Leonard Peltier, message before transfer

From Leonard Peltier,

Dictated by phone January 12, 2009
Greetings my relatives, friends and/or captors

To my relatives and friends, I want to especially thank you for your generosity in this season of giving they call Christmas. And I want you to know I'm mindful of the reason for the season as they say, for Jesus himself was a political prisoner. He stood up against the warmongers the exploiters of his people and he was imprisoned and hung out to dry, likewise so many other people who have stood up against those who would exploit the lives and resources of people around the world. I don't claim to be of any significance on their level, I am but one man of many who have stood up against exploiters that would use force to inflict their value system upon a weaker people.

I am in the process right now of being transferred; I had hoped to be transferred to a facility on the Turtle Mountain Reservation while I dealt with other legal issues regarding my imprisonment. However my captors have once again triumphed in their continuing efforts to break me. They have sent me even farther away from my traditional homeland. I hear them and others continually talk about justice. One of the bureaucrats in North Dakota when becoming aware of my efforts to be transferred to Turtle Mountain spoke up and said he believed justice is being served in my continued imprisonment. I sincerely hope good people will take note of this person, Senator Byron Dorgan, on the Senate Committee for Indian Affairs. It is quite obvious that he has no knowledge of true Indian History, no knowledge of my case, and is only a lackey for those who wish to keep us always subject to their version of what justice is. They have at times called me a thug and a cold blooded murderer, but I know historically they called Geronimo a cold blooded murderer and savage, they called Crazy Horse a cold blooded murderer and savage, they called Captain Jack of the Modocs a cold blooded murderer and savage, they called Black Hawk of the Sauk a cold blooded murderer and savage, they called Tecumseh a cold blooded murderer and savage, they called Sitting Bull a cold blooded murderer and savage - and the list goes on and on.

The one thing all these men have in common is they were all imprisoned or killed by this government; they were all patriots in their own land, trying to stop the illegal immoral taking of their people's land and resources. They didn't call the men who murdered our people at Wounded Knee thugs and savages, they didn't call the snipers who shot Frank Clearwater at Wounded Knee in 73 a murderer, they didn't call the ones who shot Buddy Lamont a cold blooded murderer, they didn't call the ones who shot Joe Stuntz a cold blooded murderer, they didn't call the sniper who shot that young woman and baby in 1992 at Ruby Ridge Idaho in a cold blooded murder, they didn't call the ones who burned the men, women and children to death at Waco, Texas in 1993 in cold blooded murderers. I assume cold blooded means you have no sense of right or wrong or something of that nature when you take a life. And if that is so, then this country is full of cold blooded murderers and thugs because by proxy they have killed thousands of innocent men women and children in Iraq and most recently in Afghanistan, I've seen them on TV. I've seen the pictures of children's bodies piled on top of each other. And right now the US funds Israel's war machine as they kill hundreds of innocent men, women and children.

Einstein once said, "All things are relative" and "For every action there is a reaction". In the traditional way our people teach the same. In all the major religions around the world it is taught the same way before Einstein ever drew a breath. Every person in America who allows this injustice to continue without voicing any opposition is a party to murder on some level. Someone once said and it is a truism, "All that is needed for evil to prevail is good men to say nothing." And if Einstein is correct and Jesus is correct then you reap what you sow, and Buddha is correct who said there are karmic laws that must repay or be repaid for whatever you do then this nation had better start paying attention. It is financially at this point bankrupt. It is spiritually and morally bankrupt.

"I'm sure this letter won't buy me any favored treatment. Actually I don't know that anything ever has. They had a plot to kill me once that didn't work. They have denied me medical treatment that I need. I have arthritis in my knees. I have a semi dysfunctional jaw from lack of medical treatment. I have 80% loss of vision in one eye. And I have other internal organ infirmities that need medical treatment. But though I have trouble walking I will stand and voice my objection to the cold blooded mistreatment of indigenous people in this land and others. I will speak out always against the cold blooded atrocities that are caused directly by military weapons and/or political policies that cause people to take their own lives as in my country and other countries around the world. And though my vision may be failing me somewhat I can still read the writing on the wall.

Though this country is in great financial peril money - is not the cure. There are some writings today that this country will be destroyed by fire, well let me tell you, or should I say, reiterate the words of my elders and others; the fires are burning now, right now today all over the world the fires are burning. There will be natural devastation upon devastation coming to this country that has used the land and resources of my people to pollute and destroy the natural order of life. You reap what you sow. And as my people say everything that goes around comes around. As Einstein said, "For every action there is a reaction."

I may live a hundred years or I may die tomorrow; but I will always have concern and sorrow for those innocent people that lose their lives. It is such a great tragedy that even some of those who pull the triggers and attack others have been convinced they are doing the right thing for some bureaucrat with little or no understanding of life that espouses some rhetoric about justice being served.

If I sound angry or hurt or disappointed or a multitude of other emotions you would probably be correct. I remember once upon a time, in my naïve belief that sooner or later I would be free and justice would be served. In my case after 33 years of illegal imprisonment justice will never be served, it will be up to the Creator to bring about a reaction that may in some future time balance the scales. But for me and the others like me, whether they are among other prisoners in the US prison system or dead in the streets of Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza Strip or South America or some reservation road or some ghetto street, justice is not being served at this time.

If there is anything further I could say that would affect you in some way it would be to encourage you to take a few minutes out of your life and quietly sit and reflect and maybe just maybe you can hear the mothers crying for their lost children and the men crying for their lost wives and daughters and the grandfathers crying for their lost sons and I could say more but perhaps you may have grown tired of my commentary. Thank you for your time, thank you for reading this, and don't let evil triumph. Say something.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse and all the others who gave their lives that future generations might enjoy some time together on this beautiful mother earth,
Mitakuye Oyasin (All My Relations)
Leonard Peltier
PS. I also want to take this opportunity to whole heartedly thank all those who wrote the prison on my behalf recently seeking my transfer to Turtle Mountain facility in North Dakota. Thank you.
IPF WEBSITE:
http://users.skynet.be/kola/index.htm
and www.myspace.com/leonardpeltierisinnocent
IPF e-mail:
ipforum@skynet.be
Also, please visit the website of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LPDOC):
www.whoisleonardpeltier.info
LPDOC e-mail:
contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info

Indian Comedy Slam with Charlie Hill

 

In Memorial: Comedian Charlie Hill at the American Indian Movement's 40 Year Reunion in San Francisco


By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

SAN FRANCISCO -- Oneida Comedian Charlie Hill appeared on stage with Keith Secola during the American Indian Movement’s 40 Year Reunion in November of 2008.
Charlie Hill’s memories span the great events and great heroes of the American Indian Movement. Hill said AIM brought the pride and fire that is here today.
“They raised hell and stood up when no one else did.”
Hill said AIM brought to the forefront the realities of treaty rights and sovereignty, and galvanized the hearts, adding that American Indians hold the answers.
“We have the owner’s manual."
“We’re the ones who can fix this country”
HIll said there needs to be more women in the forefront of the movement at the gatherings.
“The strength of the community is women.”
HIll also remembered Russell Means.
“I loved him because everyone was afraid of him.”
Hill said the truth was Russell had a great sense of humor.
Russell told him, “Anytime you insult me, I feel honored.”
Among those he remembered were Floyd Westerman, Bill Wahpepah and the Vernon Bellecourt.
HIll said he loves coming to San Francisco because of the consciousness raised here.
Hill urged everyone in the movement to unite. While earlier times called for armed struggle, he said now is the time for spirituality.
“It is stronger than anything that the US can throw at us.”
Hill said American Indians survived all the attempts to christianize and sanitize the people.
The music of the movement was that of Floyd Westerman and Buffy Sainte Marie.
Hill said they should be honored.
“They opened the door.” The recording concludes with Keith Secola singing "Fry Bread" at the gathering hosted by AIM West.

VIDEO Charlie Hill 1983 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh6eCALFohY




Comedy Store honors Charlie HIll image by rmcomedy


Hill, Charles Allan, “Charlie”

Charlie Hill, 62, passed away early on Monday morning, December 30, 2013, in Oneida, Wisconsin. His death followed a valiant, yearlong, battle against lymphoma cancer. He fought the disease with all the courage, irreverence, and humor that shaped his life and his comedic career. He was born on July 6, 1951, to Norbert S. and Eileen (Johnston) Hill in Detroit, MI and moved to his family’s homestead on the Oneida Reservation in 1962. Charlie Hill was a member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin and belonged to the Turtle Clan.
Charlie was a graduate of West De Pere High School, class of 1969. He attended the University of WI-Madison where he majored in speech and drama and was a member of the experimental Broom Street Theater Group.
Later, he toured Europe as a member of the La MaMa Experimental Theater Group which was based in New York City. He left college and moved to Hollywood, to pursue his dream as a stand-up comedian. He lived in Los Angeles for the next 40 years, where he forged a successful career as an actor, writer and stand-up comedian. He was the first American Indian comedian in history and joined humor with political activism and social commentary, breaking down many stereotypes about Native Americans. His humor was universal and transcended the narrow restrictions of race, culture, or class. He succeeded in making people laugh with him, not at him. His groundbreaking talent and determination opened the door for generations of Native performers.
Early in his career, he performed at The Comedy Story in LA where he met comedians Richard Pryor, Jay Leno, Roseanne Barr, and David Letterman. He stepped into the national spotlight by appearing on “The Richard Pryor Show” in 1977. He became the first American Indian comedian to appear on both “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and on “The Merv Griffin Show.” He later became a writer for the hit “Roseanne” TV series. He made six appearances on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and made appearances on “David Letterman’s Late Show” and the Arsenio Hall TV show. He wrote and performed on the Club Red Radio Show. He co-produced and was featured in the Showtime Special, “The Indian Comedy Slam, No Reservations Needed” in Nov. 2009. Charlie starred in the documentary, “On and Off the Res’ with Charlie Hill,” which was nominated for an Emmy in 2012, and was broadcast on PBS. He made countless appearances on college campuses across the nation. His acting credits include several TV series: “The Bionic Woman,” “Moesha,” and “Roseanne.” Charlie received the 2009 Ivy Bethune Tri-Union Diversity Award from the Screen Actors Guild, and “The Jennifer Easton’s Spirit Award” in 2012. In 2008, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sinte Gleska University, a 4-year tribal college in Mission, South Dakota.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lenora Hatathlie, Coalmine Mesa, Arizona, and their four children, Dine’ Nizhoni, Coalmine Mesa, Arizona, Nasbah, and her fiancé, Jamison King, Oneida, Wisconsin, Nanabah, Los Angeles, Calif., Nabahe, Oneida, Wisconsin, and one granddaughter, Tasbah, 3, Los Angeles, Calif. He is also survived by two brothers, Norbert (Mary Anne) and Richard (Donsia), Oneida, WI, and two sisters, Rosa Coenen (Rick), De Pere, WI, and Barbara Author, Longmont, CO, father-in-law, Jack Hatathlie, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Eileen, his brother, Jimmy, and his mother-in-law, Bessie Hatathlie.
A funeral ceremony will be held on Friday, January 3, 2014, at 10:00 am CST at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 North Tenth St., De Pere, Wisconsin. There will be no public showing prior to the ceremony.
In lieu of floral arrangements, a Memorial Fund has been established. Donations can be made to the Charlie Hill Fund, 532 Airport Road, Oneida, WI 54155. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from countless individuals, family and friends, the staff of the Oneida Health Center, Heartland Hospice, St. Mary’s Hospital, the Anna John Nursing Home, and Dr. Jerry M. Winkler of Green Bay Oncology. -----------------------------------------------------------


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http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2014/01/remembering-charlie-hill-aim-west-2009.html

Shannon Rivers, Akimel O'otham, standing up for Indigenous Rights

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

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

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Gila River Pima-Maricopa Indian Nation became the first in the United States to ratify the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Shannon Rivers, Akimel O'otham from Gila River in Arizona, speaks on the importance of this action on Censored News Blog Talk Radio.

"We hope it becomes customary law, throughout the United States and the world ," Rivers said of the Declaration, speaking on Earthcycles' Longest Walk Talk Radio at the end of the Longest Walk.

Pointing out that the Declaration includes rights at borders and self-determination, he said Gila River undertook this hallmark move in commitment and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples worldwide, on May 21, 2008.

Rivers also describes the visit by Bolivian President Evo Morales to the United Nations in New York and the disrespect this world leader has been shown in the U.S. Rivers also describes how Homeland Security used fear after 9/11 to increase fear of migrants. Ultimately, the US profiteered with jails and prisons.

Further, Rivers discusses how the lifestyle and foods of the colonized U.S. has damaged the health of Indigenous Peoples in the Sonoran Desert. Rivers said there is a revitalization on Gila River of people growing traditional foods in their fields.

"Indigenous Peoples are some of the richest peoples," he said, during the interview a Greenbelt Park, Maryland. "We have many languages and we can learn many songs, many teachings."

Rivers urged Indigenous Peoples to stand up with courage and fight for what they believe in, with sacred walks and sacred runs, protection of sacred places and listening to the stories of the elderly.

Rivers is joined by Phillip Morris, Navajo from Page, Arizona. Morris describes the abuses of the US government and Peabody Coal in the destruction of Navajo lands and aquifer water.

"They call it 'Relocation.' I don't care what you call it, it is another way of the government saying, 'We want your land,'" Morris said.

Morris said the strip mining of Peabody Coal has resulted in the springs drying up. While Peabody Coal drained the aquifer, most Navajo people were hauling their water there. With words and millions of dollars, the U.S. and Peabody has continued with their ways, he said, "Of keeping us poor."

Morris said, "Healing is within us, but when we do it together as a group, in unity, it is more powerful."

"It all starts with prayers. We have to start coming together," Morris said, urging people to go to sweatlodges and learn from others.

Also, on the blog radio show, Long Walkers speak in tornado-hit Greensburg, Kansas, a town that was more than 90 percent destroyed by a tornado in 2007. Adriano Buckskin, Luv the Mezenger, Calvin Magpie, Jr., Paul Owns the Sabre and Rebecca Duncan speak as Long Walkers over a feast to the community. The show includes a song by the Miwok youth singers who were Long Walkers.

Recorded live by Earthcycles, producer Govinda Dalton, and cohost Brenda Norrell, on the Longest Walk northern route across America, Feb. through July, 2008.

Listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Brenda-Norrell

Radio stations may rebroadcast in whole or part. Please credit Earthcycles.

Photo 1: Shannon Rivers as master of ceremonies at the Longest Walk Concert in D.C. Photo by Brita Brookes Photo 2: Phillip Morris and Shannon Rivers onboard the Earthcycles radio bus on the Longest Walk in Greenbelt Park, Maryland, in July 2008, during this interview. Photo Brenda Norrell

Contact Shannon Rivers at:
sunriverhawk@aol.com

Mohawk Nation News: Hoof Ladies Chasing Indigenous Youth

'HOOF LADIES' CHASING INDIGENOUS YOUTH: THE COLONIAL STATE’S OLD SEXUAL PERVERSION STRATEGY

Mohawk Nation News
http://www.mohawknationnews.com
Published with permission

Jan. 10, 2008. There is an old Haudenosaunee story about the “Hoof Lady." She appears to our youth in various guises to stop them from doing wrong. She also appears in order to test them. For example, when our young people are hiding in the bush drinking alcohol, an ugly apparition appears. When they notice her hoofs and her scary gestures, they are terrified and run away. She could also entice them to do bad things by appearing in other human forms, both male and female. They could be blond, redhead or brunette to lure our youth! This “shape shifter” is usually an outside unfamiliar person who could show up at times when our minds are weak and vulnerable and we don’t notice her hoofs. The “come-on” might be visual beauty or “other attractions." The decoy could lead them to do something unnatural because they think no one is watching. In the end the Hoof Lady can grab control of them. Eventually some of them have been induced to go against their people.
There is no mystery about where some of these Hoof Ladies come from. Read article:
http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2009/01/mohawk-nation-news-hoof-ladies.html