Pennsylvania Governor issues Longest Walk proclamation

Lance Simmens, special assistant to Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, reads a proclamation from the governor to the Longest Walk Northern Route at the West Virginia and Pennsylvania border today, June 11, 2008 at 2 pm. Photo Brenda Norrell (Please double click to enlarge.)

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

PENNSYLVANIA/WEST VIRGINIA BORDER -- Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell issued a Longest Walk proclamation today, June 11, and welcomed the Longest Walk northern route. Lance Simmens, special assistant to the governor, met the Long Walkers at the West Virginia/Pennsylvania border and issued the welcome and proclamation.

Describing it as a walk to bring attention to Indian rights and environmental issues, Gov. Rendell said, "You walk for the Native American youth, for peace, for justice, for the healing of Mother Earth, for the healing of people suffering from diabetes, heart conditions, alcoholism, drug addiction and other diseases."

Gov. Rendell said, "Through the elements of the seasons, you all shall walk through the rain, snow, over mountains, high winds, through the heat and cold, and nothing shall deter you from completing your mission -- All Life is Sacred, Protect Sacred Sites."

"The cultural fabric of our nation has been woven from the proud histories and traditions of our citizens. It is this diversity that makes the freedoms of expression and association we enjoy as Americans so extraordinary. By celebrating and embracing our own unique heritage, we uphold the principles and ideals of liberty, equality and democracy."

"As you walk with those who share your common ancestry, you reaffirm a bond of mutual understanding and respect and gain a greater appreciation for your past. The advancements and pioneering achievements of Native Americans has distinguished them as leaders and strong advocates for the environment and for human rights. This proud event in Native American history defines the spirit of its citizens and represents a strong relationship with the people of America."

The Longest Walk Northern Route left Ohio today, where Columbus Ohio police earlier attacked the Long Walkers, leaving two, Luv the Mezenger and Marie Littlemoon, with minor injuries. Police pointed a taser between the eyes of walker Michael Lane, who is on the walk with his wife, Sharon Heta, Maori, and their children.

Penn. Gov. Rendell's representative met the walkers at the border with the proclamation, which said, "Welcome to Pennsylvania!

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Zapatistas, Oppression in Mexico

Ahni
Warning to Zapatista: we’re coming back in two weeks
B28544 / Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:13:36 / International

A group of 200 Mexican soldiers and federal and municipal police tried to enter a Zapatista community last Wednesday, June 4, under the pretext of searching for marijuana plants.
According to a recent communique from the Good Government Council, which you can find below, when the military convoy arrived the community told them to “Go back to where you came from, you aren’t needed here. We want freedom, justice, and democracy – not soldiers.”
The soldiers replied by accusing them of growing marijuana, saying “we’re going on ahead come hell or high water.” (It was a false accusation though, since all Zapatiata maintain a “dry law,” prohibiting drugs and alcohol within their territories.)
Read article by La Junta de Buen Gobierno Elena Gordillo, Clara Claribel Pérez López, Freddy Rodríguez López and Rolando Ruiz Hernández
http://ahniwanika.gnn.tv/blogs/28544/Warning_to_Zapatista_we_re_coming_back_in_two_weeks

Indigenous Environmental Network Conference in Western Shoshone Territory

15TH INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK PROTECTING MOTHER EARTH CONFERENCE

"ANSWERING MOTHER EARTH’S CALL FOR HEALING – REAFFIRMING OUR ROOTS”
July 17-20th, 2008

Newe Sogobe (Western Shoshone) Territories
Located at the (So Ho Bee) South Fork Pow-Wow Grounds in Lee, Nevada
(Located approximately 22 miles South of Elko, Nevada)
Traditional Gathering – Sacred Fire, Sweats, Camping Style, Circle Talks - Meals provided, bring your own eating utensils. Donations welcomed at the entrance, but not required, please leave dogs and pets home.
Topics to include: Traditional L.A.W.S. (Land, Air, Water, Sun); Mineral Extraction, Energy, Climate Change, Water; Rescinding the Doctrine of Discovery; Food Sovereignty; Un-Doing Colonialism; Youth Activities; Organizing and Action Trainings; Indigenous-Based Environmental Protection & Ecological Knowledge.
Hosted by: Western Shoshone Defense Project (WSDP)
Sponsored by: Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN)
For more information, contact: Simone Senogles, IEN, (218) 751-4967, Email: simone@ienearth.org Larson Bill, WSDP, (775) 468-0230, Email: wsdp@igc.org
(Please tell whoever answers, you are calling about the conference)
http://www.ienearth.org/ ....
Tom B.K. Goldtooth
Executive Director
Indigenous Environmental Network
PO Box 485Bemidji, MN 56619 USA
Email: ien@igc.org Web: http://www.ienearth.org/

Join the Longest Walk in Pennsylvania

By Brenda Norrell

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio -- The Longest Walk Northern Route runners are crossing the West Virginia border today, with a special event planned for the walk into Pennsylvania on Route 22 at midday on Wednesday, June 11. The upcoming special events include a prayer vigil for Leonard Peltier on June 28. The northern and southern routes merge and walk into Washington D.C. on July 11. There is a cultural survival summit July 8 -- 11, with concerts planned for July 11 -- 13.