Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

July 31, 2020

The White House distributed contaminated coronavirus test kits, involving a secretive purchase





The White House distributed contaminated masks following a secretive purchase deal, reports Vanity Fair, exposing the role of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. This comes as Native women in Minnesota protest Ivanka Trump, saying she is attempting to co-opt the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's movement in a political ploy.

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
Photo: Coronavirus testing on Navajo Nation

The White House distributed contaminated coronavirus test kits from China, purchased through a secretive deal with the United Arab Emirates embassy, Vanity Fair reports.

July 30, 2020

Albuquerque Indigenous organizations rise against fascism: Call to action on July, 31, 2020

Photo by The Red Nation



OCCUPIED TIWA TERRITORY, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO.

CALL TO ACTION! Indigenous Organizations Rise Against Fascism

WHO

The Red Nation Albuquerque Freedom Council, Indigenous Women Rising, Pueblo Action Alliance, YUCCA Action


WHAT

CALL TO ACTION! No Fash! No Feds! No Cops! No ICE! LANDBACK!


Thirty-five federal agents have been deployed to Albuquerque as a part of Trump’s Operation Legend, and the Albuquerque Police Department has received a significant budget increase amidst calls to defund the police. What we are seeing is a literal occupation in the style that the U.S. has carried out in their imperialist interventions all over the world. Their infamous scorched earth tactics that form the foundation of U.S. imperialism were developed through the genocide of Native people all throughout Turtle Island. Make no mistake; this is fascism. It has never been more urgent for us to make it clear that the people hold the power and that we must challenge this cancerous fascism at all turns. Let us continue the momentum of the movement against police violence, and policing as we know it, that our Black and African relatives have pushed forward. Let us continue the traditions of resistance to colonialism that our ancestors laid out for us. We have never been closer to creating a truly life-affirming world.
We’re calling on all to support this action! Let’s make it clear that Burque has power in numbers!
As the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies we are centering healthcare workers and teachers because they are on the frontlines of this crisis and made to be disposable under Trump's regime.

WHEN
Friday, July 31, 2020 and6PM

WHERE
Downtown Albuquerque, NM at 4th and Lomas

WHY
The origin of police in the US is rooted in systemic racism, slavery, and land dispossession. Volunteer militias composed of white settlers hunted and captured enslaved Africans attempting to escape bondage. They slaughtered Indigenous people to clear the land for more plantations. Their function has always been to wield violence to protect capital and private property. They didn’t even bother to change the famous star-shaped badge that the early catchers of enslaved Africans and Indian killers were given. Today, militias have been springing up and terrorizing oppressed communities all over the US in the name of keeping order and protecting private property. In New Mexico some of these militias and groups are the New Mexico Civil Guard, Proud Boys, Three Percenters, and Oath Keepers. These groups create themselves in the image of these early volunteer militias. They are not confused about their origins and purpose. In the many uprisings that are taking place all over the U.S. in response to police brutality, it is difficult to even visually distinguish police, federal agents, and militia members from each other. They work and move together and aid in the brutalization and killing of protesters and even random bystanders. Trump’s Operation Legend is an occupation reminiscent of the way the U.S. occupies so many parts of the global south, stealing land, and resources, overthrowing democratically elected leaders, and suppressing revolutions, all in the name of securing their imperialist stronghold. We know that nearly every instance of fascism throughout the 20th and 21st centuries have been directly influenced by the scorched earth tactics of the US, most famously genocidal tactics that inspired Hitler’s Nazi Germany. What we are seeing today is fascism in its most blatant and simple form. We must understand that what is at stake is not isolated to the U.S. or global North but the whole world. As COVID-19 continues to skyrocket, climate change devastates eco-systems beyond repair and the world stands on the edge of complete devastation, it is apparent that what is at stake is all life on Earth, when we say Decolonization or Extinction, we mean it literally.

CONTACT INFORMATION
editortherednation@gmail.com

EVENT ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/events/652936235575634/

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Twitter: @The_Red_Nation
Instagram: @therednationmovement
Facebook: The Red Nation

July 29, 2020

New York police abduct young woman, force her into unmarked van


New York police abduct young woman on her skateboard, gang of New York police force her into an  unmarked van.

"It was like a kidnapping," reports the Washington Post.

Viral video shows NYPD forcing protester into unmarked van

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

New York police abducted a skateboarder on Tuesday, throwing her into an unmarked van, as shown in video posted online.

The Washington Post reports, "When an unmarked Kia minivan screeched to a stop near protesters marching in Manhattan on Tuesday evening, the demonstrators’ surprise swiftly gave way to alarm. Several New York Police Department officers wearing T-shirts and shorts spilled out of the van and grabbed one of the protesters, dragging her toward the vehicle, according to videos filmed by bystanders."

"The videos of the chaotic scene, which bore a marked similarity to the controversial tactics used by federal officers to detain demonstrators in Portland, Ore., quickly went viral. Protesters who witnessed the incident described it as a 'kidnapping,' while a number of New York’s elected officials, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), decried the officers’ actions and demanded further explanations from the NYPD, reports Allyson Chiu in the Washington Post

“Our civil liberties are on the brink. This is not a drill,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. “There is no excuse for snatching women off the street and throwing them into unmarked vans.”

Nikki Stone, 18, who has also been referred to online as Nicki, was abducted. Police said Stone is facing charges of criminal mischief related to five incidents.

Clara Kraebber, a 20-year-old Oxford student, told Gothamist, “We literally turned the corner and were met with a line of police who attacked us without warning.”

Kraebber said officers pepper-sprayed the group “seemingly at random” during the arrest, adding, “They were trying to make it painful to be there.”

Another witness told Gothamist that the protesters had been “skateboarding and eating pizza” before the van’s unexpected arrival.

“We didn’t see where they came from,” the witness said. “All of a sudden they grabbed Nicki. It was like a kidnapping.”

Stone’s arrest was captured in multiple videos that circulated widely on social media Tuesday night.

In one clip, a group of protesters, some of whom are riding bikes and skateboards, are making their way down the street before the camera pans to one of the officers roughly grabbing Stone several feet away from the van.

As a handful of protesters approach, an officer repeatedly shouts, “Get back!” and charges on foot at those getting too close.

Within seconds, more police flood the area, using their bicycles to create a barrier between the van, where the officers are still struggling with Stone, and the crowd.


Dine' volunteers deliver relief, as coronavirus spikes in southwest during fifth month of pandemic

McKinley Mutual Aid, based in Gallup, N.M. delivered 60 Community Care Packages to Zuni which included food box, hygiene bucket, and a case of water. Read more and donate at: https://ourindigenouslifeways.org/

Navajo Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief. Cassandra Begay said, " Thank you to Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund volunteers Lou Tso, heading Lechee food distribution, and Valerie Fowler and Mary Francis who delivered to homes in Coppermine. Thank you to all volunteers who made this happen." Read more and donate at: https://ourindigenouslifeways.org/

By Brenda Norrell
French translation Christine Prat
French translation
Censored News





The coronavirus continued to surge across the southwest and southern United States over the weekend, with an increase in deaths in young children nationwide and a call for medical staff in hospitals in five states, including Arizona. Arizona hospitals began filling to capacity and sending patients to New Mexico.
As the pandemic continues in the fifth month on the Navajo Nation, there were five more Dine' deaths from the virus reported on Sunday.

At Kinlani Mutual Aid in Flagstaff, Arizona, Hopi relief is prepared in partnership with Navajo Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief. Photo by Shannonlynn Chester. Contact Kinlani Mutual Aid on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/flgmutualaid/
Philmer Bluehouse, Dine', speaking with Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Lakota, on First Voices radio, said the paradigm shift needed for peace and healing during this time of pandemic is in the Dine' narratives, songs and prayers.

"We must use our sacred knowledge to deal with it," Bluehouse said of the virus, describing it as a monster. "It has its limitations," he said, describing how Dine' were given instructions on how to deal with danger.

"It has to do with self, and how to overcome." He said the answers are within, and ceremonies open the realm of the portal to the sacred.

"It is important as to who we are as a people."

Dine' Bitahnii Wilson volunteers his time and raises his money to deliver water to those most in need. Bitahnii said, "DTo'h Bei iina ( Water is Life ) Today we made just a water delivery run to Allentown, where there were two handicapped elderly men that were in need and ran out of water so we decided to make a quick run there and back." Contact Bitahnii on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TaaltsoHozho

Across Indian Country, the virus rate continued to increase rapidly in the Phoenix and Oklahoma City IHS service units. The Phoenix IHS includes Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Although the Navajo IHS is the largest service unit, Oklahoma and Alaska have carried out more COVID-19 testing.

The Navajo IHS service unit reports 10,312 cases since the pandemic began. It serves the Navajo Nation, Southern Paiute, Hopi Nation and Zuni Pueblo.


(Photo above and below.) Mercury Bitsuie, who volunteers and raises his own funds said, "Teamed up with our AIM Dine' Territory brother Christian J. Johnson to deliver some supplies in the Mitten Rock areas in New Mexico. Was a good drive! Thank you Kirbi Foster and your crew in Cortez as well as my Uncle Andy Dann for coming out and giving us a hand. You all have a wonderful day!" Contact him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dinelandnwater/

Meanwhile, on the Navajo Nation, there is a continued need for food, water and cleaning supplies as the virus continues to spread and the weekend lockdowns continue, especially for the sick, elderly, families with young children, and those without transportation and running water.

While more than $600 million in federal CARES Act relief funds remain stalled in Navajo tribal government appropriations, Dine' volunteers continue to deliver to the homes of those most in need. 

On the Navajo Nation, those at home sick with the virus tell Censored News that no one from the tribal government has brought food and water to their homes. The Navajo Nation tribal government has been shut down and many chapter houses, which normally provide services, have either been closed or have limited hours.

The largest Navajo chapter houses located in New Mexico either have been closed or have limited hours, resulting in pleas on social media for help.

Dine' volunteers and Dine' organizations continue to raise their own funds and deliver food and water to homes and communities. More than one-third of Navajos have no running water. Between 200,000 and 300,000 Navajos live in 110 chapters on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

On Sunday, the Navajo Nation reported 54 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and 69 new cases on Saturday. The total number of deaths reached 439 as of Sunday. Since the pandemic began on the Navajo Nation in March, there have been 8,891 cases and 6,547 recoveries.

Nationwide, more than 150 health experts and medical professionals are urging leaders to shut down the United States again as many states see spikes in cases. In an open letter posted on the U.S. Public Interest Research Group’s website, healthcare experts and professionals ask U.S. leaders to consider closing and restarting the economy once again.

Navajo Hopi COVID-19 Relief

(Above) The Navajo Nation reports indicate that approximately 6,547 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 77,156 people have been tested for COVID-19. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation is 8,891. Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit: Chinle Service Unit: 2,196; Crownpoint Service Unit: 748; Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 634; Gallup Service Unit: 1,456; Kayenta Service Unit: 1,242; Shiprock Service Unit: 1,391; Tuba City Service Unit: 824; Winslow Service Unit: 397.

Indian Health Service coronavirus cases nationwide






First Voices Radio

Listen to this week's First Voice Radio with host Tiokasin Ghosthorse and Dine' guest Philmer Bluehouse
https://firstvoicesindigenousradio.org/program/20200723

July 28, 2020

StrongHearts Native Helpline adds sexual violence advocacy




StrongHearts Native Helpline Adds Sexual Violence Advocacy

CC Hovie, Communications Manager
ehovie@strongheartshelpline.org
Censored News


EAGAN, Minn., July 28, 2020 — Reaching the mark and every milestone with determination and dedication, StrongHearts Native Helpline is preparing to launch sexual violence advocacy on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 8 a.m. Central Time. Adding this type of advocacy will address a long-standing need in Indian Country.

"It's an atrocity that Native Americans continue to experience the highest rates of sexual violence across the nation and until now, there hasn't been a national culturally-appropriate service for them," said Anna Nicolosi, operations manager. "In response, we have developed advocacy training to prepare our advocates to meet the needs that are unique to Native Americans and Alaska Natives."

According to the National Institute of Justice research, 84% of Native women experience violence in their lifetimes, while 56% experience sexual violence. Of those victims who experienced sexual violence — an astounding 97% were victimized by non-Native perpetrators. Additionally, 82% of Native men experience violence in their lifetimes, while 28% experience sexual violence.

The dispiriting truth is that when compared to other races in the United States, Native American women are twice as likely to experience sexual assault or rape and most likely at the hands of a non-Native. It's an extension of abuse that began with European contact and has continued to this day, adding up to over 500 years of abuse. This continued tool of colonization represents a lack of respect for Native peoples and an assault on humanity.

StrongHearts advocates are prepared to handle the devastating impacts of sexual violence in Indian Country and will continue to provide peer to peer support, crisis intervention, assistance with safety planning, education and referrals to Native-centered resources. For free, confidential and anonymous advocacy, call 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483) or visit StrongHearts Native Helpline online at strongheartshelpline.org daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Callers reaching out to StrongHearts outside of operating hours may connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline by choosing option one.

StrongHearts Native Helpline is a culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available by calling 1-844-762-8483 or clicking on the Chat Now icon on strongheartshelpline.org daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. StrongHearts Native Helpline is a collaborative effort of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center.

LIZ HILL PUBLIC RELATIONS LLC
Rehoboth Beach DE 19971

July 24, 2020

Kumeyaay stand in defense of sacred land as border wall construction threatens burial place

Kumeyaay stand in defense of ancestral burial place today as border wall construction threatens the sacred. Photos by Blue Eagle Vigil.







Read more in the news:
Members of the Kumeyaay Nation are protesting to protect sacred ancestral land, which is being harmed by the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

July 23, 2020

Spirit of the Mountain Runners: Apache Run from Oak Flat to Mount Graham




By Vanessa Nosie
Censored News

(Three days ago) I ask everyone to please keep my father and my youngest daughter in prayer. As they have started the spiritual run from Oak Flat to Mount Graham. This years run will definitely be different and have it’s obstacles since, not only is Mother Earth hurting but so is mankind. The coronavirus has changed this world and has taken so many people. My father and daughter are running in prayer for everyone in this world that someday not only will the destruction on Mother Earth stop but also for a miracle to stop this virus.

We definitely miss all those that run with us every year and excited to meet new faces which breaks our heart but please where ever you are pray for us and run or walk in solidarity with us.


My dad, Báásé, and Morgun reached their destination for the first part of the Spiritual Mt. Graham Run. As we lay our prayers down for everyone in this world, continue to keep us all in prayer. Thank you all for the support you all have shown. We will start again tomorrow. Blessings to all.


At 5:30 pm this evening we started Part 2 of the 29th Annual Sacred Mountain Graham Run. As we continue to pray for the world, please keep us in your prayers. My father Wendsler Nosie Sr. would like to thank those who came out in support of this run today. Thank you to everyone for abiding the CDC guidelines. This year’s run is unique because of the COVID-19 pandemic by not letting us interact with one another. Runners today were able to see first hand that it is not just the physical world that has changed but our spiritual world to.

At 7:45pm we reached our destination for the night. Thank you all for your support and prayers, It means a lot to all of us. My father and those that ran today appreciate it and are extremely thankful. We finished the run as the sun was setting with praying for everyone in this world. In order to defeat the evil in this world, it will be continuous prayer that will defeat it all. Continue to keep us in prayer.




Naelyn Pike said, "Today we prepare our part three journey to Mt. Graham. Yesterday’s run was beautiful. With our small group we were able to accomplish the second part of our personal journey. Being able to watch my young cousin run for his first time was amazing. It surely gives hope that the next generation will carry this fight. I am one proud cousin!"

"Support near and far is needed. Our travels will only succeed through our prayers together. When we carry the staff each of us are praying for the world and it’s healing but not just for mankind, but for our mother, the earth. With every run we are closer to freedom, breaking our invisible chains."



At 6:30 am the Mt. Graham Sacred Run began part 3 of the sacred journey. Please keep us all in prayer and as we are praying for everyone and everything in this world.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Spirit of the mountain runners are 15 miles to Pima. Sending prayers from Mt.Graham, Oak Flat, to Mauna Kea, and all the holy place that are being desecrated.


Yesterday, Wednesday: At 12 pm the Spirit of the Mountain Runners reached the destination of part 3 of our spiritual journey. Though we’re limited on runners due to this virus but our prayers our strong and carried us today making great time. Thank you to the District of Bylas for showing your support. People coming out to the roadside cheering and sharing kind words, donating water and snacks, and honking the horns, lifted our spirit. A’hiyee (thank you) to everyone.



(Below)

"We are home! The Spirit of the Mountain Runners reached their final destination. We are truly thankful for all your support and prayers. Those prayers helped lift us and get us to our holy mountain. We know everyone who couldn’t be with us on this run was with us in spirit, and those that have passed on was with us also, protecting us on this sacred journey.

To be home where they exiled our people off the mountain and told us never to come back, but that will never happen since we will continue to exist and protect all Usen (Creator) creations. We will remain." -- Vanessa Nosie




July 22, 2020

Sac and Fox news reporter Harlan McKosato passes to Spirit World



STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF HARLAN MCKOSATO

July 21, 2020

“This morning our dearly beloved Harlan began his journey back to Wakanda where he was surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Albuquerque. He is survived by his son Nekon Che McKosato, his brother Kenneth Robert McKosato, his sister Deanna Lynn McKosato, and sister Shelley Magdalene McKosato-Haupt.

Harlan was an icon in Indian Country for his award-winning contributions to world news outlets. He possessed a unique storytelling ability that enabled him to report on any subject in profound ways. Through his interviews on radio, TV, in newspapers and social media, he shared his great gift of intelligence, wit, and kindness. Harlan had communicated with his heart to personally connect with audiences and had educated many on a vast number of Tribal issues. He paved the way for many young Native people to join him in the field of communications.

We extend our utmost appreciation to family and friends for visiting and helping Harlan in recent weeks. We are deeply grateful for the items provided for his Sac and Fox traditional ceremony. We are comforted by the outpouring of support during this difficult time.

Please pray for Harlan’s family as they prepare him for his journey to be with Keshamanitou. May he have a peaceful journey home.”

Trump sending federal agents to Albuquerque



Federal agents point their weapons at photographer Mathieu Lewis-Roland, 
who was unarmed, on July 20 in Portland, Oregon.

Trump sending federal agents to Albuquerque

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
Updated July 22 at 3 a.m

Albuquerque -- Targeting a city that is battling the spread of the coronavirus, Trump announced Wednesday that he is sending federal agents to Albuquerque. This comes as federal agents in Portland, including US Border Patrol agents, continue to beat and gas protesters and the moms and dads who have joined the frontlines.

Trump said today that 35 federal agents and resources are coming to Albuquerque -- as part of Operation Legend that targets a handful of cities across the United States.

"Trump said the influx will be in cities where the leadership wants to 'defund, defame or abolish' police," Albuquerque Journal reports.

"Using the same alarmist language he has employed to describe illegal immigration, Trump painted Democrat-led cities as out of control and lashed out at the 'radical left,' which he blamed for rising violence in some cities, even though criminal justice experts say it defies easy explanation," AP News reports.

Attorney General William Barr said 35 federal agents, including FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals and officers with Homeland Security, will be sent to Albuquerque for Operation Legend. (Homeland Security includes US Border Patrol.)

Feds secret police include contracted staff in Federal Protective Service

In breaking news, Reuters reports that documents in the lawsuit filed by journalists against federal agents in Portland reveal the operation involves the Department of Homeland Security’s Rapid Deployment Force.

There are currently 114 federal officers in Portland, including personnel from the Federal Protective Service. FPS contracts private security companies to guard fixed posts. There are also agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The documents say the U.S. Department of Homeland Security deployed the agents on a mission named Operation Diligent Valor.

Portland mayor gassed by feds

The mayor of Portland, Oregon, was tear-gassed by the U.S. government late Wednesday as he stood at a fence guarding a federal courthouse, Associated Press reports.

Mayor Ted Wheeler said it was the "first time he’d been tear-gassed and appeared slightly dazed and coughed as he put on a pair of goggles someone handed him. He didn’t leave his spot at the front, however, and continued to take gas. Around Wheeler, the protest raged, with demonstrators lighting a large fire in the space between the fence and the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse and the pop-pop-pop of federal agents deploying tear gas and stun grenades into the crowd."

The U.S. Border Patrol agents in Portland are from the southwest border.

After agents in Portland were doxed, Homeland Security responded, reports NTD. "The Border Patrol and ICE officers deployed in Portland wear camouflage uniforms because they have been called from regular duty on the southwest border, where the uniforms are their daily attire, according to Chad Wolf, the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The uniforms have prompted some left-wing pundits to refer to the officers as “storm troopers” and “gestapo.” Wolf dismissed the allegations as “smear attacks” and “disgusting.” Read more.

Water Protectors Legal Collective responds as feds target Albuquerque

The Water Protector Legal Collective, originally created at Standing Rock in defense of water protectors, issued a statement.

The WPLC said that in light of today's local news, Trump deploying federal officers to Albuquerque, New Mexico, there is legal support.

"The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) National Office is launching a hotline for activists and lawyers to report incidents of federal repression, such as FBI “door-knocks” at activists’ homes, grand jury investigations and subpoenas, and any other federal law enforcement efforts to undermine civil rights, including federal grab squads and the use of unidentified federal agents to police protests. The line is live at: 212-679-2811.

Since May, the NLG has continued to support the movement for Black lives, organizing to support legal defense efforts and provide Legal Observers for demonstrations. In the last week, we have seen the use of anti-protest shock troops by the federal government, such as Portland, where federal grab squads have arrested activists and taken them away from demonstrations in unmarked vans.

A memorandum from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggests that these officers are acting under the auspices of DHS and are members of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC). This is a unit typically tasked with high-level law enforcement operations and it is formed under US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). These officers are acting under direct orders from the Trump Administration and Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf.

The use of BORTAC to disrupt activism is a recent escalation by the federal government, which has also used the National Guard, FBI, and Secret Service in order to violently quell protests. These efforts come in combination with an aggressive political and legal strategy labeling ‘antifa’ a domestic terrorist organization. Federal prosecutors are also filing criminal charges against activists throughout the country.

The NLG Federal Defense Hotline will allow callers to have privileged conversations with attorneys, and to receive attorney referrals, know-your-rights information, and resources for responding to grand jury investigations and subpoenas. Inquiries about the line can be sent to massdef@nlg.org. The line is staffed by attorneys organizing with the NLG, and will remain active as long as federal prosecution efforts continue.

The National Lawyers Guild, whose membership includes lawyers, legal workers, jailhouse lawyers, and law students, was formed in 1937 as the United States’ first racially-integrated bar association to advocate for the protection of constitutional, human and civil rights."

"Heinrich calls for the resignation of Bernalillo County sheriff" 

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver's statement

“It’s tremendously disturbing that President Trump is considering occupying New Mexico’s largest city by sending federal troops into Albuquerque just over 100 days before the General Election. Any federal troop presence in New Mexico will have an intimidating effect on our citizens and disrupt the free exercise of their democratic rights," Oliver said.

"We’ve already seen the secret abductions of citizens by these troops in Portland and New Mexicans have no assurance that such unlawful actions would not occur in Albuquerque. The right to the free and fair functioning of our democracy cannot and will not be set aside in New Mexico for a Washington political stunt, or worse, a takeover of state and local democratic processes."

"We do not live in a country where voters need to fear going out on Election Day to exercise their right to vote. As Secretary of State, I will continue to advocate for New Mexicans to be able to cast their ballot in November without obstruction or intimidation," Oliver said.

This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates.

Coronavirus claims lives of 79 people in two Farmington N.M. nursing homes



By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

FARMINGTON, N.M. -- Coronavirus has claimed the lives of 79 people at two nursing homes in Farmington, as the virus spread at an alarming rate, infecting both residents and staff.

Even before the pandemic, New Mexico was tied with Arkansas for the highest rate of serious deficiencies in nursing homes in the country, the type of deficiencies that lead to the rampant spread of infectious diseases.

First Voices Radio welcomes Dineh, Native Hawaiian, and Amazon Watch guests today




Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Cheyenne River Lakota, host of First Voices Radio, welcomes today Philmer Bluehouse, Dine', T. Lulani Arquette, Native Hawaiian, speaking on Native arts, and Andrew Miller speaking on the Amazon.

Listen now online to Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Lakota, and this week's radio show. It begins with Philmer Bluehouse, Dine', speaking on the paradigm shift needed during this time of pandemic, and how the narratives, songs and prayers are needed for peace and healing.

“First Voices Radio,” Wednesday, July 22, 2020 — 1 to 2 p.m. ET, WIOX 91.3 FM, Roxbury, NY. Streaming at www.wioxradio.org and on Tune In (see below for other time zones).

Philmer Bluehouse (Diné) developed the Peacemaker Court system in the Navajo Judiciary. Philmer also worked in the criminal justice system and has a number of writings available online.

T. Lulani Arquette is the President and CEO of the #NativeArtsAndCultureFoundation (NACF), a national organization dedicated to advancing equity and Native knowledge with a focus on arts and cultural expression that helps strengthen American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian artists and communities. With offices in the Pacific Northwest, the foundation provides support to Native artists, tribal organizations, and communities across the nation.

Lulani, a theatre performing artist with degrees in Political Science and Drama and Theatre, brings more than 25 years of professional experience steering organizations to their highest creativity and potential, advocating for cultural perpetuation and social change, and catalyzing change in communities. Lulani’s current work is especially focused on how we attend to cultural equity, social justice, leadership, and the environment to build a more compassionate and just nation.

Andrew Miller brings two decades of human rights activism and international field experience to his work as #AmazonWatch's Washington, D.C. Advocacy Director. Since 2007, Andrew has collaborated closely with Indigenous partners from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, facilitating rights-based advocacy at Washington DC-based institutions such as the U.S. Congress and executive offices, multilateral banks, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. He has also supported Indigenous-led campaigns to expel international oil companies such as Talisman Energy and GeoPark from Amazonian Indigenous territories. For more information, visit www.amazonwatch.org.

Listen locally to WIOX at 91.3 FM. Streaming live at www.wioxradio.org. (2-3 pm Atlantic / 1-2 pm Eastern / Noon-1pm Central / 11am-Noon Mountain /10-11am Pacific / 9-10 am Alaska / 7-8 am Hawai’i)

Liz Hill (Red Lake Ojibwe)
Producer
"First Voices Radio" - All-Native Hosted, All-Native Produced
WIOX 91.3 FM in the Catskills
Roxbury NY
(808) 856-6012 (mobile)
www.wioxradio.org
www.firstvoicesindigenousradio.org
www.facebook.com/FirstVoicesIndigenousRadio

July 21, 2020

Havasupai Nation supports Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act


Havasupai Nation supports Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act

by Amber Reimondo, Energy Program Director
Grand Canyon Trust
Censored News

For decades, the Havasupai Tribe — the Havasu 'Baaja, the "people of the blue-green waters" — has worked tirelessly to protect the iconic waterfalls of their homeland from contamination from uranium mines on the rims of the Grand Canyon above. These world-famous waterfalls are everywhere in the public imagination, from tourists' Instagram posts to Beyoncé music videos. But what isn't quite so visible is the fact that the water that flows through Havasu Creek to feed these falls comes from the Redwall-Muav aquifer, the Havasupai Tribe's sole source of drinking water. And it is precious. Water from the aquifer nurtures their crops and orchards, their animals, and their people at the bottom of the canyon, where they have lived since time immemorial.
A Senate bill for permanent protection

July 20, 2020

Kumeyaay defend sacred land from border wall construction July 20, 2020

Photos by Randolph Pinto

"The creator is with us, our ancestors are with us, we are never alone my friends, my cousins don't forget who we are or where we come from, we are the star people, we were formed long ago from the earth and water, our mission is to protect the balance between man and nature. If you are my Kumeyaay brothers and sisters or a pure human being you have POWER! We have power! And a responsibility,  be proud, be selfless and listen to our elders, and we will prevail against those who don't understand us." -- Randolph Pinto


Photo Blue Eagle Vigil
Kumeyaay Nation protest the construction of the border wall atop their ancestral lands in the Laguna Mountains.

'Good day so far holding it down at the wall
Continuing to move in a good way with our prayers honoring the ancestors doing our best to #defendthesacred keep us in your prayers today send good thoughts out way.' We have 2 groups shutting down two parts of the wall today. The day is only half over.'

Photo Blue Eagle Vigil

Photo Blue Eagle Vigil

Photo by Randolph Pinto
Late Monday:
U.S. Border Patrol tries to intimidate Kumeyaay.
                                                 
Photo by Randolph Pinto
Breaking news late on Monday:
U.S. Border Patrol blocked the road, but the people continued to walk to the site.

Photos copyright Blue Eagle Vigil and Randolph Pinto, may not be used without permission.

Coronavirus death rate remains high on the Navajo Nation


In Sanders, Arizona, Mercury Bitusie is among the Dine' raising their own funds and delivering food and water to Dine'.
Photo by Andy Dann. Mercury Bitusie and Andy Dann delivered relief to relatives in Sanders and Big Mountain.
As pandemic enters the fifth month, Dine' volunteers' race with food and water, while tribal government budget process delays relief funds


By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

The high death rate continues on the Navajo Nation from the coronavirus, with seven deaths reported in the previous 24 hours. The total number of deaths was 422 as of Sunday. An increasing number of Dine' young people are dying from the virus.

July 19, 2020

Yakama Cascade Chief Johnny Jackson passes to Spirit World



Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission mourns loss 

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission mourns the loss of our elder and Commissioner atway Johnny Jackson after his recent hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Jackson was Chief of the Cascade Band of the Yakama and represented the Yakama Nation at CRITFC with steadfast passion and determination. He spoke from his heart, particularly when it involved the River People who call the banks of the Columbia River home. His insights, experience, wisdom, and perspective were forged in the decades of his unrelenting stance to have promises fulfilled and to overcome the hardships endured by the River People as they struggled to retain their connection to salmon and their right to fish for them.

At the Commission’s intertribal table, Jackson’s voice offered a constant reminder of the deep traditions that connect the tribes to the land, water, and salmon and the raw wounds still felt from the loss of Celilo Falls—where he fished as a young man—and the hundreds of tribal homes, villages, and businesses displaced by dams. His dedication and tenacity has been and will continue to be an inspiration for his people, his fellow commissioners, and the CRITFC staff.

CRITFC’s Executive Director, Jaime A. Pinkham, stated “It is difficult to imagine the Columbia River without Johnny Jackson living by its side. I will miss his friendship and humor, yet he left us valuable lessons often delivered in his trademark candor that we must never forget and we must never give up.”





Family remembers Chief Johnny Jackson Sto-Khin 

Cascade Chief has been a great leader and voice of the River People. We will all miss him. It isn’t possible to do a traditional burial social distancing and all. Covid 19 has claimed another life yes. Uncle lived a long life. He had so much to do yet he said in one of our last visits.

He would ask for a song! I sang a Fawn Wood song he loved it. I Pray to the Lord, it comforted him. So honored to have gotten those very special moments with him in his final days. A great fisherman he was. A Veteran, who served this Country. A leader with authority. To be honored and respected in this time. We say goodbye. Creator light up his way as he journey s to be with the ancestors.

Prayers for all those left behind to mourn his presence. Prayers for our village s all up and down the Columbia River,

Please be safe, social distance and please again wear a mask especially in the presence of our elders.
Our dear family member Chief Sto-Khin Johnny Jackson is gone to be the ancestors, makes his journey, we need your help for funeral expenses anything is appreciated.

He loved all walks of life defending those in need against tyranny, standing against injustice and inequality.


Pete is requesting help as his Father is been taken from Covid. He was an honorable Chief
thank you. Donate here.




Our condolences to the family and friends of Yakama Cascade Chief Johnny Jackson. We remember him as a leader and fisherman when he was among the first to arise and come to the Southwest when environmentalists gathered to organize as a voice for Native rights. May Chief Jackson have a sweet journey home. -- Brenda Norrell, Censored News

Federal secret agents snatch protester, shoot another in the head in Portland, Oregon

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Mark Pettibone snatched by camouflaged men who did not identify themselves and put in an unmarked van, blindfolded and taken to an unidentified location. Watch video below.

Federal secret agents snatch protester, shoot another in the head in Portland, Oregon


By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

Disappearing people on the street: Camouflaged, unidentified rogue men in unidentified vans, kidnapping, blindfolding and taking people on the street to an undisclosed location. This happened in South America. It also happened in Portland this week. It appears that the US Border Patrol now believes it can legally wear unidentified camouflage outfits and use unmarked vans. (See The Nation article link in this article.) It appears the Border Patrol may be using the Portland disappearance of a young man this week as a test run. Meanwhile in June, the US Marshals flew a plane over Portland that could collect cell data from tens of thousands of people. It caused an outcry from  Congressmen to push for a probe. It was tracked to a front company in Texas. In breaking news, a new task force believes it has unlimited powers under Trump's directive to protect monuments and statues.

PORTLAND, Oregon -- A young man walking home from a protest was snatched by men in camouflage, put in an unmarked van with his eyes covered and taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation. The U.S. Border Patrol special ops BORTAC and U.S. Marshals Service have been confirmed in the operation.

Secret federal police are in the new Protecting American Communities Task Force.

The Nation obtained an internal memo describing a special task force created by the Department of Homeland Security in response to Trump’s Executive Order on 'Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence.' That task force, the Protecting American Communities Task Force (PACT), has been tasked not only to assess civil unrest but also to “surge” resources to protect against it, the Nation reports. 

Portland feds
Federal officers open fire on demonstrators with tear gas and "less-lethal” munitions at Portland, Ore.'s Federal Courthouse. (John Rudoff / Sipa USA)

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown demanded federal troops leave Portand. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler demanded Friday that President Donald Trump remove militarized federal agents he deployed to the city after some detained people on streets far from federal property they were sent to protect.

“Keep your troops in your own buildings, or have them leave our city,” Mayor Wheeler said at a news conference.

The ACLU of Oregon filed a lawsuit after a protester was shot in the head and his face and skull fractured. The ACLU sued the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Marshals Service. 


"These agents have been indiscriminately using tear gas, rubber bullets, and acoustic weapons against protesters, journalists, and legal observers. Federal officers also shot a protester in the head Sunday with a rubber bullet fracturing the person’s face and skull," the ACLU said.

Mark Pettibone was snatched on the street in Portland by men in camouflage, thrown in an unmarked van, his eyes covered and taken to an undisclosed destination for interrogation. The camouflaged men did not identify themselves, tell him what he was charged with, or where they were taking him. More at: Oregon Public Radio interviews Mark Pettibone



U.S. Border Patrol's Mission Creep

The Border Patrol special ops BORTAC have also been stalking Tohono O'odham elderly women on their Tohono O'odham Nation homeland. One U.S. Border Patrol special ops agent pulled a gun on an isolated elderly O'odham and was identified, by way of a photograph, as a BORTAC agent based El Paso, Texas.


The Nation reports that Jenn Budd, former senior Border Patrol agent, said drones at the border and other surveillance increased after 9/11 and the Title 42 pandemic law.

“‘Mission creep’ is what CBP, Border Patrol, and ICE have been engaged in since 9/11,” Budd said. “There are all sorts of interesting powers that CBP, ICE and Border Patrol have under Title 42 pandemic law, which has been triggered with Trump’s Covid-19 national emergency declaration. Even though he claims we should not be in pandemic lockdown, he refuses to lift the emergency declaration because this gives these agencies more authority. All of this is legal because of vague and broad authorities given to these agencies after 9/11," the Nation reported.

Press targeted in Portland


In Portland, the ACLU lawsuit was filed on behalf of legal observers and local journalists. The named plaintiffs include The Portland Mercury; Matthew Lewis-Rolland, a freelance photographer who federal agents shot 10 times in the back on Sunday; Justin Yau, a freelance journalist who federal agents attacked with tear gas; and Doug Brown, a legal observer who federal agents threatened to shoot. The individuals were wearing high-visibility shirts that said 'PRESS' or 'legal observer,' the ACLU said.

Oregon lawmakers are demanding a probe of a plane that U.S. Marshals flew over  Portland that could gather the cell phone data of tens of thousands of people. The plane was tracked to a false front alarm company in Texas. Read more at Oregon Public Radio

Watch video: