County ready to back Point Molate casino plan
By John Simerman
Contra Costa TimesPosted: 10/31/2009 01:06:30 PM PDT
For $12 million a year, Contra Costa County would turn its staunch opposition to outright support for a major Indian casino-hotel resort on the Richmond waterfront, according to a draft of the pending deal.
The agreement with the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians would erase the county's blanket opposition to urban gaming and halt its attack against a big Las Vegas-style casino planned at the former Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot.
The Board of Supervisors plans to discuss the pending deal at its meeting Tuesday morning.
The tribe and developer Upstream Point Molate await key federal rulings in a bid to claim 266 acres near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge as an Indian reservation. They envision 124,000 square feet of gaming, two hotels, 300,000 square feet of retail, a conference center, parks and trails, tribal facilities and up to 340 homes.
Under the deal, the county would agree to "cease all efforts to oppose or intervene against the tribe's project approvals" and would document its support.
Supervisor John Gioia, who led both the county opposition and its reversal, could not be reached. Recently, he said he feared the county would lose leverage and be left with nothing if it did not seek a deal before pending federal decisions on the land.
One longtime Richmond resident who has fought against the Point Molate plan said Gioia assured him in early October that the negotiations did not change the county's position.
"I'm shocked," Charles T. Smith said. "Why he changed his mind, all of this stuff is a mystery to me."
Ultimately, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has the power to put the land in trust for the tribe. Interior Department policy stresses deals between tribes and local governments, and Guidiville has a pact with Richmond that would pay the city $20 million a year.
"The feedback we've gotten from the folks at Interior is that our project is really unique and is approvable," said Jim Levine of Upstream. "Obviously, if you have local support things go smoother."
The county has spent nearly $1 million battling Guidiville and two other tribes over casinos. The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians wants one along Richmond Parkway. The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians runs electronic bingo machines on its land in San Pablo, but would likely try to expand with slot machines if competition comes near.
The county also is talking with Scotts Valley about an agreement.
Unions are pressing for the Point Molate project, which promises thousands of local construction and service jobs. Opponents fear a trio of big casinos in West County.
"This certainly is a break in the dam," said Cheryl Schmit of Stand Up for California, a casino watchdog. "We have a lot of tribes out there. If it looks like Contra Costa County is an easy target, which city is next?"
The county had hired an anthropologist to counter Guidiville's claimed historic ties to the area, a key factor for federal approval. The draft deal, however, states that Guidiville is a federally recognized tribe "within the geographical boundaries of Contra Costa County."
Last week, Gioia said he did not think the county's position, either way, would be the "tipping point" in a federal decision.
"Having three casinos in one area is going to change the character of this community in a way most people don't want to see," he said. "We are having this issue now thrown on our lap. Our role is trying to sort through the best strategy to derive the greatest benefit for the community."
Of the $12 million a year the county would receive, $7 million must be spent in West County. For the first seven years, $4 million would go to health programs and services, half in West County.
If the tribe cannot secure a compact and instead operates electronic bingo games that don't require state oversight, the county would receive $6 million a year. It could reopen the deal if nearby traffic grows worse than expected
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
WE NEED TO THINK LIKE OUR FOREFATHERS DID
"My children, you have forgotten the customs and traditions of your forefathers. ...You have bought guns, knives, kettles, and blankets from the white man until you can no longer do without them; and what is worse you have drunk the poison firewater, which turns you into fools. Fling all these things away; live as your forefathers did before you."
Pontiac, ODOWA
We need to think as our forefathers did.
They knew the culture and the customs. The culture taught them how to live in harmony with each other. We need to think like this again.
We must be God-reliant. We don't need the firewater. This liquid is very destructive to our native people. It kills our spirit.
Our Indian people are happiest when we are spiritual. When we depend on anyone or anything else, we get off track.
We need to talk to the Elders and find out what the old ways were. We need to ask them to teach us the culture, the tradition, and the customs. This will help us become whole again.
Pontiac, ODOWA
We need to think as our forefathers did.
They knew the culture and the customs. The culture taught them how to live in harmony with each other. We need to think like this again.
We must be God-reliant. We don't need the firewater. This liquid is very destructive to our native people. It kills our spirit.
Our Indian people are happiest when we are spiritual. When we depend on anyone or anything else, we get off track.
We need to talk to the Elders and find out what the old ways were. We need to ask them to teach us the culture, the tradition, and the customs. This will help us become whole again.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
INTERTRIBAL FRIENDSHIP HOUSE POTLUCK AND 24TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA INDIAN CONFERENCE AND GATHERING
Tomorrow at IFH, Potluck Dinner. Bring your favorite dish to share and your own dishes and cups so we may be more gentle with the earth. Dennis Banks would like to thank the community for their prayers and support while he was sick.
Please also bring a canned food to donate to IFH's winter give away for the elders. Hope to see you there at 6pm, Friday October 30th
The Shellmound Walkers are also presenting at the California Indian Conference to be held at Cal State East Bay in Hayward on Saturday. We'd love to see you there. See more info below
“Seeing in Another Way: Sacred Sites of the Bay Area”
Saturday, October 31
10:30am-noon
Meiklejohn Hall, Room 2008
Organizers and participants in the Annual Bay Area Shellmound Peace Walk will make a presentation on sacred sites of the Bay Area, including a virtual tour of shellmounds visited on the Shellmound Walks.
24th Annual California Indian Conference and Gathering
October 30-31, 2009
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, California
The California Indian Conference and Gathering is an annual event for the exchange of views and information among academics, educators, California Indians, students, tribal nations, native organizations, and community members. This year’s sessions emphasize the vital importance of listening to Native Californian voices when interpreting California’s past.
http://www20.csueastbay.edu/events/cic
To RSVP or for more information please email: calindconf@gmail.com or call (510) 885-3237
Please also bring a canned food to donate to IFH's winter give away for the elders. Hope to see you there at 6pm, Friday October 30th
The Shellmound Walkers are also presenting at the California Indian Conference to be held at Cal State East Bay in Hayward on Saturday. We'd love to see you there. See more info below
“Seeing in Another Way: Sacred Sites of the Bay Area”
Saturday, October 31
10:30am-noon
Meiklejohn Hall, Room 2008
Organizers and participants in the Annual Bay Area Shellmound Peace Walk will make a presentation on sacred sites of the Bay Area, including a virtual tour of shellmounds visited on the Shellmound Walks.
24th Annual California Indian Conference and Gathering
October 30-31, 2009
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, California
The California Indian Conference and Gathering is an annual event for the exchange of views and information among academics, educators, California Indians, students, tribal nations, native organizations, and community members. This year’s sessions emphasize the vital importance of listening to Native Californian voices when interpreting California’s past.
http://www20.csueastbay.edu/events/cic
To RSVP or for more information please email: calindconf@gmail.com or call (510) 885-3237
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
FRIENDS OF THE THE AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATE PROGRAM AT UC BERKELEY CELEBRATES HERITAGE MONTH
Greetings Friends of the American Indian Graduate Program at UC Berkeley!
I hope you have a spooky and fun Halloween!!!!
AIGP is selling tickets on sale for a fry bread lunch next week on November 4th!
See info below! I will be traveling the rest of the week, but you can call AIGP and tell my assistant Cindy to save you a ticket. (510-642-3228) I need to sell 16 more tickets!
Please help and come have some fun!
Have a super rest of the day!
Carmen
November is National American Indian Heritage Month ** Join the Native American Staff Council in a luncheon and program (Food
Catered by Cal Catering)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
12:00 (Noon) until 2:00 pm
RSSP, Residence Hall - Unit 3
Central Building (2400 Durant)
All Purpose Room, Lower Level
Tickets: $10.00 (Contact Jackie Blossom-Garcia, blossom@berkeley.edu;
2-8241)
or see other staff on attached flyer to reserve a ticket)
Everyone welcome: Staff, Students and Faculty
* Enjoy delicious Indian tacos, frybread, strawberry shortcake and
other dishes
* View Native American Timeline & Posters
* Learn about other campus and local current events scheduled during
November
* Raffle drawing
After nearly a century of advocacy National American Indian Heritage
Month was first recognized through
joint resolution by Congress in 1990. Now recognized annually,
November is a time to learn more about
the history, heritage and contributions of Native American (American
Indians) to the past and to the future.
This is a time to honor and recognize the original people of this land.
Throughout history, Native people
have been an integral part of the American character. Against the
odds, America's first people had
endured, and yet they remain a vital cultural, political, social and
moral presence.
Tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and
ideas that have become ingrained in
the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper
without destroying the natural
environment; the understanding that people from very different
backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions
can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that
diversity can be a source of strength
rather than division.
"We will be known forever by the tracks we
leave."~Dakota
I hope you have a spooky and fun Halloween!!!!
AIGP is selling tickets on sale for a fry bread lunch next week on November 4th!
See info below! I will be traveling the rest of the week, but you can call AIGP and tell my assistant Cindy to save you a ticket. (510-642-3228) I need to sell 16 more tickets!
Please help and come have some fun!
Have a super rest of the day!
Carmen
November is National American Indian Heritage Month ** Join the Native American Staff Council in a luncheon and program (Food
Catered by Cal Catering)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
12:00 (Noon) until 2:00 pm
RSSP, Residence Hall - Unit 3
Central Building (2400 Durant)
All Purpose Room, Lower Level
Tickets: $10.00 (Contact Jackie Blossom-Garcia, blossom@berkeley.edu;
2-8241)
or see other staff on attached flyer to reserve a ticket)
Everyone welcome: Staff, Students and Faculty
* Enjoy delicious Indian tacos, frybread, strawberry shortcake and
other dishes
* View Native American Timeline & Posters
* Learn about other campus and local current events scheduled during
November
* Raffle drawing
After nearly a century of advocacy National American Indian Heritage
Month was first recognized through
joint resolution by Congress in 1990. Now recognized annually,
November is a time to learn more about
the history, heritage and contributions of Native American (American
Indians) to the past and to the future.
This is a time to honor and recognize the original people of this land.
Throughout history, Native people
have been an integral part of the American character. Against the
odds, America's first people had
endured, and yet they remain a vital cultural, political, social and
moral presence.
Tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and
ideas that have become ingrained in
the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper
without destroying the natural
environment; the understanding that people from very different
backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions
can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that
diversity can be a source of strength
rather than division.
"We will be known forever by the tracks we
leave."~Dakota
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
FOUNDER OF WELLBRIETY RECEIVES $100,000 DOLLLARS FOR ADVOCACY FOR SOBERITY MOVEMENT
October 26, 2009
Contact:
White Bison
1-877-871-1495
info@whitebison.org
Don Coyhis, Among 10 Social Innovators in Encore Careers
to Win 2009 Purpose Prize
Entrepreneurs Over 60 Win $50,000 - $100,000 Each for Using
Creativity, Experience to Solve Long-Standing Social Problems
Colorado Springs, CO - Don Coyhis has been awarded a 2009 Purpose Prize, which honors social entrepreneurs over 60 who are using their experience and passion to take on society's biggest challenges. Now in its fourth year, the six-year, $17 million program is the nation's only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life.
Don Coyhis (Mohican Nation), the Founder of the Colorado Springs, CO-based White Bison, Inc., will receive $100,000 for his work in Native American sobriety, recovery and healing, begun in 1988 with the founding of White Bison, Inc. By the mid-to-late 1990's, Coyhis was also the inspiration and founder of the Wellbriety Movement, dedicated to the healing and prosperity of Native American individuals, families, communities and tribal nations. Visit www.whitebison.org for more information.
Don Coyhis will join nine other 2009 winners and 46 Purpose Prize fellows at a Summit on Innovation on Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business' Center on Social Innovation, one of the world's leading academic centers focused on social entrepreneurship.
The winners and 1,000-plus nominees in 2009 underscore a trend in entrepreneurialism later in life. According to studies by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the 55-64 age group is the most active in creating new ventures. Counter to stereotype, people ages 20-34, the study found, are the least entrepreneurial.
"More than ever, the problems facing our communities, country and world call out for creative solutions," said Marc Freedman, co-founder of The Purpose Prize and author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life. "Fortunately, we don't run out of ideas as we age.
"Like so many others in this new stage of life between the end of midlife careers and the beginning of true old age, The Purpose Prize winners combine creativity, experience and passion with a desire to do something bigger than themselves," Freeman continued.
The Encore Careers campaign is run by Civic Ventures, a national think tank on boomers, work and social purpose. Funding for The Purpose Prize comes from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the John Templeton Foundation.
Sherry Lansing, CEO of the Sherry Lansing Foundation and former chair of Paramount Pictures' Motion Picture Group, chairs the jury that selected this year's winners. The 24 judges are leaders in business, politics, journalism and the nonprofit sector - including actor Sidney Poitier, social entrepreneur Thomas Tierney, former Senator Harris Wofford and journalist Cokie Roberts.
The Purpose Prize is a program of the Encore Careers campaign (www.encore.org), which aims to engage millions of boomers in encore careers combining social impact, personal meaning and continued income in the second half of life. The goal: produce a windfall of human talent to solve society's greatest problems, from education to the environment, health care to homelessness.
Fuller summaries, videos and photographs for Don Coyhis are online at www.encore.org, and you may also view information on other winners.
Don Coyhis and White Bison, Inc., in collaboration with Encore Careers, Inc., are honored to accept this award on behalf of the healing and wellbeing of Native American people.
Contact:
White Bison
1-877-871-1495
info@whitebison.org
Don Coyhis, Among 10 Social Innovators in Encore Careers
to Win 2009 Purpose Prize
Entrepreneurs Over 60 Win $50,000 - $100,000 Each for Using
Creativity, Experience to Solve Long-Standing Social Problems
Colorado Springs, CO - Don Coyhis has been awarded a 2009 Purpose Prize, which honors social entrepreneurs over 60 who are using their experience and passion to take on society's biggest challenges. Now in its fourth year, the six-year, $17 million program is the nation's only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life.
Don Coyhis (Mohican Nation), the Founder of the Colorado Springs, CO-based White Bison, Inc., will receive $100,000 for his work in Native American sobriety, recovery and healing, begun in 1988 with the founding of White Bison, Inc. By the mid-to-late 1990's, Coyhis was also the inspiration and founder of the Wellbriety Movement, dedicated to the healing and prosperity of Native American individuals, families, communities and tribal nations. Visit www.whitebison.org for more information.
Don Coyhis will join nine other 2009 winners and 46 Purpose Prize fellows at a Summit on Innovation on Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business' Center on Social Innovation, one of the world's leading academic centers focused on social entrepreneurship.
The winners and 1,000-plus nominees in 2009 underscore a trend in entrepreneurialism later in life. According to studies by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the 55-64 age group is the most active in creating new ventures. Counter to stereotype, people ages 20-34, the study found, are the least entrepreneurial.
"More than ever, the problems facing our communities, country and world call out for creative solutions," said Marc Freedman, co-founder of The Purpose Prize and author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life. "Fortunately, we don't run out of ideas as we age.
"Like so many others in this new stage of life between the end of midlife careers and the beginning of true old age, The Purpose Prize winners combine creativity, experience and passion with a desire to do something bigger than themselves," Freeman continued.
The Encore Careers campaign is run by Civic Ventures, a national think tank on boomers, work and social purpose. Funding for The Purpose Prize comes from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the John Templeton Foundation.
Sherry Lansing, CEO of the Sherry Lansing Foundation and former chair of Paramount Pictures' Motion Picture Group, chairs the jury that selected this year's winners. The 24 judges are leaders in business, politics, journalism and the nonprofit sector - including actor Sidney Poitier, social entrepreneur Thomas Tierney, former Senator Harris Wofford and journalist Cokie Roberts.
The Purpose Prize is a program of the Encore Careers campaign (www.encore.org), which aims to engage millions of boomers in encore careers combining social impact, personal meaning and continued income in the second half of life. The goal: produce a windfall of human talent to solve society's greatest problems, from education to the environment, health care to homelessness.
Fuller summaries, videos and photographs for Don Coyhis are online at www.encore.org, and you may also view information on other winners.
Don Coyhis and White Bison, Inc., in collaboration with Encore Careers, Inc., are honored to accept this award on behalf of the healing and wellbeing of Native American people.
Monday, October 26, 2009
ELDERS TEACH US THE WAY
"It seems that if Elders can feel that you are open to learning, they are more than generous with their teaching."
Chief Councilor, Lenard George
There is a saying, when the student is ready the teacher appears.
If the Elders sense that you are ready, they will help you see and learn new things. Most human beings love to share what they know with people who are excited to listen.
If you are talking to someone and you feel they really aren't listening, you won't want to tell them much. Before you go talk to the Elders, examine your motives - are you really excited about listening to them?
Chief Councilor, Lenard George
There is a saying, when the student is ready the teacher appears.
If the Elders sense that you are ready, they will help you see and learn new things. Most human beings love to share what they know with people who are excited to listen.
If you are talking to someone and you feel they really aren't listening, you won't want to tell them much. Before you go talk to the Elders, examine your motives - are you really excited about listening to them?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
THE POWER OF PRAYER
What does it matter how long I pray, so long as my prayers are answered?"
Sitting Bull, HUNKPAPA LAKOTA
Too often we worry about the words we use in prayer.
We focus on the words. What really counts is the spirit and intent behind our words. It is the spirit and intent that the Creator responds to. He reads and listens to our heart.
Prayer isn't only when we fold our hands and pray. Prayer is when we talk to the Creator even when we are walking down a path or sitting on a hill or walking in the mountains. The Elders say, walk in prayer. We should be willing to talk with the Great One.
Sitting Bull, HUNKPAPA LAKOTA
Too often we worry about the words we use in prayer.
We focus on the words. What really counts is the spirit and intent behind our words. It is the spirit and intent that the Creator responds to. He reads and listens to our heart.
Prayer isn't only when we fold our hands and pray. Prayer is when we talk to the Creator even when we are walking down a path or sitting on a hill or walking in the mountains. The Elders say, walk in prayer. We should be willing to talk with the Great One.
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