And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 16:18:51 -0400
From: Ron & Eileen Stanford <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: More info on NY Salt Mine and graves desecration
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>From "THE LAKE AND VALLEY CLARION" Mount Morris, New York�s Newspaper -
Thursday April 15, 1999
Indians protest "desecration" of graves
by Howard W. Appell
Clarion News Staff
The excavation and planned removal of human remains at the American Rock
Salt Hampton Corners mine site is prompting protests from Native Americans.
A prominent member of the Tuscarora tribe is filling a flurry of lawsuits
against the mine company and permitting agencies, claiming the grave
discretion violates International Law and U.S. Constitutional Law.
Also, First Nation people and local activists are planning a day-long
rally and demonstration on Sunday April 25 at the Myron Brady farm near the
mine construction site.
In accordance with New York State environmental regulations. American Rock
Salt Co. has been testing for the existence of burials and other
significant archeological remains at locations where excavation and
construction is slated to take place. Between November and February,
several discoveries of human bone fragments were unearthed from ancient
firepits, estimated to be between 4,000 and 1500 years old. In March
intact human skeletons of more recent origin were uncovered.
Douglas Anderson, Haudenosaunee Ska-roh-reh ambassador to the United
Nations and Tuscarora Road Commissioner said all the graves which have been
uncovered at Hampton Corners represent an occasion in which a people buried
their dead in the accompaniment of religious ceremony. The intentional
unearthing and removal of the remains is a violation of the principles of
religion and human rights as established in the U.S. Constitution and in
International Law, Anderson contends.
"We will be sending company, the county and the state one letter
explaining the violation and demanding that they stop work immediately. If
they refuse, the suits will be filed," Anderson said.
Anderson claims that the token efforts by American Rock Salt to recognize
and deal with the graves have been inadequate and illegal. "Mr. (Peter)
Jemison works for the New York State Parks Commission, where he has to
answer to his bosses. He also claims to represent his people. That is a
real conflict of interest."
Jemison has reportedly given his authorization for the bones to be removed
from the construction site and reinterred at a distant cemetery location.
Anderson further claims that, under federal treaties, dealings between the
company, permitting agencies and Native Americans must be conducted in
open, noncloistered forums, under the sponsorship of the federal
government. County and state permits and contracts for the mine have to
date circumvented federal involvement and are therefore void, Anderson said.
"I know this is all involves money," Anderson continued, "but money
cannot be a just reason for digging up graves and violating people rights.
They should not be digging these graves up, anymore than we should be
digging up the graves at Arlington."
Anderson believes racism is at the root of the company�s and government�s
lack of concern towards the Native American issues. That attitude is the
modern day counterpart of the genocidal polices which European races have
been practicing against Native American for more than 400 years, he said.
The April 25 rally and demonstration is being hosted by the Native America
Freedom Fighters (NAFF) and the Regional Action Group of Environment (RAGE).
According to RAGE member Melissa Jacobs, the event will address
environmental, racial, religious, property rights and human rights issues."
All people of conscience are invited," Jacobs said. "We�re calling this
the "Rally for Justice in the Valley."
The issue of grave desecration at the salt mine site will be one of the
principle focuses of the protests. There will be an encampment with plenty
of food, drink and conversation, Jacobs noted. Speakers and live music
will be featured throughout the day. Jacobs is anticipating a large
turnout.
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/
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