Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

September 27, 2019

HAWAII: 28 Protectors Arrested Protecting Burial Grounds

Photo by Honolulu Star Advertiser

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Photo by Kaniela Ing

Kaniela Ing said, "Police officers brought out an LRAD sonic weapon today at Sherwoods, and arrested at least 25 Kānaka Maoli who were peacefully protecting what they believe to be the grave site of their ancestors. Officers refused to give their badge number or charge information to legal observers. Arrestees were put in paddy wagons and separated into different police stations spread across the island. The Hawaii Community Bail Fund has been working to kokua all morning. #KapuAloha"
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Screenshots of video by Censored News


Thursday: 28 arrested protecting Hunananiho, also known as Sherwood's Forest, currently undergoing destruction

Watch full length video on Facebook here



Hawaii News Now By Mileka Lincoln
Updated September 27 at 4:57 AM
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Officers arrested 28 people Thursday who were blocking construction equipment and crews from accessing a Waimanalo park, where a controversial $32 million redevelopment project is underway. Several of those taken into custody pledged to return.
Scores of protesters started gathering early Thursday at the entrance to Sherwood Forest and Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, and more than 30 sat across the entrance road to block vehicle access.
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/09/26/opponents-controversial-project-waimanalo-blocking-access-sherwood-forest/

More Media coverage at Honolulu Star Advertiser
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/09/26/photo-gallery/protesters-arrested-at-sherwood-forest-in-waimanalo/

'Climate Emergency: Shutting Down DC' Livestreams by Unicorn Riot


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By Unicorn Riot
Friday, Sept. 27, 2019
Censored News

TODAY: After Monday's #ShutDownDC protests that blocked traffic in the USA's capital, climate activists are again taking to the streets. A march during rush hour on Friday morning is targeting banks and institutions that support the fossil fuel companies causing climate change.
https://unicornriot.ninja/…/climate-protesters-take-dc-str…/
BLACK SNAKE KILLAZ: One of the locked-down protesters at Monday's #ShutdownDC climate protests wore a Black Snake Killaz shirt. BSK is our documentary that explores actions taken by Water Protectors to stop the oncoming Dakota Access pipeline and highlights actions taken by law enforcement, military & corporate mercenaries to quell #NoDAPL occupation/protests.
Watch the full doc: https://unicornriot.ninja/black-snake-killaz-2017/
SHUTTING DOWN THE STREETS: On September 23, 2019, the #ShutDownDC day of action disrupted business in the nation's capitol, in solidarity with the youth climate strike, to demand policymakers address runaway climate change.
The first blockade of the morning began with two cars that were used to shut down an intersection leading into downtown D.C., near the Arlington Bridge.
Read more here:
https://unicornriot.ninja/…/direct-actions-disrupt-dc-to-d…/
Support non-profit independent media! Donate to Unicorn Riot today:
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All our documentaries are available to watch for free via our website: https://unicornriot.ninja/documentary/
You can also watch our live broadcasts on Twitter/Periscope, YouTube, Livestream and the web:
https://unicornriot.ninja/live-channel/
To Help Support Non-Profit Independent Media, Click Here:
https://unicornriot.ninja/support-our-work/

TODAY! Illinois Strike to Halt Dakota Access Pipeline Doubling Sept. 27, 2019

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Illinois Strike to Halt Dakota Access Pipeline Doubling


Come strike and march with us to demand that Governor Pritzker declare a climate emergency in Illinois, ban fracking in Illinois, and halt the doubling of the Dakota Access pipeline.

Appalachians Against Pipelines: Raging Granny Locks Down, Arrested




Appalachians Against Pipelines: Raging Granny Locks Down, Arrested





Appalachians Against Pipelines
Censored News

Duff Benjamin — a 75-year old grandmother, midwife, and self-identified “raging granny” — has been arrested after blocking Mountain Valley Pipeline work on Cove Hollow Rd for 5 hours this morning.

“The problem with pipelines is they always leak,” stated Duff. “What they leak are toxins into the land, water, and air.”

This site is just minutes down the road from the ongoing Yellow Finch tree sit blockade, where 2 tree sits have been standing strong in the path of the pipeline for 388 days and counting.

September 26, 2019

Best of Censored News: Provocative and Relentless Voices from the Ground


Robert Free with delegation in Venezuela.

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

As we begin our 14th year at Censored News, we share with you some of the most extraordinary news that has come our way. It is good to go through these old stories, because not only are the details often forgotten, but so is the perspective, a way of seeing the world. Here are a few highlights from Censored News.

Sihasin's 'Fight Like a Woman' nominated for five Native American Music Awards




SIHASIN'S “FIGHT LIKE A WOMAN” NOMINATED FOR 5 NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS


Berta Benally
Tacoho Productions
P.O.Box 1492
Flagstaff Az. 86002
928 380 2299
tacoho@blackfire.net
www.sihasin.com

The multi-talented Navajo Rock/pop/world musical duo Sihasin has just been nominated for 5 catagories in the Native American Music Awards (NAMA.)

The Native American Music Awards Gala will be held November 2, 2019, at the Seneca Niagra Hotel Casino and Resort in Buffalo, New York. Sihasin is nominated for Group/Duo of the Year, Song of the year 'Shine,' Best Rock Album 'Fight Like A Woman,' Producer of the year, The Legendary Ed Stasium, and Best Music Video Narrative 'Strong Together.' Sihasin's sophomore album produced by Ed Stasium, 'Fight Like a Woman,' has already garnered 2 Global Music Awards for Best Album and Best Video for 'Strong Together.' Sihasin's premier album, “Never Surrender,” also won the Group Of the Year for the NAMA awards and best Rock recording for the Indian Summer Music Awards.

This has been an amazing year for Sihasin of working hard to bring their powerful voices to the world on environmental issues, human rights and sacred sites issues.

Sihasin believes in creating positive change each and every day With “Fight Like A Woman," Sihasin was working again with the legendary producer Ed Stasium. It has been an incredible personal journey. The state of the political climate, depression of the nation and the need to work on something from the heart was desperately needed. Ed had stated that this album was going to take as much time that was needed to let the songs speak for themselves.

Sihasin is a rare band who does more than just perform. They leave the audience with an exhilarating feeling of “Get Up, Stand Up and Do." Their Father Jones Benally is an Arizona Historical Living Treasure and guest stars along with the duo. He also scored the Walter Hill Film of Geronimo with Ry Cooder. The siblings Jeneda and Clayson Benally are also known for their internationally acclaimed Navajo Dance Troupe, The Jones Benally Family.

Sihasin's current upcoming performances will take them to Bentonville, Arkansas, on October 4 2019. Then, to the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa Oklahoma on October 6. Next, they travel to Telluride, Colorado, for The Liberty on October 12. Sihasin will be at the Kennedy Centers millennium stage in Washington DC on October 14, 2019.

Sihasin's plans are to continue to tour the world bringing their powerful message of Hope.

To vote for Sihasins nominations and other talented artists please go to:

for further information or interviews please contact: Berta Benally (above address)

September 25, 2019

Israeli Elbit Spy Towers Protested in Minnesota


Unicorn Riot reports from Minnesota, where the Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems is being protested. Elbit currently has a contract to build spy towers, integrated fixed towers, in remote communities on the Tohono O'odham Nation, where O'odham women and elderly are already constantly threatened and harassed by the U.S. Border Patrol. Censored News exposed the first maps and secret meetings about these spy towers on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Gu Vo District continues to oppose these Israeli spy towers on O'odham land.

https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2017/05/a-nation-of-bullies-us-israeli-spy.html

-- Censored News

Minnesotans Escalate Calls to Divest from “Virtual Border Wall” Company Elbit

By Jenn Schreiter, Unicorn Riot
September 25, 2019

St. Paul, MN – Local organizers have accused the state of Minnesota of “funding the wall” between both the Mexico-USA border and further between Palestine and Israel. Anti-war and migrant justice activists turned up the pressure on Minnesota legislators to divest an estimated $1.25 million in state funds from notorious border militarization company Elbit Systems.

Activists’ sense of urgency has increased as Elbit’s local wing “Elbit Systems of America” nears completion on the “virtual border wall” that’s been appearing over the past decade in the southwestern United States borderlands. Ten of the 160-foot-tall “Integrated Fixed Towers” are planned to cut through reservation land of the Tohono O’odham Nation, courtesy of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Indigenous rights activists, immigrant rights activists, and anti-war activists now must contend with the same company, who is quickly laying groundwork for increased federal border enforcement between the states of Arizona (USA) and Sonora (Mexico).
Unicorn Riot reports: "The Minnesota Governor's mansion on Summit Ave in St. Paul, Minn. was the site of two protests lately against Elbit Systems. The company helps maintain the illegal apartheid wall between Palestine and Israel, and its US American subsidiary "Elbit Systems of America" is under contract to militarize the USA-Mexico border. Protesters have been urging the Minnesota State Board of Investments to divest from Elbit, but activists' efforts have so far gone unheeded by elected representatives."
Like what we do? If you can, support our work! We are an educational non-profit organization and will continue to cover these dynamic social struggles. https://unicornriot.ninja/support-our-work/

Mohawk Nation News: Dressing Up Like An 'Indian'



DRESSING UP LIKE AN “INDIAN”



Please post and distribute.
MNN. SEPT. 24, 2019. We natives dress ‘white’ because we can’t afford those beautiful expensive native ‘costumes’. When we do have one, we get invited to parties to pose for photos with politicians, at supermarket openings and with kids in daycares.  
Read article at Mohawk Nation News:

September 23, 2019

Mauna Kea: A society of love, compassion and justice is worth protecting



Mauna Kea: A society of love, compassion and justice is worth protecting

'Science without ethics is our worst nightmare'

An article by one of our Mauna Healers Aunty Gwen Kim who is also one of the frontline Kia’i who sat in the Kupuna line on the day of the Kupuna arrests.

Kepakemapa 23, 2019
Pōʻakahi

Mauna Medic Healers

By Gwen Kim

Seeing so many negative letters about Thirty Meter Telescope protectors, I felt moved to share my personal experience.

As a 76-year-old full-blooded kama‘aina Korean, I was among those frontline kupuna who on the first day volunteered to block the construction of TMT. As an ally and supporter, I have been wrapped with love respect and honor for our stand.

Mohawk Nation News 'Weather Wars'

WEATHER WARS



MNN. SEPT. 23, 2019. Climate change is happening because the multinational corporations are deliberately destroying the world by poisoning the waters, trees and the people. The UN and global Agenda 21 and Agenda 2030 are drafted to eventually establish the taxing of every breath we take, disguised as a carbon tax.
Read article at Mohawk Nation News 

Support O'odham VOICE against the WALL



Sep 23 at 3:16 PM

Help Support the O'odham VOICE against the WALL

O'odham VOICE Against The WALL has actively been working on O'odham Rights and Human Rights since 2003. We are a small group representing Elders and ceremony people.

September 2019: A New Critical Threat Has Occurred Impacting Sacred Places on O'odham Land in the US and Mexico.

We are in need of travel and food funds immediately. 

There are important meetings that must take place and we must ensure the community leaders are able to attend.  The safety of the Elders is a priority. Please know it is highly important that group representatives must travel across the border region.

Many of you have been involved with providing solidarity for over a decade. With your help, we stopped the toxic dump that was to be built near the O'odham sacred site of Quitovac in Sonora Mexico back in 2008.

Here are two links to remember that victory:
  1. Temporary Victory:  Toxic Dump Haulted (For Now)Traditional O'odham and Supporters Halt Quitovac Toxic Dump
     
  2. Solidarity Gathering Against Toxic Dump Proposal Near Sacred Site of Quitovac; Resolution Against
    the Dump is Adopted

Work has continued constantly since then, and now we want to re-connect with you to build and grow this solidarity network to provide even more support to the O'odham living in Arizona and Mexico.

A new attack is upon us. Any donations will help protect a very important sacred area. More information will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your attention at this very important time. Anything you can spare will help the Elders to travel, which will help the land to remain free.  With your help we can stop a land takeover that is occurring right now, just like we stopped the toxic dump near Quitovac in 2008.
With love and solidarity,

Ofelia Rivas (O'odham VOICE against the WALL)





Arizona -- Big ugly Apartheid border wall destroys habitat of endangered species, violates all laws

From Laiken Jordahl, Borderlands Campaigner for the Center for Biological Diversity -
Sep 19
Daily borderlands update: 37 panels of Trump wall now installed at Organ Pipe National Monument — a place so special Congress designated it wilderness. This wall will sever our protected public lands from habitat across the border and push endangered species closer to extinction.


Breaking News: Trump transferring ownership of 500 acres of public land in Arizona to U.S. Army:
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/interior-department-transferring-federal-land-army-border-wall/story?id=65702870

Transfer of borderlands is outrage, unlawful, read more at Censored News
https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2019/09/transfer-of-public-lands-for-border.html


There has been a lot of confusion in the media and on FB about which sections of the wall are being built and which sections are on hold. Please note: Wall construction is moving ahead on the south border of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (an International Biosphere Reserve) as this recent photo shows. It is big and it is ugly in every way possible. Please call your Representatives and ask that they stop wall construction immediately before any more irreparable damage is done. -- Arizona border resident


Thank you to the Arizona border residents who share their photos and comments with Censored News. Photos copyrighted by photographer.

Zapatistas: 'Second International Meeting of Women Who Fight' Dec. 26 -- 29, 2019


Photo: First Zapatista Women's Gathering in Morelia, Chiapas

ZAPATISTA ARMY OF NATIONAL LIBERATION.
MEXICO.

CALL FOR THE
SECOND INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF WOMEN WHO FIGHT.

SEPTEMBER 2019.
Spanish and translations

To women who fight around the world:

Sister, partner, woman who fights:

We greet you as women that we are, as indigenous and as Zapatistas.

You may remember that in the First Meeting we made an agreement that we have to be alive. But of course we see that it follows the killing and disappearance of women. Of all ages and all social conditions. They kill us and disappear because we are women. And, in addition, they still tell us that it is our fault, that why we dress as we dress, why we walk where we walk, why at such times in such places. And then, in the bad governments there is no lack who, man or woman, who goes out with stupidity that tells us that then we should no longer leave. According to that thought, then women should always be locked in their homes, they shouldn't go out, they shouldn't study, they shouldn't work, they shouldn't have fun, they shouldn't be free.

September 19, 2019

Federal Judge Blocks 'Riot Boosting' Laws in South Dakota





Federal judge halts unconstitutional new laws targeting pipeline protests against Keystone XL

When a federal judge blocked the unconstitutional 'riot boosting' laws in South Dakota, he said that "Martin Luther King Jr. would have been liable for 'riot boosting' under South Dakota's law for writing his 'Letter from Birmingham Jail," the ACLU of South Dakota said. Martin Luther King called for non-violent direct action in this letter. "The purpose of our direct-action program is to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation," Martin Luther King wrote.
By Brenda Norrell
Censored News


A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked enforcement of the "riot boosting" laws in South Dakota laws, unconstitutional laws designed to stop protests against the Keystone XL pipeline.
Rosebud Sioux Tribal President Rodney M. Bordeaux praised the decision handed down on Wednesday, pointing out that freedom of speech is far more important than the interests of oil companies.
"Like many tribal members, I was grateful for the news that Judge Lawrence Piersol of the U.S. Federal District Court has granted an injunction against the State of South Dakota that prohibits the state from enforcing its unconstitutional 'riot-boosting' law," Bordeaux said in a statement.
"We believe that this sends a message to Governor Kristi Noem that it is not acceptable to skip the legislative process and ‘fast-track’ legislation in a non-transparent manner so that the voice of the people are not heard. We are hopeful that the state is reminded that it is not acceptable to put the needs and wishes of foreign oil ahead of the people’s constitutional rights to free speech."
In issuing a preliminary injunction halting several provisions of the legislation, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Piersol said the ALCU is likely to win most of its challenges to the bill “with the possible exception for direction of another person participating in a riot to use force or violence," Associated Press reports.
Piersol added that that protesters must be allowed to plan and seek public support and money “before and in anticipation” of the next construction season. Conversely, supporters of the pipeline should also have the opportunity to respond rather than waiting for confrontation during actual construction, the judge said.
“We’re glad the court recognized that these vague and overbroad laws threaten the First Amendment rights of South Dakotans on every side of the issue,” said Stephen Pevar, an ACLU attorney.
The legislation hastily passed in March by the Republican-dominated Legislature allows officials to pursue criminal or civil penalties against demonstrators who engage in “riot boosting,” defined in part as encouraging violence during a riot. It’s meant to head off Keystone XL protests like those mounted against the Dakota Access pipeline in North Dakota that resulted in 761 arrests over a six-month span beginning in late 2016, AP reports.

The ACLU said the new law targets pipeline protesters.
The new law gives the state the authority to sue individuals and organizations for “riot boosting,” but it does not clearly describe what speech or conduct it considers to be “riot boosting, the ACLU said in April.
"The law is written so broadly that even a tweet encouraging activists to 'Join a protest to stop the pipeline and give it all you’ve got!' could be interpreted as 'riot-boosting' should a fight break out at the protest. The law joins two existing state criminal laws that also target such speech, meaning that advocacy could now result in up to 25 years of prison time, fines, or civil penalties — or a combination of all three," the ACLU said.

Transfer of Public Lands for Border Wall is An Outrage, Unlawful






Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Contact: Courtney Bourgoin, Courtney.Bourgoin@sierraclub.org

STATEMENT: Transfer of Public Lands for Border Wall is An Outrage, Unlawful

Washington, DC-- Today, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced the Trump administration will transfer over 560 acres of public lands to the Army to build roughly 70 miles of border barriers. The acreage includes public and desert lands in Arizona, California and New Mexico, including areas immediately south of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona and Otay Mountain Wilderness in California. 

The land transfer is a result of Trump’s national emergency declaration and waiving of virtually all environmental and cultural protection laws at the border for wall construction. Trump will use $3.6 billion of the military’s budget for these portions of the wall-- cutting over 125 projects that benefit military families and readiness. The Sierra Club, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC)’s challenge of Trump’s national emergency declaration will be heard by the 9th Circuit Court on November 18th. A ruling in favor of the groups could shut down Trump’s national emergency declaration and halt the fund transfers. 

In response, Dan Millis, Borderlands Program Manager at the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, released the following statement: 

“Trump continues to completely disregard our system of checks and balances, critical environmental laws and protections for communities to build his destructive, deeply unpopular wall. Illegally transferring billions of dollars from the military and now handing over our public lands for more border militarization is an abuse of power-- one that will have ripple effects and ruinous harm long after his presidency. It is time for the courts to immediately reject Trump’s fake national emergency that is destroying our homes, public lands, archaeological sites and communities.”

AIM Chasing off Lewis and Clark Pretenders in South Dakota




Censored News celebrates beginning our 14th year by sharing some of our best moments. Our coverage includes a statement by Carter Camp, Ponca, before he passed to the Spirit World, and coverage of this great day on the banks of the Missouri River in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Thanks for reading and sharing Censored News. -- Brenda




Photo by Brenda Norrell



The Lewis and Clark re-enactors offered an offensive tomahawk pipe to the group of
resistors who refused to smoke it. Strong words were made by tribal
leaders Alex White Plume, Floyd Hand, Carter Camp, Alfred Bone Shirt,
Russell Means and Vic Camp who advised the Lewis and Clark re-enactors
that they were perpetuating the lies of American history.



Photo by Brenda Norrell


Lewis and Clark opened the door to the holocaust of the West

By Brenda Norrell
UN Observer and International Report
Copyright Brenda Norrell


CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. (Sept. 18, 2004) -- The American lie of Lewis and
Clark unraveled as Lakota, Ponca, Kiowa and Dine' told re-enactors to
turn back downriver or face the consequences.
"What they wrote down was a blueprint for the genocide of my people.
You are re-enacting something ugly, evil and hateful," Carter Camp,
Ponca, told the Discovery Expedition camped on the Missouri River.
On Saturday, an Indian delegation of elders, supported by young
warriors, gave the expedition a stern warning. If they did not turn
around, they would call on all Indians who are not assimilated,
colonized and conquered to join them and stop the expedition.
"You are re-enacting the coming of death to our people," Camp told the
expedition, while seated in a circle with Indian elders and Lewis and
Clark re-enactors, on the banks of the Missouri River.
"You are re-enacting genocide."
Deb White Plume of Pine Ridge gave the expedition a symbolic blanket
of small pox. Another Lakota woman from Pine Ridge said she carries
the DNA of the Lakota women who survived the slaughters that Lewis and
Clark opened the door to. She said she is prepared to die for this
cause.
"I believe in armed struggle," Wicahpi Wakia Wi of Pine Ridge said.
"The act of genocide stops here. We are tired of living poor. We are
not afraid to die. I am willing to die."
She told them they would not proceed up the river.
"You are not going on. I will organize every sister from here to
Oregon to stop you."
Lakota elder Floyd Hand, among four bands of Lakota here, told the
expedition, "We are the descendants of Red Cloud and Crazy Horse."
"I did not come here in peace."
Hand said they would not smoke the pipe today and if the expedition
continues up the Missouri River, the families of the expedition
members would suffer the spiritual consequences of small pox.
Referring to the tribal governments who welcomed the expedition, Hand
said those tribal governments reflect the same type thinking as the
re-enactors and are not the voice of the grassroots people.
"The tribal governments are not a voice for us. They are imitating us,
like you are imitating Lewis and Clark."
"We want you to turn around and go home," Alex White Plume, Lakota
from Pine Ridge, told the expedition
White Plume said Lakota are here on this land for a reason.
"We were put here by the spirits." He said the Lakota never lost their
language or ceremonies and now they are making these requests: Lakota
want their territory back, their treaties to be honored and to be able
to continue their healing ways.
White Plume said many Indian people have become assimilated and colonized.
"We pray for our own colonized people. We say they are in a prison in
the white man's world."
White Plume said there was no point in the expedition coming here.
"All you did was open up these old wounds."
Carter Camp warned the expedition to halt or they would be stopped. He
said the expedition has been told lies and are spreading lies.
Lewis and Clark are apart of the American lie.
"They had no honor. They came with the American lie. They murdered 60
million people."
Camp said Lewis and Clark said they came in peace. Referring to their
costumes, Camp said, "You guys probably believe that lie. That is why
you are dressed so funny today."
He said Lewis and Clark knew what happened to Indians in the eastern
part of the country and they knew that the missionaries followed the
soldiers. And it was the missionaries who left his people as remnants,
homeless in the streets.
Camp said the young warriors would not be as patient as the elders
seated in the circle. He also questioned whether the re-enactors had
asked permission of the grassroots Indian people to come onto their
territory.
"You chose to come amongst us without permission."
Camp said Sacagawea was a woman struggling to return home. "We feel
sorry for that woman. We don't like the way she was treated."
Camp said Indians here did not like the first Lewis and Clark and they
sure don't like the second ones.
"Take those silly clothes off and come back dressed like a normal
human being. Don't come here to tell me what your grandfather did to
my grandfather."
Referring to the re-enactors "silly clothes," Camp said of the Natives
who came, "This is the way our people dress everyday. We are not
trying to play a game."
"Go home and try to re-enact some truth for the rest of your life."
Alex White Plume said all that is good is being destroyed on the Earth
because of actions like these.
"Our people are dying because our water is no good," he said, adding
that the wolves and bears are disappearing from the territory. Lakotas
have to pay fees to go the Black Hills to pray.
"Today I can not even go up to the Black Hills to worship. We believe
everyone should have access to spirituality."
He said buffalo were once the basis of the ecosystem. Now, he said,
"The whole West is drying up.
"The Earth should be a priority and not your own personal needs."
Referring to the red, white and blue flag flying over one of the
expedition's three boats docked on the Missouri River, White Plume
said, "We want that flag taken down. We honor that flag because we won
it at the Little Big Horn."
He said the flag could be later given back, if their treaty was
honored and sacred lands preserved.
"We would like to ask you to turn around and not to proceed into our
territory. We didn't bring our bows and arrows, but we will continue
to harass you."
Alfred Bone Shirt of Rosebud told the expedition, "This is disgusting.
This is a slap in the face."
Bone Shirt said the Lakota are a people who never quit fighting for
what they believe in. "If you decide to go up river, it is bad, bad
for you and bad for your families."
Bone Shirt listed the town of Chamberlain in a long list of racist
South Dakota towns. He described the testimony of the Indian Child
Welfare Act on KILI Radio the previous day, the testimony of Lakota
children being taken away in large numbers and given to non-Indian
families.
"Our prisons are full, our children are being taken away."
Pointing out the absurdity of the re-enactment, Bone Shirt asked if
there would be a re-enactment of Bush and Cheney invading Iraq.
"If you go up this river, we have good warriors who can shoot arrows.
Bone Shirt was ready for action.
"Let's sink some of those boats out here."
Bone Shirt pointed out that the Indian people knew what the
re-enactors were thinking. "When we leave, they will laugh behind our
backs."
And Bone Shirt said Indians here know this type of racism.
"The state of South Dakota is the most racist state and South Dakota
condones this kind of behavior. We want you to know, it has to end
here."
Russell Means said if the expedition continues up the river, the
Blackfeet are waiting for them.
Means said Lewis and Clark, like the myth of Columbus, are apart of
the great American lie.
And there are many parts to the great American lie. "Even the casino
Indians are not rich, that is another falsehood. They don't ever see
cash," Means said, adding that the money goes to investors and also to
the state, which is illegal.
Means said Indians can't even start a business on tribal land without
waiting an average of eight years, and then it is only if the
paperwork isn't lost.
"What you are perpetuating is part of the big lie," Means told the re-enactors.
Means said Indians have 40 percent of the nation's natural resources
on their lands, yet they are kept in concentration camps called
reservations and not allowed to participate.
"This is our river," Means said of the Missouri River running past. He
pointed out the water is being used by farmers, cities and power
plants without the permission of Indian people.
"They don't honor anything. This is an insult to our integrity."
While there is no Bureau of Irish Affairs or Bureau of other groups of
peoples' affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs remains an instrument
of genocide.
On Pine Ridge, the average lifespan is 44 years. "We are middle-aged at 22."
As Indians arrived at American Creek Marina bay on the river, there
were three police and Sheriff units waiting at the entrance.
Later, seated in the circle, Hand told the group there was no need for
the police to be sneaking in the bushes and taking photos; they could
do it in the open. "That is what the federal government does."
Hand said white people are always looking for identity and always
taking. He told the re-enactors to find out who they are and live who they are.


Deb White Plume said for Lakota, halting the expedition is a spiritual
act. She reminded the expedition of the diseases brought by the
invaders.
She presented Clark with a blanket and said, "Small pox. Have it
back." Clark accepted the blanket, a symbol of small pox, cautiously.
Deb White Plume chastised Clark and the other re-enactors for the tone
they addressed the Indians present with. "You are patronizing us, you
are condescending to us." She said their tone of voice said that they
were going on up the river no matter what.
"You hurt us. We don't want you here."
White Plume said she has only two children because she was sterilized
against her wishes. "I have two sons because your government
sterilized me."
"Your government fought my family with guns and I survived and I am
here to tell you about it."
She said Lewis and Clark and those that followed "were the original
terrorists on this continent."
Pointing out they were surrounded by law enforcement here, she said,
police always surround Lakota.
She said to the expedition, "You are here with no respect."
White Plume said they could not allow the expedition to continue up
the river to their sacred Sun Dance grounds.
"How can you willingly want to trample on anyone's sacred grounds?"

-----

Should We Celebrate Lewis and Clark or Stop Them?

By Carter Camp, Ponca, American Indian Movement
Published with permission at Censored News

Soon a call will be going out across Indian Country for people to
gather in South Dakota to stop the ignorant and racist celebration of
the Lewis and Clark slaveholding expedition into our lands. This
action will be led and organized by our young people who have turned
to some of us for advice and counsel. They are offended by the
continuing insults America seems determined to heap upon our People.
They see our leaders lining up in D.C. to bless the grave robbers
museum of our demise while at home on the rez the depredations
continue. They see our Tribes being changed into corporations that put
money over our culture and they watch as our lands and sovereignty is
eroded to nothing. And now they watch as the Lewis and Clark
'celebration' is endorsed, even by those Indian leaders who know how
ugly its truth is to our people. Our youth, our Tokala, our future,
are tired of standing by while these things are going on and they are
demanding something be done or they will be forced to act. When the
call goes out it will be too late for elders like me to mediate so I
must stand with them and I ask all those within the sound of my voice
to stand with us. Here's why….
Americans have an unfortunate penchant for big anniversary bashes
celebrating their various successes in their five centuries old
assault on Native people. The most glaring example is of course the
national holiday for Columbus, another is the many place names and
celebrations for famous "Indian Killers" like Amherst, Custer and
Chivington. These 'celebrations' are so common and ubiquitous across
our lands that Americans are surprised and hostile when a Native voice
is raised in opposition. If we dare ask that the usual distortions of
history be corrected or that sober thought be given to the
appropriateness of all or certain parts of the event, we are seen as
enemies to be overcome once more.
The first tactic employed is always to convince, bribe or coerce
some of our own people to join them and get them to denounce the
objectors as renegades. From 1492 through the genocidal centuries on
until today, the invader knows that if they can put a red face out
front they can hide their true intentions and escape responsibility.
The big "celebration" going on in D.C. right now for the "National
Museum of the American Indian" is a prime modern example of how the
conqueror uses Indians to hide their responsibility for the times of
horror they visited upon our nations.
The old but effective tactic is once again in use, this time the
wasicu seeks Indian cover for their "celebration" of what they call an
"expedition" instead of what it truly was… an attempt to cover-up once
again the ugly truth of genocide called "manifest destiny". In 1992
Indigenous people from throughout the hemisphere rejected the
colonialist portrayal of Columbus and his ill-fated journey. Our
scholars dug out the ugly words and actions of Columbus from among
ancient documents and gave the real truth to the people. We demanded
truth and taught those Columbus supporters among us the truth of his
legacy. To this day, each "Columbus Day" we raise our voices in
truthful remembrance of what was lost. But 1492 only began the parade
of invaders which were to wash up on our shores, each of them
proffering friendship before beginning to murder us.
Now the Americans are beginning a national "celebration" of the
"Columbus of the West" and spreading the same stories we heard for so
long about 1492! They portray Lewis and Clark as intrepid explorers in
an attempt to cover-up the true intent of exploitation. Jefferson
lusted after the wealth of our Nations in exactly the same way the
King of Spain did those Nations of our eastern shore and they each
sent their "explorers" as a prelude to invasion and conquest. The only
difference is that Columbus enslaved some of our people while L&C
brought their slave with them… in one of their more perverse
"celebrations," they have now carved her likeness on a coin.
Lewis and Clark came into our lands uninvited and used our
traditional hospitality to spread their lies. They looked our leaders
in the eye and attempted to convince them their mission was one of
peace and trade while they knew full well the American intent to
subjugate our people and steal our lands. In weakness, they observed
our customs and shared our food while knowing that in their wake would
come the evil emissaries of their coercive state-church. They came
among us to probe for weaknesses and provide their army with vital
intelligence about our lands and defenses. Their report to their
leaders served as a blueprint for conquest.
Once I heard the Chief of the Nation that welcomed the pilgrims
apologize for letting them attach to our shores. Perhaps my Ponca
Nation owes all the People upstream an apology for not stopping Lewis and;
Clark at the mouth of the Niobara, all of us have paid a huge price
for failing to understand that a handshake with Lewis & Clark meant
our time of horror was dawning. We are the survivors of that genocidal
onslaught, we must remember if we are to deny them their final
victory.
In those long ago days maybe we could be excused for not realizing
that evil and death dogged the heels of Lewis and Clark, but today we
know full well what the lasting effects of their visit would become…
has become. We know today that every circle of life in our world was
devastated after Lewis and Clark walked in our lands, some are gone
forever like the 'passenger pigeons' that once filled the sky but most
of us remain as remnants, clinging to an earth forever altered by the
rain of death which sailed up our life-giving river.
Ask the Buffalo, the Grizzly, Eagle or Elk Nations if they are
prepared to celebrate what came up the river two centuries ago. Does
the Salmon Nation miss Celilo Falls on the Columbia River or hate the
Hungry Horse Dam on the Snake? Does the moon miss the call of the Wolf
as she rises over our depleted lands? It was not only our human
circles that were slated for destruction by the forces of greed that
sent Lewis and Clark into our midst. Their ship was one of death, it
looked with vampire eyes across our lands and slavered with greedy
anticipation at the wealth of life it observed.
Should we join their celebration so we can "tell our side" as they
are suggesting to our leaders? Or should we stand as one red nation
and send the celebrants back down the river where they came from… as
we should have done so long ago? Prepare yourselves my relations…
Hoka-hey!
Carter Camp, Ponca Nation, American Indian Movement

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Read about Scott Mandrell's transformation after this day:
http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2008/05/transformation-of-scott-mandrell.html

Thanks to Paul Rafferty at the UN Observer and International Report for publishing this article when it happened. Hoping that someday this publication at the Hague will find funding to publish again. It was completely uncensored, among the first to publish US torture photos in Iraq, and did not censor news from Indian country.

For permission to repost or publish: brendanorrell@gmail.com
Contents of Censored News may not be used by for-profit or commercial enterprises. All content is copyrighted and may not be used in dissertations, books, films or other works without permission of the author, photographer, videographer or other creator of work.
Copyright photos and article Brenda Norrell, Censored News
Carter Camp article copyright Carter Camp
-- Brenda Norrell, publisher