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NEWS AND NOTES FROM INDIAN COUNTRY January 19, 2006 Susan Bates

SKI RESORT CAN USE WASTE WATER ON NAVAJO LAND According to an article written by Ryan Hall for the Farmington Daily Times, Federal District Judge Paul Rosenblatt ruled on January 11th. that the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort can use reclaimed waste water (read sewage) to make snow for their new ski resort. The posh resort will be located in the San Francisco Peaks which are called Dook'o'sliid in Navajo, and is sacred to the Diné and at least 13 other tribes. Rosenblatt's decision stated that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) did not protect the tribe's interest in this case. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. issued this statement: "This hurts all native people to see our ways of life done away with for money. There are plenty of other ways to make money besides putting filthy water on a sacred place." "To Native people, there are no compromises to saving self. When our ceremonies go, and when our herbs go, there are no compromises left to be made." The tribes will appeal. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> "The White man does not mind the foul air he breaths. Like a man in pain for many years, he is numb to the stench." -----Chief Seattle, C. 1885-86 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> TRIBES DENIED RECOGNITION The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut as well as the Schaghticoke tribe won't be allowed to challenge the decision of the Interior Board of Indian Appeals which denied their claim for federal recognition. Both tribes will take their cases to a higher court. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> RED LAKE ACCOMPLICE SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR Louis Jourdain, son of tribal chairman Floyd "Buck" Jourdain, was sentenced to up to one year in a juvenile rehabilitation facility for his part in the March 21, 2005 killing spree which left 10 people dead, including the 16 year old shooter, Jeff Weise. Jourdain, now 17, was the only person charged in connection with the slayings. He pleaded guilty to using the internet to make "threatening communications." The rest of the charges were dropped. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> BIG BUCKS NEEDED TO SAVE CEMETERY Teaneck, New Jersey residents must raise big bucks if they want to preserve an ancient cemetery said to be the eternal resting place of Native Americans, African slaves and some early Dutch Colonists. Brian Aberback, staff writer for the North Jersey Media Group reports that a coalition of concerned citizens has raised $8,000 since Dec. 20, but must raise $100,000 more as soon as possible so that bonds in the amount of $325,000 can be issued by the Township Council to purchase the property. The property owner, Dr. Gustavo Garces of Hackensack, is asking $412,500 for his land on which he plans to build a new house on. He gave the coalition until April 15 to meet his price. Doesn't this guy read Stephen King??? I thought everyone knew how upset we Indians get when someone builds on top of our graves. Watch for the forthcoming book and movie if the coalition isn't successful. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> "In the absence of the sacred, nothing is sacred-- everything is for sale." --Oren Lyons, Onondasa, 1992 And so it goes........ <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Send me your news and events. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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