By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/
SELLS, Arizona -- Tohono O'odham tribal police have routinely followed, harassed, intimidated, detained and handcuffed without cause, O'odham human rights activists and news reporters documenting the abuses. While working closely with Homeland Security, and controlled by federal dollars, the Tohono O'odham tribal government is a leading offender of human rights, both of its own people and dying migrants.
Recently, O'odham detention officers left Native American inmates locked in a suffocating van in the desert, where death often results during the summer temperatures of between 100 and 117 degrees.
The US Border Patrol and Tohono O'odham tribal police work hand in hand to continue abusing O'odham and migrants.
A Federal Appeals case reveals how out of control Tohono O'odham tribal police are:
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/28/2864.asp
" ... When stopped, Bressi insisted that the roadblock was unconstitutional and declined to produce his papers when a tribal policeman demanded it. Instead, Bressi asked the officer if he had any probable cause to believe he was in violation of any state law. That infuriated the officer who, after a lengthy exchange, pulled Bressi out of his vehicle, handcuffed him and arrested him for failure to obey a police officer and failure to produce proof of identity ..."
August 12, 2009
DQ University: Keeping the dream alive
G H O S T M A C H I N E G R O U P AFFILIATED OBSIDIAN NATION
An American Indian People's Resistance movement of the 21st Century
Davis, California
August 11, 20095:15 p.m.
TO: The people
FROM: AFFILIATED OBSIDIAN NATION
DATE: August 11, 2009 5:15 p.m PST
SUBJECT: D-Q University Talking Circle, Esparto California
UPDATE ON D-Q UNIVERSITY TALKING CIRCLE IN ESPARTO, CALIFORNIA
To our Brothers and Sisters Everywhere: The gathering was a resounding success. Many people came, and the large meeting room at the Esaprto Library was filled to capacity. For over two and a half hours, twelve leaders from the regional Indigenous community spoke out regarding the past, present, and future of D-Q University.
Sponsored by the United Native Americans group and Dr. Noel Boaz, the event was titled "A NEW DAWN AT D-Q UNIVERSITY."
The gathering served as a focal point for people to talk about the happenings currently swirling around "California's only Tribal College," -D-Q University. Most of the presenters spoke about: the history of the people's struggle: where D-Q University stands at the present time, politically, spiritually, and educationally: the details surrounding the Land and Leadership Controversy at the school, the meaning of the great Eagle and Condor Prophecy: and the importance of getting D-Q University back on its feet again. There were a few representatives of D-Q University's very corrupt (and illegal) "board of trustees" present at yesterday's Talking Circle, Many of us thought that their presence there was incredibly lame and hypocritical of them, -seeing as how it was the board of trustees who refused to allow the Talking Circle -and the National M.E.Ch.A. Conference, to take place at D-Q University in the very recent past. (This was how yesterday's event came to be re-scheduled at the Library in Esparto.)
Even though they were physically present at the Talking Circle, the "board of trustees" and its' representatives did not speak one word to the people in the audience.
The lone board member who appeared at the talking circle yesterday just sat in the back of the room and remained silent. Which was perfectly fine with us; -no one really wanted to listen to any more of the board of trustees' lies, anyway.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by the events' organizers and the people in the audience to do everything they (we) can in the future, to work in a legal, peaceful, way to remove the failed leadership of D-Q University -in the form of the present board of trustees, from office.
This is the end of the Unofficial Update.
Take care of yourselves, but most importantly of all, Take Care of The People.
And remember always that: THE REAL D-Q WILL NEVER DIE And having said all that we would, we will be leaving you -for now. We are this Nation,
Steve Jerome-Wyatt,
Acknowledged Spokesman
An American Indian People's Resistance movement of the 21st Century
Davis, California
August 11, 20095:15 p.m.
TO: The people
FROM: AFFILIATED OBSIDIAN NATION
DATE: August 11, 2009 5:15 p.m PST
SUBJECT: D-Q University Talking Circle, Esparto California
UPDATE ON D-Q UNIVERSITY TALKING CIRCLE IN ESPARTO, CALIFORNIA
To our Brothers and Sisters Everywhere: The gathering was a resounding success. Many people came, and the large meeting room at the Esaprto Library was filled to capacity. For over two and a half hours, twelve leaders from the regional Indigenous community spoke out regarding the past, present, and future of D-Q University.
Sponsored by the United Native Americans group and Dr. Noel Boaz, the event was titled "A NEW DAWN AT D-Q UNIVERSITY."
The gathering served as a focal point for people to talk about the happenings currently swirling around "California's only Tribal College," -D-Q University. Most of the presenters spoke about: the history of the people's struggle: where D-Q University stands at the present time, politically, spiritually, and educationally: the details surrounding the Land and Leadership Controversy at the school, the meaning of the great Eagle and Condor Prophecy: and the importance of getting D-Q University back on its feet again. There were a few representatives of D-Q University's very corrupt (and illegal) "board of trustees" present at yesterday's Talking Circle, Many of us thought that their presence there was incredibly lame and hypocritical of them, -seeing as how it was the board of trustees who refused to allow the Talking Circle -and the National M.E.Ch.A. Conference, to take place at D-Q University in the very recent past. (This was how yesterday's event came to be re-scheduled at the Library in Esparto.)
Even though they were physically present at the Talking Circle, the "board of trustees" and its' representatives did not speak one word to the people in the audience.
The lone board member who appeared at the talking circle yesterday just sat in the back of the room and remained silent. Which was perfectly fine with us; -no one really wanted to listen to any more of the board of trustees' lies, anyway.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by the events' organizers and the people in the audience to do everything they (we) can in the future, to work in a legal, peaceful, way to remove the failed leadership of D-Q University -in the form of the present board of trustees, from office.
This is the end of the Unofficial Update.
Take care of yourselves, but most importantly of all, Take Care of The People.
And remember always that: THE REAL D-Q WILL NEVER DIE And having said all that we would, we will be leaving you -for now. We are this Nation,
Steve Jerome-Wyatt,
Acknowledged Spokesman
Ben Carnes: 'When they take Leonard to the tree ...'
By Ben Carnes
In the days preceding the parole hearing and vigil at Lewisburg, PA, for Leonard Peltier, the Internet was a flurry of activity. After the hearing, the LP-DOC website, www.whoisleonardpeltier.info was receiving thousands of hits a day. Most likely from those who were hoping to find out if Leonard had been granted parole.
We know that everyone is anxious to know the results of this hearing, but no more than Leonard for obvious reasons.The process, as we understand it, is that the hearing examiner has 1 -2 days to make his recommendation to the U.S. Parole Commission. Their website states that,“A recommendation relative to parole is made at the conclusion of the hearing and in most instances the offender is notified of that recommendation... If a recommendation is not provided, the Examiner may refer the case to the Commission’s Office for further review. All recommendations.. made at the hearing are only tentative as another examiner review is required before a final decision is made. Usually it takes about 21 days for the offender to receive a Notice of Action advising them of the official decision.
"I’ve called the parole commission and they have not returned my call to find out conclusively if this is 21 actual days or computed in working days. In actual days, including the 2 days the hearing examiner has, we are looking at August 20th as the last day for the commission to announce their decision. But it could also come at any time, when we know; we’ll definitely get the word out.Until then, we have time to keep increasing the calls to the White House (202) 456-1111 or you can fill out a suggestion form online for Obama to free Peltier at http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT and start your countdown to the 20th.This isn’t the time to lighten up; this work isn’t over by any means. Keeping Leonard in your prayers and thoughts is by far a very powerful act of making it happen. Leonard has held onto this for more than 33 years, we can continue this until we know.
In the upcoming days, anything can happen and we have seen it before. Continue to educate others about Peltier’s case and the awaited parole decision. Contact your Congressional delegate while they are in recess and see if they would support a clemency action by Obama.If I can get a response from the parole commission as to the last day for announcement, consider holding a vigil in your state at the federal courthouse. Start with your networking now and getting the word out about possible vigils, and then work on a press release to your state and national media. This is important to focus news coverage in each state, which could be picked up by the national/..international media.
If you are out of the country, hold a vigil at the U.S. embassy. If you can develop a plan, then have everyone be prepared to gather at a moments notice.
By taking this action, the commission may release their announcement sooner, or at the very least we can all share in the news that he has been freed.
There is also the possibility of a negative result, and believe me, we are ready if that is the case. We made a commitment to bring Peltier home before his next birthday on September 12th, so we will take action if it is necessary.
This isn’t over “until they take Leonard to the (Sun Dance) tree at Crow Dogs Paradise”.
Andrew Ironshell, Sicangu. I agree with my brother, it won’t be over until Leonard can offer his prayers of thanks at the tree of life!
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Ben Carnes
August 8, 2009
In the days preceding the parole hearing and vigil at Lewisburg, PA, for Leonard Peltier, the Internet was a flurry of activity. After the hearing, the LP-DOC website, www.whoisleonardpeltier.info was receiving thousands of hits a day. Most likely from those who were hoping to find out if Leonard had been granted parole.
We know that everyone is anxious to know the results of this hearing, but no more than Leonard for obvious reasons.The process, as we understand it, is that the hearing examiner has 1 -2 days to make his recommendation to the U.S. Parole Commission. Their website states that,“A recommendation relative to parole is made at the conclusion of the hearing and in most instances the offender is notified of that recommendation... If a recommendation is not provided, the Examiner may refer the case to the Commission’s Office for further review. All recommendations.. made at the hearing are only tentative as another examiner review is required before a final decision is made. Usually it takes about 21 days for the offender to receive a Notice of Action advising them of the official decision.
"I’ve called the parole commission and they have not returned my call to find out conclusively if this is 21 actual days or computed in working days. In actual days, including the 2 days the hearing examiner has, we are looking at August 20th as the last day for the commission to announce their decision. But it could also come at any time, when we know; we’ll definitely get the word out.Until then, we have time to keep increasing the calls to the White House (202) 456-1111 or you can fill out a suggestion form online for Obama to free Peltier at http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT and start your countdown to the 20th.This isn’t the time to lighten up; this work isn’t over by any means. Keeping Leonard in your prayers and thoughts is by far a very powerful act of making it happen. Leonard has held onto this for more than 33 years, we can continue this until we know.
In the upcoming days, anything can happen and we have seen it before. Continue to educate others about Peltier’s case and the awaited parole decision. Contact your Congressional delegate while they are in recess and see if they would support a clemency action by Obama.If I can get a response from the parole commission as to the last day for announcement, consider holding a vigil in your state at the federal courthouse. Start with your networking now and getting the word out about possible vigils, and then work on a press release to your state and national media. This is important to focus news coverage in each state, which could be picked up by the national/..international media.
If you are out of the country, hold a vigil at the U.S. embassy. If you can develop a plan, then have everyone be prepared to gather at a moments notice.
By taking this action, the commission may release their announcement sooner, or at the very least we can all share in the news that he has been freed.
There is also the possibility of a negative result, and believe me, we are ready if that is the case. We made a commitment to bring Peltier home before his next birthday on September 12th, so we will take action if it is necessary.
This isn’t over “until they take Leonard to the (Sun Dance) tree at Crow Dogs Paradise”.
Andrew Ironshell, Sicangu. I agree with my brother, it won’t be over until Leonard can offer his prayers of thanks at the tree of life!
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Ben Carnes
August 8, 2009
Carter Camp: Passing of Chris Westerman
From Carter Camp:
I just recieved a call from Chris Westermans son who told me his Dad began his journey to the Spirit World yesterday. He said arrangements are preliminary but the plan is to bury him at Sissiton this Saturday. Chris is the brother of Floyd Westerman who also passed on recently. Chris was a long time AIM brother and Wounded Knee veteran where he served as one of the main warriors who did the hard task of guiding our supply caravans in and out of the Knee. He was also a Sundancer who danced for many years and now his sons are following in his path. They were with us at Crowdogs Paradise Sundance this weekend dancing alongside the memorial for Floyd the Westerman family had brought to our sundance this year. It was here they found out their Dad was very ill and didn't have long to live. Please let those around the nation who know Chris and the Westerman family know about this tragic news and let's all keep them in our prayers. Carter
I just recieved a call from Chris Westermans son who told me his Dad began his journey to the Spirit World yesterday. He said arrangements are preliminary but the plan is to bury him at Sissiton this Saturday. Chris is the brother of Floyd Westerman who also passed on recently. Chris was a long time AIM brother and Wounded Knee veteran where he served as one of the main warriors who did the hard task of guiding our supply caravans in and out of the Knee. He was also a Sundancer who danced for many years and now his sons are following in his path. They were with us at Crowdogs Paradise Sundance this weekend dancing alongside the memorial for Floyd the Westerman family had brought to our sundance this year. It was here they found out their Dad was very ill and didn't have long to live. Please let those around the nation who know Chris and the Westerman family know about this tragic news and let's all keep them in our prayers. Carter