Issues & News From STSSA Friends & Family 09/12/2010
Dave
Natives fear Ottawa aiming to convert reserves to private land ownership
Ottawa has quietly ordered a study of Canada’s most economically successful first nations, raising the prospect of a new approach to developing businesses on reserves while sparking fear among some native leaders that their rights to land and resources are at risk.
A small but growing number of success stories are spreading across Canada as native communities break out from historic poverty thanks to millions in earnings as landlords of on-reserve condos, hotels, industrial parks and high-end golf resorts.
The Globe and Mail has learned that the top public servant at the Department of Indian Affairs has commissioned a special project to determine why some reserves are doing well. A list of the country’s 65 most successful communities was drawn up and a senior official was dispatched to meet with 33 chiefs.
Officials say the tour is about making practical, investment-..boosting changes to land-use rules and nothing more. But some native leaders fear it’s the latest salvo in a campaign to convert reserves to private land ownership. That could encourage the growth of a property-..owning middle class with better access to capital, but it could also carve up reserves, undermine political structures and affect the ability of First Nations to claim a stake in natural resources projects on traditional territories surrounding reserves.
The government’s top 65 list is dominated by southern reserves – mostly in or near cities – that are increasingly peppered with Wal-Marts, doughnut shops and other rent-paying businesses that would have been foreign to most reserves a decade ago.
In an industrial park south of Hamilton, Ont., Barry Brady runs a casino-supply business that was based in Niagara Falls before the Mississaugas of New Credit bought 70 per cent of his company.
He said the rent is cheaper and the private revenue from the industrial park appears to benefit the community.
“The roads are good,” he said. “They’ve always treated us fairly and it’s been a very good experience as far as I’m concerned.”
Chief Clarence Louie is among those leading the pro-business push. His Osoyoos Indian Band in the Okanagan Valley employs hundreds of natives and non-natives at wineries and resorts and in construction. He welcomed his face-to-face meeting with the department as an opportunity to deal with “red tape.”
“As long as we can have a handful of first nations in every province doing good economic development, more and more will learn,” he said.
It is these types of success stories that Indian Affairs is seeking to learn more about this summer as part of the special project approved by deputy minister Michael Wernick and conducted by the department’s Paul Fauteux.
But the fact that the invitation letters copy C.T. (Manny) Jules – a vocal advocate of privatizing reserve lands who heads the First Nations Tax Commission – is provoking strong suspicions among some native leaders. Attention is also being drawn to past comments of the Harper government’s new Indian Affairs Minister, John Duncan, who has long advocated private land rules on reserve.
The tour – combined with other factors including a book Mr. Jules co-authored with academic and former Conservative campaign chairman Tom Flanagan advocating private land ownership on reserves – are prompting strong warnings from some who see an attempt to revive elements of the controversial 1969 White Paper, a failed effort by then-Indian affairs minister Jean Chrétien to end Ottawa’s responsibility for reserves.
Assembly of First Nations national Chief Shawn Atleo supports deals with the private sector, but said the department should be working with him and all chiefs on land issues rather than fueling mistrust.
“It’s going to place a majority of first nations across the country on their heels,” he said, noting that AFN chiefs have rejected the private property plan. He said it’s time to work on bolder changes for all 633 communities rather than “tinkering” to help a few.
“Let’s see how we can get some much greater rate and pace of progress for first nations across the country with some major policy shifts that include getting beyond the Indian Act,” he said.
Chief Gilbert Whiteduck’s Kitigan Zibi First Nation made the top 65 list and received a visit even though most of residents still have to drink bottled water because the tap water isn’t safe.
He said he told the department in no uncertain terms that the tour should not be used as a launching pad to privatizing reserve lands.
“Would I expect [Indian Affairs] to reveal everything? Not for a minute,” he said. “Why would they want to reveal that to first nations when their ultimate goal, I believe, is assimilation. The White Paper is still alive and well.”
A small but growing number of success stories are spreading across Canada as native communities break out from historic poverty thanks to millions in earnings as landlords of on-reserve condos, hotels, industrial parks and high-end golf resorts.
The Globe and Mail has learned that the top public servant at the Department of Indian Affairs has commissioned a special project to determine why some reserves are doing well. A list of the country’s 65 most successful communities was drawn up and a senior official was dispatched to meet with 33 chiefs.
Officials say the tour is about making practical, investment-..boosting changes to land-use rules and nothing more. But some native leaders fear it’s the latest salvo in a campaign to convert reserves to private land ownership. That could encourage the growth of a property-..owning middle class with better access to capital, but it could also carve up reserves, undermine political structures and affect the ability of First Nations to claim a stake in natural resources projects on traditional territories surrounding reserves.
The government’s top 65 list is dominated by southern reserves – mostly in or near cities – that are increasingly peppered with Wal-Marts, doughnut shops and other rent-paying businesses that would have been foreign to most reserves a decade ago.
In an industrial park south of Hamilton, Ont., Barry Brady runs a casino-supply business that was based in Niagara Falls before the Mississaugas of New Credit bought 70 per cent of his company.
He said the rent is cheaper and the private revenue from the industrial park appears to benefit the community.
“The roads are good,” he said. “They’ve always treated us fairly and it’s been a very good experience as far as I’m concerned.”
Chief Clarence Louie is among those leading the pro-business push. His Osoyoos Indian Band in the Okanagan Valley employs hundreds of natives and non-natives at wineries and resorts and in construction. He welcomed his face-to-face meeting with the department as an opportunity to deal with “red tape.”
“As long as we can have a handful of first nations in every province doing good economic development, more and more will learn,” he said.
It is these types of success stories that Indian Affairs is seeking to learn more about this summer as part of the special project approved by deputy minister Michael Wernick and conducted by the department’s Paul Fauteux.
But the fact that the invitation letters copy C.T. (Manny) Jules – a vocal advocate of privatizing reserve lands who heads the First Nations Tax Commission – is provoking strong suspicions among some native leaders. Attention is also being drawn to past comments of the Harper government’s new Indian Affairs Minister, John Duncan, who has long advocated private land rules on reserve.
The tour – combined with other factors including a book Mr. Jules co-authored with academic and former Conservative campaign chairman Tom Flanagan advocating private land ownership on reserves – are prompting strong warnings from some who see an attempt to revive elements of the controversial 1969 White Paper, a failed effort by then-Indian affairs minister Jean Chrétien to end Ottawa’s responsibility for reserves.
Assembly of First Nations national Chief Shawn Atleo supports deals with the private sector, but said the department should be working with him and all chiefs on land issues rather than fueling mistrust.
“It’s going to place a majority of first nations across the country on their heels,” he said, noting that AFN chiefs have rejected the private property plan. He said it’s time to work on bolder changes for all 633 communities rather than “tinkering” to help a few.
“Let’s see how we can get some much greater rate and pace of progress for first nations across the country with some major policy shifts that include getting beyond the Indian Act,” he said.
Chief Gilbert Whiteduck’s Kitigan Zibi First Nation made the top 65 list and received a visit even though most of residents still have to drink bottled water because the tap water isn’t safe.
He said he told the department in no uncertain terms that the tour should not be used as a launching pad to privatizing reserve lands.
“Would I expect [Indian Affairs] to reveal everything? Not for a minute,” he said. “Why would they want to reveal that to first nations when their ultimate goal, I believe, is assimilation. The White Paper is still alive and well.”
Call to Action
Posted By: Anthony Jay Henhawk Jr.
To: Members in First Nations & Aboriginal Rights
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40 years ago today, Native American Rights Fund opened its doors
Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 3:56 PM
September 2010 
Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 3:56 PM
NARF's 40th Anniversary Celebration to be held October 29th
Today - September 1, 2010 will mark 40 years since the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) opened its doors in 1970 to tackle a little known area of law – "Indian law" – that was composed of treaties, court decisions, federal statutes, regulations and administrative rulings. Forty years later, NARF has left its mark on over 250 tribes in 31 different states in establishing and protecting their sovereign rights. The survival and strengthened sovereignty of this nation's tribes are due, in no small measure, to the battles waged and won by NARF.
Please join us at our 40th Anniversary Celebration to be held October 29th, 2010 hosted by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Click here for event details and tickets!
Thank You 2010 NARF Summer Law Clerks
Each summer NARF hosts the summer clerkship program, a ten to twelve week program for second year law students. Law clerk projects consist mainly of legal research and writing. The projects are extremely challenging because NARF practices before federal, state, and tribal forums, and because most of its cases - whether at the administrative,.. trial, or appellate level - are complex and involve novel legal issues. This year the law clerk program was supported by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians through the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, University of Denver-Sturm College of Law and the Ungar Foundation/..Smith, Shelton, and Ragona LLC.
NILL Law Librarian Receives National Award for Public Service
David Selden, NILL Law Librarian, has been awarded the 2010 recipient of the Roy M. Mersky Spirit of Law Librarianship Award for Public Service Committee. The award, was created in order to give special recognition to individual law librarians engaged in significant acts of charitable work or community or social service. David was selected for this award for his commitment to environmental sustainability... " The primary focus of his work concerns encouraging communities, organizations and individuals to develop day to day practices that eliminate waste and reduce carbon emissions, " stated the award announcement. Read more about this award.
National Indian Law Library Receives Facelift from Local Volunteers
Over twenty members of the Boulder Valley Christian Church donated three weekends to give the National Indian Law Library a facelift. This 170 hour volunteer project included caulking, painting of the eaves, windows and trim and installing aluminum coverings on horizontal trim around the building. The Native American Rights Fund and the National Indian Law Library would like to thank these volunteers for their time and talent.
NARF Attorney Appointed as Colorado Indian Commission Member
Steve Moore, NARF staff attorney, will serve as an at-large member of the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs (CCIA) for a one-year appointment.
Read the full story
Read the full story
September 2010
40th Anniversary Celebration to be
held October 29th
held October 29th
Thank You 2010 NARF Summer
Law Clerks
Law Clerks
NILL Law Librarian Receives National Award for Public Service
National Indian Law Library Receives Facelift from Local Volunteers
NARF Attorney Appointed as Colorado
Indian Commission Member
Indian Commission Member
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Spoken by Robert Kennedy 42 years ago:
"Too much and too long, we seem to have surrendered community excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things. Our gross national product ... if we should judge America by that - counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for those who break them. It counts the destruction of our redwoods and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and the cost of a nuclear warhead, and armored cars for police who fight riots in our streets. It counts Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children.
"Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages; the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage; neither our wisdom nor our learning; neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country; it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it tells us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans."
From Alan Grayson
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A Message of Ending and Beginning to the people of "Canada" from Kevin Annett - please post - audio broadcast attached
A Message of Ending and Beginning
to the People of “ Canada ” from Kevin Annett – Caoimhin Bochanan Ui Niall – Eagle Strong Voice
September 6, 2010
Rise like lions after slumber, in unvanquishable number –
Shake your chains to earth like dew,
Which in sleep had fallen on you:
Ye are many – they are few.
Ye are many – they are few.
Percy Shelley, 1817
This week, I depart on my third journey to Europe in a year, to confront “Pope” Joseph Ratzinger and “Queen” Elizabeth Windsor for their complicity in crimes against humanity. This is the end of a cycle, and the beginning of a new one: for part of my purpose on this trip is to complete the third and final stage of spiritual and political exorcism against the oldest and most murderous institution on our planet: the Vatican , and that which stands behind it.
Before I leave “ Canada ”, I want to remind native and non-native people alike that nothing has changed in our land for the victims of genocide, past and present. All of the pseudo “apologies”, gag orders, “healing and reconciliation”.. rhetoric, and hush money from the churches and government have not minimized their guilt, their responsibility,.. and their liability for their crimes in Indian residential schools.
The Catholic, Anglican, and United churches, and the government of Canada , are not absolved of their murder of more than 50,000 children in these schools. And the struggle to bring them to justice, and to trial, carries on.
The efforts by these criminal bodies to distract attention from the growing evidence of their guilt, from the mass graves and tortured lives that fill this country, have not worked. Their self-serving whitewash they call the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” has been exposed as an expensive traveling circus that silences witnesses and protects the guilty.
But this TRC is more than that: under international law, it is an attempt to actually obstruct justice and shield criminals, and should therefore cause those responsible for it to face charges before international human rights tribunals.
The network of which I am a part, known as the International Tribunal into Crimes of Church and State, is attempting to do precisely that, and not only charge Canada and its churches for genocide and its concealment, but to commence sanctions against these bodies and actually displace them. But our Tribunal also aims to do the same against the organization and person ultimately responsible for these crimes: the Vatican and Pope Joseph Ratzinger.
Our Tribunal was formed in June, and embraces groups in seven different nations. It will be convening its first sessions during September in London , Geneva , Dublin , Rome , and other cities. For what has murdered and enslaved aboriginal people on this continent has done the same to nations and to children all over our planet, for centuries – and continues to ravage and kill the innocent.
Our campaign has grown to become a spiritual confrontation with the force responsible for this war against humanity, and I have had the honor of helping to strip away the false and beguiling mask that protects that force – especially outside the Vatican last October and April, when I invoked a process of exposure, disarming and expulsion against the spirit of lies and murder that inhabits the false church that calls itself Chistianity.
Since those exorcisms, the Vatican has begun to crumble under the weight of new exposures and evidence of the Pope’s personal implication in child trafficking and protecting child rapists. And that decay will continue.
Because we have escalated this struggle to a new level, and begun to engage the powers of death on a spiritual plane as well as a political one, this campaign, and I, face new attacks. Murders of aboriginal members of our network, threats against others, a new smear campaign by church and state, and the recent cancellation of me and my radio program Hidden from History from the airwaves of the state-funded Vancouver Co-op radio, are all signs of this attack – but they also indicate the threat we pose to the institutionaliz..ed rapists and murderers.
But let me give you a deeper cause for this censorship and attack on me and our campaign. In Canada alone, under the guise of a United Nation’s plan named “Agenda 21”, government and aboriginal politicians are implementing a murderous “final solution” of native people by eliminating them from social services, housing and health care, and forcing them off their remaining land.
The continued abduction, trafficking in and killing of native women and children is part of this Agenda 21, and has the active involvement of the RCMP and other police. Its broad purpose is to de-populate native people from two million to barely 200,000 people by 2020, and to secure the water, hydro electricity and minerals of Canada for multinational companies. My exposure of this Agenda caused my recent banning from Co-op radio. But the truth of this modern genocide will not be silenced.
We are exposing the truth more every day. And it is for that reason that I urge you to take heart and know that justice and truth are winning – and so we must all re-double our efforts to hold the criminals accountable, name their names, publicize the evidence of their crimes, and join together in our growing international movement of all victims of church-..sponsored genocide.
You can help us to do by a few simple steps: by sharing and documenting the truth, and convening local chapters of our tribunal in your communities.
We have some new weapons in our arsenal to help you do this: especially two new books that I have published this month: No Longer Hidden, which is the updated sequel to my book, Hidden from History – The Canadian Holocaust – and Unrepentant: Disrobing the Emperor, which is available through Amazon Books and from O Books in England.
These books contain the updated truth of the full story of what has caused genocide in our world and in Canada – and why it is continuing.
As well, to broaden our media presence globally, I am beginning new blog talk radio programs over the internet this month which will cover our work. Every Monday commencing on September 20, I will be issuing a media advisory and update, along with a program of news and views from various places in the world. And we will also be filming a new documentary as a sequel to our award winning film Unrepentant – which was recently broadcast to over 10 million people on European Television.
It is always tempting to believe that the crimes and horrors we have unearthed are some kind of aberration in an otherwise humane society – and that enough exposure and truth telling will compel the government or some other benefactor to intervene and make things right. But we have learned from experience that this is not so: and that church and state and police forces continually collude to mask the crimes so that they will continue.
We know now that continued rape and trafficking in children, the slaughter of whole nations for their land, and the concealment of perverts by the highest offices of church and state, have been part and parcel of Christian, western civilization for thousands of years. The conquest of the innocent, of the earth, and of strangers, is intrinsic to our religion and our way of life. And so we cannot appeal to a ravenous lion to stop eating gazelles. We must instead kill the lion.
We have begun to do so by teaching people not to rely on the institutions that did the crime for justice, or healing – but to break away and declare our sovereignty from a dying and murderous culture. We must declare our independence from the church and state empire that committed and still causes genocide. And so on July 1, 2009, our network in Canada helped to proclaim a sovereign Republic of Kanata , declaring our independence from the Crown of England and the churches responsible for the residential school massacre.
This entire struggle is an attempt to return to our natural and just selves by rejecting the bloody Empire that has made us all accomplices in genocide – and it is something that each one of us must begin. I ask you to join us in this sacred task.
The next phase of this work has begun, with world shaking consequences. I urge you all to follow it on our websitewww...hiddenfromhisto..ry.org . But more important, armed with the knowledge and example I have helped provide you, act on your own, and boycott the false and criminal bodies known as the government and churches of Canada , and help us establish a new political and spiritual reality.
Stay tuned for more updates and programs on the truth – live from the front lines. May the light of truth and courage guide you this day and always. I am Kevin Annett – Caoimhin Bochanan Ui Niall – Eagle Strong Voice.
“No matter what a man’s faculties otherwise might be, if he be willing to risk death, and still more, if he suffers it heroically, in the service he has chosen, that fact consecrates him forever.”
— William James
Read and Hear the truth of Genocide in Canada, past and present, at this website: www...hiddenfromhisto..ry.org , and watch Kevin's award-winning documentary film UNREPENTANT on the same website.
UNREPENTANT: Kevin Annett and Canada's Genocide
- Winner, Best Foreign Documentary Film, Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, March 2007, Best Director of a Foreign Documentary, New York Independent Film Festival, October 2006
- Winner, Best Canadian Film, Creation Aboriginal Film Festival, Edmonton, 2009
"As a long time front line worker with the Elders' Council at the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, I stand behind what Kevin Annett is trying to do for our people. The genocide that continues today and which stemmed from the residential schools needs to be exposed. Kevin Annett helps break the silence, and brings the voice of our people all over the world."
Carol Muree Martin - Spirit Tree Woman
Nisgaa Nation
"I gave Kevin Annett his Indian name, Eagle Strong Voice, in 2004 when I adopted him into our Anishinabe Nation. He carries that name proudly because he is doing the job he was sent to do, to tell his people of their wrongs. He speaks strongly and with truth. He speaks for our stolen and murdered children. I ask everyone to listen to him and welcome him."
Chief Louis Daniels - Whispers Wind
Elder, Turtle Clan, Anishinabe Nation
Winnipeg, Manitoba
“No matter what a man’s faculties otherwise might be, if he be willing to risk death, and still more, if he suffers it heroically, in the service he has chosen, that fact consecrates him forever.”
— William James
Read and Hear the truth of Genocide in Canada, past and present, at this website: www...hiddenfromhisto..ry.org , and watch Kevin's award-winning documentary film UNREPENTANT on the same website.
UNREPENTANT: Kevin Annett and Canada's Genocide
- Winner, Best Foreign Documentary Film, Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, March 2007, Best Director of a Foreign Documentary, New York Independent Film Festival, October 2006
- Winner, Best Canadian Film, Creation Aboriginal Film Festival, Edmonton, 2009
"As a long time front line worker with the Elders' Council at the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, I stand behind what Kevin Annett is trying to do for our people. The genocide that continues today and which stemmed from the residential schools needs to be exposed. Kevin Annett helps break the silence, and brings the voice of our people all over the world."
Carol Muree Martin - Spirit Tree Woman
Nisgaa Nation
"I gave Kevin Annett his Indian name, Eagle Strong Voice, in 2004 when I adopted him into our Anishinabe Nation. He carries that name proudly because he is doing the job he was sent to do, to tell his people of their wrongs. He speaks strongly and with truth. He speaks for our stolen and murdered children. I ask everyone to listen to him and welcome him."
Chief Louis Daniels - Whispers Wind
Elder, Turtle Clan, Anishinabe Nation
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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PETITION: NY Tax Constitutes a Violation of U.S./Tribal Treaties
Region
State of New York, United States
Target(s)
President Barack Obama, New York Governor David A. Paterson
Background
When the United States government signed treaties with tribal nations, it affirmed the inherent sovereignty of the tribes. American Indian tribes have always been sovereign nations and controlled their own destiny. The United States Congress acknowledged this under House Concurrent Resolution 331. Among the attributes of sovereignty are American Indian control of the land and inherent powers. The inherent powers include: the power to determine the form of government; to define conditions for membership in the nation; to administer justice and enforce laws; to tax; to regulate domestic relations of its members; to regulate property tax.
Since 1794 the U.S. has acknowledged Indian independence, and the Treaty of 1842 for example clearly says the Seneca Nation will not be taxed by any US government. Including New York State.
The U.S. Constitution calls treaties "the Supreme Law of the Land." And yet New York State is about to violate U.S. treaties that have lasted over 200 years. The state is seeking to implement regulations that would impose sales tax on petroleum and tobacco products sold on Indian lands. These regulations would violate sacred treaties between the U.S. and Indian tribes.
Petition
I the undersigned,
Region
State of New York, United States
Target(s)
President Barack Obama, New York Governor David A. Paterson
Background
When the United States government signed treaties with tribal nations, it affirmed the inherent sovereignty of the tribes. American Indian tribes have always been sovereign nations and controlled their own destiny. The United States Congress acknowledged this under House Concurrent Resolution 331. Among the attributes of sovereignty are American Indian control of the land and inherent powers. The inherent powers include: the power to determine the form of government; to define conditions for membership in the nation; to administer justice and enforce laws; to tax; to regulate domestic relations of its members; to regulate property tax.
Since 1794 the U.S. has acknowledged Indian independence, and the Treaty of 1842 for example clearly says the Seneca Nation will not be taxed by any US government. Including New York State.
The U.S. Constitution calls treaties "the Supreme Law of the Land." And yet New York State is about to violate U.S. treaties that have lasted over 200 years. The state is seeking to implement regulations that would impose sales tax on petroleum and tobacco products sold on Indian lands. These regulations would violate sacred treaties between the U.S. and Indian tribes.
Petition
I the undersigned,
Believe it is of the utmost importance that the federal government honor its treaty commitments, and further, that New York State recognize and honor those treaties as the Supreme Law of the Land.
Urge New York Governor David A. Paterson to honor the supreme law of the land. Because if you break a treaty, you break the law.
Urge President Barack Obama to enforce U.S. treaty commitments on behalf of all tribal nations.
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NDN News First Nations Native Shot By Seattle Police Dept for Carving Wood
A gathering will be held at DayBreak Star tomorrow Wednesday September 8th, 2010 at 6 pm Pacific Standard Time. Call United Indians DayBreak Star for more information in Seattle, Washington. Thank you all who can come and support these brothers of our Indigenous People. Their contact phone number is: 206-285-4425.
Seattle carver's slaying angers B.C. chief
Native-..American leaders condemn police shooting
Questions raised after five police killings in a week
-----Original Message-----
From: Susanne Chambers [mailto:fhparorg@..hotmail.com]
To: tamra@..ndnnews.com
Subject: My brother shot in Seattle for carving wood
From: Susanne Chambers [mailto:fhparorg@..hotmail.com]
To: tamra@..ndnnews.com
Subject: My brother shot in Seattle for carving wood
On Monday night, a nameless, faceless homeless man was shot to death by Seattle Police. Except this man was not nameless or faceless or homeless. When the news story mentioned that an unknown man had been killed while whittling, I feared the worst. I called and when more details became available, I confirmed that this was John T, a man who is my brother (through ceremony) and my friend.
What happened to him is unconscionable... John was raised on the streets and often homeless. John was a fourth generation carver; he did not beg for money. He learned to carve from his father, Ray Williams, who was also a lifelong street carver in the Seattle-Tacoma area. John always told me that his ancestors were whale hunters, but that they stopped whaling when they saw the decimation of sea life happening around them and were unable to continue. With the loss of their previous livelihood, his great-..grandfather decided that the family would learn to be carvers.
John could attract audiences at Pike Place Market, where people would sit or stand watching him work with nothing more than a pocket jack-knife, mostly those with a locking blade so the blade would not close on his fingers as he deftly moved over the wood, flipping it back and forth. Many people admired his skill. John didn't usually have pieces in galleries because he carved and sold his pieces for his immediate needs-- food, lodging, or a bottle of beer. Some didn't consider him a professional artist or carver because of his lifestyle. Nonetheless, for generations he and his family made a lot of money for Pier 57 and the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop as well as other gift shops around Seattle Center. Some Seattle police officers would have him carve Northwest designs in their nightsticks.
Yes, John has battled alcoholism all his life, the same alcoholism that grips the lives of so many hopeless people. Let us not forget that the Native Americans, especially the homeless, have had everything taken from them, a people whom more than one politician in history has called “less than dogs.” Not only looked down upon because of poverty, but with disgust and despised as worthless people, obstacles to “progress”. But John was not worthless. He was a gifted artist, a human being. Although the alcohol sometimes made it hard to help or live with him, he was valuable. Many times if family had nowhere to stay, or were hungry, John would sit down and work and everyone was fed. He was generous to a fault. Some people took advantage of him, and when he was drunk they would empty his pockets and walk away, but many more were loyal friends.
On the night in question, John was working--he was not panhandling, was not threatening or accosting a citizen. He was working. He is used to being told by police to move himself, and likely that is what he was doing when he was shot: picking up and walking away. With more than four decades of experience in street life, John did get himself into minor trouble from things he would foolishly do when impaired. But John was not a violent offender or a dangerous armed man who presented a threat.
Anyone who has worked for a limited income knows that waiting for a money at the end of the month is hard; John may have been carving for beer money—maybe that is wrong, but does it call for him to be shot four times until dead? Bear in mind that this is not a Bowie knife he was carrying: he carves with a pocket knife, the same kind that he taught me to carve with and which I and many others often carry around. In fact John has had knives taken away from him so many times that he usually never has a knife worth more than a few bucks.
I am not homeless and I don't interact with police often. When I do, I personally am often frightened by their intimidation and their attitude of power and entitlement. I find that too often that the police seem to seek confrontation, as if to remind us that they have the power in every interaction and goad us to test them. I appreciate that the police have a difficult job, but I have seen police cars pull up at bus stops where there is no one waiting for a bus except two Native men resting from a walk up First Hill; they roll the window down and tell the men to move on, that they can't sit there. I want to jump out of my car and say leave them alone, this is a free country, but I am afraid to. I know that generally these are the exception, and in fact many Seattle police know John and know that he would rather walk than confront police. In fact many officers would stop and visit with him, call an ambulance or detox van if he was impaired. Officers who knew him know that he was sight impaired, hearing impaired and limped from being hit by a car in a parking lot as a younger man. In more than 42 years on the streets working not once was John cited for fighting with the police, not once resisting arrest.
Life was hard on John T. He had his share of health issues. John had aged even further than his 50 years would suggest because of his lifestyle. Even though as a young man he knew that he could die on the street from a bad encounter, He was always afraid of being beat to death by other street people; my hope was always there that he would not meet a violent end. I hope the investigation will ask where was this police officer's nightstick, why could he not have evaluated the situation better, or called for backup. It is not illegal to have a pocketknife, it certainly should not be illegal to work on a piece of wood. While the investigation is unfolding, the one thing I am certain of is that he would never confront a police officer. He did not deserve to die like this, and I hope that this experience and the others we have seen in our city will call us to question the use of excessive force and violence by our police force. John would talk to anyone asking about his carving often he would hold a project out so you could see it better and give you a half smile. I will miss his smile.
Sincerely and with great sadness, Susanne “Cj” Chambers
--
"When crazy people call you crazy, you know you're sane.
"When crazy people call you crazy, you know you're sane.
When evil people call you evil, you know that you are a good person.
When lairs call you a liar, you know that you are truthful.
Know who you are and don't let others tell you who you are."
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