And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 12:36:50 EDT
Subject: Recognition for Miwok, Pomos Imminent
This story is by Mike Thomas, in the April 7-April 13 issue of The Pacific
Sun.
After enduring centuries of assorted indignities that decimated their numbers
and threatened to virtually erase their cultural legacy, Marin County's
original residents, the Coast Miwok and southern Pomo Indian tribes, have
reason to believe that an era of significant regeneration is at hand.
Descendants of the region's earliest inhabitants, wh for thousands of years
fluorished in dozens of villages up and down the Marin and Sonoma coasts, are
closely observing ongoing developments in the nation's capital. There, a
legislative drive to formally re establish federal recognition of the tribes,
initiated by Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D- Petaluma, promises to both raise awareness
of the indigenous groups' cultural heritage and provide a range of economic
opportunities to their surviving members.
Woolsey's Graton Rancheria Restoration Act, reintroduced in Congrses on March
2, has attraced bipartisan support and is expected to become law this summer.
It would reverse a decline that culminated in the federal government's
termination of the tribves' sovereign status a little over 30 years ago,
depriving members of federal benefits offered to Native Americans. Last year
the Petakluma Democrat's initial attempt to steer a similar bill through the
House stalled amid overriding budget and impeachment bluster.
"I believe that there is widespread support in Congress, absolutely," said
Aimee Feinberg, an administrative aide to Woolsey. "It's universally agreed
that the termination was unjust."
. . . renewed recognition would again make available an array of federal aid
programs. . . housing assistance, healthcare benefits and university
scholarships.
"The benefits and effects of this are enormous," declared Greg Sarris chief
of the Federated Coast Miwoks. "It will enable us to feel that we're again
acknowledged as a distinct people. . . ."
end excerpt.
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/
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