Native Unity: Cooperation Between Tribes and Arizona Communities

Native Unity

NATIVE UNITY DIGEST: The Native American people need to find a way to pull together to become more visible to the rest of the world. This concept is being promoted in the Digest through news articles, features, OP/ED pieces and contributor submissions on all aspects of Native life and tribal cultures throughout the U.S.and Canada. Bobbie Hart O'Neill, editor.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Cooperation Between Tribes and Arizona Communities

The annual League of Arizona Cities and Towns Convention opened its general session on Friday, September 23rd at the Mesa Convention Center with nearly one thousand registrants representing most of the state’s 89 cities and towns and for the first time, ever, five of Arizona’s 22 Indian Nations.

The League extended the invitation to the Tribes in hopes of clearing up questions about tribal sovereignty and future interests as well as foster dialogue between the tribes and the state.

Attending the convention were Raphael Bear, president of the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation; Jamie Fullmer, chairman of the Yavapai-Apache Nation; Ned Norris, vice-chairman of the Tohono O’odham nation; Leonard Rivers, vice-president of the Salt River-Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Delia Carlyle, vice-chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community .

Bear addressed about 100 state leaders saying,”It wasn’t long ago that tribes and local governments had little to do with each other.” In the past, he acknowledged there had been “harsh words” and “bruised feelings" in dealing between the tribes and local governments. “I’m here to tell you all that has changed.”

The Tohono vice-chair stated when he found out how long the Convention has been gathering, “It’s taken us 20 years to get on your agenda” but explained the same issues that affect Arizona Towns and cities affect the tribes, especially population growth.

He added, “I’m going to miss being able to step outside my house and seeing as far as I can but I do like that we have two grocery stores, now.”

The Ak-Chin Community and the nearby city of Maricopa have had a “good neighbor policy” for decades in spite of occasional misunderstandings. They have worked together on issues and projects that benefit areas.

Keno Hawker, Mesa mayor, told the group it has become commonplace for local and tribal governments to enter joint projects, adding the Salt River Community and Mesa are partners in several ventures including the VaShyl’ay Akimel Ecosystem Restoration Project along he Salt River bed.

The warm feelings lasted long after the leaders stepped away from the microphone and Hawker said the League will be approached about making the joint meeting between tribes and state communities an annual affair.

(Isn’t it just absolutely amazing how a few tribes with thriving casinos can suddenly be invited to develop cozy relationships with their neighboring communities - bobbie.)

This article was edited for content and length based on an Internet article and a story from The Arizona Republic bylined Lars Jacoby.

BLACK HILLS ACTION GROUP

Submitted by Alyssa Macy

Dates: October 27th – 30th in the Sacred Black Hills

Looking for dedicated Native People who want to change the world and gain valuable skills in the following areas:

Non-Violent Direct Action
Anti-war Organizing
Movement Building
Community Organizing
Grassroots Strategy

Come join us to help create a better future for the next generation of Native People.

Brought to you by:

Lakota Action Network
OWE AKU
Mennonite Central Committee
American Friends Service Committee
The Ruckus Society

For further information contact:
Vic Camp-(605)455-1122–victorio@gwtc.net
Richard Iron Cloud–(605)867-2417–rironcloud@afsc.org
Nick Tilsen–(605)441-7485–ntilsen@lakotaaction.net
Marty Aranaydo–(510)763-7078 X 305–marty@ruckus.org

This is an 18+drug/alcohol free event.

ANIMAL REFUGE FOR KATRINA’S VICTIMS

Submitted by Melody Sheline – Little Wolf’s Traditions

I received a call while ago from my Irish Wolfhound friend, Jean Reed. Jean has recently relocated near Tyler, TX and wanted me to post to all lists that if anyone has need of a place for their dogs, horses or themselves to contact her.

She and her daughter, Jennifer (who's a handler) have room for any and all who are seeking refuge from Katrina and her aftermath. Jean's cell phone number is 941-228-8414 (this is a Florida cellnumber, but is active)

Permission to crosspost to any and all lists.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those folks.

More help...From: Bette Holtman
We have space - kennel runs and cat runs available for pets from the hurricane in our new facility in Frisco, Texas(North Dallas). Please let me know of any groups or people who will be needing space.

We are :
A Place for Pets Resort & Spa, Inc.
6349 Technology Drive, Frisco, Texas, 75034
Phone: 1-972-377-3122
Toll Free: 1-866-377-3122
Website: http://www.aplaceforpets.us/

Please cross post to any groups or where it can be of help.The offer is free to animals displaced because of Katrina. The only time I would have to charge would be two weeks at Thanksgiving and three weeks at Christmas, otherwise, there is no charge.

Thank you for cross posting.

NATIVE UNITY - A place for Native American Peoples to solidify their tribes to make a positive impact on the cultural, social, economic and political fabric of American society and a place for non-Natives to better understand the ways of the American Indian.

For news and information on Native American and First Nations actors, go to Annie's site at www.NativeCelebs.com and follow the threads.

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