And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 14:05:56 -0500 From: Ron & Eileen Stanford <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: NY OKs the desecration of native graves Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" New York State has given American Rock Salt the OK to remove the remains of between 10 and 13 graves uncovered during their mining operation. American Rock Salt has notified the Seneca Nation that they have until noon tomorrow June 16, 1999 to remove the remains that have been uncovered or American Rock Salt will remove the remains as they see fit. We are asking everyone who is concerned about the desecration of Native Graves to call Governor George Pataki (518) 474-1041 and express your views of New York's decision to allow American Rock Salt to continue desecrating ancient graves. Governor Pataki was the governor who tried to collect tax on gasoline and tobacco products sold on the Indian Reservations in New York a few years ago. Rumor has it that he will also be making a bid to run for vice president of the United States. In a press release dated for May 17, 1999 the Seneca nation of Indians' President Duane J. Ray and Tribal Council and Tonawanda Seneca Nation Council of Chiefs stated; ..."What is happening here represents a blatant violation of Native American religious and human rights. The desecration of these burial sites and the disruption of sacred ceremonial lands has caused much distress to people of good conscience, in particular for the members of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. We believe that remains of Native Americans should be treated with at least the same dignity afforded to remains of persons from other ethnic groups. We note with concern the greater respect shown for the nearby territory of Williamsburg Cemetery where non-Indians are buried. We too are concerned about employment opportunities for people in the area and the potential economic benefits that could be realized if the salt mine is reopened. However, the economic benefit must be balanced with considerations of common decency, religious tolerance and the requirements of law. We are confident that people of good mind can find a way to proceed with this project without disrupting the remains of our ancestors. Both the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Tonowanda Seneca Nation strongly oppose relocation of the remains already found or further construction activity that would desecrate additional graves. We call upon New York State, American Rock Salt Company, and the responsible contractors to discontinue construction of the rail spur until our ligitimate concerns can be addressed.".... Reprinted under the fair use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
