Tohono O’odham communities have gathered together in southern Arizona along with Derechos Humanos Coalition, American Indian Movement, International Indian Treaty Council and others to call for an urgent Border Summit of the Americas.
The summit will be held at the San Xavier District Cultural Center, Tucson, Arizona from September 29 through October 1, 2006. Campsite space and other nearby accommodations will be available. More detailed information will follow at later date. Mark your calendars now! Organizations are requested to send in a statement and or send a representative to the event.
The three day Border Summit will be facilitated with assistance from M.C., Dennis Banks, and Bill Means. Speakers on these and other concerns are yet to be confirmed. A Film “Crossing Arizona” will be viewed on Saturday. Directed by Joseph Mathew and Dan De Vivo, is an up-to-the-moment look at the hotly debated issues of illegal immigration and border security on the US/Mexico border. Floyd Red Crow Westerman—artist, actor, and songwriter—will be on hand for an evening concert in solidarity with Nations along la Frontera!
Make your voices be heard!! Immigration policy proposals and homeland security have combined to create a volatile situation along U.S. international borders. Increased law enforcement and vigilantism along the U.S.-Mexico border, in particular, has sparked a wave of reactions across the United States, from massive demonstrations to calls for voter registration campaigns and targeted actions.
In addition, in the northern border, the Bush administration has initiated efforts to nullify the Jay Treaty, which recognizes the right of border passage to Indigenous Peoples. And, have also planned to introduce new legislation for new laws to require DNA tests to determine Indian blood. All of this is being done without consultation or informed consent by First Nations peoples, and in violation of their treaty rights.
Coupled with the failure of both political parties in the U.S. to address the critical issues specifically confronting Indigenous communities today along its border, and by abandoning any meaningful legislation in this pre-election period, is cause for major concern. There is increasing urgency for Indian communities along the border(s) to address U.S. border enforcement policy. Recent legislative proposals affecting immigration, increased militarization of the border and the rise of private militias along the border(s) have created volatile and dangerous environments for American Indian border communities. Each day the likelihood of conflict and violence is increasing.
Many deaths and injuries have occurred, and many of these deaths are of Indian people from Mexico, Central and South America. This Border Summit of affected communities will provide an important opportunity to document current community experiences with border enforcement activities, identify and discuss issues and explore potential responses. An opportunity to invite the participation of Indigenous peoples from Central and South America, many times victims of U.S. immigration prison camps, threats and intimidation is extended to share their perspectives and recommendations for broad networking to help achieve a common goal.
The Border Summit of the Americas will also explore its future participation in the international arena with the newly created discussions at the UN to establish a Permanent Forum on Migration and Development, as a result of the impact of globalization on society. The Permanent Forum will also serve to gauge the progress of the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations in 2000.
Let’s not let the southern desert of the southwestern U.S. become another military strategic post for maneuvers similar to what is being witnessed in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the 25 tribes along the northern and southern U.S. borders, these changes in border security practices have had a dramatic effect.
Currently more than half of the apprehensions are made in Arizona, where just a fraction of the migrants used to cross. At present at least eight tribes/nations on the U.S./Mexico border between California and Texas are directly affected by migrations across their reservation lands; the Kumeyaay, Cocopah, Tohono O”odham, Yaqui, Gila River, Pima, Yavapai, Ysleta del Sur (Tigua) and Kickapoo nations.
Issues to be discussed include: environmental threats, human rights violations, cultural rights, treaty rights, and sovereignty for Indigenous peoples and Nations, in particular those divided by international borders between Canada and the United States and Mexico and the United States.
The outcome of the Border Summit will be the development of recommendations for border tribal governments and other affected parties to communicate with local, state and national as well as international bodies. This effort lays the groundwork for non-violence on Indian land and a more secure border.
Donations for the summit can be sent to: C/O Arizona Border Rights Foundation, P.O. Box 1286, Tucson, AZ 85702, a 501(c)3 organization.
Arizona Border Rights Foundation
Fundación de Derechos Fronterizos de Arizona
P.O. Box 1286 Tucson, AZ 85702
Phone: (1) (520) 770-1373 Fax: (1) (520)770-7455
RELATED NOTICES
The Women Title Holders sent the following to the Arizona Border Rights Foundation:
The Border Summit of the Americas is taking place September 29th through October 1, 2006.
Submit your positions. This is ours;
NOTICE FROM WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS OF THE KANION’KE:HAKA/MOHAWK NATION OF THE ROTINONHSONNION:WE/SIX NATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO ON OUR PEOPLES’ RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF PASSAGE ON INDIGENOUS LANDS KNOWN AS THE “WESTERN HEMISPHERE” WITHOUT HINDRANCE FROM COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS AND AGENCIES
DATE: Sept. 26, 2006.
FROM: WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS OF THE KANION’KE:HAKA OF THE ROTINONHSONNION:WE.
According to Wampum 44 of our law, the Kaianereh’ko:wa/Great Law, the Women are the “progenitors of the soil” of the Rotinonhsonnion:we. We are the Caretakers of the land, water and air of Turtle Island. As the trustees, we are obligated to preserve and protect the land’s integrity for the future generation.
TO: GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO AND ALL THEIR AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS, THEIR INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCES AND THE UNITED NATIONS.
RE: Traversing of Rotinonhsonnion:we lands on Turtle Island and beyond.
WHEREAS the Two Row Wampum Agreement and Wampum 56 of the Kaianereh’ko:wa/Great Law – representing the territory of each nation - stipulate that no one shall restrict our freedom of passage on our lands on Turtle Island and Beyond;
WHEREAS the Women Title Holders were never consulted nor did we give our consent for Canada, United States and Mexico to make any restrictions on our freedom of passage on our lands on Turtle Island and beyond;
WHEREAS according to international law every nation has a right to conduct trade and commerce and to freely pass unhindered through our territories;
WHEREAS as indigenous nations we have a duty to make agreements and alliances for all purposes that our nations deem necessary for our People;
WHEREAS according to article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Sections 1 and 2, every nation has a right to its nationality. No nation can change a nation’s identity arbitrarily by imposing legislation to restrict travel, trade and commerce.
WHEREAS all nations have a right to take defensive action to object to and stop anyone that tries to restrict their right to exercise their nationhood;
WHEREAS according to international law colonial nations cannot restrict our rights and make unlawful demands for passports and other forms of identity to travel within and between our territories. We have made traditional agreements and means by which to traverse the lands of our Indigenous allies;
WHEREAS there are a few Canadian and American citizens of Mohawk ancestry. The colonial government has imposed tribal and band council systems which are not supported by our people. Under international law we have a right to our nationality and cannot be arbitrarily denied that right. The majority of the constitutional people cannot be turned into Canadian or American citizens. We as a people have our own constitution that was in place before colonial contact and continues in use to this day. We cannot be governed by foreign laws that have been arbitrarily imposed without our consent on our territories.
WHEREAS we have a form of identification, the Red Card, which is issued by us under the Two Row Wampum and our constitution, the Kaianereh’ko:wa, which guarantee our passage through all indigenous territories without hindrance.
WHEREAS the Red Card indicates that a person is a Haudenosaunee/Six Nations Iroquois of Turtle Island. According to the Two Row Wampum Agreement, at all times we are free to pass and repass by land or inland navigation [or by air] onto our territories, that we are free to carry on trade and commerce with each other, that we shall not pay any duty or import whatever, that we are free to hunt and fish anywhere on our vast territory and that we shall have free passage over all toll roads and bridges.
WHEREAS The Charter of the United Nations requires respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples. Its members have committed themselves to abide by its terms, to not use force and to use peaceful and legal means to settle differences;
WHEREAS Canada has ascribed to the internationally recognized standards for respecting political rights of the People as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Prevention of Genocide, United Nations Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and other international legal instruments;
WHEREAS General Assembly Resolution 1541 (XV) requires the informed consent of a people before they are included in another state; the International Court of Justice affirmed this Resolution in the Western Sahara case;
WHEREAS international law is firmly committed to affirming the equal and inalienable rights of all peoples and rejects colonial encroachment on other people, including Indigenous nations;
WHEREAS Canada, the U.S. and Mexico must abide by the international law principles that there can be no arbitrary encroachment on Indigenous people; ignoring the true Indigenous people is now universally recognized as illegal; Indigenous people must be consulted; and our perspectives on the issues can no longer be ignored;
WE, THE WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS, SEEK TO INFORM YOU THAT THIS IS FULL AND FAIR NOTICE THAT:
1)Canada, United States and Mexico, in preparing to violate our jurisdiction, will be replicating the genocidal policies that their countries have previously engaged in.
2)Any individual or foreign entity wishing to discuss any agreements or differences between our nations must provide full information to the Governor General of Canada and the President of the United States who have the duty to inform us.
3)In Canada we took an action in the Supreme Court of Canada – Kanion’ke:haka Kaianereh’ko:wa Kanon’ses:neh v. Attorney General of Canada and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, Court File: 05-CV-030785.
8)We brought this constitutional jurisdiction issue before the U.S. Supreme Court. See No. 05-165: 2005. In the Supreme Court of the United States in re: Kanion’ke:haka Kaianereh’ko:wa Kanon’ses:neh, Non-party, Petitioner/Movant/Appellant, The Canadian St. Regis Band of Mohawk Indians, Plaintiffs, Respondents, v. The State of New York, Defendants, Respondents. Petition for Writs of Certiorari and Quo Warranto with Prohibition and Mandamus in Aid to Prevent Genocide. Rules 17.1 and 20.1. (Attached)
FOR THE ABOVE REASONS, WE, THE WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS, ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE ROTINONHSONNION:WE – IN ORDER TO PROTECT OUR PHYSICAL INTEGRITY AND OUR LEGAL RIGHTS – REQUEST THE FOLLOWING:
i)Canada, U.S. and Mexico deal with us on a nation-to-nation basis as required under both our law and international law;
ii)An open and public process of dialogue between our nations must be started so that we can reach solutions by consensus. The Rotinohsonnion:we does not tolerate the violations of our constitution, ancient customs, traditions and agreements by Canadian, American and Mexican governments, corporations and agents squashing our inherent rights by encroaching on our rights and lands. Respect for our rights is entrenched in the constitutions of Canada and the United States.
iii)Should Canada, U.S. and Mexico disregard our demands and continue to breach our rights, then you will force us to take the necessary measures to correct the injustices that have been committed against us.
iv)For over 200 years Canada and the U.S. have tried to impose their colonial institutions on us. We have always resisted. It is never too late to polish the Covenant Chain. We invite Canada, the United States and Mexico to take part in renewing the spirit of the Two Row Wampum that began our peaceful international relationship.
Women Title Holders of the Kanion’ke:haka of the Rotinonhsonnion:we
Katenies /s/ __________________________
Kahentinetha /s/ _____________________________
Teiohontathe /s/ ______________________________
Contact: Aroniakons, P.O. Box 357, Kahnawake of Mohawk Territory (Quebec, Canada) J0L 1B0 Email address: kgtfhemlock@hotmail.com
Phone (1) 518-236-7100.
Sent to: All Media; Governments of Canada, United States and Mexico; Queen Elizabeth II; President of the U.S.; President of Mexico; United Nations; Six Nations Confederacy; Mohawks of Wahta, Six Nations, Tyendinaga, Akwesasne, Kahnawake, Kanehsatake, Ganienkeh and Kanatiohareke.
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OHNGO GUADADEH DEVIA
Skull Valley Goshute Reservation, Utah
“Nuclear Waste Dump No Longer Threatens Our Homeland; Private Fuel Storage Dump Defeated!”
--Skull Valley Goshute Reservation, Utah
Recent new stories on the defeat of a nuclear waste dump on the Skull Valley Goshute Reservation have primarily highlighted the role the state of Utah played in stopping the radioactive spent fuel storage plan. The battle over nuclear waste has been described as a battle between the state, on one side, and the tribe and Private Fuel Storage, a coalition of utilities, on the other. Yet, it is grassroots tribal members from Skull Valley who played the decisive role in defeating the plan, due to their tireless effort and their environmental justice and sovereignty platform.
The grassroots platform is based on protecting the way of life, traditions and homeland of the Goshutes from the ecological and cultural threats posed by radioactive waste storage. It is this platform that rallied a national coalition of Indigenous and environmental groups to support tribal members, and to which the Bureau of Indian Affairs referred in rejecting the waste dump.
“Fourteen years ago, Skull Valley Band Of Goshute members were told of plans to store high-level nuclear waste on our reservation land,” said Margene Bullcreek, founder of the grassroots Skull Valley group Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia (Shoshone word meaning ‘Timber Setting Committee.’) “We were told how safe it was and how it would bring prosperity to our lives. It would have been easy to lose oneself in the vulnerability of the Band members who were groping for wealth as a way out of despair and reservation poverty. For those of us who respect our Devia, our homeland, wealth at the expense of our cultural traditions was never an option for us.”
“Sovereignty is the root of our lives as indigenous peoples, and it can't be bought, sold, or abused with greed and dishonesty when our traditional life is at stake. It gives me a great sense of being an Indigenous woman that Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia members not only spoke out against nuclear power and waste but also stood up for our cultural and traditional values and the protection of animal life, air, water, people and Mother Earth. And in the end, this stance was recognized by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” adds Bullcreek.
In two separate decisions, the Bureau of Indian Affairs disapproved a Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted lease for Private Fuel Storage to use Skull Valley Goshute Indian reservation land, and the Bureau of Land Management refused to grant the rights of way needed to build transportation infrastructure to move tons of used nuclear fuel through the state to the storage site. The Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, as "trustee-delegate", issued his ultimate decision and ruling after a “complex task of weighing the long-term viability and preservation of the tribal culture of the Skull Valley Band of Goshute against the benefits and risks from such economic development activities”. In conclusion, Associate Deputy Interior Secretary James Cason wrote: "It is not consistent with the conduct expected of the prudent trustee to approve a proposed lease that promotes storing high level spent fuel on the reservation."
“While the decision is a victory for Margene, who has been fighting to protect her reservation for years now, it is somewhat disappointing that it took the BIA so long to reach this decision”, said Mark EchoHawk, an attorney representing Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia. “In December, 2002, we asked the BIA to withdraw its conditional approval for the PFS lease based on many of the points the BIA now relies on in its decision. The BIA has been aware of the reasons which justify disapproval of the PFS lease for years now, but failed to act,” EchoHawk added.
“This was a precedent-setting and decision the Secretary of Interior made for the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes in that it recognizes our cultural perspective and lives as well as our sovereignty and the trust relationship between the federal government and our reservation community,” said Bullcreek.
Tom Goldtooth, Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network said the decision has national implications. “This decision by the Secretary is not only highly important for Goshute people,” he said, “but also for all Indigenous peoples who face the same dilemma and who need protection against environmental injustice.”
For More Information:
Margene Bullcreek, Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia
mbullcreek@yahoo.com
(1) 435-831-6009
(1) 801-414-9543
Tom Goldtooth,
Executive Director,
Indigenous Environmental Network http://www.ienearth.org
ien@igc.org
(1) 218-751-4967
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An Open Letter to All Those Who Have Supported the Work of Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia (OGD)
September 20, 2006
Greetings,
Fourteen years ago, Skull Valley Band Of Goshute members were told of plans to store high-level nuclear waste on our reservation land. We were told how safe it was and how it would bring prosperity to our lives. It would have been easy to lose oneself in the vulnerability of the Band members who were groping for wealth as a way out of despair and reservation poverty. For those of us who respect our Devia, our homeland, wealth was never an option for us. We struggled to swim in the turbulence yet reach out to a strong limb of hope that could rebuild our sovereignty, culture and traditional aspects.
By now, many of you have heard that the Skull Valley nuclear waste dump has been defeated. We stood up to Private Fuel Storage, a coalition of eight of the largest utilities in the country, and stopped 44,000 metric tons of high level nuclear waste from being moved onto our land. This is a tremendous victory.
We were almost destroyed by this poisonous high-level nuclear waste that no one wants or knows what to do with, but to store on Indigenous land. We are in the midst of corporate greed, causing the destruction of our Indigenous lands to promote American life and feed America’s lust for power. It gives me a great sense of being an Indigenous woman to speak against nuclear power. Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia members not only spoke out, we stood up for our cultural and traditional values and the protection of animal life, air, water, people and Mother Earth. And in the end, this stance was recognized by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, as "trustee-delegation", issued his ultimate decision and ruling after a complex task of weighing the long-term viability and preservation of the tribal culture of the Skull Valley Band of Goshute against the benefits and risks from such economic development activities. In conclusion, Associate Deputy Interior Secretary James Cason wrote: "It is not consistent with the conduct expected of the prudent trustee to approve a proposed lease that promotes storing high level spent fuel on the reservation."
This was a precedent-setting and decision the Secretary of Interior made for the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes in that it recognizes our cultural perspective and lives as well as our sovereignty and the trust relationship between the federal government and our reservation community. This decision by the Secretary is not only highly important for Goshute people, but also for all Indigenous people who face the same dilemma and who need protection against environmental racism.
Sovereignty is the root of Indigenous people. Our livelihood is based on the visions of our forefathers, generations ago, to uphold our sacredness, to live in harmony with nature and all living creation. We reside on Mother Earth and give thanks to her nourishment, always building steps for our future generation who represent the survival of an Indigenous community. Sovereignty can't be bought, sold, or abused with greed and dishonesty when our traditional life is at stake.
I express gratitude to OGD members, silent ones, our attorneys Paul, Mark and Larry Echohawk, Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN), Tom Goldtooth, Shundahai, Corbin Harney, a spiritual leader who says we have one air, one water, one Mother Earth, Pete Lipster, Western Shoshone Defense Project, Carrie Dann, who stands for Shoshone Land, Neconda, Grace Thorpe, leader of anti-nuke and nuclear free zone, Shoshone National Council and staff, Honor the Earth, NIRS, Kevin Kamps, the Utah Delegates, and others. I give thanks to all who supported OGD in our efforts to protect our homeland. We have been successful, and now look to developing a future reservation economy based on sustainability that reflects our cultural values and traditions.
Margene Bullcreek, tribal member, Skull Valley Band of Goshute (Shoshone)
Founder, Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia (OGD)
mbullcreek@yahoo.com
(1) 435-831-6009
(1) 801-414-9543
Forwarded by:
Tom B.K. Goldtooth
Executive Director
Indigenous Environmental Network http://www.ienearth.org
PO Box 485
Bemidji, MN 56619 USA
Email: ien@igc.org
The summit will be held at the San Xavier District Cultural Center, Tucson, Arizona from September 29 through October 1, 2006. Campsite space and other nearby accommodations will be available. More detailed information will follow at later date. Mark your calendars now! Organizations are requested to send in a statement and or send a representative to the event.
The three day Border Summit will be facilitated with assistance from M.C., Dennis Banks, and Bill Means. Speakers on these and other concerns are yet to be confirmed. A Film “Crossing Arizona” will be viewed on Saturday. Directed by Joseph Mathew and Dan De Vivo, is an up-to-the-moment look at the hotly debated issues of illegal immigration and border security on the US/Mexico border. Floyd Red Crow Westerman—artist, actor, and songwriter—will be on hand for an evening concert in solidarity with Nations along la Frontera!
Make your voices be heard!! Immigration policy proposals and homeland security have combined to create a volatile situation along U.S. international borders. Increased law enforcement and vigilantism along the U.S.-Mexico border, in particular, has sparked a wave of reactions across the United States, from massive demonstrations to calls for voter registration campaigns and targeted actions.
In addition, in the northern border, the Bush administration has initiated efforts to nullify the Jay Treaty, which recognizes the right of border passage to Indigenous Peoples. And, have also planned to introduce new legislation for new laws to require DNA tests to determine Indian blood. All of this is being done without consultation or informed consent by First Nations peoples, and in violation of their treaty rights.
Coupled with the failure of both political parties in the U.S. to address the critical issues specifically confronting Indigenous communities today along its border, and by abandoning any meaningful legislation in this pre-election period, is cause for major concern. There is increasing urgency for Indian communities along the border(s) to address U.S. border enforcement policy. Recent legislative proposals affecting immigration, increased militarization of the border and the rise of private militias along the border(s) have created volatile and dangerous environments for American Indian border communities. Each day the likelihood of conflict and violence is increasing.
Many deaths and injuries have occurred, and many of these deaths are of Indian people from Mexico, Central and South America. This Border Summit of affected communities will provide an important opportunity to document current community experiences with border enforcement activities, identify and discuss issues and explore potential responses. An opportunity to invite the participation of Indigenous peoples from Central and South America, many times victims of U.S. immigration prison camps, threats and intimidation is extended to share their perspectives and recommendations for broad networking to help achieve a common goal.
The Border Summit of the Americas will also explore its future participation in the international arena with the newly created discussions at the UN to establish a Permanent Forum on Migration and Development, as a result of the impact of globalization on society. The Permanent Forum will also serve to gauge the progress of the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations in 2000.
Let’s not let the southern desert of the southwestern U.S. become another military strategic post for maneuvers similar to what is being witnessed in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the 25 tribes along the northern and southern U.S. borders, these changes in border security practices have had a dramatic effect.
Currently more than half of the apprehensions are made in Arizona, where just a fraction of the migrants used to cross. At present at least eight tribes/nations on the U.S./Mexico border between California and Texas are directly affected by migrations across their reservation lands; the Kumeyaay, Cocopah, Tohono O”odham, Yaqui, Gila River, Pima, Yavapai, Ysleta del Sur (Tigua) and Kickapoo nations.
Issues to be discussed include: environmental threats, human rights violations, cultural rights, treaty rights, and sovereignty for Indigenous peoples and Nations, in particular those divided by international borders between Canada and the United States and Mexico and the United States.
The outcome of the Border Summit will be the development of recommendations for border tribal governments and other affected parties to communicate with local, state and national as well as international bodies. This effort lays the groundwork for non-violence on Indian land and a more secure border.
Donations for the summit can be sent to: C/O Arizona Border Rights Foundation, P.O. Box 1286, Tucson, AZ 85702, a 501(c)3 organization.
Arizona Border Rights Foundation
Fundación de Derechos Fronterizos de Arizona
P.O. Box 1286 Tucson, AZ 85702
Phone: (1) (520) 770-1373 Fax: (1) (520)770-7455
RELATED NOTICES
The Women Title Holders sent the following to the Arizona Border Rights Foundation:
The Border Summit of the Americas is taking place September 29th through October 1, 2006.
Submit your positions. This is ours;
NOTICE FROM WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS OF THE KANION’KE:HAKA/MOHAWK NATION OF THE ROTINONHSONNION:WE/SIX NATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO ON OUR PEOPLES’ RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF PASSAGE ON INDIGENOUS LANDS KNOWN AS THE “WESTERN HEMISPHERE” WITHOUT HINDRANCE FROM COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS AND AGENCIES
DATE: Sept. 26, 2006.
FROM: WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS OF THE KANION’KE:HAKA OF THE ROTINONHSONNION:WE.
According to Wampum 44 of our law, the Kaianereh’ko:wa/Great Law, the Women are the “progenitors of the soil” of the Rotinonhsonnion:we. We are the Caretakers of the land, water and air of Turtle Island. As the trustees, we are obligated to preserve and protect the land’s integrity for the future generation.
TO: GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO AND ALL THEIR AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS, THEIR INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCES AND THE UNITED NATIONS.
RE: Traversing of Rotinonhsonnion:we lands on Turtle Island and beyond.
WHEREAS the Two Row Wampum Agreement and Wampum 56 of the Kaianereh’ko:wa/Great Law – representing the territory of each nation - stipulate that no one shall restrict our freedom of passage on our lands on Turtle Island and Beyond;
WHEREAS the Women Title Holders were never consulted nor did we give our consent for Canada, United States and Mexico to make any restrictions on our freedom of passage on our lands on Turtle Island and beyond;
WHEREAS according to international law every nation has a right to conduct trade and commerce and to freely pass unhindered through our territories;
WHEREAS as indigenous nations we have a duty to make agreements and alliances for all purposes that our nations deem necessary for our People;
WHEREAS according to article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Sections 1 and 2, every nation has a right to its nationality. No nation can change a nation’s identity arbitrarily by imposing legislation to restrict travel, trade and commerce.
WHEREAS all nations have a right to take defensive action to object to and stop anyone that tries to restrict their right to exercise their nationhood;
WHEREAS according to international law colonial nations cannot restrict our rights and make unlawful demands for passports and other forms of identity to travel within and between our territories. We have made traditional agreements and means by which to traverse the lands of our Indigenous allies;
WHEREAS there are a few Canadian and American citizens of Mohawk ancestry. The colonial government has imposed tribal and band council systems which are not supported by our people. Under international law we have a right to our nationality and cannot be arbitrarily denied that right. The majority of the constitutional people cannot be turned into Canadian or American citizens. We as a people have our own constitution that was in place before colonial contact and continues in use to this day. We cannot be governed by foreign laws that have been arbitrarily imposed without our consent on our territories.
WHEREAS we have a form of identification, the Red Card, which is issued by us under the Two Row Wampum and our constitution, the Kaianereh’ko:wa, which guarantee our passage through all indigenous territories without hindrance.
WHEREAS the Red Card indicates that a person is a Haudenosaunee/Six Nations Iroquois of Turtle Island. According to the Two Row Wampum Agreement, at all times we are free to pass and repass by land or inland navigation [or by air] onto our territories, that we are free to carry on trade and commerce with each other, that we shall not pay any duty or import whatever, that we are free to hunt and fish anywhere on our vast territory and that we shall have free passage over all toll roads and bridges.
WHEREAS The Charter of the United Nations requires respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples. Its members have committed themselves to abide by its terms, to not use force and to use peaceful and legal means to settle differences;
WHEREAS Canada has ascribed to the internationally recognized standards for respecting political rights of the People as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Prevention of Genocide, United Nations Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and other international legal instruments;
WHEREAS General Assembly Resolution 1541 (XV) requires the informed consent of a people before they are included in another state; the International Court of Justice affirmed this Resolution in the Western Sahara case;
WHEREAS international law is firmly committed to affirming the equal and inalienable rights of all peoples and rejects colonial encroachment on other people, including Indigenous nations;
WHEREAS Canada, the U.S. and Mexico must abide by the international law principles that there can be no arbitrary encroachment on Indigenous people; ignoring the true Indigenous people is now universally recognized as illegal; Indigenous people must be consulted; and our perspectives on the issues can no longer be ignored;
WE, THE WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS, SEEK TO INFORM YOU THAT THIS IS FULL AND FAIR NOTICE THAT:
1)Canada, United States and Mexico, in preparing to violate our jurisdiction, will be replicating the genocidal policies that their countries have previously engaged in.
2)Any individual or foreign entity wishing to discuss any agreements or differences between our nations must provide full information to the Governor General of Canada and the President of the United States who have the duty to inform us.
3)In Canada we took an action in the Supreme Court of Canada – Kanion’ke:haka Kaianereh’ko:wa Kanon’ses:neh v. Attorney General of Canada and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, Court File: 05-CV-030785.
8)We brought this constitutional jurisdiction issue before the U.S. Supreme Court. See No. 05-165: 2005. In the Supreme Court of the United States in re: Kanion’ke:haka Kaianereh’ko:wa Kanon’ses:neh, Non-party, Petitioner/Movant/Appellant, The Canadian St. Regis Band of Mohawk Indians, Plaintiffs, Respondents, v. The State of New York, Defendants, Respondents. Petition for Writs of Certiorari and Quo Warranto with Prohibition and Mandamus in Aid to Prevent Genocide. Rules 17.1 and 20.1. (Attached)
FOR THE ABOVE REASONS, WE, THE WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS, ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE ROTINONHSONNION:WE – IN ORDER TO PROTECT OUR PHYSICAL INTEGRITY AND OUR LEGAL RIGHTS – REQUEST THE FOLLOWING:
i)Canada, U.S. and Mexico deal with us on a nation-to-nation basis as required under both our law and international law;
ii)An open and public process of dialogue between our nations must be started so that we can reach solutions by consensus. The Rotinohsonnion:we does not tolerate the violations of our constitution, ancient customs, traditions and agreements by Canadian, American and Mexican governments, corporations and agents squashing our inherent rights by encroaching on our rights and lands. Respect for our rights is entrenched in the constitutions of Canada and the United States.
iii)Should Canada, U.S. and Mexico disregard our demands and continue to breach our rights, then you will force us to take the necessary measures to correct the injustices that have been committed against us.
iv)For over 200 years Canada and the U.S. have tried to impose their colonial institutions on us. We have always resisted. It is never too late to polish the Covenant Chain. We invite Canada, the United States and Mexico to take part in renewing the spirit of the Two Row Wampum that began our peaceful international relationship.
Women Title Holders of the Kanion’ke:haka of the Rotinonhsonnion:we
Katenies /s/ __________________________
Kahentinetha /s/ _____________________________
Teiohontathe /s/ ______________________________
Contact: Aroniakons, P.O. Box 357, Kahnawake of Mohawk Territory (Quebec, Canada) J0L 1B0 Email address: kgtfhemlock@hotmail.com
Phone (1) 518-236-7100.
Sent to: All Media; Governments of Canada, United States and Mexico; Queen Elizabeth II; President of the U.S.; President of Mexico; United Nations; Six Nations Confederacy; Mohawks of Wahta, Six Nations, Tyendinaga, Akwesasne, Kahnawake, Kanehsatake, Ganienkeh and Kanatiohareke.
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OHNGO GUADADEH DEVIA
Skull Valley Goshute Reservation, Utah
“Nuclear Waste Dump No Longer Threatens Our Homeland; Private Fuel Storage Dump Defeated!”
--Skull Valley Goshute Reservation, Utah
Recent new stories on the defeat of a nuclear waste dump on the Skull Valley Goshute Reservation have primarily highlighted the role the state of Utah played in stopping the radioactive spent fuel storage plan. The battle over nuclear waste has been described as a battle between the state, on one side, and the tribe and Private Fuel Storage, a coalition of utilities, on the other. Yet, it is grassroots tribal members from Skull Valley who played the decisive role in defeating the plan, due to their tireless effort and their environmental justice and sovereignty platform.
The grassroots platform is based on protecting the way of life, traditions and homeland of the Goshutes from the ecological and cultural threats posed by radioactive waste storage. It is this platform that rallied a national coalition of Indigenous and environmental groups to support tribal members, and to which the Bureau of Indian Affairs referred in rejecting the waste dump.
“Fourteen years ago, Skull Valley Band Of Goshute members were told of plans to store high-level nuclear waste on our reservation land,” said Margene Bullcreek, founder of the grassroots Skull Valley group Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia (Shoshone word meaning ‘Timber Setting Committee.’) “We were told how safe it was and how it would bring prosperity to our lives. It would have been easy to lose oneself in the vulnerability of the Band members who were groping for wealth as a way out of despair and reservation poverty. For those of us who respect our Devia, our homeland, wealth at the expense of our cultural traditions was never an option for us.”
“Sovereignty is the root of our lives as indigenous peoples, and it can't be bought, sold, or abused with greed and dishonesty when our traditional life is at stake. It gives me a great sense of being an Indigenous woman that Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia members not only spoke out against nuclear power and waste but also stood up for our cultural and traditional values and the protection of animal life, air, water, people and Mother Earth. And in the end, this stance was recognized by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” adds Bullcreek.
In two separate decisions, the Bureau of Indian Affairs disapproved a Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted lease for Private Fuel Storage to use Skull Valley Goshute Indian reservation land, and the Bureau of Land Management refused to grant the rights of way needed to build transportation infrastructure to move tons of used nuclear fuel through the state to the storage site. The Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, as "trustee-delegate", issued his ultimate decision and ruling after a “complex task of weighing the long-term viability and preservation of the tribal culture of the Skull Valley Band of Goshute against the benefits and risks from such economic development activities”. In conclusion, Associate Deputy Interior Secretary James Cason wrote: "It is not consistent with the conduct expected of the prudent trustee to approve a proposed lease that promotes storing high level spent fuel on the reservation."
“While the decision is a victory for Margene, who has been fighting to protect her reservation for years now, it is somewhat disappointing that it took the BIA so long to reach this decision”, said Mark EchoHawk, an attorney representing Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia. “In December, 2002, we asked the BIA to withdraw its conditional approval for the PFS lease based on many of the points the BIA now relies on in its decision. The BIA has been aware of the reasons which justify disapproval of the PFS lease for years now, but failed to act,” EchoHawk added.
“This was a precedent-setting and decision the Secretary of Interior made for the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes in that it recognizes our cultural perspective and lives as well as our sovereignty and the trust relationship between the federal government and our reservation community,” said Bullcreek.
Tom Goldtooth, Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network said the decision has national implications. “This decision by the Secretary is not only highly important for Goshute people,” he said, “but also for all Indigenous peoples who face the same dilemma and who need protection against environmental injustice.”
For More Information:
Margene Bullcreek, Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia
mbullcreek@yahoo.com
(1) 435-831-6009
(1) 801-414-9543
Tom Goldtooth,
Executive Director,
Indigenous Environmental Network http://www.ienearth.org
ien@igc.org
(1) 218-751-4967
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An Open Letter to All Those Who Have Supported the Work of Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia (OGD)
September 20, 2006
Greetings,
Fourteen years ago, Skull Valley Band Of Goshute members were told of plans to store high-level nuclear waste on our reservation land. We were told how safe it was and how it would bring prosperity to our lives. It would have been easy to lose oneself in the vulnerability of the Band members who were groping for wealth as a way out of despair and reservation poverty. For those of us who respect our Devia, our homeland, wealth was never an option for us. We struggled to swim in the turbulence yet reach out to a strong limb of hope that could rebuild our sovereignty, culture and traditional aspects.
By now, many of you have heard that the Skull Valley nuclear waste dump has been defeated. We stood up to Private Fuel Storage, a coalition of eight of the largest utilities in the country, and stopped 44,000 metric tons of high level nuclear waste from being moved onto our land. This is a tremendous victory.
We were almost destroyed by this poisonous high-level nuclear waste that no one wants or knows what to do with, but to store on Indigenous land. We are in the midst of corporate greed, causing the destruction of our Indigenous lands to promote American life and feed America’s lust for power. It gives me a great sense of being an Indigenous woman to speak against nuclear power. Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia members not only spoke out, we stood up for our cultural and traditional values and the protection of animal life, air, water, people and Mother Earth. And in the end, this stance was recognized by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, as "trustee-delegation", issued his ultimate decision and ruling after a complex task of weighing the long-term viability and preservation of the tribal culture of the Skull Valley Band of Goshute against the benefits and risks from such economic development activities. In conclusion, Associate Deputy Interior Secretary James Cason wrote: "It is not consistent with the conduct expected of the prudent trustee to approve a proposed lease that promotes storing high level spent fuel on the reservation."
This was a precedent-setting and decision the Secretary of Interior made for the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes in that it recognizes our cultural perspective and lives as well as our sovereignty and the trust relationship between the federal government and our reservation community. This decision by the Secretary is not only highly important for Goshute people, but also for all Indigenous people who face the same dilemma and who need protection against environmental racism.
Sovereignty is the root of Indigenous people. Our livelihood is based on the visions of our forefathers, generations ago, to uphold our sacredness, to live in harmony with nature and all living creation. We reside on Mother Earth and give thanks to her nourishment, always building steps for our future generation who represent the survival of an Indigenous community. Sovereignty can't be bought, sold, or abused with greed and dishonesty when our traditional life is at stake.
I express gratitude to OGD members, silent ones, our attorneys Paul, Mark and Larry Echohawk, Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN), Tom Goldtooth, Shundahai, Corbin Harney, a spiritual leader who says we have one air, one water, one Mother Earth, Pete Lipster, Western Shoshone Defense Project, Carrie Dann, who stands for Shoshone Land, Neconda, Grace Thorpe, leader of anti-nuke and nuclear free zone, Shoshone National Council and staff, Honor the Earth, NIRS, Kevin Kamps, the Utah Delegates, and others. I give thanks to all who supported OGD in our efforts to protect our homeland. We have been successful, and now look to developing a future reservation economy based on sustainability that reflects our cultural values and traditions.
Margene Bullcreek, tribal member, Skull Valley Band of Goshute (Shoshone)
Founder, Ohngo Gaudadeh Devia (OGD)
mbullcreek@yahoo.com
(1) 435-831-6009
(1) 801-414-9543
Forwarded by:
Tom B.K. Goldtooth
Executive Director
Indigenous Environmental Network http://www.ienearth.org
PO Box 485
Bemidji, MN 56619 USA
Email: ien@igc.org