Big Mtn. Survival Camp: Security Gate Stories

Documentary Video "By Big Mtn. Elders" Continues But Feels Dat Zero-Budget Effect

2009-07-09T09:13:00.009-07:00

Big Mtn. Elder resisters' stories are amazing. So amazing that 'yours truly' is fascinated about sites like hidden survival niches from during the U.S. Army's round up of the Dineh in the 1860s. The fascination is too great that in order to locate sites elders have to try to remember locations and they even try to draw maps of the terrain. Then hikes are made in attempts to find the sites despite the summer midday heat and the tiny, ferocious-bitting knats.
The Big Mtn. Elders' Stories Project may have no funds but we have some very unique and awesome volunteers that have helped on location, some playing characters or like these 'totally kool' Europeans, here at "the Little Girl in the Tree" scene, assisting with the much needed Technical AV help in remote locations.
Dineh volunteer and non-experienced actor that plays a villian leaps over the camera during a foot chase scene.
Eight year old, "Lil' Sir William," stands next to dad as he has become an excellent photographer and who has been designated as the Project Photographer.
As the biting knats are held back by the occasional breeze in the midday heat, a well-choreographed fight scene requires several takes and several close up shots. The volunteer crew were amazing with everything from enduring the elements, acting, tech-support, repairing props, makeup, to keeping the snacks and drinks happening.

© Sheep Dog Nation Media & Monoan Agapi Films, 2009

Food Not Bombs & Allies: "Change We Knead Now: Bread for Peace"

2009-07-08T17:25:00.006-07:00

[Moderator's note: Many have come to this Bread 4 Change 4 Peace Vigil asking about Peltier and as Peltier's "Sun Dance" is discussed the issue of the 'Big Mountain Struggle' comes up. Aho! Nizhoni do'h Yaa'at'eeh! -sdn2009]

Sit with us and bake bread for WORLD PEACE starting July 4, 2009 in Lafayette Park outside the White House in Washington D.C.

Everyone is invited to join us outside the White House in support of the changes Americans voted for in the historic election of Obama. We spent trillions to bail out America's corporations now it s time to bail out the American people. On July 4, 2009 we started baking bread with the sun outside the White House and we are asking people to sign this petition:
PETITION - THE CHANGE WE KNEAD NOW - BAKE BREAD FOR WORLD PEACE

-Implement universal government-paid (Single-Payer) healthcare for all
-Free federal prisoner Leonard Peltier by executive order today
-Solar energy collectors available for every house
-Passenger trains connecting every city
-Organic gardening classes in every school
-Call for a global ceasefire

Sit with us outside the White House to inspire Obama to implement the proposals of this petition within a year. America voted for change, but so far corporate America has high-jacked our dreams. This is the moment when Obama's supporters can push his administration to fulfill the mandate of his victory. Obama has the power to begin implementing these six priorities by July 4, 2010, so consider joining us outside the White House. (You don't need to bake bread to participate)

Imagine thousands of people sitting peacefully outside the White House day after day, encouraging President Obama to implement the changes he promised to the people who elected him to office. Help us bake bread in solar ovens to share with the hungry in the nation's capital, as well as providing bread for the people sitting in support of making a better future for all. Baking bread will be a visible example of the power and strength of the sun, and a united people.

Imagine Obama positively responding to this petition and enacting these changes by July 4, 2010.

Following the examples of Mohandas Gandhi, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. please join

our nonviolent sit-in for a positive future while we have a chance. We start baking the bread at around 11:00 AM and open the solar oven at about 6:00 PM each eveing to share the fresh hot bread outside the White House. Please join us. http://thechangewekneadnow.net/

ACTION ALERT: July 28th Parole Hearing for Leonard Peltier

2009-07-01T16:35:00.006-07:00

Freedom fighter and indigenous brother, Leonard, was wrongfully convicted in 1977, served 30 years in federal prison despite "proof of innocence" & despite proof being convicted on fabricated / suppressed evidence & coerced testimonies. Your prayers & support are needed: 'Free all Political Prisoners!' and demand that Leonard be granted a fair hearing and be given freedom. So, please visit: http://www.freepeltiernow.org/welcome.htm Thank you.

Dineh Warrior/Brother of the Big Mtn. Survival Camp Passes into the Spirit World

2009-06-29T16:04:00.010-07:00

To All Our Relations, my Brother/Fellow-Warrior. Your footpaths and prayers on the LW2 will always be remembered.

My favorite image of the Bro which reminds me so much of the busy and intense times at the Survival Camp.

"Brothers at the 'Camp' were like the Last of the Dineh, Dog Soldiers.." -One of Willie's last comment:

Willie joined the resistance outpost at Big Mountain in the early 1980s when he came out from the Bay Area with some non-Indian supporters. He got along with all the brothers and sisters of any nations and nationality. He always enjoyed leading the songs when we gathered around the drum. He never talked bad about anyone EVEN if 'we' talked negatively (in front of him) about someone else. He never delayed himself for a detail that needed to be carried out and was always willing to be up front at the frontline. "It is hard to be an Indian!" back in the 80s and it is still that way, today. Willie was the bodyguard for all the traditional elders at Big Mountain and he was loved as a Son by them as well. Willie was Willie, but he brought about that nice, calm atmosphere to the Camp kitchen and to the bunkers. We will miss many things besides your warrior spirit like the best fried bread that you use to make.

Now, you are with the brothers who left us also and who have served as warriors for the Sovereign Dineh Nation. Most of all, you are now with your two uncles that you often talked about and whom you most admired, but were suddenly and tragically Killed in Action in Vietnam during the American invasions. We will do our best to continue our fights for Dineh Liberation. --Haa'goh'ne'h, Sh'k'si' (Chief Loner on behalf of SDN Patrol)

On the Longest Walk 2 of 2008, Willie was an inspiration to everyone on the walk especially to the young ones. He was there for the young ones that came to this spiritual walk and who were somewhat new to their own Indian World, and Willie gave guidance to them about 'what it means to be an Indian.' Beside being a Sun Dancer, he was Keeper of the Drum and he taught these young people how to sing the songs. He was so happy and energic during the Longest Walk 2, and he looked forward to returning to help the indigenous nations, Sun Dance again, and return to Big Mountain where he most felt the elders needed his help. --Mitakiye Oyasin, (Patty)

***Hear Willie during the Longest Walk 2 of 2008: http://www.earthcycles.net/journal/index.php?14

(Recorded by www.earthcycles.net on the Longest Walk in Miwok's Shingle Springs, Calif.)

Big Mtn. Productions: Documentary-Video Shoots Continue Despite Zero-Budget

2009-06-24T17:24:00.012-07:00

Third weekend of documentary-reinactment shoots at Big Mtn:
"Attempting 'wild west,' roughrider style takes with two cameras." SDN Media & BM Productions director was inspired by the vanishing stories told by Big Mtn. elders and as sad and tragic the stories are, director Chief Loner hopes these reactments will help reinforce the stories of elders in resistance.
"The young warrior who escaped was cornered but he had to make his stand even though he was outnumbered by U.S. government-supported, tribal mercenaries...""A much greater fear was instituted by the American Army epecially during Colonel Kit Carson's 'sorce the earth' campaign against the Dineh. Evidence of survival and hiding places are still preserved throughout the Big Mtn. areas...."

© Sheep Dog Nation Media & Minoan Agapi Films, 2009

Defeat! at San Francisco Peaks, No Celebration...

2009-06-11T12:19:00.013-07:00

Ndns & Environmentalists Defeated! - At San Francisco Mtns. Ski Resort, the Snow(toilet)bowl

[Author’s note: I am not going to elaborate so much though would like to very much, but you as readers can determine for yourselves why I present Arizona Daily Sun news excepts along with specific word meanings. I’ll pose a couple of questions: How feasible is it for so-called Native Americans to rely of corporate-based laws to ‘protect’ their ‘limited’ rights? As indigenous peoples of western hemisphere, do we even value Our ancient belief systems as to unite, gather spiritually, and ask the great sacred mountain for forgiveness and allow the sacred to decide rather than some ‘judge’ at the supreme court? Will ‘our’ tribal governments maintain an agency to fulfill and monitor the outlined agreements with the AZ State Historic Preservation of 2004? –SDN2009]

June 9th, 2009: “The religious objections of Indian tribes can't stop the operators of Snowbowl from using recycled sewage to make snow on the San Francisco Peaks, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled by default Monday…”

Without comment, the justices left intact a ruling by the full 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that rejected the claims of several tribes that the use of artificial snow will decrease the "spiritual fulfillment" they get from practicing their religion on the mountain. The tribes argued to the high court that the decision by the U.S. Forest Service, which owns the land, to permit snow to be made from treated sewage runs afoul of the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act which governs activities on public lands. That 1993 law requires government agencies to use the "least restrictive" means of interfering with any religious practice when considering projects built on federal land.

But the justices, by leaving that 9th Circuit decision undisturbed, adopted the conclusion by that court that putting treated sewage on the mountain does not place a "substantial burden" on anyone's free exercise of religion, the test under that 1993 law to determine whether government plans must be modified. Specifically, the appellate court said nothing about putting the effluent on the mountain stops anyone from practicing his or her religion.

[The American Language]

Religion:
a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Pagan:
1. One who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, especially a worshiper of a polytheistic religion.
2. One who has no religion.
3. having, being, or relating to religious beliefs, esp. ancient ones, which are not part of any of the world's major religions

Spirituality: preoccupation with what concerns human inner nature (especially ethical or ideological values)

Legality:
1. The state or quality of being legal; lawfulness.
2. lawfulness by virtue of conformity to a legal statute
3. the quality of conforming to law
4. unlawfulness by virtue of violating some legal statute

[Extra news excerpt]But attorneys for multiple tribes are considering further possible legal or other action to block it.They have the option of asking the Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, to undo snowmaking approval, of going to Congress to get laws changed, or of appealing another point of the case.

In essence, the tribes and environmental organizations raised multiple arguments in court about why snowmaking should not be allowed at Snowbowl. (Visit Save the Peaks Coalition at http://www.savethepeaks.org/STPrelease_june8.html)

They included assertions that the U.S. Forest Service had not properly met with all the affected tribes, despite meetings held, and that snowmaking could harm the environment.

Environmental arguments were introduced at the 9th Circuit, but were set aside for procedural reasons.

Tribes could also approach Congress or the Obama administrationto ask for a law specifically aimed at protecting Native American beliefs, said Shanker.

Arizona State Historic Preservation, 2004:

-- The Forest Service will protect plants considered important by the tribes.

-- The agency also agreed to: provide periodic inspections by tribal members to examine specials sites on the Peaks, guarantee access to tribal members, ensure special sites are avoided during development, protect these sites as confidential, give tribes reports detailing impact of snowmaking on plants and animals, and give an annual report to tribes on development at Snowbowl.

With no litigation in any court at this time, construction at Arizona Snowbowl could start this year, say Snowbowl executives.

What's proposed for construction:

-- 205 acres of snowmaking

-- 10 million-gallon snowmaking water reservoir near the top terminal of the existing Sunset chairlift, and a pond below the Hart Prairie Lodge

-- 14.8-mile reclaimed water pipeline between Flagstaff and the Snowbowl

-- 3,000 to 4,000-square-foot snowmaking control building in the vicinity of the existing maintenance shop

☼News excerpts from Arizona Daily Sun of Flagstaff

Update: Big Mtn. Productions Video Shoot On-Location

2009-06-09T15:57:00.011-07:00

These scenes being shot are reactments based on a few elders' stories about "historial events at Big Mtn., how they grew up, and the expectancy of Dineh future based on their traditional up-bringing." The documentary production has been in the making for over ten years by a solo project headed by Yours Truly. The highlighted accounts of these stories will be told in the context of the current struggle for survival where there is resistance against the federal government and Peabody's relocation policies.
"Ancestors of today's Big Mtn. resisters have experienced atrocity prior to the Long Walk.." Image shows Yours Truly directing a Comanche scout who leads Pueblo Indians to attack families who were merely picking pinons during the mid-1800s. Zhonnie Aatsaa is the character playing the matriarch of family groups facing a day that turned horrible.
"Several clans came together and traveled for two days to seek pinons on Big Mtn..." Zhonnie and her little ones before bedding down for the night."The matriarch tried to escape but was eventually run-down and had to face the attackers..."

©Sheep Dog Nation Media & Minoan Agapi Films, 2009

ELDER & YOUTH CIRCLE begins June 8th, and A BIG MTN. SPRINGTIME

2009-06-02T16:52:00.007-07:00

The Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth

JUNE 8TH – 13TH, 2009 AT SWEET WATER, BIG MOUNTAIN: PAULINE WHITESINGER’S LAND

The Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth is a spiritual circle open to all Indian people. It constitutes the continuation of an ancient practice of joint council among the most respected leaders of Indian nations. Its purpose is to nurture a grassroots renewal of traditional values and worldviews among Indian peoples, to ensure the continuity of Native wisdom, and to bring that wisdom to bear on important issues facing all peoples of the earth.

Projects and annual gatherings of the Traditional Circle reinforce and strengthen traditional values within participating delegations and extend them to Indian communities as well as across cultures.

The Circle is organized in the traditional Indian way. There are no signatures, no hierarchy of officers, and no membership restrictions or limitations. Those who come to Circle gatherings on a regular basis represent grassroots communities and are empowered by consensus to speak on behalf of their people. They have the respect, trust, and support of those whom they represent. Their guiding principles are moral, not legal in origin.

The Circle gathers for six days each year at an encampment hosted by an Indian Nation. Every Circle gathering includes:

• Elders who, because of their experience and commitment, speak on behalf of their people from the perspective of a traditional, spiritual worldview;

• "Runners" who have not yet achieved "Elder" status but whose commitment to the Circle is unquestioned, and who do "leg work" for the Elders;

• Young people who may sit with the Elders in the councils as observers, and who also help maintain the camps. Youth also meet separately during the gathering to discuss common issues. They are invited to present their perspectives to the Elders' Circle where they are respectfully considered.

• Family members and children of all ages who participate to the extent of their capacities and interests. Inclusiveness is an ancient Indian tradition that insures the cultural and spiritual continuum of Indian people.

NOTE: The last Circle Gathering held on Black Mesa was near Mesquito Springs which is just southwest of Rocky Ridge General Store: in August 1982 at Dan R. Yazzie’s Ranch near Dove Springs, Black Mesa.

→ ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL, DRUGS OR WEAPONS ALLOWED

→ FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: blackmesais@riseup.net and in Subject-line state, ATTN “TCE&Y CONFERENCE,” or CALL B.M.I.S. VOICE MAIL AT: 928-773-8086

REMOVED HUMAN POPULATION, NATURE ABOUNDS WITH FLOWERING & INCREASED PREDATORS:

The lands of Big Mountain has perhaps returned to its "once upon a time" natural state. Dineh pastoral lifestyles have been depleted and wide areas are now teaming with coyotes, foxes, wolves, deer, elk, and cougars. The diverse vegetation of this high-desert, woodlands are now free from sheep and cattle grazing --"thanks" to the U.S. government's inhumane energy policy of 1974. The lands seem very peaceful in many aspects while you immerse yourself in that month of May's time of flowering, if the winter climate was near normal.

Elder matriarch of Sweet Water Stronghold has just returned with her grandson from checking on the few cattle she still owns. She is dressed for work but not your usual ranch lady as she wears a well dirt-stained apron, scarf, sweat shirt, the traditional skirt, and good walking shoes.

"We covered a big area to see where all the cattle were," she says in the Dineh language. "One cow had a newborn calf but she is without it today so, we drove around more and only found tracks of her and her calf from days ago. My grandson said he noticed fresh cougar tracks. Maybe the mama-cow eventually lead her newborn into the 'mouth of that pedator...'

Some of the few hardcore, elder resisters to the relocation policies have lost their livestock to the these predators particularly the cougar, a skilled and daring hunter. The transformation in the last 15 years is all too real and if Big Mountain people had access to all the monies and revenues that were all stolen by Mr. Peabody, the Dineh would hire ecologist and anthropologists that can explain with much merit the effects of human removal and how nature reclaims the ecosystems. Then this being all temporary because it will all be stripped for the coal and aquifer reserves to meet America's energy needs.

It does feel that this is only temporary even though you behold the beauty of tall green grasses, the white stacks of yucca flowers, and the intense-coloured flowers shooting out of thorny cactuses. Maybe only prayers and more deep searches for understanding by current conscience individuals will help save and restore the endangered ancient lifeways at Big Mountain.

Sheep Dog Nation Rocks, 2009

Adventure of Another Black Mesa Supporter: Episode 4

2009-05-27T14:09:00.004-07:00

Okay, Folks. Have you, Americans er White Folks, ever thought about staying amongst Indians such as the remote inhabitants, the Dineh of Big Mountain? Yours truly, Chief Loner, has lived among the whites for a good, fifteen-civilized years, and I am still trying to learn. I am still not well-established on how to be "social," catch dem white jokes er 'get' those catchy termonologies, dance European or African style, and most white folks do not get my 'weird' Innden sense of humor... So, imagine another white supporter that might be volunteering in the wild Indian country of Big Mountain. There are the challenges of trying to understand animals like the sheep and goats, and their sidekicks like the sheep dogs. You have probably heard the expression that 'goats will almost eat anything.' It is a true expression. --2009, Sheep Dog Comics

Ready R Not: Herez Episode 5, Adventures of the Supporters

2009-05-19T11:55:00.003-07:00

It is unimageable what supporting an Indian resisting the federal policy to relocate may mean. The surrounding is pristine, the weather rules and most of all the animals make the daily schedules. Sometime a non-Native 'supporter' may have to 'hold down the fort' while the elder resident needs to go away to take care of business, and a new 'supporter' will need to follow the animals' schedule. They just need to remember that (they) are animals --with a mind of their own. -SheepDog Comics 2009

Winter On-Land Supporter: "Resistance not Isolated & Continues at Varied Degrees"

2009-05-05T15:45:00.007-07:00

(Image) Elder Matriarch, Pauline Whitesinger from the Sweet Water Stronghold at Big Mtn.

A Literature Piece on Big Mountain, Black Mesa by Nephew Jake

Ya'aat'eh,

I recently left the land, in which i had spent the winter with elder Pauline Whitesinger. This experience inspired me to write a short essay that i wish to distribute hand to hand and through magazines or websites that may wish to publish my writing. To be accountable to you and the resistance on black mesa I am sending a copy for your comments. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Hagoshiin (Until Next Time), Haastiin Yazhie' (/s/nephew jake)

This winter I lived with a Dineh (Navajo) elder on the west side of Big Mountain. She was born there and continues to walk about the same land as she did when she was a child, more than 80 years ago. While at her homesite I primarily herded sheep through the rough, high desert terrain. I followed this grandma's wisdom, knowing her directions were ways of survival in the face of determined removal by the U.S Government and American Corporations. She taught me skillz in animal husbandry, wood cutting, and hogan care. It was an honor to live under her guidance and training.

I am a young person of mixed european decent. My late mother was an artist and student, my father is a vegetable farmer and a long time War Tax Resister (has widtheld all income tax from the US Govt since 1980). I am a child of activists yet I found the Dineh resistance on Black Mesa from my own journey. I first began to sort the debt I have as a white living on indian land when i came out to Black Mesa the first time a few years ago through Black Mesa Indigenous Support. But enough about me, lets get to the issue that remains; Dineh resistance to American imperialism.

Since 1978 Dineh communities n Black Mesa have resisted US relocation laws and Bureau of Indian Affairs policing strategies to remove them and their way of life. Washington has supported 'relocation' as a solution to their self-created, make-believe navajo-hopi land dispute. A closer reality seems to be American energy corporations partnered with Washington to manufacture a cultural divide that is used to sustain corporate land grabbing on Dineh sovereign territory.

The latest example of imperial landscaping was in December 2008. Despite protest from Navajo, Hopi, native, and non-native people; the Office of Surface Mining approved a Life-of-Mine permit for the Black Mesa Complex operated by Peabody Energy. This permits Peabody to continue strip mine Black Mesa coal and water. In addition Peabody has the opportunity to seize 19,000 acres of sacred land beyond the 67,000 acres already in Peabody's grasp.

I gathered from this decision that mining and burning coal, which threatens catastrophic climate change, is not a real concern to Washington. Their attitude remains war mongering towards the earth and indigenous people, which are both considered collateral damage in the wake of National Security. It appears that neither the OSM or the tribal governments intended to stop Peabody and support traditional Dineh sovereignty on Black Mesa.

Certainly the few sheep camps that are left since relocation and mining began could not be a serious threat to national security? However, in my short time on Black Mesa, grandma and myself came into contact with BIA deputized rangers on several occasions. We were confronted about the activities going on around her home. This type of harassment is not isolated and has happened over the coarse of 30 years. But resistance is also not isolated and continues each day in varied degrees. All acts on Black Mesa under traditional Dineh authorization for survival are direct actions of resistance to American imperialism. The bottom argument I wish to make is relocation = imperialism. The sheep, horses, cattle, deer, birds, elders, youth, and sheepherders all stand in the way of Mr. Peabody's coal train and American progress.

Nephew Jake

For more information to become a live-in supporter/sheepherder on Black Mesa please visit:

blackmesais.org or contact: blackmesais@gmail.com vm 928-773-8086

Big Mtn: Sustained Resistance & Ritual Hope for Resiliency

2009-05-05T13:47:00.009-07:00

(Image) Painting by Robert Maryboy titled, "Medicineman"

Big Mountain Spring 2009: Sustained Resistance and Ritual Hope for Resiliency
Written by Bahe Katenay, Sheep Dog Nation Media
May 5, 2009

You may live in an urban setting where the night sky is obliterated by city lights and air traffic. You may live in a rural area but you hardly ventured out into a wilderness even though it is in your back yard. Perhaps, your crazy personal life allows you sometime to walk in a park or you take a brief nature hike. Imagine a real wilderness.

I’ve never been in a jungle or in the arctic tundra. I have visited and camped in some tundra zones in the mountains of the U.S. southwest. The only wilderness that I have spent so much time in is the Big Mountain range in the heart of Black Mesa. If you have been to Big Mountain, you may have been shown the summits of Big Mountain and you might have thought, “Oh, those little hills?”

I’d tell you to, “go take a hike.”

Dzil Ntsaa (misinterpreted as Big Mountain) means Great Mountain. It is a very rugged region, two summits marked its sacred areas, series of deep canyons radiate outward from these ‘little’ summits, narrow ridge lines and saddles connect isolated plateaus, the juniper and pinon forest is thick with under brushes that includes sharp spiny yucca and cactus, most of its slopes are steep and rocky, and everywhere you look there is beauty and you can feel the embrace of the sacredness.

There are no Anasazi ruins nor is there any evidence of past human habitation. However, there are thriving communities of civilized life (not ‘wild life’) like cougars, lynx, white tail deer, elks, wolves, porcupines, reptiles, hawks, many flocks of birds, owls, woodpeckers, falcons, occasional eagles, and our most ancient relatives the insect kingdom. But this experience can be disrupted when you find pieces of metallic or rubber balloons or plastic shopping bags that might have all blown in from the far distance areas of wild life (not ‘civilization’) sanctuaries of urban-dwelling.

I wondered, as I do my pilgrimage in this special and gifted place, does anyone that knows about the forced-relocation programs that is happening at Big Mountain ever think about how much the sacred is endangered? At night being on one of the summits, you see the ‘street-less,’ street lights scattered along as they outline, exactly, the boundaries of the so-called, Hopi Partitioned Lands. The bright lights from the Peabody coal mines glow into the dusty atmosphere like there is a smoggy city beyond the northern Big Mountain point. Every 15 to 25 minutes commercial airlines roar high above as their wing lights flash and you can almost feel the presence of hundreds of passengers passing through between the mega-cities of California and of the Midwest or New England.

I am alone up there but I also am lucky, too, because my two intelligent sons are with me, and we all wonder: ‘does anyone care that Peabody Western Coal Company is getting closer to this sacred and pristine place? Does the world care about the Big Mountain elders who are resisting relocation and the expanding coal mines? Do people care at all about the natural way of actually doing things like making your own bow and arrows, cooking with the campfire, collecting water from a spring, and just trying very hard to learn from nature.’

As we complete the pilgrimage, we cannot ignore the strange dusting of red color on every square-centimeter of surfaces. We are in awe as we talked about how the climate, the human beings, and earth is changing, and how an intense wind storm from April 4, 2009 can transport thousands of tons of dust and even created the pink snowfall in Colorado.

I am still not sure how I will ever fulfill even a small degree of cultural and spiritual obligations that is expected of me / us at Big Mountain by the (last) traditional elders of the Dineh. I wish the great divine forces to pity me…

My elder relatives of Big Mountain grew up in a pristine world of strong leadership and wisdom and like my late mother, these elders had hope we grow up in the same way as they have despite the rest of us being forced into the government schooling. Now, those few elders that are left still maintain defiance against the colonialist of the USA. Today, the Bureau of Indian Affairs agency police continue their patrols, intimidations and livestock-count regulations. Also today, Mr. Peabody continues to maximize its profits as it is nearing completion of mining the original lease area of 1964, and they are prepared to christen new lease areas that will include the actual Big Mountain topography.

DIVIDING WALLS FOR CORPORATE EMPIRES: Big Mtn., Dineh & El Calaboz, Lipan Apache

2009-04-23T19:09:00.005-07:00

Eloisa G. Tamez who owns three acres of property in El Calaboz, Tejas, a community about 12 miles west of Brownsville, poses on her property, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008. Tamez, who opposes the proposed U.S. - Mexico border fence, said her property was part of a Spanish land grant and her grandfather was Lipan Apache, a tribe not officially recognized by the federal government but known to have existed in South Texas and Mexico. Tamez has refused to allow government surveyors on her property and is encouraging other land owners to do the same.

US seizes Tamez/Lipan Apache land for border wall

By Brenda Norrell

EL CALABOZ, Texas -- With the hope of change evaporating during the Obama Administration, a federal judge ruled that Homeland Security can seize the Tamez family land. After a court battle, with an alert to the international community, the Tamez family said a federal judge condemned the Lipan Apache family land for the US/Mexico border wall.

"A federal judge in Brownsville, Texas issued an order today granting the federal government's request to condemn the ancestral land of the Tamez Family, who are Lipan Apaches," the Tamez family said April 16. "Although this land has been in the Tamez family prior to the Spanish colonization, and also designated to them through Spanish Crown law (1767, as of today, it is in the possession of the United States Department of Homeland Security.""The landowner, Eloisa Tamez, heard about Judge Hanen's order while participating in the Western Social Sciences Association Conference in Albuquerque, where she was participating in a Three part panel: 'Indigenous People's and the U.S.-Mexico Border: Militarization, Resistance, and Rights.' She is with a group of colleagues from several bi-national Indigenous Border communities and experts on militarization and the impact of the border wall," the Tamez family said in a statement.

The seizure of the Tamez family land raises new questions about the actual intent of the US government as it acquires private property from California to Texas for the border wall. The US covert scheme to acquire borderlands includes seizing private land and seizing the use of American Indian lands, such as Tohono O'odham land in Arizona, for the border wall corridor.
The land seizures were facilitated by the fear created by 9/11, then fueled by immigrant racism and xenophobia on television news and finally accelerated by the so-called drug war in northern Mexico. However, more questions are now being raised regarding the covert US government's role in the drug and weapons trafficking in the borderzone. The Zetas, the most notorious murderers, were trained as US Special Forces, while the US appetite for drugs provides the demand. The weapons also come from the US.

Meanwhile, in Texas, the Tamez family reports that this is an urgent situation which needs international attention and wide press coverage.

An interview with Eloisa Tamez, by Ansel Herz, is at:
http://www.mediahacker.org/2009/04/judge-authorizes-dhs-to-begin-building-border-wall-on-indigenous-land-in-south-texas/

Excerpt: "Mediahacker: I know that you met Barack Obama while he was campaigning. Have you seen any changes in terms of DHS policy since his taking office and do you hold out any hope that him and the new Homeland Security Secretary will change plans at all?
Tamez: I see no change. I’ve seen no comment on it. I don’t know what the plans are, because, well, they haven’t said much. So I’m still wondering what we’re going to see. And I still remember that he voted for the wall when he was a Senator. He voted for it ..."

Genocide in Palestine and Indian Country: Good Fox, Pawnee, Speaks

2009-04-23T19:02:00.005-07:00

By Brenda Norrell

Julia Good Fox, Pawnee, describes the parallels between the ongoing genocide in Palestine, carried out by Israel with US support, and the genocide of Native Americans by the colonizers of the US. Good Fox describes the theft of land by the invaders, human rights abuses and complicit media. Margo Tamez, Lipan Apache, describes the onslaught of Homeland Security at the Texas border as another Apartheid Border Wall is under construction, during the broadcast on Censored Blog Talk Radio.Good Fox, professor at Haskell Indian Nations University, spent two weeks in Israel and Palestine as a member of the Third World Delegation, which was joined by a Quaker delegation. In this segment, rebroadcast with permission from American Indian Airwaves, Good Fox describes her first reality in Israel and the militarization of the region, with young armed soldiers a constant presence.

Good Fox was a member of the Third World Delegation, which she describes as a delegation of color. She said people of color received different treatment from the soldiers. "Our group was often singled out."During the fact-finding mission, Good Fox was present at the Apartheid Wall, where every Friday, Palestinians protest. "We were tear-gassed," Good Fox said. Although there were European politicians present with her, the group was shot at with metal rubber-tipped bullets. While there, Good Fox remembered her own Native American ancestors and what they experienced at the hands of the soldiers. She listened to the stories of the Palestinians who were forced from their villages and farmlands by Israel. In a wave of memory, she realizes that this is what happened to her own Native American ancestors. She realized what they would have felt when they were forced to leave their homes for the last time."We saw the similarities when we were in Palestine."Good Fox said in the ongoing invasion of Palestine, she feels outrage "that Israel, with United States sponsorship, is allowed to get away with this."The one-sided media in the United States is also responsible, she said.While in Palestine, she watched as people were taking care of their parents, going to school and trying to live normal lives. They were defenseless against Israel, she said."It is the largest prison in the world.

The people are just sitting ducks for this big show of military might."While meeting with people forced to evacuate their villages, she listened to the stories of farmers and villagers now barred from their village by a fence. Where they once farmed, Israelis now picked fruits. In another community, she describes the destruction of a Palestinian village, in ruins now, where Israelis swim."It was the only time I broke down and cried." Walking on that trail, she remembered her own Native American ancestors as they were forced out of their villages and took one last look.Good Fox describes the human rights violations being committed by Israel with support from the United States, including the murder of women and children, high fatalities, incarcerations and destruction of property. There is also a great deal of environmental damage.Of Palestine and Indian Country, she said there are striking similarities of abuse. It centers on land theft. The shrinkage of Palestinian controlled land follows the pattern of the US seizure of American Indian lands. There is another similarity as well. Palestinians are discouraged from speaking Arabic in public, as Native Americans have long been forced to stop speaking their own languages.

Families have also been separated by the Apartheid Wall cutting through their own territories, in the same manner that the US/Mexico Apartheid Wall is now slicing through the Indigenous communities along the US/Mexico border, including the homelands of the Tohono O'odham. Both Apartheid Walls, in Palestine and the US, now violate Indigenous patterns of migrations.Referring to Elbit Systems in Israel, she points out that the same corporation constructing the Apartheid Wall in Israel now has a contract for construction of the US/Mexico Border Wall.Good Fox points out the media coverage of Palestinians has failed to report the struggle for self-determination and sovereignty. In a similar manner, the media has also been unsympathetic to Native Americans' struggle for self-determination. Another parallel between Palestine and Indian Country are the "unrecognized villages," in northern Palestine. In the same manner, some Indian Nations in the US remain unrecognized by the US government.There are similarities as well between the US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). In Palestine, she said common men and women distrust the PNA and said it is not serving the best interest of the Palestinians.In Palestine, she said people wake up one day and there is a bulldozer at the door. Homes are being demolished and the homes are all gone within a week.Good Fox hopes now, following the fact finding mission, there will be an exchange of information about cultures, with Native Americans sharing their own experiences with the ongoing colonization.But it is clear that what is happening in Palestine is genocide, she said.

Good Fox also describes how the colonization continues in the United States, with American Indian children forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the US in schools. In Oklahoma, there is a movement by SPIRIT, which opposes elementary schools that compel Indian children to dress up like the pioneers who stole Native American lands. Meanwhile, in the US, schools continue to promote a curriculum of genocide and colonization.Good Fox points out that Native Americans are taught to identify with the US and military. At the same time, many Native Americans know little of their own treaties and cultures."That is a form of genocide."Although the United Nations has issued documents recognizing the rights of Palestinians, there has been no enforcement. Good Fox encourages those who want to understand the parallels between the genocide in Palestine and Indian Country, to undertake research, become involved in human rights, read literature and become informed from sources outside the mainstream press. There are also internships and opportunities to volunteer in Palestine. Further, Native Americans can have dialogues with their own tribal councils and share facts.

In closing, Good Fox points out that the millions of dollars that the US is sending to fund Israel's military could be used at the university where she is a professor, Haskell Indian Nations University, and other schools. It could also be used to fund the Indian Health Service.Pointing out the high rate of Native Americans joining the US military, she asked, "Why are we supporting the US military?"

Big Mtn. On Land Supporter: In His Own Words

2009-04-17T16:22:00.004-07:00

A LITTLE INSIGHT: On Land Supporter with Dineh Resisters: In His Own Words

Big Mountain, Black Mesa - April 2009 Yaa’at’eeh (Good Greetings). My name is Owen and my Mom’s side of grandparents were from northern Ireland, County Armaugh and Newry. Do you want to know my last name? What for? How about my social security #? She'aad diil adin! (Myself, don’t possess such item!) I was raised Catholic in New England by lower-middle class parents. They are retired teachers. I have a blood son with a much better BMIS (Black Mesa Indigenous Support) volunteer than me and two step kids: ages 6 and 8.

I have not wanted to say a lot about me/us on this web page (http://www.blackmesais.org), but this is for the purpose of what we are not as much as what we are. There are other websites out there connected to Big Mountain/Black Mesa. This organization is called, Black Mesa Indigenous Support. We know a number of (Dineh) families/individuals on/around black mesa well, and we channel support to them-mostly in the form of live-in helpers. We like to live in and help, too. And we do our best to get their stories heard by people not from there, especially the aspects of their story that are the result of ongoing genocidal laws and policies of the dominant society. Though, we get a lot of help in what we do from people that were born on Black Mesa or were born into the struggle against relocation and coal mining/resource extraction, the core of this "Black Mesa Indigenous Support" are people not born on Black Mesa or inside the fenced (partitioned) line. People who are from there have their own organizations.

As for me, anybody looking at me will consider me a white guy. So that makes me white with all the privileges and burdens that attend to it. One of those privileges and burdens is to be a sheepherder and to work for the elders of Black Mesa. Most of my work for them has been time and physical labor and listening. But I am also a second-rate organizer and propagandist. As far as my propaganda goes, it is mostly printed stuff and I try to show it around to people on the land when I can and translate for elders who can't read. They deserve to know and they have given me many good insights on how and what to put in to it or not. I think BMIS's web page is like that, too, to the credit of the volunteers who mainly have worked on it (not me).

But overall, I don't like these new technologies ‘cuz’ they are being used against us. They are reducing the possibilities that we have to choose from. And it is getting worse. So that’s all I'm ‘gonna’ say about myself, here. If you want to know more hopefully, we can meet up out on the Rez --especially if you are native or connected to this struggle in a further way than I am, I have nothing to hide from you. I prefer face to face communication. The struggle at Big Mountain has been an inspiration to me for many years, and I will continue to give it every ounce of energy that I can muster until someone can convince me to do otherwise. I have been schooled many times on aspects of how to do this by people associated with this struggle, but I have many more to go. So be it. I give thanks for the privilege of being called and called back to Black Mesa by elders of these clans: Bitter Water, Many Goats, Near Water, and Red Streak into Water. I especially encourage young and healthy folks from other nations around the world to do this support in the way as I have or better! We cannot afford not to.

My apologies for saying so much, and bottom line: I am not Red. I am White.
-Owen

Revisit Obama's Plan to "Dissolve Lines of Tribes"

2009-04-17T16:10:00.003-07:00

OBAMA SAID, “THE LINES OF TRIBE SHALL SOON DISSOLVE”. A DECLARATION OF WAR? MNN.

Apr. 15, 2009. Rahnatakias, “the village destroyer”, as the U.S. Presidency is called, in his inaugural speech said, “the lines of tribe shall SOON dissolve”. He is referring to the extensive covenants between indigenous nations on Great Turtle Island . The bankster thugs want to get the rightful custodians out of their way.

Our powerful ancient covenants make us of one blood and inseparable. Each party has to look out for the interests of the others. These are enduring compacts between friends, family and nation. We symbolically intermingle our blood witnessed by Kasatstensera kowa sa oiera, the great natural power. The tie cannot be dissolved. The original plan was to unite all indigenous nations. Over 200 nations joined this covenant.

Obama, an African, understands covenant relationships between ‘tribes’. He is going to try to shatter the ties that bind our people on Great Turtle Island. Nobody has been able to do that for 400 years. Several approaches are being used. One is the PBS series of five so-called history films called “We shall remain” that started on April 12, 2009 [www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain/]. We are portrayed as losers.

To advertise the series the symbol of defeat is a falling tipi with the stars and stripes flag falling over it. Another strategy is to wipe out Indigenous people altogether to be replaced by surrogate “Indians” who will work more closely to help the foreign invaders fulfill their goals.

Obama is also using gangster style extortion from tobacco farmers to stop us from trading and sustaining our families and communities. According to his new law, he wants his cut first. Most of these covenants were made with the exchange and burning of tobacco, which were signaled to all parts of Great Turtle Island. The colonists desecrated the use of tobacco by turning it into a habit-forming commercial product.

In the “It’s No Use” series, the Wampanoags, are the “people of the first light”. Massassoit knew when he made agreements with the invaders that he represented the interests of all Indigenous. In film two Tecumseh tries to invoke the covenant relationships with other nations to defend Great Turtle Island. The third is about the Trail of Tears. The fourth is about the great Apache Warrior, Geronimo, who was caught by the U.S. army when his family was held hostage. Wounded Knee is about the American Indian Movement’s stand at Wounded Knee. They are all downers!

The son of Massassoit organized resistance and started to attack the villages of the foreigners. They say the Mohawk showed up as friends of the British and attacked the Narragansetts. We are allies, not puppets of the colonists. At the time the confederacy controlled all the waterways. The Mohawks were the brokers. The Europeans could not profit as before. We are portrayed as double crossers of our own people. These deceptive messages are sponsored by multinational corporations like George S. & Delores Eccles Foundation, gseg@gseccles.org; Lawrence & Janet T. Dee Foundation www.kued.org; Utah State Office of Education www. Utah.edu; and WGBH www.wgbh.org 801-581-7777.

The dishonest message is that we have nothing left and that foreigners defeated us despite our covenants. While foreigners were making covenants with us they were planning to kill us off. There is a curse upon those who break such solemn promises.

Foreigners appointed submissive members of our people to sign illegal agreements with them. We never and cannot ever surrender our territories. Now colonists are creating surrogates into covenant people who will be docile domesticated Indians. No one can create us except an Indigenous woman.

The foreigners killed off 115 million of us in the biggest holocaust in all humanity. Now they’ve come up with a new trick. Obama and his backers want to create surrogate Indigenous people who resemble Iroquois, Algonquin, Lakota, Navajo and so on. They may look like us, learn to act like us but they can never think like us.

It’s about going red to get the greenbacks! Canada created Algonquins by signing up non-natives in a program headed by [Mother] Joan Holmes and the Department of Indian Affairs. These “No’gonquins” are set up to fraudulently sign away vast areas of Haudenosaunee, Iroquois, territory. Their backers and lobbyists promise these “No’hawks” casinos and a few dollars.

In another swindle the Congress of Aboriginal People CAP Patrick Brazeau is signing up enough settlers to become “Metis” to outnumber the real Indigenous. Some native people are being roped into this confidence game. In a recent Kanehsatake Mohawk election, Mother Joan signed up hundreds of secret non-Indians who voted by proxy to put in the colonial nominee as chief. Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Brazeau to “sleep it off” in the Senate as a reward for setting up this CAP scam.

Everything comes down to bloodlines. When Hitler was going to kill off the Jews, he listed those with as little as one/thirty-second Jewish blood for annihilation. Then the Kazars of Eastern Europe who were Zionists helped set up the state of Israel in the Middle East.

According to the Great Law of Peace the lineal descent of the people shall run in the female line. The clan mothers are the keepers of the authorized names [not the colonial governmental entities] and holders of the land.

The soil of the earth from one end to the other is that of the people who inhabit it since time immemorial. We Ongwehonwe are the caretakers of the soil. As Louis Karonhiaktajeh Hall said, “The so-called “conquest of America” is a bare-faced robbery of Indigenous territory”. No race of foreign people has a right to invade and kill other races. They cannot try to control, interfere with or injure the people or disregard the Great Peace. They have not broken our spirit. In the beginning the Europeans joined us. Those who came across the great salt water could never become Indigenous. They could remain on their ship with their ways.

Obama passed a law unto himself that before tobacco is shipped from the plantations in the Carolinas to Indigenous communities, he must be paid up front. It’s like the 1940s and 1950s when everyone was on the take. Businesses had to pay protection money to keep off strong arm enforcers. If they did not, their premises could get damaged or they or their relatives might get hurt or even killed. During prohibition everyone had to grease their palms. Then the people had enough and rebelled.

Capitalism is falsely called a “free market” system. Actually it is a monopoly of big business and government with control from England. Big Tobacco has to pay billions in fines to Canada for their former smuggling operations. None went to jail. They want no competition from us. Yes, the reptiles are slithering in the grass!

Kahentinetha & Karakwine, MNN Mohawk Nation News www.mohawknationnews.com kahentinetha2@yahoo.com katenies20@yahoo.com Note: At this time your financial help is urgently needed and appreciated for the lawsuit against the Canadian government for assault of Indigenous women at the Cornwall border. Please send your donations to PayPal at www.mohawknationnews.com, or by check or money order to “MNN Mohawk Nation News”, Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0. Nia:wen thank you very much. Go to MNN “General” category for more stories on this; New MNN Books Available now! Purchase t-shirts, mugs and more at our CafePressStore http://www.cafepress.com/mohawknews; Subscribe to MNN for breaking news updates http://.mohawknationnews.com/news/subscription.php; Sign Women Title Holders petition! http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Iroquois Joan Holmes and Associates research@joanholmes.ca

GLUTTONOUS SNOUTS IN THE TROUGH AND SLITHERING REPTILES: Prime Min. Stephen “Who’s-got-a-hernia-from-juggling-too-many-balls” Harper pm@pm.ca; BIG TOBACCO MONOPOLY: RJ. Reynolds America www.rjrt.com, Salem NC; Rothman UK Holding Ltd. www.fundinguniverse.com 15 Hill St., London W1X 7FB 071-491-4366; Imperial Tobacco Group PLC www.imperial-tobacco.com P.O. Box 244, Upton Rd., Bristol BS99 7UJ +44-0-177-963-6636; See Rothmans UK Holdings Limited London (071) 491-4366 Fax (071) 493-8404; GOVERNMENT OPERATIVES AND DOUCHE BAGS: Center for Public Integrity www.publicintegrity.org; William “Imodium” Marsden wmarsden@thegazette.canwest.com; Philip “Ka-ka” Authier kdougherty@thegazette.canwest.com; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health www.jhsph.edu; Carnegie Foundation www.carnegie.org; Ford Foundation fordfound.org; JHET Foundation www.jehtfoundation.org; John D. & Catharine T. MacArthur Foundation www.found.org; Park Foundation info@parkfoundation.org; Rockefeller Foundation rockfound.org; PIERS info@piers.com.

[Posted by SheepDogNationRocks]

COMING SOON: Sheep Dog Comics, Multiculturalism Innden Style

2009-04-06T15:30:00.003-07:00

SheepDogNationRocks blog presents a few episodes of "Adventures of the Supporters." Within the belly of the Monster, the US Capitalist Continent, there are the illusions of ideas called democracy, freedom and that nice-sounding terms: diversity and multiculturalISM. If you happen to stumble upon this Blog, check out these featured comic scenes of reservation Injuns (Indian) and their Outside Supporters (non-Indian) helping each other while fighting/resisting the U.S. laws of genocide at Big Mountain on Black Mesa.

Big Mountain Video Project in Dineh Demo

2009-03-28T12:51:00.004-07:00

Project: "The Dineh Story from Big Mountain: Why We Must Not Be Relocated"

This 5.5 minute demo is to give you an idea about the project. The peoples' name were not put on this demo but if the original or final cut is ever produced the names will be there. In case you do not know about the background, the US government passed a relocation law in 1974 and the unique, intact culture at Big Mountain began a resistance movement against Peabody Coal Compnay and the federal Indian relocation commission.

The documentary project IF successfully completed will have traditional Dineh who are affected by the relocation policies speak about their elders' teachings and stories when they were a child or a teen. The Dineh will tell about the importance of holding on to their threatened culturals, clan systems, language, and ancient rituals of the lands.

Big Mountain Productions began in 1984 and it completed a very unprofessinal documentary in 1992: "Family of the Great Mystery." Unprofessional because of the lack of equipment, funds, video-taping in remote places, and yours truly, Chief Loner, was never trained in electronic media. It was a mere desperate attempt by a lone Injun trying to show a story, to be told by the Innden (Indian).

-SheepDogNationRocks2009

American Activism too Privileged & Bogged: Europeans Maintain Efforts for Big Mountain

2009-03-23T11:52:00.003-07:00

American Activism too Privileged & Bogged: Europeans Maintain Efforts for Big Mountain

Stockholm, Sweden – March 7, 2009 Swedish Indigenous Supporter and Human Rights Observers held a protest and petition signing in support for the Dineh resisters at Big Mountain and for the indigenous resistance against Peabody coal mine expansion. The protest rally in Stockholm’s city square went well despite the heavy police surveillance. After the rally, the police escort notified the US embassy that the protest march was on their way towards the embassy. The protest organizers had originally hope to hand-deliver the petitions to the gates of the Embassy as they did in 1998’s Protest for Big Mountain.

According to one of the key organizer of the Stockholm protest, “The (stupid) American that I spoke to on the phone, who was inside the embassy, and I asked, ‘if they can have an Embassy representative meet us at the gate to deliver the signed petition?’ This U.S. Embassy official was very rude and his answer was basically, ‘in your dreams!’ I asked him, ‘what would it take?’ His arrogant answer again was, ‘well, maybe if you were the king or queen..’ The Embassy prefers the petitions to be sent via post.”

The Stockholm organizer also said people in the U.S. have expressed their solidarity and some even wanted to sign on to the Petition. One human rights organizer from France also was making much effort to collect signatures, there, and spreading the word about the Black Mesa / Big Mountain situation.

Wild Oak Meadow, the Swedish based indigenous support, further reports, “we have formed a network on the internet for Big Mountain, Black Mesa and about 800 people have signed up to receive information and updates, and we are still counting!”

“Wild Oaks is trying to connect with the Swedish network called, Climate Action, as well. We want to be in Copenhagen in December 2009, and show up with the Black Mesa banners and signs and hold a vigil outside the Climate summit.”

“We are networking as much as we can, right now.”

“Also Wild Oaks hope to join a local nature protection organization, Naturskydds-föreningen, who has been around for 100 years, this year. They are also involved in trying to stop the test drilling for uranium, on our Table Mountain (central Sweden), which is proposed this coming summer. All the so-called legal avenues are now exhausted in stopping this --so civil disobedience is the only option left.”

A through report from Sweden will soon follow, or follow link below to the Swedish indigenous support website.

Much love & solidarity from the Land of the Gethes (central Sweden),

Carina - on behalf of Wild Oak Meadow

http://www.vild-eken.se/news.php

- - - - - - - - - - - - - ^^^*^^^- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UPDATE from Big Mountain, March 21, 2009 "Happy Spring Equinox" and:

A message from Grandma and Chief of the Big Mountain resistance movement, Pauline Whitesinger:

"The BIA Indian police are intensifying their daily presence and intimidations. They have graded the main dirt roads that allows them to be on constant patrol. They are taking pictures of sheep herds and asking elders residents about the total number of animals they have corraled or roaming about.

"I think that they will be rounding up Dineh-owned cattle and horses. It is pretty likely that there will be livestock impoundments or confiscation.

"It has been mentioned to us by local Navajo officials that these Indian police operating out of the Hopi reservation do not have any real commanding-authority, because the Hopi tribal council is in defunct and is without a tribal chairperson.

"People world wide need to still support the resistance out here. The great evil wolves (U.S.A.) are prowling closer and all around us."

SDN-Rocks, 2009

Navajo-Hopi “Land Dispute.” What Dispute?! A Revisit to the Old Hopi Voice.

2009-03-02T17:43:00.004-07:00

[Note by Sheep Dog Nation: Following are excerpts from the late, traditional Hopi elder, and I first heard about him when I attended a long meeting in Kykotsmovi in the late 1970s. The traditionals at that time were part of the Navajo-Hopi Unity Committee and were trying to stop the (modern) Hopi council from accepting a Land Claims payment. This Claim would affect the Dineh in combination with the Peabody occupation. I was there not only because Kii Shey (Big Mtn. Leader & member of the N-HUC) asked me to attend but also because a couple of the Hopi elders invited me. One elder from Hotevilla brought in a little film projector that evening and mounted on a tiny reel of film strip.

It was on a silent 8mm film that I saw Dan leading a group of mostly women who were jumping into a long ditch with pipes and machinery nearby. There were a good number of police and officials with haircuts and suits that were observing or addressing the crowd. Another scene showed Chief Dan overseeing people and mostly women again with shovels digging at tall telephone poles. A pole falls into the sandy ground and the film shows the women with big smiles and jumping in celebration. The elders later told me that that was from 1964 when the new and modern Hopi council tried to bring water, sewer lines, and electricity into Hotevilla. Also this was the first time (I hadn’t be expose too much to “civilization,” yet) that I heard the elders mention a Hopi way of resistance: non-violent and civil disobedience.

For some strange reason today in the early 21st century, we don’t hear much from the traditional Hopis. Not much about how they may feel about their neighbor Dineh being relocated and threatened. So, here are parts of Chief Dan’s message from around 1970 when he was about 105 years old. –Sheep Dog Nation, 2009]

Hopi Peoples’ History & Prophecies: (Excerpts of Dan Katchongva’s Message.)

By Dan Katchongva, Sun Clan (Ca. 1865-1972) Translated by Danaqyumptewa

THE ARRIVAL OF ANOTHER RACE FORETOLD

Time passed on, people passed on and prophecies of things to come were passed from mouth to mouth. The stone tablets and the rock writing of the life plan were often reviewed by the elders fearfully they waited as they retold the prophecy that one day another race of people would appear in their midst and claim our land as his own. He would try to change our pattern of life. He would have "sweet-tongue" or a "fork-tongue," and many good things by which we would be tempted. He would us e force in an attempt to trap us into using weapons, but we must not fall for this trick, for then we ourselves would be brought to our knees, from which we might not be able to rise. Nor must we ever raise our hand against any nation. We now call these people Bahanna.

('JUST AN EVENT OR THE FINAL EVENT OF PURIFICATION?' -sdn)

This third event will depend upon the Red Symbol, which will take command, setting the four forces of nature (Meha) in motion for the benefit of the Sun. When he sets these forces in motion the whole world will shake and turn red and turn against the people who are hindering the Hopi cultural life. To all these people Purification Day will come. Humble people will run to him in search of a new world, and the equality that has been denied them. He will come unmercifully. His people will cover the Earth like red ants. We must not go outside to watch. We must stay in our houses. He will come and gather the wicked people here first. He will be looking for someone whom recognize by his way of life or by his head (the special Hopi hair cut), or the by shape of his village and his dwellings He is the only one who will purify us.

The Purifier commanded by the Red Symbol with the help of the Sun and the Meha will weed out the wicked who have disturbed the way of life of the Hopi, the true way of life on Earth. The ills of the Earth will be cured. Mother Earth will bloom again and all people will unite into peace and harmony for a long time come.

But if this does not materialize, the Hopi traditional identity will vanish due to pressure from Bahanna. Through the whiteman's influence, his religions, and the disappearance of our sacred land, the Hopi will be doomed. This is the Universal Plan, speaking through the Great Spirit since the dawn of time.

THE FAITHFUL HOPI EVICTED FROM ORAIBI

On September 7, 1906 his followers, commanded by chief Tewaquaptewa himself, entered the house where discussing prophesies and us threw out. We did not resist until rifles and other weapons were shown and they began beating us. Then we resisted only to the extent of defending ourselves from injury. I was knocked unconscious. When I came to, all my people were gathered to go. My father, Yukiuma, was selected to be the leader. The women and children, few belongings on their backs, a little food, and no shoes, were prepared to leave. Some tried to go back to their houses to get their valuables and some extra food, but they were turned back. (In "Book of the Hopi" it is said we were allowed to go back and get some belongings, but this is not true. That book is no accurate.) After we had left we learned that our houses had been looted and that horses had been turned loose in our fields and had eaten our crops, which were just ready for harvest.

Thus we had to migrate once again to find a new home, leaving behind a corrupt world of confusion. We sought to start a new life, carry on our ceremonial cycles, and preserve our way of life without interference, but now we know that this was a dead dream, for the interference has discontinued right up to the present day.

THE FOUNDING OF HOTEVILLA VILLAGE

The village of Hotevilla was settled for one purpose, to stand firmly on the Great Spirit's instructions and fulfill the prophecies to the end. It was established by good people, one-hearted people who were actually living these instructions. Water was plentiful, and so was wood, from which we built temporary shelters in which we were to survive the cold winter with very few blankets. Food was scarce, but we managed to live from the land by hunting game and picking greens. We were united into oneness, but it would again be split into two due to extreme pressure from the outside.

THE DISRUPTION CONTINUES TODAY

At the present time we face the danger that we might lose our land entirely. Through the influence of the United States Government, some people of Hopi ancestry have organized what they call the Hopi Tribal Council, patterned according to a plan devised by the Government, for the purpose of negotiating directly with the Government and with private businesses. They claim to act in the interests of the Hopi people, despite the fact that they ignore the existing traditional leaders, and represent only a small minority of the people of Hopi blood. Large areas of our land have been leased, and this group is now accepting compensation from the Indian Claims Commission for the use of 44,000,000 acres of Hopi land. This is in error, for we laid our aboriginal claim to all of this land long before the newcomers ever set foot upon it. We do not recognize man-made boundaries. We true Hopi are obligated to the Great Spirit never to cut up our land, nor to sell it. For this reason we have never signed any treaty or other document releasing this land. We have protested all these moves, but to no avail.

Now this Tribal Council was formed illegally, even according to whiteman's laws. We traditional leaders have disapproved and protested from the start. In spite of this they have been organized and recognized by the United States Government for the purpose of disguising its wrong-doings to the outside world. We do not have representatives in this organization, nor are we legally subject to their regulations and programs. We Hopi are an independent sovereign nation, by the law of the Great Spirit, but the United States Government does not want to recognize the aboriginal leaders of this land. Instead, he recognizes only the what he himself has created out of today's children in order to carry out his scheme to claim all of our land.

Because of this, we now face the greatest threat of all, the actual loss of our cornfields and gardens, our animals and wild game, and our natural water supply, which would put an end to the Hopi way of life. At the urging of the Department of the Interior of the United States, the Tribal Council has signed several leases with an outside private enterprise, the Peabody Coal Company, allowing them to explore our land for coal deposits, and to strip-mine the sacred mesas, selling the coal to several large powerplants. This is part of a project intended to bring heavy industry into our area against our wishes. We know that this will pollute the fields and grazing lands and drive out the wildlife. Great quantities of water will be pumped from beneath our desert land and used to push coal through a pipe to a powerplant in another state (Nevada). The loss of this water will affect our farms as well as the grazing areas of the animals. It also threatens our sacred springs, our only natural source of water, which we have depended upon for centuries.

We Hopi knew all this would come about, because this is the Universal Plan. It was planned by the Great Spirit and the Creator that when the whiteman came he would offer us many things. If we were to accept those offers from his government, that would be the doom of the Hopi nation. Hopi is the bloodline of this continent, as others are the bloodline of other continents. So if Hopi is doomed, the whole world will be destroyed. This we know, because this same thing happened in the other world. So if we want to survive, we should go back to the way we lived in the beginning, the peaceful way, and accept everything the Creator has provided for us to follow.

Whiteman's laws are many, but mine is one. Whiteman's laws are all stacked up.

So many people have made the rules, and many of them are made every day. But my law is only the Creator's just one. And no manmade law must I follow, because it is ever-changing, and will doom my people.

We know that when the time comes, the Hopi will be reduced to maybe one person, two persons, three persons. If he can withstand the pressure from the people who are against the tradition, the world might survive from destruction. We are at the stage where I must continue to lead my people on the road the Great Spirit made for us to travel. I do not disregard anyone. All who are faithful and confident in the Great Spirit's way are at liberty to follow the same road. We will meet many obstacles along the way. The peaceful way of life can be accomplished only by people with strong courage, and by the purification of all living things. Mother Earth's ills must be cured.

As we say, the Hopi are the first people created. They must cure the ills of their own bloodline so everything will become peaceful naturally, by the will of the Creator. He will cure the world. But right now Hopi is being hurt. To us this is a sign that the world is in trouble. All over the world they have been fighting, and it will get worse. Only purification of the Hopi from disruptive elements will settle the problems here on this Earth. We didn't suffer all this hardship and punishment for nothing. We live by these prophecies and teachings, and no matter what happens, we will not buckle down under any pressure from anybody.

We know certain people are commissioned to bring about the Purification. It is the Universal Plan from the beginning of creation, and we are looking up to them to bring purification to us. It is in the rock writings throughout the world, on different continents. We will come together if people all over the world know about it. So we urge you to spread this word around so people will know about it, and the appointed ones will hurry up with their task, to purify the Hopi and get rid of those who are hindering our way of life.

I have spoken. I wish this message to travel to all corners of this land and across the great waters, where people of understanding may consider these words of wisdom and knowledge. This I want. For people may have different opinions about some things, but because of the nature of the beliefs upon which this Hopi life is based, I expect that at least one will agree, maybe even two. If three agree it will be worth manyfold.

I have spoken. I wish this message to travel to all corners of this land and across the great waters, where people of understanding may consider these words of wisdom and knowledge. This I want. For people may have different opinions about some things, but because of the nature of the beliefs upon which this Hopi life is based, I expect that at least one will agree, maybe even two. If three agree it will be worth manyfold.

---angelfire.com/realm/dinehinfo/dansbook

Leonard Peltier Remembers AIM Comrade, Bob Robideau

2009-02-23T11:46:00.004-07:00

Bob Robideau carries the special Staff for Political Prisoners on Hwy. 50 in Colorado during the Longest Walk II 2008.

Greetings my relatives!

It is with a real deep sense of loss that I write this. The loss of my brother in the struggle for Indigenous rights who was also my blood cousin and also a defendant in the Oglala shoot-out trials. I am speaking of Robert Robideau, who we called Bob most of the time. Bob was a tireless campaigner for my freedom and Indigenous rights all over the world. I can’t express enough how greatly his leaving this level of existence will be missed.

Bob and I grew up together. We were involved in the 70’s American Indian Movement together. We were shot at together. We were on the run together and over the 33 years of my imprisonment, Bob was a person I could count on for a lot of reasons. We laughed together, quarreled with one another, praised one another and had strong disagreements at times. Bob was the one person I could truly count on to tell me the straight of it, whether I liked it or not. I didn’t talk to Bob in person that often, as of late, but just the thought of knowing it will be a while before I talk with him again, causes a sense of missing him like never before. He was sometimes my worst critic and sometimes my best support, but he was always my brother and I loved him dearly. I wouldn’t doubt that wherever he is at, he’s organizing a support group of some sort. If I thought there was anything that I could say that would bring him back to us, this statement would go on for as long as it took. However, reality being what it is, I know Bob will appreciate our concerns for the loved ones he left behind and want us to go on and do the very best we can to make this a better and more free, more just world we live in and he would surely remind us that we are the guardians of the future and the keepers of today.

It is always difficult to address the loss of people you knew and cared about, but every once in awhile, there is a loss that is deeper than all the rest. In this loss, there is often a loss of words. It is a time when the shock of the situation is so close that you just don’t know what to say. One thing I can say for sure is that the loss of Bob Robideau is a loss to all. And to Bob, I don’t know how long I’ll be here myself, but that doesn’t matter. I look forward to seeing you again my brother, some other time, some other place. May the Creator be with you wherever you are and wherever you go.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Bob Robideau, Steve Robideau, Joe Stuntz, Bobby Garcia, Roque Duenas, Nilak Butler, Anna Mae Aquash, , and all the others who gave of themselves for our People.

Mitakuye Oyasin

Leonard Peltier

AIM Warrior from Oglala 1975 Fight passes on to the Spirit World

2009-02-19T18:37:00.005-07:00

International Peltier Forum: "We were just notified that Robert Robideau passed away at his home in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009."

UPDATE: 02/21/09 8:00 a.m. PST

Re: Passing of Robert Robideau

Good Day Everyone,

It has come to my attention of a couple of changes to the account set up for donations; the correct information is located below. Arrangements have been made to bring Robert back to the United States and plans are in the works in regard to services, we should know a definite date early next week, if not sooner. Friends and family of Bob are all welcome to attend the services, we will have TWO (2) services; the initial services are planned to take place in Portland, Oregon, some time within the next couple of weeks. Exact date and location will be announced soon. For those who cannot make it to Portland, there are plans for services to take place after Portland, in New Mexico, just outside of Albuquerque in Edgewood. As with the passing of a loved one, an account has been set up to assist the family with the financial responsibilities of laying Bob to rest.

If you would like to help, please send donations to: In the benefit of Robert Robideau US Bank153662026936

*You can send it to any US Bank in the United States, via mail or transfer, or walk-in.

I truly apologize for any confusion, and of course your positive thoughts, prayers and assistance are greatly appreciated during this time.

On behalf of The Robideau Family, Thank you!

Respectfully, Starr Robideau

In Memory of a humble-brother warrior, Robert Robideau

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Background

The American Indian Movement (AIM) was founded in Minnesota in 1968 by Eddie Benton Banai, George Mitchell, Dennis Banks, and Clyde Bellecourt. The organization promoted traditional Native American culture and sought to instill pride in the Native American community. AIM's targets included both the federal government, with whom it had a long list of grievances (especially focused on its record of many broken treaties--including the 1868 Ft. Laramie treaty, which resulted in the loss of nearly all of their land in the sacred Black Hills region of South Dakota) and assimilationist or "progressive" Indians, who they believed undermined native traditions and solidarity.

In February 1973, AIM instigated a seventy-one day takeover of the site of a famous 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. The massacre, described vividly in the bestselling book Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, resulted in the deaths--at the hands of the United States Calvary--of several hundred Sioux women and children. In response to the AIM protest, the United States sent troops and tanks. The standoff ended with two deaths and a series of trials of AIM leaders.

In the two years that followed, the Pine Ridge Reservation came under the control of the "progressives" and elected tribal leader Dick Wilson. Wilson proved to be a vicious and unscrupulous leader, using his power to attack "traditionalists." He enforced his will with the aid of a vigilante force called "GOONs (Guardians of the Oglala Nation)." In the years between 1973 and 1975, called "The Reign of Terror" by AIM, the Reservation saw over sixty unsolved murders and had the highest murder rate in the United States. More people were killed at Pine Ridge, with a population of about 12,000, than in the rest of the entire state of South Dakota.

In 1975, traditionalists at Pine Ridge asked AIM leaders to send members to the Reservation to protect against further goon squad attacks. Among the AIM members to respond to the call were Leonard Peltier, Bob Robideau, Dino and Nilak Bulter, Kenneth Loudhawk, and other natives from across the country. AIM established a base of operations at Oglala, a settlement on the Pine Ridge Reservation with the highest concentration of traditional Indians. Hostility toward the federal government and cooperating progressives ran high at Oglala.

June 26, 1975

Around 11 a.m. on a hot and sunny June 26, 1975, FBI agents, Coler and Williams, entered the Jumping Bull compound in Oglala intending to serve an arrest warrant on Jimmy Eagle, a young Indian accused of kidnapping and armed assault, who they believed might be driving a red pick-up truck. The agents began following a red and white van that they believed contained Jimmy Eagle. In fact, the vehicle contained Peltier and two other AIM members, Norman Charles and Joseph Stuntz. The van pulled over and, according to later testimony, its occupants "hopped out." Gunfire erupted. The agents stopped their cars on the road. Additional AIM members at the established a base of operations, hearing the sound of gunfire, rushed toward the scene.

Note: Crazy Horse joined Sitting Bull and Gall in defeating George Armstrong Custer at the battle of the Little Bighorn (June 25, 1876) 99 years to the day of the Oglala Fight.

Bio Robert Robideau, in his own words, January 31, 2009

“I am a member of the Turtle Mountain and White Earth Ojibwa tribes. I have been an active member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) since 1973. A member of Northwest AIM, Dakota AIM in the 1970s, today I am a member of Autonomous AIM. I served as AIM spokesman for New Mexico from 1993-94. Darrell (Dino) Butler, and I were acquitted in the deaths of two FBI agents in 1976 on grounds of self defense. The charges arose after a shootout with the FBI on Pine Ridge reservation in June of 1975 that left two FBI agents and an Indian man dead. This period known as the reign of terror, in which 60 AIM members were killed and hundreds more assaulted in a government sponsored action to destroy AIM. These killings and assaults came in the aftermath of the Wounded Knee takeover by AIM in 1973. I have served twice as National-International Director for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (LPDC). Leonard Peltier, is an internationally known political prisoner who has served more then 32 years in prison for the same alleged offense as I was charged and acquitted. I have appeared on 60 Minutes, West 57th Street, EDJ and in other major television documentary programs. I have also appeared in the documentary film, Incident at Oglala and other major documentaries relating to AIM, Anna Mae Aquash and Peltier. I have spoken extensively on AIM, Leonard Peltier and the Anna Mae Aquash cases both in the States and Europe. I have written extensively on the Peltier case and on Native American Indian issues. I am the founder and director of the American Indian Movement Museum in Barcelona, Spain, where much of the history of AIM and my art work remains on display.”

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Remembering a warrior and brother at Big Mountain:

A tribute to Bob Robideau

This is one great brother to always remember. I am so privileged that I got to see Bob at Pueblo, CO during the Longest Walk II --almost a year ago.

Brother, I will think of you as I stand my ground along with my elders at Big Mountain and knowing that you were a brave warrior when AIM was alive and strong!Spirit Brother, I will remember you when I look up to the Tree of Life, the Sun Dance Center Pole in that Sacred Hoop of our peoples, and knowing that you are now with our ancestors.

Aho. To All My Relations. --Kat, Dineh of Big Mountain

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References: www.law.umkc.edu, http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/

Recommended viewing is: “Incident at Oglala” video

Sacred Earth Lodge of A Dineh Threaten in the Name of BIA-Peabody Expansion

2009-02-11T20:34:00.004-07:00

Dineh hogan or earthlodge represent the microcosm of the Universe, father Sky and Mother Earth. They are sacred sites still manage by traditional elders, and more like these are being desecrated daily. The old ones say is the reason why Indian people are losing identity, sovereignty and the new generation have adapted to the American lifestyle and mentality.

Protesting is not Resisting, Resistance are based on Profound Manifestos: “Ancient Big Mountain Supreme Ways Dictates Dineh Resistance, Pauline Whitesinger Continues to Defy B.I.A. Police Harassment & Threats”

By Bahe Y. Katenay, Sheep Dog Nation Rocks

Sweet Water Stronghold, Big Mountain. February 9, 2009 - Dineh elder resister of the traditional lands of Sweet Water is bundled up for the chilly winds as she takes some hay out to her sheep and goats. The herds need a little extra feed before going out to graze. The non-Indian, volunteer supporter is dressed warm and ready to follow the sheep as he chops some wood for grandma, Pauline and while the herds nibble on the scattered hay on the ground. Not many non-Indian volunteers do occasionally make themselves available from their busy lives to come out for short stays and help traditional, elder resisters. Very few traditional elder residents are now left throughout such regions affected by the harsh relocation laws of 1974.

When asked, “How is everything out here?” The well-outfitted supporter says, “Just a lot of babies, and that is why I’m carrying this!” He wears a large, hand-sewn canvas bag which he referred to is to be used in case any of the sheep or goats have “babies.” Soon the sheep and goats are done feeding and they head towards the great pristine canyon of Sweet Water, and the supporter suddenly quits all chit-chat, grabs his stick and runs off toward a herd that is disappearing into the juniper forest.

Each non-Indian supporter that make these short stays with traditional elders have unique and deep sense of passion that is more than just positive, but they have the understanding of the suffering from injustice and the presence of environmental destruction. Though these kind of ‘hardcore’ supporters are becoming rarer, they value the human connections to nature or to the eco-systems rather than connections to corporate entities and its policing/policies. They see and appreciate, more than most native Americanas, what still exist out here at Big Mountain especially where an elder like Pauline lives. Supporters like this one at Sweet Water do have ‘profound’ commitments to stay two weeks or more to learn and experience a glimpse of natural survival skills and maybe a very small bit of ancient human ritual ways. Within their profound commitments they know they may encounter at any moment the ‘terror-threats’ of the U.S. sponsored, BIA Indian Police Gestapo.

Grandma Pauline moves about slow as she closes the “hay barn” doors that are made from frames of a single-bed, and the barn’s roof is of tattered plastic tarps and the walls are of leaning juniper logs. She greets with a friendly and joyful hand shake as she adds a little sense of humor to her greeting. Grandma is still strong but age is still giving her a challenge, too. She is like a story teller as she makes numerous comments about things and about the conditions out there. She also knows that she is part of a situation which is the struggle for liberation at Big Mountain—her birth place.

A few supporters are very concerned and that is why this independent monitoring of human rights violation and religious intolerance is being carried out. The Arizona-based, Black Mesa Indigenous Support had received a phone message on behalf of Pauline in January about BIA Police personnel posing threats to demolish a traditional earth lodge. Because of the lack of resources, it took a while for the support network to finally establish contact and get the information. This situation with her re-building this sacred lodge should be a natural process but the regional BIA Hopi Agency saw it as a violation of U.S. Court decisions in the name of the federally-supported Hopi council. Grandma Pauline who still lives according to her ancestors’ ancient, cultural lifestyles completed the earth lodge and which is another, direct-action that is obviously missing in Indian country, true Native Resistance!

Grandma recalls what happened on January 20th as she also refers to a radio announcement, “It was about that time, 10 AM, when the radio said that in the east ‘the hand shall to be raised,’ when my grandson beckoned me outside because there were some visitors. It was those BIA-Hopi Police, again, and one officer got out of the vehicle followed by a female officer. I sat down on the bench against the house and they both sat on either side of us, the man who spoke Dineh sat next to me. As he said, ‘we hear you are out here sitting in the mud and we come to check on you,’ the third officer got out of the vehicle and started to walk over towards the newly rebuild lodge.

“My response to the officer next to me was, ‘I’m sitting in the mud out here? You say that as if you spoke with someone that lives with me and knows about my situation.’ Then we all noticed that the third officer was taking more pictures of the earth lodge like (they) do not have enough pictures of it by now.

“I begin to ask the officer sitting with us, why do you all need more pictures and you all should just stop these picture-taking of my home? The officers both ignored my request but the third officer came over and took a couple pictures of me and my grandchildren. The police said nothing more to us but left to return and drive by my resident again, and they drove slowly like they were still up to something. About a week ago, (they) did not come here but (they) again drove by very slowly like they were making some intense observations. I believe these (BIA) police are going to start doing as they please because the actual Hopi council is in defunct…”

The Call to Action for Support Continues

The protests in the American streets where Starbuck, Bank of American and GE own the concrete-n-steel sidewalks are hopeless! Come to the place of opportunity to show the American Police State that you support the natural humans pay homage to, not control, the Mother Earth. At Big Mountain, you will see and understand what real resistance is and experience being part of defending the profound ancient ways of life that are threaten into extinction. Come out, rough it, have patience, find that humbleness within you, and you will be in the human circle for revolution. Help, Save the Microcosm of the Universe at Big Mountain, the Whitesinger Earth Lodge!

© Sheep Dog Nation Rocks, 2009
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For more information about how you can help, contact: blackmesais@riseup.net or visit http://www.blackmesais.org/ and / or leave a voice message @ 928-773-8086.

Obama: "Lines of Tribes Shall Soon Dissolve" = Abolish Sovereignty

2009-01-26T09:34:00.012-07:00

Great Black Father, Obama's Inaugural Address Targets "the Indian Problem."

While most of the Indian "nations" celebrate a black President, they don't realize the reality behind the United States government and its corporation's campaign of genocide against the indigenous sovereign nations. "The Indian!" A small portion of the Indian population 'refuse to be Conquered,' and they are the "problem!" Like in Mohawk, at Big Mountain, and where ever traditional thought, practices, and physical-being still exist. The ancient, indigenous sacred bundles are still alive. Altars of these sacred bundles that Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt and others made their solemn Oath to destroy. Great Black Father, today, unfortunately utters that same racist, zionist 'crap.' Uttering the same Nazi rhetoric against the weak, the poor, and those who are just in the way. Sheep Dog Nation Rocks' image posting (Oct. 29, 2008 "Non-Voter States..") of Obama as that reborn, Buffalo Soldier, was quite accurate, and will President Obama be the 'one again to help the white oppressor' in their attempts to annihilate the Indian? Lakota brother, Russell puts it best, here, and it's about time that everyone study American History 101-"X".

Watch this video about Russell Means's analysis on U.S. Indian policies and its clear relationship to the potential Obama Administration's intention for Indian Reservations: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=644_1232733116

Factions in Hopi Disrupt Council Functions & Mr. Peabody May Have A Role

2009-01-16T11:50:00.007-07:00

5th U.S. Cavalry in 1905 with Hopi prisoners, and (inset) Youkioma, Antelope Priest, in 1910.

Circa 1680, The Pueblo Revolt: “The Chief of Mishonguovi said, ‘I have come to kill you.’ ‘You can’t kill me,’ cried the (Spanish) Priest, ‘You have no power to kill me.’ The old Priest made a rush and grabbed his sword from the wall. The Mishonguovi Chief yelled and the (mission) doors were broken open. The Priest cut down the Chief and fought right and left but was soon overpowered… Ponderosa pine beams that were outside and that which Hopi slaves brought back from the San Francisco Mountains were erected into a tripod. They hanged the Priest on the beams, kindled a fire and burned him.” –Truth of a Hopi, 1936

Factions within the Hopi “Friendlies”: Instability of a 21st Century, Colonial-Established Tribal Government

By Bahe “Kat” Keediniihii Katenay, Sheep Dog Nation Rocks Media
January 15, 2009

Big Mountain, Dineh bi’ Ke’yah’ (a.k.a. Arizona) The Hopi “friendlies” as they were referred to once in the early 20th Century when the American military and its Indian Agent were trying to establish a ‘civilized’ tribal agency. Today, in the 21st century these ‘friendlies’ are now referred to as “progressive” Hopis by the Dineh traditional resistance movement of Big Mountain. This current and federally recognized, Hopi tribal council is in turmoil due to an out of control political faction and years of temporary, executive leadership.

Coincidently or truth, the traditional Hopi Kwimongis have prophesized that, “the complete adaptation to the ‘corrupt White Brother’s Ways’ by indigenous peoples will bring about turmoil or martial law.” The traditional Hopi ways have survived because to a limited extend village chief authority are still respected. These descendents of the Hopi “hostiles” from the early 1900s are today’s traditionals, and they still oppose the colonial-established tribal councils because such councils pledge to an American oath to uphold the laws of industrial exploitation of the natural resources.

Before the subject of political factions in Hopi is mentioned in depth, the modern Dineh (Navajos) have had their own unstable political practices of the colonial tribal governing. Navajo political upheaval in the 1980s turned violent when two factions supporting their candidates for tribal executive position clashed in front of an administration building in Window Rock, Arizona. A couple of people were killed and some were wounded when the tribal police open fire after being attacked with sticks. More recently, a dispute among a community council in New Mexico on the Navajo reservation turned violent, but only chairs were thrown and a few people got minor injuries.

There is a book which is not widely known but it is called, “Truth of a Hopi,” that was published in 1936 by the North American Society of Science & Arts, Inc. One passage mentions the fragile Peaceful Way of Being a Hopi as it puts attention to “all the ruins throughout Hopi country” can show that “Hopis have always had dissensions.” Basically, a village would break up and thus a new village would be established. However, the only documented village breakup is in 1906 when the American colonialist brought the European form of education to Hopi.

“Hostile” Chief Tawahongniwa opposed sending Hopi children off to the American school in 1906, and he had some followers from Mishonguovi and Shipaulovi. Factions throughout Hopi intensified when “friendly” Chief Lololama was in disagreement with Spiritual Leader Youkioma who advocated for the ancient Hopi Ways. Tawahongniwa and his followers had left their home-villages and while on a search for a new home, Youkioma of (Old) Oraibi welcomed these homeless Hopis with the sacred corn meal but another “friendly” Chief Tawaquoptiwa disagreed with Youkioma’s invitation. All this led to Youkioma being excommunicated and forcibly deported, along with his followers, out of (Old) Oraibi into the late winter environment. This further led to the creation of the sovereign village of Hotevilla, attempted assassination of Youkioma, and military imprisonment of Chief Youkioma. Youkioma was about 90 years old at that time.

The modern and “civilized” Hopi tribal council was successfully formed in the mid-1960s and soon after, Peabody Coal Company was awarded its Black Mesa mining lease from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Today, the sources of this corruption are unknown and it is causing another dissension among “democratically elected,” Hopi leadership which were based on BIA designed tribal constitution. A constitution now being interpreted according to one faction’s needs to control certain aspects of judicial process and executive decisions, and the other faction that includes a recently elected tribal Chairman claim they have been deliberately removed and banned from participation. The BIA Indian Police and Hopi Tribal Rangers have only assisted by vacating the council chambers and arresting those who were unofficially banned. The police help maintain a hold and there is no functioning tribal council.

Meantime, Peabody’s Life of the Mine Permit for Black Mesa has been approved even though indigenous communities of Black Mesa and Big Mountain tried to stop the approval process, and even though this approval process caused factions in Hopi to intensify. Also, the BIA-Hopi Agency along with their tribal Rangers continues to assist in the US/Peabody, genocidal processes at Big Mountain with enforcements like monitoring and harassment of traditional Dineh elders. The traditional Dineh, whom once aligned themselves with traditional Hopis by opposing relocation policies and coal mining in the 1970s, have warned federal Hopi police: “What you do to us with all your threats of sins, you do to yourselves and your peoples! You will see.”