Posted by [EMAIL PROTECTED] : Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 19:26:59 -0600 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: power4u <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Big Mountain Video and Caravan Planning Meeting Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" Big Mountain Dineh (Navajo) Face Eviction by February 1st, 2000 The U.S. has begun what it hopes will be the final steps in a campaign to exterminate Dineh(Navajo) families who became trespassers on their traditional land as a result of a 1974 law pushed through Congress by the coal industry. The industry believed that the eviction of all residents would simplify their access to North America's richest deposits of coal on Black Mesa. The land title was transfered to the Hopi Tribal Government, which was dominated by John Boyden, a white attorney working for the Peabody Coal Company. The tribal government was installed by the US for the purpose of granting mineral leases despite the strong objections of traditional Hopi and continues to recieve funding from Peabody Coal. Over the next 25 years, over 12,000 Dineh were forcibly relocated in a program described by its former director, Leon Berger, as " a tragedy of genocide and injustice that will be a blot on the conscience of this country for many generations." Many were moved to the "New Lands", an area near Sanders, AZ, too arid for their livestock and contaminated by radioactive waste. Others were moved into cities for which they lacked survival skills, and became caught in a circle of homelessness, alcoholism and suicide. Several thousand Dineh still remain on their ancestral land in defiance of all the government attempts to drive them away. The US has forbidden them to make any repairs on their homes. Fire and livestock are confiscated, and law enforcement officials harass and threaten them with eviction and jail sentences. A law passed in 1998 requires the US to complete the eviction process by February 1, 2000. Some families were offered leases that allowed them to remain as tenants upon their land with no civil rights and without a means of survival. Those who refused to sign or who were not eligible are scheduled to be evicted. What Can I Do? The remaining Dineh need supporters to stay with them as human rights observers around February 1, 2000. In order to mobilize as many people as possible, the Twin Cities Big Mountain Support Group is planning a caravan to Big Mountain in early January. Come to an introductory planning meeting for food, entertainment and more information. Wednesday, December 8th 8:00 pm Black Bear Crossings 831 Como Ave., St. Paul Thursday, December 9th 9:00 PM Walker Community Church 3104 16th Ave. S., MPLS Twin Cities Big Mountain Support Group (612) 362-5964 Dineh Relocation Resistance Web Site: http://www.theofficenet.com/-redorman/pagea-1.htm live simply ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- UNINTENDED RECIPIENTS - This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any other distribution, copying or disclosure is strictly prohibited. Nothing within this message should be construed as endorsing, promoting or abetting any illegal or unethical activity. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
