BERKELEY,CA- Jun San, a Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist nun, fasting and praying in front of the Hearst Museum located at the University of California Berkeley; as she will spend the first 4 days in December in prayer and fasting for the return of the 13,000 ancestrial remains that sit in lockers and boxes at the museum.
Her vigil calls attention to the sketetal remains and funerary objects of some 10,00 ancient burials removed from San Francisco and San Pablo Bay shore shellmounds and other sites over the Bay Area. They are held by the Hearst Museum of Anthropology. This vigil calls for the Federal recognition of the Ohlone Nation and the return of the remains for prpoer burial.
The 5-day Prayer and Fast Vigil continues from 8am to 5pm. Please make your views on Ancestral Native remains known to UC Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau : chancellor@berkeley.edu or phone his office at 510/ 642-7464.
UPDATE ALERT!!! Vallejo Intertribal Council is asking Indian Country to please call the California Indian Legal Aid Services in Sacramento, CA to please give legal help to stop the physical desecration and destruction to the the 4000 year Shellmound at the Glen Cove Water Front Park located in Vallejo, CA. Please call the CILAS at 916/ 978-0960 http://www.teachingthevaluesofpeace.blogspot.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
CALIFORNIA NATIVE ADVOCATE ANGIE OSBORNE PASSES ON
Indian activist Angie Osborne dies
Published online on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009
By Cassidy Smith / The Fresno Bee
A Choinumni tribal member who fought to preserve traditional burial ground in Piedra on the south bank of the Kings River east of Fresno, will be buried there.
Angie "Yo-Wis-Nuth" Osborne started working toward land and recognition for her Choinumni tribe when she was 19. As an advocate for American Indian rights, she was well-known throughout California for helping and supporting others.She died Nov. 19 at the age of 81.In the 1940s, Fresno County took the burial grounds and all the land that now surrounds Pine Lake Dam. When the tribe was forbidden to bury anyone there, Mrs. Osborne began a quest to get the land back that didn't end until the 1970s."My mother, for a lifetime, had always been involved with all Native American rights," said Audrey Osborne, Mrs. Osborne's daughter. Audrey Osborne said her mother's involvement saved sacred sites and preserved languages, tradition and culture.
Angie 'Yo-Wis-Nuth' Osborne Born: Jan. 9, 1928
Died: Nov. 19
Occupation: Retired health-care provider
Survivors: Mother, Emma Oliver; brother, Hank Oliver; sisters, Jean Sorondo, Irene Oliver and Virginia Castillo; sons Rick, Leonard and Robert Sr.; daughter Audrey; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren
Mrs. Osborne will be missed "by her own tribe along with others inside the state and out," Audrey Osborne said. "This is a huge loss to all tribes."It was not unusual for Mrs. Osborne, the Choinumni tribe's spokeswoman, to attend various meetings throughout the city and beyond, fighting for what she believed in."She was a very dedicated and humble person when it came to politics," Audrey Osborne said. "She was straightforward and didn't pull any punches. People respected her."
In 2002, Mrs. Osborne's kindness and compassion brought a peaceful end to the controversy surrounding a celebrated tree destroyed by an unapologetic racist. Mrs. Osborne conducted an American Indian ceremony over the downed Piedra tree -- which was said to depict a likeness of the Virgin Mary and had drawn crowds of faithful Catholics. One of Mrs. Osborne's most recent endeavors was to fight for the preservation of Jesse Morrow Mountain off of Highway 180. The mountain is a sacred site, according to the Choinumni tribe.
The multinational Cemex mining company wants to mine rock from the mountain's south side for use as aggregate in construction projects.Mrs. Osborne's children won't let their mother's dream of saving the mountain die. "My brother and I and the tribal council promised to finish her work for her, and we will," Audrey Osborne said. "There's a lot at stake. We will continue the fight."An avid reader, Mrs. Osborne was a lover of novels and history. She also greatly enjoyed weaving and basket and bead work, her daughter said.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at Wallin's Funeral Home in Sanger. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Choinumni Sacred Burial grounds in Piedra.
The reporter can be reached at csmith@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6330.
Published online on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009
By Cassidy Smith / The Fresno Bee
A Choinumni tribal member who fought to preserve traditional burial ground in Piedra on the south bank of the Kings River east of Fresno, will be buried there.
Angie "Yo-Wis-Nuth" Osborne started working toward land and recognition for her Choinumni tribe when she was 19. As an advocate for American Indian rights, she was well-known throughout California for helping and supporting others.She died Nov. 19 at the age of 81.In the 1940s, Fresno County took the burial grounds and all the land that now surrounds Pine Lake Dam. When the tribe was forbidden to bury anyone there, Mrs. Osborne began a quest to get the land back that didn't end until the 1970s."My mother, for a lifetime, had always been involved with all Native American rights," said Audrey Osborne, Mrs. Osborne's daughter. Audrey Osborne said her mother's involvement saved sacred sites and preserved languages, tradition and culture.
Angie 'Yo-Wis-Nuth' Osborne Born: Jan. 9, 1928
Died: Nov. 19
Occupation: Retired health-care provider
Survivors: Mother, Emma Oliver; brother, Hank Oliver; sisters, Jean Sorondo, Irene Oliver and Virginia Castillo; sons Rick, Leonard and Robert Sr.; daughter Audrey; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren
Mrs. Osborne will be missed "by her own tribe along with others inside the state and out," Audrey Osborne said. "This is a huge loss to all tribes."It was not unusual for Mrs. Osborne, the Choinumni tribe's spokeswoman, to attend various meetings throughout the city and beyond, fighting for what she believed in."She was a very dedicated and humble person when it came to politics," Audrey Osborne said. "She was straightforward and didn't pull any punches. People respected her."
In 2002, Mrs. Osborne's kindness and compassion brought a peaceful end to the controversy surrounding a celebrated tree destroyed by an unapologetic racist. Mrs. Osborne conducted an American Indian ceremony over the downed Piedra tree -- which was said to depict a likeness of the Virgin Mary and had drawn crowds of faithful Catholics. One of Mrs. Osborne's most recent endeavors was to fight for the preservation of Jesse Morrow Mountain off of Highway 180. The mountain is a sacred site, according to the Choinumni tribe.
The multinational Cemex mining company wants to mine rock from the mountain's south side for use as aggregate in construction projects.Mrs. Osborne's children won't let their mother's dream of saving the mountain die. "My brother and I and the tribal council promised to finish her work for her, and we will," Audrey Osborne said. "There's a lot at stake. We will continue the fight."An avid reader, Mrs. Osborne was a lover of novels and history. She also greatly enjoyed weaving and basket and bead work, her daughter said.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at Wallin's Funeral Home in Sanger. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Choinumni Sacred Burial grounds in Piedra.
The reporter can be reached at csmith@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6330.
Friday, November 27, 2009
NATIVE PEOPLE OF RICHMOND, CA. TALK OF SANTA FE INDIAN VILLAGE
Native American history for Thanksgiving
Native Americans observe Thanksgiving with stories of the Santa Fe Indian Village.
Photos by Phoebe Fronistas.
By: Callie Shanafelt November 26, 2009
It was a classic Thanksgiving dinner – except for the burning sage, a prayer to the Great Spirit and a history lesson about Richmond’s Santa Fe Indian Village. After eating turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes last Friday, the 40 people at the Native Wellness Center listened to three former residents tell stories of their time growing up in the now-defunct village.
Ruth Sarracino Hopper explained how the village came to exist. In 1922, the Laguna people of New Mexico felt the Santa Fe Railroad was laying tracks too close to their village. At the same time, they also envisioned a future in which the pueblo life would require outside jobs and housing.
Hopper says the tribe made a verbal treaty with the Santa Fe Railway Company. They agreed that if the track were moved, Lagunas would work in the Richmond railroad yard. Santa Fe Railway Company was also dealing with the Shopmen’s Strike at the same time. Hopper described the fear of some Laguna workers as they crossed the picket lines entering the Railroad yards.
Families soon followed the men who came to work for the railroad. The first homes the Santa Fe Railways provided consisted of two parallel boxcars connected by a passageway, where the kitchen and dining room were located. There, the women cooked on wood-burning stoves.
People from the Acoma Pueblo joined their Laguna neighbors in the village. Acoma residents lived in red boxcars while most of the Laguna boxcars were yellow. The Santa Fe Indian Village was considered a colony by the tribes. Residents voted in elections and sent dues to the community that remained in New Mexico.
Bertha Hicks also grew up in the Santa Fe Indian Village. When her family arrived from the pueblo, Richmond was covered in fog unfamiliar to Hicks. She didn’t realize she was living in a boxcar until she woke up the next morning. Hopper said Hicks’ boxcar was ideal because its unusual design included a front window perfect for leaning out of while chatting with neighbors.
Hicks has fond memories growing up in the village with strong ties to her culture. She recalled a strong respect for elders and parents and no crime.
Members of the village maintained Laguna and Acoma ceremonies and traditions in a community meeting hall. “Our parents boarded up the windows when doing our dances,” said Hopper. People in the village spoke Keres; the first time Hopper heard her English name was her first day of Kindergarten at Peres Elementary School.
Eventually the railway provided tract houses for village residents. The new homes were still equipped with wood-burning stoves. “All us Indians – that’s all we’d do is get wood for the home,” said Kurt Medina who grew up in the village until the power was shut off in 1982.
The Railway gave Hopper one week’s notice to find a new home for her and her seven children when they decided to close the village. She unwillingly moved her family to El Sobrante. Ninety percent of Village residents have moved back to the Pueblo said Hopper, who plans to follow them one day.
Medina’s father fought the railroad to keep his home. He succeeded by moving the entire house to Burbank Street in San Pablo. Medina lives there to this day. Medina brought photographs and Acoma pottery to share with the group.
Even though most people at the dinner were of Native American heritage, many remarked that they did not know the full story of the Santa Fe Indian village. “We have a living history in this community,” said Katherine Lewis of the Native Wellness Center, who hoped to raise awareness of this little known piece of Richmond’s past.
Native Americans observe Thanksgiving with stories of the Santa Fe Indian Village.
Photos by Phoebe Fronistas.
By: Callie Shanafelt November 26, 2009
It was a classic Thanksgiving dinner – except for the burning sage, a prayer to the Great Spirit and a history lesson about Richmond’s Santa Fe Indian Village. After eating turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes last Friday, the 40 people at the Native Wellness Center listened to three former residents tell stories of their time growing up in the now-defunct village.
Ruth Sarracino Hopper explained how the village came to exist. In 1922, the Laguna people of New Mexico felt the Santa Fe Railroad was laying tracks too close to their village. At the same time, they also envisioned a future in which the pueblo life would require outside jobs and housing.
Hopper says the tribe made a verbal treaty with the Santa Fe Railway Company. They agreed that if the track were moved, Lagunas would work in the Richmond railroad yard. Santa Fe Railway Company was also dealing with the Shopmen’s Strike at the same time. Hopper described the fear of some Laguna workers as they crossed the picket lines entering the Railroad yards.
Families soon followed the men who came to work for the railroad. The first homes the Santa Fe Railways provided consisted of two parallel boxcars connected by a passageway, where the kitchen and dining room were located. There, the women cooked on wood-burning stoves.
People from the Acoma Pueblo joined their Laguna neighbors in the village. Acoma residents lived in red boxcars while most of the Laguna boxcars were yellow. The Santa Fe Indian Village was considered a colony by the tribes. Residents voted in elections and sent dues to the community that remained in New Mexico.
Bertha Hicks also grew up in the Santa Fe Indian Village. When her family arrived from the pueblo, Richmond was covered in fog unfamiliar to Hicks. She didn’t realize she was living in a boxcar until she woke up the next morning. Hopper said Hicks’ boxcar was ideal because its unusual design included a front window perfect for leaning out of while chatting with neighbors.
Hicks has fond memories growing up in the village with strong ties to her culture. She recalled a strong respect for elders and parents and no crime.
Members of the village maintained Laguna and Acoma ceremonies and traditions in a community meeting hall. “Our parents boarded up the windows when doing our dances,” said Hopper. People in the village spoke Keres; the first time Hopper heard her English name was her first day of Kindergarten at Peres Elementary School.
Eventually the railway provided tract houses for village residents. The new homes were still equipped with wood-burning stoves. “All us Indians – that’s all we’d do is get wood for the home,” said Kurt Medina who grew up in the village until the power was shut off in 1982.
The Railway gave Hopper one week’s notice to find a new home for her and her seven children when they decided to close the village. She unwillingly moved her family to El Sobrante. Ninety percent of Village residents have moved back to the Pueblo said Hopper, who plans to follow them one day.
Medina’s father fought the railroad to keep his home. He succeeded by moving the entire house to Burbank Street in San Pablo. Medina lives there to this day. Medina brought photographs and Acoma pottery to share with the group.
Even though most people at the dinner were of Native American heritage, many remarked that they did not know the full story of the Santa Fe Indian village. “We have a living history in this community,” said Katherine Lewis of the Native Wellness Center, who hoped to raise awareness of this little known piece of Richmond’s past.
THOUSANDS CELEBRATE 40TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ALCATRAZ OCCUPATION AND RESISTANCE
Thousands celebrate 40th anniversary of Alcatraz occupation
By Shadi Rahimi, Today correspondent
Story Published: Nov 27, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO – It began and ended like any other prayerful sunrise ceremony on Alcatraz Island. Crowds bundled in layers of clothing huddled onto ferries. Drummers sang as the boats took turns floating more than 3,500 people across icy waters.
Dancers pounded bare feet across the cool floor of the island turned prison turned museum.But this year, memories of the youthful spirit that painted in red the declaration “Indians Welcome; Indian Land” around the island’s United States Penitentiary sign took precedence. This sunrise ceremony on Un-Thanksgiving Day was a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz – a day when a group of Natives took a leap into history.The paint remains, but few could personally recall Nov. 20, 1969, when 79 Natives landed to reclaim the island under a loose interpretation of a treaty that dictated the return of unused federal land to the Natives from whom it was acquired. And few could remember a time when physical and armed confrontation, and the loss of lives, was almost a required part of the civil rights struggle for Natives.For those who could, the day was a powerful reminder.“Alcatraz was to put your life on the line, it was a struggle; it was a sacrifice.
We were ridiculed and put down but we didn’t care because we knew we were right,” said Lakota Harden, 52, Minnecoujou-Yankton Lakota and HoChunk. “We knew what we were doing was powerful. This taught us all not to give up.”Harden was 12 and in boarding school at the time of the occupation, which was a successful third attempt after the two others lead by Native San Francisco State students and a small group of Sioux. It lasted 19 months and along with a forceful wave of American Indian activism that followed influenced the federal government’s decision to end its policy of termination and pass the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.Harden was a young representative of the American Indian Movement’s “We Will Remember” Survival School on the Pine Ridge Reservation, which was established out of the 1973 Wounded Knee occupation. She has since worked with organizations including the International Indian Treaty Council, Women of All Red Nations and the Black Hills Alliance, and was the ceremony emcee.Her cousin and aunt joined the Alcatraz occupiers in 1969, and Harden could remember a time on the reservation when it was “powerful to look Indian, with long hair and braids, jeans and AIM symbols.
You could get shot at.“This was the birthplace of everything – after this, everything changed.”For J.R. Laiwa, a California Pomo and Wailaki who joined the Alcatraz occupiers in his 20s, the island was a place of personal change. He had returned from serving in a war he opposed in Vietnam and was haunted by the realization that Natives faced similar circumstances to the Vietnamese under U.S. military occupation.
“I look back and have a lot of happy memories of being here. But I don’t think of it as a legacy; I see it as a beginning. We still have to ask for everything, we still have to beg for everything. I walk the streets and I don’t see more than one indigenous person. We still have to struggle.”That sentiment was echoed by the honored speakers – Bill Means, IITC founder and U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations co-founder, and Clyde Bellecourt, one of the AIM founders and a participant in the occupations of Wounded Knee and a BIA building in 1972
.Bellecourt mentioned the excitement felt across the world when President Obama took office, and his own warning to “be vigilant and watchful. We’ve had promises before.” He watched as industries and Wall Street were bailed out, while Native people continue to wait for what is theirs to be returned.In his talk, Means referred to the struggles of indigenous people south of the U.S. border and repeated several times to loud cheers, “There are no immigrants, only migrants.”Means said there is a worldwide indigenous movement that is 375 million strong. But “we have to reignite the flame,” sparked by Alcatraz.
Indaian Country Today-By Shandi Rahimi
By Shadi Rahimi, Today correspondent
Story Published: Nov 27, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO – It began and ended like any other prayerful sunrise ceremony on Alcatraz Island. Crowds bundled in layers of clothing huddled onto ferries. Drummers sang as the boats took turns floating more than 3,500 people across icy waters.
Dancers pounded bare feet across the cool floor of the island turned prison turned museum.But this year, memories of the youthful spirit that painted in red the declaration “Indians Welcome; Indian Land” around the island’s United States Penitentiary sign took precedence. This sunrise ceremony on Un-Thanksgiving Day was a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz – a day when a group of Natives took a leap into history.The paint remains, but few could personally recall Nov. 20, 1969, when 79 Natives landed to reclaim the island under a loose interpretation of a treaty that dictated the return of unused federal land to the Natives from whom it was acquired. And few could remember a time when physical and armed confrontation, and the loss of lives, was almost a required part of the civil rights struggle for Natives.For those who could, the day was a powerful reminder.“Alcatraz was to put your life on the line, it was a struggle; it was a sacrifice.
We were ridiculed and put down but we didn’t care because we knew we were right,” said Lakota Harden, 52, Minnecoujou-Yankton Lakota and HoChunk. “We knew what we were doing was powerful. This taught us all not to give up.”Harden was 12 and in boarding school at the time of the occupation, which was a successful third attempt after the two others lead by Native San Francisco State students and a small group of Sioux. It lasted 19 months and along with a forceful wave of American Indian activism that followed influenced the federal government’s decision to end its policy of termination and pass the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.Harden was a young representative of the American Indian Movement’s “We Will Remember” Survival School on the Pine Ridge Reservation, which was established out of the 1973 Wounded Knee occupation. She has since worked with organizations including the International Indian Treaty Council, Women of All Red Nations and the Black Hills Alliance, and was the ceremony emcee.Her cousin and aunt joined the Alcatraz occupiers in 1969, and Harden could remember a time on the reservation when it was “powerful to look Indian, with long hair and braids, jeans and AIM symbols.
You could get shot at.“This was the birthplace of everything – after this, everything changed.”For J.R. Laiwa, a California Pomo and Wailaki who joined the Alcatraz occupiers in his 20s, the island was a place of personal change. He had returned from serving in a war he opposed in Vietnam and was haunted by the realization that Natives faced similar circumstances to the Vietnamese under U.S. military occupation.
“I look back and have a lot of happy memories of being here. But I don’t think of it as a legacy; I see it as a beginning. We still have to ask for everything, we still have to beg for everything. I walk the streets and I don’t see more than one indigenous person. We still have to struggle.”That sentiment was echoed by the honored speakers – Bill Means, IITC founder and U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations co-founder, and Clyde Bellecourt, one of the AIM founders and a participant in the occupations of Wounded Knee and a BIA building in 1972
.Bellecourt mentioned the excitement felt across the world when President Obama took office, and his own warning to “be vigilant and watchful. We’ve had promises before.” He watched as industries and Wall Street were bailed out, while Native people continue to wait for what is theirs to be returned.In his talk, Means referred to the struggles of indigenous people south of the U.S. border and repeated several times to loud cheers, “There are no immigrants, only migrants.”Means said there is a worldwide indigenous movement that is 375 million strong. But “we have to reignite the flame,” sparked by Alcatraz.
Indaian Country Today-By Shandi Rahimi
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
HAPPY FEASTING DAY AND NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
HAPPY FEASTING DAY AND NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
I wanted to take time to wish all of our readers of ' TEACHING THE VALUES OF PEACE ' a very traditional and spiritual gatherings to celebrate Native Families and Indian Country during this week's holiday season.
Let us celebrate US as Native Peoples and Families. Remember to do our traditional prayers, sing our traditional songs and dance to our traditional dances. By doing as such we celebrate and honor the Creator of All Things.
REMEMBER WE ARE CREATOR'S HOLY PEOPLES!
We Native People are truly a Beautiful and Blessed People.
Everyday is a good day to be a Native.
Wado and A-ho!
Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
Monday, November 23, 2009
INDIAN COUNTRY LEADERS GATHER AT LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER FOR HERITAGE MONTH
INDIAN COUNTRY SACRED SITES ADVOCATES URGE MORE PROTECTION OF NATIVE SACRED SITES THROUGH OUT INDIAN COUNTRY
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
BERKELEY, CA.- On Sunday November 20, 2009, Indian Country gathered at the La Pena Cultural Center for the ' 4th Annual Thangs Taken: Rethinking Thanksgiving ' program.
Nationally know Sacred Site Advocates Ann Marie Sayer (Ohlone), Corrina Gould (Ohlone) and the legendary Wounded Knee De O'Campo (Bay Me-Wuk) held discussions on U.C. Berkeley's Phobe Hearst Museum of Anthropolgy violations of NAGPRA and the terrible and horrific conditions of the 13,000 Ancestors and over 200,000 funerary objects that are being held illegal below a U.C. Berkeley gym.
A recent news video showed Ms. Sayer visiting the U.C. Berkeley site and the shocking conditions of where the Ancestors currently are.
Wounded Knee, a nationally known Sacred Sites Advocate of Vallejo Intertribal Council, talked about the physical desecration and destruction of a 4000 year Shellmound in the Glen Cove Waterfront Park in Vallejo, CA.
The City of Vallejo's Greater Vallejo Recreation District has palns to make the 15 acre Shellmound complex into an upscale waterfront park that sit on San Pablo Bay. The the Glen Cove Shellmound is over 4000 years old and is one of the last fully intact Shellmounds left in California
SHELLMOUND WALK AND PROTEST! COME ON INDIAN COUNTRY, LET'S WARRIOR UP!
Dear Shellmound Friends,
Please join us for our Annual Day after Thanksgiving Protest at the "Dead Mall" aka Bay Street Mall
Lets Meet at the Corner of Ohlone and Shellmoundway at 11am
Bring Signs that are appropriate, snacks to share and family and friends.
ONE DAY WALK
Jun San will be in town and will be doing her annual fast. This year she has decided to help us once again by choosing to do her fast in front of the Hearst Museum at Berkeley in order to bring about the recognition and return of the thousands of ancestors that remain imprisoned.
We will be walking on the first day of her fast to Berkely from El Cerrito.
Meet at El Cerrito BART 7AM. Monday November 30th .We will be Walking down San Pablo to University. Please join us as we walk and pray for the ancestors.
Contact Corrina at 510-575-8408 if you need more information on the day of the walk
Peace,
Corrina
Please join us for our Annual Day after Thanksgiving Protest at the "Dead Mall" aka Bay Street Mall
Lets Meet at the Corner of Ohlone and Shellmoundway at 11am
Bring Signs that are appropriate, snacks to share and family and friends.
ONE DAY WALK
Jun San will be in town and will be doing her annual fast. This year she has decided to help us once again by choosing to do her fast in front of the Hearst Museum at Berkeley in order to bring about the recognition and return of the thousands of ancestors that remain imprisoned.
We will be walking on the first day of her fast to Berkely from El Cerrito.
Meet at El Cerrito BART 7AM. Monday November 30th .We will be Walking down San Pablo to University. Please join us as we walk and pray for the ancestors.
Contact Corrina at 510-575-8408 if you need more information on the day of the walk
Peace,
Corrina
Friday, November 20, 2009
40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCCUPATION OF ALCATRAZ AT THE U.C.-BERKELEY
BERKELEY,CA.- This event was held on November 20, 2009 to commerate the original efforts of the 1969 student based occupation protesting the social conditions of Native Americans.Dr. Lehman Brightman and Dr. LaNada War Jack discussed and shared their contributions and experiences of the occupation and resistance of Alcatraz. The event was held at the historic Bancroft Hotel.
COMMUNITY DINNER AT RICHMOND NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER TO CELEBRATE HERTIAGE MONTH
COMMUNITY DINNER AT RICHMOND NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER TO CELEBRATE HERITAGE MONTH
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
Richmond, CA- This Novemeber 20, 2009 the Native Wellness Center had a lovely community dinner to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. This week on Tuesday, November 17,the Mayor's Office of Richmond issued a Proclamation on the United Nations on the Rights of Indigenous People.
The Native Wellness Center has made quite an imprint on serving the 25,000 Native Americans who reside in Richmond.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NATIVE ADVOCATES AND ACTIVISTS CELEBRATE CITY OF RICHMOND, CA. PROCLAIMING U.N. DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
NATIVE ADVOCATES AND ACTIVISTS CELEBRATE THE CITY OF RICHMOND, CA PROCLAMATION OF U.N. DECLARATION FOR THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN HERTIAGE MONTH
by Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
RICHMOND, CA.- This past Tuesday, November 17th 2009 the Mayors Office of the City of Richmond gave support and a Proclamation to make each November officially United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Proclamation coming from the City of Richmond is considered a high mark for Native Peoples in the United States in the advancement of Human and Civil Rights in Indian Country.
Veteran Native Advocate Trudy Brightman of United Native Americans, Inc was present with Council member Lopez made the presentation for the U. N. Declaration on behalf of the City of Richmond.
A part of the resolution honored the advocacy of Inter-Tribal Council of California for their work in the advancement of Human and Civil Rights of the California Native Peoples.
You can see this historic moment at the City of Richmond television station KCRT for replay if you missed it online. Go to www.kcrt.com and click on the City Council meeting for Tuesday November 17th, 2009
by Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
RICHMOND, CA.- This past Tuesday, November 17th 2009 the Mayors Office of the City of Richmond gave support and a Proclamation to make each November officially United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.The Proclamation coming from the City of Richmond is considered a high mark for Native Peoples in the United States in the advancement of Human and Civil Rights in Indian Country.
Veteran Native Advocate Trudy Brightman of United Native Americans, Inc was present with Council member Lopez made the presentation for the U. N. Declaration on behalf of the City of Richmond.
A part of the resolution honored the advocacy of Inter-Tribal Council of California for their work in the advancement of Human and Civil Rights of the California Native Peoples.
You can see this historic moment at the City of Richmond television station KCRT for replay if you missed it online. Go to www.kcrt.com and click on the City Council meeting for Tuesday November 17th, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
MORE ECO RAPE PHOTOS OF THE 4000 YEAR OLD SHELLMOUND AT GLEN COVE IN VALLEJO, CA.
The Eco-rape of the 4000 year old shellmound at Glen Cove in Vallejo, California still continues.
This brief photo essay shows clear cutting practices that are being used by the City of Vallejo's Greater Vallejo Recreational District's sub-contractors. Next week the poision herbicide Garland-4 will be used to spray the 4000 year old shellmound.
NATIVE ATTORNEY NEEDED TO DEFEND 4000 YEAR OLD SHELLMOUND AT GLEN COVE IN VALLEJO, CA.
The ARS (Archeological Research Services) in their literature research - field reports and written analysis of the Glen Cove Shellmound site (SOL-236) statesthat Glen Cove "has long been recognized as an important archeological site of pre-historic times."
"Glen Cove is among the last places where undisturbed bayshore shellmound deposits can be found."*From the archeological evaluation of SOL-236, the Glen Cove site, within the Glen Cove Waterfront Park for the GVRD [ Greater Vallejo Recreation District ] by the ARS, April 1988.
We are in IMMEDIATE need of an attorney who specializes in or is well versed in Native American Federal Law - If you are an attorney or you know of an attorney who meets this need, PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY !
We MUST preserve this historic site and SAVE THE ANCESTORS from any more desecration and destruction !We are in need of donations to cover the legal expenses.PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU CAN HELP !
CONTACT: Wounded Knee DeOCampo 707-557-2140
Linda Roberts 505-603-2908
"Glen Cove is among the last places where undisturbed bayshore shellmound deposits can be found."*From the archeological evaluation of SOL-236, the Glen Cove site, within the Glen Cove Waterfront Park for the GVRD [ Greater Vallejo Recreation District ] by the ARS, April 1988.
We are in IMMEDIATE need of an attorney who specializes in or is well versed in Native American Federal Law - If you are an attorney or you know of an attorney who meets this need, PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY !
We MUST preserve this historic site and SAVE THE ANCESTORS from any more desecration and destruction !We are in need of donations to cover the legal expenses.PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU CAN HELP !
CONTACT: Wounded Knee DeOCampo 707-557-2140
Linda Roberts 505-603-2908
Sunday, November 15, 2009
CITY OF RICHMOND, CA. PROCLAIMS UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
CITY OF RICHMOND, CA. PROCLAIMS UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
PROCLAMATION OF CITY OF RICHMOND, CAUNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLEAND ADVOCACY OF INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA ON NOVEMBER 17TH, 2009
Text and Resolution by
Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
WHEREAS, affirming Indigenous people are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the rights of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different and to be respected as such,
WHEREAS, recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of North American Native Peoples and Indigenous peoples as a whole, which derive from their political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources,
WHEREAS, recognizing the need to respect and promote the rights of North American Native Peoples and Indigenous peoples as a whole, affirmed in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements with States of the World,
WHEREAS, recognizing and reaffirming that Indigenous individuals are entitled without discrimination to all Human and Civil Rights recognized in international law, and Indigenous people possess collective rights which are indispensable rights for their existence, well-being and integral development as peoples,
WHEREAS, Inter-Tribal Council of California Incorporated, a California non-profit benefit corporation, has served on the frontlines of the advancement of Native Peoples of California, that they serve in the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Inter-Tribal Council of California was formed to secure the charitable and educational purposes through advocacy and distribution of economic resources of Indians in California, as well as advances in the advocacy in the cultural, legal and social status of Indians in California. Inter-Tribal Council of California for close to forty years has served to ensure the advocacy of Human and Civil Rights for the indigenous Native Peoples of California.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Richmond City Council and I, Gayle McLaughlin, Mayor of the City of Richmond support the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the advocacy of Inter-Tribal of California, do hereby proclaim November 17, 2009 as United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Day in the City of Richmond, CA.
Posted by Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney at 10:05 AM
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
POINT MOLATE RESORT-CASINO, THE POLITICS OF IT ALL
The squeaky wheel wins the cash
By Lisa Vorderbrueggen
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 11/13/2009 07:54:30 PM PST
Updated: 11/13/2009 07:54:31 PM PST
The drama surrounding Contra Costa County's about-face on the proposed Point Molate Indian casino illustrates a powerful political reality: Opposition pays.
After spending $1 million of taxpayers' money on a hard-hitting analysis that labeled urban gaming a societal scourge, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors last week dropped its condemnation in return for payments of up to $22 million a year.
Citizens for East Shore Parks, an environmental coalition, is rumored to be close to a deal with the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians worth tens of millions of dollars.
Powerful labor groups have secured promises from the tribe to hire union workers and support its apprentice programs.
And tribal advocates have somehow persuaded nearly 50 Richmond area ministers to sign a letter of support. Apparently, the evils of unemployment outrank the evils of gambling.
The legal payoff is a common strategy in hot-button development proposals: Identify your critics and satisfy them. Money works.
"Richmond was the first to be bought off, and I don't say that to be critical," said Richmond Councilman Tom Butt, who supported the city's decision to sell Point Molate to the tribe for $50 million plus $20 million a year for impacts. "There is so much money in this operation, once it gets going, that (the tribe) could literally afford to spend $300 million a year to buy people off and still make money beyond belief." Cash won't appease everyone, particularly folks with strong anti-gambling views or gaming competitors such as card rooms.
But the Bay Area Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter and service provider for the poor in Richmond, may be open to a deal.
The mission has reportedly hired Antioch political consultant Dan Lee.
Its president, Rev. John Anderson, brought a carload of his clients to the supervisors' Martinez hearing last week, where the men testified about the ills of gambling addiction. Lee sat in the back of the room.
The tensest political drama, though, centers on Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond.
Gioia had been an unwavering urban Indian casino critic until October when he disclosed the county's negotiations with the tribe and signaled its willingness to change course.
His reversal angered anti-casino activists who say Gioia buckled under union pressure.
Citizens to Save Point Molate member Andres Soto of Richmond points to the big pro-casino, union crowd at the weekday hearings. Three well-known local labor leaders sat visibly in the front row — Greg Feere of the building trades, Rollie Katz of the public employees union and Contra Costa Labor Council Executive Director Pam Aguilar.
"It was orchestrated and designed to put the scare into the board, all of whom have to stand for re-election," Soto said.
Keep in mind, the card clubs bankroll Soto's group, although he says he is a unpaid volunteer.
Gioia is taking the criticism hard.
He grew up in Richmond. His kids go to school in Richmond. Accusations that he sold out or folded under labor's thumb are wrong, he says.
Gioia described it as a painful but pragmatic vote.
He says the county's limited leverage over the federal government's pending decision whether to designate Point Molate as tribal land would have evaporated — along with any payments for impacts — if it had waited.
"The easier political decision would have been to stick to my position," Gioia said. "But ultimately, it's about making the right decision."
Reach Lisa Vorderbrueggen at lvorderbrueggen@bayareanewsgroup.com or 925-945-4773 or www.ibabuzz.com/politics.
Friday, November 13, 2009
ECO RAPE OF 4000 YEAR OLD SHELLMOUND AT GLEN COVE IN VALLEJO, CA STILL CONTINUES
ECO-RAPE OF 4000 YEAR OLD SHELLMOUND AT GLEN COVE IN VALLEJO, CA STILL CONTINUES!
Text and photos by
Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
Today on November 13, 2009 the eco-rape of the 4000 year old Shellmound at the Glen Cove Waterfront Park continued in Vallejo, Ca. on the direction of the City of Vallejo's Greater Vallejo Park District. The top photo shows the tail ending with a bobcat picking up tree debris that was clear cut on the west side of the Shellmound.
The second photo above is of a river house built 1840s that sits at the top of shellmound, again clear cutting and bulldozing ripped huges gashes in the undisturbed area of the shellmound where the ancestors sleep were done directly in front of the river house.
The third photo above is of a super-chipper called the Beast dumping the mulch of the clear trees into a large dump trailer.
Above is Wounded Knee of Valljeo Intertribal Council/ SSPIRIT viewing the ongoing eco-rape of the 4000 year old shellmound.INDIAN COUNTRY PRAY FOR THE ANCESTORS, PRAY FOR THE SACRED SHELLMOUND!
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVES OF PT. MOLATE RESORT-CASINO
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVES OF PT. MOLATE RESORT-CASINO
After years of trying to prevent Indian gaming in Contra Costa County, county supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday to support a plan to bring a Las Vegas-style casino and resort to the Richmond waterfront.
The project, proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians and the developer Upstream Point Molate LLC, includes a 124,000-square-foot class III casino; two hotels; luxury cottages; business, conference and entertainment facilities; a 300,000-square-foot shopping center and tribal government buildings on the 266-acre former Naval Fuel Depot Point Molate just north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
The proposed project also includes 340 units of multi-family housing, restoration of 34 historic buildings, a ferryboat terminal, shoreline parks, a tribal park and bicycle and pedestrian paths.Now that the county's agreement is in place, if the project is approved, the county will receive $12 million a year in additional revenue.The county has estimated that about $6 million to $7 million of that money would be used to pay for increased law enforcement and public services resulting from the project, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia said.
Those services will include a "Responsible Gambling Program" to help prevent gambling addiction and underage gambling.Gioia, who represents west county, said that the county has spent nearly $1 million over the past several years opposing Indian gaming in the county, but felt that the dangers of continuing to oppose the Point Molate project were too great.The U.S. Navy has already transferred the land to the city of Richmond and, in 2004, the city entered into an agreement with the tribe and the developer to sell them the land to build the casino resort, Gioia said.It is now up to the U.S. Department of the Interior to declare the land Indian land, Gioia said.If that happens, the tribe would be able to open a class II casino, like the casino in San Pablo, without any additional negotiation with the county. Class II casinos include games such as bingo and card games in which players play against each other, not the house.
If the tribe wanted to open a class III casino, like the casinos in Las Vegas that offer slot machines, blackjack, craps and roulette, it would have to enter into a tribal-state compact with the governor that could include giving money to the county for mitigation of off-reservation impacts.
However, Gioia said that supervisors believe that the $12 million they negotiated is significantly more than they would get if they continued to oppose the project and then tried to negotiate later through arbitration.Gioia also noted that the actual impacts of the project are difficult to predict. There will likely be increased crime, mainly robberies and burglaries, but there will also be many more jobs, which tends to decrease crime.
If approved, the project will bring 4,500 new, well-paying jobs to the area. The tribe has promised to hire Richmond residents to fill 40 percent of those positions and people who live elsewhere in Contra Costa County to fill an additional 30 percent of those positions, Gioia said.There will also be an estimated 1,000 new prevailing wage construction jobs for the three years the resort is being built, Gioia said.
Lina Velasco, a senior planner with the city of Richmond who is managing the environmental impact review of the project, said that the environmental impact report on the project was released in October for public comment. The public comment period ended Oct. 23.The city planning department is now reviewing all of the comments and will be responding to them and looking to see if further analysis of the project is needed.The comments and responses will become a part of the final environmental impact report, which will then go before the Richmond City Council for approval, Velasco said.The city's goal is to complete responses to public comments sometime in December.Velasco said there appeared to be an equal number of people in favor of the project as there are against it.
Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin has publicly said she is opposed to the project and the City of San Pablo issued a resolution stating its opposition to the project, Velasco said.According to the tribe, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the East Bay Regional Park District and the Contra Costa Building Construction and Trades Council have endorsed the project.Gioia said that Contra Costa County Sheriff Warren Rupf has also written a letter saying he is in favor of the project.Barring any major setbacks, the local and federal approval process could be completed in 2010 and the developer could break ground next fall, Velasco said.
The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians is a federally recognized tribe that is seeking to develop a land base to support tribal government functions. They hope that the casino resort will give them a way to provide health care, education, eldercare, economic development and other services to their people.
According to the tribe's Web site, the tribe lost its land in 1851 through an unfulfilled treaty with the U.S. government. The tribe's federal recognition was restored in 1991 following a settlement in federal court.The tribe is believed to have historical ties to Point Molate, Velasco said.
(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)
After years of trying to prevent Indian gaming in Contra Costa County, county supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday to support a plan to bring a Las Vegas-style casino and resort to the Richmond waterfront.
The project, proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians and the developer Upstream Point Molate LLC, includes a 124,000-square-foot class III casino; two hotels; luxury cottages; business, conference and entertainment facilities; a 300,000-square-foot shopping center and tribal government buildings on the 266-acre former Naval Fuel Depot Point Molate just north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
The proposed project also includes 340 units of multi-family housing, restoration of 34 historic buildings, a ferryboat terminal, shoreline parks, a tribal park and bicycle and pedestrian paths.Now that the county's agreement is in place, if the project is approved, the county will receive $12 million a year in additional revenue.The county has estimated that about $6 million to $7 million of that money would be used to pay for increased law enforcement and public services resulting from the project, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia said.
Those services will include a "Responsible Gambling Program" to help prevent gambling addiction and underage gambling.Gioia, who represents west county, said that the county has spent nearly $1 million over the past several years opposing Indian gaming in the county, but felt that the dangers of continuing to oppose the Point Molate project were too great.The U.S. Navy has already transferred the land to the city of Richmond and, in 2004, the city entered into an agreement with the tribe and the developer to sell them the land to build the casino resort, Gioia said.It is now up to the U.S. Department of the Interior to declare the land Indian land, Gioia said.If that happens, the tribe would be able to open a class II casino, like the casino in San Pablo, without any additional negotiation with the county. Class II casinos include games such as bingo and card games in which players play against each other, not the house.
If the tribe wanted to open a class III casino, like the casinos in Las Vegas that offer slot machines, blackjack, craps and roulette, it would have to enter into a tribal-state compact with the governor that could include giving money to the county for mitigation of off-reservation impacts.
However, Gioia said that supervisors believe that the $12 million they negotiated is significantly more than they would get if they continued to oppose the project and then tried to negotiate later through arbitration.Gioia also noted that the actual impacts of the project are difficult to predict. There will likely be increased crime, mainly robberies and burglaries, but there will also be many more jobs, which tends to decrease crime.
If approved, the project will bring 4,500 new, well-paying jobs to the area. The tribe has promised to hire Richmond residents to fill 40 percent of those positions and people who live elsewhere in Contra Costa County to fill an additional 30 percent of those positions, Gioia said.There will also be an estimated 1,000 new prevailing wage construction jobs for the three years the resort is being built, Gioia said.
Lina Velasco, a senior planner with the city of Richmond who is managing the environmental impact review of the project, said that the environmental impact report on the project was released in October for public comment. The public comment period ended Oct. 23.The city planning department is now reviewing all of the comments and will be responding to them and looking to see if further analysis of the project is needed.The comments and responses will become a part of the final environmental impact report, which will then go before the Richmond City Council for approval, Velasco said.The city's goal is to complete responses to public comments sometime in December.Velasco said there appeared to be an equal number of people in favor of the project as there are against it.
Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin has publicly said she is opposed to the project and the City of San Pablo issued a resolution stating its opposition to the project, Velasco said.According to the tribe, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the East Bay Regional Park District and the Contra Costa Building Construction and Trades Council have endorsed the project.Gioia said that Contra Costa County Sheriff Warren Rupf has also written a letter saying he is in favor of the project.Barring any major setbacks, the local and federal approval process could be completed in 2010 and the developer could break ground next fall, Velasco said.
The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians is a federally recognized tribe that is seeking to develop a land base to support tribal government functions. They hope that the casino resort will give them a way to provide health care, education, eldercare, economic development and other services to their people.
According to the tribe's Web site, the tribe lost its land in 1851 through an unfulfilled treaty with the U.S. government. The tribe's federal recognition was restored in 1991 following a settlement in federal court.The tribe is believed to have historical ties to Point Molate, Velasco said.
(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
RICHMOND NATIVE WELLNESS SERVING THE PEOPLE
Native Wellness Center, 260 23rd Street. For more information call 510-232-7020
RICHMOND NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER- EVERYBODY IS WELCOMED
On the days Wanda Bearquiver Bulletti couldn’t get out of bed because of depression and pain, she wore out the battery on her phone calling for help. She wasn’t trying to get medical care for herself. Her daughter, Courtney Cummings, said her mother’s concern extended to the wider Native American community in Richmond.
Bulletti, who battled depression, often dealt with doctors who had never treated Native American patients. The doctors simply prescribed medication for back pain. Bulletti was convinced that individual healing was tied to healing for the whole community.
“For Native Americans it’s not a brain chemistry problem. It’s a response to genocide,” Janet King, of the Native American Health Center in Oakland, said. Courtney Cummings traces her own struggles with school and substance abuse to the historical trauma passed down through generations of her family. Cummings’ grandparents told her their teachers hit the pupils if they spoke the Arikara language in boarding school. “So I grew up scared of teachers,” said Cummings, who never graduated from high school.
In 2000 Bulletti finally found a psychiatrist sensitive to Native American patients. She told her daughter she was diagnosed with depression. “Immediately I was like, ‘What? You’re not crazy,’” Cummings said. Native Americans resent being stigmatized as having mental health issues, according to King. Cummings prefers to see healing as a part of the traditional concept of the medicine wheel. For her, the medicine wheel envisions harmony in four parts, representing mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
When Buletti’s mental and physical well-being improved, she wanted other Native Americans in Richmond to have the opportunity to heal through their culture. So, she wore out the battery on her phone calling Janet King to create a healing space in Contra Costa County. Bulletti offered her small front room if needed.
The Native Wellness Center is dedicated to Wanda Bearquiver Bulletti
In 2004, the state Mental Health Services Act became law. Through a 1 percent property tax, the MHSA funds mental health prevention and intervention programs in California counties. King was instrumental in ensuring that Native Americans be identified as an underserved population qualifying for these programs. “If it isn’t spelled out, Native Americans always get overlooked,” said King.
Native Americans are only 1.2 percent of the population in Richmond, according to Census estimates. Administrators from Contra Costa mental health asked King to connect them with this small community.
On a stormy evening, February 2, 2008, 16 people gathered at the Richmond library to participate in a focus group.
Participants primarily identified the need for accurate education and counseling. However, Native Americans don’t need individual or formal counseling, said King. ”When native people get together they help each other out. They give each other advice and share resources.” Richmond participants wanted a space where elders could have talking circles, where they could help youth navigate the non-Native community.
Parents wanted schools to include the Native American perspective on Thanksgiving and Columbus Day. One teen told a story about bringing sage to school for cultural show and tell. She said she was escorted out by a uniformed police officer who thought she had drugs. Focus group participants wanted a place to teach the youth their cultural heritage. “We know that Natives who are engaged in community are less likely to commit suicide, drop out, join a gang, or despair,” said King.
The Native Wellness Center officially opened its doors in the old Greyhound station near 23rd St and Macdonald Ave, October 16. Wanda Bearquiver Bulletti died before her vision came to fruition. But her daughter is following in her footsteps as a prevention assistant at the center. “My mom still guides me today,” said Cummings. The center was dedicated to Bulletti during the opening ceremony. King said Bulletti was a shy and quiet woman. “She had the voice of a little singing bird. That singing bird was able to make change.”
The center focuses on the mental and cultural well-being of Native Americans in Richmond. Support groups for elders, parents and youth already happen on a weekly basis. Cummings is also planning cultural activities such as drumming and regalia making. However, no medical services are provided at the Richmond office. Cummings refers clients with medical needs to the Oakland clinic.
Cummings said the doors are open to everyone. “If you want to learn more about us,” says Cummings. “Come down to the Wellness Center and say, ‘I want to learn more about you.’ Everyone is invited.”
www.richmondconfidential.com
RICHMOND NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER- EVERYBODY IS WELCOMED
On the days Wanda Bearquiver Bulletti couldn’t get out of bed because of depression and pain, she wore out the battery on her phone calling for help. She wasn’t trying to get medical care for herself. Her daughter, Courtney Cummings, said her mother’s concern extended to the wider Native American community in Richmond.
Bulletti, who battled depression, often dealt with doctors who had never treated Native American patients. The doctors simply prescribed medication for back pain. Bulletti was convinced that individual healing was tied to healing for the whole community.
“For Native Americans it’s not a brain chemistry problem. It’s a response to genocide,” Janet King, of the Native American Health Center in Oakland, said. Courtney Cummings traces her own struggles with school and substance abuse to the historical trauma passed down through generations of her family. Cummings’ grandparents told her their teachers hit the pupils if they spoke the Arikara language in boarding school. “So I grew up scared of teachers,” said Cummings, who never graduated from high school.
In 2000 Bulletti finally found a psychiatrist sensitive to Native American patients. She told her daughter she was diagnosed with depression. “Immediately I was like, ‘What? You’re not crazy,’” Cummings said. Native Americans resent being stigmatized as having mental health issues, according to King. Cummings prefers to see healing as a part of the traditional concept of the medicine wheel. For her, the medicine wheel envisions harmony in four parts, representing mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
When Buletti’s mental and physical well-being improved, she wanted other Native Americans in Richmond to have the opportunity to heal through their culture. So, she wore out the battery on her phone calling Janet King to create a healing space in Contra Costa County. Bulletti offered her small front room if needed.
The Native Wellness Center is dedicated to Wanda Bearquiver Bulletti
In 2004, the state Mental Health Services Act became law. Through a 1 percent property tax, the MHSA funds mental health prevention and intervention programs in California counties. King was instrumental in ensuring that Native Americans be identified as an underserved population qualifying for these programs. “If it isn’t spelled out, Native Americans always get overlooked,” said King.
Native Americans are only 1.2 percent of the population in Richmond, according to Census estimates. Administrators from Contra Costa mental health asked King to connect them with this small community.
On a stormy evening, February 2, 2008, 16 people gathered at the Richmond library to participate in a focus group.
Participants primarily identified the need for accurate education and counseling. However, Native Americans don’t need individual or formal counseling, said King. ”When native people get together they help each other out. They give each other advice and share resources.” Richmond participants wanted a space where elders could have talking circles, where they could help youth navigate the non-Native community.
Parents wanted schools to include the Native American perspective on Thanksgiving and Columbus Day. One teen told a story about bringing sage to school for cultural show and tell. She said she was escorted out by a uniformed police officer who thought she had drugs. Focus group participants wanted a place to teach the youth their cultural heritage. “We know that Natives who are engaged in community are less likely to commit suicide, drop out, join a gang, or despair,” said King.
The Native Wellness Center officially opened its doors in the old Greyhound station near 23rd St and Macdonald Ave, October 16. Wanda Bearquiver Bulletti died before her vision came to fruition. But her daughter is following in her footsteps as a prevention assistant at the center. “My mom still guides me today,” said Cummings. The center was dedicated to Bulletti during the opening ceremony. King said Bulletti was a shy and quiet woman. “She had the voice of a little singing bird. That singing bird was able to make change.”
The center focuses on the mental and cultural well-being of Native Americans in Richmond. Support groups for elders, parents and youth already happen on a weekly basis. Cummings is also planning cultural activities such as drumming and regalia making. However, no medical services are provided at the Richmond office. Cummings refers clients with medical needs to the Oakland clinic.
Cummings said the doors are open to everyone. “If you want to learn more about us,” says Cummings. “Come down to the Wellness Center and say, ‘I want to learn more about you.’ Everyone is invited.”
www.richmondconfidential.com
CITY OF RICHMOND, CA. PROCLAIMS UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
PROCLAMATION OF CITY OF RICHMOND, CA
UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
AND ADVOCACY OF INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA ON NOVEMBER 17TH, 2009
WHEREAS, affirming Indigenous people are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the rights of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different and to be respected as such,
WHEREAS, recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of North American Native Peoples and Indigenous peoples as a whole, which derive from their political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources,
WHEREAS, recognizing the need to respect and promote the rights of North American Native Peoples and Indigenous peoples as a whole, affirmed in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements with States of the World,
WHEREAS, recognizing and reaffirming that Indigenous individuals are entitled without discrimination to all Human and Civil Rights recognized in international law, and Indigenous people possess collective rights which are indispensable rights for their existence, well-being and integral development as peoples,
WHEREAS, Inter-Tribal Council of California Incorporated, a California non-profit benefit corporation, has served on the frontlines of the advancement of Native Peoples of California, that they serve in the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Inter-Tribal Council of California was formed to secure the charitable and educational purposes through advocacy and distribution of economic resources of Indians in California, as well as advances in the advocacy in the cultural, legal and social status of Indians in California.
Inter-Tribal Council of California for close to forty years has served to ensure the advocacy of Human and Civil Rights for the indigenous Native Peoples of California.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Richmond City Council and I, Gayle McLaughlin, Mayor of the City of Richmond support the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the advocacy of Inter-Tribal of California, do hereby proclaim November 17, 2009 as United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Day in the City of Richmond, CA.
UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
AND ADVOCACY OF INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA ON NOVEMBER 17TH, 2009
WHEREAS, affirming Indigenous people are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the rights of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different and to be respected as such,
WHEREAS, recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of North American Native Peoples and Indigenous peoples as a whole, which derive from their political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources,
WHEREAS, recognizing the need to respect and promote the rights of North American Native Peoples and Indigenous peoples as a whole, affirmed in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements with States of the World,
WHEREAS, recognizing and reaffirming that Indigenous individuals are entitled without discrimination to all Human and Civil Rights recognized in international law, and Indigenous people possess collective rights which are indispensable rights for their existence, well-being and integral development as peoples,
WHEREAS, Inter-Tribal Council of California Incorporated, a California non-profit benefit corporation, has served on the frontlines of the advancement of Native Peoples of California, that they serve in the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Inter-Tribal Council of California was formed to secure the charitable and educational purposes through advocacy and distribution of economic resources of Indians in California, as well as advances in the advocacy in the cultural, legal and social status of Indians in California.
Inter-Tribal Council of California for close to forty years has served to ensure the advocacy of Human and Civil Rights for the indigenous Native Peoples of California.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Richmond City Council and I, Gayle McLaughlin, Mayor of the City of Richmond support the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the advocacy of Inter-Tribal of California, do hereby proclaim November 17, 2009 as United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Day in the City of Richmond, CA.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
EUGENE BEAR LINCOLN RETURNS BACK TO ROUND VALLEY POMO REZ
NATIVE POMO ACTIVIST RETURNS HOME
By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
Pomo Native Advocate Eugene Bear Lincoln has returned back to his home nation at Round Valley Pomo reservation in Mendicino County in California Indian Country.
The veteran Native Advocate stated to this writer in a recent interview:
"Having being clean and sober for the past 28 months has helped me use the sage wisdom my Maker has given me. I have been a Advocate for more Human and Civil Rights for Indian Country since I was a teen-ager. I have retured home to serve my people and Nation."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
WILMA MANKILLER: STUDENTS ARE OUR NEW WARRIORS OF TOMMORROW
"The battle for Indian children will be won in the classroom, not on the streets or on horses. The students of today are our warriors of tomorrow."
Wilma P. Mankiller, CHEROKEE
The world is constantly changing. One of the strengths of Indian people has been our adaptability. In today's world, education is what we need to survive. We need doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists.
We can become these things and still live in a cultural way. We need to live in two worlds; the educated world and the Indian cultural world.
Education will help protect our land, our people's health, and provide knowledge for our people. We must teach reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Also, we must teach the language, the culture, the ceremony, and the tradition of our people.
Wilma P. Mankiller, CHEROKEE
The world is constantly changing. One of the strengths of Indian people has been our adaptability. In today's world, education is what we need to survive. We need doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists.
We can become these things and still live in a cultural way. We need to live in two worlds; the educated world and the Indian cultural world.
Education will help protect our land, our people's health, and provide knowledge for our people. We must teach reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Also, we must teach the language, the culture, the ceremony, and the tradition of our people.
Monday, November 9, 2009
OBAMA HEARS INDIAN COUNTRY SPEAK AT WHITE HOUSE
USDA on discrimination case: Working on it
Listening session held
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Nov 9, 2009
WASHINGTON – Dozens of tribal leaders in town for a meeting with President Barack Obama took the opportunity to visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss some longstanding problems.
The chance to air concerns came courtesy of an invitation from USDA officials to sit down and talk at the department’s headquarters in Washington Nov 4. Secretary Tom Vilsack and many office heads were in attendance to explain their jobs and to listen.
Some issues presented by tribal leaders were general and applied to many tribes, like the need for increased support for broadband Internet access. Other concerns were more specific, such as particular subsistence and agriculture issues facing remote Alaska Native communities.
One controversial topic of discussion focused on an ongoing lawsuit known as Keepseagle v. Vilsack, which involves hundreds of tribal plaintiffs from several states who have long argued that agriculture officials denied or delayed a number of farm and ranch loans and emergency assistance applications by Indians.
Rob Capriccioso Indian Country Today
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke to tribal leaders during a Nov. 4 listening session at the United States Department of Agriculture’s headquarters in Washington.
An expert report prepared by the plaintiffs estimates that the alleged discrimination caused the farmers to have been denied about $3 billion in credit, resulting in between $500 million and $1 billion in damages.
Until the meeting, USDA officials have said they could not comment on the decade-old case, nor had they taken action to settle, frustrating many tribal members who have noted that the Obama administration has promised to rectify discrimination.
Adding to the frustration is the reality that a similar USDA case involving black farmers, known as Pigford, was settled in the late-1990s.
At one point in the meeting, after tribal leaders were invited to raise concerns, Wilbur Dale Wilkinson, a citizen of the Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara Nation who is a plaintiff in the case, made his way to a microphone.
“Our people are entitled to justice,” he said. “We have been fighting against USDA discrimination in excess of 20 years.”
He pointed out that several plaintiffs have died waiting for action from the USDA. He also noted the Pigford settlement and said a similar action should occur for Natives.
Joe Leonard Jr., the department’s assistant secretary of the Office for Civil Rights, was moved by Wilkinson’s plea, saying, “There’s no way I can’t respond to that.”
Leonard said it isn’t just the civil rights officers who are paying attention, but also many of the leaders at the department who are “seriously looking at all of these issues.”
Earlier in the session, Leonard said Keepseagle had occupied much of his time and that of his superiors.
“I will tell you this. … since the secretary has been here, he has met on Keepseagle more than his two or three predecessors combined.
“And I can tell you that I have met on Keepseagle, I would dare say, bi-weekly.”
After the meeting, Joe Sellers, a lawyer for the Indian plaintiffs, assessed what he had heard.
“I thought that it was appropriate and appreciated that Mr. Leonard awknowledged the importance of this case to the Indian community.
“This conversation should have happened decades ago. Follow-up is going to be critical.”
He also said he told Leonard that his clients would very much like to become partners with the department, rather than adversaries.
“These problems have taken decades to develop, based on systemic problems – it’s going to require combined efforts over a period of time to fix.”
Despite some optimism, Sellers said there has been no talk of settlement directly with the plaintiffs.
He added that after the talk, one of his clients said he was encouraged, but noted it has already been several months since the Obama administration has had a chance to take action.
“I think the USDA is creating high expectations, and if they’re not followed by an appropriate course of action, then they will end up creating more disappointment,” Sellers said.
USDA officials closed the session by thanking tribal leaders and promising to continue consultation on various matters.
On Nov. 5, at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, Vilsack told tribal leaders that he knew the litigation has been going on for a considerable period of time, and he added that he is committed to resolving it. To date, agency officials had not made that kind of promise.
Listening session held
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Nov 9, 2009
WASHINGTON – Dozens of tribal leaders in town for a meeting with President Barack Obama took the opportunity to visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss some longstanding problems.
The chance to air concerns came courtesy of an invitation from USDA officials to sit down and talk at the department’s headquarters in Washington Nov 4. Secretary Tom Vilsack and many office heads were in attendance to explain their jobs and to listen.
Some issues presented by tribal leaders were general and applied to many tribes, like the need for increased support for broadband Internet access. Other concerns were more specific, such as particular subsistence and agriculture issues facing remote Alaska Native communities.
One controversial topic of discussion focused on an ongoing lawsuit known as Keepseagle v. Vilsack, which involves hundreds of tribal plaintiffs from several states who have long argued that agriculture officials denied or delayed a number of farm and ranch loans and emergency assistance applications by Indians.
Rob Capriccioso Indian Country Today
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke to tribal leaders during a Nov. 4 listening session at the United States Department of Agriculture’s headquarters in Washington.
An expert report prepared by the plaintiffs estimates that the alleged discrimination caused the farmers to have been denied about $3 billion in credit, resulting in between $500 million and $1 billion in damages.
Until the meeting, USDA officials have said they could not comment on the decade-old case, nor had they taken action to settle, frustrating many tribal members who have noted that the Obama administration has promised to rectify discrimination.
Adding to the frustration is the reality that a similar USDA case involving black farmers, known as Pigford, was settled in the late-1990s.
At one point in the meeting, after tribal leaders were invited to raise concerns, Wilbur Dale Wilkinson, a citizen of the Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara Nation who is a plaintiff in the case, made his way to a microphone.
“Our people are entitled to justice,” he said. “We have been fighting against USDA discrimination in excess of 20 years.”
He pointed out that several plaintiffs have died waiting for action from the USDA. He also noted the Pigford settlement and said a similar action should occur for Natives.
Joe Leonard Jr., the department’s assistant secretary of the Office for Civil Rights, was moved by Wilkinson’s plea, saying, “There’s no way I can’t respond to that.”
Leonard said it isn’t just the civil rights officers who are paying attention, but also many of the leaders at the department who are “seriously looking at all of these issues.”
Earlier in the session, Leonard said Keepseagle had occupied much of his time and that of his superiors.
“I will tell you this. … since the secretary has been here, he has met on Keepseagle more than his two or three predecessors combined.
“And I can tell you that I have met on Keepseagle, I would dare say, bi-weekly.”
After the meeting, Joe Sellers, a lawyer for the Indian plaintiffs, assessed what he had heard.
“I thought that it was appropriate and appreciated that Mr. Leonard awknowledged the importance of this case to the Indian community.
“This conversation should have happened decades ago. Follow-up is going to be critical.”
He also said he told Leonard that his clients would very much like to become partners with the department, rather than adversaries.
“These problems have taken decades to develop, based on systemic problems – it’s going to require combined efforts over a period of time to fix.”
Despite some optimism, Sellers said there has been no talk of settlement directly with the plaintiffs.
He added that after the talk, one of his clients said he was encouraged, but noted it has already been several months since the Obama administration has had a chance to take action.
“I think the USDA is creating high expectations, and if they’re not followed by an appropriate course of action, then they will end up creating more disappointment,” Sellers said.
USDA officials closed the session by thanking tribal leaders and promising to continue consultation on various matters.
On Nov. 5, at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, Vilsack told tribal leaders that he knew the litigation has been going on for a considerable period of time, and he added that he is committed to resolving it. To date, agency officials had not made that kind of promise.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
POISON HERBICIDE BEING USED AT 4,000 YEAR OLD SHELLMOUND AT GLEN COVE IN VALLEJO, CA.
GREATER VALLEJO RECREATION DISTRICT USES POISION HERBICIDE AT GLEN COVE SHELLMOUND SITE IN VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA
Spraying of the poisonous herbicide began yesterday - November 4, 2009 at Glen Cove, desecrating the Ancestors.
Warning signs posted at Glen Cove identified the company contracted to spray the toxins as Fallen Leaf Tree Service Inc. [916-447-8733].
The sign indicates possible side effects for humans as skin irrations, burning and itching eyes from the exposure of the chemicals that are mixed with petrochemical based solvents ... through inhalation, direct exposure, overspray, etc.
The fact of the matter is this - the chemical corporation that manufacturers this herbicide does the majority of its own safety testing .... again, one of the same manufacturers that created Agent Orange and then refused to take responsibility for the horrific devastation it brought.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE ANCESTORS AND THE GLEN COVE SHELLMOUND !
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Guest commentary by Atum
Dear fellow Earthlings,
Today, I have decided to start writing. I have no idea where I am going or how I am going to get there, but you have to start somewhere. Today is November 2nd, 2009 according to the Gregorian Calendar. Tomorrow will be November 3rd, 2009 and the beginning of my Mother's 53rd trip around the sun. I now live in Richmond, CA, just a few miles from San Fransico, but grew up in Dallas, Tx where my family still resides. Now that I have somewhere to start, I shall attempt to be a guide through this amazing planet we live on. I only hope to show my perspective, and leave it up to you to agree or disagree.
To begin, I would like to say that each and everyone of us (nearly 7 billion), are all here on this planet, at this particular place in time, for a purpose. We are all lucky enough to be here on this planet to experience a celestial event that only happens once every 26,000 years. As far as we know, through history, is a record of around 5000 years. Therefore, we are talking about a length of time that is 5 times the amount of written history. Everything beyond that is pre-history. There is nothing written that could ever explain what may or may not happen when this event occurs, and we all have been chosen to be here and experience this amazing event.
It is my understanding that what will happen, in the simplest terms, is that the Earth will be eclipsed by the Sun and cut off from the center of the Galaxy. Scientist, and the like, could theorize endlessly about what the possibilities may be, but the fact is that nobody truly knows what will happen. I believe that this is an event that allows us to make the next leap in evolution, or to make the changes that we need to make to continue our wonderful life on this home we call Planet Earth. Let's face it, as we continue down the path we are on, there is but a slim chance we will be able to sustain life here anymore. The Earth will continue, but we humans may not.
There once was a time, not too long ago, when the different cultures, societies, cities, and such were much more separated, and we were all able to live our secluded lives and have our own beliefs about how the world is supposed to work. Today, we no longer have this luxury. We are now truly a fully connected planetary people. With the positive use of technology like the internet, we are all connected from one side of the globe to the other and all places in between.
As we continue this growth, it becomes more and more essential to come up with new ways of perceiving our reality. The old ways we used to view our world, with the separatists views, are what causes most of the conflict in this beautiful place we live and call home. There have been more wars fought over the difference of religion than nearly any other reason. I have but one thing to say on this subject, but I think it is substantial enough to help create change. No matter how you want to see it, no matter what your religion, no matter who or what you believe God to be, or if you don't even believe in God; there can be only one true beginning. No matter how far back you want to go, this Universe and all things in it had to begin somewhere. That somewhere could only be one singular point, and it is that point that is God. It is that point, from which all things started from.
All life has to begin somewhere. If you agree with me on this point, then there can only be one true creator, or one true God. It is up to you who or what that God may be (I'm sure he has numerous names). If this is true, then it would be fair to say that God created all the religions, as God created everything. If this is true, then there is a reason why all of these religions were created. It is our test as a species! It is our final exam to deem whether or not we as a species should be allowed to continue to live upon this amazing planet.
We all seem to get caught up in the semantics of everything and are missing the bigger picture. Each and every religion has it's good points and it's not so good points, but they all seem to want to fight over who is right and who is wrong. No body wants to back down, even though we are all wrong. We need to be one people, as we are all praying to the same God, no matter what you may believe. Is it a coincidence that Jerusalem, the supposed "Holy Land" is divided amongst most of the largest religions of the world? We desperately need to stop fight amongst ourselves and begin to learn from one another. This is our test!
If we can not get along with one another, then how are we ever going to be deemed worthy of joining a galactic society known as Heaven. God has a name, and to me that name is Father. I am a son of God, just as all, nearly 7 billion of us, are the sons and daughters of God. We are all made in the image of the Father, and are all capable of creation.
As we all come together in a singular point of view, we come that much closer to being able to create this world into the Heaven that we all desperately want to achieve. None of us are alone, and we all bleed red no matter what you look like on the outside.
Guest posting by Atum
Today, I have decided to start writing. I have no idea where I am going or how I am going to get there, but you have to start somewhere. Today is November 2nd, 2009 according to the Gregorian Calendar. Tomorrow will be November 3rd, 2009 and the beginning of my Mother's 53rd trip around the sun. I now live in Richmond, CA, just a few miles from San Fransico, but grew up in Dallas, Tx where my family still resides. Now that I have somewhere to start, I shall attempt to be a guide through this amazing planet we live on. I only hope to show my perspective, and leave it up to you to agree or disagree.
To begin, I would like to say that each and everyone of us (nearly 7 billion), are all here on this planet, at this particular place in time, for a purpose. We are all lucky enough to be here on this planet to experience a celestial event that only happens once every 26,000 years. As far as we know, through history, is a record of around 5000 years. Therefore, we are talking about a length of time that is 5 times the amount of written history. Everything beyond that is pre-history. There is nothing written that could ever explain what may or may not happen when this event occurs, and we all have been chosen to be here and experience this amazing event.
It is my understanding that what will happen, in the simplest terms, is that the Earth will be eclipsed by the Sun and cut off from the center of the Galaxy. Scientist, and the like, could theorize endlessly about what the possibilities may be, but the fact is that nobody truly knows what will happen. I believe that this is an event that allows us to make the next leap in evolution, or to make the changes that we need to make to continue our wonderful life on this home we call Planet Earth. Let's face it, as we continue down the path we are on, there is but a slim chance we will be able to sustain life here anymore. The Earth will continue, but we humans may not.
There once was a time, not too long ago, when the different cultures, societies, cities, and such were much more separated, and we were all able to live our secluded lives and have our own beliefs about how the world is supposed to work. Today, we no longer have this luxury. We are now truly a fully connected planetary people. With the positive use of technology like the internet, we are all connected from one side of the globe to the other and all places in between.
As we continue this growth, it becomes more and more essential to come up with new ways of perceiving our reality. The old ways we used to view our world, with the separatists views, are what causes most of the conflict in this beautiful place we live and call home. There have been more wars fought over the difference of religion than nearly any other reason. I have but one thing to say on this subject, but I think it is substantial enough to help create change. No matter how you want to see it, no matter what your religion, no matter who or what you believe God to be, or if you don't even believe in God; there can be only one true beginning. No matter how far back you want to go, this Universe and all things in it had to begin somewhere. That somewhere could only be one singular point, and it is that point that is God. It is that point, from which all things started from.
All life has to begin somewhere. If you agree with me on this point, then there can only be one true creator, or one true God. It is up to you who or what that God may be (I'm sure he has numerous names). If this is true, then it would be fair to say that God created all the religions, as God created everything. If this is true, then there is a reason why all of these religions were created. It is our test as a species! It is our final exam to deem whether or not we as a species should be allowed to continue to live upon this amazing planet.
We all seem to get caught up in the semantics of everything and are missing the bigger picture. Each and every religion has it's good points and it's not so good points, but they all seem to want to fight over who is right and who is wrong. No body wants to back down, even though we are all wrong. We need to be one people, as we are all praying to the same God, no matter what you may believe. Is it a coincidence that Jerusalem, the supposed "Holy Land" is divided amongst most of the largest religions of the world? We desperately need to stop fight amongst ourselves and begin to learn from one another. This is our test!
If we can not get along with one another, then how are we ever going to be deemed worthy of joining a galactic society known as Heaven. God has a name, and to me that name is Father. I am a son of God, just as all, nearly 7 billion of us, are the sons and daughters of God. We are all made in the image of the Father, and are all capable of creation.
As we all come together in a singular point of view, we come that much closer to being able to create this world into the Heaven that we all desperately want to achieve. None of us are alone, and we all bleed red no matter what you look like on the outside.
Guest posting by Atum
SEND OUR OAKLAND TECH HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH TO SCOTLAND
Ms. Jessa BerknerTheater Dir./Performing Arts Dept Co-Chair: Auditorium/ A-3Conference Period: 4 (11:46-12:43)Phone Ext: 143 (Backstage)E-mail: Jessa.Berkner@ousd.k12.ca.usPhone: 510.798.1952
To the Families of all Current Advanced Drama Students:
As you may have heard, The Drama Department at Oakland Technical High School has received an enormous honor. Out of 2,000 nominated programs, including private and performing arts high schools, we have been named as one of the top 50 high school drama programs in the country!
This honor includes an invitation to perform at the world’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious theatre festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Only currently enrolled Oakland Tech Advanced Drama students are eligible to attend this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mayor Ron Dellums and State Senator Loni Hancock have already expressed congratulations at our achievement, and private donors have already begun to step up and support our efforts to get our students there.
Please see the Oakland Tech website for more information/press releases about this award. We will outline the trip itinerary, finances and expectations at this time. We will also be looking for parent volunteers to spearhead the overall fundraising effort for this journey. Fundraising ideas for individual students and families will also be addressed.
Do not stay away for lack of funds! Student Participant Requirements:GPA above 2.0 in all classesEnrollment in Advanced Drama 2009-10 school year( including performances)Fundraising Event Participation6 weeks rehearsal next summer M-F 4 hours per day TBA at Oakland Tech2 week trip Aug. 14th-27th, 2010 Including Travel, 2 meals a day, housing, transport, tours, London, Scotland, Performance, Venue, etc.!!!!(see AHSTF website for more info!)
To the Families of all Current Advanced Drama Students:
As you may have heard, The Drama Department at Oakland Technical High School has received an enormous honor. Out of 2,000 nominated programs, including private and performing arts high schools, we have been named as one of the top 50 high school drama programs in the country!
This honor includes an invitation to perform at the world’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious theatre festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Only currently enrolled Oakland Tech Advanced Drama students are eligible to attend this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mayor Ron Dellums and State Senator Loni Hancock have already expressed congratulations at our achievement, and private donors have already begun to step up and support our efforts to get our students there.
Please see the Oakland Tech website for more information/press releases about this award. We will outline the trip itinerary, finances and expectations at this time. We will also be looking for parent volunteers to spearhead the overall fundraising effort for this journey. Fundraising ideas for individual students and families will also be addressed.
Do not stay away for lack of funds! Student Participant Requirements:GPA above 2.0 in all classesEnrollment in Advanced Drama 2009-10 school year( including performances)Fundraising Event Participation6 weeks rehearsal next summer M-F 4 hours per day TBA at Oakland Tech2 week trip Aug. 14th-27th, 2010 Including Travel, 2 meals a day, housing, transport, tours, London, Scotland, Performance, Venue, etc.!!!!(see AHSTF website for more info!)
18th ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE DAY
18th Annual Native American Culture Day
Indigenous Voices, Music, and Dance at this Year's Native American Fest
All are welcome to attend the Library's 18th Annual Native American Culture Day on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from noon-5 p.m. at the Main Library. The event will include Native speakers, musicians, dancers, and films. The Main Library is located at 125 14th Street. This event will be held in the West Auditorium.
The theme this year is "Indigenous Voices at the United Nations." Local Native activists speak about the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and international indigenous struggles for rights and preservation of the earth. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council, with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. (As an aside, today, November 1, Raquel Rolnik, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, is scheduled to visit the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where the housing is said to be in a deplorable state.)
Special guests include Tony Gonzales of the American Indian Movement (AIM-West), and Alberto Saldamando of the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC). Both AIM-West and the IITC are organizations of Indigenous Peoples working for human rights, environmental justice, and self-determination. In 1977, IITC was the first Indigenous organization to receive Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council. Oakland's own Medicine Warriors Dance Troupe will be on hand to perform Native American dances, as they have in years past. Flautist Wally Johnson and drummer Jane DeCuir will perform. Films will be screened from noon to 1 p.m.
Native American Culture Day is sponsored by the library's Native American Services Committee. It is a free public event for all ages. For more information, call (510) 238-3134.
Indigenous Voices, Music, and Dance at this Year's Native American Fest
All are welcome to attend the Library's 18th Annual Native American Culture Day on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from noon-5 p.m. at the Main Library. The event will include Native speakers, musicians, dancers, and films. The Main Library is located at 125 14th Street. This event will be held in the West Auditorium.
The theme this year is "Indigenous Voices at the United Nations." Local Native activists speak about the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and international indigenous struggles for rights and preservation of the earth. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council, with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. (As an aside, today, November 1, Raquel Rolnik, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, is scheduled to visit the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where the housing is said to be in a deplorable state.)
Special guests include Tony Gonzales of the American Indian Movement (AIM-West), and Alberto Saldamando of the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC). Both AIM-West and the IITC are organizations of Indigenous Peoples working for human rights, environmental justice, and self-determination. In 1977, IITC was the first Indigenous organization to receive Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council. Oakland's own Medicine Warriors Dance Troupe will be on hand to perform Native American dances, as they have in years past. Flautist Wally Johnson and drummer Jane DeCuir will perform. Films will be screened from noon to 1 p.m.
Native American Culture Day is sponsored by the library's Native American Services Committee. It is a free public event for all ages. For more information, call (510) 238-3134.
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