Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

October 31, 2012

Indigenous Empowerment: Activism of Lehman Brightman

United Native Americans Inc.
Presents:
Cultural Empowerment of Indigenous Activism
Featuring the Activism of Lehman L. Brightman
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley City College Auditorium
2050 Center St. Berkeley, CA 94704
To Inspire the Indigenous Community and
Benefit the 'Please Help Save Dr. Lehman L. Brightman's Home from Foreclosure Fund.'
The presentation will include, but not be limited to, historic videos and footage, power point presentations, guest speakers, a historic view of U.N.A, including our current activism for all Native Americans and our plans for the future.
Contact
Quanah Brightman
 
Posted at Censored News www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com
 

Green Party presidential candidate arrested at Tarsands Blockade in Texas


Green Party presidential candidate arrested at Tarsands Blockade in Texas
www.tarsandsblockade.org

***UPDATE 10:30AM – In Winnsboro, Dr. Jill Stein has been arrested, taken to Wood County Jail, and is awaiting processing. The freelance reporter has been released from detainment without arrest or charge.
A statement from Dr. Jill Stein:
“I’m here to connect the dots between super storm Sandy and the record heat, drought, and fire we’ve seen this year – and this Tar Sands pipeline, which will make all of these problems much worse. And I’m here to connect the dots between climate devastation and pipeline politicians – both Obama and Romney – who are competing, as we saw in the debates, for the role of Puppet In Chief for the fossil fuel industry. Both deserve that title. Obama’s record of “drill baby drill” has gone beyond the harm done by George Bush. Mitt Romney promises more of the same.”
BREAKING: Green Party Presidential Candidate and Massachusetts resident Dr. Jill Stein has been ARRESTED resupplying the Winnsboro Tree Blockade while another duo of New Englander women launched a tree sit further south along the Keystone XL pipeline route!

New Englander Women are rising up in response to the devastation their communities have faced due to Hurricane Sandy today to oppose KXL and connect the dots between climate change and the extreme weather being experienced regularly across the globe!

Read more about Dr. Stein, Lauren, and Pika - lifelong residents of New Hampshire and Vermont respectively - on our LiveBlog here: http://tarsandsblockade.org/11th-action/

October 30, 2012

VIDEO Guarijio traditional song and dance Sonora, Mexico

.

 
Video by Professor Alejandro Aguilar Zeleny
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com
Guarijio music and dance at the Second Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Oct. 27, 2012
Se escucha alegre la música guarijío en el Segundo Encuentro de Guías Espirituales. la gente habló, la gente escuchó, se hizo presente la memoria histórica, la persistencia étnica, el ánimo humano de sobrevivir pese a todo.
— at Casa Hoeffer.

Censored News coverage of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
and Comca’ac (Seri) reclaiming land

Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
Video Espanol/Spanish/ Guarjios battle dam and relocation
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
SPANISH Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html
Alejandro summarizes gathering of Indigenous spiritual leaders
 

'Franken storms' Climate change feeds superstorm triple whammy

 
Hurricane Sandy ABC News
Climate Change Feeds Superstorm Triple Whammy
Global Warming Raises Sea Levels, Alters Jet Stream, Makes Storms Stronger
By Center for Biological Diversity
SAN FRANCISCO— As America copes with the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, scientists with the Center for Biological Diversity are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to use the Clean Air Act to take emergency action against climate change. Global warming creates a "superstorm triple whammy" that helps turn nasty weather into a nightmare of killer winds and devastating storm surges.
"The terrifying truth is that America faces a future full of Frankenstorms," said Shaye Wolf, Ph.D., the Center's climate science director. "Climate change raises sea levels and supersizes storms. The threat of killer winds and crushing storm surges will grow by the year unless we get serious about tackling greenhouse gas pollution."
Here’s how scientists say climate change feeds the superstorm triple whammy:
1. Global warming loads storms with more energy and more rainfall. A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Katrina-magnitude Atlantic hurricanes have been twice as likely in warm years compared with cold years. In warm years hotter ocean temperatures add energy to storms and warmer air holds more moisture, causing storms to dump more rainfall. Global ocean temperatures hit their second-highest level on record in September, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
2. Storm surge rides on higher sea levels, so more coastline floods during storms. In the northeastern United States, sea levels are rising three to four times faster than the global average, putting major U.S. cities at increased risk of flooding and storm surges, according to a June 2012 study in Nature Climate Change. The West Coast is not immune: Most of California could experience three or more feet of sea-level rise this century, heightening the risk of coastal flooding.
3. Melting sea ice and accelerating Arctic warming are causing changes in the jet stream that are bringing more extreme weather to the United States. Climate change in the Arctic is destabilizing the jet stream, causing bursts of colder air to drop down farther into the United States. In Sandy’s case, a collision with a cold front acted to turn the hurricane into a superstorm. Recent research, including studies by Georgia Institute of Technology and Rutgers University, has linked Arctic warming to increased risk of a variety of extreme weather events.
Deep and rapid greenhouse gas cuts are needed to reduce extreme weather risk. The Clean Air Act is America’s leading tool for curbing greenhouse gas pollution, and more than three dozen U.S. cities have joined the Center’s Clean Air Cities campaign urging the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to help reduce carbon in our atmosphere to no more than 350 parts per million, the level scientists say is needed to avoid catastrophic climate change.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 450,000 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

News Release * Center for Biological Diversity * Oct. 30, 2012
Contact:Shaye Wolf, (415) 385-5746

October 29, 2012

VIDEO O'odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca'ac (Seri) land

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O'odham Ofelia Rivas with Comca'ac (Seri) friend on
Comca'ac land. Photo Brenda Norrell.
 


O'odham Ofelia Rivas at the Comca'ac (Seri) sea
Video interview by Brenda Norrell, Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com
Sonora, Mexico Parts I and II
 




"The sea gives us our strength to be who we are, Indigenous Peoples living on the land," said O'odham Ofelia Rivas, speaking on Comca'ac (Seri) land during the Indigenous gathering of spiritual guides in Sonora, Mexico. It was the same day that Comca'ac reclaimed their ancestral land nearby at Kino Bay, south of the Arizona border at the Comca'ac's sea, known as the Gulf of California.
Below: Video interview by Brenda Norrell, Censored News.

Censored News coverage of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
and Comca’ac (Seri) reclaiming land

Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
Video Espanol/Spanish/ Guarjios battle dam and relocation
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
SPANISH Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html
Alejandro summarizes gathering of Indigenous spiritual leaders

 

Sonora's Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

French translation, thank you Christine Prat
http://www.chrisp.lautre.net/wpblog/?p=1110

HERMOSILLO, Mexico -- Indigenous Peoples of Sonora, Mexico, supported the Guarijios who oppose the construction of the Los Pilares dam that could lead to the loss of their land and relocation. During the Second Reunion of Spiritual Guides, Indigenous leaders also united in support of the Yaqui who are battling the theft of their water from their river, the Rio Yaqui.
Sonoran Indigenous united against the drug trafficking that is impacting Los Pimas in southern Sonora and the gold mining and mega agriculture project targeting the O’odham ceremonial community of Quitovac in northern Sonora near the Arizona border.
The battle to protect the water and land from mining, and the destruction of development and tourism on Indigenous lands, were the focus of the discussion during the gathering Oct. 26--27. Indigenous Peoples also consulted on ways to preserve their language and culture.
In the state of Sonora, old growth forests are being destroyed, and workers exploited for low wages, for the production of charcoal, which continues unregulated. The rivers are being poisoned by corporations.
Meanwhile, in a separate action in the state of Sonora on Sunday, Comca’ac (Seri) reclaimed ancestral lands near Kino Bay. Asserting their rights to the land, Seri gathered for a ceremony as they reclaimed their territory. (Photo: Today Seri occupy homeland near Kino Bay, by Brenda Norrell.)
Guarijio battling dam construction in this video by Censored News during an interview on Saturday:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
In support of the Guarijio battling the dam, Traditional O’odham leaders said, “The Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State and the Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation of studies outlining negative impacts that will interrupt their livelihood.”
“The Guarijio have been affected by being targeted with unfair local and regional media (press and television) reports that they are ‘opposed to development’ and the projects reputed benefits. The Guarijio are being judged publicly without the benefit of being properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State.”
The Traditional Leaders of Sonora issued this resolution of support for the Guarijio:
The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico are again astounded that the Mexican Government at this time of technological advancement has not acquired the basic principles of honesty and civilized decency in existence with the natural world. As within our region time and time again development is being permitted without respect or proper consultation to the local population. Development moves forward without transparent compliance to the cultural, environmental and biological statutes enacted by the government of Mexico.
The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico represent the O’odham communities of northern Sonora, Mexico, and are recognized as the official representatives sanctioned by the O’odham community members, and recognized by the State and Federal government of Mexico.
Having discussed the impacts that the proposed LOS PILARES / BICENTENARIO dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora state, northwest Mexico the Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora support the objections of the Guarijio:
The Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State and the Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation of studies outlining negative impacts that will interrupt their livelihood.
The Guarijio have been affected by being targeted with unfair local and regional media (press and television) reports that they are “opposed to development” and the projects reputed benefits. The Guarijio are being judged publicly without the benefit of being properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State.
The Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) fails to include significant social and environmental impacts. The Guarijio were not properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to the transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project to include participation and contribution of the Guarijio in the EIA to assist in the identification of significant cultural, social, biological and environmental impacts that the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project twill have on the existence of the population in the region.
Identical to the O’odham, the Guarijío as well as Pima and Mayo peoples have populated this region since ancient times. The indigenous culture, traditions and lives depend upon the resources of the region such as the water and associated ecosystems that are essential for the livelihood to survive.
The impacts of the proposed dam include physical displacement of homes and communities gravely impacting historical and cultural heritage. The proposed dam project will destroy the natural resources that provides for food and medicinal resources as well as traditional building materials which are now available to the community.
The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico fully support the Guarijío and encourage solidarity with all our relatives of the region to work in unity to protect our rights as indigenous people and our responsibilities to the land and the universe.
Declaración de los Líderes Tradicionales O’odham en apoyo al Pueblo Guarijío
http://chiltepines.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/declaracion-de-los-lideres-tradicionales-oodham-en-apoyo-al-pueblo-guarijio/

More coverage at Censored News of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora and Comca’ac (Seri)
Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-oodham-ofelia-rivas-on-comcaac.html
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html

Photo Comca'ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land in Sonora, Mexico

 
 
Comca'ac (Seri) reclaimed ancestral land today, near Kino Bay, Sonora, Mexico.
Comca'ac asserted their right to their traditional territory today, Oct. 28, 2012.
Photo Brenda Norrell/Censored News.

Censored News coverage of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
and Comca’ac (Seri) reclaiming land

Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
Video Espanol/Spanish/ Guarjios battle dam and relocation
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
SPANISH Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html
Alejandro summarizes gathering of Indigenous spiritual leaders

October 27, 2012

Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico


By Brenda Norrell, Censored News www.bsnorrell.blogspot.comwww.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

PART II Guarijio describe threat of Los Pilares dam and relocation, with professor
Alejandro Aguilar Zeleny
Interviews  by Brenda Norrell/Censored News with Guarijio at the Second
Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora, Mexico.
Guarijio are battling a proposed dam that could force them to relocate.

Statement of the Traditional O’odham Leaders of the O’odham Communities of Sonora, Mexico in Support of the Guarijio against the flooding of traditional lands by the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State
http://chiltepines.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/declaracion-de-los-lideres-tradicionales-oodham-en-apoyo-al-pueblo-guarijio/
Los O´odham y los grupos indígenas de la región noroeste. Fuente: (Felger y Broyles, 2007, p. 134).
Traditional O'odham Leaders Sonora, Mexico
Photo by Ofelia Rivas
Cu:Wi I-Gersk, Sonora, Mexico -- The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico are again astounded that the Mexican Government at this time of technological advancement has not acquired the basic principles of honesty and civilized decency in existence with the natural world. As within our region time and time again development is being permitted without respect or proper consultation to the local population. Development moves forward without transparent compliance to the cultural, environmental and biological statutes enacted by the government of Mexico.
The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico represent the O’odham communities of northern Sonora, Mexico, and are recognized as the official representatives sanctioned by the O’odham community members, and recognized by the State and Federal government of Mexico.
Having discussed the impacts that the proposed LOS PILARES / BICENTENARIO dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora state, northwest Mexico the Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora support the objections of the Guarijio:
  1. The Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State and the Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation of studies outlining negative impacts that will interrupt their livelihood.
  2. The Guarijio have been affected by being targeted with unfair local and regional media (press and television) reports that they are “opposed to development” and the projects reputed benefits. The Guarijio are being judged publicly without the benefit of being properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State.
  3. The Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) fails to include significant social and environmental impacts. The Guarijio were not properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to the transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project to include participation and contribution of the Guarijio in the EIA to assist in the identification of significant cultural, social, biological and environmental impacts that the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project twill have on the existence of the population in the region.
Identical to the O’odham, the Guarijío as well as Pima and Mayo peoples have populated this region since ancient times. The indigenous culture, traditions and lives depend upon the resources of the region such as the water and associated ecosystems that are essential for the livelihood to survive.
The impacts of the proposed dam include physical displacement of homes and communities gravely impacting historical and cultural heritage. The proposed dam project will destroy the natural resources that provides for food and medicinal resources as well as traditional building materials which are now available to the community.
The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico fully support the Guarijío and encourage solidarity with all our relatives of the region to work in unity to protect our rights as indigenous people and our responsibilities to the land and the universe.

Declaración de los Líderes Tradicionales O’odham en apoyo al Pueblo Guarijío


Los Líderes Tradicionales O’odham de las Comunidades O’odham de Sonora, México, en apoyo al Pueblo Guarijío, nos han hecho llegar la siguiente Declaración.

More coverage at Censored News of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora and Comca’ac (Seri)

Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-oodham-ofelia-rivas-on-comcaac.html
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html


 

Photos Sonoran Indigenous Spiritual Guides Reunion



Photos Brenda Norrell Censored News
Brenda Norrell
brendanorrell@gmail.com
Censored News copyright
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com
Oct 27, 2012

Indigenous Peoples of Sonora, Mexico, gathered during the Second Reunion of Spiritual Guides to consult on defending and protecting Mother Earth, water and other natural resources.
Yaqui face the theft of Yaqui water from the Rio Yaqui by Hermosillo. Further, a  dam could lead to forced relocation of Guarijios. The destruction of the forests for carbon has devastated the old growth pines in the land of Los Pimas. O'odham are battling gold mining and mega agricultural projects in the ceremonial community of Quitovac. Comca'ac (Seri) are defending their lands from increasing tourism.
Top photo Ofelia Rivas, O'odham, speaking at the gathering  in O'odham. Photos two and three, Guarijios share traditional song and dance on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 27, 2012.

Censored News coverage of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
and Comca’ac (Seri) reclaiming land

Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
Video Espanol/Spanish/ Guarjios battle dam and relocation
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
SPANISH Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html
Alejandro summarizes gathering of Indigenous spiritual leaders

Yaqui battle corporate greed to defend Rio Yaqui water



Photo Brenda Norrell Censored News
Yaqui and other Indigenous from Sonora consult
 on protecting the land and water at the Second Reunion of
Spiritual Guides. Oct. 27, 2012.
Mexico and corporations are targeting the Rio Yaqui as  a water source, after wasting and depleting other water sources in Sonora


By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com
Live coverage Saturday
Oct. 27, 2012

French translation by Christine
Prat
http://www.chrisp.lautre.net/wpblog/?p=1102

Indigenous Peoples of Sonora are now gathered at the Second Reunion of Spiritual Guides to discuss the protection of the earth, wind, water and other natural resources, from mining, dams, drug trafficking, theft and development.

Non-Indigenous who have wasted and depleted their water sources in Sonora, are now targeting the Rio Yaqui. The water diversion of the Aquaduct Independence would deplete water from the Yaqui villages in Sonora.

Yaquis have agreed to defend their water from the government, and corporations, who want "to strip the riches from the earth, wind, water and fire. These are elements of our source life, not to be sold. We defend life."

The following resolution of the National Indigenous Congress, in English and Spanish, describes the corporate greed now targeting Yaqui and other Indigenous Peoples in Sonora.

Yaqui water basin
Sonora is the state in Mexico located south of the border from Arizona. Among the Native peoples separated by the US/Mexico border in Arizona and Sonora are the Tohono O'odham, Cocopah, Salt River and Gila River O'otham, and Yaqui. (There are more Indigenous Nations separated by the border between California and Texas.)

Indigenous National Congress
Vicam Pueblo, Yaqui Land, Sonora, Mexico


At the first Forum in Defense of Water.Whereas the territory since time immemorial is where we indigenous peoples, nations and tribes, were born of our mother earth, and we live like brothers with plants, flowers and trees, animals, birds and insects, in the air , the heat, the sun, moon and stars, earth and water, it is our home, food and healing.We also consider that in the territory of the Yaqui tribe, since the beginning of our people, we have honored the earth and water, in the building of our culture that flourished near the river, UU JIAME, now known as Rio Yaqui that the current government wants to rob us of, and kill our origin, our identity and life itself. We believe that for over 518 years of history we have suffered in the flesh of our hearts and the war of extermination of the powerful. Given this, the struggle of our peoples, nations and tribes has always been, in principle, autonomy throughout history, the result of centuries of resistance of our walk. We believe that Mother Earth and the existence of humanity is threatened by the hegemonic capitalist system for their economic greed and exploitation of natural resources, the death of ecosystems by large transnational corporations that come to rob with the corrupt government institutions and free-market policies like NAFTA, the Plan Puebla-Panama project in northwestern Escalera Nautica (Sea of ​​Cortez), known as the coastal road, with that decision, it appears that the bad government will steal the waters of the Yaqui River basin, with the clear intention of making it  available to large companies, to destroy us, and as to that, "The emperor, capital has grown and has grown its ambition and destructive power. If before the treasure was gold, silver, precious metals and stones, now it is water, air, forests, animals, knowledge, people ... "Only through unity and respect for our most fundamental rights of indigenous peoples of the country with each other and with all those Mexicans who are victims of exploitation, this dispossession and repression, then recognition of the most fundamental rights of indigenous may be possible.The Yaqui Tribe with Civil Society in the Yaqui Valley, have agreed to defend our water from bad government, who want to strip the riches from the earth, wind, water and fire. These are elements of our source life, not to be sold. We defend life. As convened:To all peoples, nations, tribes, neighborhoods, groups, indigenous and non-indigenous national and international honest the First Forum in Defense of Water, to be held on 20 and 21 November 2010, in the Community of the Yaqui Tribe of Vicam, Sonora, Mexico, to share the word, experience and stories of struggle and to agree to continue to defend what is ours. Under the following topics:1. - Territory2. - Water3. - The exercise of autonomy4. - Projects of misrule

TRIBU YAQUI- CONGRESO NACIONAL INDIGENA

C O N V OC A T O R I A

Al Primer Foro en Defensa del Agua.

Considerando que el territorio desde tiempos inmemoriales es el lugar donde nosotros los pueblos indígenas, naciones y tribus, nos nacimos de nuestra madre tierra, y vivimos como hermanos con las plantas, flores y árboles, con los animales, aves e insectos, de los aires, de los calores, el sol, la luna y las estrellas, la tierra y el agua; de ella es nuestro origen, alimento y curación.

Consideramos asimismo, que en el territorio de la tribu Yaqui, en el principio de nuestro pueblo, nos consideramos hechos de tierra y agua, en la edificación de nuestra cultura que floreció en las inmediaciones del río “UU JIAME”, hoy conocido como Río Yaqui, que el actual gobierno quiere despojar y matar nuestro origen, nuestra identidad y la vida propia.

Consideramos que a lo largo de 518 años de historia hemos padecido en carne propia y de nuestros corazones la guerra de exterminio de parte de los poderosos. Ante esto, la lucha de nuestros pueblos, naciones y tribus siempre ha sido un principio, la resistencia, y un proyecto histórico, la autonomía, fruto de la resistencia de siglos de este caminar.

Consideramos que la madre tierra y la existencia de la humanidad se encuentra amenazada por el sistema hegemónico capitalista, por su voracidad económica y de explotación de los recursos naturales, de muerte de los ecosistemas por las grandes empresas transnacionales que llegan a despojarnos junto a la corrupción de las instituciones gubernamentales y de políticas de libre mercado como el Tratado de Libre Comercio, el Plan Puebla-Panamá en sus proyectos del noroeste de la Escalera Náutica ( Mar de Cortés), conocida como la carretera costera, con esa decision del mal gobierno buscan robarse las aguas de la cuenca del río Yaqui, con la clara intención de despojarnos y poner a disposición de las grandes empresas el agua, la vida y el territorio para exterminarnos; y como se a dicho que “ el emperador, el capital ha crecido y ha crecido su ambición y poder de destrucción. Si antes el tesoro era de oro, plata, metales y piedras preciosas; ahora es de agua, aire, bosques, animales, conocimientos, personas…”

Considerando, que únicamente a traves de la unidad de los pueblos indígenas del país entre sí, y con todos aquellos mexicanos y mexicanas que son victimas de explotación, despojo y represión podrá ser posible el respeto de nuestro derechos mas fundamentales .

La Tribu Yaqui junto con la Sociedad Civil del Valle del Yaqui, hemos acordado la defensa de nuestra agua, que el mal gobierno y los ricos nos quieren despojar, porque la tierra, el viento, el agua y el fuego son elementos de nuestro origen de la vida, no se venden y con la vida se defienden. Por lo que convocamos:

A todos los pueblos, naciones, tribus, barrios, colectivos, organizaciones indígenas y no indígenas honestas nacionales e internaciones al Primer Foro en Defensa del Agua, a realizarse los días 20 y 21 de noviembre del 2010, en la Comunidad de la Tribu Yaqui de Vicam, Sonora, México, para compartir la palabra, la experiencia e historias de lucha y hacer acuerdo para seguir defendiendo lo que es nuestro.

Bajo los siguientes temas:

1.- Territorio
2.- Agua
3.- El Ejercicio de la Autonomia
4.- Proyectos del mal gobierno


More coverage at Censored News of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora andComca’ac (Seri)
Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-oodham-ofelia-rivas-on-comcaac.html
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
SPANISH Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html

Video English Alejandro summarizes Indigenous Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/11/video-alejandro-summarizes-indigenous.html
 

Copyright Brenda Norrell, Ofelia Rivas, Censored News
May not be used without permission.

Mohawk Nation News: Revolution Back to Rule of Law

MNN: REVOLUTION BACK TO RULE OF LAW

REVOLUTION BACK TO RULE OF LAW – KANEKOTA UPDATE.
Mohawk Nation News
http://www.mohawknationnews.com

MNN. Oct. 25, 2012. Canada has a duty to abide by the rule of law, that is, to follow their own laws. Above all, their constitution. Their following their constitution and agreements with Indigenous peoples is their visa to live here. Ordinary statutes like the Indian Act that breach the constitutional guarantee of protection of us are not “law”. This breach makes it void.
The Royal Proclamation 1763 is the first general constitution for all of North America, giving the newcomers a right to live here. It is the foundation of Canada. It defines its relationship with the Indigenous People and our land, based on the Guswentha/Two Row Wampum. We are to remain separate in all ways, unless we make a treaty agreeing to some variation. We did not. The newcomers proclaim a “duty to protect us” from encroachment. Sections 91[24] and 109 of the Constitution Act 1867, affirm this duty. Furthermore, this was confirmed by the Order in Council of Canada 1875 by which Canada expressly and explicitly confessed this duty of protection.

The Royal Proclamation 1763 provides:
“… that the several Nations or Tribes of Indians with whom We are connected and who live under our Protection should not be molested or disturbed in the Possession of such Parts of Our Dominions and Territories as not having been ceded to or purchased by Us are reserved to them or any of them as their hunting Grounds —“.
“… And we do further strictly enjoin and require all Persons whatever who have either willfully or inadvertently seated themselves upon any Lands … not having been ceded to or purchased by Us are still reserved to the said Indians as aforesaid forthwith to remove themselves from such Settlements.
The Royal Proclamation affirms our territorial sovereignty and independence. The Guswentha provides that there shall be no interference in our ways, languages and lands. Nor shall they make rules for us or have any rights to our possessions. They may live here and feed their people and be of one mind with us on the environment.
Section 109 of the Constitution Act, 1867 further elaborates:
109. … all … Lands, Mines, Minerals, or Royalties, [are] subject to any Trusts existing in respect thereof, and to any Interest other than that of the Province…
In 1897 the Privy Council in Britain, at that time the highest court of appeal for Canada, defined the trust and interest as a legal duty to protect the nations or tribes of Indians, which pre-exist their administrative bodies known as Indian Act band councils. Canada is absolutely bound by this. The duty to protect predates the country.
The constitution has been broken and thus the rule of law has been trashed. It has been replaced by political opportunism that has infected the courts, politicians and almost all of non-native society. In 1880 Canada illegally declared a formal act of genocide, the Indian Act, Section 72, to remove the life chiefs. Then on October 25, 1924 Canada illegally set up concentration camps called “reserves”.
Quebec cannot impose a statute such as French language Bill 101 forcing Indigenous to speak French in order to work. Otherwise we are forced to leave our homeland. It is a genocidal colonial statute that violates the rule of law and Canada’s duty to protect.
The crown falsely alleged that their settlers have our land, resources and can legislate to us. The visitors illegally interfere with our life and lands. Canada and its courts must protect the several nations and our lands from being molested or disturbed.
Any Ongwehonwe/Indigenous as natural persons of Onowaregeh/Great Turtle Island require proof of treaty that relinquishes this constitutional agreement. None exist. All the land is Indigenous. Canada’s duty is to never allow any encroachment by subsequent statutes of Canada and its provinces. Any federal or provincial imposition is unconstitutional and therefore void. Canada has voided its own existence here.
The rule of law does not function in Canada. The trust has been broken. It needs to be repaired to rescue all human kind and the environment.
Instead of protection Canada has attacked us and our mother, the earth. The foreign corporation of Canada must be dissolved as it does not follow the rule of law, making it illegal. They must follow the Guswenta or leave Great Turtle Island.

This is the basis of the Federal Court case T-1396-12, The Queen v. Thahoketoteh of Kanekota. We need your donations now for filing, printing and mailing costs. Those who donate today will become of one mind with us as per the Guswentha. Go to PayPal. www.mohawknationnews.com. Contact: Thahoketoteh@hotmail.com; MNN Mohawk Nation News kahentinetha2@yahoo.com For more news, books, workshops, to sign up for MNN newsletters, go to www.mohawknationnews.com Address: Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0 Nia:wen

October 26, 2012

Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijios battle against Los Pilares dam

 

Guarijio baskets, Sonora, Mexico, Oct 26, 2012
Photo by Brenda Norrell
Statement of the Traditional O’odham Leaders of the O’odham Communities of Sonora, Mexico in Support of the Guarijio against the flooding of traditional lands by the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State
French Translation
Traditional O'odham Leaders Sonora, Mexico
Photo by Ofelia Rivas
Cu:Wi I-Gersk, Sonora, Mexico -- The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico are again astounded that the Mexican Government at this time of technological advancement has not acquired the basic principles of honesty and civilized decency in existence with the natural world. As within our region time and time again development is being permitted without respect or proper consultation to the local population. Development moves forward without transparent compliance to the cultural, environmental and biological statutes enacted by the government of Mexico.
The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico represent the O’odham communities of northern Sonora, Mexico, and are recognized as the official representatives sanctioned by the O’odham community members, and recognized by the State and Federal government of Mexico.
Having discussed the impacts that the proposed LOS PILARES / BICENTENARIO dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora state, northwest Mexico the Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora support the objections of the Guarijio:
 http://www.chrisp.lautre.net/wpblog/?p=1107
http://chiltepines.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/declaracion-de-los-lideres-tradicionales-oodham-en-apoyo-al-pueblo-guarijio/
Los O´odham y los grupos indígenas de la región noroeste. Fuente: (Felger y Broyles, 2007, p. 134).
  1. The Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State and the Guarijio have not been properly informed or afforded proper consultation of studies outlining negative impacts that will interrupt their livelihood.
  2. The Guarijio have been affected by being targeted with unfair local and regional media (press and television) reports that they are “opposed to development” and the projects reputed benefits. The Guarijio are being judged publicly without the benefit of being properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project on the upper River Mayo in southeast Sonora State.
  3. The Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) fails to include significant social and environmental impacts. The Guarijio were not properly informed or afforded proper consultation with respect to the transparent information regarding detailed project plans of the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project to include participation and contribution of the Guarijio in the EIA to assist in the identification of significant cultural, social, biological and environmental impacts that the Los Pilares / Bicentenario dam project twill have on the existence of the population in the region.
 
Identical to the O’odham, the Guarijío as well as Pima and Mayo peoples have populated this region since ancient times. The indigenous culture, traditions and lives depend upon the resources of the region such as the water and associated ecosystems that are essential for the livelihood to survive.
The impacts of the proposed dam include physical displacement of homes and communities gravely impacting historical and cultural heritage. The proposed dam project will destroy the natural resources that provides for food and medicinal resources as well as traditional building materials which are now available to the community.
The Traditional O’odham Leaders of Sonora, Mexico fully support the Guarijío and encourage solidarity with all our relatives of the region to work in unity to protect our rights as indigenous people and our responsibilities to the land and the universe.

Declaración de los Líderes Tradicionales O’odham en apoyo al Pueblo Guarijío

Los Líderes Tradicionales O’odham de las Comunidades O’odham de Sonora, México, en apoyo al Pueblo Guarijío, nos han hecho llegar la siguiente Declaración.
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Censored News coverage of the Reunion of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
and Comca’ac (Seri) reclaiming land

Video interview: O’odham Ofelia Rivas on Comca’ac land, at the sea
Sonora’s Indigenous unite to protect Mother Earth
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/sonoras-indigenous-unite-to-protect.html
Photo Comca’ac (Seri) reclaim ancestral land near Kino Bay, Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/photo-comcaac-seri-reclaim-ancestral.html
SPANISH Video interview Guarijios battle dam and relocation in Sonora, Mexico
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2012/10/video-interview-guarijios-battle-dam.html
Photos of today's Indigenous Gathering of Spiritual Guides in Sonora
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/photos-sonoran-indigenous-spiritual.html
Yaqui battle theft of Rio Yaqui water
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/yaqui-battle-corporate-greed-to-defend.html
Traditional O'odham leaders support Guarijio fighting dam
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/traditional-oodham-leaders-support.html
Seri honored as Pillars of the World
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.mx/2012/10/comcaac-seri-honored-as-pillars-of-world.html
Alejandro summarizes gathering of Indigenous spiritual leaders