Thanksgiving Comes Early For Homeless In New York City

Recognizing that millions of Americans are struggling with homelessness, and looking to increase it’s already strong commitment to housing America in these challenging economic times, the Oneida Indian Nation and HELP USA recently pledged to support all those who fear job and home loss in America.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2010, the Oneida Indian Nation and HELP USA will serve hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to the homeless at Genesis RFK Apartments just off Union Square at 13th Street and 4th Avenue in New York City from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Given the current economic conditions and the hard hitting facts of rising unemployment in America, the homelessness crisis is being exacerbated. November is National Homeless Awareness Month tied with the symbolic significance surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, which dates back to native people providing this country’s first newcomers with food and shelter.

Ray Halbritter, current Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Oneida Nation Enterprises wanted to give back in a meaningful way that represented the culture and history of his people.

The Oneida Indian Nation approached HELP USA with a joint effort to feed hundreds of homeless for the holidays, as well as support the American Indian Empowerment Fund, which builds upon the Nation’s long-standing tradition of sharing resources to benefit others.

Halbritter has helped pull together a cast of celebrities including Comedian Mario Cantone; Actors Jill Flint, Giles Marini, Amy Carlson and Leven Rambin; Thomas Jones, Kansas City Chiefs; Justin Tuck, New York Giants; Evan Lysacek, Champion Figure Skater; and Poet Jesse Metcalfe among others to join him in a PSA Campaign and Thanksgiving meal serving to raise awareness on homelessness and HELP USA.

The November 23rd meal serving event will be streamed live on line. Readers can visit HELPUSA.org, Facebook.com/HELPUSA, twitter HELPUSA, and Holiday HELP Feed the Homeless on http://www.crowdrise.com/heritageofhelping/fundraiser/HELPUSA1.

Ray Halbritter literally rose from the ashes after a fire killed his aunt and uncle in 1976 when the local fire department refused to come to the reservation. The fire served as a catalyst and from that moment on the Oneida’s knew they needed to be in control of their fate as the Nation was not thriving.

From personal tragedy Ray continued to emerge as a leader working to create opportunity for his people. Making important decisions in their future, Ray has created hundreds of jobs bringing prosperity about for the community and enabling them to give back.

Partnering with HELP USA offered an opportunity to create a powerful platform to drive awareness of homelessness and provided a compelling opportunity to get back to the essence of Oneida heritage by renewing its commitment and history of helping others as the Nation has always done.

Together, Oneida Indian Nation and HELP USA bring greater awareness and a renewed sense of urgency to the homeless crisis. In joining forces, they pledge to support all who live in America who are fearful of job and home loss, and empower them with resources to reclaim their lives.

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Lynda Lovejoy's Political Rival Pleads Not Guilty To Misdemeanor Charges

Navajo Vice-President, Delegates Arraigned
By Kathy Helms
Dine Bureau
Gallup Independent

WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly was arraigned Thursday in Window Rock District Court and pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of fraud, conspiracy and theft stemming from improper use of discretionary funds.

Shelly, a former Navajo Nation Council delegate who is running against Lynda Lovejoy for Navajo Nation president, was one of 14 individuals scheduled for arraignment. Shelly's running mate, Delegate Rex Lee Jim, reportedly is on the list of delegates to be served with a criminal summons.

Though a press release issued Wednesday by Navajo Nation Attorney General Louis Denetsosie said delegates could call the Office of the Chief Prosecutor to find out whether a complaint had been filed against them by the special prosecutor, and if so, that they could pick up their complaint and summons before 5 p.m. Friday, that was not the case Thursday morning.

Some delegates were served between 8 and 9 a.m., while attending their caucus meetings at Quality Inn. Shortly after 10 a.m., Navajo Nation Police entered the South Conference Room carrying clipboards, and as instructed, served the remaining delegates with criminal summons notifying them that they were being arraigned in district court at 11 a.m. Some were served with additional complaints upon their arrival.

Council convened and immediately went into executive session. Police returned around lunchtime and stood outside the north entrance waiting to serve additional summons.

When court reconvened after lunch, delegates David Rico and Peterson Yazzie pleaded not guilty during arraignment before Judge Carol K. Perry. Both men face charges of theft, conspiracy, fraud and forgery.

Other delegates had their arraignments continued. Among them were: Tim Goodluck, Hope MacDonald-LoneTree, Harry Claw, David Tom, Leonard Teller, Ervin Keeswood Sr., Cecil Eriacho, Harry H. Clark, Raymond Berchman, Amos Johnson, and Nelson Gorman.

Keeswood told the judge that the Navajo Nation Council was in session and that Title 2 commanded that they be in the Council Chamber. “We're in contempt there right now,” he said. Council met until around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, then went into executive session again. It is expected to complete the two remaining agenda items Friday morning.

A number of delegates questioned the rush to serve criminal complaints just days away from the General Election. Rumors have been circulating for weeks that delegates were either about to be arrested or subpoenaed over investigation into use of the discretionary funds.

“It's just all political and the timing is great in terms of the upcoming election,” Johnson said.

Albuquerque attorney James W. Zion, former Solicitor of the Courts of the Navajo Nation, said Thursday evening that it is not standard procedure to serve summons a few minutes before an arraignment. “What I have seen is that summons will be served and usually they can have a couple weeks to appear. Precisely why they are doing it this way I don't know.

“I think they wanted to get everybody taken care of and just simply get them in, get pleas and get them moving. The clock is going to start ticking now. They've got speedy trial rights that apply, then the clock starts ticking the minute they appear in court and give their plea,” he said.

Though a comprehensive list of individuals being served criminal complaints is not yet available, the district court has scheduled additional arraignments Monday for Harry Williams, Orlanda Smith-Hodge, Andy Ayze, Jack Colorado, Leonard Chee, Lena Manheimer, Young Jeff Tom, Tom Lapahe, and Joe M. Lee.

Arraignments scheduled Oct. 27 include Jerry Bodie, Roscoe Smith, Tommy Tsosie, Bobby Robbins, Herman Morris and Lawrence Platero. Arraignments also are set Nov. 1 for Leonard Teller, Evelyn Acothley and Herman Daniels; on Nov. 3 for Larry Noble and Lorenzo Bedonie; and Nov. 8 for Danny Simpson and Kee Allen Begay.

More complaints are expected to be filed, including some against individuals who are not part of Council.

“This news will compromise the people’s confidence in its government; thus, it is incumbent on us as officials of the Legislative Branch to cooperate to the fullest extent of the law so that due process can take its course,” Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan stated in a press release.

“To this end, the Legislative Branch to the fullest extent of its abilities will work cooperatively with the proper authorities in the interest of upholding the public’s trust in their government.”

Considering the allegations are of a criminal nature and served on an individual basis, the Legislative Branch, as this point, cannot comment further on the nature of the allegations, so as to not infringe on the rights of each person served, the release stated.

Discretionary funds are appropriated to many Navajo citizens who request for financial assistance through documentation to meet hardships such as student education, funeral expenses, emergency funding or assisting individuals on fixed income.

According to the Associated Press, court documents allege that Shelly conspired with six others to benefit himself, his wife, grandchildren and a sister, in 2005 and 2006. At least $500 of the $8,850 Shelly is alleged to have received was from five council members who helped him with burial expenses when his mother died in 2006. Shelly's daughter also received a payment for educational expenses.

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Native Community Announces $1.7 Million In Grants

SMSC Grants To Support Native American Boys & Girls Clubs And National Indian Gaming Association
by Tessa Lehto
tessa.lehto@shakopeedakota.org
October 25, 2010

Prior Lake, MN – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community today announced two grants and two pledges to the National Indian Gaming Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C. The two grants came at the very end of fiscal year 2010 which ended September 30, 2010, and the two pledges were made as fiscal year 2011 began October 2, 2010.

A $1 million matching grant for fiscal year 2011 follows a $325,000 grant late in fiscal 2010, both targeted to constructing a new headquarters building for the National Indian Gaming Association. Since 1997, NIGA had its headquarters on Capitol Hill across the street from the Madison Building of the Library of Congress.


Their new building is located two blocks from the United States Capitol Building in the historic Waterston house, built in 1806 as the first residence of the Library of Congress. With the growth of Indian gaming, NIGA needed more space. They plan to build a new tribal leaders’ center in the large plot behind this historic building.

“This new center will accommodate meeting space for 150 tribal leaders, a board room to accommodate 40 people, and several new offices. This project is expected to cost between $2.5 and $3 million and will ensure that NIGA’s headquarters are available as a meeting resource for tribal leaders for decades to come,” said NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.

An additional $375,000 matching grant for a NIGA Boys & Girls Club initiative was presented by SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks, SMSC Vice-Chairman Glynn A. Crooks, and SMSC Secretary/Treasurer Keith B. Anderson at a NIGA Mid-Year Membership meeting October 19, 2010, at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake, Minnesota, owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. A previous $50,000 grant was also made to support this project at the end of fiscal year 2010.


The Native American Boys & Girls Clubs are a positive force for Indian Country, reaching out to Native youth by assisting over 200 Clubs in Indian Country with a service population of 140,000 Native American youth, locations in 25 States, and 86 Native American communities.

“Boys & Girls Clubs provide a valuable service to all children, but especially in Indian Country,” said Shakopee Chairman Stanley Crooks. “To ensure our sovereignty and to ensure the health and well-being of our tribes, we need to have opportunities for our children to get good educations and enjoy positive activities so that they will be able to support their families and protect tribal sovereignty for future generations.”

The National Indian Gaming Association is a non-profit trade association comprised of 184 unique or individual Tribal Nations and other non-voting associate members. The common commitment and purpose of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian people – economically, socially and politically.


NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The SMSC utilizes its financial resources from gaming and non-gaming enterprises to pay for the internal infrastructure of the Tribe, including but not limited to roads, water and sewer systems, emergency services, and essential services to its Tribal members in education, health, and welfare.


The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has a charitable giving program which comes from a cultural and social tradition to assist those in need. Over the past 13 years, the SMSC has donated more than $180.8 million to charitable organizations and Indian Tribes and Native American organizations.


This press release and other information may be downloaded from the SMSC website at http://www.shakopeedakota.org/.

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Pollution From Coal Development Threatens New Mexico River

Endangered Fish In San Juan River: Lawsuit Says Two Species Affected By Project
By Kathy Helms
Dine Bureau
Gallup Independent

WINDOW ROCK – Conservation and citizen groups Tuesday filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining for failing to conduct Endangered Species Act consultations prior to authorizing renewal of an operating permit for BHP Billiton's Navajo Coal Mine.

Two of the groups were party to another lawsuit filed last week in federal court in Denver, also against the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement, for withholding records related to renewal of Peabody Energy Co.’s permit for the Kayenta Mine.

OSM was required to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to avoid impacts to threatened and endangered species from the mining of coal at Navajo Mine, its combustion at Four Corners Power Plant, and coal-combustion waste dumping, according to the Energy Minerals Law Center in Durango, which filed the notice on behalf of the Center for Biological Diversity, Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment and San Juan Citizens Alliance.

The groups’ lawsuit will be substantiated by newly obtained government records showing how mercury and selenium pollution from regional coal development is driving endangered fish in the San Juan River toward extinction, according to the law center.

A draft Fish and Wildlife biological opinion for the proposed Desert Rock Energy Project concludes that mercury and selenium pollution from regional coal combustion would be likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker – two endangered fish species in the San Juan River, a tributary to the Colorado.

Mike Eisenfeld of San Juan Citizens Alliance said the draft provides “solid evidence” that the San Juan River watershed and the continued viability of native species has been severely impaired because of coal and other energy development. “Recovery of this river and ecosystem is imperative. Downstream communities rely on San Juan River water, and the agencies must take action to reduce and eliminate the impacts from industrial pollution,” he said.

“At stake are two species of fish, millions of people’s drinking water, and one of the West’s loveliest rivers,” said Taylor McKinnon with the Center for Biological Diversity.

In 2009 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency withdrew its air-pollution permit for the Desert Rock Energy Project, citing the need for completion of Endangered Species Act consultations. The Oct. 15, 2009, draft biological opinion was prepared as part of that consultation, and its “jeopardy” determination is believed to have been a harsh blow to Desert Rock, which is now on hold, according to the law center.

Like the Four Corners plant, Desert Rock would burn coal from BHP's Navajo Coal Mine located south of Fruitland.

“OSM’s permitting decision does not evaluate the hydrological impacts of BHP’s nearly half-century of permanent disposal of over a half-billion tons of coal combustion waste at the mine and contribution to mercury cycling in the San Juan environment,” said Anna Frazier, executive director of Diné CARE.

“Water is life; water is sacred to the Navajo people living in the Four Corners area. Our survival has been dependent on the river for irrigation, for fishing, for watering animals, a place of prayer and offering. The legacy of coal development and waste disposal at the mine threatens our health, our plants and animals, and the very existence of the Diné,” Frazier said.

Brad Bartlett, an attorney with the law center, said OSM’s decision to renew operations at BHP’s Navajo Mine without consulting with Fish and Wildlife and addressing the findings of the Desert Rock biological opinion violates the Endangered Species Act. “With the ESA consultation demanded by today’s notice letter, BHP’s Navajo Coal Mine will be faced with the same facts that Desert Rock faced in consultation,” he said.

Citing EPA data, Bartlett stated that beginning in 1971, BHP began accepting approximately 1.9 million cubic yards of coal combustion waste from the Four Corners Power Plant annually for use as “minefill.” The waste consists of fly ash, scrubber sludge and bottom ash, which contain arsenic, mercury, lead and selenium. As of 2000, BHP had permanent disposed of 50 to 55 million tons of coal combustion waste in the mine.

The biological opinion does not consider the contribution of mercury from 40 years of disposal at the mine, Bartlett stated in the notice. By continuing to combust coal from Navajo Mine, the Four Corners plant will continue to emit 600 pounds of mercury annually into the San Juan River basin through 2020, when it is expected to increase 35.5 percent. Desert Rock would add approximately 0.1 percent, or 171 pounds per year.

The Colorado pikeminnow, the top predator in the Colorado River system, once grew as large as 6 feet in length, weighed nearly 100 pounds, and lived to be 45 to 55 years old. Today, it rarely exceeds 3 feet in length or weighs more than 18 pounds. During monitoring in 2007, out of 167 fish collected, only two were greater than 15 inches. One was 11 years old.

Major declines in their populations occurred after construction of a number of dams in the upper and lower Colorado River basins, including Navajo Dam on the San Juan River.

The razorback sucker was added to the endangered list in 1991. Adults often exceed 6 pounds in weight, 2 feet in length, and like the Colorado pikeminnow, may live more than 40 years. The San Juan River from the Hogback Diversion to Neskahai Canyon and Lake Powell are considered critical habitat.

“Their long-term viability remains uncertain because of the relatively limited or degraded habitat available to them between Navajo Dam and Lake Powell, competition and predation from non-native fishes, water quality issues, and the uncertainty
surrounding the changes that climate change will bring to the San Juan basin,” according to Fish and Wildlife.

The agency's opinion shows that 64 percent of Colorado pikeminnow in the San Juan River currently exceed mercury contamination thresholds for reproductive impairment; it predicts that number will rise to 72 percent by 2020 with additional pollution. The document also predicts that selenium pollution from agricultural discharges and ongoing coal combustion would cause 71 percent of those fishes’ offspring to be deformed in a way that harms growth, reproduction or survival.

Similarly, the opinion predicts that 85 percent of razorback sucker offspring would be deformed by selenium pollution and notes 40 percent of razorback suckers in the San Juan River already meet contamination thresholds for those deformities.

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Controversy Over Historic Mission Dolores Art

Forgotten 18th-Century Mural
By: Octavio Lopez Raygoza
October 19, 2010

When freelance artist Ben Wood and archaeologist Eric Blind heard about a hidden 18th-century mural at Mission Dolores in 2004, they wanted to see it. With permission from the church, they lowered a camera into a 3-by-3-foot trap door in the attic.

“Wow,” was Wood’s first reaction when they saw the digital images of faded abstract patterns and Catholic imagery, including hearts with daggers.

The church projected the images on the dome, and a media storm followed. It was front-page news in the San Francisco Chronicle, postcards were created, and NBC and others picked up the story. Restoration appeared possible.

But today — some 94 years after the mural was first discovered by policeman Charles Fennell as he watched workmen “buttressing the walls of the building” and noticed streaks of color, according to a San Francisco Examiner article from 1918 — the mural is no closer to being restored. Instead, it continues to fade and flake.

Mural paraphernalia is no longer sold at the gift shop. Andrew Galvan, the curator of Mission Dolores, said the cost of restoring the mural outweighs the benefits to the community. Producing the paraphernalia is also a cost the Church can’t afford as people showed no interest to acquire it.
Historians said the issue is the expense and difficulty of moving an 18th-century altarpiece that was set in front of the mural in 1796.

The baroque-style wooden piece with niches for statues arrived from San Blas, Mexico, that year, and historians said it was probably placed in front of the mural at that time.

Wood beams connect the altarpiece to the wall, and separating the two without damaging either would require the surgical precision needed to separate Siamese twins. It would also cost an estimated $2 to $5 million.

“In the current economy, there are other issues more important,” said Galvan, who is a descendant of the native Ohlone people.

Although Galvan called the reredos “a unique piece that can’t be found anywhere else in the United States,” he thinks the church should focus its efforts on helping the community.

According to Sherry P. Parrish, a research associate at UC Berkeley’s Archaeological Research Facility, the mural was probably created by new converts among the Ohlone, “either by direction or inspiration, and was probably produced in the interim before the altar arrived.”

“Both pieces are equally fascinating and intertwined,” said Blind. “It’s an incredibly difficult and costly task to separate them.”

Historians disagree about which is more important, the altarpiece or the mural.

“The painting was believed to be used temporarily until they could afford a nicer altar,” said Tina Foss, vice president of the Missions Foundation.

Wood agreed that the altarpiece is significant, but added, “The mural is an essential part of native history…. [It] is very important because it shows the collaboration of native people and Franciscans.”

In an article for FoundSF, a website that compiles stories, images and videos of San Francisco past and present, Wood wrote that in the late 1980s, Dr. Norman Neuerburg, a noted mission historian, “crawled behind the altar in the cramped space to draw a sketch of the mural.”
Wood heard about Neuerburg’s sketches from Mission Dolores’ previous curator, Guire Cleary, and with the church’s blessing created the first digital images of the mural.

Since then, Wood and Blind have become advocates for its restoration. One option is to restore the mural digitally, but only a 20-by-5-foot stretch of the 32-by-20-foot mural can be photographed; wood beams prohibit access to the lower portion.

Today, the biggest threat to the mural is that most people have forgotten about it, Wood said.
Few experts are hopeful. “It’s a shame that this rare and unusual piece of cultural California history cannot be saved,” said Parrish.

Donations earmarked for the mural’s restoration can be sent to the Missions Foundation or Mission Dolores.

This entry was written by Octavio Lopez Raygoza

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Can Lynda Lovejoy Lead The Navajo Nation?

Candidates Rhetoric Long, Answers Short
By Kathy Helms
Dine Bureau
Gallup Independent

FORT DEFIANCE – About the only straight answers that came out of Tuesday evening's Navajo Nation presidential and vice presidential candidate debate were that the Navajo Nation Council should not act on the proposed Northeastern Arizona water rights settlement, and it's OK for a woman to lead the Nation if she is qualified.

Presidential candidates Lynda Lovejoy and Ben Shelly, and vice presidential candidates Earl Tulley and Rex Lee Jim fielded questions from students for nearly two hours about jails, gangs, role models, traditional values, lack of jobs, transportation needs for handicapped individuals, obesity, teen suicide, and ill-treatment of Navajos who go to tribal offices for assistance. Based on candidate responses, there are no easy answers.

The event was presented by the Beautiful Life with Hope Coalition and moderated by former Miss Navajo Nation Jocelyn Billy and “DJ Abel Rock” Jason Allison of the Office of Youth Development.

Window Rock High School student Mathew Coonsis, 17, asked the candidates how they felt about the possibility of the Navajo Nation losing their water rights to the United States government. Allison, who moderated the question, left it up to the candidates as to who would respond.

Vice President Ben Shelly told the audience that there are 57 chapters that would be impacted by the proposed water rights settlement, now on tabled status pending a special Navajo Nation Council session, and the Navajo people are saying 31,000 acre feet is not enough.

“If the water rights are approved at 31,000 acre feet, then what happens in the future when we need more water? This is where a lot of people out there in the Arizona area are concerned,” he said. “The dilemma is what is the tribal Council going to do. ... My recommendation to the tribal Council is they need to put this aside for now and educate the people, then see what is the right thing to do.”

In addition, Shelly said that if Council approves the settlement, “it also means we stop complaining about the energy companies like Peabody and other people that are coming on as energy companies. We cannot complain about them because once we approve the water rights, that's it. We have 31,000 acre feet.”

Tulley, formerly a member of of Dine Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, said the water that would be given to municipalities in southern Arizona amounts to 325,851 gallons. Divided among 300,000 Navajos over 365 days, that gives a person only 93 gallons.

“That is only those that are living here. Once that water right is signed, those new Navajos that are going to be born into the tribe, they have no water. It is imperative that the Navajo Nation quit giving away its resources. ... We roll over, and we're good Indians. In our particular administration, any negotiation is going to benefit Navajo,” he said.

The Lovejoy/Tulley administration will have “Navajo minds, Navajo intellect, Navajo know-how to negotiate on behalf of Navajo, he said. “It is important that we tell this Navajo Nation Council, 'Do not act on this until the next administration comes in,' because they have had this for some time. The people only heard about this in August.” He said pages 54 and 55 of the document limit Navajo.

Shelly said his administration's position is “we're not approving this water right. We want to take another look at it and have input and see what is it that we really want.” Navajo should not be pushed into approving it in the final hour, he said.

Tulley told the audience, “Water is sacred. Water is not a secret. For that very purpose we need to take care of our water. That is liquid gold. If you take a look at Navajo Generating Station, we give up 34,000 acre feet of water. If we were to sell that at $250 per acre foot, that is $8.2 million for youth employment, for scholarships.”

Skyler Morgan of Window Rock High School told the presidential candidates, “We always hear of our Navajo Nation not having jail space and people who commit crimes get out too soon. Do you think this is a problem and how will it be addressed? The reason for this is some of our peers think nothing will happen to them if they commit crimes.”

Lovejoy said the Navajo Nation has struggled with inadequate jail space and funding issues, and her administration plans to address that. How, she didn't say exactly. “Just building jails is not enough. We need to look at our laws and see how we can redefine or modify our laws to include harassment, include crimes on youth, include laws and policies that will truly protect our families, our children from crimes. Those are things that we intend to look to immediately. We tend to make family a priority. With healthy families there's less crime,” she said.

Shelly said he believes that one of the things they need to take another look at is k'e. “The Dine way of law versus the statutory law is very hard to deal with at this point in time. How do we change the law from Dine Fundamental Law to statutory law to make it work?” He said it was going to be tough and they needed to have public hearings on that.

Moderator Allison told the candidates he didn't think either of them addressed Morgan's question. “As a moderator I have a right to say that.”

Hannah Yazzie, a student at the University of New Mexico, asked candidates, “Do you think we have a gang problem? Tell us about it and what will your administration do to stop it.”

Shelly said the problem with gangs goes back to the home environment. “We need to love our kids and hug them every morning, because gangs are looking for something like love – lack of love – and they're the ones that are providing that. A lot of young kids are seeking love.”

He said the way to prevent gangs is to expose them. “A lot of us are too afraid to report this, and it's happening right under our nose. We do not tell on them and we are afraid of them, and they know we're afraid of them. That's why they do what they do. They also know our laws are very weak.” If a child feels loved, he said, gangs would have a hard time recruiting them. He also recommended educating the community on how to handle gangs.

Lovejoy said she believes there is a gang problem. “Our administration, our platform is about strengthening families. Gangs learn from adults who model bad attitude, poor attitude. They also learn from dysfunctional families, and so our children pick up from things that are modeled. We want to put a lot of effort and a lot of attention to correcting or making a strong initiative in correcting gangs and abusiveness by also bringing in elders and parents who can redevelop our value system.”

She said that if they can go back and re-educate families on values such as k'e, “then the next generation, we can begin to change a lot of those bad habits and bad attitudes.” She said gangs are a problem because parents are not paying attention to their children and are not disciplining them.

Vice presidential candidates were asked how they felt about a woman running for Navajo Nation president when it goes against Navajo traditional values for women to hold a position of a nataani.

“There are different views,” Jim said, “and for me, as a medicine man and an educated Navajo, I truly believe that all people should be given the opportunities and chances based on their qualifications and not because they're a woman or they belong to a certain religious party or political party or they come from a prestigious family. All people should have the opportunity to advance themselves.”

Tulley said there have been many sacrifices that have been delivered to all Navajos. “The women that walked back from Hweeldi, do you think that they spoke less of women? No, they did not. Their whole point was Navajo is going to lead Navajo. This country desires what you and I have as Navajo people. There is no other ethnic group in this country where only tribal members will lead. Other people are looking up to us as well.

“One of the difficulties that we often have is the translation and the interpretation thereof. There are many, many different stories. I have three young ladies that I have raised, my wife and I. We do not expect them do anything other than their best,” he said. “The Creator has given us a destiny. It is up to us to make manifest our particular talents.”

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SMSC: Two Million In Tribal Grants - Wrong 'Kanietakeron' In Native Unity Militia Story - Rep. Kirkpatrick Joins Navajos In Veterans Act Celebration

Yankton Sioux Tribe, White Earth Nation To Receive Funds
By Tessa Lehto
October 12th, 2010

Prior Lake, MN – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community today announced $2 million in grants to two Indian tribes for fiscal year 2011, which began October 1, 2010.

The Yankton Sioux Tribe of Marty, South Dakota, will receive $1 million from the SMSC for a new tribal hall to replace the previous building which was severely damaged in a flash flood. In use since the early 1930s, the tribal hall was first used as a convent by the Catholic Church and then turned over to the Yankton Sioux Tribe in the 1980s.

Showing its age long before this flood, the building was also damaged in several previous floods. Seven inches of rain in the early morning hours of June 12, 2010, resulted in a flash flood which caused severe structural damage to the building. The flood ruined computers, kitchen and office equipment, files, and furniture. The tribal hall functions as an administrative building, housing tribal programs and services.

Sixty-three tribal families in Marty were also displaced in the flood which destroyed homes and buildings. Immediately following the flood, the SMSC donated $100,000 for relief efforts funding direct needs of affected families. This was in addition to the $1 million grant the YST received from the SMSC in fiscal year 2010.

A small portion of the fiscal year 2011 $1 million grant will be used for pre-construction funds for a youth treatment facility, the Lake Andes Community Center, and to build a new football field at the Marty Indian School complete with seating and concessions.

“On behalf of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, we give you a heartfelt thank you for your kind and generous donations,” wrote Tribal Chairman Bobby Cournoyer.

Known as the "Ihanktonwan Dakota Oyate" or "People of the End Village," the Yankton Sioux Tribe has its lands along the Missouri River bottom, in Charles Mix County just across the river from Nebraska. Tribal headquarters are located at Marty, also home to the Marty Indian School, which also sustained damage from the flood. Of the 12,246 tribal members, about a third live on the 43,000-acre reservation.

The White Earth Nation of northern Minnesota will receive $1 million for a health facility and for a new fire truck. Two-thirds of the grant ($663,580) will be used along with a U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant to complete a new diabetes center wing at their tribal health offices building. (The SMSC has also committed to a $1 million grant for fiscal year 2012 for the same project.)

With the remaining funds, the White Earth Volunteer Fire Department will replace their 38 year old fire truck which is now obsolete. The department has 15 volunteer fire fighters who provide services for an area covering 100 square miles. A small portion of the grant will be used for training classes for fire fighters in comprehensive drivers training and pump operations.

The new diabetes center wing will help the White Earth Nation in their fight for wellness. While diabetes affects people of all ethnic groups, it is four to eight times more prevalent among Native Americans than in the general population. And a staggering 68% of Native American children will come down with Type 2 Diabetes, which is entirely preventable.

The White Earth Reservation is located in northwestern Minnesota and is one of six member reservations which comprise the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. The boundaries of White Earth encompass Mahnomen County, portions of Becker and Clearwater Counties, and 35 townships over 1,300 square miles.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community The SMSC utilizes its financial resources from gaming and non-gaming enterprises to pay for the internal infrastructure of the Tribe, including but not limited to roads, water and sewer systems, emergency services, and essential services to its Tribal members in education, health, and welfare. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has a charitable giving program which comes from a cultural and social tradition to assist those in need.

Native Unity Article: Wrong Identity In 'Camel's Eye Treaty' Story
Sekon,
My name is David Kanietakeron Fadden. I recently discovered an article on your blog dated November 2 , 2009 entitled; Militia Movement Infiltrates Six Nations - Part 1. The author, Al Carroll, to my astonishment, named me as a promoter of the "camel eye treaty" group.

There is another Mohawk with the name Kanietakeron. His English name is Larry Thompson. He is one of the main promoters of the Camel group. I have absolutely no connection to this group and their members. I do not believe in this camel treaty theory. Larry Thompson and his followers are not helping the cause for unity here in Akwesasne.

My grandfather, Ray Tehanetorens Fadden, my father, John Kahionhes Fadden and myself have dedicated our lives to teaching the traditional philosophies and values of the Haudenosaunee people to Native and non- natives at the Six Nations Museum in Onchiota, NY.

For 56 years my family has related the story of the peacemaker and formation of the Kaianerekowa (Great Law of Peace). The premise of the Great Law is unity and peace. There are no camels or Egyptians mentioned in this story.

All the elders I have spoken to about the camel eye story have never heard of this story. I am extremely disappointed to see my name associated with this camel group. I would appreciate a note from the editor or author retracting my name from this article. Perhaps, a little more research would have avoided this error.

Correction And Apology From Al Carroll
There are TWO Mohawk men using the name Kanietakeron. One has the legal name of Larry Thompson, the other the legal name of David Fadden.

Thompson is a supporter of the Camel's Eye Treaty theory.

Fadden is not, and has no association with CET supporters whatsoever, and strongly condemns this theory and its supporters.

I deeply regret the error and offer my apologies to Mr. Fadden for any harm done to him or his reputation.
Al Carroll

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick Joins NHA In Celebrating, Recognizing The Signing Into Law Of The Indian Veterans Opportunity Act of 2010
Submitted by Christian Bigwater, NHA

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) is pleased to announce the passage of the Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act of 2010 (H.R. 3553), signed into law by President Barack Obama on the evening of Oct 12.

NHA is thankful for the passage of H.R. 3553 and would like to commemorate the occasion by hosting an event to celebrate and recognize the signing into law of H.R. 3553.

The event is scheduled to be held on Oct 18 at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Tribal Park from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) will be attending the event as an invited guest speaker. Kirkpatrick, last September, introduced H.R. 3553, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 20. Senate efforts were jointly led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator John Thune (R-SD); and H.R. 3553 won the unanimous approval of Congress on Sept 27.

“For over a decade, Native Americans who fought for this Nation watched as their Veterans’ benefits actually created new burdens for them, and that’s unacceptable,” Congresswoman Kirkpatrick said. “This outrageous defect in the law demanded action, and I am grateful that the Navajo Housing Authority brought it to my attention.”

H.R. 3553 amends the definition of “income,” under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act to exclude payments and survivor benefits received from the Veterans Administration for service-related disabilities from counting as income, making it easier for Native American Veterans, their families and survivors to qualify for housing assistance.

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Interior's OSM Sued For Withholding Peabody Coal Records

According to the proposed Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement, the Navajo and Hopi Tribe would release claims for injury due to water quality, and Peabody would retain existing permanent mining structure and-
By Kathy Helms
Dine Bureau
Gallup Independent

WINDOW ROCK – Several Native American and conservation groups have filed suit in federal court in Denver under the Freedom of Information Act against the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement for withholding records related to renewal of Peabody Energy Co.’s permit for the Kayenta Mine.

To date, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining has refused to publicly release records relating to Peabody’s coal-mining operations, including a copy of a current, valid operating permit, according to Brad Bartlett, managing attorney for the Energy Minerals Law Center in Durango.

Bartlett and Travis Stills of the law center are representing plaintiffs Black Mesa Water Coalition, the Center for Biological Diversity, Dine Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment (Dine CARE), Sierra Club and To’ Nizhoni Ani.

“OSM is going through a permit renewal process for the Kayenta Mine, which serves the Navajo Generating Station. As part of that process, what citizens with the organizations did was request a copy of the complete renewal permit that was under consideration. That would make sense. OSM is about to renew this operating permit, they should at least be making it public,” Bartlett said.

The request was submitted April 4 under the Freedom of Information Act, however, the agency at first denied the request and the groups appealed administratively. The public comment period ended June 4 without OSM releasing the requested records, including a copy of Peabody's operating permit.

“We got a favorable decision from the appeals office, but then the agency proceeded to not release the permit. In fact, the agency said it would take them about 18 months before they could actually release the permit, he said. “So, it's not clear to me what the hold-up is and why the agency appears to be playing a shell game with permitting documents that should be readily available.” The group filed suit Sept. 30 in U.S. District Court.

There was no immediate response from the Solicitor's Office.

“For decades, OSM has quietly issued permits to Peabody in a way that has thwarted meaningful public involvement and community understanding of Peabody’s mine operations,” said Nikke Alex, executive director of Black Mesa Water Coalition. “OSM’s permitting actions have a direct and irreparable impact on our community. These records must be released to the public.”

Peabody runs the 40,000-acre Kayenta Mine and adjacent 18,000-acre Black Mesa Mine on Navajo Nation and Hopi tribal lands. Using Navajo aquifer water, coal from Black Mesa Mine was slurried via a 273-mile pipeline to the Mohave Generating Station from 1970 to 2005, when Mohave closed. The Kayenta mine has supplied coal to Navajo Generating Station since 1973.

Despite the lack of documentation, the groups submitted comments June 4, stating that the main question raised by a permit renewal application is whether terms and conditions of the existing permit are being met, yet due to OSM's failure to make the existing Kayenta Mine permit available, there is no way the public can reach such a determination.

“The records requested under FOIA are integral to public understanding of OSM’s renewal of Peabody’s operating permit,” Bartlett said. According to the June filing which cites water permit information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 21 of Peabody's existing 158 impoundments are not in compliance with water quality standards.

According to the proposed Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement, the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe would release claims for injury to water quality, and Peabody would retain existing permanent mining structures and impoundments within the company's leaseholds after mining is completed. The tribes would not be allowed to challenge this, and Peabody would be allowed to relocate the impoundments as long as overall storage capacity is not increased, and build new temporary impoundments.

“By denying and delaying public release of the operating permit, OSM protects Peabody and unjustly shuts out impacted communities and the public in Peabody’s permitting process,” said Cynthia Pardo of the Sierra Club’s Plateau Group. “By filing this lawsuit with our tribal partners, we are seeking greater transparency and accountability by the Obama administration for Navajo and Hopi communities impacted by Peabody’s coal mining on Black Mesa.”

Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biological Diversity, said, “OSM’s inability to produce a valid operating permit for Peabody raises a whole host of questions. This lawsuit will force full disclosure.”

Information: www.blackmesawatercoalition.org

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Pollution Solution: Reduce Harmful Emissons At Coal-Fired Power Plant

EPA Proposes 80% Cut In Emissions At Four Corners Plant
By Kathy Helms
Dine Bureau
Gallup Independent

WINDOW ROCK – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed Wednesday to require the Four Corners Power Plant near Farmington to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions 80 percent by requiring additional pollution controls.

EPA’s proposal will require plant operators to install the most stringent pollution control technology available for this type facility, known as selective catalytic reduction, on all five units. These controls will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides from approximately 45,000 tons per year to 9,000 tons per year.

The installation and operation of selective catalytic reduction is estimated to increase the electricity bill for the average Arizona Public Service residential customer by about 70 cents per week. APS is sole owner of units one, two and three, and owns 15 percent of units four and five at the 2,040 megawatt coal-fired power plant located on the Navajo Nation.

“We know this is an important ruling that is coming out, but we're just in the process of evaluating it,” said Arvin Trujillo, government relations manager for APS.

Mark Schiovani, senior vice president of Fossil Generation at APS, in reports to various standing committees of the Navajo Nation Council, has said that installation of selective catalytic reduction is estimated to cost $828 million. That, coupled with Southern California Edison's plan to divest its 48 percent share by 2016 and other proposed EPA regulations, presents a “very complicated scenario” for the future of the generating station, he said.

EPA also is proposing a particulate emission limit for units one, two and three – put in service in 1963 – that will require additional controls for fine particles and may help reduce the visible secondary plume often seen emanating from the three units.

“Everybody is in support of cleaner air and a healthier environment, but we certainly hope it doesn't throw out of work hundreds of Navajo workers who have nowhere else to go,” George Hardeen, communications director for President Joe Shirley Jr., said late Wednesday. “EPA could have initiated this a dozen years ago and helped move us in this direction. But the main concern is the resulting unemployment in a place that already experiences extreme poverty.”

The reduction in emissions is designed to achieve cleaner, healthier air while improving the visibility at 16 of the country's most pristine national parks and wilderness areas. Each year, more than 280 million people visit these areas, yet many aren’t able to see the spectacular vistas because of the veil of white or brown haze that hangs in the air, reducing visibility and dulling the natural beauty, EPA said.

In addition, nitrogen oxides react with other chemicals to form ozone and small particles harmful to the public’s health. Children, the elderly, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and those who work or exercise outside are at risk for adverse effects from ozone and particulate matter.

"The Four Corners Power Plant is the largest source of nitrogen oxides in the nation,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest Region. “Adding new pollution controls at this 45-year-old plant will reduce these emissions by 80 percent. We will all be able to see the results and breathe cleaner, healthier air.”

The Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Rule requires the use of Best Available Retrofit Technology at older coal-fired power plants to reduce haze and improve visibility. The Four Corners plant would have five years to add the controls.

“We're very pleased that EPA has issued a rule that we believe will improve visibility in the national parks, improve health for people living in the San Juan Basin, and is consistent with the requirements under the Clean Air Act,” said Roger Clark of Grand Canyon Trust. “It's good for the visibility in the parks, it's good for the health of the people, and it's the right legal thing to do.”

As the result of a lawsuit filed by the National Parks Conservation Association in 2008, in addition to Wednesday’s proposed rule, EPA must finalize a regional haze cleanup plan for every state that does not have one by Jan. 15, 2011. Specific cleanup plans for the Four Corners Power Plant also must be in place by that date.

“The Navajo people have suffered for decades from this dirty coal plant and EPA’s announcement today is an important step at restoring environmental justice and the health of the Navajo people and surrounding communities,” said Andy Bessler of the Sierra Club in Flagstaff. “It is further proof that we need to transition our economy off dirty coal and look toward cleaner forms of energy from the wind and sun.”

Elouise Brown, president of Dooda Desert Rock, an organization opposed to construction of the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant near Four Corners, said, “The air we breathe has been polluted by the Four Corners plant for far too long. This air pollution causes respiratory problems like asthma, emphysema and bronchitis; it aggravates heart disease and it damages lung tissue. It is the Navajo people living near this plant who suffer the effects of this pollution and we thank the EPA for standing up against this threat to our well-being.”

EPA will continue to consult with the Navajo Nation and other affected tribes, and the federal land managers before taking any final action. There will be a 60-day public comment period on the proposed action as well as two public hearings in the Four Corners area. Additional details will be provided at least 30 days prior to the hearings.

Information:
http://www.epa.gov/region9/air/navajo/index.html#proposed

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Navajo Resources Reject Sempra Offer To Create 500 Megawatt Wind Farm

"Looking For A Sweetheart Deal"
By Kathy Helms
Dine Bureau
Gallup Independent

WINDOW ROCK – Like unwanted suitors, Sempra Generation and International Piping Products Inc. keep coming back to the Navajo Nation with a proposal for a wind farm on Gray Mountain, and the Resources Committee keeps spurning their advances while continuing to look for a sweetheart deal.

During a meeting Thursday, Western Navajo Agency Council Delegates Bobby Robbins, Raymond Maxx and Jack Colorado presented Resources with 10 resolutions – largely supporting documents pertaining to the project – from Cameron Chapter dating from April 2007 through March 2009, and two from the agency council from June 2007 and March 2009.

Yet despite local support and warnings on the magnitude of “the sky is falling,” Resources has found little affection for Sempra/IPP's initial purchase option. Under the terms and conditions proposed, the companies would erect up to 350 wind turbines on up to 45,000 acres at Gray Mountain in Cameron to create a 500 megawatt wind farm.

IPP received a conditional use permit from the Division of Economic Development in June 2007 but that has now expired and the companies are seeking a site lease so they can respond to requests for proposals coming out in October and November for renewable energy power-purchase agreements. The Navajo Nation is being offered the option to purchase 20 percent equity interest in the Gray Mountain project with Sempra/IPP retaining 80 percent.

Resources Chairman George Arthur and committee member Norman John II have said repeatedly that they believe the Nation can do better than 80/20, but as Maxx pointed out in June when Council voted 27-37 against approving the lease negotiations, “People are saying we can get a better deal. We keep asking, 'Where's the better deal?' There's nothing on paper.”

The proposed resolution also calls on Navajo to cease negotiations with other energy companies and to form a five-member negotiating team for the sole purpose of negotiating a lease with Sempra/IPP. The team would be comprised of one member selected by the president, one by the speaker, two from Cameron Chapter, and the attorney general or his designee.

Robbins said they want to take the resolution to the Navajo Nation Council for consideration during fall session.

Delegate Colorado, who represents Cameron Chapter, said that because they don't have an electrical service line they received a grant from Sacred Power in Albuquerque for 110 solar panels. Someone from Eastern Agency read about it and tried to get registered at Cameron Chapter so they, too, could get a solar panel. “Throughout the reservation our people are in need.”

IPP President Bruce McAlvain said the community held a workshop and chapter meeting since Council's last action. “They asked us to come back and see if we can work through the lease structure.” In his presentation to the committee, McAlvain talked about the uncertainty in the California renewables market and the impact it will have in the Southwest, such as a decline in the marketplace and projects going forward.

“In the next couple years, there is over 3 gigawatts of planned infrastructure going into place that we're directly competing with here in Arizona,” he said.

California has 70,000 to 80,000 megawatts of proposed renewable energy projects. Currently in infrastructure, they've got 19,000 megawatts, he said, adding that for the state to meet a proposed 33 percent renewable energy standard, they will only need 25,000 megawatts.

“We've run out of time. If this construction window of opportunity that we have for projects is going to stay open, we need to have something in the ground or started by 2012 or the first quarter of 2013.” After that, renewable energy will hit a plateau and stay there until 2019 or 2020, stalling projects in Arizona going to California, which pays the highest purchase rate for renewable energy, he said.

Steve Atkins, a research engineer at Northern Arizona University which put up the first meteorological tower on Gray Mountain to measure the wind, said Gray Mountain has possibly the best wind in the entire state, second only to Navajo 's Big Boquillas Ranch.

“Gray Mountain has the capacity to produce a 500 megawatt wind farm,” Atkins said. “This amount of power is going to have to go to some larger state that can accept it, and that state is essentially California.” However, Atkins warned that the only transmission line to export the electricity is the El Dorado 500 kilovolt line, and that line is becoming saturated.

“There are a lot of projects that people are trying to push through, so time is of the essence. If this project doesn't go rapidly, what will happen is the El Dorado will get filled up to its capacity and will not be able to accept any more electricity and it won't matter what you do with Gray Mountain. There will be no way to get the power out of Gray Mountain,” he said.

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SMSC Wind Turbine Completes Successful Year

Generating Electricity With Low Environmental Impact
By Tessa Lehto
Communications Specialist
tessa.lehto@shakopeedakota.org
October 4th, 2010

Prior Lake, MN – For one full year, the SMSC Wind Turbine has held its post overlooking the SMSC Pow Wow Grounds and The Meadows at Mystic Lake. Residents, staff, visitors, and neighbors have enjoyed watching it spin, commenting often on its direction and rate.

“This wind turbine fits nicely into our goal of self-sufficiency in terms of energy production,” said SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks. “It is part of our plan as a sovereign nation to take care of our own needs wherever possible. The wind turbine is also a green technology so the environmental impacts are minimal.”

The First Year -
At 386 feet from foundation to the tip of a blade fully extended vertically, the wind turbine is the equivalent of a 38-story tall building. It is visible for miles around and has quickly become a landmark on the horizon near Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. Its first year has brought a new understanding of wind technology to the SMSC and its staff.

According to Stan Ellison, SMSC Manager of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, “The first six months were without issue. At that point there was a warranty issue with a slip ring. This was repaired by the manufacturer along with some other minor items including replacing the batteries in the blade 1 pitch motor system. The turbine has been operating well since that repair.”

When asked said about the lessons learned in this first year, Ellison replied, “Modern wind turbines are complex machines with thousands of moving parts. Computers control the operation using data from multiple sensors including wind speed, wind direction, gust speed and variation, vibration in the nacelle, blade vibration, bearing and oil temperature, nacelle interior temperature, and many others. They are not ‘start and forget’ machines but require regular maintenance and supervision.”

One exciting addition to the wind turbine this past year was the installation of an antenna by a multi-department team of Community staff. A wireless connection was added using staff from the Land and Natural Resources Department, Maintenance, Mdewakanton Emergency Services, Property Services, and Information Technology. Land staff defined the equipment specifications working with Information Technology.

The Low Voltage staff wired the turbine and Public Works Building. Maintenance set up the antenna at the Public Works Building and helped with the wiring in the turbine. Mdewakanton Emergency Services and Property Services welded the antenna on the tower using the Aerial ladder truck.

“We now have remote control and a data site available for internal use,” Ellison said. “This provides us easier access to data and the ability to control the wind turbine remotely.”

Energy ProductionIn its first year the SMSC Wind Turbine generated 1.8 million kWh, enough for all residences on the reservation. Energy created by the turbine is metered as it enters the nearby Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative substation that provides electricity to the SMSC and the surrounding area. The generated energy is offset against Community energy costs.

Why Isn't It spinning? -
The question asked most frequently about the wind turbine is, “Why isn’t it spinning?” The wind turbine operates around the clock throughout the year. The only time it stops is if the wind is not blowing or is too variable in direction, it’s blowing over 47 mph or under 8.75 mph, the blades are in the process of changing direction, or excess vibration (like from a thunderstorm) causes it to shutdown.

The blades are not expected to spin all the time because this is an area of moderate to low winds for commercial wind development. The SMSC Wind Turbine was installed as a test of its efficiency in these known wind conditions. It is only expected to spin about 30% of the time.

All wind speeds are measured at the nacelle height (262.4 feet). Generally the wind speed is greater at higher elevations but it is lower on rare occasions. Excess vibration will also cause a shutdown. A nearby lightening strike and resultant thunder has caused this to happen several times. The turbine is lightening protected including the blades, nacelle, and tower.

The turbine is pitch controlled with mechanical yaw. The direction of the blades is varied to start or stop the machine. To turn into the wind it must shut down, rotate, and start up.

Background -
After more than 10 years of planning and several years of wind studies and other research, the SMSC Wind Turbine was assembled at the SMSC Pow Wow Grounds over the weekend October 3-4, 2009, using a giant crane. Testing and commissioning of the wind turbine then took several weeks before it became operational.

The $1.8 million wind turbine, which has a payback period of about 15 years, has a life expectancy of 30 years. The SMSC wind turbine will also demonstrate that wind energy is viable in areas of moderate to low winds.

Wind energy is a low-cost emerging renewable energy resource which does not contribute to global warming. The only pollution that is produced by a wind turbine comes during the manufacturing and transport process. Once erected, the wind turbine has no negative impacts and the sound is negligible to residents in nearby homes and enterprises.

The blades produce a soft whoosh as they cycle which sounds like a whisper to those in close proximity. The crackle from the pre-existing sub-station is louder to the untrained ear than the wind turbine itself.

Minnesota is the third largest producer of wind energy in the nation, behind Texas and California. The state of Minnesota has set renewable energy standard that requires 25 percent of the state’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2025. The SMSC wind turbine is another example of the effort to meet that goal.

Other Energy And Environmental Projects Underway -
Like many, the Community is faced with growing energy demands and dependence on outside sources for that energy. Environmental impacts associated with conventional energy sources can be destructive to the earth. In response, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has actively been exploring local options to supply its energy needs.

Most of the solutions being pursued by the Community do not require extensive infrastructure. Since initial investment costs are recouped over the life of the project, especially with rising conventional energy costs, these other options are preferred by the Community.

The wind turbine is one of several Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community energy initiatives already underway. The SMSC is a major partner in Koda Energy, a joint venture with Rahr Malting of Shakopee to produce heat and electricity by burning agricultural by-products such as wood chips, barley dust, and oat hulls, and grown energy crops. This stable, clean energy production facility was operational in mid-2009.

In 2010 the SMSC received Silver Level LEED Certification for the building which houses South Metro Federal Credit union. A geothermal heating system for temperature control captures heat and cooling from the ground.

Another innovative project converts the Community’s waste motor oil and vegetable oil to heat buildings. Some Community spaces were partially heated by waste oil starting in the winter of 2008-2009. Using waste oil for heat reduces the use of natural gas. A project to convert 18,000 gallons of waste vegetable oil each year into biodiesel for use in Community vehicles and equipment also became operational in 2009.

Solar energy is used to heat water for showers and equipment washing at Mdewakanton Emergency Services, the SMSC’s Fire Station, reducing the use of natural gas. Skylights also use the free energy of the sun to light a training room and equipment bay, reducing daytime energy usage.

Dakotah! Ice Center, which opened in late 2008, also features skylights specifically designed to complement the arena use. Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays, the arena typically does not have a lot of use. By using skylights and daylight harvestings during these non-peak hours, energy consumption for lighting has been reduced by about 50%.

Another energy saving feature of the Ice Center is the capture waste heat from the refrigeration compressors used to cool the rink floor and use it to heat the arena seats. Dispersing heat in spectator spaces reduces the need to heat the entire arena. This reduces energy consumption and makes the arena more comfortable for guests.

As a steward of the land, the SMSC engages in a number of restoration activities to preserve and protect the land for future generations. The SMSC Land and Natural Resources Department has re-established native prairies and wetlands on more than 500 acres of former farmland.

Prescribed burns are used to maintain and improve native prairie conditions on the reservation. Wild rice is sowed in Community wetlands. Maple sap is collected from Community trees, and maple syrup is made. Trees and other native flora are planted.

Environmental specialists are also active in restoring and managing wetlands, surveying wildlife, and taking an inventory of existing natural communities. Hydrologists assess water quality, coordinate the Community’s Wellhead Protection Program, plan projects to improve water quality, and implement erosion control.

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

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Columbus Never Stepped Foot On Turtle Island, So

Why Celebrate Columbus Day?
Opinion
Submitted by Mark Reed

Native actor and film director Mark Reed is currently the Republican candidate for the 27th Congressional District of California.

This column is a rewrite, first published in Native Unity on October 14th, 2005 and still is the most popular article on the Native Unity Blog.
Columbus Day will be celebrated on October 11th, 2010.
Bobbie Hart O'Neill, Native Unity Editor

1. Columbus sailed into the Caribbean and never even set foot in what is now known as the United States. So, why do we, in the United States, give him one of our 8 Federal holidays?

2. Why would Columbus be given credit for "discovering" the Americas anyway, when we all know those lands were already inhabited and had been for thousands of years? Didn't the inhabitants of those lands discover them?
Look at any map of the US and see the many, many, many states, cities and towns that all bear the Native American names of people and peoples who once populated those regions: Illinois, Oklahoma, Cheyenne, Nantucket, Milwaukee, Yuma, Omaha, Wichita, Tallahassee, Mississippi, Muskogee, Tennessee, Allegheny, Missouri, Kentucky, Huron, Tuscaloosa and on and on and on.....

3. Knowing that Native Americans were already here, and Columbus never was here, why does anyone go along with the myth that "Columbus Discovered America", when we all know it is not true?

4. Why aren't we taught the whole truth about Columbus' actions and the devastating consequences of those actions?
Why are we only told about Columbus, who as a boy who always wanted to sail and then when he got older Spain provided him three ships & he sailed across the ocean andDISCOVERED A NEW WORLD! (where millions of Taino had lived for thousands of years and which we now call the Caribbean
Why are we only taught about that FIRST voyage, and not the other 3 voyages, when all hell broke loose?
Why aren't we taught about how on the second voyage, unlike the first when Columbus only had 3 small old ships, Columbus was given 17 large ships and 1,500 armed men eagerly signed up for the chance to go to the "New World" with hopes of getting rich quick on the gold to be found there?
Also, why aren't we taught about the greed and brutality of the Spaniards against the Taino (who have been remembered as " naked savages" in our history books, if at all), and how the Taino were murdered and enslaved on that second voyage?
Why are we not taught about the third voyage & how when King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella of Spain heard about Columbus' actions in the "New World" he was sent back toSpain in chains to stand trial for his crimes, was convicted and stripped of his titles?
Or, how the Spaniards tricked 80 of the Taino leaders into a hut and burned them alive? Isn't to omit the ugly part ofthe truth considered LYING BY OMISSION? Then, that is what our schools are doing when they only teach about the first voyage, they are lying by omission to our students, and we as a improperly educated country have a holiday for an evil, greedy, slave-trading, murderer.

5. Some people say he is worthy of the honor of a holiday for his nautical genius, but the Vikings sailed across the ocean to North America 500 years before, Marco Polo sailed to China & India 300 years prior and the Chinese set foot upon the very shores that Columbus did 71 years prior to the arrival of Columbus, the difference being, Columbus "claimed" the land and cites the Papal Bulls with giving him the authority to do so if no one disputes the action, and Columbus accordingto his journal, was careful to add that no one disputed it at the time, while admitting at the same time that they could not understand each other, so how could they be expected to understand what his flag-planting and pronunciations meant?

6. Many people will argue that Columbus brought Western Civilization to what is now known as the United States, and that is the reason the US bestowed upon him the honor of a holiday. But how can we make that correlation when Columbus, working for Spain, came in 1492 and the European colonizers who came here TWO HUNDRED years later, came fromEngland? If Columbus is worthy of being given credit for this "achievement", wouldn't it have happened 200 years earlier and wouldn't we all be speaking Spanish now as the countries he invaded do?

7. Some people will argue that Columbus Day is a day for recognition of Italians, an Italian Pride Day. Are Italians more worthy of recognitionthan other ethnic groups in this country we have proudly (?) nicknamed"The Melting Pot"? I have heard Italians say that Germans have Oktoberfest, the Irish have St. Patrick's Day and Mexicans have Cinco deMayo, but none of those are FEDERAL holidays.
The only two ethnic groups worthy of recognition for their contributions and sacrifice in this land are those who were ALREADY HERE when the Europeans came and those who the Europeans BROUGHT HERE IN CHAINS. All other ethnic groups came here voluntarily.
It was long overdue but African Americans finally got their holiday - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January.... but Native Americans still don't have a holiday (urge your congressmen and women to support House Bill #167).

8. Some people think he is deserving of the honor because he proved the world was round, but this was already a widely accepted belief by educated people at the time as Ptolemy, the ancient astronomer and geographer from Egypt, declared that the Earth was spherical in the second century. Why do 17 states refuse to recognize and/or celebrate Columbus Day? Why do protesters gather and march at every Columbus Day Parade?

9. And, WHY is Columbus honored with one of our 8 federal holidays in the US when,
(a). He didn't "discover" us, or anything previously undiscovered or uninhabited
(b). He never set foot on what is now U.S. soil.
(c). His legacy is greed, theft, destruction, brutality, slave-trading and murder
(d). It is offensive to Latin American, African American and Native Americans
( e). Native Americans, who were here and are worthy of a holiday, still don'thave one.

10. And why have the Taino people of the Caribbean and those in the US,whose ancestors have paid such a huge price for the misfortune of being"discovered", been erroneously declared extinct and are therefore denied legal recognition by the government?

To learn more about the truth, read:
*In Defense of the Indians by Bartolome de las Casas
*A People's History by Howard Zinn
*Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Louwen
*Rethinking Columbus by Bigelow and Peterson
*The Voyages of Christopher Columbus by Rex and Thea Rienits
*The Log of Christopher Columbus by Robert H. Fuson
*The Journal of Columbus by Clarkson N. Potter
*1421,The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
*America Discovers Columbus by John Noble Wilford
*The Conquest of Paradise by KirkpatrickSale
*The Columbus Dynasty in the Caribbean by Troy S. Floyd
*The Conquest of America by Tzvetan Todorov

TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE, OPINION PIECE, COMMENTS 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.

Native Unity Digest stories are now appearing on the BeforeIt'sNews.com site under the Native American News category. Check them out!!!!

News Blog - American Indian Report - AIR BLOG
http://falmouth-air.blogspot.com/

THE BUFFALO POST - Missoulian Montana's Native News Blog about Native People And The World We Live In.
http://buffalopost.net/

NATIVE AMERICA, DISCOVERED AND CONQUERED
http://lawlib.lclark.edu/blog/native_america/

PATHOLOGY.ORG - Up-to-date informmational database on general health and disease information, medical schools and medical resources.
http://www.pathology.org/

FOR ANNIE'S NATIVE CELEBRITY NEWS - go to http://www.nativecelebs.com/

SUPPORTING NATIVE AMERICAN/FIRST PEOPLE - ARTISTS, FILM MAKERS, ENTERTAINERS, ETC.
http://www.krystynmedia.blogspot.com/.