NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA
Posted by [EMAIL PROTECTED] : From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: from imo-d09.mx.aol.com (imo-d09.mx.aol.com [205.188.157.41]) by a.mx.voyager.net (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id VAA99346 for <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Tue, 14 Dec 1999 21:18:56 -0500 (EST) Received: from [EMAIL PROTECTED] by imo-d09.mx.aol.com (mail_out_v24.6.) id v.0.da35709c (3844); Tue, 14 Dec 1999 21:13:52 -0500 (EST) Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 21:13:51 EST Subject: (no subject) (D)ear Friends, As many of you already know the Four Sacred Oaks were cut down on Saturday afternoon. At midnight Friday we started to receive phone calls from anonymous sources that they were coming for the trees on Saturday morning. Leo and I went to the encampment about 4:00 am and were told that state troopers had started to assemble at the MNDOT property across Highway 62, which is a short distance from the four sacred trees. Many people had started to already assemble at the encampment. We started a large scrap pile of wood for a bonfire to keep people warm, as it was very cold being outside for hours waiting. The last raid the police burned bonfires from our signs and the wood that was there, we figured why leave the wood for the police to warm themselves. Just before 7:00 am we gathered at the trees and started a ceremony. At 7:10am we could see the squads come flying down the Bureau of Mines road toward the encampment. We were then surrounded by state troopers and they waited until the ceremonies were done. At that time they informed us that anyone who would not leave then, would be arrested. The Native American people did as we had been instructed, we left the encampment and stood in vigil all day, waiting. Many of our supporters chose to stay and they were arrested. No chemicals or pain compliance was used on these people. Although we never touched the lodges or inipi or trees or the pipe that had been placed in the middle of the trees, we instructed the police how to handle these things in a respectful way and they did as we asked. The removal of the encampment and the trees are on all of them now and they will have to pay the consequences for what they have done. Many of the young supporters had scrambled into trees that lay in the path of the Four Sacred Oaks, all day they stayed in the trees, while the whole area was surrounded by hundreds of police and squads. Tree limbs were cut from around them and still they continued to hang on for as long as they could. Many of these young people have been arrested and brutalized throughout this whole occupation time and time again. Many of these young people are minors, their courage and continued belief in this cause, has humbled so many of us. They are the future and the future will be brighter because of their heart and willingness to fight against all odds. Bob, Jim, Bear, Representative Karen Clark, and other Native Americans were at the site and participated in ceremony before the trees were cut in the afternoon. Leo and I stood in vigil with others behind police tapes, and witnessed. All day long I avoided the press and other officials, my heart was too heavy. When the first tree was cut it seemed to just fold within itself as it touched the ground. That was the hardest point of the day for me. So many people stood and cried in their grief. I held many people and was comforted by many people. We had done all that we could to save the Four Sacred Oaks. All of last week we made phone calls to officials, did research, tried in every way we could, even until the last minute Representative Karen Clark was trying to get a restraining order. As it grew dark, the last of the young people in the trees were taken down and arrested. 33 people went to jail, the last of them were released this morning. There are still many people who are facing court cases in the next few months and we must continue to pray and support them. Sunday we gathered at the Four Sacred Oaks for ceremony and to start to cut the wood. We started in the morning and ended when it got dark. The wood will be used in inipi's and for the Sundance in Pipestone. It is the last thing we can do to honor these grandfathers who stood as a beacon and brought people from all over the world and all races to this Sacred place to pray for understanding and acceptance of our people and spirituality. We are not finished, we still have the Sacred Spring to protect from their destruction, the road is not yet built. You can walk through this area and stand and see the land laid bare and ripped apart for the path of this road. The destruction starts at Minnehaha Park and continues through the area that the Elders spoke about in the affidavits and hearings. Across the world people have been there with their support and prayers, we are truly blessed as a people. From the Falls to the Spring it is Sacred to us. We will never forget. Pidamiya, Love Linda Reprinted under the
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Highway protesters accept plea deal/Trooper say camp to be cleared by end of year
Posted by [EMAIL PROTECTED] : link sent by Robert Quiver...thanks! Highway protesters accept plea deal 21 plead guilty to misdemeanor http://www.pioneerplanet.com/news/mtc_docs/030350.htm DAVID HAWLEY STAFF WRITER The trial of 23 people arrested last summer during protests against the Minnesota 55 reroute project came to an end on the first day Monday with a plea agreement to a petty misdemeanor. After singing and speeches in the atrium of the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the morning, 21 protesters accepted a plea agreement in the afternoon. Charges against the other two were dismissed. Those who entered a plea were given the choice of a $50 fine or eight hours of community service. ``There are no criminal records from this, and you can't put them on probation and demand they can't get arrested for that kind of thing again,'' said Jordan Kushner, attorney for the entire group. ``That is very important because they still want to defend the trees and not have to worry about jail time hanging over their head if they do that again.'' The highway opponents were arrested and charged with obstructing traffic and disobeying police during a July 27 demonstration at Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway in South Minneapolis. The arrests took place when protesters walked into the middle of Hiawatha Avenue, linked arms and sat down on the pavement. The defendants had planned to represent themselves in a mass trial, but Hennepin County District Judge Richard Sherer ruled Monday morning that any defendants acting as their own counsel would have to be tried separately. The alternative was for the defendants to be represented in a single trial by Kushner, who has handled the protesters' legal battles for more than a year. Jim Anderson, a leader of the protesters, said he was happy with the plea agreement. ``I think it worked out great for the taxpayers and for us,'' Anderson said. Highway opponents held a rally in the courthouse atrium before court proceedings and returned for singing during the lunch recess. Many of the defendants are part of an encampment that has occupied land in the route of the highway for the last 15 months. A spokesman for the Minnesota State Patrol said plans are under way to clear the camp before the end of the year. Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. <><><>> Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ <><><>>
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Ceremony to Protect the Sacred Sites
Posted by [EMAIL PROTECTED] : Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 21:17:12 -0600 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: power4u <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Ceremony to Protect the Sacred Sites Press Advisory*Press Advisory*Press Advisory*Press Advisory*Press Advisory*Press Advisory Who: The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community and their supporters What: Gathering at the Four Sacred Oaks Ceremony for Protection of this sacred site. Where: The Four Oaks Spiritual Encampment near the corner of Highway 55 and 54th St. behind theVeterans Administration Offices. When: Thursday, December 2nd 1999. 4:00 PM Central Time Zone, USA Why: Unless it is stopped, the Minnesota Department of Transportation's reroute of Highway 55 plans to desecrate this sacred site with bulldozers in the near future. The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community has just returned from Pipestone, Minnesota, where ceremonies were held to tell them how to protect the trees. Sundance Chief, Harry Charger held these ceremonies in Pipestone, and interpreted what it is that needs to be done to honor this place for what it truly is, a sacred site. We are inviting the Media and the public to document this so that the truth will stand, and the people of the world will understand why we struggle to protect this land, trees, water, and burial sites. No pictures will be taken during the ceremony. For the future generations and the sacredness of all life Press Contact: Jim Anderson (612) 910-0730 Camp Cell Phone (651) 398-5249 National Congress of American Indians Resolution #PSC-99-127 Title: Protection of Sacred Sites and Request for Federal Environmental Agency to Do a Comprehensive EIS Whereas, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution, and Whereas, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest national organization established in 1944 and comprised of representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and local Tribal concerns: and Whereas, the health safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and national resources are primary goals and objectives of NCAI, and Whereas, the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community is a non federally recognized tribe that has a history of living at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and Whereas, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act was passed in 1990 and does not include non federally recognized tribes, and Whereas, the state of Minnesota has not acted in good faith, and has spend federal funds on a highway and light rail that will destroy sacred sites, and Whereas, the state of Minnesota has violated the civil rights of tribal members and supporters from the Four Oaks Spiritual Encampment, including women and children. Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that NCAI does hereby request the Department of Justice to investigate the civil rights violations of tribal members and supporters of the Four Oaks Spiritual Encampment, and Be it Further Resolved, that NCAI does hereby request the Environmental Protection Agency to do a full supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on the site. Certification The forgoing resolution was adopted at the 1999 Annual Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, in Palm Springs, Calilfornia on October 3-8, 1999 with a quorum present. this resolution was faxed to us and was signed by Susan Masten, President of NCAI live simply - UNINTENDED RECIPIENTS - This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any other distribution, copying or disclosure is strictly prohibited. Nothing within this message should be construed as endorsing, promoting or abetting any illegal or unethical activity. -
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Update 11/29/99
Posted by [EMAIL PROTECTED] : rom: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: from imo-d05.mx.aol.com (imo-d05.mx.aol.com [205.188.157.37]) by a.mx.tdi.net (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id UAA88584 for <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Mon, 29 Nov 1999 20:55:32 -0500 (EST) Received: from [EMAIL PROTECTED] by imo-d05.mx.aol.com (mail_out_v24.4.) id v.0.3e46e251 (3968); Mon, 29 Nov 1999 20:44:23 -0500 (EST) Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 20:44:22 EST Subject: Fwd: pdate 11/29/99 Dear Friends, Saturday some of the Sundancers and other supporters went to Pipestone, Mn to meet with Harry Charger the Sundance Chief. They prayed together in the Sweat Lodge. Harry was told by the spirits that it is time to start Ceremonies at the Four Sacred Trees. Other Elders have told us this also, and so we will do as they have asked. We will start the Ceremonies at 4:00 PM on Thursday December 2nd, and we will hold pipe ceremonies Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at dusk. We invite any of you that can be there with us to join us, or pray with us at those times. Your prayers and support has always been very powerful and has meant so much to us. We have not given up ours prayers that the trees will be spared and we will continue to pray to the Creator for this, but we also know that this is the Creator's decision, not ours, we have done all that we can. We have reached out to the whole world and they have responded with support and prayers. The rest of the world knows what this place is. It will always be Sacred to the Dakota no matter what the State Government does to try and destroy it. We will continue our struggle to protect the Sacred Spring from damage or destruction for as long as it takes. Pidamiya, Love Linda Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. <><><>> Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ <><><>>
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: update from Highway 55
And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: From: power4u <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: update from Highway 55 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" Dear Friends, Leo and I returned from a trip to Washington D.C. last week. I will try to fill you in on what seems to be happening right now. After attending the National Congress of American Indians a few weeks ago, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma sponsored a resolution to call for an investigation into civil rights violations involving this issue and also for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to be prepared for this project. While we were in Washington, D.C. we had an opportunity to meet with the Justice Department, asking for an investigation into these abuses. We also met with some staff members of the Senators that sit on the United States Committee on Indian Affairs, at that time we asked for a hearing to be held on this issue, we feel that correct processes have yet to be done, because this project involves federal funds. I encourage you to contact the offices of these Senators and ask them to hold a hearing on this issue and the way that it has been handled by the State ! ! ! of M innesota. The senators we contacted are Minnesota State Senator Paul Wellstone, SH-136 Hart Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Office 202-224-8448, contact person Perry Lange E-mail, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Chairman, 838 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Office 202-224-2251, Fax/ 202-224-5429, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Vice Chairman, 838 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Office 202-224-2251, contact person, Kim Orr, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Harry Reid, 528 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Office 202-224-3542, Fax 202-224-7327, Contact Person, Carlos Blumberg, [EMAIL PROTECTED] We also met with one of Senator McCain's staff person asking that his office help support this hearing request. Senator John McCain, 241 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-0303, Office 202-224-2235, Fax 202-228-2862, contact person, Jill Peters, Jil! ! ! l_Pe [EMAIL PROTECTED] We continue to work on other governmental agencies contact persons that my be able to help us and I will update you as much as I can. As always we feel blessed by your support and prayers. Please continue to do what you can to help us. Pidamaya Love, Linda live simply - UNINTENDED RECIPIENTS - This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any other distribution, copying or disclosure is strictly prohibited. Nothing within this message should be construed as endorsing, promoting or abetting any illegal or unethical activity. -
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Urgent update 10/15/99
And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 23:40:35 EDT Subject: Fwd: Urgent update 10/15/99 Dear Friends, About mid morning I got a call that trees were being cut on the north end of Minnehaha Parkway. This is a road that runs behind the area where the houses were destroyed last December. MNDOTs strategy seems to be to come in a hit and get out pattern the last two weeks. They have been selectively cutting trees along an area anywhere from about 1-1/2mile to 1 block away from the encampment. I immediately started calling people to try to start the phone trees. I was not able to get to the encampment until around1-1:30 PM. While I was turning a corner from Hwy 62 [crosstown] onto Hwy 55 i noticed a state trooper sqaud car escorting a large piece of equipment down Hwy 55. Just a moment later I noticed a supporter riding his bicycle also heading in the same direction as the equipment, then I heard a short siren from two highway patrol cars that suddenly swerved up onto the curb and onto the sidewalk. I pulled into the driveway that enters off of hwy 55 into the Va/Bureau of Mines road, and watched from across the street as this young man was taken off his bike and taken into custody. I did not see him do anything worng, he was just riding along. I later learned that he had been follwoing the equipment and taking video tape of the equipment moving down the hwy with someone still locked down to the equipment. The state patrol also took the video camera. We were frantic to hear word of the young man that had locked down. This is something that has never been done before, someone being wisked out of the public view and taken behind locked gates to free him from the eqiupment. Many phone calls were made to media, lawyers, and public officials. We did learn from a reporter sometime later that both young men are now in custody. They are still in jail at this time as far as I know. Later I stood with some women on Riverview Rd. when two state patrl cars pulled under a tree that a supporter has been sitting in, one trooper got out of his car and put a large orange mark on the tree. Many of the trees in this area already have the mark of death on them, his intention seemed only to make this mark larger and more visible. we continued to stand there and more people joined us, at that time another squad car also pulled into the area. They all sat there for about 10 minutes, and then one of them pulled out of the area and turned towards Hwy 55 at a very fast speed. They other two left shortly after that going in a different direction, again driving very fast. They returned to the area after about 20-30 minutes, and then drove down a frontage road that runs behind the encampment. All three squads sat at the entrance to the encampment for about 15-20 minutes and then left. The squads have also been driving on an area that is not too far from the encampment, they just drive back and forth. This type of harrassment has been constant over the last couple of weeks. I will try to keep everyone updated as much as possible, but please check the websites for new information also. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA
And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 11:05:48 EDT Subject: MENDOTA Dear Friends, Things here have been really crazy, there have been more arrests with the police acting in a brutal manner. One young man was caught by himself last week and he ended up with a broken ankle, he was kicked during his arrest. We have asked anyone who has been visiable in our support to please not travel alone through this area. A week and a half a ago some of our supporters occupied a extremely large cottonwood tree that was slated to be cut down. Seven people went up into the tree to try to stop the destruction. Equipment was brought in to try to remove these kids, three of them were brought down and four remained for almost a week. This was after many of the lower branches were cut out from under the remaining four. squad cars were stationed 24 hours a day under the tree to prevent any food or water being brought to these kids. Police sat with their spot lights on the four all night to keep them awake, and to prevent any help from reaching them. Leo and I had to attend the National Congress of American Indians and only heard about much of this from our family and friends. We feel that we made some real progress and important contacts at the National Congress and we are planning strategies to continue our fight to save our sacred lands. The camp has been observation by state troopers constantly this week and we don't know when MNDOT plans to move on the encampment, but everyone feels it will be soon. Last week they came into remove trees within a block of the encampment. They would come in with one man with a chain saw and cut 10-15 trees, of course they also had state troopers sent in with him, the trees would be cut and then they quickly left before we had time to activate phone trees or call the media. We have managed to take some cuttings from these trees to prove how old some of the trees in this area really are. I hope that all of you will all continue your support and prayers, we really need them now. Take care everyone, Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: update 10/2/99
And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 2 Oct 1999 10:05:27 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dear friends, I'm leaving today for the National congress of American Indians, I hope that we will be able to reach some help with our Sacred Sites there. This week has been very upsetting about 30 people have been arrested and they are starting to cut trees near the four oaks. We don't know how much longer they will stand. Your prayers and support are greatly need now. I have to run, Love Linda
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: URGENT! MINNEHAHA UPDATE 10/1/99
And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: [Note: contents have not been verified...but seems urgent enough to be sending due to the history of this resistance...Ish] Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 21:52:25 -0500 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: power4u <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: URGENT! MINNEHAHA UPDATE 10/1/99 URGENT! MINNEHAHA UPDATE 10/1/99 This is the short version of everything that's going on because everything is totally insane right now and I can't spend too much time on here. COME TO MINNEHAHA IF YOU CAN! WE NEED PEOPLE! WE NEED YOU! On Monday a tripod was set up in the middle of Interstate Highway 55 to protest its proposed reroute. People then moved existing construction barricades into the street to shut down the highway. The road was shut down for blocks all day and we had a big ol' street party. One woman locked down to a hauling truck and blocked the front gate of the construction site so they couldn't do any more work. Seven people were up in an old=growth cottonwood tree that we thought they were planning to take down that day. At about 5:00, 60 state trooper cars came in. They arrested 13 people on the ground and attempted to evict and cut the squatted tree. They broke out the cherry pickers and fire truck ladders and wound up cutting the branches that people were still in, almost killing the sitters. 3 people from the tree were arrested, with one sent to the hospital. 4 people stayed up there. The police presence on the ground continued...they vowed to deprive the remaining sitters of all food and water, and they cut their lines so they can't get down safely. On Wednesday a group of college students opposed to the reroute took over the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation's offices. 12 people were arrested, and are still in jail. The troopers and MN/DoT and the contractors, in a retaliation move, went and cut thirteen trees on the site where the occupied houses used to be. One person was arrested trying to get up a tree (she is also still in jail), bringing the total number of arrests to 13...the same number of trees they cut. Today, we get the rumor that they're going to bring in the National Guard, armed with rubber bullets, to evict our occupation on Saturday. We don't know if this rumor is true, but we know something is going to happen. State trooper helicopters have been encircling camp all week, and state troopers on foot have been seen in the woods, scouting trails and tree sits. All tree sits are now being staffed 24 hours a day. 2 people came down from the cottomwood sit today and are in jail...the remaining 2 say they're in it foir the long haul. The troopers are still on the ground in an effort to starve them out. Things are escalating fast. Shit's going down more and more. More updates later as I get to a computer...or I'll call some of you from jail if I get arrested for the second time this week. NO COMPROMISE IN DEFENSE OF GRANDMOTHER EARTH! -Natalia. live simply - UNINTENDED RECIPIENTS - This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any other distribution, copying or disclosure is strictly prohibited. Nothing within this message should be construed as endorsing, promoting or abetting any illegal or unethical activity. -
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota Update
And now:LISN <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Subject: from Mendota (fwd) Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 11:06:44 -0500 (CDT) From: JRP <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Note from Dee: I'm glad I checked my mail before leaving my house! I am leaving this evening to go to ceremony and to Mendota. This message struck me as so important, taht I am forwarding it to just about everyone I know, so that everyone will have an opportunity to do something good here. Please forgive me if you receive this messaeg in duplicate. Please pass this messaeg along wherever you feel it might do good. JK or JR, please put this message on Usenet. Thanks -- Dee -- Forwarded message -- Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 11:07:28 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: from Mendota Dear friends, Just got back for Pow Wow and found this great letter. THought it was so beautiful I wanted to share it with you. Peace Diane Kerr From: "Canska Wi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Dear Brothers and Sisters! I returned this past week from Minneapolis. As many of you know I went = up there to help with the efforts to stop the planned desecration of the = Mendota sacred grounds. I do have some good news!! At this time the = situation is looking more hopeful with regards to support, especially in = the community. However there continues to be great need We are in need of LOTS more people there who are willing to help staff = the camp while the warriors place themselves in places designed to slow = or halt any further destruction/desecration of these sacred lands. There = is also need more warriors willing to put themselves in these situations = as well. The local Minneapolis press is, for the most part making it look like = the project is being contested by only a small group of "professional" = protesters who are of questionable character. This is not the case at = all! However, it is certainly the impression that is being given to the = public. While there are a number of socially & ecologically conscious = young people that have come to lend a helping hand, who may not have = such good credentials, there are a lot more involved that the press = doesn't appear to wish to talk about in the news articles. These people = whom the press doesn't mention are those that have left good jobs to = come, those that have regular employment, positions of respect and trust = within their communities, the respected elders and other that have come = to be a part of this effort. By not informing the public of these good people, the press coverage = results in good people of Minneapolis shaking their heads and shrugging = off the entire cause. It results in people thinking: "This is just = another crazy issue those dirty hippie no accounts on drugs, and radical = rabble rousers are doing that will end up costing me more in taxes!" = Well..I am here to tell you and make it perfectly clear that this = isn't so!! People need to understand the truth of the situation! At this time there is no clear end in sight and the current agenda is to = "keep on keeping on" until the re-route is cancelled. The purpose of this letter is to inform those of you that I write to on = a regular basis of what is going on up there! And to get your support in = a real and substantial ways. I am planning to head back up this coming = week. Taking as much food, clothing, and financial support as I can get = together. I guess one could say about anything available would be a big = help! Before I went to Minneapolis, I felt much like I imagine many of you may = feel: .. removed, separate, and not very concerned with this issue. = After all, it is way out in Minnesota, and it doesn't have much effect = on my daily life activities. I supported with my prayers and by = forwarding information to people, and I felt that I was really helping = out and that was enough! Well, let me tell you something. After going up there, seeing, meeting, = and working with these people - my attitude has changed!! I am praying = that I can now change yours. While there I met an intelligent 17 year old girl, with the most = beautiful smile, who recently graduated with honors from her high = school, and who was abused by the Minneapolis Police!!! Her hip was = dislocated as a result of her NON VIOLENT PEACEFULL PROTESTING!! She is = now facing the possibility of needing to have a hip replacement as a = result of her injuries and the fact that she was denied proper medical = care for a long period of time. What a tragic situation for this young = girl just beginning her life. I met and talked with another young girl = who had her head smashed into railroad tracks repeatedly, resulting in = multiple stitches being required to sew up her forehead! She also has = possible nerve damage in her mouth and multiple abrasions on her arms = legs and body. I met an elder who carries dark bruises across
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota: Update 8/8/99
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 9 Aug 1999 18:24:42 EDT Subject: Fwd: Update 8/8/99 Dear Friends, there have been no new arrests since Thursday, but we have been active in many ways since that time. Friday afternoon we filmed a local cable show called Healthy Nations News, this is produced by a Native American and will be shown on Minneapolis cable channel 33 every Sunday evening at 7:00PM through August. We addressed the brutally of the recent arrests and also the blatant racism shown by the local police here. Today Ken Bradley and I also spoke for an hour on a local radio station about the reasons the coalition are still fighting this road. We also had our 2nd Annual Pow Wow today, the weather was perfect, sunny and mild, over 300 people attended and we had a huge feast at five o'clock. Everyone who attended brought something to share and we never ran out of food, we are blessed with all the love and support from everyone who was there. This was a very joyous occasion for us all. Mike Haney made it back in town for this and of course added his wonderful touch to the festivities. Tuesday we will be having our one year anniversary of the encampment, and we are again working hard to make this as big a success. On a more somber note, I drove past the construction site yesterday and the destruction is overwhelming. All that remains in this area now is just overturned earth. No sign of the original beauty of this special place. Standing alone in middle of the destruction is a statue of Longfellow who of course made this place famous when he penned his poem about this area. But wait! someone has replanted trees in all this desolation, in front of the statue now stand four small trees, they don't offer much shade in comparison to the ones that were removed, but it warms my heart to see them there. Of course the machines may destroy them tomorrow, but a kind heart placed them there for all to see and lift our spirits. Thank you whoever you are. We are still here, we are still fighting, we will continue to fight. Please keep us in your prayers. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota Update
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 7 Aug 1999 14:15:02 EDT Subject: Mendota Update Dear Friends, I'm just writing a quick update to night as I am very tired. Today 8 people were arrested for locking down at the state capital rotunda. This was a independent action and the Mendota people and others in the coalition heard about this pretty much by watching the news tonight. There was also a 49 nine year old man arrested a few days ago, and no one seems to know who he is. I would like to some day thank him for doing something that his heart must have lead him to do. We held another rally today and we have joined in a coalition with some activists from the north side of the city who have been trying to get the city of Minneapolis to address affordable housing issues. Affordable housing is being torn down at a faster pace than new affordable housing is being built. This is taking place on the northern end of the same Highway 55 that we have been trying so desperately to stop the rerouting of on the south end. Isn't it amazing that our government is willing to spend millions upon millions of dollars for a road that almost nobody wants, and the working poor of the city are living on the streets or in shelters. Where are the elected DFLer's that dominate the politics of the city's priorities? Please continue to do all that you can, you are making a difference. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Urgent update 8/3/99
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 00:22:37 EDT
Subject: Fwd: Urgent update 8/3/99
Dear Friends, About twenty people went to court today. We requested the
police reports and we will not go back to court again to plead until Sept.
2, 1999, at 2PM most of our people who have been arrested will be in court
on that date and we would like to see alot of support at the courthouse at
that time. I will remind everyone of this at a later date. Alot is
happening right now that I can't talk about, but we are working feverishly
on additions to our coalition. Many people who had not gotten involved
before are working with us now. The Minnehaha Neighborhood met with MNDOT
officials tonight to express their displeasure with the cutting of so many
trees and also wood chips being dumped in the Creek. This after all of
MNDOT's assurances that they are always very careful of the environment
when they are involved with a project. Please keep the support and letters
and phone calls flowing. I received emails of support from the Netherlands
today, and also from Poland, the whole world is indeed watching. We are
trying to reach anyone who may have gotten a traffic ticket for honking
their horns in support of stop the reroute on Hiawatha avenue. We would
like to know how many and who was targeted for this petty tyranny. Please
contact Wally or Debra at 612-729-3871. Also even though we are still
desperately fighting this road we must continue to gather for enjoyment,
peace, worship, and celebration on the land as it has always been meant to
be used. We have to remember that we are caring human beings and need
these things in our lives in order to keep up the fight. Here are some
events we hope that any of you, who can, will attend. Thursday August 5,
5:00 PM Rally {just south of Minnehaha Creek} we will have speakers and
music and just relax for a few hours, if you live in the neighborhood,
please invite your friends and neighbors to join us. 2nd Annual Social
PowWow Sunday August 8th at 54th and Riverview road, just east of
Hiawatha, Grand Entry at 1:00 PM, Please bring a dish to share, feast at
5:00. Also our one year anniversary will be held at the encampment on
August 10th, celebration starts at 3:00PM and will go until dusk, Music,
Puppets, etc. again please bring a dish to share. We feel your support
and prayers, Pidamiya, Love Linda
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/
UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE
http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/
&&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA UPDATE
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1999 21:30:30 EDT Subject: MENDOTA UPDATE Dear Friends, Two more people were arrested today, one a juvenile who locked herself down to a piece of earth moving equipment. She was released right away, another was arrested riding her bike to take water to another young man locked down in an area that was cleared of trees last week. She is still being held in jail. We have talked with people who have received traffic tickets in the mail for honking their horns in support of Stop the Reroute, when driving along Hiawatha Ave., the state will find any petty way they can to silence us, or to stop people from showing their support. The supporters who were arrested Monday went to court today and asked for jury trials, their court dates were moved to September 1st. About twenty people will go to court tomorrow. They have made everyone who bailed out of jail sign papers stating they would not go back to the construction site or interfere with the construction. Is it constitutional for the state to be able to keep people out of public places? We are receiving Email from all over the world, Germany, Hawaii, France, We are still in need of any help you can give us. Letters to Government officials, both state and federal, phone calls, celebrities, we need expert lawyers for civil rights cases and treaty rights cases, any names or organization who can help please forward. Pray with us, Love Linda 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Update 7/31/99
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] << Subj: Update 7/31/99 Date: 7/31/1999 6:56:56 PM Central Daylight Time From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Leo, Linda and Justin) Dear Friends, it is Saturday afternoon and all is quiet for the time being. Everyone is out of jail now, including the young supporter that was jailed for a second time for simply being in a public place, he wasn't even in the park he was in front of a ice cream shop a 1/2 block away from the park. He refused to eat or drink while he was jailed the second time and was again taken before a judge Friday morning, but was not released until 10:00 pm Friday night. Emily the young girl who we were told had her head slammed against a squad car, it was actually a wooden railroad tie, spent 8 hrs at the hospital being xrayed and having an MRI done, while her sister and lawyer tried desperately to find out where she was and how she was, were given no information on her condition by the authorities. The Doctors at the hospital suggested strongly to her that she bail out of jail. All work stopped on the area for now, and MNDOT says that no more trees are scheduled to be destroyed for a few weeks, right now there are supporters living in the trees that are next slated to be destroyed. We had heard that McCrossan was to start their work on the land tunnel, which will cost the tax payers 9 million dollars, on Wednesday or Thursday of last week, but we haven't seen hide nor hair of them yet. I talked with many area residents last week and many are shocked, saddened and outraged at the destruction of their beloved park. We held a press conference and rally Thursday evening and we had hundreds of people show up including the two young women that have been seriously injured by the police's brutal assaults. Hundreds of people driving by honked their horns in support The police presence at the park has been scaled back, but we will expect them back in full force when the construction on the tunnel starts, probably next week. Your support and prayers, have been so important to us, we are hearing of thousands of letters being sent and phone calls being made. We are building new allies everyday, because of all of you out there that care so much. Yesterday we had visitors from Hawaii at the camp and more people from all over the states are stopping to pray with us. I can't tell you how overwhelming the outpouring of support has been. We keep all of you in our prayers. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota Sacred SItes update
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 04:51:39 EDT Subject: Mendota Sacred Sites update Dear Friends, Over 30 trees where cut down today, and many arrested. As reported earlier, Darlene Jackson was arrested. Darlene is a very petite little woman who looks like a strong wind could blow her over but she has a soul of IRON! She is an elder for the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota and this sweet little woman was brutally arrested for sitting peacefully in the street as her way of demonstrating her disapproval of this insane act of destruction. It is interesting to note that when Darlene sat down, many joined her and it was reported to me that another older woman who is also an elder was picked up but put back on the curb. She was not arrested. But then again she was not an Indian. It seems that Indians where especially focused on. Isn't it amazing that a few Indians, some old women and a bunch of kids could be treated with such anger, such brutality, such rage. Guess why? Because they had the audacity to say that killing ancient oak trees is wrong! That Indians deserve to keep their Sacred Sites and that we the people have a right to take a stand against more urban sprawl which we have had enough of don't you think? Ok, guess why there is such an interest in destroying the environment, chopping down ancient trees, and destroying sites that are sacred to the original citizens of this land? They will tell you it is progress! That isn't the real answer,,, the real answer is always the same one. MONEY Thats all. So know that when they use force, deaf ears, brutality and destruction, it is all because of MONEY!!! The god that is secretly worshipped under the guise of progress. The god who has temples all across this land called shopping malls. The god who wants a faster road to the master temple, the MALL OF AMERICA. What happens when this god wants your land? your church? your children? what then? The Indians of this land are like the canaries in the mine. They should be thanked profusely for warning us that this god is the god of death and it's reach is closer than you think. Wake up! Wake up! Wake up before it is too late. This is one world. What happens here in Minneapolis affects the whole world! Just closing your windows and doors doesn't make it go away. They are doing this to YOUR world! Come and help us. We need your support, monetarily, spiritually, physically however you can. This is not about coming and helping Indians, or some more Sacred Sites, or some Oak trees, this is about saving a part of the world that none of us should have to lose. This is about survival. It is the time to say no more. No more exploitation, no more disregard for our environment, the planet is only a small little garden floating in the universe, are we going to let it become covered with asphalt because a bunch of greedy people thought it was a good financial idea? Enough! For those of you who have not seen this land it is hard to understand the passion here. Imagine huge old oaks with dark green canopies. Imagine lying on your back under these ancient trees and feeling sheltered by the branches as they curve up into a blue sky. Butterflies float by. Birds are singing. It reminds me of being a kid in the country. It is secure and welcoming and beautiful. The spirit of the four trees is overwhelming. Just standing in that circle feels like standing in a cathedral in a way. The spring, how can I share with you how serene it is. So pure and sweet with ducks and the sound of water spilling over the bank to the Mississippi below. How peaceful and ancient this spot is. How could they have ever thought that putting a highway through all of this was a good idea? Nuts. Thanks for hearing me out. I needed to share with you tonight. I dread to think of what tomorrow will bring. Pray for us. Diane Kerr 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA URGENT RELEASE
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999 10:35:27 EDT Subject: MENDOTA URGENT RELEASE THIS MORNING, POLICE ARRESTED ALL OF THE INDIAN LEADERSHIP. MOMENTS AGO, JIM ANDERSON, LEO, BEAR AND OTHERS WERE ARRESTED TRYING TO PROTECT OUR ELDER DARLENE WHO HAD PEACEFULLY SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE POLICE WERE BARRICADING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET AND THE CONGREGATION OF PROTESTORS WHERE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET. WHEN PEOPLE TRIED TO PROTECT DARLENE, THE POLICE ARRESTED ALL OF THEM INCLUDING OUR FRAIL LITTLE ELDER DARLENE. MANY WHO WERE ARRESTED WHERE JUST STANDING THERE BUT WERE PICKED OUT BECAUSE THEY ARE IDENTIFIABLLY INDIAN AND OBVIOSLY KNOWN TO THE POLICE AS LEADERS. THIS IS A DISGRACE! HOW CAN THE WORLD ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN? WE NEED PEOPLE. PLEASE IF THERE IS ANYWAY YOU CAN COME HERE NOW IS THE TIME. WE NEED PEOPLE WHO CAN MAKE A STATEMENT JUST BY BEING THERE. ALL OF THIS ACTIVITY IS NEAR THE SITES BUT NOW MORE THAN EVER WE NEED PEOPLE AT THE SACRED SITES TO PROTECT THEM. YOU CAN FIND US BY COMING TO HIAWATHA AND 54TH AVE. TURN LEFT ON 54TH AND RIGHT AFTER THE VA HOSPITAL DRIVEWAY AND PARKING LOT THERE IS ANOTHER LITTLE ROAD TO THE LEFT, TURN HERE AND LOOK FOR A YELLOW SCHOOL BUS AND TIPI ON YOUR RIGHT. IF LOST, JUST ASK, SOMEONE WILL DIRECT YOU. YOU CAN EMAIL ME FOR INFO SPECIFICALLY IF YOU WANT. PRAY! DIANE KERR (TANSKI) 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: TREES BEING CUT, AND ARRESTS AT THE SITE OF HWY 55 PROTEST
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 12:35:05 +0100 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (power4u) Subject: TREES BEING CUT, AND ARRESTS AT THE SITE OF HWY 55 PROTEST It is 12:30 on Moinday the 26th of july, 1999. At the campaign to stop the reroute of Hwy 55 in Minneapolis there already have been AT LEAST 5 ARRESTS AND SEVERAL TREES CUT IN MINNEHAHA PARK. YES, IN THE PARK! MNDOT HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY ARE A ROGUE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY COMMITTED TO A TWISTED SENSE OF PROGRESS AND WILLING TO IGNORE THE WILL AND THE SFETY OF THE PEOPLE AS WELL AS OUR HISTORY AND THE SACRED NATURE OF THIS LAND. THE EARTH IS CRYING OUT FOR HELP, AND WE NEED EVBERYONE TO RESPOND AND TAKE THE PLACE OF OUR IMPRISONED WARRIORS. TO GET INVOLVED PLEASE CALL 612-910-0730 (JIM ANDERSON OF THE MENDOTA MDEWAKANTON DAKOTA) 651-398-5249 (PRESS CALLS AND EMERGENCIES ONLY) 612-879-8929 -- MEDIA AND VOLUNTEER BASE NUMBER OFF SITE OF THE CAMP. PLEASE COME DOWN TYO THE SITE AND JOIN THE RESISTANCE. WE NEED HELP, NOW! PIDAMIYA live simply 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 23:37:09 EDT Subject: Mendota Dear Friends, sorry I've been off the air for so long, this is again a very busy time, I will try to fill you in. Last Friday Leo and I attended a public reception for the Federal Transit Authority held in Minneapolis, this has to do with the light rail system that is to run adjacent to the raod for most of the project. I talked with a Mr. Gordon Lenton from the FTA and expressed to him our concerns as Dakota people about the reroute and the Berger report. We have a report that we recieved recently that does a very good job of critiquing Mr. Hotopps report, and shows how biased this whole study was. He has asked me to send this report along to his office. Letters can be sent to Mr. Gordon J. Lenton, administrator, Federal Transit Admintration, Dept. of Transporation, 400 7th St. S.W., #9328, Washington, D.C. 20590, 202-366-4043 and also Mr. Joe Ettinger, Regional Administrator, Dept of Transportation, 200 W. Adam St. #2410, Chicago, Ill 60606, 312-353-2789, we will also be sending this report to many Federal level as well as State level Officials, and will try to get this on one of the Web sites or published in some way so everyone can see it. Our community also participated in Mendota Days last Saturday, this is one of the oldest towns in Minnesota and is where many of our parents and grandparents lived and are buried. We had a float with dancers and a drum group, also sold frybread, Indian tacos, corn, water and pop to help with our fund raising efforts, also a very good friend and supporter played with music with two others to help entertain people who came to see us and support us. It was alot of work, but we also enjoyed this day immensely. The preliminary report from Kelton Barr, who is the independent consultant the the Watershed hired, is ready and there is another meeting tonight, I will update you on the results after the meeting. This Saturday there is to be a picnic at Minnehaha Park by the pavilion for the stop the reroute supporters, it will start at 1:00 PM, there will be speakers and entertaiment, everyone is welcome, please bring your own picnic, and spread the word. We are also planning a social Pow Wow at the site, sometime in the 1st weeks of August, I will let you know the details later.Some of the oral testimony that was recorded from the Elders and others who came here to support us, and speak before MNDOT and Mr. Hotopp will be played on public cable in Minneapolis, these are the dates, time and channels. Wednesday 7/28/99, 10:00PM Channels 58A and 36B, Thursday 8/5/99, 6PM, channel 33, and 8/12/99, 5:30PM, channel 33, I have been told that 78,000 people may be watching these channels at any given time so this is great exposure for this testimony supporting our stand on the sacredness of this land. If you would like to request that this be played at further dates please contact John Akre at 612-331-8575 ext 312. MNDOT has hired McCrossan Construction Company to start the 1st phase of the road construction and they have had surveyors out by the falls area to lay out the road that will detour traffic from this area to I believe 34th ave. some of our supporters have been picnicing and playing frisbee in this area to try to detract the surveyors, we have now heard that McCrossan is hiring private security[goon squads] in large numbers to move this project along. Why are they so afraid of a few peaceful activists? There is to be a concert this Friday night [July 16th}at Walker Church is South Minneapolis, "Papa John Kolstad and Friends" will be playing to raise money for the Park and River Alliance and the Stop the Reroute coalition, they will ask for a $10.00 dollar donation at the door. this is a very worthy cause and I hope many of you will come and enjoy this event with us. The Mendota recently recieved a donation of over $300.00 dollars,some folks held a garage sell and sent the proceeds to us to help with our expenses for the encampment and other expenses that we incurr in trying to get the word out and fight this road. This kind of grass roots support is so important to us, I wanted to thank all of you once again for all your support and prayers. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA NEWSFLASH
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 3 Jul 1999 00:50:01 EDT Subject: MENDOTA NEWSFLASH ~~~ ~~~ Mendota Newsflash ~~~ ~~~ Dear Friends, I attended the Minnehaha Watershed District meeting last night and I am still reeling from what happened there. The Managers hired a independent consultant for a hydro-geology study, this gentleman stated that a study would take more than a year to do as they would need to monitor the "seeps" within the Minnehaha Gorge and the water flow to the Coldwater Spring, and that it would take two weeks to do a preliminary study of all the material that had been submitted so far by MNDOT to see if there was any red flags that should be addressed right away. At this time the managers voted to grant the permit for MNDOT to start work immediately on the 46th St area as they felt that this is far enough away from the Creek to not cause it any damage and they would look at their consultant's preliminary report in two weeks time and address any concerns at that time. MNDOT used the same tactics that have used against the Parkboard, threatening to sue the Watershed if they delayed their vote any longer, MNDOT stated they had to start the project within a week or their start time would be delayed until next year. Since they had already let the bids out on this portion of the project, MNDOT would then be threatened with breach of contract from the contractors, [if this is the case, then why did they let the bids out before they had the correct permits to start the project?] this is once again pressure tactics from MNDOT to get the road started at any cost. If proper studies for the Hydro-geology will take a year, then why did MNDOT wait until a month before they started this project to apply for the permit from the Watershed? They also used the scare tactic that a delay in the road project would jeopardize the light rail funding, this is the same tactic they used against us in our quest for legislation to protect these important natural resources. At the time of MNDOTs press conference when they stated,[ in spite of all the Elders testimony and affidavits, that there were no sacred sites in the path of the road, and although they have no right to determine what is sacred to Native American people] that the road and the light rail funding are totally separate issues and that even if they didn't get light rail the road would still be built. Time and time again we have heard "this road has been in the planning for 35 years". How long does it take for our government agencies to understand that if there has been opposition to this road and it has taken this long, and they only are able to get their plan accepted by constantly threatening law suits or applying tremendous political pressure against any agency that would stand against them, that maybe it is a flawed plan, They have had 35 years to find another way to do this project, yet in all that time they have totally ignored any and all opposition to this road. 30 Different citizen groups, representing thousands of Minnesotans, a petition with over 10,000 signatures, constant lawsuits filed by concerned citizens of the state. Nevermind that it is illegal to build a road through park land unless there is no other alternative. They do have the alternative to build the road on the current alignment. If the Light Rail is being built in this corridor to get people out of their cars and using public transit, then why do we need a road that is designed to almost double the automobile traffic through this environmentally, historically, and culturally significant area. This is the legacy that the State Government will impose on the people of the State of Minnesota. A major visual and perhaps environmental impact on a the first State Park in this country, the desecration and destruction of Native American Sacred Sites. This destruction will start next week. Although we are constantly faced with the overwhelming political and financially superior pressures that are being applied on MNDOT's behalf, of course MNDOT has the money to do this by using our tax dollars against us. I will always believe that the rerouting of this road is morally wrong, and I, and I hope all of you will continue to do whatever we are capable of doing to right this wrong against the Native American and White citizens of this state. Pidamiya, Love and Prayers, Linda - 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: update 6/29/99 newflash
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 21:14:23 EDT Subject: Fwd: update 6/29/99 new flash Dear Friends, There will be another Watershed Meeting this Thursday July 1st at 6:30PM at the Minnetonka City Hall. I did not make it to the last meeting and have been waiting for a copy of the transcript from that meeting to pass on info to you, we have not been able to get a final approved and corrected copy, I do know that they had some conditions and concerns about the project. I will let you know what these are when I get the copy of the meeting minutes. It is important that as many people as possible show up for these meetings. "Green Cities" the organization that filed a law suit against the parkboard's decision to transfer the Minnehaha Park land to MNDOT so they can build the road through the park, is trying to raise the money to appeal Judge Lang's decision that this was legal. I will find out an address for contributions if anyone would like to help with this. We are still working on some things on the Federal level I will let you know more on this later. We are still requesting that you write letters to the Federal officials whose addresses were sent in earlier emails. The bids have gone out for the road starting at 46th St to 52nd St. and they are saying that the bids for the road from 52nd St to Hwy 62 will be let at the end of July. Time grows short. Your prayers and support are still needed. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA NEWSFLASH
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 08:53:43 EDT Subject: MENDOTA NEWSFLASH MENDOTA NEWSFLASH Dear Friends, I received some calls tonight about information on World Peace and Prayer Day, after checking some of the web sites I realized that I neglected to put this information out for you, my apologies. We have been distributing posters all over the city but I wanted to include all of you. We will be gathering for ceremony at Coldwater Spring at 9:30 am Monday morning June 21st and then we will have a feast after the ceremonies, the spring is located east of Hiawatha Ave.[ Hwy 55] on 56st Street[ there is a sign that says Bureau of Mines] also just a short distance from the encampment, if you have any questions please call me at 612-944-7290, please bring a dish to share as of right now we have no idea how many people will be able to join us. We ask that you join us in prayer at 10 am wherever you are if you cannot be with us, people all over the globe will all be praying at the same time. Also we ask that women who come please wear long skirts and no tank type tops. I hope that our prayers are able to move the world and its people. Pidamiya, Love Linda Dear Friends, I have more info for you on the Minnehaha Creek Watershed Managers, eric Evenson, District Manager, email [EMAIL PROTECTED], Pamela Blixt, President MCWD email [EMAIL PROTECTED], Malcolm Reid, Vice President MCWD email [EMAIL PROTECTED], Lance Fisher, Secretary MCWD, email [EMAIL PROTECTED], Monica Gross, Treasurer MCWD fax 612-922-6652, Manager Jim Calkins email [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Manager Scott Thomas email [EMAIL PROTECTED], Manager Tom LaBounty Fax 612-471-0682, Or mail letters to 2500 Shadywood Road, Excelsior, MN 55331, Phone 612-471-0590, MCWD managers are political appointees [not elected] considered volunterrs, paid $55/meeting. MCWD web site is www.minnehahacreek.org. Next meeting is Tues June 22, 1999 6;30 Minnetonka City Hall. Also I hope to see you at World Peace and Prayer Day, June 21st 9:30 am at the Coldwater Spring. We are hearing rumors of a raid on the encampment this weekend. Are they so afraid of a Peaceful Prayer vigil that they have to respond once again with violence? Prayers will be sent to the creator at the same time all around the world and a raid at this time would only draw negative attention to this issue for Government Officials once again. Please pray with us wherever you may be. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: 10TH ANNIVERSARY
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 10:31:06 EDT Dear friends, the 10th month anniversary of the occupation of this sacred land was a wonderful opportunity for us to get together and use the land as it has always been meant to be used, for celebration, prayers and ceremony. Thunder Nation Drum group once again gave their support as they have always done for us, it was a great honor for all of us to have them there. You could feel the response from the land and the people to the singing and drumming it was an incredible experience. We also need to thank the Heart of Beast Puppet theater for performing for us, the kids and adults were quite spell bound by their play, they too have always been there for us. It was wonderful to see old friends and supporters relaxing and having a good time together. Some of us had to leave early to attend the Minnehaha Watershed Meeting. This meeting lasted until midnight and MNDOT was there in full force with engineers, designers, and consultants. The Managers of the commission had many tough questions and I feel that some of them would like to see this project stopped. We of course have never had the money to hire specialists to create enough doubts, but one of our supporters who is a hydrogeologist did respond to MNDOT quite well. The rest of us could only speak from our hearts about the immorality of this road and how it would affect the people and youth who live in the inner-city and use this park as a place of refuge from the concrete jungle they live in.Why is it always the people with no political power or money that are the ones who suffer the most from these kinds of projects? We need to let the political people that support this monstrosity know that we will work as a group when next they run for office and that we will fight against their reelection.. Many of them live in the city and yet they turn their backs on the destruction this road will cause throughout this fragile and beautiful area. The Watershed Commission decided to postpone their decision on the permit until their June 22nd meeting. They will take no more oral testimony, but it's not too late to write and let them know how damaging this project would be to the creek and falls and park, please let them know how you feel about this project. Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Managers, 2500 Shadywood Rd. Orono, MN 55331. Also we would like as many people as possible to come to the June 22nd meeting to show your support. Every delay is a few days longer for the trees and land to survive. Please join us for the Wednesday night spiritual walks whenever you can, this is an opportunity for us to be together and support each other and the land. Please visit the encampment whenever you can, it is so important that the grandfathers know that we support the land and we desperately need their help in saving this sacred place. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: CELEBRATION!
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 10:05:55 EDT Subject: CELEBRATION! CELEBRATION you are invited to come and celebrate the 10th month of occupation anniversary! WHERE: at the encampment behind the VA administration Buildings. Between 54th St. and 56th St. East of Hiawatha Avenue. WHEN: Thursday June 10th at 4 p.m. ENTERTAINMENT: Thunder Nation Drum Group and Heart Of the Beast Puppets. WHAT TO BRING: Something yummy to share with others. Anything else you would like to share. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 10:11:41 EDT Subject: MENDOTA NEWS Dear friends, I wanted to let you know about some things that are happening this week. We will continue to do a spiritual walk every Wednesday night [weather permitting] we will gather at the Trail Head on 54th St., this is two blocks east of Hiawatha Ave. on 54th St., we will meet at 7:00 PM every Wednesday night and we will walk the two mile route of the current Hiawatha roadbed, from Hwy 62 to 46th St. There we will gather for prayers, and friendship. We ask that you bring hand drums, signs or banners etc. and please leave our four legged friends at home. Also wanted to let everyone know that Thursday June 10th will be the 10 month anniversary of the occupation. We will be gathering at the encampment for celebration at around 4:00 PM. Please join us if you can. Thursday night is also the night that the Minnehaha Watershed District meeting will decide whether they will grant MNDOT a permit to build the rerouted road through Minnehaha Park, so this is also an important meeting, I believe they meet around 6:30 at the Minnetonka City Offices, this is just west of 494 on county road 5 [Minnetonka Blvd.] [ the sign says Minnetonka Civic Center]. Hennepin county Judge Lang has not released a verdict whether the transfer of land between the Minneapolis Park Board and MNDOT is legal yet. We may hear something on this issue this week. We are still continuing our vigil, and we are always grateful for your prayers and support, time is growing short and we asked that you continue to help in any way you are able. Pidamiya, love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA UPDATE
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 20:18:51 EDT Subject: MENDOTA UPDATE MENDOTA UPDATE Dear Friends, Recently the 8th court of appeals decided that the statute of limitations had run out on the Park and River Alliance lawsuit and they would not reopen the case. we heard about this on Tuesday May 25th. This was one of several lawsuits that have been filed against this road. MNDOT never did do a Enviromental Impact Study on the land south of 54th ST., but because this was dismissed on a technicality, doesn't make MNDOT's position on this issue correct, it only gets them legally off the hook, not morally. Hennepin County Judge Lajune Lang heard arguments and took testimony from both our supporters and also MNDOT and the Park Board on Tues morning. Our supporters felt that she would look at this in a fair way and not just rubber stamp the decision to swap the land between the parkboard and MNDOT. MNDOT needs this land in order to build the road through Minnehaha Park. Which is a totally illegal act! There is a meeting tonight involving the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's granting permeits to MNDOT to build this road, how are they able to make a decision at this time when the land does not belong to MNDOT yet! meeting takes place at Minnetonka City Hall, West of I-494 on couty road 5 [Minnetonka Blvd] at 6:30 PM, Citizen's comments will be heard. I'm sorry this notification is so late, but sometimes I don't get the notices right away. We are a coalition of ordinary people that have jobs, homes, families and we are working against people who have alot of money and power and we can only do the best we can. It seems unfair that our tax dollars can be spent in any way possible by a state agency against us and yet there is no state money available for citizens to oppose these kinds of project, we are only able to do these things in our spare time, with small citizen contributions of time and money. But we will continue the fight against all odds, this is the only way we have to accomplish the things we care about. The spiritual walk that took place last night, was very healing and helped renew our energy. About 100 people showed up and it was nice to be together without all the pressure and constant tension that we all seem to feel. Time is growing short. We would like to do one of these walks once a week and I will let you know what night and time it will be held and where we will meet. It was very affirming to watch all the people that live in the area, come and join us, or honk or wave in support of our cause. One woman stood in on her steps and cried as we walked by. There are many people out there that have opposed this raod for so many years, many of them support us but have a overhelming feeling of defeat because they have fought for so long. If these walks can touch them then all is not lost. Our Government Officials need to hear from us constantly, I enclose some names for you to call or write. Governer Jesse Ventura, State Capitol Building, 75 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-297-9500, Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg, MNDOT, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-3000, fax 651-296-3587, Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, 350 S. 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415, 612-673-2100, U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, 136 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington D.C. 20510, 202-224-5641, fax 202-224-8438, Mr. Alan Steger, Division Administrator, FHWA & Sheryl Martin, Galtier Plaza, Suite 500 175 E. 5th St., St Paul, MN 55101, 651-291-6100, Bruce Eberly, Historic Preservatin Officer, FHWA, C/O HEP -40, room 3240, Washington D.C. 20590, 202-366-2060, Ann Boland, National Register of Historic Preservation, Dept of the Interior, Box 37127, Washington D.C. 20013-7127, 202-343-9500, Bruce Babbit, Secretary of the Interior, Dept. of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington D.C. 20240, 202208-7351, President William Clinton, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, DC 20500, 202-4565-1414, Vice President Al Gore, The shite House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC, 20500, 202-456-1414, Janet Reno, U.S. Attorney General, Justice Dept., 600 E. St. NW, Washington,DC 20090, 202-737-5214. We need to let these people know that we are aware that there are laws against taking of parkland for roads, and that MNDOT's statement that there are no sacred sites in the way of the road is incorrect. Our Elders testified through affidavits and oral testimony presented to MNDOT officials and also Mr. Hotopp the archeologist that did the determination on the trees, that all this land is sacred including the trees, and no one including MNDOT has the right to determine what is sacred to Native Americans except Native Americans. It has only been a little over 20 years since legislation was passed in this country to protect Native Americans right to practice their re
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota press conference tomorrow
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 12:42:25 EDT Subject: Mendota press conference tomorrow Dear Friends, Just got this in. Press Conference at the State Office Building, in room 181. Representative Mark Gleason will be there. We need to be there, every single one of us whether in person if at all possible, or in prayer. This is so important that we show the world that we will not be silenced. That we do believe that these sites are Sacred. That our elders are not liars! How dare they say these sites are not sacred after days of testemony by elders and tribes who have known about these sites for centuries! Lets be there! Lets stand up for the truth! Peace Diane 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Update 5/21/99
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 03:32:49 EDT Subject: Fwd: Update 5/21/99 Dear Friends, sorry I have been off the air for so long. I'll try to fill you as to what has happened lately. The Amendment was never attached to a bill. Rep. Mark Gleason tried at one point but before any discussion took place Rep. Wes Skoglund stood up immediately and ask that it be found not germane to the bill we were trying to get it attached to. This was the same bill that it was ruled germane in the Senate. Rep. Gleason and also Rep. Satveer Chaudhary tried to speak about it's being germane but Speaker of the House Sviggum ruled against us. Our supporters at that time sacrambled to find another bill that it could be attached to. They did find another bill whose author was willing to look at our amendment as friendly. Our supporters waited until after midnight Monday night waiting to see if this would be brought up on the floor, but unfortunately we ran out of time. I want to thank everyone who supported us so fervently on this legislation, I'm filled with sadness that we couldn't get this accomplished. We have only the greatest admiration and respect for the Representatives and Senators that worked so hard and hung in there with us even though this was not a popular stance for them to take. Please take the time to thank Representative Karen Clark, Representative Mark Gleason, Representative Satveer Chaudhary, Senators Ellen Anderson, Senator Linda Berglin, Senator Gary Laidig, and even Senator Jane Ranum. We also sincerely thank our die hard lobbyists that worked so very hard right up until the very end, Diane, Anne, Mary, and of course John. We did submit our own report to the State Historic Preservatin Office this week and we should find out the results of their recommendation by the end of next week. I will email the context of the cover letter out in a few days with some recommendations for actions that people may take to help, I feel we may have to continue to put alot of pressure on the Federal level, with continued letters, and emails. We continue our vigil and ask again for your support and prayers. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: update 5/12/99 newflash
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 13 May 1999 02:13:13 EDT Subject: Fwd: update 5/12/99 newflash Dear Friends, sorry I have been off the air for so long. We are feverishly working on our own report to summit to the Minnesota Historic Preservation Office. It should be ready to summit soon. The bill in the House of Representatives may be heard tommorrow and we will try to get our amendment attached to it. I hear that MNDOT has their own team over at the legislatures trying to counteract our lobbying efforts. I understand that all our websites are being monitored by officials, we knew this was a risk when we decided to tell the world about what is happening here. So, If my updates aren't as open or as frequent as they once were, please forgive me. We still desparately need your support and prayers. please don't hesitate to call me if you need more detailed info. We will not quit. The 8th court of appeals heard oral arguments today for the Park and River Alliance lawsuit. We are anxiously waiting their decision, this may take up to 4-6 weeks before we hear. We are still waiting for the Hennepin courts hearing on why Minnehaha Park land should not be transfered to MNDOT for this road. Our supporters here are still working on ways to stop this road. We continue to ask for your support and prayers. Pidamiya, Love Linda 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Imminent Raid on the Minnehaha Spiritual Encampment
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: KOLA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [FN] Imminent Raid on the Minnehaha Spiritual Encampment >X-Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Unverified) >Date: Fri, 7 May 1999 13:28:59 +0100 >To: <> >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (power4u) >Subject: Imminent Raid on the Minnehaha Spiritual Encampment > >Greetings, > >Today, Friday May 6th, high level officials from the Minnesota Department >of Transportation placed NO TRESSPASSING signs around the encampment near >the four sacred oaks that has become known as the Minnehaha Liberation. We >expect a raid will soon follow. The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community, >American Indian Movement, and Earth First! are preparing for the defense of >the land from the bulldozers. > >Please attend our non-violence and civil-disobedience training down at the >Encampment this Saturday May 7th at NOON. The training will last a few >hours. Please contact your officials and spiritual elders and let them >know that the whole world is watching, and that you do not want to see this >sacred land desecrated and destroyed by the bulldozers in the name of >American convenience. > >for the future generations. > >for more information and directions to camp, call Jim Anderson, Cultural >Chairman of the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community at (612) 910-0730 > >live simply > > > > 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/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA UPDATE
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 23:53:55 EDT Subject: Fwd: MENDOTA UPDATE ~~~ ~~~ MENDOTA UPDATE ~~~ ~~~ Dear Friends, I spent some time at the capitol today, along with some others who have been there since Tuesday working on the revival of the resolution. We still have alot of support from some of the Senators and Representatives and I believe it is time for everyone to start calling their own Representatives and Senators asking that they support this resolution. We have figured out a way for this to be heard on the full floor. Unfortunately we do not have the time to personally visit with each of these legislators and must once again rely on your help. Please make some time over the next week to call your own House and Senate representatives. If you live in Minnesota, and ask them to support a floor hearing, and also vote to help us protect this very important and sacred area. We need some Native American constituents as well as anyone who may live in Senator Linda Higgins district, North Minneapolis, zip 55411-3226, phone 651-296-9246, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Call or email her asap about this issue. It is very important that everyone contact these people but extremely important if you live in the State of MN. If they tell you this is a dead resolution assure them that we still have many friends at the capitol and we have found a way for this to be heard or voted on. Please remember it is very important that this be handled in a diplomatic way. The Minneapolis park board met on Tues. night and our supporters were able to speak at this for a few minutes each. It is again very important that these commissioners hear from everyone, but especially from residents of Minneapolis. The critical vote on the land transfer to MNDOT takes place on Wednesday April 21st. I will list the names and phone #s of the people that still need to be contacted. I believe these # are their voice mail #s, If they are full you can talk to the secretary and ask her to take messages. At large Commissioner Bob Fine, 612-673-5387, District 1 Commissioner Walt Dziedzic 612-673-5319, District2 Commissioner Ernie Belton 612-673-5330, District 4 Commissioner Vivian Mason 612-673-5384, District 5 Commissioner Edward Solomon 612-673-5385, District 6 Commissioner Scott Neiman 612-673-5386. Please make these calls this week and next. There are Commissioners who are on our side I have not listed them with the others. If you would like to thank them here they are; At large Commissioner Rochelle Berry Graves 612-673-5388, at large Commissioner Annie Young [she has requested no more phone calls] District 3 Commissioner Dean Zimmerman. We are planning a large Earth Day celebration at the park , it will be a bring your own picnic, It is critical that we get as many people as possible there between 12 noon and 2PM as this is the period that the press will be there, and we would like to make this event as large as possible. There will be activities and fun all afternoon and everyone is welcome to join in, bring the folks, bring the kids, bring your friends, and lets make this a special celebration of the Park and all the connecting green space that needs to be saved. We will send you the date very soon. Thanks once again for your time, efforts and prayers, Pidamiya, Love Linda Return-path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Full-name: DMKERR9 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 23:51:51 EDT Subject: MENDOTA UPDATE To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" X-Mailer: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 214 Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ~~~ ~~~ MENDOTA UPDATE ~~~ ~~~ Dear Friends, I spent some time at the capitol today, along with some others who have been there since Tuesday working on the revival of the resolution. We still have alot of support from some of the Senators and Representatives and I believe it is time for everyone to start calling their own Representatives and Senators asking that they support this resolution. We have figured out a way for this to be heard on the full floor. Unfortunately we do not have the time to personally visit with each of these legislators and must once again rely on your help. Please make some time over the next week to call your own House and Senate representatives. If you live in Minnesota, and ask them to support a floor hearing, and also vote to help us protect this very important and sacred area. We need some Native American constituents as well as anyone who may live in Senator Linda Higgins district, North Minneapolis, zip 55411-3226, phone
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA : update 3/29/99 [newflash]
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 22:07:43 EST NEWSFLASH from Mendota In a message dated 3/29/1999 6:02:56 PM Central Standard Time, Noreroute writes: << Hello all, I have gotten word that Carol Flynn's Transportation Committee will decide by tomorrow noon (3/30/99) if they are gonna hear resolution 1658 or not. Please ring up as many people as you can on the list below and ask them to YES please hear the resolution and pass it! Please spread the word. In solidarity, Tom Taylor The following Senators sit on this Committee: Senator Carol Flynn, Minneapolis, DFL, 651-296-4274, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Steve Murphy, Red wing MN zip 55066, 651-296-4264, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dean E. Johnson, Willmar MN zip 56201, 651-296-3826, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator William Belanger, Bloomington MN zip 55431, 651-296-5975, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dick Day, Owatonna Mn zip 55060, 651-296-9457, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Paula Hanson, Ham Lake MN zip 55304, 651-296-3219, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Jerry Janezich, Chisholm MN zip 55719, 651-296-8017, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dave Johnson, Bloomington MN zip 55431, 651-296-9261, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Janet Johnson, North Branch MN zip 55056, 651-296-5419, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Randy Kelly, St. Paul MN zip 55119, 651-296-5285, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Keith Langseth, Glyndon MN zip 56547, 651-296-3205, no email address so call, Senator Mark Ourada, Buffalo MN zip 55313, 651-296-5981, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Sandra Pappas, St. Paul MN zip 55107, 651-296-1802, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Claire Robling, Prior Lake MN zip 55372, 651-296-4123, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Dallas Sams, Staples MN zip 56479, 651-297-8063, [EMAIL PROTECTED], >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Return-path: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: update 3/25/99 [newflash] Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 19:02:56 EST Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Hello all, I have gotten word that Carol Flynn's Transportation Committee will decide by tomorrow noon (3/30/99) if they are gonna hear resolution 1658 or not. Please ring up as many people as you can on the list below and ask them to YES please hear the resolution and pass it! Please spread the word. In solidarity, Tom Taylor The following Senators sit on this Committee: Senator Carol Flynn, Minneapolis, DFL, 651-296-4274, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Steve Murphy, Red wing MN zip 55066, 651-296-4264, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dean E. Johnson, Willmar MN zip 56201, 651-296-3826, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator William Belanger, Bloomington MN zip 55431, 651-296-5975, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dick Day, Owatonna Mn zip 55060, 651-296-9457, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Paula Hanson, Ham Lake MN zip 55304, 651-296-3219, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Jerry Janezich, Chisholm MN zip 55719, 651-296-8017, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dave Johnson, Bloomington MN zip 55431, 651-296-9261, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Janet Johnson, North Branch MN zip 55056, 651-296-5419, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Randy Kelly, St. Paul MN zip 55119, 651-296-5285, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Keith Langseth, Glyndon MN zip 56547, 651-296-3205, no email address so call, Senator Mark Ourada, Buffalo MN zip 55313, 651-296-5981, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Sandra Pappas, St. Paul MN zip 55107, 651-296-1802, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Claire Robling, Prior Lake MN zip 55372, 651-296-4123, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator Dallas Sams, Staples MN zip 56479, 651-297-8063, [EMAIL PROTECTED], && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota Newsflash Urgent!
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 12:28:11 EST ~~~ ~~~ Mendota Newsflash ~~~ ~~~ A progress report on Saving the Mendota Sacred Sites in Minneapolis Hi Folks, Yesterday you would have been so proud of Linda and the others who presented this resolution to the Senate. Really a wonderful job! Concise, professional and touching. It was so suprising that it passed with absolutely no obstacles and that is great! The problem is that it was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. We were hoping that they would pass it to the floor but it looks like we have another go around with this. Look at the name of the committee and that should give you some idea of what is ahead. Who would have thought that we would get as far as it has and without the concerted effort of the Warrior women (Linda and the others), it couldn't of happened. The other reason is your help and prayers. Please hang in there for us. I know we have asked for a lot of your time and resources but we can't quit now! We are so close and we have come such a long way. Who would have thought it! I want you to take a second and say a quick prayer or send a good intention to our sister Linda. She has worked non stop for a long time now with no complaint. Let's support her in everyway we can! Here's Linda. Thank you, Diane Dear Friends, Today we had the hearing before the Senate Govt Ops committee, the resolution was passed unanimously. The resolution has been referred to the Senate Transportation committee. They meet on Tues. and Wed. of next week. (not much time left to act!) We need everyone who is a constituent of Senator Carol Flynn to call her and ask her to hear this resolution or pass it to the floor for a full Senate vote. (This is crucial for constituents) Also we need phone calls and emails to everyone who sits on this committee and urge them to support the resolution and ask Senator Flynn to hear the resolution or pass it to the floor. (This is crucial too for everyone else) The following Senators sit on this Committee; Senator Carol Flynn, Minneapolis, DFL, 651-296-4274, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Senator SteveMurphy,RedwingMNzip55066,651-296-4264 [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dean E. Johnson, Willmar MN zip 56201, 651-296-3826, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator William Belanger, Bloomington MN zip 55431, 651-296-5975, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dick Day, Owatonna Mn zip 55060, 651-296-9457, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Paula Hanson, Ham Lake MN zip 55304, 651-296-3219, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Jerry Janezich, Chisholm MN zip 55719, 651-296-8017, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dave Johnson, Bloomington MN zip 55431, 651-296-9261, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Janet Johnson, North Branch MN zip 55056, 651-296-5419, [EMAIL PROTECTED] ,Senator Randy Kelly, St. Paul MN zip 55119, 651-296-5285, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Keith Langseth, Glyndon MNzip 56547, 651-296-3205, no email address so call, Senator Mark Ourada, Buffalo MN zip 55313, 651-296-5981, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Sandra Pappas, St. Paul MN zip 55107, 651-296-1802, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Claire Robling, PriorLake MN zip 55372, 651-296-4123, [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Senator Dallas Sams, Staples MN zip 56479, 651-297-8063, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Everyone can call or email these people but it really helps if their own constituents contact them, If you have family or friends in any of these areas please encourage them to call orEmail as soon as possible. The resolution # is 1658 protecting the Coldwater Spring area as traditional cultural property. I'm sorry I keep saying just a few more days, but we just have to keep trying and praying. Senator Gary Laidig from Stillwater sits on this committee and will support our efforts to get this resolution heard. Pidamiya, Love Linda && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA: Urgent Update 3/23/99 {newsflash}
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: rom: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 20:25:34 EST Dear Friends, We are scheduled to have a hearing on the Senate Resolution # 1658, Designating Coldwater Spring Area as Traditional Cultural Property, Thurday March 25, 1999 at 12:00 PM room 15 State Capitol Building, this will be heard before the Senate Govt. Operations committee, we would like as many people as possible to show up at this hearing in support of this resolution. Please if you can take a long lunch hour or can get the afternoon off do it. Having a large crowd supporting this would make a great impression. I think the Senate will be a little harder to convince than the house. If Your Senator sits on this commitee please give them a call before the hearing. Senators are, Jim Metzen, Stevens, Berg, Betzold, Cohen, Fischbach, Pogemiller, Price, Robertson, Runbeck, Stumpf, Terwilliger, Wiener, Wiger. Metzen, Cohen, Robertson,are for sures, Wiger originally signed the resolution , but I heard today that he withdrew his name, If you are a constitutient could you find out why, we do have a meeting with him tomorrow. we really need these phone calls made to get this threw this committee. Thanks again for all the hard work and support and prayers. I'll let everyone knows what happens. Pidamiya, Love Linda && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota: Update 3/17/99 [newsflash]
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 02:45:08 EST Dear Friends, great news today, we will have a hearing in the House Govt. Ops committee, Friday March 19, 1999 we will have around fifteen minutes between 3-4 PM to give our testimony. This is for the resolution only, but it's better than nothing. Thanks to all of you for your support and prayers. We need to spread the word asap and try to get as many people at this hearing as possible to quietly show their support, it would be great if we had a couple hundred people show up for this. I will not be doing anymore updates until Friday night to let you know what happens in the next few days. Good work everyone. Pidamiya, Love Linda && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA 15-16
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 18:02:08 EST MENDOTA UPDATE Dear Friends, Today we made the front pages of the papers! They were covering what happened yesterday down at the Site. Picture this. Approximately, 1000 people, lots of dogs, lots of kids all standing in a formation that spelled out Stop 55 go oaks! Pictures were taken from a low flying airplane with everyone waving away, a brass band playing and lots of cheers. It was great! The sun was shining and everyone was happy to be there. When I get my copy of the picture I will show it to you. This has now become an annual event. Last year there were only about a hundred people. Who knows how many next year! Just before the pictures were taken, there was a drama unfolding that gave the event a special importance. Mike Haney and other members of the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota, were denied access to the Sacred Spring. Mike Haney was almost arrested. After the photo shoot, we gathered outside of the locked and policed gate into the Spring. Mike, Bob and others expressed their outrage that they were not allowed to have access to their "church". Mike explained that they had just come back from the funeral in Wisconsin and needed to wash his hands and face in that pure, medicine water but was denied! It is interesting to note that Clinton recently, gave a new federal law allowing access to sacred sites to Native Americans even if they are on Federal property. This event yesterday shows how crucial it is to get the senate resolution HF#712, and the senate bill HF#711 passed. This will bring the State law up to the Federal level and if Minnesota wants to keep it's reputation as the "great progressive" state, it needs to pay attention now. We have asked you for your help by contacting Minnesota legislators and Senators and we are so grateful for your help. Remember that Friday is the deadline so please let's put out one final big burst of effort! Realize that if we fail, it may be your State next! If we succeed, we have set a precedent that can help others all over the country. This affects everyone not just us. If you are in the State, call them, if you are out of State email them. To make it simple, go to http://members.aol.com//dmkerr9/Mendota_Sacred_Sites.html Click onto Tom's page (a link listed on my website MSS), on Tom's page (site), scroll down to Linda Brown's updates regarding legislation and mediation and Find Minnesota Legislator and contact them. This will give you all of the phone numbers and email addys that you need. There is also a ready made blank email you can fill in too on his page. Speaking of websites, my website Mendota Sacred Sites has some new cool stuff you need to check out. One are the pictures from the Unity ride (link is indicated on front page), and newest of all is this fabulous brochure put out by a bunch of supporters (indicated on front page). It is so great! It puts all the facts all together in a very succinct way with nice pictures. Share it with others. Other news On Thursday and Friday, the 18th and 19th, the Elders are coming to town to testify at the State Office Building! This will be a phenomenal event, try and make it if you can. When I have more specifics I will let you know. There will also be a pot luck Feast on the Thursday night. The location is to be announced. Yesterday morning at dawn, I went to the Sacred Spring to offer prayers. It was so beautiful it made me weep. Here it is this beautiful Sacred place locked behind big chain link fences (we snuck in lol) with these ugly Bureau of Mines buildings near it. What were they thinking when they built all of that ugly crap around that heavenly spot? My co-conspiritor (my husband) made a very interesting comment. he said " The red race, look for what the Creator has made sacred and honors that, while the white race looks for what man has made and honors that." Sad but true. Judging by the amount of people who came yesterday to stand up for the trees, I think this is definately changing! Hallaluya! For those of you who do not have AOl I have attached the picture of the Sacred Spring. What else? Oh yes, I hate to appeal for money buy we are desperate! This fight cost money big time! We are dragging the bottom of the well right now and we only make this appeal because we have no other choice. Legal fees, camp fees, phone fees, on and on, are all adding up. None of us are rich, we have all used our own fees and now we have nothing left but still have a long way to go to win this thing. Any donations are appreciated, look under the "what you can do to help" on the website for addresses and any other details. Finally, I would like to invite you to a very special forum. It is called Medicine Hair's Lodge. I spend some time there helping out with the Lodge, tidying up, puttin out the cat, doin what I can for my wonderful, brother Medicine Hair whose Lodge has become my other home
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA NEWSFLASH
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 19:48:45 EST Subject: MENDOTA NEWSFLASH Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit NEWSFLASH URGENT ATTENTION Dear Friends, OK this is were we are at. Senator Metzen from St. Paul signed the bill Friday morning He is Chair of the govt operations and veterans committee, this is were we would like the bill to go and also we would like them to hold hearings. Other members of this committee are: Senators: Dan Stevens, Mora MN, 651-296-8075, email [EMAIL PROTECTED], [all email addresses will be the same except you will need to add their names just like I have written them].sen.charles.berg, Chokio, Mn, 651-296-5094. sen.don.betzold, Fridley, 651-296-2556, sen.michelle.fischbach, Paynesville,MN 651-296-2084,sen.larry.pogemiller, Mpls, 651-296-7809,sen.len.price, woodbury, MN 651-297-8060, sen.linda.runbeck, Circle Pines,MN 651-296-1253, sen.leroy. stumpf, Thief River Falls, 651-296-8660, sen.roy.terwilliger, Edina, MN 651-296-6238, sen.deanna.wiener, Eagan, MN 651-297-8073, please contact everyone you know from their districts and ask them to call and email these people and ask for support and also to hold a hearing concerning the Traditional Cultural Properties bill and resolution #711 & 712. Some people have asked for more information concerning this bill before they talk to their senators , they should be explained as human rights bills and religious freedom bills, this bill and resolution is simply about protecting Native Americans sites of worship and cemeteries and bringing state laws to the level of protection as federal laws. We need to thank senator metzen for signing this bill, phone 651-296-4370, email sen.jim.metzen etc. Also we need to work on transportation committees in both houses because although this is not a transportation bill they may request the bill be reviewed by their committees. House representatives on this committee Rep. Workman, James Clark, Hausman, Biernat, Buesgens, Davids, Haake, Johnson, Juhnke, kalis, Kelliher, Kuisle, Larson, Lieder, Marko, Molnau, Opatz, Rifenberg, Swenson, Van Dellen, Vandeveer, Westrom, Senatorson Trans. committee, Flynn, Murphy, D.E. Johnson, Belanger, Day, Hanson, Janezich, Johnson, D.H., Johnson J.B., Kelly R.C., Laidig, Langseth, Ourada, Pappas, Robling, Sams. You will have to find these names and emails and phones on your own, if anyone can spend some time getting this infor mation out I would greatly appreciate this. You need to talk to your representatives as this is the right thing to do Minnesota is a progressive and caring state lets lead the way on this type of state protection and write laws that can used as a proud example for other states to copy! We have to work really hard on this, these bills need to be through the committees and voted on by the first house by march 19th, and the second house by march 31st, we only have to work our butts off for a few more weeks. With hard work and prayers we will prevail. Thanks again to all of you for your support and prayers, we have accomplished much in just a very short time. The raid on the encampment was organized to scatter us and break our will on this issue, it accomplished just the opposite, we are focused and working harder than ever and look what we have done! We have forced the state to adhere to federal guidelines and have focused the debate on Traditional Cultural Properties issues, we have found authors for the resolutions and bills in both houses, we have made both the state and fed govt and agencies involved to take notice and pay attention to the will of the people and to do their jobs and follow the laws of the land. All of this has been done because the creator has been with us through this and I believe it is his will that this place be saved! We need to honor the creator and grandfathers with prayers of thanks and ask for continued guidance. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Pidamiya, love Linda && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA GOOD NEWS
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 20:36:41 EST ~~~ ~~~ GOODNEWS ~~~ ~~~ Dear Friends, more good news Senator Martha Robertson who's district is Minnetonka has sign on to the bill, this makes this it bipartisan bill.! I will spend the day at the capitol again tomorrow. Love and prayers, Linda && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota Newsflash
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 18:57:53 EST Subject: Mendota Newsflash Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit NEWSFLASH Dear Friends, Had a little more success today Senator Cohen sign on as a co author to the bill and also Senator Wiger Sign the resolution. We Have a appt. with Senator James Metzen Friday Morning, he is the Chair of the Gov. Ops. committee where we would like to see this bill go to. His district is South St Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and parts of Eagan. If you know anyone who lives in these districts please have them call him and ask him to sign this bill. The bill needs to be turned in Friday before 11a.m. to get it written and ready to be introduced next week. We need to thank the people who signed on to this bill today. Next week we will need a big push from everyone again to call email and write letters to your representatives and senators to support this bill. We have worked very hard and thank all of you for your hard work. We just have to do this for a few more weeks. Peace and prayers to all of you. Love Linda Hi all. Here's a brief update from 3/3/99 plus Contact Info. for Senators mentioned in forwarded message (below): Sen. James Metzen, DFL, District 39, So. St. Paul 55075 (651) 296-4370 Constituents: Please call him and ask him to sponsor Senator Ellen Anderson's bill to protect Coldwater Spring as Traditional Cultural Property. Sen. Charles Wiger, DFL, District 55, No. St. Paul 55109 (651) 296-6820 Anyone: Call or e-mail him and thank him for his support. Sen. Richard Cohen, DFL, District 64, St. Paul 55116 (651) 296-5931 Anyone: Call or e-mail him and thank him for co-authoring Sen. Anderson's bill. Senate bill needs more co-authors, so if any of you are constituents of the following districts, please call your Senator ASAP and ask them to sign onto Sen. Ellen Anderson's legislation to protect Coldwater Springs as Traditional Cultural Property. Sen. Pat Piper, DFL, District 27, Austin 55912 (651) 296-9248 Sen. Becky Lourey, DFL, District 8, Star Route 55756 (651) 296-0293 Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL, District 61, Minneapolis 55409 (651) 296-4261 Sen. John Marty, DFL, District 54, Roseville 55113 (651) 296-5645 To find out who your senator (or House representative) is, please call the public information office @ 1-800-657-3550 or (651) 296-2146. Just tell them where you live and they'll tell your legislative district and who your representatives are. Thank you Jill && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA UPDATE
MENDOTA UPDATE >From Diane Kerr Dear Friends, This is going to be a very full newsletter! There is a lot of news to share. For those of you who may be new, here is a short synopsis. The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota people are working around the clock to protect their ancesteral land and sacred sites from being destroyed by the proposed highway 55. Last week mediation began with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. In the end it was agreed that MnDot will review the evidence of this being a traditional spiritual property. For more information please see http://members.aol.com//dmkerr9/Mendota_Sacred_Sites.html">Mendota Sacred Sites . Excerpts from Linda Brown (Linda a sister of the Chief and very active in helping her people save their land. "Some days, I feel like this is the only thing happening on earth! Mainly because we spend so much time working on this. I know that there are the same kind of fights happening all over the country and the world. I include them in my prayers as I know all of you do too. We just have to keep fighting, praying, writing and whatever else it is going to take until there is true justice in this world. Thanks to all of you for caring so much! Good news! We have found a Senate author for the bill! *(This is a bill and resolution authored by Representative Karen Clark in the Minnesota House of Representatives, that will bring the State of Minnesota into compliance with the federal laws already in place that protect Native Americal sacred sites as "traditional cultural property." It is a basic equal rights bill affording Native American burial sites the same protection that any other cemetary receives.) Senator Ellen Anderson of St. Paul graciously consented to be the Chief Author. Becky Lourey has also agreed to co-author the bill in the Senate and Pat Piper said that if we can get five costituents to call her in support of this issue she will also co-author the bill. Numbers provided at bottom. Friends, we still have much lobbying to do to get this bill passed. We need everyone to contact your senators and representatives and ask them to support this legislation. HF711 and HF712. You can call the State Capitol to find out who your representatives are. We really need to get this done! Becky Lourey: 651-296-0293 email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ellen Anderson 651-296-5537 email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pat Piper 651-296-9248 email [EMAIL PROTECTED] zip code 55912 MEDIATION NEWS Mediation is going well! Mndot has agreed to allow spiritual elders to testify about the area to Joe Hudak, Chief archaeologist. Also, Mndot did admit that the natural flow of the spring in now of great concern to them. (No more talk about piping in city water!) We need as much information about this area as possible. If you have any information from books, oral history or any other source that would acknowledge this area as sacred to any Indian tribes, let us know. Tell us where to find it or how to get to it before the next mediation which is March 11th and 12th. Also, if there are any geologists, archeologists, or hydrologists who could testify at a hearing sometime in the near future, let us know. They could be a tremedous help. There will be no work done on the area by Mndot until after the Elders testify, the Feds do a study and they come to a decision about the area. If it is found to be a TCP, that doesn't mean that they won't build the road, only that the Feds may withold funds unless they change the current plans for the reroute. We may still need to persue this in the courts and rest assured, we will use every tactic we can. Thanks to all of you and love and prayers be with you all. Linda Trip to the East Recollections by Chief Bob Brown Chief Bob Brown, Jim Anderson, Leo Ronneng and Mike Haney went out East to visit various tribes and governmental bodies to raise support for the cause. We recently travelled to Connecticut to visit our brothers and sisters from the East. Because of the weekend, we did not make personal contact with the Mashantucket Pequots but we did meet three of the cultural people of the Mohegan Tribe. We had the great honor of sitting at their drum and singing with them. While in Wahington D.C., for the National Congress of American Indians, we were gifted with a sweetgrass braid from a friend of the Spokane people. We used this braid as a talking stick with the Mohegan people to give each other our thoughts and thanks for being abot to sing together and talk. This sweetgrass was then gifted to Snow Owl of the Golden Hill Paugusetts who acted as our guide in the lands of these great Eastern tribes. We left the Mohegan people with many of their members practicing dancing to their drum. These people indeed have had much of thier culture taken from them and are re-learning many things. A recent mediation session with Mndot resulted in our having to gather Elders from Minnesota tribes and Elders from the tribes that lived h
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA UPDATE
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 03:55:46 EST MENDOTA UPDATE Dear Friends, Today we held a press conference at the State Office Building, Karen Clark thought we ought to have this now because she had been getting calls from reporters. There weren't too many reporters there, but we thought it went very well. Rev. Gary Cavender, Spiritual Elder from Shakopee,opened with a prayer and spoke very eloquently about the area and how it was sacred to the Dakota people and must be saved. Mike Haney, Chairman Bob Brown, Jim Anderson, and myself also spoke. None of this was shown on the local T.V. news programs tonight. This was a big disappointment to us. We will be checking the papers in the morning. We are still working on finding a senator to author the bill in the senate. If we can't get someone to do this we don't have a prayer. We would like to ask House Representative Jim Rhodes to hold hearings on this issue. Mediation has been posponed until next week. Several Representatives have asked to observe the mediation meetings, so this may be a good sign. MNDOT is still doing their survey although they have moved away from the sacred trees. They are doing a very shabby job of this survey, some of the holes have only been 6 inches deep. They know they won't find anything at this level. We still need all your help and prayers to win this thing. Please remember us, and we all think of you often and thank the Grandfathers for all the help and guidance. Peace and Prayers be with all of you, pidamiya, love Linda && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA UPDATE
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
>From : DMKERR
MENDOTA UPDATE
Dear Friends, Today MNDOT was suppose to start their excavations, weather
was terrible, and survey team didn"t have the correct equipment to start
today. They have decided to wait until Monday,[our prayers are working].
Mediation team met with U.S. Mediator today and this will start about the
22, or 23 of this month. I am also providing an excerpt from the State of
the City Address 1999, from Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton,
published February 11, 1999, this is from the transit portion of the
address:
" If we are serious about moving people from dependence to to
self-sufficiency, we need affordable, accessible, 24-hour public
transportation and a stable funding source.
Last year, the region broke a 20-year impasse to create the spine of the
region's light rail transit system along the Hiawath Corridor. The LRT
line, with its feeder bus network, will connect downtown Minneapolis to the
Airport, the Mall of America and communities in between. It promises to be
a catalyst for a bold new regional transit strategy including commuter rail
and high speed transit ways to move us into the 21st Century.
President Clinton and Governor Ventura included funds for LRT in their
repective budgets. Piece by piece, we're moving forward. Without superior
public transit, the continued economic growth and quality of life we have
come to enjoy will be in jeopardy.
While I am firm in my support of LRT and the recontruction of Hiawatha, I
want to acknowledge the opposition of some people in our community to this
project. Work is underway to determine the historical significance of the
proposed Hiawatha re-route site to American Indians. If it is affirmed
that the proposed re-route will disrupt buried American Indian
archeological relics, we must respect that finding. T his project is too
important to let it stall in controversy. We must resolve the dispute in
good faith and move forward." { What do you think of that!}
I will be out of town until Sunday night or Monday morning, so this is my
last update until then. Representative Karen Clark Along with the Mendota
people will be holding a press conference at 10am Tuesday, at the State
Office Building, this is for sure, as of now. Just got a call from Jim
Anderson, MNDOT will proceed with survey starting tomorrow morning. It
will be cold and Jim will be sitting in the RV, nice and toasty, while they
are outside all day. {ha-ha} Also there will be a State Trooper stationed
at the site during the hours that MNDOT crew will be there, supposedly to
protect the encampment. what a joke!
Take care everyone, I'll talk to you on Sunday or Monday, Thanks again for
all your support and prayers. Love Linda
&&
Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/
&&
NATIVE_NEWS: mendota update
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 23:36:49 EST Subject: mendota update Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 205 Mendota Update Dear friends, Here is the latest news from Mendota. A message from Linda Brown and a reminder of an upcoming event. The other night, I was speaking live in Medicine Hair's Lodge. It was a small group but the conversation was lively! It was heart warming to make new friends for Mendota and share with them some of the history. People are so shocked when they hear about the police raid especially. Today I heard on the news that the raid total cost was in the neighborhood of 3 million dollars! I would like to verify that but I am pretty sure that is what I heard them say. message from Linda: Dear Friends, We went to court this morning and a few things were clarified by the judge, MNDot will start archeological surveys sometime this week, we will have the opportunity to observe along with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council. If we feel the surveys are not being done to our standards we will be able to address this through the mediation or by recourse through the court. We will be able to tape everything that is going on through this process and so we can show the judge that this type of excavation does not meet standards that are expected by other tribal entities that are beginning to get involved with this issue. We are still working on strategies for this issue and I will let you know more on that later. We are still working on obtaining a sponser for the Senate bill, but we may go ahead with a press conference on Thursday morning I will let you know for sure if this will happen. Please keep your support and prayers coming. Pidamiya, Linda Announcements: On February 10th, the Highway 55 Protest Encampment will celebrate its 6 month aniversary by holding a festival from 3:00 PM to 7:00PM at theProtest Encampment. Ceili dancing, with music by the blackbirds, will begin at4:00PM. There will also be speakers and food. If you plan to attend, please bring your own drink, a small vegetable for the "stone soup" and a little money to buy handcrafted jewlery. If the fundraising goal is met, one young activist has promised to shave his head. For directions or moreinformation, please call (612)-362-3387. Please participate in the second annual Historic Group Oak Photo in the oak savannah just south of 54th St. on Sunday, March 14th, 1999. Last year 200 people came in the cold of winter. This year, let's make it 2,000! Plan ahead, rain or shine, bring your friends & family. Details soon. Peace, Diane Kerr && Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota Update
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
NATIVE_NEWS: MENDOTA UPDATE
And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: From: "CanskaWi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Subject: Fw: (no subject) Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 11:52:21 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal Sent: Thursday, November 18, 1999 11:25 AM Subject: (no subject) > Dear Friends, there is so much to tell you, since our visit to Washington > MNDOT is cutting trees with a vengeance. Today seven people scrambled into > trees just a block or so from the four oaks. One of our Native American > supporters was taken to the hospital with heart attack symptoms. I heard > that he will be all right, but the stress of living at the encampment is > just too much for him right now. Please send special prayers for him. > Every day the threat to the four oaks becomes more apparent. State Troopers > visited the camp at the end of last week and said they will be clearing the > land where the four oaks stand in December. We were told that they would > give us some warning before they come in. I pray to the creator that they > will keep their word. We are trying to stay as positive as we are able > under the circumstances. We are going ahead with plans for events and > celebrations as we have always done. We will be gathering at the encampment > for a day of fellowship on thanksgiving from 2PM until about five, for a pot > luck feast, please join us if you can. Also wanted to let everyone know > that the majority of people who were arrested in July will be going back to > court on December 6th at 9AM. We are asking everyone who can attend to be > there. This will be at the Hennepin County Government Center. We are also > trying to raise some money to help compensate lawyers time and cost, we have > opened a bank account for this, please send any donations to "Stop the > Reroute of Highway 55", Riverside Bank, 1801 Riverside Ave.., P.O. Box > 582419, Minneapolis, MN 55438-2419. The 13 year old boy who was beaten by > the police in July is now being charged, four months after everyone else > was. Sounds like retaliation for our trip to Washington D.C. and our > discussions with the Justice Dept.. to me. The State of Minnesota has filed > a motion to dismiss our Federal Lawsuit, this motion will be heard on > December 17th, again we would like as many people to show up for our support > as possible. I will send more details as we get closer to those dates. > Arrests continue almost on a daily basis. Yesterday one of our supporters, > an elder Nun, went up into a tree for a few hours , another Nun was > arrested for trying to reach people sitting in trees with food and water. > We continue to try to slow down the progress of this destruction on a daily > basis. There are still some lawsuits pending over environmental issues from > other groups that don't want this road built. We are still waiting on a > final report from the independent hydrogeologist that is working for the > Minnehaha Watershed District. Ther is another Watershed District meeting at > the Minnetonka Civic Center again on Thursday November 18th, please attend > this if you can. So many things going on and so little time. I know that > all of you are still out there supporting us and praying with us. Take care > my friends, Pidamiya, Love Linda > > Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. <><><>> Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ <><><>>
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota WI: Hwy. 55 debate is about preservation of Earth Preservation of Earth
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Hwy. 55 debate is about preservation of Earth by Sue Ann Martinson Star Tribune Online front page http://www.startribune.com/ Published Saturday, January 2, 1999 "The threat to biodiversity is a threat to every species on Earth. We cannot continue to destroy wetlands, forests, marine and coastal habitats with impunity; the destruction caused by humankind now will, in turn, threaten to destroy future generations." -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Dec. 16, 1998. The officials who authorized the early morning raid on the Stop-the- Hwy. 55-Reroute Camp do not seem to understand that what is at stake is so much larger than a few feet of road. What it is really about is land management, about biodiversity, about all the things that Annan mentions in his press release for the International Day of Biodiversity, which was Dec. 29. That public officials are so shortsighted is sad for all of us. The Hwy. 55 reroute is not about anarchy, as some have declared, although that is there for some of the people involved in the camp. (They don't believe in a centralized government but believe in self- government.) It is about sacred ground, whether sacred for the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota or for the rest of us, and about preserving the Earth. To borrow words from Annan's statement, it is about "global environmental problems, such as the loss of biological diversity, deforestation, land degradation, and desertification which are interlinked . . . . The ecological reality of these interrelationships must be reflected in our political, legal, and economic responses." And now, the military action against a few nonviolent protesters adds a new dimension. It raises questions of freedom of speech and fundamental rights of U.S. citizens. Of use of force against nonviolent people. Because the very preservation of the Earth is at stake, and that is where the Native Americans and the Earth Firsters come together, there is no question of lying down and dying or of giving up for those who are part of and who wish to stop the Hwy. 55 reroute. Camp Coldwater Springs is not only a Native American site, it's the site of an early settlement in Minnesota and has historical significance for others as well. The Bureau of Mines has already destroyed it somewhat by putting the road there. That road should be torn out and the spring should be restored to its original form. Alternative transportation should not destroy natural lands. It should not destroy trees that are at the very least more than 100 years old. The large tree stump by Camp Coldwater is clearly ancient and holy. The weeping willow is beautiful. They plan to come within 440 feet of Camp Coldwater, which is too close for comfort. There are many more constructive uses for this land. It could be a park or be given back to the Dakota for a school for their children. This land could be saved from further degradation. I have been on that land. I have had the privilege of hearing the Indian drumming, of being in a community of peace, of being on sacred land. Let's preserve this land for future generations. -- Sue Ann Martinson, Minneapolis. Writer. Copyright 1999 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. =-=-=FREE LEONARD PELTIER=-=-= If you think you are too small to make a difference; try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito African Proverb =-=http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ =-= IF it says: "PASS THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW" Please Check it before you send it at: http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/blhoax.htm
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota raid op-ed piece
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: "T. Hall" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This is an op-ed article from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune 1/1/99 Counterpoint: Not too late to revise plans for Hwy. 55 Bruce Shoemaker Gov. Arne Carlson, in trying to justify his brutal raid against the nonviolent community of Native Americans and community activists occupying the proposed Hwy. 55 reroute site, claims he acted because the protesters were "outside the law." However, it is the Carlson administration, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city of Minneapolis that are engaged in the real crime. State and federal laws on the completion of supplemental environmental impact statements are being blatantly disregarded. New understanding of the importance the lands south of 54th Street -- including the oak savanna area and the historic Camp Coldwater Spring -- play in Minnesota history require that the impacts of the proposed highway be comprehensively examined. The Department of Transportation continues to point to the endorsement of the reroute by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, even though the council has retracted its earlier support based on new information. Rather than sincerely addressing concerns over these issues, the department has tried to hide behind a "statute of limitations" defense, claiming it is too late for community groups to raise such concerns. Even worse, federal and state laws and treaty commitments with the Mendota Mdewakanton tribe are being disregarded. These are serious laws and commitments and the state and the city Minneapolis are going to be forced to abide by them. If they continue in ignoring environmental law and trampling on the rights of native people to protect and reclaim their ancestral lands, Minnesota and Minneapolis may be headed for a major national embarrassment. Will Minnesota become a late 1990s version of Mississippi in the 1960s -- dragged kicking and screaming into the civil rights era through federal intervention? The refusal of state and city leaders to meet with federal mediators in advance of their massive raid on the Minnehaha camp is reminiscent of the entrenched racist arrogance of power of an earlier era, one we might have expected of George Wallace's Alabama in the early 1960s. What is especially appalling is how our local DFL politicians, in particular, Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, fell over each other in cooperating with and endorsing our lame-duck Republican governor's use of force. What will the mayor be endorsing next -- Philadelphia-style SWAT team aerial fire bombings like the MOVE raid? Many highway opponents are past supporters of the mayor. They voted for her and were impressed with her sensible and inclusive style of managing the city. Her hard-line defense of the reroute, which appears to willfully violate many of the basic principles central to her past political life, is extremely puzzling and is alienating her from a significant block of her constituents. It is unfortunate that so few of our DFL representatives have had the guts to come out and say publicly what many of them increasingly admit privately: The Hwy. 55 reroute is an enormous ill-conceived fiasco that would never be approved if they were "doing it all over again." But like the Republican impeachment initiative, the reroute now has a momentum of its own and can't seem to be stopped even though most people know it is a bad idea. For the New Year we need some new initiatives by our political representatives at the federal, state and local levels to creatively end this embarrassing and divisive situation and come up with a revised plan for Hwy. 55 -- one upon which broader consensus can be reached, one that meets both the spirit and letter of applicable laws, one with which we all can live. Let's do it ourselves, before the feds force us to live up to the principles we claim to believe in. -- Bruce Shoemaker, Minneapolis. Copyright 1999 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. =-=-=FREE LEONARD PELTIER=-=-= If you think you are too small to make a difference; try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito African Proverb =-=http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ =-= IF it says: "PASS THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW" Please Check it before you send it at: http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/blhoax.htm
NATIVE_NEWS: Mendota Raid update/action directory
And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: "T. Hall" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://members.aol.com/viewcamp/day141.html A letter from Jill Walker with some pressing questions that need to be answered. December 28th, 1998 Dear Friends, I want to wish all of you the warmest regards for the holidays, but I'd like to ask that you take a few moments to read the following, and take whatever action you can before we're too deep into the new year. A single phone call or letter helps a lot. Also passing the word on to others who will call or write helps even more. This is important to ALL Minnesotans. It has been 8 days since Governor Arne Carlson unleashed 600 police officers on peaceful protesters of the re-route of Highway 55 in Minneapolis. The 7 remaining homes in the path of the re-route on Riverview Road were destroyed, the encampment demolished, the debris removed, and the space "filled in" in 7 short hours. Most of the trees remain, and the area, with time, could be restored to a beautiful natural state -- more park land! New rumors suggest that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is going to remove those trees any day now. A lawsuit challenging the legality of the highway is still under appeal, other lawsuits are being filed, and to my understanding, trees were not to be removed before February 1999. Let's hope MnDOT exercises some patience to let legal avenues take their course. Earth First! is now occupying the site of the Four Trees - 200+-year-old bur oaks arranged in the four directions and sacred to the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota People - which are also in the path of the re-route, just south of Riverview Rd. In light of recent events and present rumors, I wanted to pose a few questions as well as suggest actions you can take to help out: - Why didn't Arne Carlson ever take a public position or meet with project opponents before taking military-style action against a nonviolent encampment? - If the raid took place because of safety concerns regarding an illegal gas hook up, why did the police burn fires all over the place (these bonfires are recorded in photographs)? - Why did the police smear pepper spray into the eyes of nonviolent, unarmed protesters, and why did they force some of these protesters to lay face down in the snow in subzero temperatures for 30 minutes or more? - Why were the police allowed to operate with blatant disregard for sacred Native American objects and artifcats? - Were constitutional and international human rights violated? - Why didn't the Minnesota Department of Transportation meet with the federal mediator from the Justice Department before taking this action? - Why would the Minnesota Department of Transportation choose such extreme action when the Park & River Alliance lawsuit challenging the legality of this highway is still under appeal? - If the re-route of Highway 55 cannot be re-examined because of the cost to do so (the only reason given), how can the State of Minnesota justify spending hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars to arrest 30-some protesters? - How is it that MnDOT can use taxpayer dollars to send nearly 60,000 copies of pro re-route propaganda to south Minneapolis residents, and claim there is not enough money to re-examine this small portion of the highway? - Why did MnDOT refuse to do a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement when clearly the original EIS contains glaring omissions? Why won't MnDOT acknowledge the existence of substantial new information since the original EIS? - Why is the Minnesota Department of Transportation telling the public the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council approves construction near Coldwater Spring when MnDOT is well aware the Council voted unanimously in November 1998 to support legislation to protect the flow of the Spring because the Spring is in peril? And why wasn't the Spring given any mention in the 1985 Environmental Impact Statement for this project? - Why are our elected officials choosing to align with MnDOT, ignoring thousands of Minnesotans they are supposed to represent? - Is there really only ONE WAY to build this corridor? MUST the Light Rail Transitway depend on the re-route? Do we really lack the capacity to deal with a few blocks and a parking lot? Do you accept this? Friends, whether or not you agree with occupation as a mode of protest, please remember: Tens of thousands of people oppose the re-route; our right to a thorough Environmental Impact Statement is being violated; Native American concerns have not been fairly addressed; the highway is illegal; and MnDOT and our elected officials refuse to listen. MnDOT is like a runaway truck and our government is behind the wheel. What is to become of environmental activism if forceful action and disregard for public opinion replace meaningful dialogue and fair consideration of options? Will people empowered for the first time to act become disillusioned, never to act again? We as American citiz
