Click arrow to watch: Leonard Peltier's sisters at the White House. Video by Kitty Carnes, posted by Tim Wozny.
September 13, 2009
Ben Carnes completes fast for Leonard Peltier at White House
Ben Carnes and Rob Fife ended their week long fast for Leonard Peltier at the White House on Saturday, with a ceremonial feast. Kitty Carnes said, "This is the birthday card we got for Leonard - everyone at the feast signed it." Message on Sunday morning, "Good morning everyone!! It's a beautiful day in DC - gonna go start the coffee and make my sweetie some break-fast.) Rob is on his way home to his sweetie and all is well." (Photo copyright Kitty Carnes)
From Ben Carnes on Thursday
I wanted to announce that on Wednesday afternoon, I ceased the liquid portion of my fast due to dehydration. I had taken that as far as I could without endangering my health. Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, when I relieved my self, I experienced a burning sensation and around Noon Wednesday, I began to feel as if my kidneys were tightening up. I made an attempt to contact a physician, but after a period of time with receiving a response. At 2:40 PM (Eastern), I consumed some liquids to hydrate myself. It was a promise I made to Chief Tayac when he visited me at Lafayette Park. He told me that day that I needed to hydrate myself. He said, “You are a Chief! Don’t you dare hit the ground! There are a lot of people depending upon you to be here for them, and if you die what good would that serve them?” I assured him that when my body told me that I was beginning to have problems, I would take care of myself.Still, I will continue to fast without food until 8:45 AM Saturday. I can assure you that Leonard would appreciate and respect this decision. He has suffered so much pain and loss of allies and relatives, that it would only grieve him had I continued and possibly caused irreparable harm to my health.My personal prayer will continue on, and I will continue to conduct myself in a honorable and respectful manner befitting my position. I knew that when I decided to publicly announce to that I am a Sun Dance Chief and would be taking this course of action. I would open myself up to criticisms, but that in itself is a sacrifice I willingly accepted. And there has been none, just messages of respect and support. It was never my intention to promote myself, but to show my love and support for my Sun Dance brother.I had contacted Arvol Looking Horse about the possibility of coming to DC. He could not since he already had an earlier commitment, but he supported what I was doing and that he would support me through his prayers from over there. I am very thankful to have those prayers from the Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe in this way.I know that there are many more people who have joined in this fast as an act of solidarity for me and for Leonard. This simple course of action has aroused so much supportive action from around the world. It has done so much more than if we had tried to have everyone come to DC. Many of you are organizing in your communities and creating so much awareness everywhere and that is so important.The results of this prayer and sacrifice may not be immediately, I feel something is taking place on a larger spiritual level and we will need to keep that in mind in all that we do for Leonard. We know that we will prevail, and it would have been difficult without your support. Send your cards and letters to Leonard. Let him know how your event went and let him know that we are all here for him and that we will continue to do all we can to bring him home.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Ben Carnes
World Events
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/August2006.htm
Calling for an end to the unjust and vindictive imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and for an end to the celebration of Oct. 12th as Columbus Day and for it to be renamed Indigenous Peoples Day. Here's some of the events from around the world:
Ted Glick, ARIZONA: Supai Youth group will be having a prayer vigil for Leonard Peltier on September 12, 2006 at the Deer Trail, on the Grand Canyon.
California: The LPSG-South Bay is going to have an event for Leonard on September 8thFriday night at the following location: Center for Training and Careers1600 Las Plumas Ave San Jose, Ca. 951337-10pm. Friday night Opening Prayer by Hank Lebeau (Lakota) Freedom-Sung by Sampson for LeonardMusic by Good Shield, 7th Generation RiseFood Presentation by BFC Birthday Cake for Leonard and Birthday card signing
Orange County friends of The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee: We will be holding a Leonard Peltier Birthday Celebration at The OrangeCircle (Chappman & Glassell) Orange, CA-Tuesday, September 12th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM Option to wear indigenous and or colorful garb. Bring your drums andwhistles! There will be Azteca Dancers (invited), Native music with the Northridge Sovereign Nation drummers, a candle light vigil, prayers and Native American Indigenous Chants and songs for our loving elder and brother Leonard. Our theme will be of unity, peace and freedom for Leonard and all political prisoners.
Los Angeles, California Hello Friends and Family,
Please join us for a birthday celebration for Leonard Peltier on Tuesday, September 12th at 8pm at On the Rox. $8 donations at the door will go to theLeonard Peltier Defense Committee. For more info go to: www.axisofjustice.org/losangeles/files/images//PELTIERflyer_1_0.jpg
Hope to see you there to share a night of music, truth and friendship. Peace. Rosa Romero
Colorado
I will be doing a Sweet grass braiding for Leonard "Braiding for Freedom"which will be here at my house in Evergreen Colorado. People can contact me via email@ rockartist@earthlink.net I also will send Braids out from the Braiding for anyone who wishes them. I hope everyone will talk about Leonard and inform people who are still unaware. Until freedom is won ....
In peace Keith
Florida ORLANDO ROCK BAND and Friends will be observing Leonard's Birthday by lighting candles and saying prayers for his release and well-being on September 12th. Tuesday, September 12th from 4 to 5 P.M., the Daughters of the King, theOrder of St. Luke Healing Ministry, and the Society of Mary will meet at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida to hold a prayervigil for Leonard Peltier.
ILLINOIS September, 12 2006 at Metzli Gallery & Cultural Organization - Leonard Peltier Birthday Open Mic/Open Poetry Night556 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608 Cost: none Participate in honoring Leonard Peltier with socially andpolitically conscious music and poetry. In honoring Leonard Peltier's lifelong commitment to activism not only for Native American issues but alsofor the all peoples on the planet (indeed we are all connected), let's highlight immigration rights, the environmental crisis, first nation rights,women's rights, and global poverty and sweatshop/slave labor practices.
MARYLAND: Here in Maryland, I will do the following: Send a box of books to Pine Ridge, where they may be distributed amongthose who are interested. Send Leonard a card. Try to get a copy of Incident At Oglala for my local library.
Steve Saulsbury Brave Books Sudlersville, Maryland saulskix@goeaston.net MASSACHUSETTS:
Dear friends with the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee,Warm greetings from the land of the Wampanoag, Nipmuc, Pocomtuc, Nauset andMassachuset nations.We are planning an event for Leonard's birthday as well. September 12, 2006@ Jamaica Pond -5:30 pm Click here for additional information: http://www.jerichoboston.org/events.html#September12
In solidarity, Benjamin Evanson behalf of Jericho Boston
MINNESOTA:
Greetings,I am taking Sept. 12th off from work to call and write to those who aresupposed to be representing me to remind and in some cases inform them thatan innocent man is still waiting for justice to be done. I will also beputting another ad in the local paper reminding/informing the public of Leonard's illegal incarceration at the hands of our uncaring and supposedly Christian government officials.
Dave Murray North Mankato, MN Montana:
The North Central Montana American Indian Movement will be hosting their annual Leonard Peltier Birthday get-together Tues. Sept. 12th at the community chat program http://www.paltalk.com/ This is a free download site. Sept 13th, we will be doing his birthday special from 5-7 pm on KNMC 90.1 FM Havre, Montana. The call in number is 406-265-3709, feel free to call in and express your support for Leonard. We do tape our shows and re-play them at pal talk upon request. You'll find the chatroom under the music forum Titled "United Native America" Mitakuye Oyasin. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Russell Houle NCMA aimprez59521@yahoo.com
New York New York City:
Vivienne Westwood is hosting a special VIP & press screening of "Incident at Oglala" during the Grand Classics - Films with Style event in NYC on September 13th. Please check back soon for more information! New York City: 26 Federal Plaza Manhattan, New YorkWhen: Sept 12, 2006 Time: 3pm- 6pmLeonard Peltier Defense Committee and New York City Leonard Peltier Support Group (NYCLPSG) Please click here for flyer http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/newyorksept.htm
GRAND CLASSICS: FILMS WITH STYLE British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood will host a special VIP screening of, "Incident at Oglala" on Wednesday, September 13th, 2006 at the Soho House - 29-35 Ninth Avenue - New York City screenings at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm
GRAND CLASSICS: THE POWER OF FILM TO INSPIRE NORTH CAROLINA:
I'm putting together a Birthday Party for Leonard!We'll have a custom made Free Peltier Birthday cakeVegetarian PotluckSuper Cool Raffle Prizes (proceeds to go to LPDC)Showing of 'Incident at Oglala'6pm Sept 12@ The NC School of Holistic Herbalism2 Westwood Place Asheville, NC 28806
OHIO
We will send Leonard a card, as well as posting blogs about him and hisbattle for freedom! There is also a Pow Wow in Loudonville from September15-17 and we will remind everyone there about Leonard Peltier and encouragethem to do what they can to help gain his freedom!Walk in Peace, Linda For Leonard's birthday, we will be having a cookout, and showingdocumentaries. Give our love and prayers to Leonard from everyone at theWarren, Ohio group. We will continue to do what we can to help our brother. In the Spirit Pat Datish
Pennsylvania PENNSYLVANIA, Lewisburg:
A Warrior's Story, Please click here http://www.leonardpeltier.net/documents/warriorstory.pdf for more information
South Dakota SPONSORED BY LPDC ~ Join our online chat room birthday party for Leonard Peltier's 62nd birthday on September 12th. Where: Paltalk Chatroom ~ Native Issues & Causes, social issues section at http://www.paltalk.com/ When: September 12th at 7pm (mtn time) until ? Please join us and other Leonard Peltier supporters for an evening of chat, music dedicated to Leonard and sending him birthday greetings! The evening’s chatroom (text) will be sent to him to read all of your birthday greetings and messages. The chat room on September 12th for Leonard’s birthday will mark the 1st chatroom of our new ongoing monthly chatrooms that will be held once a month starting in September. October's date will be announced after or in the birthday room. A few of our special chat room guests will include Leonard's legal defense team and LPDC...more guests to be announced soon! If you have any questions about the chatroom please email Tamra@NDNnews.com
FREE LEONARD PELTIER NOW! WASHINGTON:
Friends and comrades,To help bring attention and good wishes to Leonard on his birthday, wereprinted some of his words of encouragement to other prisoners. Readers ofthe Razor Wire are some of those who will be uplifted by reading andre-reading the intimate and wise thoughts of Leonard Peltier.http://www.november.org/razorwire/2006-01/Peltier.htmlSolidarity, Chuck Armsbury chuck@november.orghttp://www.november.org/
Europe: Belgium BELGIUM:
KOLA/IPF is organizing a worldwide postcard writing campaign to President Bush regarding executive clemency.
Dear friends,
On Sunday 13th August, I took part in a solidarity event - about 50persons signed a birthday card for Leonard, which I will forward to him onthe first or second of September. The people who signed the birthday card forLeonard also signed a letter addressed to Senator Kennedy and Representative Conyers. Greetings, Martina Roels KWIA/Lpsg Belgium England There will be a gathering between 12:30 pm and 1:30pm at the Peltier Tribute Statue in Toxteth Liverpool to remember Leonard’s birthday! The weekend of the 28th of Aug is the Annual Beatles Festival, here in the pool, I will be putting flyers up about Leonard at all the Beatles attractions
SCOTLAND:
I am organizing a showing of Robert Redford's film 'Incident at Oglala' tobe shown at the Forest Cafe in Edinburgh, Alba (Scotland) at 6.00pm on the12th of September. I will try to alert as many media outlets as possible tohighlight the case on the day ... let us free the American Mandela throughthe raising of our voices against this case that pokes a finger in the eyeof United States justice.For additional information regarding the September 12th events, please visit http://www.leonardpeltier.net/
IRELAND:
Tuesday, 12 September "Incident at Oglala" will be shown at the Heather House Hotel in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. Event starts at 8pm local time. Special guest speaker following the film will be Dave Bailey- Northern Cheyenne- LPDC Representative for Ireland and England.
Address: Heather House Hotel, Strand Road (on the Seafront), Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland, Phone: (01) 286-8000.Email: natsitsa@yahoo.com
GERMANY:
Dear LPDC Team,I will come together with friends to watch "Incident of Oglala" and we will be writing letters to the US Government! In October I will go to get a Tattoo of Leonard Peltier on my right shoulder. Love, Peace and HopeWarm Regards Bettina
SWITZERLAND:
Manitu free acoustic concert for Leonard’s birthday! Singer songwriter Mannalia and rock band Manitu will celebrate Leonard’s birthday by offering a free acoustic concert on Friday September 15th at 10.00 pm at café-restaurant “les Deux-Clées” in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland. The band will also perform the song “ Red Child ” written in honor of Leonard and of all Indian people. Mannalia will present Leonard’s story to the audience and will invite people to read Leonard’s “Prison Writings” and to contribute however they can. Flyers telling about Leonard’s story and LPDC will be handed out during the evening and a newsletter will be sent out to the band’s mailing list prior to the concert. The local Newspaper and radios will announce and present the event. On Friday morning Mannalia and guitar player/songwriter/producer David Grillon, will give a radio interview on Leonard’s situation and perform an acoustic song live for Leonard’s birthday. For more information, see:http://www.manitu-band.com/http://www.manitu-band.com/lpeltier_eng.html
Australia Sept 7, 2006 Perth, in West Australia:
Indigenous Poetry night and will read "My Life is My Sundance." to open the night. Cheers
-- Posted by The Angryindian
Editor-in-Chief Inteligentaindigena Novajoservo
From Ben Carnes on Thursday
I wanted to announce that on Wednesday afternoon, I ceased the liquid portion of my fast due to dehydration. I had taken that as far as I could without endangering my health. Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, when I relieved my self, I experienced a burning sensation and around Noon Wednesday, I began to feel as if my kidneys were tightening up. I made an attempt to contact a physician, but after a period of time with receiving a response. At 2:40 PM (Eastern), I consumed some liquids to hydrate myself. It was a promise I made to Chief Tayac when he visited me at Lafayette Park. He told me that day that I needed to hydrate myself. He said, “You are a Chief! Don’t you dare hit the ground! There are a lot of people depending upon you to be here for them, and if you die what good would that serve them?” I assured him that when my body told me that I was beginning to have problems, I would take care of myself.Still, I will continue to fast without food until 8:45 AM Saturday. I can assure you that Leonard would appreciate and respect this decision. He has suffered so much pain and loss of allies and relatives, that it would only grieve him had I continued and possibly caused irreparable harm to my health.My personal prayer will continue on, and I will continue to conduct myself in a honorable and respectful manner befitting my position. I knew that when I decided to publicly announce to that I am a Sun Dance Chief and would be taking this course of action. I would open myself up to criticisms, but that in itself is a sacrifice I willingly accepted. And there has been none, just messages of respect and support. It was never my intention to promote myself, but to show my love and support for my Sun Dance brother.I had contacted Arvol Looking Horse about the possibility of coming to DC. He could not since he already had an earlier commitment, but he supported what I was doing and that he would support me through his prayers from over there. I am very thankful to have those prayers from the Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe in this way.I know that there are many more people who have joined in this fast as an act of solidarity for me and for Leonard. This simple course of action has aroused so much supportive action from around the world. It has done so much more than if we had tried to have everyone come to DC. Many of you are organizing in your communities and creating so much awareness everywhere and that is so important.The results of this prayer and sacrifice may not be immediately, I feel something is taking place on a larger spiritual level and we will need to keep that in mind in all that we do for Leonard. We know that we will prevail, and it would have been difficult without your support. Send your cards and letters to Leonard. Let him know how your event went and let him know that we are all here for him and that we will continue to do all we can to bring him home.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Ben Carnes
World Events
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/August2006.htm
Calling for an end to the unjust and vindictive imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and for an end to the celebration of Oct. 12th as Columbus Day and for it to be renamed Indigenous Peoples Day. Here's some of the events from around the world:
Ted Glick, ARIZONA: Supai Youth group will be having a prayer vigil for Leonard Peltier on September 12, 2006 at the Deer Trail, on the Grand Canyon.
California: The LPSG-South Bay is going to have an event for Leonard on September 8thFriday night at the following location: Center for Training and Careers1600 Las Plumas Ave San Jose, Ca. 951337-10pm. Friday night Opening Prayer by Hank Lebeau (Lakota) Freedom-Sung by Sampson for LeonardMusic by Good Shield, 7th Generation RiseFood Presentation by BFC Birthday Cake for Leonard and Birthday card signing
Orange County friends of The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee: We will be holding a Leonard Peltier Birthday Celebration at The OrangeCircle (Chappman & Glassell) Orange, CA-Tuesday, September 12th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM Option to wear indigenous and or colorful garb. Bring your drums andwhistles! There will be Azteca Dancers (invited), Native music with the Northridge Sovereign Nation drummers, a candle light vigil, prayers and Native American Indigenous Chants and songs for our loving elder and brother Leonard. Our theme will be of unity, peace and freedom for Leonard and all political prisoners.
Los Angeles, California Hello Friends and Family,
Please join us for a birthday celebration for Leonard Peltier on Tuesday, September 12th at 8pm at On the Rox. $8 donations at the door will go to theLeonard Peltier Defense Committee. For more info go to: www.axisofjustice.org/losangeles/files/images//PELTIERflyer_1_0.jpg
Hope to see you there to share a night of music, truth and friendship. Peace. Rosa Romero
Colorado
I will be doing a Sweet grass braiding for Leonard "Braiding for Freedom"which will be here at my house in Evergreen Colorado. People can contact me via email@ rockartist@earthlink.net I also will send Braids out from the Braiding for anyone who wishes them. I hope everyone will talk about Leonard and inform people who are still unaware. Until freedom is won ....
In peace Keith
Florida ORLANDO ROCK BAND and Friends will be observing Leonard's Birthday by lighting candles and saying prayers for his release and well-being on September 12th. Tuesday, September 12th from 4 to 5 P.M., the Daughters of the King, theOrder of St. Luke Healing Ministry, and the Society of Mary will meet at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida to hold a prayervigil for Leonard Peltier.
ILLINOIS September, 12 2006 at Metzli Gallery & Cultural Organization - Leonard Peltier Birthday Open Mic/Open Poetry Night556 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608 Cost: none Participate in honoring Leonard Peltier with socially andpolitically conscious music and poetry. In honoring Leonard Peltier's lifelong commitment to activism not only for Native American issues but alsofor the all peoples on the planet (indeed we are all connected), let's highlight immigration rights, the environmental crisis, first nation rights,women's rights, and global poverty and sweatshop/slave labor practices.
MARYLAND: Here in Maryland, I will do the following: Send a box of books to Pine Ridge, where they may be distributed amongthose who are interested. Send Leonard a card. Try to get a copy of Incident At Oglala for my local library.
Steve Saulsbury Brave Books Sudlersville, Maryland saulskix@goeaston.net MASSACHUSETTS:
Dear friends with the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee,Warm greetings from the land of the Wampanoag, Nipmuc, Pocomtuc, Nauset andMassachuset nations.We are planning an event for Leonard's birthday as well. September 12, 2006@ Jamaica Pond -5:30 pm Click here for additional information: http://www.jerichoboston.org/events.html#September12
In solidarity, Benjamin Evanson behalf of Jericho Boston
MINNESOTA:
Greetings,I am taking Sept. 12th off from work to call and write to those who aresupposed to be representing me to remind and in some cases inform them thatan innocent man is still waiting for justice to be done. I will also beputting another ad in the local paper reminding/informing the public of Leonard's illegal incarceration at the hands of our uncaring and supposedly Christian government officials.
Dave Murray North Mankato, MN Montana:
The North Central Montana American Indian Movement will be hosting their annual Leonard Peltier Birthday get-together Tues. Sept. 12th at the community chat program http://www.paltalk.com/ This is a free download site. Sept 13th, we will be doing his birthday special from 5-7 pm on KNMC 90.1 FM Havre, Montana. The call in number is 406-265-3709, feel free to call in and express your support for Leonard. We do tape our shows and re-play them at pal talk upon request. You'll find the chatroom under the music forum Titled "United Native America" Mitakuye Oyasin. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Russell Houle NCMA aimprez59521@yahoo.com
New York New York City:
Vivienne Westwood is hosting a special VIP & press screening of "Incident at Oglala" during the Grand Classics - Films with Style event in NYC on September 13th. Please check back soon for more information! New York City: 26 Federal Plaza Manhattan, New YorkWhen: Sept 12, 2006 Time: 3pm- 6pmLeonard Peltier Defense Committee and New York City Leonard Peltier Support Group (NYCLPSG) Please click here for flyer http://www.leonardpeltier.net/worldevents/newyorksept.htm
GRAND CLASSICS: FILMS WITH STYLE British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood will host a special VIP screening of, "Incident at Oglala" on Wednesday, September 13th, 2006 at the Soho House - 29-35 Ninth Avenue - New York City screenings at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm
GRAND CLASSICS: THE POWER OF FILM TO INSPIRE NORTH CAROLINA:
I'm putting together a Birthday Party for Leonard!We'll have a custom made Free Peltier Birthday cakeVegetarian PotluckSuper Cool Raffle Prizes (proceeds to go to LPDC)Showing of 'Incident at Oglala'6pm Sept 12@ The NC School of Holistic Herbalism2 Westwood Place Asheville, NC 28806
OHIO
We will send Leonard a card, as well as posting blogs about him and hisbattle for freedom! There is also a Pow Wow in Loudonville from September15-17 and we will remind everyone there about Leonard Peltier and encouragethem to do what they can to help gain his freedom!Walk in Peace, Linda For Leonard's birthday, we will be having a cookout, and showingdocumentaries. Give our love and prayers to Leonard from everyone at theWarren, Ohio group. We will continue to do what we can to help our brother. In the Spirit Pat Datish
Pennsylvania PENNSYLVANIA, Lewisburg:
A Warrior's Story, Please click here http://www.leonardpeltier.net/documents/warriorstory.pdf for more information
South Dakota SPONSORED BY LPDC ~ Join our online chat room birthday party for Leonard Peltier's 62nd birthday on September 12th. Where: Paltalk Chatroom ~ Native Issues & Causes, social issues section at http://www.paltalk.com/ When: September 12th at 7pm (mtn time) until ? Please join us and other Leonard Peltier supporters for an evening of chat, music dedicated to Leonard and sending him birthday greetings! The evening’s chatroom (text) will be sent to him to read all of your birthday greetings and messages. The chat room on September 12th for Leonard’s birthday will mark the 1st chatroom of our new ongoing monthly chatrooms that will be held once a month starting in September. October's date will be announced after or in the birthday room. A few of our special chat room guests will include Leonard's legal defense team and LPDC...more guests to be announced soon! If you have any questions about the chatroom please email Tamra@NDNnews.com
FREE LEONARD PELTIER NOW! WASHINGTON:
Friends and comrades,To help bring attention and good wishes to Leonard on his birthday, wereprinted some of his words of encouragement to other prisoners. Readers ofthe Razor Wire are some of those who will be uplifted by reading andre-reading the intimate and wise thoughts of Leonard Peltier.http://www.november.org/razorwire/2006-01/Peltier.htmlSolidarity, Chuck Armsbury chuck@november.orghttp://www.november.org/
Europe: Belgium BELGIUM:
KOLA/IPF is organizing a worldwide postcard writing campaign to President Bush regarding executive clemency.
Dear friends,
On Sunday 13th August, I took part in a solidarity event - about 50persons signed a birthday card for Leonard, which I will forward to him onthe first or second of September. The people who signed the birthday card forLeonard also signed a letter addressed to Senator Kennedy and Representative Conyers. Greetings, Martina Roels KWIA/Lpsg Belgium England There will be a gathering between 12:30 pm and 1:30pm at the Peltier Tribute Statue in Toxteth Liverpool to remember Leonard’s birthday! The weekend of the 28th of Aug is the Annual Beatles Festival, here in the pool, I will be putting flyers up about Leonard at all the Beatles attractions
SCOTLAND:
I am organizing a showing of Robert Redford's film 'Incident at Oglala' tobe shown at the Forest Cafe in Edinburgh, Alba (Scotland) at 6.00pm on the12th of September. I will try to alert as many media outlets as possible tohighlight the case on the day ... let us free the American Mandela throughthe raising of our voices against this case that pokes a finger in the eyeof United States justice.For additional information regarding the September 12th events, please visit http://www.leonardpeltier.net/
IRELAND:
Tuesday, 12 September "Incident at Oglala" will be shown at the Heather House Hotel in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. Event starts at 8pm local time. Special guest speaker following the film will be Dave Bailey- Northern Cheyenne- LPDC Representative for Ireland and England.
Address: Heather House Hotel, Strand Road (on the Seafront), Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland, Phone: (01) 286-8000.Email: natsitsa@yahoo.com
GERMANY:
Dear LPDC Team,I will come together with friends to watch "Incident of Oglala" and we will be writing letters to the US Government! In October I will go to get a Tattoo of Leonard Peltier on my right shoulder. Love, Peace and HopeWarm Regards Bettina
SWITZERLAND:
Manitu free acoustic concert for Leonard’s birthday! Singer songwriter Mannalia and rock band Manitu will celebrate Leonard’s birthday by offering a free acoustic concert on Friday September 15th at 10.00 pm at café-restaurant “les Deux-Clées” in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland. The band will also perform the song “ Red Child ” written in honor of Leonard and of all Indian people. Mannalia will present Leonard’s story to the audience and will invite people to read Leonard’s “Prison Writings” and to contribute however they can. Flyers telling about Leonard’s story and LPDC will be handed out during the evening and a newsletter will be sent out to the band’s mailing list prior to the concert. The local Newspaper and radios will announce and present the event. On Friday morning Mannalia and guitar player/songwriter/producer David Grillon, will give a radio interview on Leonard’s situation and perform an acoustic song live for Leonard’s birthday. For more information, see:http://www.manitu-band.com/http://www.manitu-band.com/lpeltier_eng.html
Australia Sept 7, 2006 Perth, in West Australia:
Indigenous Poetry night and will read "My Life is My Sundance." to open the night. Cheers
-- Posted by The Angryindian
Editor-in-Chief Inteligentaindigena Novajoservo
September 12, 2009
Canadian Mine threatens traditional reindeer herders
CANADIAN MINE THREATENS TRADITIONAL REINDEER HERDERS
Marketwire
Saami Council
Sep 11, 2009 02:55 ET
VANCOUVER MINE COMPANY THREATENS REINDEER HERDERS IN SWEDEN
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Saami-Council-1043284.html
VANCOUVER -- (Marketwire - Sept. 11, 2009) - The Saami people say a mining project in Northeastern Sweden, proposed by a Canadian company, threatens their traditional way of life and violates their basic human rights, as recognized by the United Nations.
On 31 August 2009, Blackstone Ventures Inc., a Vancouver-based mining company, announced plans to begin test-drilling for minerals on pasture lands considered invaluable to the Saami people. In a press release, circulated in Canada the same date, Blackstone further announced its plans to mine in the disputed area. The Sammi communities have not agreed to such test-drillings. Furthermore, Saami community memebers do not recognize the company's right to drill, noting that the company does not hold the relevant permits to drill and lacks a work-plan, approved by the reindeer herders.
"This is the heart of our land," says Marja Skum, a spokesperson for the communities. "This is where the reindeer come to calf, and where they find the richest pasture. Our forefathers have lived with the reindeers on these mountains since time immemorial. We are determined to pass the legacy on to the next generations. Therefore, we have no choice but to do everything we can to stop this mine. If a mine is established in the planned area, we will no longer be traditional reindeer herders. We will lose the most vital part of our identity."
Saami organizations are making it a priority to a ssist the impacted communities and representative say they will fight the project. Anders Blom is the Director of the Swedish Saami Association (SSR), an umbrella organization with Saami reindeer herding communities and Saami associations in Sweden as members.
"As a nomadic people, reindeer herders roam their reindeer over vast areas," says Blom. Some of these areas are interchangeable. But Blackstone has picked the absolute worst place to prospect. The planned mine is in an area that the communities can simply not replace. That is why we will assist the communities to the best of our ability to stop this project."
The United Nations Human Rights Committee has repeatedly affirmed that reindeer husbandry constitutes a fundament in the Saami people's culture, and is integral to Saami individuals' cultural identity. Hence, no industrial activities are allowed in Saami areas where such activities render it impossible, or significantly more difficult, for Saami communities to pursue reindeer husbandry.
Mattias Åhrén is the President of the Saami Council, an organization representing the Saami in e.g. international affairs.
"Blackstone's planned mine would essentially prevent the impacted communities from pursuing traditional Saami reindeer herding, says Åhrén=2 0. "Thus, it would be detrimental to the reindeer herders' cultural identity. As a consequence, the mine is illegal as it would violate the reindeer herders' right to culture. We are positive that international bodies will halt the project. We will use all legal means available to stop the plans for a mine in the area"
The Saami people are indigenous to northern Europe, as the Canadian tribes are indigenous peoples in Canada. The Saami have pursued nomadic reindeer husbandry in its traditional areas since time immemorial. They have inhabited their traditional land since well before other populations colonized their territories. Gran, Ran and Ubmeje are three Saami reindeer herding communities whose traditional pasture lands cover parts of Northern Sweden.
For further information:
Marja Skum, +47 47 25 11 68 +47 47 25 11 68 , Mattias Åhrén, +47 47 37 91 61 +47 47 37 91 61 or Anders Blom, +46 70 51 44 480/
For more information, please contact
Marja Skum, Spokesperson, Saami
Primary Phone: 474-725-1168
© 2009 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Marketwire
Saami Council
Sep 11, 2009 02:55 ET
VANCOUVER MINE COMPANY THREATENS REINDEER HERDERS IN SWEDEN
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Saami-Council-1043284.html
VANCOUVER -- (Marketwire - Sept. 11, 2009) - The Saami people say a mining project in Northeastern Sweden, proposed by a Canadian company, threatens their traditional way of life and violates their basic human rights, as recognized by the United Nations.
On 31 August 2009, Blackstone Ventures Inc., a Vancouver-based mining company, announced plans to begin test-drilling for minerals on pasture lands considered invaluable to the Saami people. In a press release, circulated in Canada the same date, Blackstone further announced its plans to mine in the disputed area. The Sammi communities have not agreed to such test-drillings. Furthermore, Saami community memebers do not recognize the company's right to drill, noting that the company does not hold the relevant permits to drill and lacks a work-plan, approved by the reindeer herders.
"This is the heart of our land," says Marja Skum, a spokesperson for the communities. "This is where the reindeer come to calf, and where they find the richest pasture. Our forefathers have lived with the reindeers on these mountains since time immemorial. We are determined to pass the legacy on to the next generations. Therefore, we have no choice but to do everything we can to stop this mine. If a mine is established in the planned area, we will no longer be traditional reindeer herders. We will lose the most vital part of our identity."
Saami organizations are making it a priority to a ssist the impacted communities and representative say they will fight the project. Anders Blom is the Director of the Swedish Saami Association (SSR), an umbrella organization with Saami reindeer herding communities and Saami associations in Sweden as members.
"As a nomadic people, reindeer herders roam their reindeer over vast areas," says Blom. Some of these areas are interchangeable. But Blackstone has picked the absolute worst place to prospect. The planned mine is in an area that the communities can simply not replace. That is why we will assist the communities to the best of our ability to stop this project."
The United Nations Human Rights Committee has repeatedly affirmed that reindeer husbandry constitutes a fundament in the Saami people's culture, and is integral to Saami individuals' cultural identity. Hence, no industrial activities are allowed in Saami areas where such activities render it impossible, or significantly more difficult, for Saami communities to pursue reindeer husbandry.
Mattias Åhrén is the President of the Saami Council, an organization representing the Saami in e.g. international affairs.
"Blackstone's planned mine would essentially prevent the impacted communities from pursuing traditional Saami reindeer herding, says Åhrén=2 0. "Thus, it would be detrimental to the reindeer herders' cultural identity. As a consequence, the mine is illegal as it would violate the reindeer herders' right to culture. We are positive that international bodies will halt the project. We will use all legal means available to stop the plans for a mine in the area"
The Saami people are indigenous to northern Europe, as the Canadian tribes are indigenous peoples in Canada. The Saami have pursued nomadic reindeer husbandry in its traditional areas since time immemorial. They have inhabited their traditional land since well before other populations colonized their territories. Gran, Ran and Ubmeje are three Saami reindeer herding communities whose traditional pasture lands cover parts of Northern Sweden.
For further information:
Marja Skum, +47 47 25 11 68 +47 47 25 11 68 , Mattias Åhrén, +47 47 37 91 61 +47 47 37 91 61 or Anders Blom, +46 70 51 44 480/
For more information, please contact
Marja Skum, Spokesperson, Saami
Primary Phone: 474-725-1168
© 2009 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Big Mountain Resistance Caravan
From: blackmesais@gmail.com
Join the Caravan in Support of Communities On The Front Lines Of Resistance at Big Mountain, Black Mesa, AZ. November 21-28, 2009
Join the Caravan in Support of Communities On The Front Lines Of Resistance at Big Mountain, Black Mesa, AZ. November 21-28, 2009
Photo: Roberta Blackgoat, during the last year of her life, protesting Black Mesa Water Pipeline. Photo by Brenda Norrell
Greetings from Black Mesa Indigenous Support,
We are excited to inform you that a caravan of work crews will once again be converging from across the country in support of residents of the Big Mountain regions of Black Mesa. On behalf of their peoples, their sacred ancestral lands and future generations, these communities continue to carry out a staunch resistance to the efforts of the US Government, which is acting in the interests of the Peabody Coal Company, to devastate whole communities and ecosystems and greatly de-stabilize our planet’s climate for the profit of an elite few.
By assisting with direct, on-land projects you are helping families stay on their ancestral homelands in resistance to an illegal occupation and working for climate justice. These communities serve as the very blockade to coal mining! More than 14,000 Dine’ people have been forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands due to spin created by the U.S government & Peabody Coal, under the guise of the so-called “Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute.” Families are now in their THIRD DECADE resisting this travesty and, as you can imagine, many residents are very elderly and winters can be rough. With their guidance, the aim of this caravan is to honor the elders and to generate support in the form of direct, on-land support: chopping and hauling firewood, doing minor repair work, offering holistic health care, and sheep-herding before the approaching cold winter months arrive.
“The Big Mountain matriarchal leaders always believed that resisting forced relocation will eventually benefit all ecological systems, including the human race,” says Bahe Keediniihii, Dineh organizer and translator. “Continued residency by families throughout the Big Mountain region has a significant role in the intervention of Peabody’s future plan for Black Mesa coal to be the major source of unsustainable energy, the growing dependency on fossil fuel, and escalating green house gas emissions. We will continue to fight to defend our homelands.”
Peabody Coal’s Disastrous Coal Mining Operations on Black Mesa: At this moment, decision makers in Washington D.C. are planning ways to continue their occupation of tribal lands under the guise of extracting “clean coal,” which does not exist. In 30 years of disastrous operation, Dine’ and Hopi communities in Arizona have been ravaged by Peabody’s coal mining, which has taken land from and forcibly relocated thousands of families, has drained 2.5 million gallons of water daily from the only community water supply, and has left a toxic legacy along an abandoned 273-mile coal slurry pipeline. Peabody’s Black Mesa mine has been the source of an estimated 325 million tons of CO2 that have been discharged into the atmosphere. Coal from the Black Mesa Mine could contribute an additional 290 million tons of CO2 to the global warming crisis!* Ignoring protests from Dineh and Hopi communities and their allies, the U.S. Government (Office of Surface Mining) has permitted Peabody Energy to extend it’s massive strip-mining operations until 2026 or until the coal is gone. Peabody Coal Co. plans to seize another 19,000 acres of sacred land beyond the 67,000 acres already in Peabody’s grasp at Black Mesa. Peabody Energy, previously Peabody Coal Company, is the world’s largest private-sector coal company, operating mines throughout North America, South America, and Australia and is the twelfth largest coal exporter. In addition Peabody is proposing new coal-fired power plants in several states. Peabody’s coal mining will exacerbate already devastating environmental and cultural impacts on local communities and significantly add fuel to the fire of the current global climate chaos!We are at a critical juncture and must take a stand in support of communities on the front lines of resistance now! Indigenous and land-based peoples have maintained the understanding that our collective survival is deeply dependent on our relationship to Mother Earth. Victory in protecting and reclaiming the Earth will require a broad movement that can help bridge cultures, issues and nations.
BMIS wishes for this caravan to be an important opportunity for people of all backgrounds to listen and work with the families of Black Mesa to generate more awareness that relocation laws & coal mining need to be stopped, that these communities deserve to be free on their ancestral homelands, and to come together to strengthen our solidarity and find ways to work together to protect Black Mesa & our Mother Earth for all life.
Ways you can support:
* Join the Caravan & Be Self-Sufficient! By joining one of the volunteer work crews, you are expected to be adequately prepared and self-sufficient prior to your visit on Black Mesa, which is a very remote area in a high desert terrain. There is no electricity, no central heating, and no running water. You must come prepared, and bring everything you will need. There could be extreme weather, and it will be cold especially at night! Each participant will need to bring food, water, outdoor camping gear (although we will likely be staying inside with families), very warm clothing, and appropriate attire for hands-on manual work. Coming equipped with chainsaws, trucks, shovels, axes & mauls dramatically increases your effectiveness as a work crew!
* Read and sign the Cultural Sensitivity & Preparedness Guide: All direct, on-land supporters of Black Mesa are required to thoroughly read over and sign the Cultural Sensitivity & Preparedness Guide. This document is an in-depth guide that contains important information that you will need prior to and during your visit with a host family on Black Mesa. This guide gives you crucial information about what to expect, what to bring, how to be adequately prepared, background and current his/herstory, safety and legal issues, cultural sensitivity, code of conduct, and a suggested list of what to bring with you. We want to ensure that each person is informed about the agreements & basic requests by these communities, that each person is safe and accounted for, and that we have your contact and emergency contact info should an emergency arise. It is of the utmost importance that each caravan participant understand and respect the ways of the communities that we will be visiting. Please print out & bring this guidebook with you during your visit to Black Mesa.
* Pre-register: To help us estimate how many people to expect as well as to help us make necessary accommodations for all.
* Host or attend regional organizational meetings in your area: We strongly urge participants to attend or organize regional meetings. Caravan coordinators are located in Prescott, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Colorado, Ithaca, NY, and the San Francisco’s Bay Area. The meeting locations and dates will be posted at the BMIS website as coordinators set them up. If you are interested in helping coordinate, contact BMIS. This caravan will be collaborating with the annual Clan Dyken Fall Food & Supply Run on Black Mesa.
* Raise Awareness about Black Mesa and the caravan. You can obtain literature from BMIS.
* Organize fundraisers: At the weeks prior to every caravan, grassroots supporters from all over throw benefits to raise the much-needed funds, for such things as supplies, wood, and direct, on-land people-support. Please contact BMIS for guidelines prior to any fund-raising in the name of Big Mountain and Black Mesa.
* Collect supplies: Chainsaws, axes, mauls, axe & maul handles, chainsaw files, tools of all kinds, organic food, warm blankets, and especially trucks (either to donate to families or to use for the week of the caravan) are greatly needed on the land to make this caravan work! Check out our Projects Needs List! Building materials, tools, & supplies are needed for projects. * Donate: We are not receiving nor relying on any institutional funding for these support efforts, but are instead counting on each person’s ingenuity, creativity, and hard work to make it all come together. We are hoping to raise enough money through our community connections for gas, specifically for collecting wood and food for host families, and for work projects.
* Stay with a family on Black Mesa: Families living in resistance to coal mining and relocation laws are requesting self-sufficient guests who are willing to give three or more weeks of their time, especially in the winter. Since it is crucial to have good help out there and not create more work for the families, all supporters are required to read and sign the Cultural Sensitivity Preparedness Guide. Contact BMIS in advance so that we can make arrangements prior to your stay, to answer any questions that you may have, and so we can help put you in touch with a family.
We can’t wait to see you in November!
Give Back To Mother Earth! Give To Future Generations!
Black Mesa Indigenous Support
Black Mesa Indigenous Support (BMIS) is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization dedicated to working with and supporting the indigenous peoples of Black Mesa in their Struggle for Life and Land who are targeted by & resisting unjust large-scale coal mining operations and forced relocation policies of the US government.
Black Mesa Indigenous SupportP.O. Box 23501, Flagstaff, Arizona 86002Message Voice Mail: 928.773.8086Email: blackmesais@gmail.comWeb: http://www.blackmesais.org/
We are excited to inform you that a caravan of work crews will once again be converging from across the country in support of residents of the Big Mountain regions of Black Mesa. On behalf of their peoples, their sacred ancestral lands and future generations, these communities continue to carry out a staunch resistance to the efforts of the US Government, which is acting in the interests of the Peabody Coal Company, to devastate whole communities and ecosystems and greatly de-stabilize our planet’s climate for the profit of an elite few.
By assisting with direct, on-land projects you are helping families stay on their ancestral homelands in resistance to an illegal occupation and working for climate justice. These communities serve as the very blockade to coal mining! More than 14,000 Dine’ people have been forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands due to spin created by the U.S government & Peabody Coal, under the guise of the so-called “Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute.” Families are now in their THIRD DECADE resisting this travesty and, as you can imagine, many residents are very elderly and winters can be rough. With their guidance, the aim of this caravan is to honor the elders and to generate support in the form of direct, on-land support: chopping and hauling firewood, doing minor repair work, offering holistic health care, and sheep-herding before the approaching cold winter months arrive.
“The Big Mountain matriarchal leaders always believed that resisting forced relocation will eventually benefit all ecological systems, including the human race,” says Bahe Keediniihii, Dineh organizer and translator. “Continued residency by families throughout the Big Mountain region has a significant role in the intervention of Peabody’s future plan for Black Mesa coal to be the major source of unsustainable energy, the growing dependency on fossil fuel, and escalating green house gas emissions. We will continue to fight to defend our homelands.”
Peabody Coal’s Disastrous Coal Mining Operations on Black Mesa: At this moment, decision makers in Washington D.C. are planning ways to continue their occupation of tribal lands under the guise of extracting “clean coal,” which does not exist. In 30 years of disastrous operation, Dine’ and Hopi communities in Arizona have been ravaged by Peabody’s coal mining, which has taken land from and forcibly relocated thousands of families, has drained 2.5 million gallons of water daily from the only community water supply, and has left a toxic legacy along an abandoned 273-mile coal slurry pipeline. Peabody’s Black Mesa mine has been the source of an estimated 325 million tons of CO2 that have been discharged into the atmosphere. Coal from the Black Mesa Mine could contribute an additional 290 million tons of CO2 to the global warming crisis!* Ignoring protests from Dineh and Hopi communities and their allies, the U.S. Government (Office of Surface Mining) has permitted Peabody Energy to extend it’s massive strip-mining operations until 2026 or until the coal is gone. Peabody Coal Co. plans to seize another 19,000 acres of sacred land beyond the 67,000 acres already in Peabody’s grasp at Black Mesa. Peabody Energy, previously Peabody Coal Company, is the world’s largest private-sector coal company, operating mines throughout North America, South America, and Australia and is the twelfth largest coal exporter. In addition Peabody is proposing new coal-fired power plants in several states. Peabody’s coal mining will exacerbate already devastating environmental and cultural impacts on local communities and significantly add fuel to the fire of the current global climate chaos!We are at a critical juncture and must take a stand in support of communities on the front lines of resistance now! Indigenous and land-based peoples have maintained the understanding that our collective survival is deeply dependent on our relationship to Mother Earth. Victory in protecting and reclaiming the Earth will require a broad movement that can help bridge cultures, issues and nations.
BMIS wishes for this caravan to be an important opportunity for people of all backgrounds to listen and work with the families of Black Mesa to generate more awareness that relocation laws & coal mining need to be stopped, that these communities deserve to be free on their ancestral homelands, and to come together to strengthen our solidarity and find ways to work together to protect Black Mesa & our Mother Earth for all life.
Ways you can support:
* Join the Caravan & Be Self-Sufficient! By joining one of the volunteer work crews, you are expected to be adequately prepared and self-sufficient prior to your visit on Black Mesa, which is a very remote area in a high desert terrain. There is no electricity, no central heating, and no running water. You must come prepared, and bring everything you will need. There could be extreme weather, and it will be cold especially at night! Each participant will need to bring food, water, outdoor camping gear (although we will likely be staying inside with families), very warm clothing, and appropriate attire for hands-on manual work. Coming equipped with chainsaws, trucks, shovels, axes & mauls dramatically increases your effectiveness as a work crew!
* Read and sign the Cultural Sensitivity & Preparedness Guide: All direct, on-land supporters of Black Mesa are required to thoroughly read over and sign the Cultural Sensitivity & Preparedness Guide. This document is an in-depth guide that contains important information that you will need prior to and during your visit with a host family on Black Mesa. This guide gives you crucial information about what to expect, what to bring, how to be adequately prepared, background and current his/herstory, safety and legal issues, cultural sensitivity, code of conduct, and a suggested list of what to bring with you. We want to ensure that each person is informed about the agreements & basic requests by these communities, that each person is safe and accounted for, and that we have your contact and emergency contact info should an emergency arise. It is of the utmost importance that each caravan participant understand and respect the ways of the communities that we will be visiting. Please print out & bring this guidebook with you during your visit to Black Mesa.
* Pre-register: To help us estimate how many people to expect as well as to help us make necessary accommodations for all.
* Host or attend regional organizational meetings in your area: We strongly urge participants to attend or organize regional meetings. Caravan coordinators are located in Prescott, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Colorado, Ithaca, NY, and the San Francisco’s Bay Area. The meeting locations and dates will be posted at the BMIS website as coordinators set them up. If you are interested in helping coordinate, contact BMIS. This caravan will be collaborating with the annual Clan Dyken Fall Food & Supply Run on Black Mesa.
* Raise Awareness about Black Mesa and the caravan. You can obtain literature from BMIS.
* Organize fundraisers: At the weeks prior to every caravan, grassroots supporters from all over throw benefits to raise the much-needed funds, for such things as supplies, wood, and direct, on-land people-support. Please contact BMIS for guidelines prior to any fund-raising in the name of Big Mountain and Black Mesa.
* Collect supplies: Chainsaws, axes, mauls, axe & maul handles, chainsaw files, tools of all kinds, organic food, warm blankets, and especially trucks (either to donate to families or to use for the week of the caravan) are greatly needed on the land to make this caravan work! Check out our Projects Needs List! Building materials, tools, & supplies are needed for projects. * Donate: We are not receiving nor relying on any institutional funding for these support efforts, but are instead counting on each person’s ingenuity, creativity, and hard work to make it all come together. We are hoping to raise enough money through our community connections for gas, specifically for collecting wood and food for host families, and for work projects.
* Stay with a family on Black Mesa: Families living in resistance to coal mining and relocation laws are requesting self-sufficient guests who are willing to give three or more weeks of their time, especially in the winter. Since it is crucial to have good help out there and not create more work for the families, all supporters are required to read and sign the Cultural Sensitivity Preparedness Guide. Contact BMIS in advance so that we can make arrangements prior to your stay, to answer any questions that you may have, and so we can help put you in touch with a family.
We can’t wait to see you in November!
Give Back To Mother Earth! Give To Future Generations!
Black Mesa Indigenous Support
Black Mesa Indigenous Support (BMIS) is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization dedicated to working with and supporting the indigenous peoples of Black Mesa in their Struggle for Life and Land who are targeted by & resisting unjust large-scale coal mining operations and forced relocation policies of the US government.
Black Mesa Indigenous SupportP.O. Box 23501, Flagstaff, Arizona 86002Message Voice Mail: 928.773.8086Email: blackmesais@gmail.comWeb: http://www.blackmesais.org/
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