County ready to back Point Molate casino plan
By John Simerman
Contra Costa TimesPosted: 10/31/2009 01:06:30 PM PDT
For $12 million a year, Contra Costa County would turn its staunch opposition to outright support for a major Indian casino-hotel resort on the Richmond waterfront, according to a draft of the pending deal.
The agreement with the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians would erase the county's blanket opposition to urban gaming and halt its attack against a big Las Vegas-style casino planned at the former Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot.
The Board of Supervisors plans to discuss the pending deal at its meeting Tuesday morning.
The tribe and developer Upstream Point Molate await key federal rulings in a bid to claim 266 acres near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge as an Indian reservation. They envision 124,000 square feet of gaming, two hotels, 300,000 square feet of retail, a conference center, parks and trails, tribal facilities and up to 340 homes.
Under the deal, the county would agree to "cease all efforts to oppose or intervene against the tribe's project approvals" and would document its support.
Supervisor John Gioia, who led both the county opposition and its reversal, could not be reached. Recently, he said he feared the county would lose leverage and be left with nothing if it did not seek a deal before pending federal decisions on the land.
One longtime Richmond resident who has fought against the Point Molate plan said Gioia assured him in early October that the negotiations did not change the county's position.
"I'm shocked," Charles T. Smith said. "Why he changed his mind, all of this stuff is a mystery to me."
Ultimately, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has the power to put the land in trust for the tribe. Interior Department policy stresses deals between tribes and local governments, and Guidiville has a pact with Richmond that would pay the city $20 million a year.
"The feedback we've gotten from the folks at Interior is that our project is really unique and is approvable," said Jim Levine of Upstream. "Obviously, if you have local support things go smoother."
The county has spent nearly $1 million battling Guidiville and two other tribes over casinos. The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians wants one along Richmond Parkway. The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians runs electronic bingo machines on its land in San Pablo, but would likely try to expand with slot machines if competition comes near.
The county also is talking with Scotts Valley about an agreement.
Unions are pressing for the Point Molate project, which promises thousands of local construction and service jobs. Opponents fear a trio of big casinos in West County.
"This certainly is a break in the dam," said Cheryl Schmit of Stand Up for California, a casino watchdog. "We have a lot of tribes out there. If it looks like Contra Costa County is an easy target, which city is next?"
The county had hired an anthropologist to counter Guidiville's claimed historic ties to the area, a key factor for federal approval. The draft deal, however, states that Guidiville is a federally recognized tribe "within the geographical boundaries of Contra Costa County."
Last week, Gioia said he did not think the county's position, either way, would be the "tipping point" in a federal decision.
"Having three casinos in one area is going to change the character of this community in a way most people don't want to see," he said. "We are having this issue now thrown on our lap. Our role is trying to sort through the best strategy to derive the greatest benefit for the community."
Of the $12 million a year the county would receive, $7 million must be spent in West County. For the first seven years, $4 million would go to health programs and services, half in West County.
If the tribe cannot secure a compact and instead operates electronic bingo games that don't require state oversight, the county would receive $6 million a year. It could reopen the deal if nearby traffic grows worse than expected
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
WE NEED TO THINK LIKE OUR FOREFATHERS DID
"My children, you have forgotten the customs and traditions of your forefathers. ...You have bought guns, knives, kettles, and blankets from the white man until you can no longer do without them; and what is worse you have drunk the poison firewater, which turns you into fools. Fling all these things away; live as your forefathers did before you."
Pontiac, ODOWA
We need to think as our forefathers did.
They knew the culture and the customs. The culture taught them how to live in harmony with each other. We need to think like this again.
We must be God-reliant. We don't need the firewater. This liquid is very destructive to our native people. It kills our spirit.
Our Indian people are happiest when we are spiritual. When we depend on anyone or anything else, we get off track.
We need to talk to the Elders and find out what the old ways were. We need to ask them to teach us the culture, the tradition, and the customs. This will help us become whole again.
Pontiac, ODOWA
We need to think as our forefathers did.
They knew the culture and the customs. The culture taught them how to live in harmony with each other. We need to think like this again.
We must be God-reliant. We don't need the firewater. This liquid is very destructive to our native people. It kills our spirit.
Our Indian people are happiest when we are spiritual. When we depend on anyone or anything else, we get off track.
We need to talk to the Elders and find out what the old ways were. We need to ask them to teach us the culture, the tradition, and the customs. This will help us become whole again.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
INTERTRIBAL FRIENDSHIP HOUSE POTLUCK AND 24TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA INDIAN CONFERENCE AND GATHERING
Tomorrow at IFH, Potluck Dinner. Bring your favorite dish to share and your own dishes and cups so we may be more gentle with the earth. Dennis Banks would like to thank the community for their prayers and support while he was sick.
Please also bring a canned food to donate to IFH's winter give away for the elders. Hope to see you there at 6pm, Friday October 30th
The Shellmound Walkers are also presenting at the California Indian Conference to be held at Cal State East Bay in Hayward on Saturday. We'd love to see you there. See more info below
“Seeing in Another Way: Sacred Sites of the Bay Area”
Saturday, October 31
10:30am-noon
Meiklejohn Hall, Room 2008
Organizers and participants in the Annual Bay Area Shellmound Peace Walk will make a presentation on sacred sites of the Bay Area, including a virtual tour of shellmounds visited on the Shellmound Walks.
24th Annual California Indian Conference and Gathering
October 30-31, 2009
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, California
The California Indian Conference and Gathering is an annual event for the exchange of views and information among academics, educators, California Indians, students, tribal nations, native organizations, and community members. This year’s sessions emphasize the vital importance of listening to Native Californian voices when interpreting California’s past.
http://www20.csueastbay.edu/events/cic
To RSVP or for more information please email: calindconf@gmail.com or call (510) 885-3237
Please also bring a canned food to donate to IFH's winter give away for the elders. Hope to see you there at 6pm, Friday October 30th
The Shellmound Walkers are also presenting at the California Indian Conference to be held at Cal State East Bay in Hayward on Saturday. We'd love to see you there. See more info below
“Seeing in Another Way: Sacred Sites of the Bay Area”
Saturday, October 31
10:30am-noon
Meiklejohn Hall, Room 2008
Organizers and participants in the Annual Bay Area Shellmound Peace Walk will make a presentation on sacred sites of the Bay Area, including a virtual tour of shellmounds visited on the Shellmound Walks.
24th Annual California Indian Conference and Gathering
October 30-31, 2009
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, California
The California Indian Conference and Gathering is an annual event for the exchange of views and information among academics, educators, California Indians, students, tribal nations, native organizations, and community members. This year’s sessions emphasize the vital importance of listening to Native Californian voices when interpreting California’s past.
http://www20.csueastbay.edu/events/cic
To RSVP or for more information please email: calindconf@gmail.com or call (510) 885-3237
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
FRIENDS OF THE THE AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATE PROGRAM AT UC BERKELEY CELEBRATES HERITAGE MONTH
Greetings Friends of the American Indian Graduate Program at UC Berkeley!
I hope you have a spooky and fun Halloween!!!!
AIGP is selling tickets on sale for a fry bread lunch next week on November 4th!
See info below! I will be traveling the rest of the week, but you can call AIGP and tell my assistant Cindy to save you a ticket. (510-642-3228) I need to sell 16 more tickets!
Please help and come have some fun!
Have a super rest of the day!
Carmen
November is National American Indian Heritage Month ** Join the Native American Staff Council in a luncheon and program (Food
Catered by Cal Catering)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
12:00 (Noon) until 2:00 pm
RSSP, Residence Hall - Unit 3
Central Building (2400 Durant)
All Purpose Room, Lower Level
Tickets: $10.00 (Contact Jackie Blossom-Garcia, blossom@berkeley.edu;
2-8241)
or see other staff on attached flyer to reserve a ticket)
Everyone welcome: Staff, Students and Faculty
* Enjoy delicious Indian tacos, frybread, strawberry shortcake and
other dishes
* View Native American Timeline & Posters
* Learn about other campus and local current events scheduled during
November
* Raffle drawing
After nearly a century of advocacy National American Indian Heritage
Month was first recognized through
joint resolution by Congress in 1990. Now recognized annually,
November is a time to learn more about
the history, heritage and contributions of Native American (American
Indians) to the past and to the future.
This is a time to honor and recognize the original people of this land.
Throughout history, Native people
have been an integral part of the American character. Against the
odds, America's first people had
endured, and yet they remain a vital cultural, political, social and
moral presence.
Tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and
ideas that have become ingrained in
the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper
without destroying the natural
environment; the understanding that people from very different
backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions
can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that
diversity can be a source of strength
rather than division.
"We will be known forever by the tracks we
leave."~Dakota
I hope you have a spooky and fun Halloween!!!!
AIGP is selling tickets on sale for a fry bread lunch next week on November 4th!
See info below! I will be traveling the rest of the week, but you can call AIGP and tell my assistant Cindy to save you a ticket. (510-642-3228) I need to sell 16 more tickets!
Please help and come have some fun!
Have a super rest of the day!
Carmen
November is National American Indian Heritage Month ** Join the Native American Staff Council in a luncheon and program (Food
Catered by Cal Catering)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
12:00 (Noon) until 2:00 pm
RSSP, Residence Hall - Unit 3
Central Building (2400 Durant)
All Purpose Room, Lower Level
Tickets: $10.00 (Contact Jackie Blossom-Garcia, blossom@berkeley.edu;
2-8241)
or see other staff on attached flyer to reserve a ticket)
Everyone welcome: Staff, Students and Faculty
* Enjoy delicious Indian tacos, frybread, strawberry shortcake and
other dishes
* View Native American Timeline & Posters
* Learn about other campus and local current events scheduled during
November
* Raffle drawing
After nearly a century of advocacy National American Indian Heritage
Month was first recognized through
joint resolution by Congress in 1990. Now recognized annually,
November is a time to learn more about
the history, heritage and contributions of Native American (American
Indians) to the past and to the future.
This is a time to honor and recognize the original people of this land.
Throughout history, Native people
have been an integral part of the American character. Against the
odds, America's first people had
endured, and yet they remain a vital cultural, political, social and
moral presence.
Tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and
ideas that have become ingrained in
the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper
without destroying the natural
environment; the understanding that people from very different
backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions
can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that
diversity can be a source of strength
rather than division.
"We will be known forever by the tracks we
leave."~Dakota
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
FOUNDER OF WELLBRIETY RECEIVES $100,000 DOLLLARS FOR ADVOCACY FOR SOBERITY MOVEMENT
October 26, 2009
Contact:
White Bison
1-877-871-1495
info@whitebison.org
Don Coyhis, Among 10 Social Innovators in Encore Careers
to Win 2009 Purpose Prize
Entrepreneurs Over 60 Win $50,000 - $100,000 Each for Using
Creativity, Experience to Solve Long-Standing Social Problems
Colorado Springs, CO - Don Coyhis has been awarded a 2009 Purpose Prize, which honors social entrepreneurs over 60 who are using their experience and passion to take on society's biggest challenges. Now in its fourth year, the six-year, $17 million program is the nation's only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life.
Don Coyhis (Mohican Nation), the Founder of the Colorado Springs, CO-based White Bison, Inc., will receive $100,000 for his work in Native American sobriety, recovery and healing, begun in 1988 with the founding of White Bison, Inc. By the mid-to-late 1990's, Coyhis was also the inspiration and founder of the Wellbriety Movement, dedicated to the healing and prosperity of Native American individuals, families, communities and tribal nations. Visit www.whitebison.org for more information.
Don Coyhis will join nine other 2009 winners and 46 Purpose Prize fellows at a Summit on Innovation on Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business' Center on Social Innovation, one of the world's leading academic centers focused on social entrepreneurship.
The winners and 1,000-plus nominees in 2009 underscore a trend in entrepreneurialism later in life. According to studies by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the 55-64 age group is the most active in creating new ventures. Counter to stereotype, people ages 20-34, the study found, are the least entrepreneurial.
"More than ever, the problems facing our communities, country and world call out for creative solutions," said Marc Freedman, co-founder of The Purpose Prize and author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life. "Fortunately, we don't run out of ideas as we age.
"Like so many others in this new stage of life between the end of midlife careers and the beginning of true old age, The Purpose Prize winners combine creativity, experience and passion with a desire to do something bigger than themselves," Freeman continued.
The Encore Careers campaign is run by Civic Ventures, a national think tank on boomers, work and social purpose. Funding for The Purpose Prize comes from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the John Templeton Foundation.
Sherry Lansing, CEO of the Sherry Lansing Foundation and former chair of Paramount Pictures' Motion Picture Group, chairs the jury that selected this year's winners. The 24 judges are leaders in business, politics, journalism and the nonprofit sector - including actor Sidney Poitier, social entrepreneur Thomas Tierney, former Senator Harris Wofford and journalist Cokie Roberts.
The Purpose Prize is a program of the Encore Careers campaign (www.encore.org), which aims to engage millions of boomers in encore careers combining social impact, personal meaning and continued income in the second half of life. The goal: produce a windfall of human talent to solve society's greatest problems, from education to the environment, health care to homelessness.
Fuller summaries, videos and photographs for Don Coyhis are online at www.encore.org, and you may also view information on other winners.
Don Coyhis and White Bison, Inc., in collaboration with Encore Careers, Inc., are honored to accept this award on behalf of the healing and wellbeing of Native American people.
Contact:
White Bison
1-877-871-1495
info@whitebison.org
Don Coyhis, Among 10 Social Innovators in Encore Careers
to Win 2009 Purpose Prize
Entrepreneurs Over 60 Win $50,000 - $100,000 Each for Using
Creativity, Experience to Solve Long-Standing Social Problems
Colorado Springs, CO - Don Coyhis has been awarded a 2009 Purpose Prize, which honors social entrepreneurs over 60 who are using their experience and passion to take on society's biggest challenges. Now in its fourth year, the six-year, $17 million program is the nation's only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life.
Don Coyhis (Mohican Nation), the Founder of the Colorado Springs, CO-based White Bison, Inc., will receive $100,000 for his work in Native American sobriety, recovery and healing, begun in 1988 with the founding of White Bison, Inc. By the mid-to-late 1990's, Coyhis was also the inspiration and founder of the Wellbriety Movement, dedicated to the healing and prosperity of Native American individuals, families, communities and tribal nations. Visit www.whitebison.org for more information.
Don Coyhis will join nine other 2009 winners and 46 Purpose Prize fellows at a Summit on Innovation on Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business' Center on Social Innovation, one of the world's leading academic centers focused on social entrepreneurship.
The winners and 1,000-plus nominees in 2009 underscore a trend in entrepreneurialism later in life. According to studies by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the 55-64 age group is the most active in creating new ventures. Counter to stereotype, people ages 20-34, the study found, are the least entrepreneurial.
"More than ever, the problems facing our communities, country and world call out for creative solutions," said Marc Freedman, co-founder of The Purpose Prize and author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life. "Fortunately, we don't run out of ideas as we age.
"Like so many others in this new stage of life between the end of midlife careers and the beginning of true old age, The Purpose Prize winners combine creativity, experience and passion with a desire to do something bigger than themselves," Freeman continued.
The Encore Careers campaign is run by Civic Ventures, a national think tank on boomers, work and social purpose. Funding for The Purpose Prize comes from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the John Templeton Foundation.
Sherry Lansing, CEO of the Sherry Lansing Foundation and former chair of Paramount Pictures' Motion Picture Group, chairs the jury that selected this year's winners. The 24 judges are leaders in business, politics, journalism and the nonprofit sector - including actor Sidney Poitier, social entrepreneur Thomas Tierney, former Senator Harris Wofford and journalist Cokie Roberts.
The Purpose Prize is a program of the Encore Careers campaign (www.encore.org), which aims to engage millions of boomers in encore careers combining social impact, personal meaning and continued income in the second half of life. The goal: produce a windfall of human talent to solve society's greatest problems, from education to the environment, health care to homelessness.
Fuller summaries, videos and photographs for Don Coyhis are online at www.encore.org, and you may also view information on other winners.
Don Coyhis and White Bison, Inc., in collaboration with Encore Careers, Inc., are honored to accept this award on behalf of the healing and wellbeing of Native American people.
Monday, October 26, 2009
ELDERS TEACH US THE WAY
"It seems that if Elders can feel that you are open to learning, they are more than generous with their teaching."
Chief Councilor, Lenard George
There is a saying, when the student is ready the teacher appears.
If the Elders sense that you are ready, they will help you see and learn new things. Most human beings love to share what they know with people who are excited to listen.
If you are talking to someone and you feel they really aren't listening, you won't want to tell them much. Before you go talk to the Elders, examine your motives - are you really excited about listening to them?
Chief Councilor, Lenard George
There is a saying, when the student is ready the teacher appears.
If the Elders sense that you are ready, they will help you see and learn new things. Most human beings love to share what they know with people who are excited to listen.
If you are talking to someone and you feel they really aren't listening, you won't want to tell them much. Before you go talk to the Elders, examine your motives - are you really excited about listening to them?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
THE POWER OF PRAYER
What does it matter how long I pray, so long as my prayers are answered?"
Sitting Bull, HUNKPAPA LAKOTA
Too often we worry about the words we use in prayer.
We focus on the words. What really counts is the spirit and intent behind our words. It is the spirit and intent that the Creator responds to. He reads and listens to our heart.
Prayer isn't only when we fold our hands and pray. Prayer is when we talk to the Creator even when we are walking down a path or sitting on a hill or walking in the mountains. The Elders say, walk in prayer. We should be willing to talk with the Great One.
Sitting Bull, HUNKPAPA LAKOTA
Too often we worry about the words we use in prayer.
We focus on the words. What really counts is the spirit and intent behind our words. It is the spirit and intent that the Creator responds to. He reads and listens to our heart.
Prayer isn't only when we fold our hands and pray. Prayer is when we talk to the Creator even when we are walking down a path or sitting on a hill or walking in the mountains. The Elders say, walk in prayer. We should be willing to talk with the Great One.
STEWARTSHIP COUNCIL FREE SHOES FOR YOUTH
The Stewardship Council is forwarding information on behalf of Bay Area Wilderness Training. This is a great opportunity to get free shoes for the youth you serve.
Today the world has many challenges economically. With one in ten out of work in the US a great deal of people are focused on just taking care of basics.
I need your help to get the word out about a program we initiated at Payless last year and are upping the ante on this year. We want to give away $1.2 million worth of free shoes to kids in need for the holidays. No strings attached. This program is fully funded by Payless that's over 77,000 pairs of free new shoes for kids in need.
In order to get these shoes to those who need them most we are calling upon friends and colleagues to let their favorite charities which help kids in need know about this program. Send them to www.paylessgives.com .
It's a grass roots program where any qualified 501(c)(3) charity which helps kids in need can sign up for these coupons. All we want is for the coupons to go directly to the kids via the charity so they can go to the store to pick out the shoes themselves during the month of December. The sign up time is limited so you will want to get the word out quickly.
For many of these kids it may be their only new pair of shoes for the year. The pride, joy and self esteem a new pair of shoes can bring to a young child in need is powerful.
So go to www.paylessgives.com and find out how your favorite charity can sign up for this unique program.
The program is designed to be a community effort which gets to those who need one of life's basic needs. Yet this need has powerful and lasting effect of building self esteem for our youth.
All my best,
Matt Rubel
CEO, Collective Brands
15 North Ellsworth Avenue
Suite 100
San Mateo , CA 94401
(650) 344-9072 phone
(650) 401-2140 fax
www.stewardshipcouncil.org
Mission
The Stewardship Council protects and enhances watershed lands and uses, and invests in efforts to improve the lives of young Californians through connections with the outdoors.
Core Values
Collaboration
Stewardship
Discovery
Sustainability
Leadership
Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council
15 N. Ellsworth Avenue, Suite 100
San Mateo CA 94401
USA
Today the world has many challenges economically. With one in ten out of work in the US a great deal of people are focused on just taking care of basics.
I need your help to get the word out about a program we initiated at Payless last year and are upping the ante on this year. We want to give away $1.2 million worth of free shoes to kids in need for the holidays. No strings attached. This program is fully funded by Payless that's over 77,000 pairs of free new shoes for kids in need.
In order to get these shoes to those who need them most we are calling upon friends and colleagues to let their favorite charities which help kids in need know about this program. Send them to www.paylessgives.com .
It's a grass roots program where any qualified 501(c)(3) charity which helps kids in need can sign up for these coupons. All we want is for the coupons to go directly to the kids via the charity so they can go to the store to pick out the shoes themselves during the month of December. The sign up time is limited so you will want to get the word out quickly.
For many of these kids it may be their only new pair of shoes for the year. The pride, joy and self esteem a new pair of shoes can bring to a young child in need is powerful.
So go to www.paylessgives.com and find out how your favorite charity can sign up for this unique program.
The program is designed to be a community effort which gets to those who need one of life's basic needs. Yet this need has powerful and lasting effect of building self esteem for our youth.
All my best,
Matt Rubel
CEO, Collective Brands
15 North Ellsworth Avenue
Suite 100
San Mateo , CA 94401
(650) 344-9072 phone
(650) 401-2140 fax
www.stewardshipcouncil.org
Mission
The Stewardship Council protects and enhances watershed lands and uses, and invests in efforts to improve the lives of young Californians through connections with the outdoors.
Core Values
Collaboration
Stewardship
Discovery
Sustainability
Leadership
Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council
15 N. Ellsworth Avenue, Suite 100
San Mateo CA 94401
USA
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Experts: Justice grants not a long-term solution to ending violence
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Oct 23, 2009
INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY
WASHINGTON – Tribal justice advocates are hailing awards from the Department of Justice to aid and improve three reservation-based domestic violence programs, but many say the money itself isn’t going to solve bigger federal Indian law problems.
Some of the latest awards, announced in early September, come as a result of federal stimulus funding. They amount to $1.4 million for the Los Coyotes Band of Indians in California, the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.
The monies come from the department’s Office on Violence Against Women and are in addition to the more than $14.5 million in Recovery Act funds awarded in August to 19 tribal governments and 10 tribal coalitions in Alaska, Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
Brief descriptions of the latest awards
Los Coyotes Band of Indians
Justice is awarding $331,371 to the Los Coyotes Band of Indians to hire a full-time domestic violence advocate and a full-time domestic violence law enforcement officer. The band will also use the funds to develop and deliver culturally appropriate violence awareness programs aimed at youth, teens and adults, develop and pass the law and order codes for domestic violence, date rape, and stalking for the Cahuilla and Santa Rosa Band of Indians, and purchase law enforcement equipment and supplies. Based in the California counties of San Diego and Riverside, Los Coyotes Band of Indians is comprised of the tribes of Los Coyotes, Cahuilla and Santa Rosa.
Kaw Nation
Justice is awarding $366,882 to the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing intervention and support services and developing a coordinated community response team through collaboration of nonprofit victim services to create domestic violence protocols and policies. The tribe will also use the funds to develop response policies and procedures that address domestic violence and sexual assault, provide training to tribal law enforcement, court system, nonprofit victim services and educators and conduct community presentations and a public education campaign. The Northern Oklahoma Domestic Violence Shelter is a project partner under this grant.
Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Justice is awarding $787,633 to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota to provide advocacy and supportive services to victims with avenues of safety, support groups and advocacy within the criminal justice systems, housing agencies, educational systems and the social services department. The tribe will use the funds to renovate the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society shelter to create a safe environment, to enhance the handicap accessibility of the shelter and drop-in services and provide a new roof to promote sustainability of the facility and purchase a shelter vehicle to provide transportation to victims seeking job and educational opportunities and other destinations that contribute to a survivor’s independence. The tribe will also create an education and prevention campaign addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, implement a domestic violence court and enhance the tribal court’s ability to hold hearings on domestic violence cases and to provide security measures to ensure the safety of victims and the public.
“American Indian and Alaska Native women are more likely to experience sexual assault and domestic violence than women from other racial or ethnic groups, which is why these funds are so vital,” Attorney General Eric Holder said upon the release of the most recent funds.
He said the funds signify the beginning of a renewed partnership between Justice and tribal communities.
Tribal justice advocates largely agree that the funds are only a beginning.
“The funding is good and is an important step, but it is only a partial solution,” said Kirsten Matoy Carlson, a staff attorney with the Indian Law Resource Center.
“What is needed is real legal reform. In addition to funding shortfalls, the Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe loophole still remains.”
Carole Goldberg, a tribal law professor at the UCLA School of Law, elaborated on that loophole, saying the 1978 Supreme Court decision found that tribes don’t have criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians.
She said federal policy to correct the Oliphant decision is desperately needed to reduce reservation violence.
Matoy Carlson also said federal Indian law should be changed to rectify the loophole, or else she believes the epidemic of violence against Native women isn’t really being addressed.
Matthew L.M. Fletcher, director of the Michigan State University Indigenous Law & Policy Center, is grateful for federal awards to address violence in Indian country, but is skeptical about their long-term effects.
“Federal grant money into Indian country is fantastic, and helps build tribal organizational capacity to combat domestic violence and violence against women.
“And, I am very happy to see some federal interest in something not related to meth, or immigration, or drug smuggling.
“But what happens when the grants run out? So many times in Indian country it means that those programs just die. I hope that won’t happen here.”
Fletcher believes a long-term solution to violence requires a re-examination of federal law in relation to tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians.
He said Congress could quickly correct issues stemming from Oliphant if it chooses.
Congress has long heard about the issue from tribal leaders, but has chosen not to act.
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Oct 23, 2009
INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY
WASHINGTON – Tribal justice advocates are hailing awards from the Department of Justice to aid and improve three reservation-based domestic violence programs, but many say the money itself isn’t going to solve bigger federal Indian law problems.
Some of the latest awards, announced in early September, come as a result of federal stimulus funding. They amount to $1.4 million for the Los Coyotes Band of Indians in California, the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.
The monies come from the department’s Office on Violence Against Women and are in addition to the more than $14.5 million in Recovery Act funds awarded in August to 19 tribal governments and 10 tribal coalitions in Alaska, Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
Brief descriptions of the latest awards
Los Coyotes Band of Indians
Justice is awarding $331,371 to the Los Coyotes Band of Indians to hire a full-time domestic violence advocate and a full-time domestic violence law enforcement officer. The band will also use the funds to develop and deliver culturally appropriate violence awareness programs aimed at youth, teens and adults, develop and pass the law and order codes for domestic violence, date rape, and stalking for the Cahuilla and Santa Rosa Band of Indians, and purchase law enforcement equipment and supplies. Based in the California counties of San Diego and Riverside, Los Coyotes Band of Indians is comprised of the tribes of Los Coyotes, Cahuilla and Santa Rosa.
Kaw Nation
Justice is awarding $366,882 to the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing intervention and support services and developing a coordinated community response team through collaboration of nonprofit victim services to create domestic violence protocols and policies. The tribe will also use the funds to develop response policies and procedures that address domestic violence and sexual assault, provide training to tribal law enforcement, court system, nonprofit victim services and educators and conduct community presentations and a public education campaign. The Northern Oklahoma Domestic Violence Shelter is a project partner under this grant.
Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Justice is awarding $787,633 to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota to provide advocacy and supportive services to victims with avenues of safety, support groups and advocacy within the criminal justice systems, housing agencies, educational systems and the social services department. The tribe will use the funds to renovate the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society shelter to create a safe environment, to enhance the handicap accessibility of the shelter and drop-in services and provide a new roof to promote sustainability of the facility and purchase a shelter vehicle to provide transportation to victims seeking job and educational opportunities and other destinations that contribute to a survivor’s independence. The tribe will also create an education and prevention campaign addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, implement a domestic violence court and enhance the tribal court’s ability to hold hearings on domestic violence cases and to provide security measures to ensure the safety of victims and the public.
“American Indian and Alaska Native women are more likely to experience sexual assault and domestic violence than women from other racial or ethnic groups, which is why these funds are so vital,” Attorney General Eric Holder said upon the release of the most recent funds.
He said the funds signify the beginning of a renewed partnership between Justice and tribal communities.
Tribal justice advocates largely agree that the funds are only a beginning.
“The funding is good and is an important step, but it is only a partial solution,” said Kirsten Matoy Carlson, a staff attorney with the Indian Law Resource Center.
“What is needed is real legal reform. In addition to funding shortfalls, the Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe loophole still remains.”
Carole Goldberg, a tribal law professor at the UCLA School of Law, elaborated on that loophole, saying the 1978 Supreme Court decision found that tribes don’t have criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians.
She said federal policy to correct the Oliphant decision is desperately needed to reduce reservation violence.
Matoy Carlson also said federal Indian law should be changed to rectify the loophole, or else she believes the epidemic of violence against Native women isn’t really being addressed.
Matthew L.M. Fletcher, director of the Michigan State University Indigenous Law & Policy Center, is grateful for federal awards to address violence in Indian country, but is skeptical about their long-term effects.
“Federal grant money into Indian country is fantastic, and helps build tribal organizational capacity to combat domestic violence and violence against women.
“And, I am very happy to see some federal interest in something not related to meth, or immigration, or drug smuggling.
“But what happens when the grants run out? So many times in Indian country it means that those programs just die. I hope that won’t happen here.”
Fletcher believes a long-term solution to violence requires a re-examination of federal law in relation to tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians.
He said Congress could quickly correct issues stemming from Oliphant if it chooses.
Congress has long heard about the issue from tribal leaders, but has chosen not to act.
Friday, October 23, 2009
CONCERNING THE DEATHS IN SEDONA
Concerning the deaths in Sedona
By Arvol Looking Horse
Story Published: Oct 16, 2009
Story Updated: Oct 16, 2009
As Keeper of our Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, I am concerned for the two deaths and illnesses of the many people who participated in a sweat lodge in Sedona, Ariz. that brought our sacred rite under fire in the news. I would like to clarify that this lodge, and many others, are not our ceremonial way of life because of the way they are being conducted. My prayers go out to the families and loved ones for their loss.
Our ceremonies are about life and healing. From the time this ancient ceremonial rite was given to our people, never has death been a part of our inikaga (life within) when conducted properly. Today, the rite is interpreted as a sweat lodge. It is much more than that. The term does not fit our real meaning of purification.
Inikaga is the oldest ceremony brought to us by Wakan Tanka (Great Spirit). Nineteen generations ago, the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota oyate (people) were given seven sacred rites of healing by a Spirit Woman, Pte San Win (White Buffalo Calf Woman). She brought these rites along with the sacred Canupa (pipe) to our people, when our ancestors were suffering from a difficult time. It was also brought for the future to help us for much more difficult times to come. They were brought to help us stay connected to who we are as a traditional cultural people.
The values of conduct are very strict in any of these ceremonies, because we work with spirit. The Creator, Wakan Tanka, told us that if we stay humble and sincere, we will keep that connection with the inyan oyate (the stone people), who we call the Grandfathers, to be able to heal ourselves and loved ones. We have a gift of prayer and healing and have to stay humble with our Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth) and with one another. The inikaga is used in all of the seven sacred rites to prepare and finish the ceremonies, along with the sacred eagle feather. The feather represents the sacred knowledge of our ancestors.
What has happened in the news with the makeshift sauna called the ‘sweat lodge’ is not our ceremonial way of life.
Our First Nations people have to earn the right to pour the mini wiconi (water of life) upon the inyan oyate in creating Inikaga by going on the vision quest for four years and four years to Sundance. Then you are put through a ceremony to be painted, to recognize that you have now earned the right to take care of someone’s life through purification. They should also be able to understand our sacred language, to be able to understand the messages from the Grandfathers, because they are ancient, they are our spirit ancestors. They walk and teach the values of our culture in being humble, wise, caring and compassionate.
What has happened in the news with the makeshift sauna called the “sweat lodge” is not our ceremonial way of life.
When you do ceremony, you can not have money on your mind. We deal with the pure sincere energy to create healing that comes from everyone in that circle of ceremony. The heart and mind must be connected. When you involve money, it changes the energy of healing. The person wants to get what they paid for. The Spirit Grandfathers will not be there. Our way of life is now being exploited. You do more damage than good. No mention of monetary energy should exist in healing, not even with a can of love donations. When that energy exists, they will not even come. Only after the ceremony, between the person that is being healed and the intercessor who has helped connect with the Great Spirit, can the energy of money be given out of appreciation. That exchange of energy is from the heart; it is private and does not involve the Grandfathers. Whatever gift of appreciation the person who received help can now give is acceptable. They can give the intercessor whatever they feel their healing is worth.
In our prophecy, the White Buffalo Calf Woman told us she would return and stand upon the earth when we are having a hard time. In 1994, this began to happen with the birth of the white buffalo. Not only their nation, but many animal nations began to show their sacred color, which is white. She predicted that at this time there would be many changes upon Grandmother Earth. There would be things that we never experienced or heard of before: Climate changes, earth changes, diseases, disrespect for life and they would be shocking. There would also be many false prophets.
My Grandmother who passed the bundle to me said I would be the last Keeper if the oyate do not straighten up. The assaults upon Grandmother Earth are horrendous, the assaults toward one another was not in our culture, the assaults against our people have been termed as genocide, and now we are experiencing spiritual genocide.
Because of the problems that began to arise with our rebirth and being able to do our ceremonies in the open since the Freedom of Religion Act of 1978, our elders began talking to me about the abuses they have seen in our ceremonial way of life, which was once very strict.
It is forbidden to film or photograph any of our ceremonies.
After many years of witnessing their warnings, we held a meeting to address the lack of protocol in our ceremonies. After reaching an agreement to address the misconduct of our ceremonies and to remind of the proper protocols, a statement was made in March 2003. Every effort was made to ensure our way of life of who we are as traditional cultural people, because these ways are for our future and all life upon Grandmother Earth (Mitakuye Oyasin, all my relations), so that they may have good health. Because these atrocities are being mocked and practiced all over the world, we even made a film called “Spirits for Sale.”
The non-Native people have a right to seek help from our First Nation intercessors for good health and well-being. It is up to that intercessor. That is a privilege for all people that we gift for being able to have good health and understand that their protocol is to have respect and appreciate what we have to share. The First Nations intercessor has to earn that right to our ceremonial way of life in the ways I have explained.
At this time, I would like to ask all nations upon Grandmother Earth to please respect our sacred ceremonial way of life and stop the exploitation of our Tunka Oyate (Spiritual Grandfathers).
In a Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning, namahu yo (hear my words).
Chief Arvol Looking Horse is the 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle
By Arvol Looking Horse
Story Published: Oct 16, 2009
Story Updated: Oct 16, 2009
As Keeper of our Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, I am concerned for the two deaths and illnesses of the many people who participated in a sweat lodge in Sedona, Ariz. that brought our sacred rite under fire in the news. I would like to clarify that this lodge, and many others, are not our ceremonial way of life because of the way they are being conducted. My prayers go out to the families and loved ones for their loss.
Our ceremonies are about life and healing. From the time this ancient ceremonial rite was given to our people, never has death been a part of our inikaga (life within) when conducted properly. Today, the rite is interpreted as a sweat lodge. It is much more than that. The term does not fit our real meaning of purification.
Inikaga is the oldest ceremony brought to us by Wakan Tanka (Great Spirit). Nineteen generations ago, the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota oyate (people) were given seven sacred rites of healing by a Spirit Woman, Pte San Win (White Buffalo Calf Woman). She brought these rites along with the sacred Canupa (pipe) to our people, when our ancestors were suffering from a difficult time. It was also brought for the future to help us for much more difficult times to come. They were brought to help us stay connected to who we are as a traditional cultural people.
The values of conduct are very strict in any of these ceremonies, because we work with spirit. The Creator, Wakan Tanka, told us that if we stay humble and sincere, we will keep that connection with the inyan oyate (the stone people), who we call the Grandfathers, to be able to heal ourselves and loved ones. We have a gift of prayer and healing and have to stay humble with our Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth) and with one another. The inikaga is used in all of the seven sacred rites to prepare and finish the ceremonies, along with the sacred eagle feather. The feather represents the sacred knowledge of our ancestors.
What has happened in the news with the makeshift sauna called the ‘sweat lodge’ is not our ceremonial way of life.
Our First Nations people have to earn the right to pour the mini wiconi (water of life) upon the inyan oyate in creating Inikaga by going on the vision quest for four years and four years to Sundance. Then you are put through a ceremony to be painted, to recognize that you have now earned the right to take care of someone’s life through purification. They should also be able to understand our sacred language, to be able to understand the messages from the Grandfathers, because they are ancient, they are our spirit ancestors. They walk and teach the values of our culture in being humble, wise, caring and compassionate.
What has happened in the news with the makeshift sauna called the “sweat lodge” is not our ceremonial way of life.
When you do ceremony, you can not have money on your mind. We deal with the pure sincere energy to create healing that comes from everyone in that circle of ceremony. The heart and mind must be connected. When you involve money, it changes the energy of healing. The person wants to get what they paid for. The Spirit Grandfathers will not be there. Our way of life is now being exploited. You do more damage than good. No mention of monetary energy should exist in healing, not even with a can of love donations. When that energy exists, they will not even come. Only after the ceremony, between the person that is being healed and the intercessor who has helped connect with the Great Spirit, can the energy of money be given out of appreciation. That exchange of energy is from the heart; it is private and does not involve the Grandfathers. Whatever gift of appreciation the person who received help can now give is acceptable. They can give the intercessor whatever they feel their healing is worth.
In our prophecy, the White Buffalo Calf Woman told us she would return and stand upon the earth when we are having a hard time. In 1994, this began to happen with the birth of the white buffalo. Not only their nation, but many animal nations began to show their sacred color, which is white. She predicted that at this time there would be many changes upon Grandmother Earth. There would be things that we never experienced or heard of before: Climate changes, earth changes, diseases, disrespect for life and they would be shocking. There would also be many false prophets.
My Grandmother who passed the bundle to me said I would be the last Keeper if the oyate do not straighten up. The assaults upon Grandmother Earth are horrendous, the assaults toward one another was not in our culture, the assaults against our people have been termed as genocide, and now we are experiencing spiritual genocide.
Because of the problems that began to arise with our rebirth and being able to do our ceremonies in the open since the Freedom of Religion Act of 1978, our elders began talking to me about the abuses they have seen in our ceremonial way of life, which was once very strict.
It is forbidden to film or photograph any of our ceremonies.
After many years of witnessing their warnings, we held a meeting to address the lack of protocol in our ceremonies. After reaching an agreement to address the misconduct of our ceremonies and to remind of the proper protocols, a statement was made in March 2003. Every effort was made to ensure our way of life of who we are as traditional cultural people, because these ways are for our future and all life upon Grandmother Earth (Mitakuye Oyasin, all my relations), so that they may have good health. Because these atrocities are being mocked and practiced all over the world, we even made a film called “Spirits for Sale.”
The non-Native people have a right to seek help from our First Nation intercessors for good health and well-being. It is up to that intercessor. That is a privilege for all people that we gift for being able to have good health and understand that their protocol is to have respect and appreciate what we have to share. The First Nations intercessor has to earn that right to our ceremonial way of life in the ways I have explained.
At this time, I would like to ask all nations upon Grandmother Earth to please respect our sacred ceremonial way of life and stop the exploitation of our Tunka Oyate (Spiritual Grandfathers).
In a Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning, namahu yo (hear my words).
Chief Arvol Looking Horse is the 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle
Thursday, October 22, 2009
NATIVE ARTIST ARTHUR JOHN CAZARES OF OAKLAND, CA.
Native artist Arthur John Cazares of Oalkand has a fine portrait held by his
Cousin,Ms. Ann Moore.
NATIVE DELEGATION SPEAKS AT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT AT OAKLAND AIRPORT HYATT
NATIVE DELEGATES ATTEND MHSA COMMISSION MEETING IN OAKLAND,CA
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
OAKLAND-This Thursday October 22, 2009 a strong Native delegation of Native Advocates, staff from the Native American Health Clinics, Inc.in Oakland, and the the new NAHC site in the Richmond, the Native Wellness Center attended the State of California, Department of Mental Health Services Act Accountablity Commission meeting at the Oakland Airport Hyatt.
The MHSA Accountability Commission was receiving public imput on how MHSA funding was currently being used and how funding should be used in the next fiscal year.
The Native delegation from NAHC and the Richmond Native Wellness Center had very excellent comments and obeservations for the Commissioners to hear about more MSHA funding the for the local and regional Native communities.
The Mental health Services Act was passed in 2004 by the voters of California under Proposition ballet-64.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NCAI LAUNCHES INDIAN COUNTRY CENSUS CAMPAIGN
NCAI launches Indian Country Counts census campaign
By Gale Courey Toensing
Indian Country Today
Story Published: Oct 22, 2009
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. –The National Congress of American Indians launched its 66th annual convention and trade show with the theme “Indian Country Counts” – a double entendre that reflects the growing importance of Indian country and the name of a campaign to ensure that all Native people are counted in the 2010 census.
“The numbers that come out of the 2010 Census will affect policy and human service programs for Native communities for generations to come,” said NCAI President Joe A. Garcia. “A true Indian count is just one of the steps that tribes must take on the path to regaining our economic, social and governmental strength as Native people. This data directs billions of dollars in federal funding that flows into Indian country. Often the most vulnerable are the hardest to count, and consequently end up missing out on the resources they need.”
Robert Groves, director of the U.S. Census Bureau, presented Garcia with a plaque reproducing a policy statement he signed that acknowledges the unique government-to-government relationship with tribal nations and pledges to consult with tribes before the Census Bureau formulates policies, plans and operating behaviors for staff to follow during the census.
“It reaffirms our responsibility to work with you to encourage participation in the census and establishes a standard of recognition that affords each tribal government its own relationship with the Census Bureau. We are committed to a policy of mutual respect,” Grove said.
A massive outreach campaign to encourage American Indians and Alaska Natives to participate in the census is underway. Census staff are attending national and regional meetings and powwows to explain what the census is, and a media campaign will soon begin that will feature, among other things, posters by Native artists and paid advertising in local and Native media.
Some 4.2 million AI/AN people were counted in the 2000 census, with estimates that the actual population was undercounted by more than 12 percent.
“We want an accurate count of American Indian and Alaska Natives and we want an accurate count of the U.S. population. You know that in addition to having a portrait of America, the census determines the distribution of over $400 billion a year in taxpayer money back to the people. The census has to be accurate in order for the distribution of those funds to be appropriate and fair,” Groves said.
Tribal leaders complained that previously enumerators showed up unannounced in tribal communities and left without a clear picture of the tribal population, but that problem will be eliminated this time by the promise of prior consultation. The Census Bureau has also hired numerous tribal citizens as liaisons that will spread the word about the census process and encourage participation.
A new simplified census form has 10 questions. Under the race question, a person can check the box to identify as AI/AN and has the option to include the name of his or her enrolled or principal tribe.
The census work is already underway. Last summer field workers traveled the country and created a master list of addresses.
The bureau will use different strategies to reach out to people.
“Some field workers will visit homes and drop off forms; in other areas, we will come with your permission and cooperation to visit homes and interview people,” Groves said.
Enumerating the 64 percent of Native people who don’t live on reservations or in villages is particularly difficult, Groves said.
“We need your help on this to reach out and put in volunteer time.”
Curtis Zunigha, the Census Bureau’s American Indian and Alaska Native program manager, said his team will work vigorously all over the country to count all Native people, whether they are members of federal or state recognized tribes, and even those who claim tribal status of non-recognized tribes.
“Our job and our goal is 100 percent counting in Indian country.”
Groves also talked about what he called the “natural” reactions of mistrust that some Native people feel in response to requests from the federal government to participate in the census. He cited a law that prohibits the Census Bureau from sharing any information with other federal agencies and imposes a five-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine for violations.
“We follow this law,” he promised.
NCAI has created a Web site that provides information, news, resources, links, a census tool and more.
By Gale Courey Toensing
Indian Country Today
Story Published: Oct 22, 2009
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. –The National Congress of American Indians launched its 66th annual convention and trade show with the theme “Indian Country Counts” – a double entendre that reflects the growing importance of Indian country and the name of a campaign to ensure that all Native people are counted in the 2010 census.
“The numbers that come out of the 2010 Census will affect policy and human service programs for Native communities for generations to come,” said NCAI President Joe A. Garcia. “A true Indian count is just one of the steps that tribes must take on the path to regaining our economic, social and governmental strength as Native people. This data directs billions of dollars in federal funding that flows into Indian country. Often the most vulnerable are the hardest to count, and consequently end up missing out on the resources they need.”
Robert Groves, director of the U.S. Census Bureau, presented Garcia with a plaque reproducing a policy statement he signed that acknowledges the unique government-to-government relationship with tribal nations and pledges to consult with tribes before the Census Bureau formulates policies, plans and operating behaviors for staff to follow during the census.
“It reaffirms our responsibility to work with you to encourage participation in the census and establishes a standard of recognition that affords each tribal government its own relationship with the Census Bureau. We are committed to a policy of mutual respect,” Grove said.
A massive outreach campaign to encourage American Indians and Alaska Natives to participate in the census is underway. Census staff are attending national and regional meetings and powwows to explain what the census is, and a media campaign will soon begin that will feature, among other things, posters by Native artists and paid advertising in local and Native media.
Some 4.2 million AI/AN people were counted in the 2000 census, with estimates that the actual population was undercounted by more than 12 percent.
“We want an accurate count of American Indian and Alaska Natives and we want an accurate count of the U.S. population. You know that in addition to having a portrait of America, the census determines the distribution of over $400 billion a year in taxpayer money back to the people. The census has to be accurate in order for the distribution of those funds to be appropriate and fair,” Groves said.
Tribal leaders complained that previously enumerators showed up unannounced in tribal communities and left without a clear picture of the tribal population, but that problem will be eliminated this time by the promise of prior consultation. The Census Bureau has also hired numerous tribal citizens as liaisons that will spread the word about the census process and encourage participation.
A new simplified census form has 10 questions. Under the race question, a person can check the box to identify as AI/AN and has the option to include the name of his or her enrolled or principal tribe.
The census work is already underway. Last summer field workers traveled the country and created a master list of addresses.
The bureau will use different strategies to reach out to people.
“Some field workers will visit homes and drop off forms; in other areas, we will come with your permission and cooperation to visit homes and interview people,” Groves said.
Enumerating the 64 percent of Native people who don’t live on reservations or in villages is particularly difficult, Groves said.
“We need your help on this to reach out and put in volunteer time.”
Curtis Zunigha, the Census Bureau’s American Indian and Alaska Native program manager, said his team will work vigorously all over the country to count all Native people, whether they are members of federal or state recognized tribes, and even those who claim tribal status of non-recognized tribes.
“Our job and our goal is 100 percent counting in Indian country.”
Groves also talked about what he called the “natural” reactions of mistrust that some Native people feel in response to requests from the federal government to participate in the census. He cited a law that prohibits the Census Bureau from sharing any information with other federal agencies and imposes a five-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine for violations.
“We follow this law,” he promised.
NCAI has created a Web site that provides information, news, resources, links, a census tool and more.
THE OLD ONES BEFORE US KNEW THINGS
"There is one God looking down on us all. We are children of the one God. God is listening to me. The sun, the darkness, the winds are all listening to what we now say."
Geronimo, APACHE
The Old Ones before us knew things.
Many of them were so spiritual that the Creator told them things through visions, ceremonies, and prayer.
The Creator taught them about interconnectedness, balance and respect.
The Old Ones experienced these things and told us we are all children of the same God.
We all live under the same natural laws. Every human being, every animal, every plant, every insect, every bird, we are all the same in the eyes of God.
Geronimo, APACHE
The Old Ones before us knew things.
Many of them were so spiritual that the Creator told them things through visions, ceremonies, and prayer.
The Creator taught them about interconnectedness, balance and respect.
The Old Ones experienced these things and told us we are all children of the same God.
We all live under the same natural laws. Every human being, every animal, every plant, every insect, every bird, we are all the same in the eyes of God.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SPIRITUALITY IS TO SHOW RESPECT
"As Elders, it is our place to show respect to our young people in order to gain respect."
Grace Azak, NISGA'A
The attitude of our leaders will be the attitude of the people.
The attitude of the parents will be the attitude of the children.
If respect is shown from above, respect will be developed below. If the Elders show respect, the younger people will be respectful.
As above, so below. This happens because of interconnectedness. The heart of the Elders is connected to the heart of the youth.
Grace Azak, NISGA'A
The attitude of our leaders will be the attitude of the people.
The attitude of the parents will be the attitude of the children.
If respect is shown from above, respect will be developed below. If the Elders show respect, the younger people will be respectful.
As above, so below. This happens because of interconnectedness. The heart of the Elders is connected to the heart of the youth.
Monday, October 19, 2009
WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD
"The teachings are for all, not just for Indians... The white people never wanted to learn before.
They thought we were savages. Now they have a different understanding, and they do want to learn.
We are all children of God. The tradition is open to anyone who wants to learn."
Don Jose Matusuwa, HUICHOL
In the summer of 1994, a white buffalo calf was born. This means that now is the time for all races to come together.
The Elders say that at this time a voice from within will speak to everyone.
It will say now is the time to forgive, now is the time to come together. Are we willing to do this?
Are we willing to quit judging other people?
The Elders say, He will be talking through people of all races and gender.
We need to open our hearts and welcome our brothers and sisters.
They thought we were savages. Now they have a different understanding, and they do want to learn.
We are all children of God. The tradition is open to anyone who wants to learn."
Don Jose Matusuwa, HUICHOL
In the summer of 1994, a white buffalo calf was born. This means that now is the time for all races to come together.
The Elders say that at this time a voice from within will speak to everyone.
It will say now is the time to forgive, now is the time to come together. Are we willing to do this?
Are we willing to quit judging other people?
The Elders say, He will be talking through people of all races and gender.
We need to open our hearts and welcome our brothers and sisters.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES NATION TO NATIONS CONFERENCE
White House announces nation-to-nation conference
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Oct 16, 2009
WASHINGTON – White House officials chose Columbus Day to announce a first-of-its-kind conference to be held with leaders from all federally recognized tribes. President Barack Obama will host a White House Tribal Nations Conference Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
“Indian country has been waiting for well over a decade for a meeting of this caliber with the President of the United States,” said Joe A. Garcia, National Congress of American Indians president.
Leaders of all 564 federally recognized tribes will be invited, an announcement said, adding that they will be given the opportunity to interact directly with the president and other top administration officials.
Each federally recognized tribe can send one representative.
“I look forward to hearing directly from the leaders in Indian country about what my administration can do to not only meet their needs, but help improve their lives and the lives of their peoples,” Obama said.
“This conference will serve as part of the ongoing and important consultation process that I value, and further strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship.”
The gathering is intended to be part of the president’s outreach to all American people, according to the White House.
Invitations to tribal leaders were sent via e-mail and fax from the Domestic Policy Council and the Office of Public Engagement starting Oct. 12, according to Shin Inouye, a White House spokesman.
The invitations note that the historic meeting will not be held in the White House, but at the nearby Sidney R. Yates Auditorium of the Department of the Interior.
Inouye said that all the tribal leaders could not fit in the White House.
“Unfortunately, we just don’t have the capacity. It’s not a very big place.”
He said that a timeline, topics to be covered, and any policy announcements were not yet ready to be shared, but they are in the preparation stage.
“I commend President Obama for setting this precedent for his administration’s nation-to-nation working relationship with tribes. We have an ambitious agenda to strengthen economic development and improve tribal government services,” Garcia said.
W. Ron Allen, who serves on the executive board of NCAI and is chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, said the White House would have been a more impressive setting, but believes it’s important to hold the meeting in an environment that will be conducive to constructive dialogue.
BIA director Larry EchoHawk also addressed the logistics of the event. He recalled being in a recent meeting with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and other officials when a message came through asking if Interior could host the meeting because of a lack of space at the White House for such a large gathering.
According to EchoHawk, who shared his story during a speech at the NCAI conference in Palm Springs, Calif., Salazar was reminded that the building was under renovation, and it would be impossible to host the meeting.
Salazar asked who was in charge of the renovation and excused himself from the meeting, saying he’d be right back. Ten minutes later he returned and announced, “We’re holding the meeting.”
Also at the NCAI meeting, Allen emphasized that the tribal leaders did not want the conference to be a listening session, but rather an active conversation in which the nations presented their issues clearly.
“We do not want this to be a photo op.”
He said many NCAI members expect the president to commit to his campaign promises to advance self-determination, self-governance and self-reliance for all 564 American Indian and Alaska Native nations.
“Tribal leaders are very satisfied that President Obama is fulfilling his promise to meet with tribal leaders on a regular basis during his term in office,” Garcia said.
“We are hopeful that he will reaffirm and strengthen his administration’s commitment to the ‘government-to-government’ relationship including clear instruction to all departments and agencies under his executive authority,” Allen said.
Jackie Johnson Pata, NCAI executive director, suggested tribal nations be prepared to speak in a unified voice and with a clear message. She presented a few broad priority areas including sovereignty, tribal-federal relations, self-determination; consultation; and the need for the federal government to honor trust responsibilities.
Pata said tribal nations are looking to develop parity with other entities, mainly states, on major policy initiatives.
In an effort to allow more tribal leaders and members to view the historic event, the Department of Interior is working with MyTribeTV, an Indian-owned business in Seattle, Wash., to provide online coverage of the conference.
“We are very excited to help showcase this important event to Indian country,” said Gaard Swanson, a co-owner of the company.
He noted that all or part of the event will be streamed at tribalsummit.mytribetv.com.
Obama had promised during his campaign that he would hold yearly tribal conferences.
Planning for the event was based partially on White House talks with tribal leaders who were invited to attend two informal listening sessions with administration officials Aug. 31.
After that meeting, tribal leaders who attended said they spoke about sovereignty, taxation, land claims and other issues.
Tribal leaders also expressed a need for better communication from the administration.
Gale Courey Toensing contributed from Palm Springs, Calif.
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Oct 16, 2009
WASHINGTON – White House officials chose Columbus Day to announce a first-of-its-kind conference to be held with leaders from all federally recognized tribes. President Barack Obama will host a White House Tribal Nations Conference Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
“Indian country has been waiting for well over a decade for a meeting of this caliber with the President of the United States,” said Joe A. Garcia, National Congress of American Indians president.
Leaders of all 564 federally recognized tribes will be invited, an announcement said, adding that they will be given the opportunity to interact directly with the president and other top administration officials.
Each federally recognized tribe can send one representative.
“I look forward to hearing directly from the leaders in Indian country about what my administration can do to not only meet their needs, but help improve their lives and the lives of their peoples,” Obama said.
“This conference will serve as part of the ongoing and important consultation process that I value, and further strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship.”
The gathering is intended to be part of the president’s outreach to all American people, according to the White House.
Invitations to tribal leaders were sent via e-mail and fax from the Domestic Policy Council and the Office of Public Engagement starting Oct. 12, according to Shin Inouye, a White House spokesman.
The invitations note that the historic meeting will not be held in the White House, but at the nearby Sidney R. Yates Auditorium of the Department of the Interior.
Inouye said that all the tribal leaders could not fit in the White House.
“Unfortunately, we just don’t have the capacity. It’s not a very big place.”
He said that a timeline, topics to be covered, and any policy announcements were not yet ready to be shared, but they are in the preparation stage.
“I commend President Obama for setting this precedent for his administration’s nation-to-nation working relationship with tribes. We have an ambitious agenda to strengthen economic development and improve tribal government services,” Garcia said.
W. Ron Allen, who serves on the executive board of NCAI and is chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, said the White House would have been a more impressive setting, but believes it’s important to hold the meeting in an environment that will be conducive to constructive dialogue.
BIA director Larry EchoHawk also addressed the logistics of the event. He recalled being in a recent meeting with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and other officials when a message came through asking if Interior could host the meeting because of a lack of space at the White House for such a large gathering.
According to EchoHawk, who shared his story during a speech at the NCAI conference in Palm Springs, Calif., Salazar was reminded that the building was under renovation, and it would be impossible to host the meeting.
Salazar asked who was in charge of the renovation and excused himself from the meeting, saying he’d be right back. Ten minutes later he returned and announced, “We’re holding the meeting.”
Also at the NCAI meeting, Allen emphasized that the tribal leaders did not want the conference to be a listening session, but rather an active conversation in which the nations presented their issues clearly.
“We do not want this to be a photo op.”
He said many NCAI members expect the president to commit to his campaign promises to advance self-determination, self-governance and self-reliance for all 564 American Indian and Alaska Native nations.
“Tribal leaders are very satisfied that President Obama is fulfilling his promise to meet with tribal leaders on a regular basis during his term in office,” Garcia said.
“We are hopeful that he will reaffirm and strengthen his administration’s commitment to the ‘government-to-government’ relationship including clear instruction to all departments and agencies under his executive authority,” Allen said.
Jackie Johnson Pata, NCAI executive director, suggested tribal nations be prepared to speak in a unified voice and with a clear message. She presented a few broad priority areas including sovereignty, tribal-federal relations, self-determination; consultation; and the need for the federal government to honor trust responsibilities.
Pata said tribal nations are looking to develop parity with other entities, mainly states, on major policy initiatives.
In an effort to allow more tribal leaders and members to view the historic event, the Department of Interior is working with MyTribeTV, an Indian-owned business in Seattle, Wash., to provide online coverage of the conference.
“We are very excited to help showcase this important event to Indian country,” said Gaard Swanson, a co-owner of the company.
He noted that all or part of the event will be streamed at tribalsummit.mytribetv.com.
Obama had promised during his campaign that he would hold yearly tribal conferences.
Planning for the event was based partially on White House talks with tribal leaders who were invited to attend two informal listening sessions with administration officials Aug. 31.
After that meeting, tribal leaders who attended said they spoke about sovereignty, taxation, land claims and other issues.
Tribal leaders also expressed a need for better communication from the administration.
Gale Courey Toensing contributed from Palm Springs, Calif.
STICK BY THE WISDOM OF OUR ANCESTORS
"But we have to stick by the wisdom of our ancestors..."
Paula Weasel Head, BLOOD
A long time ago the Elders and our ancestors learned to walk on the Earth and to live in harmony.
They were taught the Laws which govern everything, and they were taught traditional values.
This wisdom should be made available to the younger generations.
We need to speak to the Elders and learn from them.
We need to do this so we can pass the knowledge on to our children.
Paula Weasel Head, BLOOD
A long time ago the Elders and our ancestors learned to walk on the Earth and to live in harmony.
They were taught the Laws which govern everything, and they were taught traditional values.
This wisdom should be made available to the younger generations.
We need to speak to the Elders and learn from them.
We need to do this so we can pass the knowledge on to our children.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
KQED-SAN FRANCISCO HONORS PROFESSOR LEHMAN BRIGHTMAN FOR AMERICAN INDIAN HERTIAGE MONTH
Photo of (front row l. to r.) Edgar Santiago, Javen Thompson, Emiliano Antone, and Lukas Aguilar; (at back) Pierre American Bear-Halsey. Credit: Welland Lau.
November 2009 KQED Presents American Indian Hertiage Month
KQED proudly celebrates the richness and diversity of the greater San Francisco Bay Area by commemorating November, American Indian Heritage Month. During the month of November, KQED Public TV 9 schedules a special lineup of programs focused on American Indian themes and issues. These programs are highlighted in a guide along with listings of community resources and local events.
We are honored to be partnering with The San Francisco Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, Friendship House Association of American Indians, Native American AIDS Project and Native American Health Center to celebrate the rich culture of the American Indian community. Please join us on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 5pm-7:30pm at the San Francisco City Hall Rotunda for dancing, drumming and a special awards ceremony where we will honor local heroes doing outstanding work in the American Indian community.
2009 American Indian Heroes
Gayle Burns
Native American AIDS Project
Mary Jean Roberts
Voices of the Native Nation, KPOO Radio
Ras K'dee
Seventh Native American Generation, Audiopharmacy
Professor Lehman Brightman
United Native Americans, Inc.
Cathy Chapman
Native American Health Center
For More Information Visit:
http://www.kqed.org/community/heritage/americanindian/index.jsp
Friday, October 16, 2009
GALA GRAND OPENING OF NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER IN RICHMOND, CA.
GALA GRAND OPENING OF NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER IN RICHMOND,CALIFORNIA
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
RICHMOND-The need for the Native American Health Center to establish a presence in Contra Costa County became apparent after Native focus groups with Native families from Contra Costa showed there was a large Native population unable to take advantage of the services provided by NAHC in the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area.
The Native Wellness Center gala opening for Contra Costa County was held in Richmond, CA., this past Friday, October 16 ,2009. Indian Country census for Native people in Richmond is 25,000.
The new Richmond Native Wellness Center offers talking circles, traditional healing activities, positive parenting and elders groups, youth referrals and will host various community and cultural events throughout the year.
Martin Waukazoo- CEO for the Native American Health Centers, Inc., give an inspirational talk to the attendees at the gala opening of the meaning of the Wellness Center to the Native Community of Richmond and Contra Costa County.
Professor Lehman Brightman, founder of United Native Americans, Inc., spoke of the importance of the Native Wellness Center and the need for more Human and Civil Rights for Indian Country.
There was a wonderful dedication of the Wellness Center to Wandi Bearquiver Bulletti, who lead the way for the Native Wellness Center to be opened in the City of Richmond.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
UN OFFICIAL TO VISIT PINE RIDGE
UNITED NATIONS OFFICIAL TO VISIT PINE RIDGE RESERVATION TO INVESTIGATE HOUSING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Bill Means
International Indian Treaty Council
Cell: 612-386-4030
Email: Bill.Means@state.mn.us
UNITED NATIONS OFFICIAL TO VISIT PINE RIDGE RESERVATION TO INVESTIGATE HOUSING
CONDITIONS
San Francisco, CA, October 11, 2009 The United Nations (UN) Special
Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, Raquel Rolnik, will visit the
Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on November 1st during her official
visit to the United States where she will be focusing on the human right to
housing. She will investigate conditions in public housing as well as
homelessness, the foreclosure crisis and the lingering impacts of Hurricane
Katrina. South Dakota is one of six states Ms. Rolnik will visit in addition
to Washington, D.C., during her official mission to the U.S. from October 23rd
-November 8th, 2009. Pine Ridge is her only scheduled visit to an Indian
reservation.
The Rappporteur’s visit will provide an opportunity for her to view housing
conditions on Pine Ridge, meet with tribal and community members and examine
the Treaty and Trust obligations of the U.S. Government to the Lakota and other
Indian Nations which includes housing, education, health and other
social services.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
adopted in 2007 by the UN General Assembly, affirms the international
character of these Treaty Rights and the obligations of countries to honor and
uphold them. Housing remains a significant problem on the Pine Ridge
reservation and throughout Indian Country. A preliminary report submitted to
the Rapporteur by the IITC in August of this year, included information
provided by the Oglala Sioux Lakota Housing authority (OSLH), and stated:
Housing built and indirectly maintained by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (through thoroughly inadequate grants in aid to the
Lakota Oglala Sioux Pine Ridge Reservation) is in a deplorable state. Holes in
the wall are inadequately repaired by the residents with duct tape and
cardboard, mold is a constant menace to health, the units are severely
overcrowded, and trash is not collected, among many housing problems.
Oglala Pine Ridge Reservation also raises another problem of many Indian
Reservations and their relationship to the United States. The Lakota Nation,
among other Indian Nations, is a party to treaties with the United States,
signed in the mid and late 1800’s. Among the United States Treaty Obligations
is the provision of subsistence and housing, guaranteed to them for their
stolen lands and the extermination of their primary means of subsistence, the
Buffalo”.
The Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing was created by the UN
Commission on Human Rights in 2000 to examine and report back on the housing
situation in various countries in accordance with international human righ obligations. The report on her first?time visit to the U.S. will be presented
to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2010.
American Indian, Alaska, Hawaiian Native and other Indigenous Peoples living
in the U.S. are invited to present information to the Rapporteur during her
visit to Pine Ridge and in the cities listed below. The National American
Indian Housing Council in Washington, D.C., is also hosting a policy briefing
for the Rapporteur on November 7th in which various Tribal and community
leaders will also participate.
For more information on the Pine Ridge visit contact: Bill Means, IITC,
612-386-4030, Bill.Means@state.mn.us, or Andrea Carmen, IITC, 907-745-4482,
andrea@treatycouncil.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Bill Means
International Indian Treaty Council
Cell: 612-386-4030
Email: Bill.Means@state.mn.us
UNITED NATIONS OFFICIAL TO VISIT PINE RIDGE RESERVATION TO INVESTIGATE HOUSING
CONDITIONS
San Francisco, CA, October 11, 2009 The United Nations (UN) Special
Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, Raquel Rolnik, will visit the
Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on November 1st during her official
visit to the United States where she will be focusing on the human right to
housing. She will investigate conditions in public housing as well as
homelessness, the foreclosure crisis and the lingering impacts of Hurricane
Katrina. South Dakota is one of six states Ms. Rolnik will visit in addition
to Washington, D.C., during her official mission to the U.S. from October 23rd
-November 8th, 2009. Pine Ridge is her only scheduled visit to an Indian
reservation.
The Rappporteur’s visit will provide an opportunity for her to view housing
conditions on Pine Ridge, meet with tribal and community members and examine
the Treaty and Trust obligations of the U.S. Government to the Lakota and other
Indian Nations which includes housing, education, health and other
social services.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
adopted in 2007 by the UN General Assembly, affirms the international
character of these Treaty Rights and the obligations of countries to honor and
uphold them. Housing remains a significant problem on the Pine Ridge
reservation and throughout Indian Country. A preliminary report submitted to
the Rapporteur by the IITC in August of this year, included information
provided by the Oglala Sioux Lakota Housing authority (OSLH), and stated:
Housing built and indirectly maintained by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (through thoroughly inadequate grants in aid to the
Lakota Oglala Sioux Pine Ridge Reservation) is in a deplorable state. Holes in
the wall are inadequately repaired by the residents with duct tape and
cardboard, mold is a constant menace to health, the units are severely
overcrowded, and trash is not collected, among many housing problems.
Oglala Pine Ridge Reservation also raises another problem of many Indian
Reservations and their relationship to the United States. The Lakota Nation,
among other Indian Nations, is a party to treaties with the United States,
signed in the mid and late 1800’s. Among the United States Treaty Obligations
is the provision of subsistence and housing, guaranteed to them for their
stolen lands and the extermination of their primary means of subsistence, the
Buffalo”.
The Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing was created by the UN
Commission on Human Rights in 2000 to examine and report back on the housing
situation in various countries in accordance with international human righ obligations. The report on her first?time visit to the U.S. will be presented
to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2010.
American Indian, Alaska, Hawaiian Native and other Indigenous Peoples living
in the U.S. are invited to present information to the Rapporteur during her
visit to Pine Ridge and in the cities listed below. The National American
Indian Housing Council in Washington, D.C., is also hosting a policy briefing
for the Rapporteur on November 7th in which various Tribal and community
leaders will also participate.
For more information on the Pine Ridge visit contact: Bill Means, IITC,
612-386-4030, Bill.Means@state.mn.us, or Andrea Carmen, IITC, 907-745-4482,
andrea@treatycouncil.org.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A CALL FOR OBAMA OFFICIALS TO IMPROVE NATIVE VOTING RIGHTS
A call for Obama officials to improve Native voting rights
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Oct 12, 2009
Story Updated: Oct 14, 2009
Indian Country Today
WASHINGTON – Voter rights advocates are calling on the Obama administration’s Justice Department to improve the system for Native Americans.
The calls have grown louder since the release of a new report by the American Civil Liberties Union, which concludes that American Indians continue to face discriminatory policies and actions that deny them their constitutional right to vote.
The report, titled “Voting Rights in Indian Country,” provides a historical overview of systemic discrimination against American Indians that has limited their ability to participate in local, state and national elections.
It also highlights ACLU-backed lawsuits challenging unlawful election practices on behalf of Native Americans in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Danna Jackson, a tribal law expert with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, sees the report as a call to action.
“As this report indicates, much work needs to be done to preserve the heralded principal of ‘one person one vote’ in Indian country, despite great efforts by advocates,” said Jackson, who authored the 2004 policy manual “Eighty Years of Indian Voting: A Call to Protect Indian Voting Rights.”
Jackson believes now is the time for the Department of Justice to step up its efforts, particularly by reviewing changes to election law and enhancing minority voting rights.
She said many Indian voter rights advocates are especially hopeful for positive changes given the recent confirmation of Thomas E. Perez to serve as the assistant attorney general in charge of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Perez previously served with the division as deputy assistant attorney general and was once a special counsel to the late Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Some Republicans have opposed Perez due to his disagreement with English-only statutes.
Jackson said Indian voter rights advocates want Perez to appropriately enforce the Voting Rights Act and step up the education process many say is needed in minority areas.
Daniel McCool, a professor of political science at the University of Utah, agreed that now may be a time of change in terms of election law affecting Indians and the Department of Justice.
He said the department didn’t file as many Indian voting rights suits as some would have liked during the Bush administration. Plus, DoJ leadership under President George W. Bush was overtly hostile on issues affecting minority voters, according to McCool.
“I think the DoJ under Obama will be more proactive,” said McCool, who co-authored the 2007 book “Native Vote: American Indians, the Voting Rights Act, and the Right to Vote.”
McCool said many in his field were waiting to see what happened in the Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District case, which was a challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. The case was decided in late June, with an 8-1 vote in favor of upholding the section.
Section 5 freezes election practices or procedures in certain states until the new procedures have been subjected to review, either after an administrative review by the U.S. attorney general, or after a lawsuit before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
“The next big challenge will be the redistricting that will take place following the 2010 census,” McCool said.
“As a result of population changes documented in the Census, there will be numerous changes to districts and other political jurisdictions. There is a significant probability that these changes will provoke challenges under both Section 2 and Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.”
Tribal leaders also have a role in enhancing Indian voter rights, according to advocates.
“It is difficult for Native leaders to demand a true ‘government-to-government’ relationship unless they have the power of the Indian vote backing them up,” Jackson said.
“Despite barriers at the polls that unfortunately continue to exist, Native leaders need to press upon their membership the importance of fully participating in the voting process. As always, knowledge is power.”
McCool said the most important thing Indian country leaders can do in the voting rights arena is to document all election law changes: Attend meetings, take notes, survey local media, and read all local and state government documents regarding changes in election laws.
“Any evidence of discrimination, racial polarization, or efforts to reduce the voting power of American Indians should be carefully documented.”
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Oct 12, 2009
Story Updated: Oct 14, 2009
Indian Country Today
WASHINGTON – Voter rights advocates are calling on the Obama administration’s Justice Department to improve the system for Native Americans.
The calls have grown louder since the release of a new report by the American Civil Liberties Union, which concludes that American Indians continue to face discriminatory policies and actions that deny them their constitutional right to vote.
The report, titled “Voting Rights in Indian Country,” provides a historical overview of systemic discrimination against American Indians that has limited their ability to participate in local, state and national elections.
It also highlights ACLU-backed lawsuits challenging unlawful election practices on behalf of Native Americans in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Danna Jackson, a tribal law expert with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, sees the report as a call to action.
“As this report indicates, much work needs to be done to preserve the heralded principal of ‘one person one vote’ in Indian country, despite great efforts by advocates,” said Jackson, who authored the 2004 policy manual “Eighty Years of Indian Voting: A Call to Protect Indian Voting Rights.”
Jackson believes now is the time for the Department of Justice to step up its efforts, particularly by reviewing changes to election law and enhancing minority voting rights.
She said many Indian voter rights advocates are especially hopeful for positive changes given the recent confirmation of Thomas E. Perez to serve as the assistant attorney general in charge of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Perez previously served with the division as deputy assistant attorney general and was once a special counsel to the late Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Some Republicans have opposed Perez due to his disagreement with English-only statutes.
Jackson said Indian voter rights advocates want Perez to appropriately enforce the Voting Rights Act and step up the education process many say is needed in minority areas.
Daniel McCool, a professor of political science at the University of Utah, agreed that now may be a time of change in terms of election law affecting Indians and the Department of Justice.
He said the department didn’t file as many Indian voting rights suits as some would have liked during the Bush administration. Plus, DoJ leadership under President George W. Bush was overtly hostile on issues affecting minority voters, according to McCool.
“I think the DoJ under Obama will be more proactive,” said McCool, who co-authored the 2007 book “Native Vote: American Indians, the Voting Rights Act, and the Right to Vote.”
McCool said many in his field were waiting to see what happened in the Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District case, which was a challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. The case was decided in late June, with an 8-1 vote in favor of upholding the section.
Section 5 freezes election practices or procedures in certain states until the new procedures have been subjected to review, either after an administrative review by the U.S. attorney general, or after a lawsuit before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
“The next big challenge will be the redistricting that will take place following the 2010 census,” McCool said.
“As a result of population changes documented in the Census, there will be numerous changes to districts and other political jurisdictions. There is a significant probability that these changes will provoke challenges under both Section 2 and Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.”
Tribal leaders also have a role in enhancing Indian voter rights, according to advocates.
“It is difficult for Native leaders to demand a true ‘government-to-government’ relationship unless they have the power of the Indian vote backing them up,” Jackson said.
“Despite barriers at the polls that unfortunately continue to exist, Native leaders need to press upon their membership the importance of fully participating in the voting process. As always, knowledge is power.”
McCool said the most important thing Indian country leaders can do in the voting rights arena is to document all election law changes: Attend meetings, take notes, survey local media, and read all local and state government documents regarding changes in election laws.
“Any evidence of discrimination, racial polarization, or efforts to reduce the voting power of American Indians should be carefully documented.”
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
SPIRITUALITY LET'S US BELIEVE
"So unbelievable things like that happen. But you have to believe it first. Not wait until you see it first, then touch it, then believe it... You have to say it from the heart."
Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
The power of our belief system is incredible.
The power of faith is a very natural power.
How do we have faith? Inside of our minds we form a mental picture with our self talk. Self talk is recorded in our minds in three dimensions - words that trigger a picture, which has a feeling or an emotion attached to it.
Once we get the words and the picture, it is the emotion that makes the idea turn into a belief.
You get the right emotion by saying things from the heart. The heart is the source of emotions which can cause unbelievable things to happen.
Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
The power of our belief system is incredible.
The power of faith is a very natural power.
How do we have faith? Inside of our minds we form a mental picture with our self talk. Self talk is recorded in our minds in three dimensions - words that trigger a picture, which has a feeling or an emotion attached to it.
Once we get the words and the picture, it is the emotion that makes the idea turn into a belief.
You get the right emotion by saying things from the heart. The heart is the source of emotions which can cause unbelievable things to happen.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
BERKELEY'S 18TH ANNUAL INDIGENOUS DAY POW WOW A SUCCESS
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY POW WOW A HUGE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
Berkeley's 18th Annual Celebration Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow and Indian Market was another was held this past Saturday, October 10, 2009.
In 1992 Berkeley first celebrated the new annual holiday, Indigenous Day.
This year was to come and celebrate the holiday to honor all of our Ancestors, the People continuing the struggle today and future generations.
Many of the Native Advocates and Activists, Indian Country agencies and non-profits came to share information and services.
Save the Shellmounds, Native American AIDS Project, Native American Health Center, Inc., Vallejo Intertribal Council/ SSPIRIT ,The Cherokee Society of the Greater Bay Area and the Richmond Native Wellness Center were there to outreach to the community.
INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK- NOTHERN PLAINS POWER SHIFT
Indigenous Environmental Network
Northern Plains Power Shift!
WHERE: Fargo, North Dakota
WHEN: October 23-25, 2009
Hello Everyone! On behalf of the Energy Action Coalition the Indigenous Environmental Network would like to invite you to the Northern Plains Regional Power Shift!
Join us October 23-25th in Fargo, North Dakota to take part in the regions biggest youth event on climate change of the year!
Youth around the country are taking action on climate change and you can too! Take a look at what youth across the country and around the world are saying:
WE WILL REBUILD OUR ECONOMY AND RECLAIM OUR FUTURE
We can create millions of jobs that put Americans back to work.
We can repower America with 100% clean energy and end our dependence on dirty, polluting fossil fuels and nuclear power.
2009 IS OUR YEAR! This is the first year where both houses of Congress will consider climate and energy legislation. Young people catapulted into political power with a massive voter turnout in 2008, and now we need to use that same power to fight for the strongest legislation possible and rally to make our vision a reality.
BUILD THE POWER SHIFT MOVEMENT
For More Information and to Register Visit Us At:
www.northernplains.powershift09.org
Northern Plains Power Shift!
WHERE: Fargo, North Dakota
WHEN: October 23-25, 2009
Hello Everyone! On behalf of the Energy Action Coalition the Indigenous Environmental Network would like to invite you to the Northern Plains Regional Power Shift!
Join us October 23-25th in Fargo, North Dakota to take part in the regions biggest youth event on climate change of the year!
Youth around the country are taking action on climate change and you can too! Take a look at what youth across the country and around the world are saying:
WE WILL REBUILD OUR ECONOMY AND RECLAIM OUR FUTURE
We can create millions of jobs that put Americans back to work.
We can repower America with 100% clean energy and end our dependence on dirty, polluting fossil fuels and nuclear power.
2009 IS OUR YEAR! This is the first year where both houses of Congress will consider climate and energy legislation. Young people catapulted into political power with a massive voter turnout in 2008, and now we need to use that same power to fight for the strongest legislation possible and rally to make our vision a reality.
BUILD THE POWER SHIFT MOVEMENT
For More Information and to Register Visit Us At:
www.northernplains.powershift09.org
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION MAKE NEW PROMISE ON NATIVE HEALTH CARE
Obama administration makes new promise on Indian health
By Rob Capriccioso
Indian Country Today
Story Updated: Sep 21, 2009
WASHINGTON – The nation’s top health official has told Indian country health leaders that the Obama administration believes American Indians deserve special consideration in any national reform to health insurance.
Speaking on Capitol Hill before an audience of Indian health leaders Sept. 15, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius reported that President Barack Obama said in an appearance before a joint session of Congress Sept. 9 that he supports a mandate that individuals must purchase health insurance, much like car insurance.
Such a mandate would require Americans to purchase health insurance with some degree of government assistance, depending on need and income.
But Sebelius said clarification was needed for Indian country, which traditionally has high amounts of uninsured, as well as a special relationship with the U.S. government.
“I’m going to make it very clear. ... this is what was left out on Wednesday night: The administration strongly believes that the individual mandate and the subsequent penalties don’t apply to American Indians or Alaska Natives.
“You have already purchased health insurance, it is already part of the agreement we made.”
Sebelius’ words met with loud applause from the hundreds of Native leaders who gathered in the nation’s capitol for a meeting of the National Indian Health Board advocacy organization.
IHS Director Yvette Roubideaux, a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said Sebelius’ statement was especially noteworthy, since the Obama administration hasn’t laid out many specific health policies; nor has it made many specific policy commitments to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Mark Trahant, a Kaiser Media Fellow who is examining IHS and its relevance to the national health reform debate, said Sebelius’ promise was important, but he noted that she went farther than both of the current prevailing health reform bills in the Senate and the House.
“The Senate is supposed to exempt individual American Indians and Alaskan Natives from penalties, not the insurance requirement,” said Trahant, a citizen of Idaho’s Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. “The House bill does nothing in this regard.”
Even if final legislation doesn’t include provisions that exempt Indians, Trahant said the administration could still make good on Sebelius’ promise via added regulations.
Trahant also noted that IHS coverage, which meets some of the health needs of some Natives, would not qualify under the bills as acceptable insurance coverage, since it’s not an insurance program.
While questions still linger over how health care reform will impact Natives, some tribes, including those of the United Tribes of North Dakota board, have endorsed Obama’s reform plans.
The group is made up of all five federally recognized tribes in the state, including the Three Affiliated Tribes, Spirit Lake Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
In a resolution passed Sept. 10, the board said it didn’t believe the president’s plans would hurt IHS. Members also believe the president will assist Native Americans who do not have access to health care through IHS.
Beyond the health care reform mandate commitment, Sebelius pointed to the Obama administration’s increased funding to IHS as a sign of its commitment to improving health in Indian country. A 13 percent increase in funding for the agency was included in the 2010 budget, the largest amount given in two decades.
“This is long overdue and well-deserved,” Sebelius said.
The health secretary also affirmed the need for a strong government-to-government relationship with tribes, as well as tribal consultation. As an illustration of that promise, she noted that Roubideaux had consulted with several Indian leaders at a town hall meeting in Washington Sept. 14.
Sebelius also said she is committed to assisting tribal governments cope with the H1N1 virus – believed to be especially dangerous in communities with high incidents of diabetes, which is true in much of Indian country.
After Sebelius’ speech, NIHB Chairman Reno Franklin, a citizen of the Kashia Pomo Tribe, told the audience that the 13 percent increase to IHS was quite impressive.
NIHB board member Cathy Abramson, a councilwoman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, was pleased to hear Sebelius repeatedly state the treaty obligations of the federal government to tribes.
“President Obama is determined to make change in health care reform, and I believe he will do so, while making sure he honors our treaty rights,” Abramson said.
Beyond Sebelius’ speech, several members of Congress at the NIHB conference stated their support for improving Indian country health.
In an especially well-received talk, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, highlighted her understanding of federal trust responsibility.
“Let us never forget that the first people paid in advance through the loss of lands, uprooting of people and culture, and enduring a multitude of ill conceived federal policy towards America’s first people that our Congress has been called upon to apologize for,” the member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee said.
Later, when discussing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, Murkowski acknowledged tribes have been waiting and working for 20 years to have it passed, saying, “it’s about time for a signing ceremony at the White House.
“First people first! We can’t reform health systems without fulfilling the commitment to improving the health care of the first people.”
By Rob Capriccioso
Indian Country Today
Story Updated: Sep 21, 2009
WASHINGTON – The nation’s top health official has told Indian country health leaders that the Obama administration believes American Indians deserve special consideration in any national reform to health insurance.
Speaking on Capitol Hill before an audience of Indian health leaders Sept. 15, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius reported that President Barack Obama said in an appearance before a joint session of Congress Sept. 9 that he supports a mandate that individuals must purchase health insurance, much like car insurance.
Such a mandate would require Americans to purchase health insurance with some degree of government assistance, depending on need and income.
But Sebelius said clarification was needed for Indian country, which traditionally has high amounts of uninsured, as well as a special relationship with the U.S. government.
“I’m going to make it very clear. ... this is what was left out on Wednesday night: The administration strongly believes that the individual mandate and the subsequent penalties don’t apply to American Indians or Alaska Natives.
“You have already purchased health insurance, it is already part of the agreement we made.”
Sebelius’ words met with loud applause from the hundreds of Native leaders who gathered in the nation’s capitol for a meeting of the National Indian Health Board advocacy organization.
IHS Director Yvette Roubideaux, a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said Sebelius’ statement was especially noteworthy, since the Obama administration hasn’t laid out many specific health policies; nor has it made many specific policy commitments to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Mark Trahant, a Kaiser Media Fellow who is examining IHS and its relevance to the national health reform debate, said Sebelius’ promise was important, but he noted that she went farther than both of the current prevailing health reform bills in the Senate and the House.
“The Senate is supposed to exempt individual American Indians and Alaskan Natives from penalties, not the insurance requirement,” said Trahant, a citizen of Idaho’s Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. “The House bill does nothing in this regard.”
Even if final legislation doesn’t include provisions that exempt Indians, Trahant said the administration could still make good on Sebelius’ promise via added regulations.
Trahant also noted that IHS coverage, which meets some of the health needs of some Natives, would not qualify under the bills as acceptable insurance coverage, since it’s not an insurance program.
While questions still linger over how health care reform will impact Natives, some tribes, including those of the United Tribes of North Dakota board, have endorsed Obama’s reform plans.
The group is made up of all five federally recognized tribes in the state, including the Three Affiliated Tribes, Spirit Lake Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
In a resolution passed Sept. 10, the board said it didn’t believe the president’s plans would hurt IHS. Members also believe the president will assist Native Americans who do not have access to health care through IHS.
Beyond the health care reform mandate commitment, Sebelius pointed to the Obama administration’s increased funding to IHS as a sign of its commitment to improving health in Indian country. A 13 percent increase in funding for the agency was included in the 2010 budget, the largest amount given in two decades.
“This is long overdue and well-deserved,” Sebelius said.
The health secretary also affirmed the need for a strong government-to-government relationship with tribes, as well as tribal consultation. As an illustration of that promise, she noted that Roubideaux had consulted with several Indian leaders at a town hall meeting in Washington Sept. 14.
Sebelius also said she is committed to assisting tribal governments cope with the H1N1 virus – believed to be especially dangerous in communities with high incidents of diabetes, which is true in much of Indian country.
After Sebelius’ speech, NIHB Chairman Reno Franklin, a citizen of the Kashia Pomo Tribe, told the audience that the 13 percent increase to IHS was quite impressive.
NIHB board member Cathy Abramson, a councilwoman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, was pleased to hear Sebelius repeatedly state the treaty obligations of the federal government to tribes.
“President Obama is determined to make change in health care reform, and I believe he will do so, while making sure he honors our treaty rights,” Abramson said.
Beyond Sebelius’ speech, several members of Congress at the NIHB conference stated their support for improving Indian country health.
In an especially well-received talk, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, highlighted her understanding of federal trust responsibility.
“Let us never forget that the first people paid in advance through the loss of lands, uprooting of people and culture, and enduring a multitude of ill conceived federal policy towards America’s first people that our Congress has been called upon to apologize for,” the member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee said.
Later, when discussing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, Murkowski acknowledged tribes have been waiting and working for 20 years to have it passed, saying, “it’s about time for a signing ceremony at the White House.
“First people first! We can’t reform health systems without fulfilling the commitment to improving the health care of the first people.”
NATIVES NEED CHANGE, NOT APOLOGY
Natives need change, not apology
By Kevin Abourezk, Guest editorial Story
Indian Country Today
Oct 9, 2009
Each year, we watch the health, safety and education of our children erode like the sandy banks of a raging river.
But rather than improved health care or justice programs, Native people get an apology from the Senate attached as an amendment to a defense appropriations bill.
“The Senate’s action today is a big step for the relationship between the federal government and Native Americans,” said Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., one of two senators who sponsored the resolution. “The resolution seeks reconciliation and offers an official apology to Native Americans for the hurtful choices the federal government made in the past.”
Brownback and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, sponsored the resolution, which the senators were clear to say Sept. 7 does not “authorize or serve as a settlement of any claim against the United States and does not resolve many challenges still facing Native Americans.”
The Native American Apology Resolution has been introduced in previous Congresses, and passed the Senate in 2008, but was not signed into law.
You can say that last part five times.
While the senators who sponsored the resolution see it as a major step for Indian and government relations, I can’t help but see it as merely an effort by remorseful politicians to assuage their red guilt.
So what does the resolution do exactly? And what do the senators hope to get out of it, other than a pat on the back?
The Native American Apology Resolution has been introduced in previous Congresses, and passed the Senate in 2008, but was not signed into law.
Meanwhile, Congress played political football with the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in fall 2008, stalling it by attaching amendments to it that would have enacted restrictions for federal abortion funding that went beyond restrictions for similar funding in non-Indian health care facilities.
Now the Senate wants congratulations for passing a meatless, ephemeral resolution that calls for nothing more than an expression of regret over past wrongs committed by the government against Native people?
What about the wrongs committed by the government last year, or this year for that matter? What about getting up and doing something about these problems?
As for congratulations, I don’t think so. Pass the Indian health bill, and then we’ll talk.
By Kevin Abourezk, Guest editorial Story
Indian Country Today
Oct 9, 2009
Each year, we watch the health, safety and education of our children erode like the sandy banks of a raging river.
But rather than improved health care or justice programs, Native people get an apology from the Senate attached as an amendment to a defense appropriations bill.
“The Senate’s action today is a big step for the relationship between the federal government and Native Americans,” said Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., one of two senators who sponsored the resolution. “The resolution seeks reconciliation and offers an official apology to Native Americans for the hurtful choices the federal government made in the past.”
Brownback and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, sponsored the resolution, which the senators were clear to say Sept. 7 does not “authorize or serve as a settlement of any claim against the United States and does not resolve many challenges still facing Native Americans.”
The Native American Apology Resolution has been introduced in previous Congresses, and passed the Senate in 2008, but was not signed into law.
You can say that last part five times.
While the senators who sponsored the resolution see it as a major step for Indian and government relations, I can’t help but see it as merely an effort by remorseful politicians to assuage their red guilt.
So what does the resolution do exactly? And what do the senators hope to get out of it, other than a pat on the back?
The Native American Apology Resolution has been introduced in previous Congresses, and passed the Senate in 2008, but was not signed into law.
Meanwhile, Congress played political football with the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in fall 2008, stalling it by attaching amendments to it that would have enacted restrictions for federal abortion funding that went beyond restrictions for similar funding in non-Indian health care facilities.
Now the Senate wants congratulations for passing a meatless, ephemeral resolution that calls for nothing more than an expression of regret over past wrongs committed by the government against Native people?
What about the wrongs committed by the government last year, or this year for that matter? What about getting up and doing something about these problems?
As for congratulations, I don’t think so. Pass the Indian health bill, and then we’ll talk.
NATIVE UNITY IS A SPIRITUAL VALUE
"I think that's what unity is - knowing one another,coming together, and working with no conflict."
Chief Alan Wilson, HAIDA
When we are aligned with spiritual values, we cannot be in fear or conflict.
When we are aligned to spiritual values, we have the Creator whispering solutions in our ears.
Unity is one of the spiritual values.
When we value unity we value solutions. If we think this way, then we have no conflict within ourselves.
Chief Alan Wilson, HAIDA
When we are aligned with spiritual values, we cannot be in fear or conflict.
When we are aligned to spiritual values, we have the Creator whispering solutions in our ears.
Unity is one of the spiritual values.
When we value unity we value solutions. If we think this way, then we have no conflict within ourselves.
Friday, October 9, 2009
NEW RICHMOND NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER HAS SPECIAL COMMUNITY FORUM
New Richmond, CA Native Wellness Center has special community forum
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
On Friday October 9, 2009 the new Richmond Native Wellness Center had a special community forum of Native Advocates and Activists, grant-writers and the heads of the Native American Health Center, Inc. had a working planning session on the goals and objectives the the Native Wellness Center will offer to the 25,000 Native Americans that reside in the City of Richmond.
THE SPIRITUAL POWER I WEAR....
"That spiritual power I wear is much more beautiful and much greater. We call it wisdom, knowledge, power and gift, or love. There are these four parts to that spiritual power. So I wear those. When you wear that power it will beautify your mind and spirit. You become beautiful. Everything that Tunkashila creates is beautiful."
Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
When I was young, I asked my grandfather, "What should I pray for?" He thought for a long time and then he said, "Pray only for wisdom and for the knowledge of love."
This makes a lot of sense.
No matter what happens I ask the Creator to show me the lessons I should be learning.
I pray for Him to help me learn the lessons. By doing this everyday we become beautiful human beings.
Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
When I was young, I asked my grandfather, "What should I pray for?" He thought for a long time and then he said, "Pray only for wisdom and for the knowledge of love."
This makes a lot of sense.
No matter what happens I ask the Creator to show me the lessons I should be learning.
I pray for Him to help me learn the lessons. By doing this everyday we become beautiful human beings.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TO WORK WITH POMOS ON RESORT CASINOS
Contra Costa County shifts course, turns to tribes for cash
By John Simerman
Contra Costa Times-Oct.9, 2009
Red ink has a way of shifting priorities.
Bathing in it, Contra Costa County officials are turning to the same Indian tribes with whom for years they have battled over plans for Las Vegas-style casino developments in and around Richmond.
County Administrator David Twa and other officials plan to meet Friday with the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians to begin formal talks over how much the tribe might pay the county should it win federal approval for a hotel-casino destination resort on former Navy land at picturesque Point Molate.
With a signed deal between the county and tribe, that approval might come easier.
Separately, the county has tentative plans for similar talks with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, said county Supervisor John Gioia, whose territory includes unincorporated North Richmond. Scotts Valley aims to build a mega-casino there, at Richmond Parkway and Parr Boulevard.
Whether the county would give up a threat of lawsuits or its caustic opposition to the casino projects remains unclear. But the promise of casino bucks and the flip-side fear of a further strain on services with no one to pay for it has the county in a strategic pivot.
Twa wrote the Guidiville tribe last month asking for a series of meetings before Oct. 30. That's the final date for the county to submit its comments on the draft environmental review for the Point Molate casino resort project. Twa said progress toward a signed agreement
"could certainly have some impact" on the county's critique of the project with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.
"The board's official position still is: We're opposed to Indian gaming. However, they've also authorized me to at least have some discussions with the tribe to see where they might lead," Twa said.
Both tribes have historic ties north, in Lake and Mendocino counties, and critics have charged them with "reservation-shopping." The county has joined in, spending close to $1 million to fight the tribes, hiring lawyers, funding studies and paying an anthropologist to dispute their claims of a local historic link.
In the meantime, both tribes have turned to Richmond for support, inking deals that would pay the city hundreds of million dollars if the casinos rise. A judge last year invalidated the city's deal with the Scotts Valley tribe, saying it violated state environmental laws when it agreed to a 20-year, $335 million pact for services.
The county's new openness could mean more of those dollars going to the county for police, fire and other services, said political consultant Eric Zell, who represents the 220-member Scotts Valley tribe.
"We think it's a good sign the county is willing to talk," Zell said. "I don't think it's just budget related. I think it's a more a function of their belief there's a chance that these projects are going to happen, and if they happen the county should make sure their services are addressed."
Gioia said he remains against Indian casinos here, but that the county's leverage may be greatest before the Department of Interior makes key rulings on the casino projects. Both tribes are seeking exemptions to a federal law that bars gaming on Indian land acquired after 1988. The exemptions are rarely granted, but the Obama administration is reviewing the process and has yet to clarify how it intends to act.
The federal process leaves little room for local input until the end, when the Secretary of Interior must decide whether to take the land into trust for the tribes. A county shift from opposition to tacit support could matter then. But without a signed deal, Gioia said, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger or a future governor might ignore the county's costs when negotiating gaming compacts with the tribes.
"There's an opportunity to receive more than we would later in the process," he said. "There's a fair amount of gamble and risk in all of this. We are taking a really cautious approach."
Richmond resident Andres Soto, a leader of a group opposed to the Guidiville project, said Twa's letter to the tribe raised alarm bells, but that Gioia assured them the county remains opposed.
Any money for mitigation would focus on West Contra Costa, but the county's overall fiscal plight weighs heavily. Since the economy unraveled last year, supervisors have cut spending by about $150 million, slicing staff and carving into the core of health and social services.
"We're living in a reality of a service system falling apart," Gioia said. "Our goal is not to just mitigate the impacts (of the casino projects), but to get more."
Local unions have thrown their support behind the casino projects, particularly the Point Molate plan, which promises thousands of construction jobs and about 12,000 direct positions. Scotts Valley claims its "Sugar Bowl" project would create 2,300 full- and part-time positions at the casino.
Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Susan Bonilla described the change in strategy as less a shift than a "natural progression."
"As the project has moved along and as time has moved along, it is I just think wise for the county to sit down and have a clear dialogue," she said. "Ultimately we want the best for the community. It's more complex than just money."
A representative of the 112-member Guidiville tribe said he's confident the two sides can reach a deal.
"We've been trying for a long time to get the county to see they're better off negotiating with us instead of spending a lot of lawyer time and money trying to intervene in our federal approval process," said Michael Derry, CEO of Guidiville's economic development corporation. "It's a very practical shift, actually, and a very positive shift. We don't want to impact anybody."
Hoping to dissolve legal opposition, Guidiville is in settlement talks with environmental group Citizens for East Shore Parks, which sued Richmond, the developer and the tribe over the early transfer of land from the U.S. Navy.
Derry said the tribe doesn't figure the county will embrace its plan — at least not yet.
"Once they feel comfortable, they can maybe look at the merits of the project open-mindedly," he said. "When people do that, they usually come out in support of it. We're not expecting they do. We hope they do."
By the numbers: West Contra Costa casino plans
Point Molate
Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians
124,000 square feet of gaming with 4,000 slot machines
122,000 square-foot conference center
48,000 square foot entertainment center
1,100 rooms in two hotels
Eight-story parking structure for 5,000 cars, plus 2,500-space underground parking
Tribal offices, dance grounds and housing
145 acres of hillside open space with trails and picnic areas
"Sugar Bowl"
Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
30 acres at Richmond Parkway and Parr Boulevard
79,000 square feet gaming area with 2,000 machines
1,500-seat event center
250-seat entertainment lounge
600-seat buffet
150-seat sports bar
Surface parking for 1,505 vehicles
Source: Documents submitted to federal Bureau of Indian Affairs
By John Simerman
Contra Costa Times-Oct.9, 2009
Red ink has a way of shifting priorities.
Bathing in it, Contra Costa County officials are turning to the same Indian tribes with whom for years they have battled over plans for Las Vegas-style casino developments in and around Richmond.
County Administrator David Twa and other officials plan to meet Friday with the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians to begin formal talks over how much the tribe might pay the county should it win federal approval for a hotel-casino destination resort on former Navy land at picturesque Point Molate.
With a signed deal between the county and tribe, that approval might come easier.
Separately, the county has tentative plans for similar talks with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, said county Supervisor John Gioia, whose territory includes unincorporated North Richmond. Scotts Valley aims to build a mega-casino there, at Richmond Parkway and Parr Boulevard.
Whether the county would give up a threat of lawsuits or its caustic opposition to the casino projects remains unclear. But the promise of casino bucks and the flip-side fear of a further strain on services with no one to pay for it has the county in a strategic pivot.
Twa wrote the Guidiville tribe last month asking for a series of meetings before Oct. 30. That's the final date for the county to submit its comments on the draft environmental review for the Point Molate casino resort project. Twa said progress toward a signed agreement
"could certainly have some impact" on the county's critique of the project with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.
"The board's official position still is: We're opposed to Indian gaming. However, they've also authorized me to at least have some discussions with the tribe to see where they might lead," Twa said.
Both tribes have historic ties north, in Lake and Mendocino counties, and critics have charged them with "reservation-shopping." The county has joined in, spending close to $1 million to fight the tribes, hiring lawyers, funding studies and paying an anthropologist to dispute their claims of a local historic link.
In the meantime, both tribes have turned to Richmond for support, inking deals that would pay the city hundreds of million dollars if the casinos rise. A judge last year invalidated the city's deal with the Scotts Valley tribe, saying it violated state environmental laws when it agreed to a 20-year, $335 million pact for services.
The county's new openness could mean more of those dollars going to the county for police, fire and other services, said political consultant Eric Zell, who represents the 220-member Scotts Valley tribe.
"We think it's a good sign the county is willing to talk," Zell said. "I don't think it's just budget related. I think it's a more a function of their belief there's a chance that these projects are going to happen, and if they happen the county should make sure their services are addressed."
Gioia said he remains against Indian casinos here, but that the county's leverage may be greatest before the Department of Interior makes key rulings on the casino projects. Both tribes are seeking exemptions to a federal law that bars gaming on Indian land acquired after 1988. The exemptions are rarely granted, but the Obama administration is reviewing the process and has yet to clarify how it intends to act.
The federal process leaves little room for local input until the end, when the Secretary of Interior must decide whether to take the land into trust for the tribes. A county shift from opposition to tacit support could matter then. But without a signed deal, Gioia said, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger or a future governor might ignore the county's costs when negotiating gaming compacts with the tribes.
"There's an opportunity to receive more than we would later in the process," he said. "There's a fair amount of gamble and risk in all of this. We are taking a really cautious approach."
Richmond resident Andres Soto, a leader of a group opposed to the Guidiville project, said Twa's letter to the tribe raised alarm bells, but that Gioia assured them the county remains opposed.
Any money for mitigation would focus on West Contra Costa, but the county's overall fiscal plight weighs heavily. Since the economy unraveled last year, supervisors have cut spending by about $150 million, slicing staff and carving into the core of health and social services.
"We're living in a reality of a service system falling apart," Gioia said. "Our goal is not to just mitigate the impacts (of the casino projects), but to get more."
Local unions have thrown their support behind the casino projects, particularly the Point Molate plan, which promises thousands of construction jobs and about 12,000 direct positions. Scotts Valley claims its "Sugar Bowl" project would create 2,300 full- and part-time positions at the casino.
Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Susan Bonilla described the change in strategy as less a shift than a "natural progression."
"As the project has moved along and as time has moved along, it is I just think wise for the county to sit down and have a clear dialogue," she said. "Ultimately we want the best for the community. It's more complex than just money."
A representative of the 112-member Guidiville tribe said he's confident the two sides can reach a deal.
"We've been trying for a long time to get the county to see they're better off negotiating with us instead of spending a lot of lawyer time and money trying to intervene in our federal approval process," said Michael Derry, CEO of Guidiville's economic development corporation. "It's a very practical shift, actually, and a very positive shift. We don't want to impact anybody."
Hoping to dissolve legal opposition, Guidiville is in settlement talks with environmental group Citizens for East Shore Parks, which sued Richmond, the developer and the tribe over the early transfer of land from the U.S. Navy.
Derry said the tribe doesn't figure the county will embrace its plan — at least not yet.
"Once they feel comfortable, they can maybe look at the merits of the project open-mindedly," he said. "When people do that, they usually come out in support of it. We're not expecting they do. We hope they do."
By the numbers: West Contra Costa casino plans
Point Molate
Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians
124,000 square feet of gaming with 4,000 slot machines
122,000 square-foot conference center
48,000 square foot entertainment center
1,100 rooms in two hotels
Eight-story parking structure for 5,000 cars, plus 2,500-space underground parking
Tribal offices, dance grounds and housing
145 acres of hillside open space with trails and picnic areas
"Sugar Bowl"
Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
30 acres at Richmond Parkway and Parr Boulevard
79,000 square feet gaming area with 2,000 machines
1,500-seat event center
250-seat entertainment lounge
600-seat buffet
150-seat sports bar
Surface parking for 1,505 vehicles
Source: Documents submitted to federal Bureau of Indian Affairs
Thursday, October 8, 2009
INTERVIEW WITH NATIVE NOVELIST SHERMAN ALEXIE
Native American writer Sherman Alexie enjoys being an offensive threat
By Jeff Baker, The Oregonian October 03, 2009, 1:26AM
SEATTLE -- Sherman Alexie sits in a coffee shop on Westlake Avenue, talking about his recent appearance at a national booksellers convention. Alexie stirred up some controversy when he called the Kindle an "elitist" wireless reading device, but right now he's telling a story about being on a panel with James Patterson and Lisa Scottoline, fiction writers who are more popular than he is and don't go looking for trouble, like he does.
Alexie couldn't get Patterson and Scottoline to understand the difference between what they write and what he writes. They study the book-buying market and try to appeal to the broadest possible audience. Alexie doesn't operate that way.
"If you're not offending a pretty high percentage of people who read your books, you're not doing it well enough," Alexie says. "(Patterson and Scottoline) don't want to displease anybody, and I'd just feel terrible if I didn't displease somebody. At my public performances, if somebody doesn't walk out at some point I feel like I haven't done my job."
Then Alexie tips his head back and laughs. It's his signature move, as easy to spot and hard to defend as a crossover dribble on the basketball court near his office.
The 42-year-old Alexie loves basketball -- he can't seem to go more than a few minutes without making some reference to it or using it as a metaphor -- but he loves to laugh even more. He's a serious man, committed to his art and his life with an intensity that would come off as maniacal if it weren't for the humor lurking at the edge of every pronouncement. He's not afraid to say anything, not afraid to write about anything and not afraid to joke about anything. After he stopped laughing, Alexie went quiet and waited for the next question:
Do you think you have more latitude to get away with offending people. ...
... Because I'm an Indian? Oh God. (Another big laugh, then another pause.) One thing that has changed is when I'm talking about politics. If I stay in my circle and stay with the Indian thing, I can get away with a lot more. ... The second I talk about sex, people just panic. That's really what panics people. Even liberals. (Big laugh.)
In basketball terms, Sherman Alexie is at the top of his game. He's about to start a tour for his new book "War Dances" that will take him to more than 25 cities in the next two months. He's working on the sequel to "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," which won the 2007 National Book Award for young people's literature. He's one of the best-selling poets in the country. He's written three movies and directed one of them, and still works as a screenwriter and script doctor. He's won national performance poetry competitions and has performed as a stand-up comedian. He is the most popular and influential Native American writer in the country.
Yet the same writer who's published 20 books in the last 18 years says he suffered from a case of writer's block so crippling that he thought his career was over before he turned 40. The same cheerful personality who revels in attention and is a riveting public speaker is shy, hates parties and loves to spend time alone. He picked this coffee shop because it's close to his office but also because he can sit for three hours without being noticed. He's a celebrity in Seattle and says the recognition, while unfailingly pleasant, keeps him on his guard.
"I'm distinctive-looking enough that people notice me," he says. "I couldn't commit a crime." (Small laugh.)
And the same writer who's fiercely proud of his work is objective and dispassionate enough to admit that "whole stories, whole poems, huge swaths of books" were mistakes.
Like what?
"Indian Killer." I don't have much use for that book in its entirety. There's a limited-edition broadside that takes one paragraph from it, and I think that's pretty much it." (Laughs.)
"Indian Killer" is Alexie's second novel. It's about a serial killer in Seattle who kills and scalps white men. Alexie says it's by far the least popular of his books and jokes that it feels like the Cliff Notes of an actual novel. Then he turns serious:
If you choose to follow a writer or an artist, you're choosing to follow the places that person goes. Their ideas about the world, who they were then, what they're trying to be. In some sense, it's almost as if a writer is a fictional character himself. In some sort of meta concept, the path of the books is the path of the character of the novelist.
You're getting deep here.
(Laughs) Yeah.
But maybe this is another way to put it: Neil Young is one of great songwriters of all time, and he's put out at least 10 albums that stink.
What's up with "Greendale"? (Laughs) But you know, I was with him on that because I follow the artist. It's your death if you don't. I saw him at the amphitheater in White River and 90 percent of the people around me were shouting "Cinnamon Girl." But you listen to those voices, you die.
Alexie grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. (His tribal heritage is Spokane/Coeur d'Alene.) He was born hydrocephalic and underwent a brain operation at age 6 that he was not expected to survive. He not only made it through without severe retardation, he was a precocious student and obsessive reader who chose to attend an off-reservation high school where, he notes, he was the only Native American other than the team mascot. (Arnold Spirit Jr., the hero of "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," shares a biography with his creator.)
Alexie went to Gonzaga University and transferred after two years to Washington State. Alex Kuo, a poetry teacher at WSU, encouraged Alexie. He soared out on a fast break to success with two books published within a year of graduation. He stopped drinking at age 23 and found success in one form after another: novels ("Reservation Blues"), stories ("The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven") and movies ("Smoke Signals" and "The Business of Fancydancing," which he wrote and directed).
His success led to more screenwriting jobs, which led to more high-profile projects, which led to the crippling case of writer's block.
I was working with some big-time directors and producers, huge stuff and high-pressure projects, being in a room as the screenwriter with 20 people and all of their opinions counted more than mine did.
What did they want you to do?
They didn't know. Twenty different people saying 20 different things, and all of them questioning your ability. At first I was just hearing those voices when I was writing on screenplays but then they started intruding, creeping into my head and everything else I was writing. When you start hearing some surrogate producer when you're working on a poem, nothing happens. I think my imagination deflated. ... I threw myself into one of my own narratives. For about a year and a half I was mentally ill in a way I'm not otherwise. I have plenty of other problems. I should say 'for about a year and a half I had a whole new mental illness.'
It's a confidence changer.
It wasn't so much about ability. It just didn't happen. My self-esteem wasn't damaged. It just wasn't there. I thought it was over. I started consoling myself with the thought that if nothing else ever happens I've had an incredible career. I guess it was sort of sad, too. I'm thinking, 'I'm a young man. What am I going to do?'
A visit to the Montana studio of Adrian Arleo, a ceramic sculptor and the wife of writer David James Duncan, ended Alexie's cold spell. He took one look at Arleo's work -- animal parts on human forms -- and the first lines of a poem roared into his head. He wrote two poems on hotel stationery that night and has been hot ever since.
Alexie loves living in Seattle and was a huge Sonics fan. He was heartbroken when the team moved to Oklahoma City and says he can't watch them anymore because it's like watching someone else sleep with your wife. He bought a 10-game package of Trail Blazers tickets but couldn't get emotionally involved in Rip City.
"Not my team," he says, shaking his head.
If the Blazers aren't Alexie's team, the Kindle is not his electronic reading device. After a blog-heavy backlash, he didn't back off his criticism but did acknowledge e-readers are useful for people with physical disabilities. Amazon invited him out for a tour, and he says he told the "12 geeks locked in a room" that Apple is coming up with something that will blow the Kindle away. ("They laughed," he says, and laughs.)
"War Dances" is a mix of stories and poems, the same as "The Business of Fancydancing." He says he went back to the form in part as a reaction to the rise of digital technology. Stories and poems, he says, are still what it's all about.
These futurists are shortsighted. (Big laugh.)
In what way?
They're not considering how it changes us as people. I mean, how does it change you as a person as you increasingly get your information from a screen. And don't think this isn't about evolution. It's something primal and basic. We evolve based on what we're doing. How is this going to change us?
Alexie is off on a long, entertaining riff about how "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is like the movie "Alien" and its sequel, "The Magic and Tragic Year of My Broken Thumb," will be more like "Aliens." He loves writing for teenagers and young adults and doesn't mind when "True Diary" gets challenged or banned by parents in a library or school district. Sales goes up, he says, and the book becomes dangerous in the community. When his book is banned, he always sends a box of books to the nearest library, an idea he borrowed from writer Chris Crutcher.
When he goes on tour for "War Dances," he'll visit a variety of bookstores and college campuses. If he reads with another author, he'll behave himself. ("I'm a team player," he says. "Don't want to be a ball hog.")
If he's appearing by himself, look out.
When you see people getting uncomfortable, is that a signal to you to go for it more?
Sometimes. Sometimes I try to find something else to make them uncomfortable.
The thinking being "hey, they're already uncomfortable."
Yeah. It's a performance, it's art. It's designed to be uncomfortable. People usually show up to get their biases confirmed. Even in the sense of me being outrageous, sometimes all I do is confirm their biases, anyway.
Sure, but people do that with everything. If you're biased toward being pro-environment and pro-wacky humor, you're going to like Carl Hiaasen.
Yeah, but I don't do that with anything. Sometimes I say things I don't agree with.
Just to be contrary.
Yeah. Just to keep it alive.
By Jeff Baker, The Oregonian October 03, 2009, 1:26AM
SEATTLE -- Sherman Alexie sits in a coffee shop on Westlake Avenue, talking about his recent appearance at a national booksellers convention. Alexie stirred up some controversy when he called the Kindle an "elitist" wireless reading device, but right now he's telling a story about being on a panel with James Patterson and Lisa Scottoline, fiction writers who are more popular than he is and don't go looking for trouble, like he does.
Alexie couldn't get Patterson and Scottoline to understand the difference between what they write and what he writes. They study the book-buying market and try to appeal to the broadest possible audience. Alexie doesn't operate that way.
"If you're not offending a pretty high percentage of people who read your books, you're not doing it well enough," Alexie says. "(Patterson and Scottoline) don't want to displease anybody, and I'd just feel terrible if I didn't displease somebody. At my public performances, if somebody doesn't walk out at some point I feel like I haven't done my job."
Then Alexie tips his head back and laughs. It's his signature move, as easy to spot and hard to defend as a crossover dribble on the basketball court near his office.
The 42-year-old Alexie loves basketball -- he can't seem to go more than a few minutes without making some reference to it or using it as a metaphor -- but he loves to laugh even more. He's a serious man, committed to his art and his life with an intensity that would come off as maniacal if it weren't for the humor lurking at the edge of every pronouncement. He's not afraid to say anything, not afraid to write about anything and not afraid to joke about anything. After he stopped laughing, Alexie went quiet and waited for the next question:
Do you think you have more latitude to get away with offending people. ...
... Because I'm an Indian? Oh God. (Another big laugh, then another pause.) One thing that has changed is when I'm talking about politics. If I stay in my circle and stay with the Indian thing, I can get away with a lot more. ... The second I talk about sex, people just panic. That's really what panics people. Even liberals. (Big laugh.)
In basketball terms, Sherman Alexie is at the top of his game. He's about to start a tour for his new book "War Dances" that will take him to more than 25 cities in the next two months. He's working on the sequel to "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," which won the 2007 National Book Award for young people's literature. He's one of the best-selling poets in the country. He's written three movies and directed one of them, and still works as a screenwriter and script doctor. He's won national performance poetry competitions and has performed as a stand-up comedian. He is the most popular and influential Native American writer in the country.
Yet the same writer who's published 20 books in the last 18 years says he suffered from a case of writer's block so crippling that he thought his career was over before he turned 40. The same cheerful personality who revels in attention and is a riveting public speaker is shy, hates parties and loves to spend time alone. He picked this coffee shop because it's close to his office but also because he can sit for three hours without being noticed. He's a celebrity in Seattle and says the recognition, while unfailingly pleasant, keeps him on his guard.
"I'm distinctive-looking enough that people notice me," he says. "I couldn't commit a crime." (Small laugh.)
And the same writer who's fiercely proud of his work is objective and dispassionate enough to admit that "whole stories, whole poems, huge swaths of books" were mistakes.
Like what?
"Indian Killer." I don't have much use for that book in its entirety. There's a limited-edition broadside that takes one paragraph from it, and I think that's pretty much it." (Laughs.)
"Indian Killer" is Alexie's second novel. It's about a serial killer in Seattle who kills and scalps white men. Alexie says it's by far the least popular of his books and jokes that it feels like the Cliff Notes of an actual novel. Then he turns serious:
If you choose to follow a writer or an artist, you're choosing to follow the places that person goes. Their ideas about the world, who they were then, what they're trying to be. In some sense, it's almost as if a writer is a fictional character himself. In some sort of meta concept, the path of the books is the path of the character of the novelist.
You're getting deep here.
(Laughs) Yeah.
But maybe this is another way to put it: Neil Young is one of great songwriters of all time, and he's put out at least 10 albums that stink.
What's up with "Greendale"? (Laughs) But you know, I was with him on that because I follow the artist. It's your death if you don't. I saw him at the amphitheater in White River and 90 percent of the people around me were shouting "Cinnamon Girl." But you listen to those voices, you die.
Alexie grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. (His tribal heritage is Spokane/Coeur d'Alene.) He was born hydrocephalic and underwent a brain operation at age 6 that he was not expected to survive. He not only made it through without severe retardation, he was a precocious student and obsessive reader who chose to attend an off-reservation high school where, he notes, he was the only Native American other than the team mascot. (Arnold Spirit Jr., the hero of "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," shares a biography with his creator.)
Alexie went to Gonzaga University and transferred after two years to Washington State. Alex Kuo, a poetry teacher at WSU, encouraged Alexie. He soared out on a fast break to success with two books published within a year of graduation. He stopped drinking at age 23 and found success in one form after another: novels ("Reservation Blues"), stories ("The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven") and movies ("Smoke Signals" and "The Business of Fancydancing," which he wrote and directed).
His success led to more screenwriting jobs, which led to more high-profile projects, which led to the crippling case of writer's block.
I was working with some big-time directors and producers, huge stuff and high-pressure projects, being in a room as the screenwriter with 20 people and all of their opinions counted more than mine did.
What did they want you to do?
They didn't know. Twenty different people saying 20 different things, and all of them questioning your ability. At first I was just hearing those voices when I was writing on screenplays but then they started intruding, creeping into my head and everything else I was writing. When you start hearing some surrogate producer when you're working on a poem, nothing happens. I think my imagination deflated. ... I threw myself into one of my own narratives. For about a year and a half I was mentally ill in a way I'm not otherwise. I have plenty of other problems. I should say 'for about a year and a half I had a whole new mental illness.'
It's a confidence changer.
It wasn't so much about ability. It just didn't happen. My self-esteem wasn't damaged. It just wasn't there. I thought it was over. I started consoling myself with the thought that if nothing else ever happens I've had an incredible career. I guess it was sort of sad, too. I'm thinking, 'I'm a young man. What am I going to do?'
A visit to the Montana studio of Adrian Arleo, a ceramic sculptor and the wife of writer David James Duncan, ended Alexie's cold spell. He took one look at Arleo's work -- animal parts on human forms -- and the first lines of a poem roared into his head. He wrote two poems on hotel stationery that night and has been hot ever since.
Alexie loves living in Seattle and was a huge Sonics fan. He was heartbroken when the team moved to Oklahoma City and says he can't watch them anymore because it's like watching someone else sleep with your wife. He bought a 10-game package of Trail Blazers tickets but couldn't get emotionally involved in Rip City.
"Not my team," he says, shaking his head.
If the Blazers aren't Alexie's team, the Kindle is not his electronic reading device. After a blog-heavy backlash, he didn't back off his criticism but did acknowledge e-readers are useful for people with physical disabilities. Amazon invited him out for a tour, and he says he told the "12 geeks locked in a room" that Apple is coming up with something that will blow the Kindle away. ("They laughed," he says, and laughs.)
"War Dances" is a mix of stories and poems, the same as "The Business of Fancydancing." He says he went back to the form in part as a reaction to the rise of digital technology. Stories and poems, he says, are still what it's all about.
These futurists are shortsighted. (Big laugh.)
In what way?
They're not considering how it changes us as people. I mean, how does it change you as a person as you increasingly get your information from a screen. And don't think this isn't about evolution. It's something primal and basic. We evolve based on what we're doing. How is this going to change us?
Alexie is off on a long, entertaining riff about how "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is like the movie "Alien" and its sequel, "The Magic and Tragic Year of My Broken Thumb," will be more like "Aliens." He loves writing for teenagers and young adults and doesn't mind when "True Diary" gets challenged or banned by parents in a library or school district. Sales goes up, he says, and the book becomes dangerous in the community. When his book is banned, he always sends a box of books to the nearest library, an idea he borrowed from writer Chris Crutcher.
When he goes on tour for "War Dances," he'll visit a variety of bookstores and college campuses. If he reads with another author, he'll behave himself. ("I'm a team player," he says. "Don't want to be a ball hog.")
If he's appearing by himself, look out.
When you see people getting uncomfortable, is that a signal to you to go for it more?
Sometimes. Sometimes I try to find something else to make them uncomfortable.
The thinking being "hey, they're already uncomfortable."
Yeah. It's a performance, it's art. It's designed to be uncomfortable. People usually show up to get their biases confirmed. Even in the sense of me being outrageous, sometimes all I do is confirm their biases, anyway.
Sure, but people do that with everything. If you're biased toward being pro-environment and pro-wacky humor, you're going to like Carl Hiaasen.
Yeah, but I don't do that with anything. Sometimes I say things I don't agree with.
Just to be contrary.
Yeah. Just to keep it alive.
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