Pe' Sla Returns to Oceti Sakowin (Great Sioux Nation)

 

By Chase Iron Eyes
Last Real Indians

Incredible effort raises $9 million to purchase land

Article by Brenda Norrell
Photo copyright Chase IronEyes
Censored News
http//www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

The Great Sioux Nation today celebrated the reacquisition of Pe’ Sla, sacred land in the Black Hills. Chase IronEyes, Lakota, initiated the effort to reclaim the land online at Last Real Indians.
IronEyes said today, “From the bottom of my heart and spirit I know the world is a better place because of the Pe’Sla campaign. Lastrealindians, Inc. has contributed over $900,000 toward the total purchase price of $9 Million.”
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which raised $8.1 million, said in a statement that Pe Sla is sacred because it is related to the Lakota Creation, is the site of annual ceremonies, and historically, hosted many village gatherings. Black Elk, the Lakota visionary, sought his vision at Pe Sla.
IronEyes said, “The unthinkable has happened! The world has shown its support and the Oceti Sakowin (Great Sioux Nation) has provided a powerful new narrative for Indigenous people."
“Our ancestors are watching us, expecting us to fulfill our roles and reach our potential,” IronEyes said.
IronEyes thanked Lakotas and those around the world who made it possible, including Hollywood stars and music makers.
“The Pe’Sla effort was driven and shared by many throughout the world, including Dr. Sara Jumping Eagle, Dana Lone Hill, Ruth Hopkins and all who donated time, energy, money and artwork for perks in the first campaign. There are simply too many people in too many capacities to thank. What a whirlwind when we activate. LRI wants to extend its gratitude to the bands of the Oceti Sakowin (Great Sioux Nation) who stepped up to make this happen along with the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.
“We owe a special shout out to DJ Two Bears, Sol Guy, Ezra Miller, Anneliese Vandenberg, and Piet Suess who helped spring the movement back into consciousness with the second campaign. Additionally, thanks to celebrities P. Diddy, Bette Midler, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rosanne Barr, Whoopi Goldberg, Ashley Judd, and Susan Sarandon who retweeted to raise awareness to help save Pe'Sla. Most thankfully, we send a voice to our spiritual leaders who answer the call to travel to our sacred sites to perform obligations on our behalf.”
Pe Sla is a high mountain prairie in the Heart of the Black Hills, just north of Deerfield Lake and west of Harney Peak. Historically, Pe Sla and the entire Black Hills was protected by the 1868 and 1851 Sioux Nation treaties. The United States violated those treaties and took the Black Hills in violation of the 5th Amendment of the Constitution. So, today, the reacquisition is a healing and historic event for the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people, the Sioux Nation said in its statement.
IronEyes said:
These are times of prophecy. White buffalo calves are being born, earthquakes and tsunamis abound, droughts ravage our lands, we as humans have lost our way; but there is still hope. We want hope and our spirits require more than what money, oil, and pop “culture” can offer us. As Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, says, “We humans send sacred energy, we have power, but we don’t use it and we need to in these times; our prophecies tell us to return to the Black Hills.” It is time we come together as one. When we are at our center we are one with the Universe. There is nothing more powerful than dedicated humans strong in their love for Creator. Indeed, this is the only thing that will save us. I believe this is a sign that humans are returning to their center as Crazy Horse said they would:
“Upon suffering beyond suffering; the Red Nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations; a world longing for light again. I see a time of seven generations when all the colors of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole earth will become one circle again. In that day there will be those among the Lakota who will carry knowledge and understanding of unity among all living things, and the young white ones will come to those of my people and ask for this wisdom. I salute the light within your eyes where the whole universe dwells. For when you are at that center within you and I am at that place within me, we shall be as one.” –Tasunke Witko (Crazy Horse)

Read Chase IronEyes full statement:
http://www.lastrealindians.com/axpostDetails.php?writerId=3

The Sioux Nations released this statement
Historic Reacquisition of “Pe-Sla Sacred Site” Was Signed Today
By Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Tribe
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community gathered in a historic assembly of related Tribes to reacquire the sacred site, Pe Sla. Pe Sla is sacred because it is related to the Lakota Creation, is the site of annual ceremonies, and historically, hosted many village gatherings. Black Elk, the Lakota visionary, sought his vision at Pe Sla.
Pe Sla is a high mountain prairie in the Heart of the Black Hills, just north of Deerfield Lake and west of Harney Peak. Historically, Pe Sla and the entire Black Hills was protected by the 1868 and 1851 Sioux Nation treaties. The United States violated those treaties and took the Black Hills in violation of the 5th Amendment of the Constitution. So, today, the reacquisition is a healing and historic event for the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people.
The Tribes will work together to form an Oceti Sakowin Sacred Lands Protection Commission to protect Pe Sla and preserve the sacred site for traditional and cultural ceremonies in a pristine state for our future generations.
President Scott, Chairman Vig and Chairman Sazue issued a joint statement, “Today, we are grateful to stand together before the Creator to help heal our people through reclaiming one of our most sacred sites.”
“We did not wait for the United States to deal with us justly on our Black Hills rights. We acted now, exercising our inherent sovereign authority to protect this most sacred site. We must perpetuate our way of life for our future generations.”
“We thank the members of the public that donated to the cause of justice for our people. Now, we are more determined than ever that the United States must provide justice to our people and honor our treaties.”

http://www.indiegogo.com/Pesla
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Indian Land Tenure Foundation

Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

This afternoon at 2:00 pm MST in Rapid City, South Dakota, full ownership and control of the sacred site Pe’ Sla, located in the Black Hills, was officially returned to the Oceti Sakowin (Great Sioux Nation). We would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the Oceti Sakowin on its return of the control of this sacred site to all the people of the Nation and its relatives today and for all future generations.Many of you have been following the collaborative effort to raise the $9 million purchase price for the 1,942 acre parcel of land that contains Pe’ Sla since it was first announced in August that the Reynolds family planned to sell the land at auction to the highest bidder. The area known as Pe’ Sla by the Lakota is one of five holy sites for the Nation and the only one not on public land. This area is particularly important in that it is the site of the Lakota origin story and star knowledge. While recognizing that the ownership of this land and the remainder of the Black Hills is still disputed by non-Indians, gaining control of this site was an opportunity too good to pass up and too important not to fight for.

It has truly been an honor for Indian Land Tenure Foundation and Indian Land Capital Company to be a part of this remarkable effort and to work with the Lakota and Dakota nations and other partners over the past few months. Indian Land Capital Company, ILTF’s affiliate lender, was able to provide $900,000 in rapid financing in order to help the tribes secure the initial purchase agreement.

In the end, all of the tribes of the Oceti Sakowin will have contributed time, effort and scarce funds to make this transaction possible. It is anticipated that each tribe will also participate in the oversight and management of the land to ensure its spiritual and cultural values.

We have been extremely humbled by the outpouring of support from across the country and the world. Our many thanks to all those who contributed to the Pe’ Sla fundraising efforts of LastRealIndians and ILTF. Whether large or small, each contribution meant a great deal to the effort and said much about the donors’ commitment to righting a long standing injustice.

As Indian people, we are faced every day with the loss of our sacred lands and the way in which this has impacted our communities, families and cultures. History being what it is, we recognize that our struggle to recover these lands will be difficult and long but we do not accept that these losses are permanent. The return of Pe’ Sla today has renewed our spirit. To see so many people willing to support the rights of American Indians and the return of Indian land makes us hopeful that there is a growing number of people that understand the magnitude of what we have lost.

We are truly grateful for your support.

Seneca Grandma Edna's Broomstick Revolution

A BROOMSTICK REVOLUTIONHawk Elder Teachings for a New Age

www.BroomstickRevolution.com

“This book is dedicated to all the Peoples of our Mother the Earth.

I send it out like an arrow of love from my heart to YOUR hearts!

It’s FILLED with Instructions and Secrets for those who understand’m!

But always remember,

Creation itself is the biggest Secret of all!

*

“WE NEED CHANGES in this world,

really big BIG changes.

I’m prayin’ they’ll be peaceable changes,

not violent and bloody ones.

I’d like to see a peaceable revolution,

a revolution of broomsticks instead o’ guns.

Call it a Broomstick Revolution.

*

That’s right.

We the People—

AND ESPECIALLY US WOMEN!—

pick up our broomsticks

and work together to Sweep Injustice Out!

~

YOU CAN’T JOIN the Broomstick Revolution.

You’re already PART of it

if you believe in peace and Mother Earth

and respect for all living things.

~

The Broomstick Revolution is NOT an organization.

The Broomstick Revolution is inside of each of us,

in every beating heart of humankind,

a sacred place where we listen to the Creator

and follow Creator’s Instructions

to sweep out injustice and violence.

~

NEVER raise a broom in violence.

Your broomstick is a symbol of PEACE.

Peace is our purpose.

Peace is our method.

Peace is our philosophy.

Peace is our Goal.

ONLY PEACE WILL BE EFFECTIVE!

~

MAKE PEACE YOUR

CENTRAL THOUGHT!

~

I’D LIKE TO SEE THAT ‘60’S PEACE SYMBOL

painted on the broom-heads.

Then plant’m like FLOWERS OF PEACE

in your front yards, on streetcorners,

in front o’ stores and schools and churches and banks.

Plant’m by the millions. When they rip’ m out, plant’m again!

AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!

Ain’t no end to how many agains there can be!

~

Love all people, even--especially--your 'enemies'.

We want to save the world, not destroy it.

Let everyone—even the One Percent—be included!

~

Some advice: Stay out of big crowds

that are easily turned into mobs.

They’re waitin’ for mobs.

Work alone or in small groups,

groups of Leaders.

There are no followers

in the Broomstick Revolution.

We are ALL LEADERS!

TELL’M GRANDMA EDNA TOLD YOU SO!

~

Much MUCH MORE at

www.BroomstickRevolution.com

 

--Thanks to Harvey Arden for sharing this with Censored News

Yaqui Brigades for the Defense of Water

Yaqui announce Brigades in Defense of Water in Mexico, as Hopi, Navajo and O'odham defend sacred water

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/11/yaqui-brigades-for-defense-of-water.html


Yaquis in Sonora, Mexico said they will defend their rights to the Rio Yaqui, against the theft of water by the government of Mexico for the Independence Aqueduct.
Yaqui said blocking the major highway through their territory is their defense against the pipeline that would take Rio Yaqui water to the city of Hermosillo in the state of Sonora. Sonora is the state in Mexico that is south of the Arizona border.

Mario Luna, Secretary for the Yaqui Tribe, released the following statement at the conclusion of the International Forum for the Defense of Water. The forum, hosted by Vicam Traditional Authority, was held in solidarity with the Zapatistas, and brought together Indigenous from the Americas who are defending their water sources and water rights.

Indigenous speak out for sacred water

Ofelia Rivas, O'odham, was among those who spoke out on the sacredness of water and the need to protect water for future generations at the forum on Yaqui land in Sonora. O'odham are battling mining and mega agricultural projects in their ceremonial community of Quitovac in Sonora, south of the US/Mexico border. Watch this video of Rivas words during the gathering:


The forum came as Navajo and Hopi to the north of the Arizona border are battling the US and the state of Arizona, who are attempting to seize their water rights to the Little Colorado for Arizona cities, where watered is wasted, and for the Navajo Generating Station, one of the dirtiest coal-fired power plants in America. A leaked e-mail revealed Sec. of Interior Ken Salazar plans to sneak a bill through the "lame duck Congress," with Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl. Grassroots Navajos are urging the removal of the Navajos non-Indian water rights attorney.

See Salazar's leaked e-mail http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/11/leaked-documents-mainstream-media.html

Hopi released this statement and video in response: "For the first time in history the Traditional Hopi elders from the Village of Shungopavi (the Mother Village) are stepping forward to speak to the public. They have a warning for the world. They say they have been told this time would come when the water would be taken from them. If this happens it will have an effect on the whole world as they are the microcosm of the world, of the universe." Video link """ http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/11/hopi-message-2012-world-waters-at-risk.html

BRIGADAS EN DEFENSA DE AGUA
By MARIO LUNA
SECRETARIO DE LA TRIBU YAQUI
SONORA, Mexico -- Ante el lamentable espectáculo que significa el que el presidente Calderon Hinojosa inaugure el ilegal acueducto independencia que no está terminado; la Tribu Yaqui ha decidido manifestar su inconformidad acampando en la carretera internacional#15 en Vicam Sonora…INFORMEN, ORIENTEN Y APOYEN la digna lucha de los yaquis que seguimos en defensa del territorio y el agua. MARIO LUNA
SECRETARIO DE LA TRIBU YAQUI
SOMOS LA TRIBU YAQUI, y estamos en un territorio de 485,000 hectáreas dentro del Estado de Sonora, México; nuestro territorio es comunal, es decir, que todos tenemos los mismos derechos sobre el agua y la tierra. En este territorio habitamos alrededor de 45,000 Yaquis, distribuidos en 8 pueblos: Vícam, Tórim, Bacum, Cócorit, Potam, Rahum, Huirivis, y Belem.
MAS http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/11/yaqui-brigadas-en-defensa-de-agua.html

Copyright Brenda Norrell, Ofelia Rivas, Censored News.

May not be used without permission.

HOUSTON LOCKDOWN NO! TARSANDS Nov. 29, 2012

Houston! We have a problem!

Tar Sands Blockade

 

This morning Diane Wilson was arrested after locking her neck to a tanker truck attempting to enter the Valero Refinery in Houston.

“All my life the Gulf Coast has been an environmental sacrifice zone, and enough is enough. Keystone XL will bring the dirtiest fuel on the planet right down to the Gulf, where already overburdened communities like Manchester will be forced to suffer even more. After decades of toxic air in Manchester, I refuse to just let them continue to punish this community. I won’t eat until Valero divests from Keystone XL.”

Click LIKE and SHARE to stand in solidarity with Diane and her good friend Bob for their courageous action.

See more photos and updates on our blog: http://tarsandsblockade.org/13th-action/

.

BREAKING: Sustained unger Strike Launched with Blockade at Valero’s Houston Refinery           

November 29, 2012

Tarsands Blockade

http://www.tarsandsblockade.org

UPDATE: 10:40AM – Community Rallies in Support

Residents from the Manchester community rally to support Diane and Bob who have locked themselves to trucks entering the Valero refinery. They chant: “What do we want? Clean air! When do we want it? NOW!” and “Shut down Valero! Protect Manchester!”

UPDATE 11:30 AM – Diane and Bob Launch Their Hunger Strike in Jail to Get Valero to Divest from KXL
“Keystone XL will bring the dirtiest fuel on the planet right down to the Gulf, where already overburdened communities like Manchester will be forced to suffer even more,” said Diane. “After decades of toxic air in Manchester, I refuse to just let them continue to punish this community. I won’t eat until Valero divests from Keystone XL.”
Read Diane and Bob’s full bios here. See more photos from today’s action here.
UPDATE 11:00 AM – Diane Has Been Removed From the Truck and Arrested
Diane Wilson, who locked her neck to a tanker truck entering the Valero oil refinery, has been arrested for her heroic act. Houston Police and Fire Department cut the lock around her neck off with hydraulic ”jaws of life.”
Community residents chanting nearby: “Arrest Valero! Pollution is a crime! Arrest Valero, Not Diane” and “Valero, Valero, what do you say? How much cancer did you cause today?”
UPDATE: 10:30AM – Bob Has Been Declared “Under Arrest”, Holding Strong
Bob and Diane have locked themselves to trucks entering the Valero refinery in Houston and have blocked access to the polluting facility. Valero is one of the largest investors in Keystone XL. About a dozen police are on the scene and have declared Bob under arrest for “blocking a roadway”, but he is holding strong and remains locked to the truck.
UPDATE: 10:00AM – About a Dozen Police Are on the Scene
UPDATE: 9:30AM – Houston Police and Fire Department Arrive on the Scene
Houston Police Department has bolt cutters out and is threatening to cut Bob from the Valero truck. Follow the action live on Twitter.
UPDATE: 9AM – Diane Wilson and Bob Lindsey Jr. Lock Themselves to Trucks Outside Valero’s Houston Refinery

Activists Begin Sustained Hunger Strike, Demand That Valero Divest from Keystone XL Pipeline

HOUSTON, TX – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012 8:00AM –-Longtime Gulf Coast activists Diane Wilson and Bob Lindsey Jr. have locked their necks to oil tanker trucks destined for Valero’s Houston Refinery in solidarity with Tar Sands Blockade’s protests of TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline. Valero Energy Corp. is among the largest investors in TransCanada’s toxic tar sands pipeline that will terminate near the community of Manchester, located in the shadow of Valero’s refinery. Not only are Wilson and Lindsey blockading the Valero refinery, the two lifelong friends have also vowed to begin a sustained hunger strike demanding that Valero divest from Keystone XL and invest that money into the health and well-being of the people of Manchester.

With a 90% Latino population, Manchester’s relationship with the Valero refinery is a textbook case of environmental racism. Residents there have suffered through decades of premature deaths, cancers, asthma and other diseases attributable to the refinery emissions. With little financial support for lawsuits and without the political agency necessary to legislatively reign-in criminal polluters like Valero, the community suffers while Valero posts record profits.

New Canadian Terrorism Laws

HARPER TO PASS MORE MEASURES TO JAIL CANADIANS MORE EASILY

British Columbia Civil Liberties Association BCCLA
Statement on Reintroduction of Anti-Terrorism Provisions
Censored News
Nov. 29, 2012

Bill S-7, also known as the ‘Combating Terrorism Act’, would allow persons to be detained for up to three days without charge (“preventive arrest”); strip individuals of their basic rights as accused under criminal proceedings to know and challenge evidence against them; threaten them with criminal punishment; and compel individuals to testify in secret before a judge in an “investigative hearing". Further, the judge may impose imprisonment of up to 12 months if the person does not enter into recognizance. (enter into recognizance = imposed conditions to secure release, ie: avoid all contact with those engaged in, or participating in, pipeline protests) ....
READ MORE http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/p/new-canadian-terrorism-laws-harper-to.html

Anonymous 'CIA plane crash lands with four tons of coke'

 

CIA plane crash lands with four tons of coke

“We’ve all heard the rumors that the CIA are the reason that the United States/Canada is awash with cocaine…. is it time to connect the dots now that one of their planes has crash landed with four tons of coke in it?”
So the Arnprior OPP posted a blurb in the Guide stating “Report drug dealers”. Well shouldn’t we be seeking out the kingpins in Govt. namely the CIA! The most famous example of Govt. involvement in drugs (British) was the Opium war in China in the 1800′s. So on the heels of that here’s extreme example of Govt. gone awry:

CIA Plane Crashes in Mexico

Seventeen months after an American-registered DC9 airliner was busted with 5.5 tons of cocaine, a major international scandal is brewing over a second drug trafficking incident in Mexico’s Yucatan involving an American-registered jet owned by a dummy front company of the kind usually associated with the CIA.

A weekend visit to “Donna Blue Aircraft Inc” of Coconut Beach FL., the company which FAA records show owned the Gulfstream II business jet (N987SA) which crash-landed with 3.7 tons of cocaine aboard in Mexico’s Yucatan two weeks ago, has revealed that the company’s listed address is an empty office suite with a blank sign out front.
There was no signof Donna Blue Aircraft, Inc., at the address listed at the Florida Dept. of Corporations, 4811 Lyons Technology Parkway #8 in Coconut Beach FL.However, there were, oddly enough, a half-dozen unmarked police cars parked directly in front of the empty suite.
http://www.madcowprod.com/10092007.html
It seems that one of the planes logged on this list of “CIA Prison Planes” has been in a little accident – It crash landed in Mexico after running out of Jet fuel en route to the US. The authorities were more than a little surprised when they found four tons, yes you heard me right, four tons of cocaine on board.
The men flying the plane have disappeared – including one woman, the CIA refuses to comment, and the mainstream press don’t want to touch the story
http://current.com/green/88787561_cia-plane-crashes-in-mexico-a-story-with-a-twist-in-the-tale.htm

IEN features The Carbon Rush at COP 18 in Qatar

The Carbon Rush at COP 18 in Qatar

By Indigenous Environmental Network
Censored News

In solidarity with the Peoples Agreement
Cochabamba, Bolivia

November 29, 2012
DOHA, Qatar -- In conjunction with the COP18 conference taking place in Doha, Qatar, the Indigenous Environmental Network will be holding a series of film screenings and discussions around the impacts of Carbon Trading and Offsetting on different communities around the world.
The events will feature the documentary, "The Carbon Rush," directed by activist and filmmaker Amy Miller, in which she examines the repercussions of Carbon Trading on local people and their health and livelihood in several countries.
Each screening will be followed by a discussion
involving representatives from the Indigenous Environmental Network, Carbon Market Watch, and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).
Doha, Qatar is currently hosting COP18, in which decision makers from over 190 countries come together to discuss environmental policies at both the national and international level. Activists and civil society organizations are also gathering in the oil rich gulf state to highlight an alternative narrative that is more focused on the fundamental reasons and driving forces behind climate change and environmental degradation.
The documentary showing and discussion will take place during the following times:
Friday November 30, 7pm Saturday December 1, 2pm Saturday December 1, 7pm Sunday December 2, 7pm
These events will take place at: Hamad bin Khalifa University Student Center CINEMA, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
For more information, please contact:
Amy Miller E: amyinmontreal@gmail.com
T: +1.514.812.6817
Conquering the Phantom Menace: Solutions to the Kyoto surplus
Saturday 1 December 2012 20:15—21:45
UNFCCC COP18, Qatar Conference Center, Hall 5, Side Event Room 4
If current rules to the Kyoto Protocol are not changed, a gigantic surplus of pollution permits from the first Kyoto commitment period could be carried over to the second commitment period. This would undermine climate goals and stifle political progress. Resolving the surplus issue is vital to the viability of any future climate regime.
This event will feature the findings of a new study by Climate Analytics that shows the impact of the surplus on climate commitments. The G77 and the Swiss have tabled proposals to minimize the impact of the surplus. Both proposals will be presented and their impact illustrated. The subsequent discussion will focus on how to move beyond the current political and environmental impasse.
Program:
Introduction to the Kyoto surplus
Anja Kollmuss, Carbon Market Watch
Political implications of the long-term effect of surplus from the first and second Kyoto period
Marion Vieweg, Climate Analytics
The G-77 plus China Proposal
Andrew Marquard, Member of the South African Climate Delegation (TBC)
The Swiss Proposal
Member of the Swiss Delegation
Impacts of the surplus on the G-77 and the Swiss proposals
Johannes Gütschow, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
Q&A and discussion
-----------------------------
This event is kindly hosted by the German NGO Forum on Environment and Development
For those who are not able to attend, presentations and backgrond material will be posted here

Yaqui Brigadas en Defensa de Agua

BRIGADAS EN DEFENSA DE AGUA

By MARIO LUNA
SECRETARIO DE LA TRIBU YAQUI
Nov. 28, 2012
Censored News
Yaqui Brigades in Defense of Water
Yaquis in Sonora, Mexico will defend their rights to the Rio Yaqui, against theft of water by the government for the Independence Aquaduct

SONORA, Mexico -- Ante el lamentable espectáculo que significa el que el presidente Calderon Hinojosa inaugure el ilegal acueducto independencia que no está terminado; la Tribu Yaqui ha decidido manifestar su inconformidad acampando en la carretera internacional#15 en Vicam Sonora…INFORMEN, ORIENTEN Y APOYEN la digna lucha de los yaquis que seguimos en defensa del territorio y el agua.
 MARIO LUNA
 SECRETARIO DE LA TRIBU YAQUI
SOMOS LA TRIBU YAQUI, y estamos en un territorio de 485,000 hectáreas dentro del Estado de Sonora, México; nuestro territorio es comunal, es decir, que todos tenemos los mismos derechos sobre el agua y la tierra. En este territorio habitamos alrededor de 45,000 Yaquis, distribuidos en 8 pueblos: Vícam, Tórim, Bacum, Cócorit, Potam, Rahum, Huirivis, y Belem.
 Todos y cada uno de los pueblos tienen una jurisdicción definida y en su jurisdicción mantienen autonomía administrativa y cultural. Dentro de cada jurisdicción existen varias localidades y rancherías, coordinados mediante una organización de autodefensa y autogestión encabezada por su Autoridad Tradicional.
 La Autoridad Tradicional se conforma de una estructura civil y militar representados por los Gobernadores; Pueblo Mayor, Capitán, Comandante y Secretario; mismos que en el caso de los Gobernadores son elegidos por un periodo de un año pudiendo extenderse en casos muy especiales, pero muy especiales hasta por dos periodos; el Pueblo Mayor, Capitán, Comandante y el Secretario regularmente son vitalicios, es decir, mientras no cometan un error grave el pueblo y la tropa los mantienen en sus cargos.
 NUESTROS DERECHOS sobre la tierra y el agua siempre han sido cuestionados; gobiernos van y gobiernos vienen y siempre lo mismo; los gobiernos cegados por la ambición y el desprecio a nuestra forma de organización y concepción de la vida han mantenido dividida a una buena parte de nuestros representantes, mas no han podido dividir ni al pueblo ni a las tropas que siguen unidas en la defensa del territorio y el agua.
 Gracias a la defensa valiente que han dado nuestros antepasados, mantenemos una parte del territorio, autonomía, una cultura propia, la lengua y el derecho al agua. En Septiembre de 1940 siendo presidente el General Lázaro Cárdenas del Río, emitió un Decreto mediante el cual nos restituye y reconoce un territorio aproximado de 485,000 hectáreas y el derecho al agua del Río Yaqui; según este decreto tenemos derecho sobre el 50% de las aguas que se almacenen en la presa La Angostura (hoy Lázaro Cárdenas), mas los escurrimientos y aguas broncas no controladas aguas abajo de la presa(arroyos, riachuelos, captación de lluvias que alimentan los caudales del Río Yaqui hasta llegar al Territorio Yaqui).
 Considerando que en 1940 solo había una presa en construcción (la angostura) sobre el Río Yaqui es claro que nos pertenecen las aguas que se almacenan en las presas construidas posteriormente aguas abajo sobre el Río Yaqui (presa el novillo en 1962 y oviachic en 1952). Esta agua a las que hace referencia el Decreto Cardenista, forzosamente tienen que viajar para llegar al territorio por todo el Río Yaqui, pasando por la presa del novillo y el oviachic.
 Por más de 70 años los gobiernos en turno han vendido buena parte de nuestras aguas a empresas mineras, y a productores agrícolas del Valle del Yaqui y Mayo, obteniendo jugosas ganancias de las cuales la Tribu Yaqui no ha sido beneficiada de ninguna forma. Al emitir el Decreto el Presidente Cárdenas ordenó el trazo y creación del Distrito de Riego de la Tribu Yaqui calculado en aproximadamente 100 mil hectáreas, de las cuales 80 mil serían de gravedad y 20 mil por bombeo. A la fecha el Distrito de Riego no esta creado ni delimitado, pues solo se abrieron al cultivo 24 mil hectáreas de los cuales en la actualidad solo se siembran realmente 18 mil.
 Antes de la instalación de presas sobre el cauce del Río Yaqui, se sembraba una superficie aproximada de 70 mil hectáreas solamente, con las venidas de las crecientes del río; después que se instaló la presa solo nos dejaron para siembra 24 mil hectáreas con dos cultivos al año, pero con la instalación de las otras dos presas solo se siembra un cultivo al año y la superficie agrícola se ha reducido a 18 mil hectáreas y el río se ha secado totalmente.
 Según CONAGUA le entrega a la tribu 250 millones de metros cúbicos al año lo cual no creemos, porque solo se riegan 18 mil hectáreas; pero suponiendo que sea cierto, entonces ¿donde queda el resto del agua que nos corresponde? Según cálculos y estudios que se han realizado solo de la angostura se captan 800 millones de metros cúbicos de agua, sumando las captaciones en la presa del novillo y del oviachic deberíamos tener abiertas al cultivo mínimamente 80 mil hectáreas con los volúmenes de agua que nos corresponde.
 Rescatar esas aguas es posible, pero si dejamos que el gobernador Guillermo Padrés conecte el acueducto independencia a la presa del novillo, perderemos la oportunidad de dotar a las nuevas familias un pedazo de tierra para siembra. El agua está ahí, ahí a estado por siempre solo necesitamos reclamarla y obligar al gobierno a que nos la entregue; nos corresponde por derecho histórico y por decreto presidencial.
 SEGUIMOS EN LUCHA, no hemos permanecido de brazos cruzados ante la intención de robar nuestra agua; por eso te informamos para que te unas a la defensa activa de nuestro derecho al agua y a una vida digna para nuestros hijos.
 Para rescatar lo nuestro hemos interpuesto una demanda de restitución de agua en el Tribunal Unitario Agrario # 35 de Ciudad Obregón; donde reclamamos se de cumplimiento al decreto y se entreguen todos los volúmenes de agua que nos corresponde para crear y delimitar nuestro distrito de riego en 80 mil hectáreas, pero además exigimos que se reviva el río yaqui con escurrimientos mínimos para detener la intrusión salina y mantener la flora y fauna en las bahías, esteros, marismas y humedales.
 Si el acueducto independencia no nos afecta, entonces ¿por qué no consultaron a la tribu para realizar dicha obra?; según las leyes nacionales e internacionales en caso de obras de esa magnitud que pudiera afectar los pueblos y territorios con población indígena los gobiernos están obligados a la consulta previa e informada en sus lugares de origen y según sus usos y costumbres.
 La SEMARNAT violando las leyes nacionales e internacionales emitió el manifiesto de impacto ambiental para la obra del acueducto independencia; mismo que impugnamos y solicitamos un amparo ante el Juzgado Décimo de Distrito radicado en la ciudad de Hermosillo el cual ya resolvió a favor de la tribu y ordena anular, dejar sin efecto el permiso otorgado para construir el acueducto independencia, la SEMARNAT interpuso recurso de revisión por lo que la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación ejerció su facultad de atracción por ser un caso de impacto e interés nacional y en estos momentos se está resolviendo en el máximo Tribunal de México.
 LOS TOROCOYORIS, históricamente han sido los que han traicionado y servido incondicionalmente a las ordenes del gobierno; por esta razón se les repudia y lamentablemente esta persona arrastra consigo a sus familiares mas cercanos, quedan marcados y señalados por las acciones de sus padres o familiares. En la comunidad son ampliamente conocidos y señalados pero su ambición personal los ciega y justifican su actuar argumentando que no se puede luchar contra el gobierno, porque es poderoso y primero está la seguridad de su familia.
 Con miles de argumentos tratan de justificar sus cobardes acciones y normalmente hacen acciones paralelas contrarias a las que llevan acabo los que defienden el territorio y el agua. Un ejemplo claro se dio cuando el plantón sobre la carretera internacional en septiembre pasado; mientras miles de yoremes se plantaron sobre la carretera en protesta por la construcción ilegal del acueducto ellos promovieron una reunión con funcionarios de gobierno y algunas Autoridades Tradicionales engañadas en la Loma de Guamúchil. El resultado fue que los obligaron a firmar un desplegado donde difamaron y desconocieron la lucha justa y digna en defensa del agua; no les importó que con estas acciones justificaron y avalaron el uso de la fuerza pública en contra de sus mismas tropas.
 En recompensa a su traición, el gobierno les dio el titulo de “auténticos consagrados” y les prometió 20 puntos que vendría a ratificar Felipe Calderón para resolver todos los problemas de sus seguidores…hasta el día de hoy, este grupo encabezado por profesores bilingües lo único que han recibido del gobierno es la burla y el desprecio; pues ni un punto de los veinte se ha resuelto y mucho menos ha venido FECAL a consagrarlos.
 DEFENDEMOS EL AGUA Y EL TERRITORIO, porque si el gobierno de Guillermo Padrés logra conectar el acueducto, las tierras de cultivo se afectaran en 10 mil hectáreas aproximadamente, nuestra cultura se verá amenazada pues la Tribu Yaqui, agua, el territorio y el Río Yaqui son uno sólo. Sin territorio no hay río, sin río no hay yaqui.
 ATENTAMENTE

BRIGADAS EN DEFENSA DE AGUA

 

Cultural Survival Quarterly 'Free, Prior and Informed Consent'

Free, Prior and Informed Consent: Protecting Indigenous Peoples' rights to self-determination, participation and decision-making

 

By Agnes Portalewska

Navajos protest relocation at Big Mountain

Cultural Survival Quarterly

 

Under current international law, governments are obligated to consult Indigenous communities before any development affecting their lands and resources takes place, and even more broadly, any decisions directly affecting Indigenous Peoples and their self-determination require their consultation and consent. The final study on Indigenous Peoples and the right to participate in decision-making by the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples advises on the proper implementation FPIC: “The element of ‘free’ implies no coercion, intimidation or manipulation; ‘prior’ implies that consent is obtained in advance
of the activity associated with the decision being made, and includes the time necessary to allow Indigenous Peoples to undertake their own decision-making processes; ‘informed’ implies that Indigenous Peoples have been provided all information relating to the activity and that that information is objective, accurate and presented in a manner and form understandable to Indigenous Peoples; ‘consent’ implies that Indigenous Peoples have agreed to the activity that is the
subject of the relevant decision, which may also be subject to conditions.”
Read article:
http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/free-prior-and-informed-consent-protecting-indigenous

Codepink Emergency Delegation Enters Gaza

CODEPINK Emergency Delegation Enters Gaza

Censored News

http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

Nov. 27, 2012

 

WASHINGTON -- The first four members of the Emergency International Delegation to Gaza entered the Gaza Strip on Monday, November 26^th. Three more members of the delegation entered early this morning and nine are currently at the border attempting to cross. In addition, six others will attempt to enter tomorrow on Wednesday, November 28^th.  Read more http://www.codepink4peace.org/article.php?id=6288

Human Rights Groups, States, concerned over Russia's suspension of RAIPON

Human Rights groups and States concerned over Russian suspension of RAIPON

November 26th, 2012  

Pavel Sulyandziga (RAIPON)

By Rebecca Sommer - Earth Peoples
Reposted at Censored News

The Russian government surprised everyone, and sparked major reactions internationally, when that country’s Ministry of Justice ordered on November 1, 2012, the closure of Russia’s indigenous peoples umbrella organization RAIPON, because of an “alleged lack of correspondence between the association’s statutes and federal law."

According to Russia’s Ministry of Justice the indigenous peoples association will be closed for six months, whereupon the statutes will have to be adjusted.

But RAIPON’s first vice-president Pavel Sulyandziga is determined to fight this decision.

When he lived in the village of Krasny Yar, he was successful in mobilizing the population against the administration’s plans to grant timber harvesting licenses to a Soviet-Korean joint venture led by Hyundai, and showed what kind of quality he’s got.

Sulyandziga -- a Russian indigenous rights activist of Udege nationality, an indigenous nominated United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues member from 2005-2007, a member of the Public Chamber of Russia and the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, and known to be one of the most outspoken indigenous rights activists in the Russian Federation -- is not willing to give up.

Read article at Earth Peoples http://earthpeoples.org/blog/?p=3027

Solidarity with Unist'ot'en Pipeline Protest Photos Nov. 27, 2012

Solidarity with Unist'ot'en

Solidarity from the Tarsands Blockade



Hamilton
 

Shkimaadziig showing their support with the Unist'ot'en!!

Edmonton

Regina Shelborne RBC

Regina

Vancouver deliver message to Pacific Trails,
parent company of PTP

Vancouver

Vancouver

Edmonton

Toronto

Kitchener Waterloo

 .

Montreal

Terrace BC shows their support with a BUS!
a BUS!! parked in front of the RBC building! Thanks Gitxsan Unity Movement!!

The Prince George crew showing solidarity
in front of the new Enbridge Northern Gateway office

Warrior family in solidarity

Allies in Ft Saint Johns Newfoundland take a stand to support
the Unist'ot'en today as well!

Prince George Antes up at the RBC building and at CSTC!!

Supporters and Allies in Chico California protested at their
Kinder Morgan plant in solidarity with the Unist'ot'en Camp.

.

From today's Unist'ot'en Camp solidarity action in front of
Apache Headquarters in Houston, TX!

Council of Canadians in solidarity!

Ottawa!

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS
AGAINST OIL AND GAS PIPELINES

By Unis'tot'en Camp

French translation
http://www.chrisp.lautre.net/wpblog/?p=1174

Actions are taking place across Canada and internationally on Tuesday November 27 in support of the Unis’tot’en, who grabbed national headlines when they evicted shale gas pipeline surveyors from their territories in the interior of BC last week. The Unis’tot’en have made it clear that no proposed pipelines will proceed in Unist’ot’en territories and that corporations, investors, and governments have no jurisdiction to approve development on their lands.
Media Contacts:
Spokesperson for the Unist’ot’en Clan Freda Huson: 18683094388
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Toghestiy: toghestiy@gmail.com
Harjap Grewal: Council of Canadians: 604-340-2455
For a full list of actions and more information:
http://unistotencamp.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/solidarity-actions/