And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: "Waabnongkwe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> replies: Boozhoo. My name is Waabnong Kwe. I am Tsalagi and Ojibway. I am a member of the Wolf Clan, living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I'm a 46 year old Grandmother living with AIDS. I am on my final journey towards the Spirit World. Why then, some ask, would you want to do this fast for Leonard Peltier? " Isn't that putting your life at risk", I am asked. My response to this is that my life has been at risk since the moment I was conceived. I was born Anishnawbe Kwe. I have seen my people struggle to survive with bare necessities. I have seen the rising statistics of our youth suicides. I have seen our children taken from our homes and placed in foster homes or adopted out, not knowing where they belong. I have seen our Grandmothers and Grandfathers struggle to reclaim their native languages. I have seen my sisters and brothers stripped of their dignity. I have seen my sisters and brothers incarcerated and abused by those hired to " rehabilitate" them. I have seen our people murdered. I have seen our Sacred Burial grounds dug up so that others may have golf courses. I have heard my Grandchildren ask, "Why?" too often. Throughout my life, I have witnessed many injustices in this world. Each time I have taken up my drum and sang prayer songs. Each time I have done what I could,to help bring about awareness. I've taken risks, standing up for what I believe in. And yet I feel I have done so little. My brother, Leonard Peltier is dying. Without proper medical care, such as what was offered to him by the Mayo Clinic, Leonard will die. Would I stand by and watch another brother drown, knowing I could reach out and perhaps save his life? Of course not! Nor can I sit back and do nothing to help Leonard. As each year passes and Leonard remains in prison, I am amazed at the atrocities of the injustice system in North America. No one should have to endure what he has, let alone an innocent man. It is time now for the people of the four corners of this earth to stand together. We must do what we must, in order to bring about justice. For, when injustice of this kind is done to one, it can be done to all. And so I will begin my three day fast tomorrow. During this time, I will take up my drum and offer prayer songs. I will ask Creator and my Ancestors to look with compassion on those who know no better. I will offer prayers that Leonard will be able to receive the medical care he needs to survive. I will pray that Leonard is soon freed to live his life amongst our people, in peace. I will do this fast because I must. All my Relations! In Solidarity, Waabnong Kwe Toronto, Ontario "In some of my dreams, I love with one hand and I fight with the other. In some of my other dreams, I love with both hands, and the fighting is over." http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/6647/ ICQ me! 22400332 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
