The Winnemem Wintu, a tribe in the north of what is now California, has unsuccessfully petitioned the Forest Service to close for a short time a stretch of river in their traditional lands, so as to be able to hold their Coming of Age ceremony for young women.
This conflicts with international declaration and the commonly-accepted right action of nations. As affirmed by the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Article 11), indigenous people have the right " to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures..."
In response, the Winnemem Wintu Tribe held a four-day War Dance (H'up Chonas in Winnemem) May 24-27 at the McCloud River site. The War Dance signifies the tribe's spiritual commitment to defend at all costs the ceremony from heckling, flashing, and violating disruptions by recreational boaters that have occurred in previous years.
"We hope the blockade will let the Forest Service know that boats don't belong in ceremony and that we will do it ourselves if they won't take the appropriate measures to protect our young women's ceremonies," said Caleen Sisk."
Members of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe from northern California on Monday, April 16 challenged Randy Moore, U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester, at his Vallejo office to protect indigenous women from racial slurs and physical harm during coming of age ceremonies planned for this June. Although claiming to be unfamiliar with the issue, Moore promised to review the Winnemem's request to close 400 yards of the McCloud River arm of Shasta Reservoir for 4 days so that the Tribe can conduct the ceremony.
As of May 31, the tribe indicated that it had not heard back from Moore.
What You Can Do Contact: Tom Tidwell US Forest Service Chief ttidwell@fs.fed.us (202) 205-8439
with the following message:
"Please respect the Winnemem Wintu's freedom of religion and close 400 yards of the McCloud River arm of Shasta Reservoir for four days so that the Tribe can conduct their ceremony.
Indigenous people have a unique relationship to place, and now as a steward of places, the Forest Service needs to recognize the unique qualities that indigenous cultures provide in enriching the forest lands which they steward. In respecting their culture and beliefs, the Forest Service captures a best management practice to benefit all stakeholders.
Sincerely,"
For More Information: Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oglCy--o7oY
Leonard's Birthday@Inter-tribal Friendship House September 12
Oakland, Ca.: Peltier birthday event @ Inter-tribal Friendship House (IFH), 523 International Blvd, Oakland, Ca - from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. 9/12/2011 Sponsored by AIM-WEST and the LPDOC Chapter - Northern California, USA.
Attendance: Tony Gonzales, Laura Cedillo, Daniel Larvie, Luta Candelaria.
Meeting began at 6:30
Reports:
Financial budget report: $300 in bank….
Activities report: In June, an event was held at IFH in Oakland sponsored by AIM-WEST. Sarah James, from Arctic Village, Alaska, was special guest. Carol Wahpepah and volunteers provided a small dinner. The event was to acknowledge shoot-out on Pine Ridge Reservation, S.D. in 1975 which led to incarceration of political prisoner, Leonard Peltier. (read, “In The Spirit of Crazy Horse” by Peter Matthisen)
On Friday, June 24, AIM-WEST protested the racist mascot and logo of Cleveland Indians baseball team who were playing the Giant’s (AIM-WEST filed letter of discrimination/complaint to the SF Human Rights Commission in May). AIM-WEST’s delegate Jimbo Simmons, was invited to participate and travel to Athens, Greece, as part of Flotilla to Gaza, in solidarity with Palestine.
In July, AIM-WEST gave testimony to members of the SF Human Rights Commission, for action against any sports teams that come play in San Francisco to remove logo’s and designs that depict Indigenous peoples in a racist or derogatory manner; that Indigenous peoples are humans, not mascots! AIM-WEST donor gave $100 to the struggle at Segorea Te.
For August; “International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples” sponsored by AIM-WEST, held in San Francisco Public Library, Tuesday, August 9th; was successful. A time will be scheduled for footage of the event to be shown on television, cable, YOUTUBE, etc. that way we will multiply attendance.
Also, Victory for Segorea Te, Glen Cove, Vallejo; the 109 days of prayer on the land was a great achievement and in reaching an unusual process, an “easement” with all parties involved. AIM flag was brought back;
Received several calls regarding Fairfax, California, that bones were found while digging and development is underway. This is a sovereignty matter; David Escobar, and others, will attend a meeting scheduled on Friday, August 12 in Fairfax that includes a vice-Mayor, and the community. AIM-WEST will also attend as observers and to gather information.
Web Arthur, Nevada Elder, called to say he/they had a good house meeting last week to consider organizing a chapter, committee, or group like AIM. Web extended invitation to Jimbo and Tony last month but not able to go. Another meeting tentatively scheduled. (invite to annual AIM west coast conference in November)
Also, a call since July, from Westley Dick, of Nevada, for assistance regards Freedom of Religion, and his traditional gathering of herbs, and plants in areas considered private property. Westley was cited; he drove to Tacoma for traditional tribal court of Rudy James, Alaska, who issued an order of Westley’s innocence and rights to pursue his Indigenous way of life. Westley still has a trespass charge to attend. He was also encouraged to connect with Elder Web Arthur, and to make the effort to attend and support the family in Reno having a rally this Saturday. (AIM-WEST youth committee member Michael Corral will attend rally in support of family victimized)
AIM-WEST agreed to give attention on its website to new sacred sites issues, and to provide support to recent news of arrests of 17 young people (Navajo and Tohono O’odham) at sacred site San Francisco Peaks, near Flagstaff, in Arizona. People from the bay area are on their way to lend мотоэкипировка в москве support. For more on the ground information go to www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com
On Monday, September 12, AIM-WEST together with the South Bay Support Group, Sampson Wolfe, and the bay area Leonard Peltier Support Group will rvet.info sponsor a community event, invite the public to a birthday party for political prisoner, Leonard Peltier! Location, at Inter-tribal Friendship House (IFH), 523 International Blvd, Oakland. Time, from 6-10 pm; program includes a pot-luck, special guests, poetry, music, film, ice cream and cake, drum and song, raffle, vendors are welcome. Volunteers and supporters call 415-577-1492 for more information.
On Monday, October 10, (annual Sun Rise кофры givi Ceremony at “THE ROCK”). Beginning at 12 noon doors open to the west coast 2nd Annual American Indian Movement (AIM) Film Festival. M.C. Bill Means*; 6 films, 2 shorts, and awards for best message/production also announced. With over 400 million Indigenous Peoples (and growing!) living across the four directions of Mother Earth, the AIM film festival will raise awareness and increase understanding of Indigenous People’s sovereign rights to land, water, traditional subsistence, and spiritual freedoms, including protection of sacred sites. These films bring to light the scope and diversity of indigenous Peoples, who claim their inherent rights throughout the world mabook.org, documenting the strategies they are using, from armed resistance to the electoral process, to secure recognition of their rights, and treaties and agreements made with nation states. Site soon to be determined. See AIM-WEST website www.aimwest.info for details. Volunteers call 415-577-1492.
Tuesday, October 11, AIM-WEST will sponsor “Youth in Media; telling their own stories”. The event, in keeping with the anti-Columbus period, will focus on inviting bay area youth and organizations, to learn myriad aspects, and advocate sovereignty through use of media. It will be led by Miguel Molina, and other guest speakers, beginning at 9 am until 4 pm. Program will also include a presentation by filmmaker Saul Landau* and with workshop presenters providing information on journalism, internet and webcasting news and conferences; and how to assert sovereignty using the media and audio & visual communication skills to document issues and concerns of Indigenous peoples. For more information, location and details see AIM-WEST website.
On Wednesday, October 12th nationally known as “columbus day” AIM-WEST will organize a walk/march for Mother Earth, and against racism, nuclear development, and 519 years of Indigenous peoples’ resistance to colonization in the Americas! In solidarity with all Indigenous Peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere, AIM-WEST will call to organize a coalition of Indigenous peoples and friends and supporters to join with us starting from SF Delores Park to Yerba Buena Gardens (YBG)*. Gather at Delores Park at 9:30 am and leaving to YBG at 10 am arriving at 11 am. The program at YBG begins at 11 am until 3 or 4 pm. Drummers, dancers and singers are welcome. Cultural (mainland and pacific!) performers and dancers are especially invited. See AIM-WEST website for further details or call 415-577-1492.
November 21-25, AIM-WEST hosts annual west coast AIM conference. The details for the week’s program will include, inviting guest speakers, panel discussions on matters of national and international concern, developing strategies, a annual feast and cultural program, and closing with a concert on Friday with “Native American Day”, was deferred for further discussion until September 14th, monthly meeting for AIM-WEST. Stay posted and mark calendars NOW!
Other business;
Close with prayer: and prayers also to Lehman Brightman, Ted Means, Russell Means, and to all our relations.
Fred Short, a spiritual leader of the American Indian Movement (AIM) has made a commitment for a spiritual gathering to take place at Glen Cove, in Vallejo on Saturday, June 11, 2011. An invitation is being extended to the inter-tribal community, and for friends and supporters to begin arriving at 11 am until the afternoon.
Please bring folding chairs, and plenty of refreshments and food to share; a pot-luck!
AIM-WEST will meet at our office in THE CITY next week Wednesday, June 1st instead of our regular second Wednesday of each month. The meeting will begin at 6:30-9 pm. Please invite friends and supporters. We can't do it without them.
Tony will be out of the country June 4th until the 21st. Jimbo will be directing the office activities and business while he is gone. Jim will then leave the country June 21 until July 4th.
Check website for directions and more info http://aimwest.info
AIM-WEST to conduct side-event at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues! AIM-WEST is slated to conduct a side-event, or workshop, at the 10th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UN PFII), May 16-27, 2011, held in New York. The side-event is scheduled for May 19th.
The UN PFII side-event by AIM-WEST will discuss in general terms, how Indigenous peoples are currently involved in participatory democracy i.e. the right to vote, civic duty/responsibility, registration and establishing a political party, and perspectives on traditional vs western style of one man, one vote. The workshop will also include speakers such as Ms. Rigoberta Menchu Tum, who recently established a political party, WINAQ www.winaq.org in Guatemala (and how you can help!). “WINAQ takes on the challenge of directing the state towards fulfilling its constitutional obligations. Changing the country requires intercultural dialogue, in which collective participation and diversity become a true exercise of peace and democracy”. Another UN side-event speaker with AIM-WEST invited to attend is the newly elected FMLN Indigenous Mayor of Izalco, El Salvador.
berkeleyPeltier2 There is a powerful statement by Council Person Maxwell Anderson about how the Indians have been treated. He refers to it as 'the trail of tears'.
Sat.Feb.20th. 12p-3pm. AIM-West will speak to the community about the recent negotiations in Copenhagen and what it means for future generations of Indigenous people in the international climate talks.Eco-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle info booths.Potluck. Open to all~Free event.Native Wellness Center~260 23rd Street (cross st.MacDonald) Richmond,94804. FMI 510.232.7020
Native American artifacts and human remains once illegally up for sale have now been returned to local tribal leaders.
Last year Newport resident Kenneth Milette pleaded guilty to selling the artifacts and tribal leaders couldn't be happier to have some of their sacred artifacts back. Dozens of artifacts were officially returned to the Nez Perce, Spokane, Colville and Coeur d'Alene tribes Thursday afternoon.
"The tribe is very respectful of our ancestors and we want to keep it that way. With anyone's ancestors, you want to keep it. No one wants you to dig up their great, great grandparents and take what they may have had at that time and try to make a profit off of it," Spokane Tribal Chairman Greg Abrahamson said.
Unfortunately the number of artifacts recovered represents just a small percentage of items taken from the reservations.
Members of the tribes also thanked the investigators for their hard work as it took several years of undercover work to put an end to the illegal operation.
In January of 2008 Kenneth Milette of Newport was charged with illegally possessing and selling Native American artifacts and human remains. Milette pled guilty to those charges, and is now serving a three year supervised release sentence.
He also has to pay $17,000 in restitution and fines.
THE OFFICER HAD NO LEGAL JURISDICTION. HE TRIED TO MAKE A TRAFFIC STOP AFTER THEY ENTERED TRIBAL LAND. THE "VICTIMS" ( 2 TRIBAL MEMBERS ) TOLD HIM HE HAD NO BUSINESS STOPPING THEM PROMPTING AN ARGUMENT AND THE SHOOTING.
Hey, to everyone out there, how's everyone? I'm good, still working at the job, I've had the last few years. It's been on year since the finish of the Longest Walk 2 in Washington, D.C. and my significant other went on it and completed the walk. She's very happy she went on it. She said she wanted to go on the first one but couldn't. I remember the first walk in 1978, it was an experience of a lifetime, I made friends that I've kept in contact with over the years. That was one of the benefits of the walk, I met friends and colleagues that I met had I not gone on the Walk. Many of my friends have passed on to the spirit world but their memories are safe with me. Thank you all for standing up for our other Indian brothers and sisters.
A gathering to protect the land, the people, and future generations with special focus on Youth and Elders.
Friday April 17th - Sunday April 19th
Mt.Tenabo (NeweSogobia)
Activities to include
Sunrise ceremonies, circle talks, speakers, films, youth activities, raffle, traditional foods, traditional singing, round dancing and sweats
Please be prepared to camp out in a high desert region. The weather can be hot during the day and quite cold in the evenings. The gathering is free but donations of time, food, money and raffle items are welcome and very much appreciated.
Absolutely no drugs, alcohol, or firearms permitted.
Directions: Interstate 80 to the Beowawe/ Crescent Valley (exit 261) Follow the paved road 19 miles south to town of Crescent Valley and look for signs – or turn left on 2nd St. and go to 3rd building on left (WSDP office) – maps will be located on the door.
We are creating a blog for the Chumash language were people will be able to learn the Chumash language and discuss their feelings of the Carpinteria Mascot. The sight is up, but we are working on it, as you read this.
My friend and teacher tells me not to worry about the technical stuff (he says, "leave the technical stuff to me, and you just write to the blog") but somehow my laptop seems to suck me in, and I want to make the sight work myself. Right now, I am in a place where I could beat my head against a wall, because I can't put an applet up on Wordpress. Hopefully by the time you read this I will have figured it out and it will be up.
“AIM-WEST invites the general public to join with us to an education day at the ball parks. The SF Giants home games are to play the Atlanta Braves June 9-10-11-12. Please join us at the Willie Mays Statute at 6 pm, game time starts at 7:15 pm
And, AIM-WEST wishes to also invites the Oakland general public and organizations in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and opposes the exploitation of Indians as mascots, please join with us in Oakland at the stadium when the Cleveland ball team comes to town for three games starting August 16-17-18th !
News Flash!! Pleased to share that our partners in Richmond scored a HUGE VICTORY today. At issue was how to spend $19 million in realignment dollars to county. On one side was the Sheriff who wanted $3 million of those funds to expand jail capacity** and the other side was the community, with leadership from formerly incarcerated people themselves, saying those funds need to go toward critical re-entry services and supports. After a long and sustained campaign, the Sheriff backed off of his plans. I’m confident that our investments in building the leadership, partnerships and power evident in the campaign made a critical difference today.
Couldn’t say it better:
At the close of the meeting State Senator Loni Hancock emphatically stated, "This has been an extraordinary meeting, and I hope everyone realizes what a tribute to democracy this whole process has been. I am in awe of you guys, I'm in awe of this community and the testimony you've given. And the fact that it is really coming together with such promise for developing a whole new system. The whole promise of AB109 is not to replicate the failed system of the state level, but to build a new system that will break the cycle of crime and poverty and violence and put people on another track. Everybody talks about it almost nobody has done it successfully, and it sounds to me like Contra Costa is on the road to doing it successfully. You will make history if you do that, you will be a model for other places that are struggling with these tough issues. Just thank you, every single one of you for what you've done here."
Another warrior passing on…Gus Gutierrez, who struggled tirelessly for the rights of Indigenous peoples. He will be remembered for his positive outlook on life and the good natured person that he was.
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