And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 23:54:21 EST
MENDOTA UPDATE
Dear Friends,
It has been awhile since you have gotten an update on our situation here in
Mendota. The simple reason is that so much happens everyday it is hard to know
when to stop and write. Hopefully this letter will give you an overview and
bring you up to date.
On Jan, 15th, we attended a rally held at the Walker Church. The evening
began with an honor song and drumming. Throughout the evening members of Earth
First took turns telling their stories of being arrested. The stories were
enough to make grown men weep. I knew that there had been brutality used by
the police but I didn't realize that they had used torture. These young people
told us that the police repeatedly swabbed pepper gel into their eyes after
they were helplessly handcuffed. Not only was their 600 police, but the police
were told by bystanders and the protesters that they were non violent and
would not hurt anyone. The police ignored these comments and after hurling
tear gas, they hauled many of these youth out violently, (one girl was hauled
out by her jaw), hit them and kicked them, used profanity and dumped them in
the snow (some barefoot and without coats for hours), to freeze until they
were taken down to the jail.
There was one kid who was beaten and his head was bleeding. He was yelling
for a medic, all they did was wrap his sweater around his head so no one could
see him bleeding. What is wrong with a society that would allow their kids to
be treated this way because they care for Mother Earth and are willing to
stand up for what they believe in? It is insanity! Another couple of Native
American protesters who were arrested as well, told their story. They were
singing with the drum just outside of the perimeter when the police came and
arrested them. They asked the police to be careful with the drum at which
point the police, kicked the drum till it broke. Later they watched horrified
as the police burned and buried it so no one would find the telltale remains.
The evening continued with wonderful talks by Mike Haney and Clyde
Bellecourt. Talks I wish we had recorded as they were so profoundly moving. If
they were, I will ask for copies and write them out for you at a later date.
For now let me tell you that the hair was stranding up on the back of my neck
as Clyde Bellecourt talked about the history of the Mendota people in that
area and Mike Haney filled my heart with joy when he talked about the future
of these sacred sites and the way that other tribes like the Iowa's are coming
to our aid. Throughout the evening, many of the Earth First people sang their
folk songs that they had composed. All of a sudden, I had the feeling that I
was back in the 60s with those young hippies that were protesting the Viet Nam
war. One of the ceremonial drummers got up at the end and said basically the
same thing. He then ended the evening with an honor song that he had composed
for Mendota. Not a dry eye in the house I suspect.
One of the guests in the audience was Karen Clark. She is of the Minnesota
House of Representatives. She spoke briefly and it was very evident that she
was moved by the evening. She vowed that there would be an investigation into
the police raid and she came down to the Sacred Trees the next day where she
had a great meeting with the people there. She is writing a resolution to the
house to pass legislation to bring Minnesota State laws protecting Traditional
Cultural Properties, up to the same standards as federal laws. If you would
like to reach her and thank her for her support, her address is Karen Clark,
District 61A, Minneapolis, Minnesota House of Representatives, 503 State
Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul MN 55155, email her at
[EMAIL PROTECTED] or phone her at 651-296-0294.
Other News:
Although Judge Peter Albrecht denied our request for a temporary restraining
order Mndot has agreed to do an archaeological study of the planned roadway.
Regardless, we will continue to uphold the protection of our Sacred Sites in
all forums including the legal one until the goal is reached!
Mike Haney, and other members of the Mendota community, have left for Kansas
City and they will be making stops along the way to visit with other tribes
that have occupied this area hundreds of years ago. They will be asking for
their support. So far, the National Congress of American Indians and the Iowa
tribe of Oklahoma are petitioning the Federal Government and the State
government of Minnesota to halt construction until these surveys are complete.
The Minnesota Indian Affairs council has now changed their position and has
written a new letter supporting our efforts. This is truly wonderful! We are
still desperately working to stop this desecration and we are also seeking
expertise in Indian law. Names of people who can help with this research. If
you know anyone, let us know. We also need people who have experience with
grant writing for federal recognition process and grants to help us run our
tribal government.
Now I would like to respond to some questions that have arisen lately and
deserve an answer.
Some of you have asked if there are more people involved with this protest and
occupation than the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota.
Yes. There are many groups that have been involved over the years and
presently there are a number of groups still involved. Earth First, The Sierra
Club, Stop the Reroute, and others who have spent much dedicated time trying
to save this land.
We are a loosely knit coalition and although we may differ greatly in
philosophy, lifestyle, and approach, we share a common goal and that is to
protect this land. This land is home to the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota and if
we lose, we have nowhere left to go. The other groups can go on to other
causes but we will have been stripped of our land one more time. That is why
this is so vital to us and why we are so thankful for the support and help
from all of the other groups involved. Many of these young people have shown
such courage and we thank them for that. We thank them for alerting us to this
catastrophe in the making.
You have asked about the strange items listed in the "Request List". Some of
you have expressed concerns about items like chains, krypton locks, rappelling
gear and so on. You have wondered if this is truly a nonviolent occupation.
Dear friends, we would not tolerate or condone a violent occupation. These
items are used by the Earth First people to lock themselves down with. This is
how they nonviolent help to protect these trees, they lock themselves down as
a form of protest.
You have asked why there are so many addresses where contributions can be
sent. Each group that is involved has their own address.
Our address is listed at the bottom of this letter for your convenience. When
we receive contributions of money or other items, they go through our Council.
The Council makes sure that you receive a receipt and a thank you letter for
all monetary donations. Then, the Council determines how the donation should
be distributed. Boxed items go directly down to the site and are shared with
the people there. Money designations are determined by the Council. It may go
to pay court costs, camp supplies, or to whatever is the most pressing need at
the time. Every penny is accounted for and records are kept. Donations are tax
deductible. We want to thank so much those who have made donations and remind
those of you who haven't yet, we are still in dire need. Especially legal
fees.
You have asked about the variance from North American Indian philosophy and
beliefs you have noticed in other posts.
Again, we may differ in our ideas and actions but we are united by a common
goal. We uphold our traditions and our beliefs but we cannot legislate them.
Others are welcome to join us and we do welcome them. They are free to think
the way they want as well.
We have many differences but we must work together to save these precious
Sites and this beautiful land. Please don't hesitate to ask us questions. We
would rather have you share your concerns than lose your support due to a
misunderstanding.
I warned you! It is a long letter and I only have a very little bit left. We
were told about a phone number to the White House. Apparently, the way it
works is that it records messages and then they count how many have come in
regarding a particular issue. That is how they decide what is important. Well!
We know how to do that right? Here is the number, pass it on and let's phone
the heck out of them and let them know that we want the highway 55 reroute
stopped!!!
1-202-456-1111.
Last but not least, your prayers have been so important. We know that only
the Creator knows how to do any of this and it is your prayers that have
helped us all along the way. Don't stop praying please.
Peace,
Diane Kerr for Jim Anderson
Send contributions to M.M.D.C. 420 Belle Aire Drive, Champlin, MN., 55316
Click the following to visit the web site
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com//dmkerr9/Mendota_Sacred_Sites.html">Mendota
Sacred Sites</A>
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/
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