February 2012, Len Foster talks about REAL Warriors of Wounded Knee 1973

[Moderator's note: The 40th Anniversary for one of the Great Indigenous Pride events of the 1970s, the Independent Oglala-Sioux Nation's arm defiance against U.S. colonialism, will be occurring in February 2013. This should be an important celebration ceremonies IF indigenous "America" give honor WITHOUT the idea of Indian Pride in terms of U.S. military service.]

"...On February 27th, 1973, an independent nation was declared in the tiny village of Wounded Knee on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation. For 71 days, a group of American Indian Movement (AIM) members and traditional Oglala Lakota people held ground in a shooting war against the largest internal deployment of federal forces since the Civil War..." http://www.oocities.org/lakotastudentalliance/lsa2_wk73to98JLurie.html

(A Keen Observation of the Rez Environment that I've Shared Before)

[Moderator's Note: The problems with all this Human Rights, Peace, Environmental Movements are that majority of them originate in urban cities rather than in rural areas where conditions are much more visible. Like for the Rez (Indian Reservation) where there are still ranchers, farmers and sheepherders, and we do see what is happening to the skies, atmosphere and the vegetation. Unfortunately all these urban activism seem to look only to "white expert" environmentalists. Thus, I share another 'letter to' the Navajo newspaper, the Navajo Times. However, this letter allutes to 'over-grazing' but that condition encompasses and/or is impacted by other factors like drought, lack of (modern) range technique enforcement, and irresponsible ranching. Also, the old traditional ways of managing livestock and range grazing have been abandoned. Stray domestic animals especially horses are starving and some dying from lack of water. -byk/SheepDogNation Media]

Climate change, overgrazing depleting the land

The great Southwest desert is a collage of natural beauty, within this desert splendor lays Navajo land. During the last couple of years an epidemic has confronted the natural beauty around us. Part of the problem is nature taking its course and the other half is human caused.

The phenomenon we call "climate change" is for real and will manifest itself for some time unfortunately. Some problems associated with climate change include warmer temperatures and less moisture, which naturally equates to slow forage growth or lack of it.

We cannot challenge Mother Nature but we can wise up and adapt to these changing conditions.

The other culprit, a human induced catastrophe is livestock overgrazing which has grown to epic proportions here on Navajo land. This disaster can be remedied, but it will take considerable time.

When you combine the two phenomenons the results are devastating as we are witnessing now on the once beautiful range land of Dine bikeyah.

In my travels in and around the Navajo Rez, I've noticed certain areas that are severely impacted. In the Western Navajo Agency, along Highway 160 from Cow Springs the area south indicates signs of overgrazing.

From the railroad underpass where Highway 160 turns south, there is a sandy area that has developed. From here along the south corridor the area is devastated, only stubby snake weeds grow there now.

Further on, from White Mesa to Rare Metals the north corridor is depleted of grass, some spots already showing signs of drifting sand. Furthermore, Tolani Lake and Bird Springs to the southwest face similar circumstances, not to mention Many Farms and the Chinle areas.

Last fall, I took a sightseeing trip to the top of Gray Mountain on the western fringes of the Navajo Rez. While traversing the rocky terrain from the southeast slope we stopped for a short time and walked about the area. The geography is beautiful with its own distinctive character, but something was missing - the waves of swaying grass and the soft rustling vibe of Mother Nature.

Upon further investigation I found bunch grass that had been nibbled down to stubs, a small scrappy pinon tree close by I found to be depleted of its outer foliage.

Next to the dirt road a horse trail parallels the road up the plateau. We drove on further to the top and onto the south plane where we encountered our first herd of horses to the east. By the time we topped the summit in the north before heading down to Highway 64, we counted about 60 horses, mostly in herds of four or more on this stretch of road.

This overgrazing condition begs the question of accountability. On the Navajo Nation website, a proclamation reads, "The Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources was established in 1976 to manage, protect, preserve and conserve Navajo Nation's natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the Navajo people, per guidance from the Navajo Nation Council."

So far, we've seen no positive development from the tribal government which leads me to believe that there is some squabbling within the tribal bureau of hierarchies.

All entities that are involved, including the Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources, regional grazing committees, the Department of Agriculture, an "executive department" under the Navajo Nation president and the grazing committee need to sit down with keen and cool heads and formulate a plan to address this serious issue at hand.

In doing so, they must also re-educate the livestock owners about livestock and range management and enforce the rangeland use policy in a concerted effort to head off this disaster before the rez turns to drifting sand.

The other question that needs to be asked is where is the BIA? Do they need to be involved or better yet, should they be involved?

The majority of Navajo land is arid and fragile, but our elders were fortunate to survive through generations as a livestock culture. But now, it needs to re-evaluate its' priorities on the basis of preserving the natural ecosystems that lie within our native home land.

It is only March, and already we have weathered our first dust storm which was horrifying to say the least. The forecast doesn't look promising either.

Ed White
Kayenta, Ariz.




***Dust storms seen from outerspace in spring 2009. Image shows northern Arizona's Little Colorado River basin, Hopi/Dineh and Black Mesa regions.***
[Additional note: Here USGS scientist are making some observation similar to what old-time, Dineh traditional farmers and herdmen would have paid attention to:

"We provide vital information through work on the following: 1) outlining areas prone to geologic hazards and climate change impacts 2) providing basic geologic information for planning and resource management 3) determining the degree of surface vulnerability and sediment transport by eolian and alluvial processes resulting from changes in climate and land use, and 4) determining links between dune deposits, vegetation communities, meteorological conditions, and effects of drought and climate change, 5) outlining areas where geologic conditions may impact human health."

-byk/SheepDogNation Media]

Check out this USGS Project:

http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/navajo/index.htm
http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/navajo/html/science_tour4.html

"We have issues in Tuba City!" Indigenous Silence, American Colonialism

"We have issues in Tuba City" (from Navajo Times, Opinion - Letters)

February 16, 2012 - I live in Tuba City. I would like to express my opinions that we have issues here in Tuba City. I have been a citizen here in Tuba City for 14 years now.
I have seen a lot of problems we have here in our community, as well as all over the reservation. I am a Navajo lady but was raised in a different state and environment. I don't speak Navajo but I am very interested in my culture and the beliefs that Navajo culture has for many centuries.

We have big problems with alcohol and drugs on the reservation. We also have problems with families that drink and do drugs and have kids in the home that are being neglected.

I have seen a lot of people that have drinking problems and walking around the whole city searching for their next drink. They even start drinking hairspray and so on, which is really an awful thought of what they get their hands on with alcohol in it.

I think we really need to find a way to prevent this from happening to "our people." We need a program that will help these people here in Tuba City with alcohol and drug problems. I have seen a family here get their kids taken away from them three times or so because of the abuse of substances.

Then in a few days they get their kids back and the same routine goes on again.

The social workers need to get more strict about this problem. Who is suffering from this, drinking and drugs? The children. I am very concerned about these kids. They're being mistreated, yelling at them the wrong way, words coming out of their parents' mouth.

Some of the kids don't dress appropriately, have no shoes, no socks, and no jackets, and even their diapers sag like they have not been changed for four to five hours. The social workers need to get more strict with the parents. I know the kids would miss their parents but it would be in their best of care.

We should have a group home here in Tuba City for kids that have been taken away from their parents because of neglect. There seems to be less foster parents out here. I know they have to check your background and that is understanding. It is sad there is not too many loving and caring people out here to care for these children and take pride of their precious little ones.

I would love to help these children and volunteer to help kids but again you have to have that "degree" in order to become a social worker and you have to meet all the criteria to become a foster parent, which my situation is living in a two-bedroom, not enough space.

The other problem is living in NHA housing and the tenants that drink alcohol and sell drugs from their home. It seems like they get away with this and other families out there that need a home are out in the cold because these so-called abusers of alcohol and drugs are enjoying it and taking it easy. They need to crack down on them and get these people out of their homes.

I seen a lot of traffic going to certain homes and we (neighbors) know what is going on here but no one wants to speak up. There may be complaints sent to the office of NHA but are they really going to do anything about it? I don't think so. It's just a slap on the wrist and saying, "Don't do it again...OK?"

I feel so outraged about these problems out here in the community. Can there be help for us "Diné people" as they call us?

It seems like everyone should feel good about themselves here. We are a small community and there are bigger cities out there that have far more worst crimes.

We should all pull together and make our community good and clean for our future, the children that are being born into this world every other day. If we can all stay up for the words, they say "Walk In Beauty."

I am a caring, respectful, and understanding person. I also am very disappointed how life is for us here on the reservation.

Yes "no one is perfect" which perfect is just a word, but we "Diné people" can make it happen if we all pull together. I do appreciate your time in reading my opinion, my thoughts.

Lisa R. Yellow
Tuba City, Ariz.

"Politicians setting a bad example!"

March 1, 2012 - This is a response to a letter written in the opinion section of the Navajo Times on Feb. 16, 2012 (Letters: "We have issues in Tuba City," by Lisa Yellow).
It was disheartening to hear that alcoholism is playing a major role in child abuse and neglect and so forth, in the community of Tuba City.

It has become all too obvious that alcoholism is a major contributor to the social disintegration of communities across our reservation. While we, as a "so-called sovereign nation," claim to make and impose and enforce our own laws I see that people of our nation disrespect and make a farce out of our judicial system all the way up to the political level.

While politicians promise social reform, it is all for their glory and the people are forgotten once that person is in office.

Most recently, Tuba City Chapter has been under public scrutiny for politicians and employees helping themselves to money that was supposedly set aside to assist the elderly and people in need during these tough economic times.

What does this show? These politicians' lack of integrity and honesty sets a bad example for our future generation. It sends a message that it is OK to take money and get a slap on the hand for it.

Tuba City has a new jail that is going to be completed in the near future, so why not put these thieves behind bars that they helped establish?

Law enforcement is too focused on the battle against alcohol and drug abuse. While the battle is being won by the opposition, aka bootleggers and drug dealers, the thieves are making a mockery of the law.

It is just like robbing Wells Fargo blind, it is the same concept, stealing is stealing, no matter how you view it. What a shame that we as a community voted for these criminals.

I say throw them in the new jail. It's about time politicians are held accountable for their actions. This has been going on for far too long and people need to take off their blinders and see what is really going on.

We complain about this, yet we are not aware of what is going on behind closed doors. These people obviously live for their own greedy ambitions, where is the integrity? These white-collar criminals are social parasites that need to be disciplined according to the law if there is such a law.

Regarding white-collar crime, the Council does not establish legislation because they are the ones that are guilty of stealing money from the people. I am upset that people these days are too focused on their own issues while these criminals rob them of their money. While there are a lot of issues communities need to be aware of, it is plain to see that people do not care.

HIV, suicide, homicide, child abuse/neglect, sexual abuse, divorce, assaults, and drunk driving have overshadowed our moral and cultural ideology. Social disintegration has become a norm for people. People just turn their heads and look away because it does not involve them.

The "I don't care attitude" needs to change. I know I am one person and I feel there are many of our people with the same concerns about which direction our people are headed. I care for my people. I love our Navajo Nation.

In no way am I disrespecting people in any way, shape, or form. We need to come together in agreement to settle our differences, whether it is religious views or political differences.

People in Window Rock are sitting back while our social infrastructure crumbles before our very own eyes. They say to the up and coming younger generation to get educated so that they can lead their people, but what do they do? They have no intentions on relinquishing their power because of the money they make.

How are we going to learn to run our government? There are countless of well-qualified graduates who cannot attain a job on the reservation.

For example, a group of us approached Rex Lee Jim prior to his (vice-presidency) and suggested that he initiate construction of apartment complexes in Window Rock to attract qualified Navajo employees.

He said, "Where's the land?"

We told him "build upward."

Stop making excuses and make it happen Mr. Jim. Take the initiative!

These leaders promote a double standard. They say one thing, but they do not adhere to the promises they make. I see that we are living in a superficial world where greed, selfishness, and vanity are out of control.

Where do we as Diné go from here? I am hoping that people voice their concerns to our leaders in Window Rock. You might be one voice, but your voice has power to reaffirm moral and cultural values.

It would also be nice if these thieves make a public apology, but they are probably too prideful. God bless you all.

Rick Maloney
Tonalea, Ariz.

"We are a nation that lacks wellness!"

March 1, 2012 - Just a simple reflection in regards to the letter about the concerns in Tuba City (Letters: "We have issues in Tuba City," by Lisa Yellow, Feb. 16, 2012).

I agree with the comments made about our nation as a whole. We are a nation that lacks wellness.

I currently bring the 12-step program and talking circle to the Coconino County jail facility in Flagstaff on a weekly basis. The numbers of our own Native American individuals incarcerated are way more than non-Native Americans.

I decided about three years to give back to my community by volunteering to help my brothers and sisters incarcerated. I, too, have a criminal history all relating to alcohol and some drugs but mostly alcohol. It took me several attempts to finally let go of the bottle.

It was until all of my bridges were burnt that I stood alone at last. I experienced fear like I had never known before. It was then I voiced my prayer for help to the Deities; it was a yearning desperation to feel love like I remembered when I was a child. I was nurtured, loved, and treated with kindness. I finally felt peace after my prayer was answered.

On April 5th, I will have 15 years of continuous sobriety. I make time to work with individuals that need my help. This is my purpose for living.

I'm also a cancer survivor. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was difficult but I had to have faith. I believed that my spirituality could perform the miracles that I have experienced with my alcoholism. I knew I would be in perfect presence of my spirituality taking care of me.

With the conditions that are among our people, it will need to begin with each of us. It will take honesty, open-mindedness, and the willingness to make changes to our homes, communities, and ourselves. It is also known as H.O.W.

If you are interested and want to know more about recovery, give me a call before you pick up a drink or a drug at 928-600-1951.

Terry Curley
Flagstaff, Ariz.

[Moderator's Note: The Dineh Rez are experiencing much governing chaos, and social & spiritual degradation. I first "point most of my fingers at U.S. colonialism... -byk, SDNmedia, 2012]