.O. Box 957, West Yellowstone, MT 59758. If you have questions or would like more detail, please contact BFC Maintenance Coordinator Chip at 406-646-0070 or by email at maintenance@buffalofieldcampaign.org. Thank you!!

------------------------------
* Last Words

To a Buffalo Skull

"On the sable wall your great skull gleams,
A regal ornament;
A relic of weathered bone and horn,
Once lord of a continent.

The war-lord, yea, of a countless host,
But gone is your kingly sway;
For never again will you head the herd
In the spring when the young calves play.

All bleached with the merciless sun and rain
Of many and many a day,
You're all that is left to tell the tale
How the black lines passed this way."

~ Robert V. Carr

Do you have something that we could use for Last Words? Something you've written, or a favorite piece by some other author, famous or as yet unknown? A quote, poem, song, story, a few lines, a paragraph, any words you feel are fitting to tell in these chapters of the buffalo's story? If so, please send them to Stephany at bfc-media@wildrockies.org. Thanks!

------------------------------
* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 23

2008-2009 Slaughter: 3
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 3
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 16

2007-2008 Total: 1,632

Total Since 2000: 3,703*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities

------------------------------

Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free!

Tell-a-Friend!

Take Action!

Unsubscribe

ROAM FREE!