'Divine Strake May Kill You' - This Is One Scary Read!

Submitted by Eleanore Fanire, Mohave Downwinder

The Spectrum
St. George, Utah
Saturday, January 27th

Divine Strake is a precursor to building larger nuclear devices designed to kill people and destroy facilities. There is a very good chance that 700 tons of fuel oil and ammonium nitrate could blow the top off the mountain if it is an underground mountain test.

The Nevada Test Site grounds are contaminated with isotopes from previous nuclear testing. Many radioactive isotopes are imbedded in the desert soil of the Nevada test Site. If an accident occurs with Divine Strake and the winds are blowing in the direction of St. George, these deadly Isotopes could become airborne and contaminate our beautiful city.

Being an on site participant at the Nevada Test Site on 18 December 1970, I watched the Nuclear Test Baneberry come out of the ground and go airborne. The fallout covered l3 States and crossed the U.S. boundary into Canada, a violation of the Test Ban Treaty.

The Baneberry accident occurred at 7:30 am about 9000 feet from my work location. At that time about 600 of us construction workers were gathered around the area 12 cafeteria. We were told to go to our work locations, but no one did.

Within a short time the fallout from this atomic bomb was coming down on us at the cafeteria and other locations. Only about 150 people could get inside the cafeteria which also became contaminated. The rest of us had no place to go. We were covered with fallout.

I did not have a hat on that day, and my head and clothes were covered with radioactive fallout. All of us construction workers were breathing this fallout. About 9 AM that morning I breathed in a hot particle and it lodged into the nasopharyngeal region of my nose. This hot particle made my nose start to bleed. I made my way into the men's room and I used wet toilet paper to try and wash out that hot particle.

Finally about 9:30, I stopped the bleeding that left me with a large nasal septal perforation I then went outside and all the busses were gone.

There was a guard outside the cafeteria and he said the busses left about 9:15. The security guards confiscated between 450 and 500 of our cars as they were too radioactive to let us have.

The security guard told me to wait there at the cafeteria and someone would pick us up shortly. Myself and a few others waited all day long and no one come to pick us up and take us out of the area. I might interject here that the evacuation siren never did go off that morning to leave the area.

About 2PM a co-worker from California had his car in the housing area and loaded with his personal belongings just waiting for a chance to get out of the area, as it was his idea to leave and not return to the Test Site. He waited until the guards were not at his location and started to leave.

My friend saw me standing there and yelled for me to get into his car. I brushed the fallout out of my hair as much as I could and took off my winter coat and shook the fallout off of it as best I could, get into his car and we headed up to area 17 as the regular road from area 12 was blocked off.

The fallout was still coming down at area 17 and the road was blocked there and we just waited. About 2:15 a bus arrived and we went down to CP6. A radiological safety person boarded the bus with a Geiger counter and just walked down the aisle waving the Geiger counter over us. He then went to the front of the bus and told us that we pegged the meter.

Then he said when we got home to take off all of our clothing winter coats and boots in our garages and burn them if we had burn barrels. In those days in Las Vegas most homes had burn barrels. Then he said to take cold showers 3 times a day for 2 weeks, in which I did. I told my wife that I was probably a walking dead man. I had a wife and 3 children at home- I had this mental strain of wondering how long it would take before this atomic bomb would kill me.

Fortunately for me, I have had many good doctors. This Baneberry bomb caused Squamous Cell Carcinoma to grow on the top of my head and two more on my forehead at the hairline. Each time I have caught them in time and had very good cancer doctors remove them before they went through my scalp and into my brain.

At this time I feel another one growing which I will have removed at my next doctors appointment. This fallout has caused me to have my aorta artery and left renal artery replaced, it has also left me with almost total renal failure.

I have had a Fistula put into my left wrist and left elbow for dialysis and both have failed. I give many thanks to the Nephrology center here in St. George as my red blood cells are now dying off at a rapid pace and this center is saving my life with Aranesp injections about every two weeks to prolong the life of these red blood cells. I have other medical problems in which the good doctors and nurses here in St. George are taking care of.

I strongly urge every person with a computer to write a protest against the Divine Strake Test, as that will be the beginning of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site- The Government cannot guarantee that the nuclear testing will not leak radioactive fallout from leaving the boundaries of the test site. We have a beautiful city, lets keep it that way and protect our citizens from the deadly radioactive fall out from any future testing at the Nevada Test Site.

Donald J.Moore
St George, Utah
Protest Website divinestrake@nv.doe.qov or (702-295-0625)

Citizens Speak Out Against Divine Strake
The Salt Lake TribuneSalt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:01/27/2007 10:19:15 AM MST

The following statements were made at the hearing sponsored Wednesday by Gov. Jon Huntsman in Salt Lake City on the planned Divine Strake weapon test:

"I was blood tested and tattooed along with my classmates by the government so they could monitor the effects of testing. I'm not interested in going through this again. I'll lie in the road if I have to. The trucks will have to run me over." Michelle Bird

"It's empowering to hear everybody's personal stories. To those worried about being emotional: We need to be emotional. Write letters and make phone calls. This is a too-familiar road we're traveling down." Cindy Bur

"I'd like to talk about U.S. leadership - or lack thereof. At a time when there are legitimate fears about nuclear-weapons programs in Iran and North Korea, at a time when just last week the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved their clock a few minutes closer to midnight, at a time when U.S. credibility around the globe is at its lowest ebb, it's critically important the U.S. not take this action. As several others have said tonight, it's not divine, it's not rational, it's not necessary." George Cheney

"The public can demand an Environmental Impact Statement and I hope that's something everyone will do. An EIS finally gives the public a say, but if people don't request it, it won't happen." Michael Cowley

"I'm confused. An agency I've never heard of has a $2 billion-plus budget. Why isn't this money being spent better elsewhere? A bunch of guys just want to set off firecrackers." Terry Crowther

"I'm a downwinder. My life has been shaped by what happened to me at the hands of my government. I have thyroid cancer and I lost a sister to lupus. In the neighborhood I grew up in I've counted 45 people who died of fallout-related illnesses. We traded our trust for our lives. We won't do it again." Mary Dickson

"I believe we should use our resources, our science and our technologies to fund and explore options for peace rather than more options for war." Monica Dixon

"I've had two miscarriages [the five other women in my family have had none]. The only difference was my address was Moab and theirs was Michigan. The government can't predict what dose of radiation downwind populations may receive nor how many cancers and miscarriages it will cause. There is no such thing as an acceptable dose." Susan Dolan

"It's been my honor to listen to this testimony. I, too, went to the so-called hearing the government offered; it was a sales pitch for this disaster. It's ironic that [tonight's testimony will] be put on the Department of Environmental Quality Web site the same week the Legislature votes to cut their funding, in a year when we have a $1.6 billion surplus. When we pull the rug out from under the guardians, who will protect us?" Ed Firmage Jr.

"I find Divine Strake to be totally counterproductive. We cannot blast our way to world cooperation." Naomi Franklin

"For 25 years I've been attending hearings about nuclear this and nuclear that. I'd like to say no, no nuclear anything." Meg Hards

"My husband and I, along with our children, moved to Cedar City in 1951. Our son Norman died at 42 of cancer. My son Paul died a horrible death at 55 from leukemia; my husband died three weeks later.These deaths were diagnosed as cancer from overexposure to radiation. Divine Strake is wrong and we need to stop it. I don't know how, but I know we must." Lois Iverson

"This testing will begin an escalation impossible to stop." Janie Iwamoto

"I was raised by a uranium-mining and hauling family. I've watched loved ones take their last breath and die of cancer related to radiation exposure. In the names of those I have buried, please do not allow these losses to be wasted." Collette Johnston

"Here we are at the threshold of a decision. Do we walk back into weapons development with its environmental, health and ethical quandaries, or do we step into the future and make a stand for public health, well-being and peaceful diplomatic solutions? These choices define our character." Tara Maher

"Developing and testing new weapons won't make our global community any safer; rather it will fuel continued violence and resentment toward the U.S. Let's put our resources toward true tools of peace." Shea Pickelner

"I grew up without grandparents - they died of cancer and we received "compensation" which is a horrible, horrible word - so I grew up without anyone older than my parents, as did many my age in St. George. I want to add that story of suffering to the many that have been said." Katie Savage

"My father died from multiple myeloma as a downwinder. They offered us compensation but no one can compensate for my father. We need to stand up and be noted and have the courage to say, 'I will not allow it again.' I hope we can get enough strength going between all of us." Barbara Stratton

"I want to remind people about a victory: MX missile. We fought it tirelessly and eventually the government conceded. We stopped MX; we can stop Divine Strake." Robert Volker

"I have a 1-year-old daughter; I'm here as momma bear. I love this state an awful lot. Every time I go camping I wonder am I camping on top of uranium tailings. I love gardening and I don't want to be afraid to grow food. I don't want to be afraid to drink water, or to breathe. We should just redraw the borders of Utah into the shape of a giant guinea pig." Kerri Warner

In tests they exposed sheep to the same radiation downwinders received. The sheep died. I just want the federal government to know that we aren't your sheep. [name unknown]

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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'Before Tomorrow' - Igloolik & Puvirnituq Women Cooperate On Feature Film

Submitted by Ann VanWert

JIM BELL, January 19, 2007
Madeline Ivalu of Igloolik plays the lead character, Ningiuq, in “Before Tomorrow”. She also co-directed the film and co-wrote the script with Susan Avingaq and Marie-Hélène Cousineau. Paul-Dylan Ivalu plays Maniq, the grandson of Ningiuq.

Makeup artist Sarah Surusila inscribes traditional tattoos on Madeline Ivalu's face. Camera man Felix Lajeunesse films a drum dancing scene with Peter Henry Arnatsiaq, who plays a character named Apak. Tumasie Sivuarapik of Puvirnituq plays a hunter called Kukik.

When Marie-Hélène Cousineau and her colleagues at Igloolik's women's film collective, Arnait Video Productions, arrived in Puvirnituq last year to begin work on their first full-length feature film, they weren't sure what to expect. After all, they didn't know each other very well and their dialects are obviously different.

But their attempt at collaboration turned into a resounding success. Their joint project, Before Tomorrow is well on its way to completion, and when it's done it will be the third feature-length film to be produced and distributed by the Isuma family.

"The people there were so professional. They were so helpful, and they did what they had to do. They worked very hard. They developed a great relationship with our workers," Cousineau said. "It was not a political exchange. It was across the border, just people meeting people, with a creative purpose. There was no political border."

Cousineau and Igloolik elder Madeline Ivalu are directing Before Tomorrow using a script that Ivalu co-wrote with Susan Avingaq and Cousineau, based on a novel by the Danish-Greenlandic writer Jorn Riel called For Morgendaggen.

Unlike most other creative projects in the Arctic, this is one where women are the bosses. It's written by women, directed by women, most of the protagonists are women, and the film looks at the essential questions of life from a woman's point of view.

Susan Avingaq, an elder from Igloolik, is the art director, with sole responsibility for the look of the film. Attuat Akkitirq is the costume designer.

"For the group of women with whom I have been working for 15 years, it's an amazing experience, because we started very small. We didn't have a camera, we didn't have a place to work, we started with very small things, filming in people's houses. We started from scratch in 1991 with a budget of $5,000 for the year," Cousineau said.

The Arnait group will arrive in Puvirnituq this Monday, January 21, to complete the fourth and last two-week shooting session for Before Tomorrow. When that's over, they'll conduct a workshop for people in Puvirnituq who want to continue working on film projects. Cousineau said a group in Puvirnituq already has a "script in development" that they want to use for another film.

"They are very interested in producing more. They have lots of stories too."

She points out that such projects take time to fund and develop. But she says the Makivik Corp.'s enthusiastic support made a big difference. Makivik is helping a lot more with finance. They are putting money on the table. The Inuit organization of Nunavut wrote a support letter, but never gave us any money," she said.

Before Tomorrow is a Nunavut-Quebec co-production, with funding supplied by Telefilm Canada, the Nunavut Film Commission, the Quebec film corporation SODEC, and the Makivik Corp. Cousineau said that after shooting finishes up, they'll start editing the footage, hoping to create a finished cut by the end of the summer. They have yet to decide how and when Before Tomorrow will be released, but Cousineau says it's certain they'll do ­special premieres in Igloolik and Puvirnituq.

She also said that it will likely be shown within a traveling distribution system that Isuma is trying to set up for all aboriginal communities in Canada.

Set somewhere in the Arctic in the middle of the 19th century, Before Tomorrow tells the story of Ningiuq, an old woman consumed with dread as she contemplates her impending death. After a joyful reunion with another family, Ningiuq, played by Madeline Ivalu, finds herself alone on an island with her grandson, Maniq, played by Paul-Dylan Ivalu, and her best friend, Kutuguq, played by Mary Qulitalik.

After a disaster strikes, Ningiuq and Maniq find themselves feeling as if they are the last people left on earth. Ningiuq uses her spirituality and her survival skills to keep Maniq alive - but she feels her own death approaching and she doesn't know what to do.

She said the film, produced entirely in Inuktitut, is aimed first of all at an Inuit audience and at aboriginal people in general. "We're filming in Puvirnituq, but it's not a story that is taking place in Puvirnituq, or Igloolik, or Gjoa Haven, or Greenland. It could be happening anywhere," Cousineau said.

But Cousineau said it's the kind of film in which audiences of all cultures will find meaning. "It's about the questions of life, love and the meaning of your family and your culture. So I think it's very universal. It's the story of this woman who has to take serious decisions about survival and the last days of her life."

"I think everybody can be touched."

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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 Native Celebrity News - go to www.nativecelebs.com

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NATIVE BIZ LEARNING CENTER - www.learn.nativebiz.com was developed for tribal education specialists serving tribal communities. Any tribal community can register at NO COST.

Peabody's Plan To Reopen Black Mesa Coal Mine

Submitted by Western Shoshone Defense Project

Peabody Energy & Office of Surface Mining Collude to Reopen Black Mesa Strip Mine
A few days before Christmas, the Office of Surface Mining unexpectedly released a 758-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Peabody Energy's Black Mesa Mining complex.

There is a lot of political pressure from the Salt River Project to reopen the shuttered Mohave power plant to provide electricity to Phoenix, and Peabody is trying to take advantage of this to obtain a "Life-of-Mine" permit to revive their Black Mesa Mine and restart the slurry line that we all worked 30 years to shut down. Comment letters are needed by February 6. A sample letter and full instructions along with additional information are below.

Details
The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) has issued a 758-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that assesses the impact of mining on the Coconino and Navajo Aquifers on Arizona's Black Mesa, in the heart of the Hopi and Navajo Nations. OSM's recommendations would pave the way for Peabody to reopen its Black Mesa Mine and with it the destructive coal slurry line that had dramatically drained the Navajo Aquifer for 30 years.

What's at stake is a fragile ecosystem in the midst of drought, the drinking water for thousands of residents in the growing towns around the Colorado Plateau, and the cultural heritage of the Hopi and Navajo peoples.

The Black Mesa Project targets pristine groundwater to slurry coal to the Mohave Generating Station - a practice that the community opposed for three decades and succeeded in stopping last year. Despite the closure of the air-polluting Mohave power plant, and with no viable plans for reopening it, Peabody Energy and Salt River Project are moving forward with plans to re-start these destructive practices.

This time, Peabody Energy and Salt River Project want to tap into the Coconino Aquifer (south of Black Mesa, between Flagstaff and Winslow) while also increasing access to the Navajo Aquifer, so that they can reopen the controversial coal slurry line from the Black Mesa Mine to the Mohave power plant in Laughlin, Nevada (273 miles to the west).

Peabody's plan to use the Navajo and Coconino Aquifers to once again slurry coal to the Mohave Power Station is "Alternative A" (or most preferred) in OSM's draft EIS. Peabody's plan would mean that mining would expand into undeveloped areas, tap further into the Coconino and Navajo Aquifers, and force the relocation of at least 17 Black Mesa residents and 55 residents in the Leupp area, south of Black Mesa. The Navajo Aquifer has already been devastated, with 7 local springs and several wells down by approximately 30%.

If Alternative A is approved, Peabody could pump up to 6,000 acre feet per year from the Navajo Aquifer until 2026, a 33% increase over what they extracted from 1970 to 2005. Meanwhile, Peabody has not taken the steps mandated by federal law to reduce its hydrological impact at the Kayenta Mine, another mine it currently operates on Black Mesa.

Most critically, the OSM is considering issuing a "Life-of-Mine" permit to Peabody, which would mean that Peabody could mine coal at Black Mesa until 2026. (The controversial mine was allowed to operate with a temporary permit for 30 years!)

If the plan to allow Peabody to restart its Black Mesa Mine goes ahead, the cultural implications will be dramatic. The Hopi and Navajo's ability to grow traditional foods and herbal medicines, as well as access ceremonial sites and perform rituals, will all be affected.

Also, the Hopi are now in the most important phase of their ceremonial calendar, when the elders have entered the kivas, and so they are outraged that the OSM has chosen to release the EIS at a time when the Hopi people are unable to fully consider it - and organize to protest it.

The Trustees and Advisors of Black Mesa Trust (BMT) asked that the federal government postpone its scheduled hearings on the EIS, but the government went ahead with the hearings. Activists also wants the OSM to consider a "No Water Alternative" which would transition the Mohave Generating Station into a solar thermal plant and the Black Mesa Mine into a solar and wind farm.

Black Mesa Trust points to Southern California Edison's "Mohave Alternatives Study" for evaluation of such an alternative. BMT is preparing to file an injunction should the OSM move forward with its recommendations.

Public hearings were held by the OSM through January 11. But, you can still write in your comments by e-mail or letter to the OSM before the February 6th deadline. Cut and paste the sample letter below or craft your own, and e-mail to BMKEIS@osmre.gov or snail mail your letter to Dennis Winterringer, Leader of the Black Mesa Project EIS, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, at the address below.

If you e-mail your comment, please indicate in the subject line that comments are for the "BMP Draft EIS Comments."

Sample Letter :
Dennis Winterringer, Leader of the Black Mesa Project EIS
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Western Regional Coordinating Center
P.O. Box 46667
Denver, CO 80201-6667

RE: BMP Draft EIS Comments
Mr. Winterringer,
I strongly oppose the reopening of the Black Mesa Project and call for the OSM to deny Peabody Western Coal Company any permit to operate the project. The use of fresh groundwater to slurry and wash coal in a time of severe drought, while the population in the Southwestern United States is rapidly growing and local farmers are unable to irrigate their crops, is morally reprehensible.

Further, the BMP would only provide a short-term supply of greenhouse gas-emitting, non-renewable energy sources while causing irreparable environmental and cultural damage and the relocation of people from their homes. This is unacceptable!

I ask that the OSM extend the Draft Black Mesa Project EIS commenting period, so that the affected communities may adequately review and understand the proposals of the EIS. As the EIS was released without proper notification of the concerned communities and during the winter holiday period when many people could not attend public hearings, it is appropriate to extend the comment period 50 days.

The OSM needs to update its hydrological model for the N-Aquifer and provide sufficient information demonstrating the C-Aquifer is a viable supply of water and that withdrawals will not have adverse hydrological or wildlife impacts.

It also must do adequate studies on the effects of "coal washing" and the causes of land subsidence. The OSM must also require that the operating firms, in this case Peabody Western Coal Company and the Salt River Project, put up bonds that would pay for any future damage to the land and the aquifers.

I encourage you to refuse Peabody's mining permit and support Alternative C (No Action) and more fully explore the No Water Alternative (transitioning the Mohave Generating Station to a solar thermal plant).

This would create an opportunity for America to shift its energy consumption to renewable and clean energy sources and would protect a culturally sacred yet fragile environment for generations to come.

Sincerely,
-----------

For more information, check our website report on Black Mesa or visit Black Mesa Trust.

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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 Native Celebrity News - go to www.nativecelebs.com

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

NATIVE BIZ LEARNING CENTER - www.learn.nativebiz.com was developed for tribal education specialists serving tribal communities. Any tribal community can register at NO COST.

$2.46 Million For First Nation's Economic Development

Submitted by Ann VanWert

DRYDEN, ONTARIO (January, 18, 2007) - Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is pleased to announce approximately $2.46 million in investments towards economic activities that will advance development opportunities for First Nations peoples in Northern Ontario.

Speaking in Dryden, Mr. Bruinooge said, "We are working with native leaders and communities to improve opportunities and provide real results for Aboriginal people. Maximizing First Nations participation in economic opportunities is important to ensure a prosperous economic future for all Canadians.

Robust economic opportunities are essential to the development of sustainable, healthy communities, and Canada's New Government is pleased to be doing its part to make this happen.

"Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has committed to support the following projects in 2006-2007:
$745,000 to the Attawapiskat/Fort Albany/Fort Severn First Nations to develop opportunities linked to diamond mining in Northern Ontario;

$560,000 to the Pikangukum First Nation for the Whitefeather Forestry Project (Sustainable Forestry License);

$317,500 to the Eabametoong First Nation for community-based resource planning at Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang;

$200,000 to the Seven Generations Education Institute for a Community Economic Development Officer Training Course;

$141,900 to the Big Grassy & Ojibways of Onigaming First Nations for activities related to the Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park;

$100,000 to the Pic Mobert First Nation for a Forestry Situational Assessment;

$100,000 to the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation for the Two Feather Forest Products Business Development initiative;

$64,700 to the Ojibways of Onigaming for a Water Bottling Manufacturing Feasibility Study;

$48,000 to the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (formerly known as Sand Point) to explore forestry initiatives;

$48,000 to the Ochiichagwe'Bagigo'Ining Ojibway Nation to explore economic ventures;

$40,000 to the Mattagami First Nation for mining strategy initiatives;

$40,000 to the Pic Mobert First Nation for a Mining Sector Opportunities Assessment;

$31,900 to the Batchewana First Nation for a Fisheries Management Plan; and,

$25,000 to the Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund for a Hydro Project Development Workshop.

More information on each project can be found in the Backgrounder.

In 2005-2006, INAC Ontario Region invested approximately $15 million in economic development funding to assist First Nations to improve their socio-economic conditions to help close the gaps between First Nations peoples and other Canadians.

For more information, please contact:

Linda Britt, Communications Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1559

Chief Charles Pascal
Pikangikum First Nation
(807) 773-5578

Chief Andrew Solomon
Fort Albany First Nation
(705) 278-1044

Chief Jeffrey Florent Desmoulin
Pic Mobert First Nation
(807) 822-2134

Chief Roy Gray
Fort Severn First Nation
(807) 478-2572

Chief Vernon Barry Henry
Ochiichagwe'babigo'ining First Nation
(807) 548-5876

Chief Bobby Kelly
Ojibways of Onigaming
(807) 484-2162

Chief Dean Sayers
Batchewana First Nation
(705) 759-0914

Chief Esther Pitchenesse
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
(807) 938-6684

Chief Albert Comegan
Big Grassy First Nation
(807) 488-5614

Chief Charlie O'Keese
Eabametoong First Nation
(807) 242-7221

Chief Willis McKay
Mattagami First Nation
(705) 894-2072

Chief Connie Gray-McKay
Mishkeegogamang First Nation
(807) 928-2414

Kristen Sills
University of Windsor
(519)256-3113 ext. 25

Mr. Mike Fox, Sector Specialist
Nishnabe-Aski Nation Development Fund
(807)623-5397

Ms. Audrey Gilbeau
Economic Development Officer
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
(807) 623-2724

Mr. Delbert Horton
Seven Generations Education Institute
(807) 274-2796

Canada's New Government Supporting Northern Ontario First Nations
KENORA, ONTARIO(January 17, 2007) - Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced a $18.6 million investment to northern Ontario First Nations, to upgrade infrastructure for power generation and to assist with pressures caused by remote and seasonal issues.

"Canada's new government is determined to ensure that First Nations peoples have the same access as other Canadians to the key elements of healthy and fulfilling lives," said Bruinooge. "This funding addresses the very real challenges faced by northern communities, especially remote and isolated First Nations in the Kenora region."

Canada's New Government has provided:
$8.6 million upgrade to the Wunnumin Lake diesel generating station. The upgrade will consist of building a new, larger diesel generating station near the community's airport that will allow more power to be generated to meet the current and future needs of the First Nation. The new facility will also allow for future expansion as required. Materials are being moved to the community on this year's ice road to allow construction to being this summer.

$4.7 million to 11 First Nations with independently-operated diesel generating systems (those operating outside Ontario's regulatory framework), in recognition of the impact of rising diesel fuel costs on generating and distributing electricity.

$3.5 million in one-time emergency funding to assist First Nations with the financial pressures associated with last winter's road conditions. Unseasonably warm temperatures delayed the opening of some winter roads, and caused load restrictions on others, which resulted in higher transportation costs for essential fuel and building supplies. This funding was transferred through the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.

As part of an Ontario-wide program, INAC is also providing $1.8 million to 75 northern Ontario First Nations for the operation of designated community buildings and vehicles, in recognition of the impact of rising diesel fuel costs on First Nation communities.

In 2006-2007, INAC is providing more than $946 million to Ontario First Nation communities and organizations for the delivery of basic services for First Nations on reserve (such as education, income assistance, infrastructure and First Nation government support), as well as for claims and self-government agreements.

For further information, please contact:
Tony Prudori
INAC Communications - Ontario Region
(807) 624-1535

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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 Native Celebrity News - go to www.nativecelebs.com

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

NATIVE BIZ LEARNING CENTER - www.learn.nativebiz.com was developed for tribal education specialists serving tribal communities. Any tribal community can register at NO COST.

Public Hearing On Waste Disposal In Utah County

Submitted by Eleanore Fanire

By Kathy Helms
January 19th, 2007
Dine Bureau
WINDOW ROCK -- A public hearing is set next Friday in Blanding, Utah, regarding approval of a license amendment which would allow disposal of 32,000 tons of radioactive sludge in San Juan
County.

The Glen Canyon Group of Sierra Club appealed the Division of Radiation Control's approval of a license amendment to process and dispose of tons of radioactive sludge at the International Uranium Corp. (IUC) uranium mill on White Mesa, in San Juan County, Utah.

Sierra Club was granted standing by the board on Sept. 8.

The Group's Nuclear Waste Committee chairperson, Sarah Fields, said, "The State of Utah has determined that the tailings cells at the IUC mill were inadequately constructed and do not meet current EPA requirements for a leak detection system.

"Therefore, it makes no sense for IUC to dispose of material that will more than double the tonnage of some of the toxic contaminants in the tailings," Fields said.

The disposal cells originally were constructed in the late 1970s for the disposal of tailings from milling Colorado Plateau uranium ores.

The Utah Radiation Control Board will conduct the public hearing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Arts and Events Center, College of Eastern Utah, 790 West 200 South.

Also at the Jan. 26 hearing, the board will consider whether the public will have an opportunity to present statements, in which case, community members could have an opportunity to be heard by the board.

Fields said the radioactive sludge comes from the decontamination of a bankrupt facility in Muskogee, Okla., that processed ores and tin slag for recovery of certain metals.

The facility is undergoing reclamation and cleanup due to hazardous and radiological contamination. The sludge must be disposed of in a licensed radioactive waste facility because it contains uranium and thorium and numerous toxic chemical contaminants.

Public records, including Notices of Violation, indicate excessive amounts of contaminants in the groundwater around the mill, Fields said.

IUC alleges that uranium measured in the groundwater near the mills in excess of state standards is due to natural causes. However, the Division of Radiation Control has disputed the IUC "natural causes" allegation.

Travis Stills and Brad Bartlett, attorneys with the Energy Minerals Law Center in Durango, Colo., will present the case on behalf of the Sierra Club.

From: Kathy Helms <khelms@frontiernet.net>
Gallup Independent <editorialgallup@yahoo.com>

Navajo Utah Commission On Radiation Exposure
By Kathy Helms, Dine Bureau
WINDOW ROCK -- For nearly a half century, the Navajo people were unwitting victims of radioactive fallout. They labored unprotected in underground uranium mines, unaware of the dangers. But the pay was good.

Now, these downwinders and those who worked the mines and mills or hauled the ore, and even their family members are sick and seeking federal compensation.

But federal response to those applications for compensation has been slow to non-existent, according to Lucy Begay, coordinator of the Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program at Utah Navajo Health System.

Begay addressed the Navajo Utah Commission Monday during its final meeting before the incoming 21st Navajo Nation Council.

Commission Chairman Willie Grayeyes said he had a number of family members affected by uranium mining. "Even though the federal compensation is available, it is so doggone difficult. It's like trying to climb Mount Everest in the winter. Either you make it or you don't make it."

He said the feds have made it so difficult to obtain the required documents, families spend all their resources just trying to gather the information. The tribe's Privacy Act also tends to get in the way ."Sometimes it's so frustrating the people just say, 'To heck with it. Let it go'," Grayeyes said.

Begay said Part II of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act approved last year is "very difficult in the sense of evaluation, because they base their compensation on expanded impairment (and) they base their compensation on percentage.

"Let's say, if a person was in a wheelchair, then they're able to get almost all their compensation. But as far as I know, very few miners have been compensated," at least not fully, she said. "Most of them are getting only medical benefits."

Commission member Mark Maryboy said the Navajo Utah RESEP program is a project they worked hard on, meeting with federal officials and raising complaints about the Utah Navajos being left out of the loop.

"Sometimes we think we're just talking to walls. When you talk to those senators, they don't really seem to be receptive. ... Sometimes people come to us complaining they have to go through tons and tons of bureaucratic process before they're compensated," Maryboy said.

"A lot of our Utah folks worked at the mines over at VCA, Oljato Mine, right around Cone Wash, Clay Hills and places like that. Some of those folks died trying to get compensation," he said.

"The siblings, the kids that were at the mines when they were growing up, now they have cancers and some of them have a hard, hard time getting the necessary documents to justify that they're affected."

Some reside on lands in close proximity to the Nevada Test Site. "They're also in the category of downwinders. Even then, they're struggling. Thesefolks are dying off and they're still struggling with paperwork," Maryboy said.

The office of U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, has been very supportive of the RESEP program, according to Begay. Matheson himself is a downwinder and has family members that have been exposed to radiation.

"In our area, down where Mark is (Aneth), we have families that have been affected by the radiation and nobody knows about it. Only the families tell stories about it," Begay said.

Obtaining documentation acceptable to the federal government is a constant struggle
for Navajo victims of radiation exposure. "A lot of applications are being denied because we're on the reservation and we don't have physical addresses. Most of our folks never kept records," Begay said.

The regulations are set by the National Research Council and is all very scientific, she said. Too, because the regulations were approved by Congress, it's difficult to change some of the statutes.

"There are a lot of applications, a lot of setbacks. I'm asking the commission to continue supporting our program," said Begay, who works mainly with the Idaho Falls Resource Center.

"We work with people throughout Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California. We have people all the way from Alaska and Hawaii. We don't work with only Navajo people. We work with all people," she said.

The Utah Navajo Health System now has five clinics, located in Montezuma Creek, Salt Lake City, Blanding, Monument Valley and Navajo Mountain.

About Us: The Native Biz Learning Center
The mission of the NativeBiz Learning Center is to provide an easily accessible web-based environment that allows any tribal education program and/or student in Indian country to access and utilize industry-leading educational technologies that are either outside of their technical capabilities or budget limitations.

The NativeBiz Learning Center http://www.learn.nativebiz.com/ was developed specifically for tribal education specialists serving tribal communities. (Co-developed by a former tribal TANF Chairperson and Tribal Council Member, the NativeBiz Learning Center is an unprecedented educational platform for tribal communities seeking to educate their members no matter where they are in the world.)

Any tribal community can register and utilize the learning center at NO COST to educate their tribal members, staff, descendants, consultants, etc.

Joletta Tsosie, Co-Founder, Vice-President
NativeBiz Learning Center®
Enrolled Member, Morongo Band of Mission Indians

P.O. Box 9004
Palm Springs, CA 92263
Office: 760-778-3910
Fax: 760-406-4234
Email: jtsosie@nativebiz.com
Web: www.nativebiz.com/

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. LARRY MITCHELL at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

NATIVE BIZ LEARNING CENTER - www.learn.nativebiz.com was developed for tribal education specialists serving tribal communities. Any tribal community can register at NO COST.

Wellness And Spirituality Conferences

Submitted by Eleanore Fanire

Spirituality and Native culture are inseparable; they are as one. Spirituality helps us cope, gives life meaning and brings wholeness to our being. To help us celebrate the connection of spirituality to wellness, Health Promotion Programs started the annual Wellness and Spirituality Conferences in Tucson, Arizona in 1991.

Keynote speakers, workshop session and activities all focus on areas of Native spirituality. Selected presenters provide strategies and techniques for utilizing spirituality within individuals, families, workplaces and communities.

Participants have met new people, learned new skills and enjoyed this healthy, conference environment on their paths to gaining spiritual health.

The Keynote Speakers, Workshop Presenters and Topics For The XIII Conference Were:

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Jan Longboat (Mohawk Nation) Keeper of Earth Healing Herb Gardens and Retreat Centre at Six Nations Haggersville, Ontario, Canada

Jan Kahehti:io was born for the Turtle Clan and raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She has three daughters, one son and ten grandchildren and is keeper of Earth Healing Herb Gardens at Six Nations. During her life, she has experienced the many losses of our values, culture, language, traditional healing arts and medicines.

Jan has worked in education and the healing arts to help bring back what she has experienced in loss. She has focused on the ‘power of the Good Mind’ to bring about well-being in her life and now teaches in her community, as well as in learning institutions around the country. She believes our ancestors have left us a great legacy of knowledge in how to have ‘good well-being.’ Our responsibility is to go back and pick up the pieces that we have left along our journey of 500 years. Jan presently serves First Nation communities in Indigenous practices of Healing and Well-being.

Dr. John Molina (Pascua Yaqui), Medical Director Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Phoenix, AZ

John is a graduate of the University of Arizona, College of Medicine. He sees his career as minister, social worker, doctor, and aspiring lawyer as progressive steps along a path to make the world a better place for those less fortunate. Having grown up in Guadalupe, he saw the plight of a people who suffered because of cultural and socio-economic barriers, and those experiences instilled in him a desire to make a difference.

He is the founder of the Las Fuentes Clinic in his community of Guadalupe, and has served on the medical staff of the Phoenix Indian Medical Center. He has worked among Native people for over 20 years, not only applying the most current medical technology, but also integrating the belief systems of Native people. John has published numerous medical journal articles regarding the integration of Native culture and medicine.

WORKSHOP PRESENTERS AND TOPICS;

“Sacred Connections: Using Traditional Native American Ceremonies to Heal From Addictions”, Alex Alvarez (Yaqui), Luis Canez, Jr. (Yaqui) Pascua Yaqui Tribe Tucson, AZ

“Change and Healing” Harold Belmont, Sr (Songhees /Nook Sack), Joy Belmont (Stalo) Native American Consulting Services, Seattle, WA

“Moving Through the Grief” Mary Casoose (San Carlos Apache), Jean Caron, San Carlos Apache Tribe Wellness Center, San Carlos, AZ

“Growing the Distance” Romeo Crow Chief (Siksika) Crow Chief Consulting and Mentoring Services, Siksika, AB, Canada

“Helping the Younger Generation Maintain the Traditional Way of Life” Vickie Gambala (Cherokee) Indian Education Program, San Diego Unified School District, San Diego, CA

“Managing Emotional States to Get What You Need in Difficult Times” Julian Garza (Pascua Yaqui) Salt River-Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Apache Junction, AZ

“Connecting Traditional Healing with Leadership and Diversity” Vanessa Girard, Education Department, Gila River Indian Community, Sacaton, AZ

“Surviving the Effects of Residential Schools” Sally Goodstriker (Blackfoot), Rachel Erminskin (Siksika / Blackfoot) Alberta Children’s Hospital Calgary, AB, Canada

“Speaking in Our Children’s World” Barbara Graumann (Pomo) The Circle of Healing, Redwood Valley, CA

Panel: “Spirituality and the Red Road”
Manuel Hamilton (Cahuilla / Ramona Band of Mission Indians)
Harold Matthews (Cahuilla / Ramona Band of Mission Indians)
Ray Vega (Lipan Apache / Yaqui / Chicano)Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. Banning, CA

“Kii-shay Anishinaabe: Domestic Abuse Intervention Program” - “Broken Boundaries: A Workshop on Sexual Abuse” Sandra Kakeeway (Ojibway) Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

“Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Healing and Help for Families Struggling with Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol” Teresa Kellerman, John Kellerman (Lakota Sioux) FAS Community Resource Center, Tucson, AZ

“Walking a Healthy Path in Unhealthy Communities”Keitha Kennedy (Carry the Kettle Nakota), Pearl McArthur (Carry the Kettle Nakota) Wiya Sha ConsultingRegina, SK, Canada

"Creating Wellness in the Workplace" Nena LaCaille (Seneca), Kelly Brownbill (Mikmaq)Enaahtig Healing Lodge Victoria Harbour, ON, Canada

“Finding the Strength to Find Our Strength”Regina Lamar-Whitewolf (Blackfeet) Anadarko Wellness Center, Anadarko, OK

"Old Indian Ways”Carol Locust (Eastern Band Cherokee) Native American Cardiology, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, AZ

"Strengthening Aboriginal Community Action”Jan Longboat (Mohawk) Earth Healing Herb Farm Hagersville, ON, Canada

"Caring for the Frail Elderly: A Personal Account” Kathleen Marquart (Tlingit-Haida) Physician Assistant Contractor, Portland, OR

"The Path of a Healer”John Molina (Pascua Yaqui) Arizona Cost Containment System, Phoenix, AZ

"Workplace Violence: Addressing the Impact” - "The Impact of Grief and Loss” Carlos Moyah (Pima / Apache) Gila River Gaming Enterprise, Chandler, AZ

"Nurturing the Caregiver” - "Preventing Workplace Violence” JoAnn Nai-che (Apache) nai-che & associates, inc. Kennewick, WA

"Fatherhood: A Heritage of Positive Tradition” Albert Pooley (Hopi / Navajo), Archie Kashoya (Pima / Hopi) Native American Fatherhood and Family Association, Mesa, AZ

"Building Self Confidence” Francine Ramon (Tohono O’odham) Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, Tucson, AZ

"Learning to Dance with the Skeleton Woman as a Means to Achieve Peace and Wisdom”Yolanda Ruiz (Mestiza)Salt River-Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Education, Scottsdale, AZ

"Spirituality and the Workplace”Steven Sagataw (Potawatomi) Hannahville Indian Community, Wilson, MI

"Growing Stronger Communities by Addressing Spirituality and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders” Candace Shelton (Osage)Johnson, Bassin, and Shaw, Inc. and SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence, Tucson, AZ

"Working with Youth in a Holistic Way” Steve Teekens (Ojibwe), Alex Jacobs (Ojibwe)Native Child and Family Services, Toronto, ON, Canada

"Knowing When to Let Go” Patsy Triana (Pascua Yaqui), A.L. Renteria Pascua Yaqui Tribe Tucson, AZ

"Sharing Our Self Healing Wisdom”Caren Trujillo (Yaqui) Wings of Wisdom, Tucson, AZ

"Using Humor to Rekindle the Spirit Within”"Chillin’ in a Goot Way” - "Building Team Spirit” Patrick Trujillo (Cochiti / Jemez Pueblo) Native American Pathway to Healing and Wellness Pena Blanca, NM

"Decreasing the Stigma and Discrimination Addiction and Mental/Behavioral Health Services” Theresa Ybanez (Pascua Yaqui), Malcom PaveyPascua Yaqui tribe, Centered Spirit Program, Tucson, AZ

"Pulling Together: Using Spiritual Values to Build a Better Team”John ZacherLife Enrichment and Assessment Programs, Lakeside, Arizona

Corbin Harney Needs Our Love, Prayers And Support
Submitted by Eleanore Fanire and WSDP

Over a Decade of Resistance Dedicated to Breaking The Nuclear Chain!

Corbin Harney is a revered Western Shoshone elder who has brought spiritual healing to the world. Corbin has made invaluable contributions to many important political, environmental and indigenous struggles. He currently at the Poo Ha Bah traditional native healing center in Tecopa. He is ill and requires constant personal care and should not go without in his time of need. Corbin needs our help.

Recently, Poo Ha Bah lost foundation funding and is experiencing a serious fiscal crisis. Specifically, Corbin requires funds for food, transportation, medication, health care, repairs and maintenance of the center. Immediate needs also include the installation of a hot shower in Corbin's trailer and an emergency generator so that he will not be in the freezing cold and dark when the electricity fails.

The goal is to raise $10,000 in the next three months.

Corbin should not go without in his time of need. With sufficient support, he will be able to get the personal assistance and medical care he deserves.

Corbin welcomes guests at Poo Ha Bah but please call (760) 852-4288 ahead of time to coordinate your visit. Contact (702) 304-9859 if you have specific skills you can offer Corbin or the healing center.

PLEASE send checks of any amount directly to "Corbin Harney" at his address: Corbin Harney, Post Office Box 187, Tecopa, California 92389

Visit http://www.shundahai.org/Corbin_Harney.htm for more information. Corbin is so very thankful for all who have contributed their time, resources, care and love for him.

Peace,
Friends of Corbin Harney
Shundahai Network
http://www.shundahai.org
P.O. Box 1115Salt Lake City, UT 84110
shundahai@shundahai.org

If you are a Myspace user, you can now add us!
http://www.Myspace.com/shundahai

Shundahai is a Newe (Western Shoshone) word meaning "Peace and Harmony with all Creation"

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

Student Loan Interest Rates Make Education 'Out Of Reach' For Minorities

Submitted by Jeanne Bedell-mashkikinabinais

The interest rates on loans are making education untouchable, especially for minorities and particularly Native Americans.

This rising cost on loans has caused frenzy for consolidated loan banks that are hungry to lock in student’s loans and get their take also. I think it is like going to the gas pumps and wondering who is actually profiting from the rising cost of gas.

I believe we need to make education accessible for minorities and diverse groups with the increasing minority population growth in this country. How can Native Americans make a change in their world and in their communities if education is inaccessible?

This adds to oppression and lack of fear of unobtainable economic growth for the future by these groups. We need to advocate Congress to lower and set those interest rates so they do not increase on loans so people, and particularly Native Americans, can pay back those loans upon graduation. This will also in effect increase retention rates.

Please write your congress men today in your state, ask that Congress lock in interest rates on schools loans so that we, as Native Americans, can continue to make a difference in our communities and make economic development and growth a possibility for our future.

COME ON NATIVE AMERICANS - WITH UNITY WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE!
Jeanne Bedell

GOOD NEWS FOR JEANNE –
House Passes HR-5 To Reduce Interest Rates On Student Loans

Washington- The Democratic controlled House voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday, January 17th to cut interest rates on need-based student loans.

The legislation passes 356-71 and would slice rates on the subsidized loans from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent in stages over five years at a cost to taxpayers of $6 billion. About 5.5 million students get the loans each year.

The legislation, though extremely popular, sparked a debate over where to set the nation’s education priorities: Helping graduates pay off their debts to expanding federal grants for low-income students.

Democrats conceded Congress needs to do more to make college more affordable but they said reducing student loans is a significant step toward tuition relief.

The Bush administration opposes the bill, and Senate Democrats plan to bring up a more comprehensive bill that could complicate its progress.

The BIG QUESTION NOW - What are the chances this measure is likely to pass in the Senate where Democrats hold a slim majority?

This story was edited for length and content from an article in the January 18th edition of The Arizona Republic bylined Jim Kuhnhenn.

Failed Dam At Brazilian Mining Company Dumps Toxic Waste Into Rivers
Submitted by WSPD
January 2007 ,
U.S. Water News Online

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- A dam burst at a mine in southeastern Brazil recently, dumping tons of possibly toxic runoff into rivers that supply water for cities in Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais states, the government reported.

The Rio Pomba company mines bauxite and calcium, and the runoff of polluted mud contaminated the rivers around Mirai, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northeast of Rio de Janeiro, the government news agency Agencia Brasil said.

The head of the state water and drainage company Cedae, Wagner Victer, said drinking water would be trucked into nearby cities. Victer recalled that the same company had 100 million gallons of toxic mud leak into the Mirai River in 2003.

"It's absurd that this company is still operating," Victer was quoted as saying.

The Minas Gerais state government said it had shut down the company definitively.

The environmental departments of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states sent a joint team to the site to assess the damage.

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

Tribes Use Casino Cash To Aid Needy

Stephanie Paterik
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 15, 2007

Arizona's Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community knows something about the need for charity. Before the rise of casinos in the 1990s, nearly half of its residents lived in poverty, and the median household income was just $15,000.

Now, the poverty level have dropped to 30 percent, household income is up to $25,000 and the tribe's two casinos are so flush with cash that they are donating tens of thousands of dollars annually to charities across the Valley.

Salt River is not the only one. Nationwide, gaming tribes once mired in poverty say that as their casino fortunes rise, so does their charitable giving, above and beyond the revenue sharing that many government compacts require.

The National Indian Gaming Association recently released its annual report, spotlighting charitable gifts by tribes from California to Connecticut. While tribes are extremely secretive about their finances, the group estimates that Native American communities gave more than $150 million to non-profits and public programs last year in addition to the $8.3 billion they were required to give.

The association is a non-profit group representing 168 gaming tribes nationwide.

Charity In Arizona
Arizona's 15 gaming tribes earned $1.8 billion in gross gaming revenue and were required to hand over $91.7 million to cities, counties and state agencies in the past fiscal year. Voter-approved state compacts require that they share 1 to 8 percent of their net winnings, based on how profitable their casinos are. Most of the funds are then divvied up to organizations throughout the state.

The tribes say they dole out millions more each year in hopes of giving back what they once received, though they wouldn't disclose specifically how much.

"We've struggled over the years. Native Americans have always struggled," said Ramon Martinez, spokesman for Casino Arizona on the Salt River Reservation, east of Scottsdale. "It was a great opportunity for us when we were allowed to have gambling. It's just our way of giving back."

In December, casino employees rented out the Arizona Science Center and hosted a Christmas dinner for homeless families. They showed the movie Polar Express, served hot chocolate and cookies and gave the children gift certificates in conjunction with Central Arizona Shelter Services.

CARE Partnership, a resource center in Mesa for the working poor, said it would shut down without the Salt River Community's help. The casino raised more than $40,000 for the center last year, and its goal is $100,000 this year.

The center offers a free pediatric clinic, family planning services, clothes, food, after-school tutoring and allowance money for kids.

The tribe's generosity has included fund-raisers, cash, toys and volunteers, said Bev Tittle-Baker, CEO of the non-profit. "If we did not have (help from) the casino, we just wouldn't be able to do it," Tittle-Baker said.

Most Native American communities say that giving is woven into the fabric of their culture. And unlike most corporations, tribes are reluctant to draw attention to their community involvement and publicize their giving.

At Fort McDowell
Members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, pooled funds for the Red Cross and victims of Hurricane Katrina. Tribal officers matched the funds, and they will welcome members of the Red Cross in a ceremony this month

It also has given $10,000 to Extended Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills in the past two years, and elementary school children collected 1,550 cans over the holidays. The town of Fountain Hills, by comparison, donated $1,650 to the food bank last year.

Debra Krol, a spokeswoman for the Fort McDowell Nation, is a member of a California tribe. She said the Yavapai, her distant cousins, are raised with the notion of helping their neighbor

"Before they had gaming, before they had anything, if they saw someone in need, they tried to help them out," she said. "Because gaming has brought a lot of economic prosperity to tribal communities, communities are reaching in deeper.The more we have, the more we have to share."

Statistically speaking, Fort McDowell is Arizona's greatest tribal success story. In the decade between the 1990 and 2000 censuses, the reservation's median household income nearly tripled, to $50,313 from $18,182. That made them the top earners of any Arizona reservation.

While the community still struggles with poverty, the rate declined from 28 percent of the community to 17 percent. Maricopa County's poverty rate is about 12 percent, according to U.S. census data. Oftentimes, tribes will aid organizations that help reservation residents.

David Iverson, executive director of the Fountain Hills food bank, serves many Fort McDowell residents who don't share in gaming money. Some of them have criminal records, others are married into the tribe but are not members themselves, both reasons for not qualifying for shared tribal funds.

"It was just a natural to ask them to help support us," he said. "I met with President (Rafael) Bear and he opened the door for me to request funds."

While the public may not hear about tribes' charitable giving, non-profits know and make many requests. That means the tribes must target their donations. Gila River Casinos, run by the Gila River Indian Community on its reservation south of Phoenix, employs a public relations manager who works with charities. Jayme Majzel helps choose causes that are worthy of the tribe's attention.

Health is a big priority. Gila River's three casinos are digging into their pockets for the American Diabetes Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and St. Mary's Food Bank. The casinos also paid for employees to walk in the Komen Race for the Cure.

Majzel said that instead of handing over cash, the casinos like to partner with non-profits in their fund-raising efforts. That way, Gila River tribal members become more involved, and more aware.

"We actually partner with non-profit organizations so it's not just a donation, not just writing a check to them," she said. "Since the casino opened, we've had a non-profit focus. It's increased more since we have more people and resources."

Eighty-seven percent of the tribe's members will be diagnosed with diabetes by the time they are 55 years old. With that staggering statistic in mind, the casino enterprise hosted a diabetes walk last year at its Western town, Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass. It helped the association raise $300,000.

It hosts a celebrity poker tournament for muscular dystrophy and contributes $25,000 a year to that cause. "They truly go above and beyond, which is great," said Lori Stevens, senior executive director of the American Diabetes Association in Arizona. "They pick issues that impact the community."

Giving by tribes is up, and it's a good move on two levels, said Kenneth G. Poocha, executive director of the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs.

First, it dispels the notion that reservations are islands unto themselves. Second, it is great public relations.

"I think there is a perception sometimes it's an 'us vs. them' mentality, and it's really not," he said. "I see it in some essence as part of their marketing campaign. Wal-Mart would do the same . . . putting money back in the community is part of their business plan."

New misconceptions have sprouted with the relatively rapid success of Indian casinos, said Sheila Morago, executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association.

Although they are helping themselves and others, she said, successful tribes still struggle with poverty, and non-gaming tribes are being left behind.

"I don't want anyone to get the idea that we've had gaming for 15 years and everything is fine," she said. "That is so not the case at this point, yet."

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

Govenor Sets Divine Strake Hearings

The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has scheduled two public hearings on Divine Strake, the massive experimental explosion. The proposed test, though non-nuclear, is a source of concern for many Utaha ns who fear that radioactive fallout from past atomic tests at the location might drift into Utah as atomic testing fallout did in the past.

Huntsman will make introductory remarks at the state-sponsored Salt Lake City hearing on Jan. 24. A court reporter will transcribe the comments from that hearing and one in St. George.
The remarks will be enclosed in the state's comments to the federal agencies behind Divine Strake.

The National Nuclear Security Administration is accepting written comments through Feb. 7 on its environmental assessment for the test blast. There is no provision for oral comments at the federal meetings being held this week.

Here's the schedule for the state-sponsored hearings:
Jan. 18, 5 - 8 p.m. Dixie State College Dunford Auditorium, Browning Building 225 S. 700 East St. George.
Jan. 24, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Utah State Capitol, West Building, Room 135 450 N. State Street Salt Lake City.

NATIVE PEOPLES & SUPPORTERS PROTEST
at Calpine in San Jose against Proposed Power Plant at Sacred Medicine Lake near Mt. Shasta.
.
Tribal Members to Deliver Eviction Notice to Calpine

Monday, January 29, 2007, San Jose, California

Rally at 10 a.m. at Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park
South Market Street and 50 W. San Fernando Street

Protest at high noon at Calpine Headquarters
50 W. San Fernando Street, San Jose

San Jose, CA – Pit River Indian Tribe members and Indigenous and environmental justice supporters will deliver an eviction notice to Calpine Corporation in downtown San Jose on Monday, January 29, 2007 demanding they drop their decades-long attempt to build polluting power plants in the Medicine Lake Highlands near Mount Shasta.

Tribal members and supporters will vow to nonviolently defend Medicine Lake from any attempts to build power plants at this area that is profoundly sacred to area Native peoples.

The protest will start with a 10 a.m. rally at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park and at 12 noon there will be a march to Calpine Headquarters, 50 West San Fernando Street, San Jose.

The protest comes at a critical time in the long fight to protect the sacred Medicine Lake Highlands from environmental and spiritual degradation. In November 2006, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court decision and indicated that the federal agencies neglected their fiduciary responsibilities to the Pit River Nation by violating the National Environmental Protection and the National Historic Preservation Acts and that the agencies never took the requisite “hard look” at whether the Highlands should be developed for energy at all.

As a result, the court rejected the extension of leases that would have allowed Calpine to develop geothermal plants, and the district court is now directed to enter summary judgment in favor of Pit River consistent with this opinion. Tribal members and supporters demand that Calpine drop their plans once and for all and not appeal the court decision.

Sponsors of the event include Advocates for the Protection of Sacred Sites, Seventh Generation Fund, Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, International Indian Treaty Council, Indigenous Environmental Network, Citizens of the Pitt River Nation, Indian People Organizing for Change, Vallejo Inter-tribal Council, Native American Sisterhood Alliance of Mills College, Da'hu La'h As Sacred Sites Defense, Redding Rancheria Cultural Department.
# # #

Western Shoshone Defense Project
P.O. Box 211308
Crescent Valley, NV 89821
775-468-0230
775-468-0237 (fax)
www.wsdp.org
wsdp@igc.org

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

Western Downwinders Conference - January 27th

Submitted by Eleanore Fanire, Mohave Downwinder

Fallout Compensation Expansion Conference Set For Boise
Idaho Downwinders, based in Emmett, Idaho, is organizing a conference open to the public, Saturday, January 27 in Boise, Idaho on expanding compensation to victims of radioactive fallout from past nuclear weapons testing in Nevada, Idaho Downwinders founder Tona Henderson announced today.

The conference will have lectures and films on the history of Nevada Nuclear Testing and fallout exposures to Idaho residents, and reports on the latest studies done on Utah and Nevada downwinders and how they relate to the risks of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases to Idaho residents who received higher exposures to radioactive iodine in fallout from testing.

The Boise conference will be held at the Idaho Historical Museum, in Julia Davis Park,
Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm for an informational open house on:
* Fallout from the Nevada Test Site
*Controversies surrounding Divine Strake bomb test
*Historical films on nuclear testing
*Have your risk for thyroid cancer calculated

A memorial vigil will be held January 27, to mark the 56th anniversary of the beginning of testing at the Nevada Test Site. Also participating in the conference will be members of Downwinders, the west’s first fallout victims’ organization formed in the mid-1970’s and who lead the fight to force Congressional action that lead to the RECA Compensation Act of 1990. Downwinders United, a coalition of downwinders from seven western states are seeking compensation expansion.

Saturday, starting at 4:00 pm, speakers will discuss the past history of exposure to radioactive fallout in Idaho and the West. Richard Miller, author of “Under the Cloud: The Decades of Nuclear Testing” and “The U.S. Atlas of Nuclear Fallout” and researcher Dr. F. Owen Hoffman PhD, who helped write “Thyroid Doses and Risk of Thyroid Cancer from Exposure to I-131 from the Nevada Test Site” a report released in December summarizing the impact of fallout on thyroid cancer.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo or his staff are expected to attend the January conference in Boise. Other representatives have been invited as well.

The report, prepared by SENES Oak Ridge, Inc., concludes that Americans diagnosed with thyroid cancer who were children during the years of open-air testing and who drank fresh milk, can make a compelling case that the development of their disease was linked to fallout.

The Utah Thyroid Study report showed not only stronger links to thyroid cancer than it’s previous work on 4,000 Utah and Nevada residents who were children during the above ground testing, but for the first time found a solid link to non-cancerous auto immune thyroiditis. Furthermore, the recent federally funded reports showed a more than 50 percent probability that such thyroid disorders in large areas of the West and hot spots across the country were caused by fallout from the Nevada Test Site.

In addition to discussing the SENES Oak Ridge report, the two researchers also will discuss the relevance and implications of findings from University of Utah professor Lynn Lyon’s Utah Thyroid Study first started on school children in Utah’s Washington County in 1965 and followed them through 2005.

They also will talk about the possibility for expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to northern Utah, Idaho, Montana and portions of Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, and other areas of the country hit hard by radioactive fallout. Many exposed in those areas received higher fallout exposures than did the subjects of the Utah Thyroid study, who are now covered under the RECA Compensation Act.

Currently, federal compensation for radiation exposure is limited to downwinders living in 22 counties directly downwind of the Nevada Test Site even though studies have documented that the entire continental United States received some level of fallout from nuclear testing.

The SENES Oak Ridge report, released in December, says that virtually all 160 million Americans who lived in the continental U.S. during the nuclear testing period were exposed to radioactive I-131.”

The report bears out the findings of a 1997 National Cancer Institute Study, that found the highest exposed counties were a county in central Montana, followed by four in Idaho followed by Utah’s Washington County, which is the only county among the heaviest exposed to radioactive Iodine131 currently eligible for compensation and health screenings.

Downwinders have long claimed that RECA, which was passed seven years before the NCI study was released, is grossly inadequate. After holding hearings in Salt Lake City, St. George, Window Rock and Boise, the National Academy of Sciences concluded in 2006 that geographic limitations for compensation did not make sense given how widespread fallout was. Congress has yet to act on those recommendations, however.

“Recent findings linking cancer to fallout add great emphasis on the need for the expansion of the fallout compensation program,” says Tona Henderson, head of Idaho Downwinders. “Findings also show the need to refund government studies to determine the true extent and legacy of the bombing, and it is long past time RECA is expanded to all those equally exposed, providing all downwinders Justice, Not Just Us,.” says J Truman founder and director of Downwinders.

Contact:
Tona Henderson, Idaho Downwinders, (208) 365-2669
J. Truman, Downwinders, (208) 766-5649

CAMP SHELIA WELLSTONE FOR INDIAN COUNTRY IN MINNESOTA!
Submitted by Alyssa Macy

Join Camp Sheila Wellstone and 75 Native women from Minnesota for a training on the grassroots skills for organizing, mobilizing, and delivering a message to state legislators about the high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault for Native women and girls!

This day and a half training includes participation in the annual Ending Violence Against Women Action Day rally and meetings with their legislators to educate on the safety needs for Native women and girls in Minnesota. Trainers will include Wellstone Action staff Lonna Stevens and Peggy Flanagan, as well as non-profit leaders and organizers who work to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

Register now! Click the link to sign up online or call Lonna at 651-645-3939
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/114/mtglistproc.asp?
formid=MTGC3&caleventid=5849

Training Details:
Tuesday, February 27th 8:30-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 28th, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Following Wednesday’s training, we will attend the Violence Against Women Action Day Rally at Minnesota State Capitol RotundaMeetings with state legislators will be scheduled for the afternoon of February 28th, 2007.

Cost is $25 for materials and meals for both days.
Limited Scholarships are available for hotel and travel, please contact Lonna Stevens at lonna@wellstone.org or 651-645-3939 for an application.

The Sheila Wellstone Institute is committed to leadership development and will share information about opportunities and trainings through Wellstone Action to gain skills to run for office, run a campaign, voter engagement to get out the Native vote, or you can host a training in your community! Bring Camp Sheila, a Voter Engagement School, Camp Wellstone, or bring Campus Camp to your tribal college or train locally or nationally with one of the programs at Wellstone Action!
Click below to register or contact Lonna at 651-645-3939
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/114/
mtglistproc.asp?formid=MTGC3&caleventid=5849

Special thanks to our sponsors: Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition, Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, and Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.
Respectfully,
Lonna Stevens
Director, Sheila Wellstone Institute
Native mailing listNative@lists.ccp.org
http://lists.ccp.org/mailman/listinfo/native

AMERICAN INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NEVADA
Invites you to join us at
Sam’s Town Casino
Virginia City Room
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Keynote Speaker
Greg Maestas
Perini Building Group

To make your reservations: Call 702.693.6698
OR
E-Mail aiccn@earthlink.net

Assisting Native Americans with education, employment and self-employment opportunities in Nevada.
$30.00 Members
$35.00 Non-Members
$40.00 Walk-Ins
No shows will be billed!
Reservations must be received by Monday,

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

Nuclear Fallout Finds Flagstaff

Submitted by Eleanore Fanire, Mohave Downwinder

By CYNDY COLE
Sun Staff Reporter, January 7, 2007

Theodore Bilbao was driving from Henderson to Boulder City, Nev., before dawn on a fishing trip when a bright flash went off. "You could see that mushroom cloud go up," he said. "It lit up the whole sky, just like daylight."

Bilbao and his wife, of Flagstaff, are urged to undergo free cancer screenings because they're considered downwinders of nuclear testing decades ago. So is anyone else who lived in northern Arizona and parts of Utah and Nevada from 1951 to 1958 and in 1962.

The Bilbaos have been lucky. "So far we're healthy," he said. "At least we haven't come up with any of the cancers."

Not everyone was so fortunate.

Nuke Testing Begins
More than 900 nuclear weapons tests were conducted in Nevada between 1951 and 1992. Some were four times more powerful than the bomb the United States dropped on Hiroshima during the buildup to the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis.

When testing began, the Atomic Energy Commission issued press releases saying "fallout does not constitute a serious hazard outside the test site," John G. Fuller wrote in the 1984 book, "The Day We Bombed Utah."

Opposing testing was seen as an unpatriotic act, akin to being a Communist. But less publicly, the commission told the National Security Council in 1950 that questions about radiological contamination hadn't been fully answered, Fuller wrote, and that they were aiming to avoid large cities.

Shortly after testing began, sheep ranchers who wandered the Nevada plains in the winter began reporting lambs born without legs and sheep losing their wool and dying while standing at the feeding trough, Fuller wrote. Thousands of sheep died in Cedar City. It was unlike anything the ranchers had seen.

It Happened here!
Few people who lived farther from the test sites ever suspect their cancer -- or cancers that have emerged in their family of the last generation or two -- could be related to the testing, said Elizabeth Keesler, who oversees outreach for the federal Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program at North Country Community Health Center.

Among her clients is a family where seven people have cancer, another family of five who all have cancer and 58 people trying to claim compensation for cancers or deaths they believe are linked to either uranium mining or nuclear testing.

Fallout from nuclear testing in Nevada was documented as far away as New York, carried in the clouds and distributed elsewhere via cow milk."This really did affect everybody. And it's just frustrating because there's this total general apathy," she said.

People who can show they or a direct family member likely contracted cancer or other, specific health problems because of uranium mining or from being downwind of testing can claim up to $100,000. But they have to provide documentation, which some of Keesler's clients lack.

Around 49,000 people will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer as a result of being exposed to radioactive iodine released as a result of nuclear testing, The National Cancer Institute estimated in 1997. About half the cases had yet to be diagnosed when that report was released, the Institute said.

But there's little to separate cancers resulting from nuclear testing from some of other cancers that occur for unknown reasons.

500 Scars And Counting
One woman from northern Arizona, who asked not to be named to protect her privacy, grew up less than a mile from the uranium mill in Moab, Utah, where her father worked. She remembers seeing clouds from nuclear tests as a child. She also played in the yellowcake her father often brought home, making hand prints on her thighs, stomach, chest, arms and neck.

Three years ago, pea-sized lumps began to form under her skin, where she'd made the hand prints. Some became as large as golf balls.

Now, she has surgery at least monthly to remove dozens of the 80 to 100 pea-sized benign tumors -- called angiolipomas -- that form every day. The growths, though non-cancerous, attach to her nerves and cause what feels like a lightning storm of pain that's been ongoing for three years.

"I keep looking for the stop button," she said. She's had more than 500 of the growths removed. Her doctors have never seen a case so severe.

Although asking to remain anonymous, she agreed to an interview in the hope of finding a researcher willing to take her case or a doctor with a similar patient. The woman rolls up her left sleeve to the elbow to reveal half-inch scars ringing her arm, like the grooves on a carrot's skin".

Her surgeon, and her physician at North Country, have scoured the Library of Congress and the Centers for Disease Control and no one has ever seen anything like it," North Country Medical Director Andrew Saal said. She's asked for help elsewhere, only to be laughed at, stared at and told she didn't know what she was talking about, she said.

Every other member of her immediate family has had cancer. So now she has turned to North Country for screening, in case she gets that, too.

Though her doctors suspect as much, she doubts she could prove her health condition is related to uranium mining or nuclear testing. For one, there is no definitive cause.

"You were exposed to it all the time. But can you definitely link it to this? I doubt it," she said. "And if you did link it to this, would anything be done? I doubt it."

Cyndy Cole can be reached at 913-8607 or at ccole@azdailysun.com.

Who Gets Free Screening?
People who lived in Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai, Apache, Gila, or northern Mohave counties and some parts of Utah and Nevada for two years between Jan 21, 1951 and Oct. 31, 1958 and during 1962; uranium miners, millers and uranium/vanadium ore transporters employed between January 1942 and December 1971; those present at nuclear testing sites.

The physical is intended to detect cancers that result from radiation exposure and is covered under the federal Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program.

For More Information
If you lived in central northern Arizona, south or central Nevada or Utah south of Juab County during nuclear testing and would like information about a free health screening, North Country Community Health Center is holding an information session on Jan. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the conference room of the office complex at 2501 N. 4th Street.

Elizabeth Keesler, Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program coordinator for North Country Community Health Center, can be contacted at 774-6299.


DIVINE STRAKE HEARING ATTRACTS HUNDREDS
Jan 11, 2007 by Julie Rose(KCPW News), Salt Lake City

Hundreds of people turned out last night to demand answers from a group of government scientists and officials working on the proposed Divine Strake explosives test.

The mood was calm but skeptical as people filed through a series of displays covering various aspects of the test. The format was intended to foster one-on-one conversation, but frustrated many attendees hoping for a formal presentation from officials.

"They've got a lot of people trying to smooth a lot of ruffled feathers," noted Jenica Fuller of Ogden. "I don't think they're smoothing very many, though."

Fuller came to ask one simple question - why is the test necessary? She says the answers she got were too vague. Others in the group questioned the government's claim radiation exposure from Divine Strake will be miniscule.

"I'm sure they're all very smart guys and they all have degrees," said downwinder Duane Carling. "But my question is 'You lied to us for over 20 years. Why should we think you're telling the truth now?'"

Nevada Test Site spokesman Darwin Morgan responds this way:

"The government agency of the 1950s does not exist today," says Nevada Test Site spokesman Darwin Morgan. "If that government agency still existed, we would have already conducted this experiment. We did not have the environmental laws in place that we do know. The protocols today start with the safety and health questions first."

Attendees at the meeting were encouraged to submit their concerns in writing. In two weeks, Utahns will have a chance to express their concerns orally at a public hearing organized by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Junior. The hearing in Salt Lake City will be on January 24th at 5:30 p.m. at the State Capitol.


MULTICULTURAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE SET FOR APRIL
The 7th Annual National Multicultural Business Conference will be held April 11-13, 2007 at The Mirage in Las Vegas.
www.diversitybusiness.com/conference

Early-bird registration ends on January 14th. This year’s Conference will feature one-on-one sessions and a golf tournament.

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.

Mel Gibson Is Wrong About The Identity Of The Violent Americans.

Submitted by Mark Reed
By Roberto Lovato, New America Media.
December 16, 2006.

The new movie Apocalypto should have left the Maya alone and instead looked for apocalyptic violence in the off-screen history of the Catholic-mestizo families of the Americas.

After watching Mel Gibson’s controversial film Apocalypto, I left the theater pondering the history of racism, pillage and apocalyptic war through my own blood and family history. Gibson, I concluded, would have been more accurate, his film more resonant, had he used another group of people, another culture – certainly not the Maya -- to depict his vision of the Apocalyse.

Like many Central Americans born and categorized as mestizos (mixed Indian and Spanish blood), I watched Apocalypto as someone who consciously revered the Maya and other indigenous groups while subconsciously prohibiting himself any real identification with them.

As a boy, my parents gave me a leather case with a picture of an Indian from the region now known as El Salvador (the Savior). But I heard my father call people he considered ugly “cara de indio” (Indian face). For many of us--mestizo and non-mestizo alike-- it’s always been easier to identify with the Christian culture depicted in Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ than with the Maya culture in Apocalypto.

The fundamental problem with Apocalypto’s depiction of Maya culture is that, in a procrustean manner, it imposes violence and an apocalyptic world view on the wrong people. In fact, UC Riverside archaeologist Zachary X. Hruby wrote recently in the San Francisco Chronicle: “There exists no archaeological, historic or ethnohistoric data to suggest that any such mass sacrifices -- numbering in the thousands, or even hundreds -- took place in the Maya world.”

Instead, Gibson should have looked for apocalyptic war and culture in the off-screen history of our Catholic, mestizo, and indigenous families in the Americas.

He could have done his homework about how Salvadoran culture sanctions my father’s use of “cara de indio” as a way to call someone ‘ugly.’ I never understood the deeper reasons for such racist remarks until my father told me what happened when he was a ten-year-old boy who climbed trees in 1932. That year, my father saw military men kill hundreds of Indians in what historians call “La Matanza” or the Killing. More than 30,000 mostly Indian peasants in El Salvador were slaughtered on the order of General Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez, a theosophist military dictator who used radio broadcasts to justify his actions by sowing apocalyptic fear. Most of the killing my father witnessed took place not far from where the fictional killing fields of Apocalypto take place.

Until I asked him about it, my father remained quiet about La Matanza for more than 65 years. The fear of Indians and apocalyptic war he learned while climbing trees as a boy stayed with him and spilled onto his kids through what some psychologists call “intergenerational trauma.”

It saddens me that the first big screen depiction of the inspired and inspiring culture of the Maya is this fatally inaccurate and very controversial film. Like the traumatized boy who became my father, millions among the current generations of Mayan, Guatemalan, Salvadoran and other Central American youth growing up in the United States and other countries are the children of apocalyptic war survivors.

Most have experienced the numbing cultural effects of war; either firsthand or as the children of those who have witnessed the savagery of wars like the one in Guatemala, where apocalyptic dictator and born-again Pentecostal President Efrain Rios Montt, who famously said, “the true Christian has a Bible in one hand and a machine gun in the other,” ordered the killing and disappearance of more than 100,000, mostly Mayas.

I saw how Montt used television and other media to beam the colorful biblical imagery of his apocalyptic vision as a way to cover over the massacre of innocents. He compared the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to the four contemporary evils of hunger, misery, ignorance and subversion

Apocalypto’s depiction of the Mayas scares in its inaccuracy, but it makes sense when we consider that Gibson’s main audience belongs to a culture that reveres another very conservative actor like him, Ronald Reagan. Reagan introduced the use of media-communication skills and apocalyptic politics to advance a political agenda. He used them to justify the full arming, full funding of and political support for Montt, whom Reagan defended as “getting a bum rap.”

In the name of combating “evil” and protecting the “city on a hill,” Reagan infused his foreign and domestic policy with statements like, "we may be the generation that sees Armageddon" and “I don't know if you have noted any of those prophecies lately, but, believe me, they describe the times we are going through."

While filmmaker Gibson claims to offer an allegorical critique of the declining, apocalyptic civilization that feeds wars like the one in Iraq, Gibson the extreme right-wing Catholic, anti-Semite fails in Apocalypto and in all his movies to critique the very religion that has dominated apocalyptic politics for centuries.

Better than most, Gibson knows that Apocalypse sells in a culture in which born-again politicos, best-sellers like the Left Behind books and blockbuster movies like his Mad Max series or Arnold Schwarzenegger’s End of Days and the Terminator trilogy plug into the cultural and political DNA of this country, whose Puritan founders came here prepared for the end of days with Bibles and 20-ton cannons crammed into their ships.

My identity, in part, has been shaped by the effects of a culture of violence and apocalyptic war best found not so much in the stuff of Gibson’s Mayan epic, Apocalypto, but in the stuff of his Christian epic, The Passion of the Christ
http://www.alternet.org/movies/45584/

Roberto Lovato is a Los Angeles-based writer.

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE or OPINION PIECE to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.

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.

Visit Vietnam Vet. Larry Mitchell at http://www.potawatomivet.com and click on his blog at the site.