On April 8th, 2003, RCMP - Emergency Response Teams raided four homes and two workplaces of Native Youth Movement, Westcoast Warrior Society members involved in defending Aboriginal Title and Rights in Skwelkwek’welt territories (aka British Columbia's interior).
Vancouver Independent Media Center
Original article is at
http://vancouver.indymedia.org/news/2003/04/43566.php
Police Raid Native Youth Movement
by No One Is Illegal - Montreal • Monday April 21, 2003 at 02:47 PM
nooneisileegal@tao.ca
=====> PEOPLE OF CONSCIENCE URGED TO TAKE ACTION TODAY IN DEFENSE OF INDIGENOUS FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES! PROTEST! - Sample Letter & Email/Phone/Addresses Below <=====
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sun Peaks Ski Resort is built on Secwepemc land. This land, known to Secwepemc as Skwelkwekwelt, has provided hundreds of generations with everything needed to nourish their bodies and spirits. Each time Sun Peaks Resort has expanded, it has caused irreparable damage to the land, watersheds, vegetation & wildlife in the area, seriously impacting the Secwepemc's ability to survive.
Since purchasing Sun Peaks Resort in 1992, the Japanese holding company, Nippon Cable, and it's partner in crime, Delta Hotels, have expanded on-site accommodation from 100 beds to 4,000. In 1997, the BC government approved a $70 million development plan, allowing Sun Peaks & Delta to continue to expand their resort to 20,000 beds and put ski runs on the previously undisturbed Mt. Morrisey. The Secwepemc attended stakeholder meetings and clearly said "no" to more development.
Land and Water BC, however, clearly disregarded their voices and granted new leases to Sun Peaks & Delta to facilitate expansion. These leases were granted through BCs severely outdated Land Act which does not recognize Aboriginal Title. It is business as usual, despite their legal obligations, on the old colonial frontier. The state-party protects commercial, over Indigenous interests, and in June 2001, Land and Water BC obtained a court injunction to forcibly remove Secwepemc from their homelands.
Not including the latest RCMP attacks, there have been 54 arrests of Secwepemc peoples and supporters. Charges range from criminal contempt, mischief, intimidation and obstruction of a police officer, to intimidation by blocking a road, resisting arrest, and breach of bail conditions. While forced to pay exorbitant legal defense fees, and/or be incarcerated, the BC government, RCMP, Sun Peaks employees, local residents and tourists have all committed crimes against Secwepemc people with total impunity.
The Secwepemc people set up the Skwelkwekwelt Protection Center at the entrance of Sun Peaks Ski Resort in order to protect their Aboriginal Title & Rights, and ensure the accommodation of Aboriginal interests in the area. In response to their resistance, five Skwelkwekwelt Protection Centers, two traditional cedar bark homes, a hunting cabin, two sacred sweat lodges, and one cordwood house--home to a young Secwepemc family--have all been bulldozed or burnt down. None of these acts of racial hatred have been investigated by the state.
The outright destruction of Secwepemc sacred sweat lodges, and desecration of sacred objects violates Secwepemc freedom of religion. The Sun Peaks employees who committed these acts were not only not prosecuted, but also publicly celebrated the heinous acts that they had committed.
As Aboriginal Title is a collective proprietary interest in traditional territories, the Skwelwekwelt Protection Center and cordwood home were authorized to be built on the basis Aboriginal Title permits. Those requesting permits did not want to be confined to their reserve where dire social and economic conditions prevail, including inadequate housing for all band members. When the homes were ordered destroyed by the provincial government and demolished by Sun Peaks workers on December 10th, 2002, the family's right to housing was violated.
On January 10, 2003 a BC provincial judge found four Secwepemc elders-Irene Billy, Charlie Willard, Segweses, and George Manuel Junior, not guilty for their refusal to obey a court injunction obtained by the Sun Peaks Resort to tear down the Skwelkwekwelt Protection Center. The judge found that the Crown could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Secwepemc defenders intentions were "criminal". This case sets an important precedent for other cases of Aboriginal people defending their lands.
The mounting of a public pressure campaign to stop the criminalization of Indigenous People protecting their Title and Rights is very important at this time. Like the COINTELPRO operations of the 1970's, the Canadian government is now seeking to destroy Indigenous freedom movements through disruption and crass arrests and charges against all those involved. It is time for all those opposed to the Canadian colonial system and corporate globalization to support, through concrete solidarity actions, the rights of the Secwepemc people fighting state & corporate interests in British Columbia.
Action generated by the "No One is Illegal Campaign" - Montreal nooneisillegal@tao.ca - 514.409.2049
******************************************************
TAKE ACTION - SAMPLE LETTER BELOW
******************************************************
Geoff Plant Attorney General of BC PO Box 9044 STN PROV GOVT Victoria BC V8W 9E2 Phone: 250 387-1866 Fax: 250 387-6411 email: geoff.plant.mla@leg.bc.ca
Solicitor General of Canada, Wayne Easter House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6 Phone: (613) 991-2924 Fax: (613) 952-2240 email: easter.w@parl.gc.ca
Martin Cauchon Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada 284 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H8 Phone: 613-992-4621 Fax: 613- 990 7255 Email: cauchon.m@parl.gc.ca
Premier Gordon Campbell Government of BC Legislative Building Victoria, BC Canada Tel: 1-250-387-1715 Fax: 1-250-387-0087 email: premier@gov.bc.ca
Jean Chretien, Prime Minister House of Commons Ottawa, ON Canada pm@pm.gc.ca
SAMPLE LETTER:
Attention:
I am sending this letter to protest the Canadian government's continued harassment and criminalization of the Native Youth Movement - Westcoast Warrior Society, and the Secwepemc Peoples involved in defending their Aboriginal Title and Rights in Skwelkwek'welt territories. They have been targeted for their use of their own land and for speaking out against Sun Peaks Resort Corporation and the British Columbia government who continue to expropriate and destroy what was once a vibrant and abundant ecosystem. We stand opposed to the Canadian colonial system and support the Secwepemc people fighting state and corporate interests in British Columbia.
Sun Peaks Resort is built in Secwepemc territories, land which has never been ceded, sold, released nor surrendered. The BC government therefore has no authority over Secwepemc Peoples, Skwelkwek'welt territories, or the resources within them. That power is maintained through the criminalization of the exercise of Aboriginal Title and Rights, and forcible removal of Indigenous Peoples from their traditional territories, constitutes genocide under International Laws to which Canada is a signatory.
As you are well aware, the development of Sun Peaks resorts has continued without participation of those with Title to the land. In 1997, the BC government approved a $70 million development plan, allowing Sun Peaks to continue to expand their resort to 20,000 beds and put ski runs on the previously undisturbed Mt. Morrisey. The Secwepemc attended stakeholder meetings and clearly said "no" to more development. Land and Water BC, however, clearly disregarded their voices and granted new leases to Sun Peaks to facilitate expansion, and in June 2001, obtained a court injunction to forcibly remove Secwepemc from their lands.
Despite recognition of inherent land rights of Aboriginal People as Aboriginal Title in Delgamuukw, and despite the Haida decision that requires provincial and private interests to consult, obtain consent, and accommodate Aboriginal interests prior to pursuing development on Aboriginal territories, First Nations communities are being forced one-by-one to prove their Title and Rights within the courts, when Canada and the provinces could simply abide by the principal of Title itself. We find this forcing of Indigenous communities into the courts, draining huge portions of their time and budgets, a vexatious action on the part of Canadian authorities.
This is true as well when Canada forces those protecting Aboriginal Title and Rights to defend themselves criminally. There is ample jurisprudence showing lack of "criminal intent" in cases of Canadian laws being broken in order to stop infractions of Aboriginal Title and Rights. At this point it is clear that police targeting of Indigenous freedom fighters is nothing more than blatant retaliation for failure to sever and/or extinguish Indigenous ties to the land. We view the RCMP raids as part of a coordinated effort to silence and harass those willing to challenge Canada & BC's illegal expropriation of their territories. Canada should be ashamed. Each court battle takes food directly out of the mouths of children, diminishes housing, health care and education for future generations.
We stand in support of the Secwepemc people's struggle, and make the following demands in solidarity with their courageous and tireless determination:
1) We demand all charges be dropped against Secwepemc Peoples and their supporters, and that political prisoners be released, as Canada has no jurisdiction in Skwelkwekwelt territories.
2) We demand all acts of racial hatred perpetuated against Indigenous Peoples in Skwelkwekwelt - by police, state officials and public at large - be thoroughly investigated, and tried criminally.
3) We demand Canada and the provinces rescind, amend, or nullify racially discriminatory policies in order to comply with Section 35 of the Constitution that enshrines Aboriginal land, treaty, and inherent rights, and to comply with high court decisions in favor of Aboriginal Title and Rights.
4) We demand the governments of Canada and BC respect their own colonial laws and stop the illegal police harassment and abuse of Secwepemc people asserting their Aboriginal rights and title to Skwelkwekwelt territory.
Sincerely,
© Vancouver Independent Media Center. Unless otherwise stated by the author, all content is free for non-commercial reuse, reprint, and rebroadcast, on the net and elsewhere. Opinions are those of the contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Vancouver IMC. Disclaimer | Privacy
Original article is at
http://vancouver.indymedia.org/news/2003/04/43566.php Police Raid Native Youth Movement
by No One Is Illegal - Montreal • Monday April 21, 2003 at 02:47 PM
nooneisileegal@tao.ca =====> PEOPLE OF CONSCIENCE URGED TO TAKE ACTION TODAY IN DEFENSE OF INDIGENOUS FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES! PROTEST! - Sample Letter & Email/Phone/Addresses Below <=====
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sun Peaks Ski Resort is built on Secwepemc land. This land, known to Secwepemc as Skwelkwekwelt, has provided hundreds of generations with everything needed to nourish their bodies and spirits. Each time Sun Peaks Resort has expanded, it has caused irreparable damage to the land, watersheds, vegetation & wildlife in the area, seriously impacting the Secwepemc's ability to survive.
Since purchasing Sun Peaks Resort in 1992, the Japanese holding company, Nippon Cable, and it's partner in crime, Delta Hotels, have expanded on-site accommodation from 100 beds to 4,000. In 1997, the BC government approved a $70 million development plan, allowing Sun Peaks & Delta to continue to expand their resort to 20,000 beds and put ski runs on the previously undisturbed Mt. Morrisey. The Secwepemc attended stakeholder meetings and clearly said "no" to more development.
Land and Water BC, however, clearly disregarded their voices and granted new leases to Sun Peaks & Delta to facilitate expansion. These leases were granted through BCs severely outdated Land Act which does not recognize Aboriginal Title. It is business as usual, despite their legal obligations, on the old colonial frontier. The state-party protects commercial, over Indigenous interests, and in June 2001, Land and Water BC obtained a court injunction to forcibly remove Secwepemc from their homelands.
Not including the latest RCMP attacks, there have been 54 arrests of Secwepemc peoples and supporters. Charges range from criminal contempt, mischief, intimidation and obstruction of a police officer, to intimidation by blocking a road, resisting arrest, and breach of bail conditions. While forced to pay exorbitant legal defense fees, and/or be incarcerated, the BC government, RCMP, Sun Peaks employees, local residents and tourists have all committed crimes against Secwepemc people with total impunity.
The Secwepemc people set up the Skwelkwekwelt Protection Center at the entrance of Sun Peaks Ski Resort in order to protect their Aboriginal Title & Rights, and ensure the accommodation of Aboriginal interests in the area. In response to their resistance, five Skwelkwekwelt Protection Centers, two traditional cedar bark homes, a hunting cabin, two sacred sweat lodges, and one cordwood house--home to a young Secwepemc family--have all been bulldozed or burnt down. None of these acts of racial hatred have been investigated by the state.
The outright destruction of Secwepemc sacred sweat lodges, and desecration of sacred objects violates Secwepemc freedom of religion. The Sun Peaks employees who committed these acts were not only not prosecuted, but also publicly celebrated the heinous acts that they had committed.
As Aboriginal Title is a collective proprietary interest in traditional territories, the Skwelwekwelt Protection Center and cordwood home were authorized to be built on the basis Aboriginal Title permits. Those requesting permits did not want to be confined to their reserve where dire social and economic conditions prevail, including inadequate housing for all band members. When the homes were ordered destroyed by the provincial government and demolished by Sun Peaks workers on December 10th, 2002, the family's right to housing was violated.
On January 10, 2003 a BC provincial judge found four Secwepemc elders-Irene Billy, Charlie Willard, Segweses, and George Manuel Junior, not guilty for their refusal to obey a court injunction obtained by the Sun Peaks Resort to tear down the Skwelkwekwelt Protection Center. The judge found that the Crown could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Secwepemc defenders intentions were "criminal". This case sets an important precedent for other cases of Aboriginal people defending their lands.
The mounting of a public pressure campaign to stop the criminalization of Indigenous People protecting their Title and Rights is very important at this time. Like the COINTELPRO operations of the 1970's, the Canadian government is now seeking to destroy Indigenous freedom movements through disruption and crass arrests and charges against all those involved. It is time for all those opposed to the Canadian colonial system and corporate globalization to support, through concrete solidarity actions, the rights of the Secwepemc people fighting state & corporate interests in British Columbia.
Action generated by the "No One is Illegal Campaign" - Montreal
nooneisillegal@tao.ca - 514.409.2049 ******************************************************
TAKE ACTION - SAMPLE LETTER BELOW
******************************************************
Geoff Plant Attorney General of BC PO Box 9044 STN PROV GOVT Victoria BC V8W 9E2 Phone: 250 387-1866 Fax: 250 387-6411 email:
geoff.plant.mla@leg.bc.ca Solicitor General of Canada, Wayne Easter House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6 Phone: (613) 991-2924 Fax: (613) 952-2240 email:
easter.w@parl.gc.ca Martin Cauchon Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada 284 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H8 Phone: 613-992-4621 Fax: 613- 990 7255 Email:
cauchon.m@parl.gc.ca Premier Gordon Campbell Government of BC Legislative Building Victoria, BC Canada Tel: 1-250-387-1715 Fax: 1-250-387-0087 email:
premier@gov.bc.ca Jean Chretien, Prime Minister House of Commons Ottawa, ON Canada
pm@pm.gc.ca SAMPLE LETTER:
Attention:
I am sending this letter to protest the Canadian government's continued harassment and criminalization of the Native Youth Movement - Westcoast Warrior Society, and the Secwepemc Peoples involved in defending their Aboriginal Title and Rights in Skwelkwek'welt territories. They have been targeted for their use of their own land and for speaking out against Sun Peaks Resort Corporation and the British Columbia government who continue to expropriate and destroy what was once a vibrant and abundant ecosystem. We stand opposed to the Canadian colonial system and support the Secwepemc people fighting state and corporate interests in British Columbia.
Sun Peaks Resort is built in Secwepemc territories, land which has never been ceded, sold, released nor surrendered. The BC government therefore has no authority over Secwepemc Peoples, Skwelkwek'welt territories, or the resources within them. That power is maintained through the criminalization of the exercise of Aboriginal Title and Rights, and forcible removal of Indigenous Peoples from their traditional territories, constitutes genocide under International Laws to which Canada is a signatory.
As you are well aware, the development of Sun Peaks resorts has continued without participation of those with Title to the land. In 1997, the BC government approved a $70 million development plan, allowing Sun Peaks to continue to expand their resort to 20,000 beds and put ski runs on the previously undisturbed Mt. Morrisey. The Secwepemc attended stakeholder meetings and clearly said "no" to more development. Land and Water BC, however, clearly disregarded their voices and granted new leases to Sun Peaks to facilitate expansion, and in June 2001, obtained a court injunction to forcibly remove Secwepemc from their lands.
Despite recognition of inherent land rights of Aboriginal People as Aboriginal Title in Delgamuukw, and despite the Haida decision that requires provincial and private interests to consult, obtain consent, and accommodate Aboriginal interests prior to pursuing development on Aboriginal territories, First Nations communities are being forced one-by-one to prove their Title and Rights within the courts, when Canada and the provinces could simply abide by the principal of Title itself. We find this forcing of Indigenous communities into the courts, draining huge portions of their time and budgets, a vexatious action on the part of Canadian authorities.
This is true as well when Canada forces those protecting Aboriginal Title and Rights to defend themselves criminally. There is ample jurisprudence showing lack of "criminal intent" in cases of Canadian laws being broken in order to stop infractions of Aboriginal Title and Rights. At this point it is clear that police targeting of Indigenous freedom fighters is nothing more than blatant retaliation for failure to sever and/or extinguish Indigenous ties to the land. We view the RCMP raids as part of a coordinated effort to silence and harass those willing to challenge Canada & BC's illegal expropriation of their territories. Canada should be ashamed. Each court battle takes food directly out of the mouths of children, diminishes housing, health care and education for future generations.
We stand in support of the Secwepemc people's struggle, and make the following demands in solidarity with their courageous and tireless determination:
1) We demand all charges be dropped against Secwepemc Peoples and their supporters, and that political prisoners be released, as Canada has no jurisdiction in Skwelkwekwelt territories.
2) We demand all acts of racial hatred perpetuated against Indigenous Peoples in Skwelkwekwelt - by police, state officials and public at large - be thoroughly investigated, and tried criminally.
3) We demand Canada and the provinces rescind, amend, or nullify racially discriminatory policies in order to comply with Section 35 of the Constitution that enshrines Aboriginal land, treaty, and inherent rights, and to comply with high court decisions in favor of Aboriginal Title and Rights.
4) We demand the governments of Canada and BC respect their own colonial laws and stop the illegal police harassment and abuse of Secwepemc people asserting their Aboriginal rights and title to Skwelkwekwelt territory.
Sincerely,
© Vancouver Independent Media Center. Unless otherwise stated by the author, all content is free for non-commercial reuse, reprint, and rebroadcast, on the net and elsewhere. Opinions are those of the contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Vancouver IMC. Disclaimer | Privacy
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The New World Order continues its attacks
26.07.2003 22:34
Now the native peoples
The Nazi agenda in the Homeland continues
See also here
(PHILADELPHIA, MS - JULY 23, 2003)
Brothers & Sisters,
As most of you know by now, Sioux spiritual leader Grand Chief Woableza LaBatte of the World Council of Spiritual Elders and spiritual leader of the Manataka American Indian Council was severely beaten on the Choctaw Reservation early Monday morning, July 14.
His Injuries
Head: Woableza head injuries are the most severe. During the assault, a piece his skull pierced the brain. A metal plate was sewn into place to stabilize the crack that is about seven inches long and shaped like a flat letter 'L' or 'N' . The wound itself is healing well and the swelling appears to be going down. Headaches are continual and medication is needed to alleviate pain. He did experience confusion and some memory loss.
Ear: His left ear suffered tremendous trauma. His has difficultly hearing from the left ear and sound levels fluctuate and are somewhat garbled due to bruising and swelling. His ear drum was bruised. There is an area behind the left ear that was scraped and a large goose egg was present during the first few days, however, both bruising and swelling behind the ear have lessened during recent days.
Throat: He was either choked or kicked in the throat. As a result, he cannot swallow properly and must be fed through a tube into his stomach. The left side of his epiglottis is paralyzed and the surrounding area is bruised and swollen. Doctors are hopeful once the swelling goes down, he will be able to swallow properly again. His voice is affected by this injury and talking is difficult. Tests show his breathing is too shallow and he was given an exercise devise to help rebuild strength.
He is not on oxygen, however, an intravenous tube with a variety of anti-inflammatory and other medicines flow through a tube inserted by needle into the back of his left hand.
There does not appear to be any other internal or external injuries.
He requested to be allowed to walk down the hall and is increasingly mobile. He has requested that opiate drugs such as morphine be used sparingly and plans to discontinue their use as soon as possible.
Woableza is healing fast but the period of recuperation promises to be long.
His Spirit
Chief Woableza is amazing. His countenance and spirit are strong. He smiles often and is continuing his prayers for others in need. We did detect some sadness and a small bit anger deep within, but he is working to resolve these issues with prayer and meditation.
Woableza does not complain - about anything. When the pain becomes unbearable, he does not complain or cry. He has not uttered a single negative word. He has not allowed any anger coming from friends and family to enter his consciousness. He remains humble to his purpose and rejoices at the many blessings he is given. Truly amazing.
Family and Friends
His family are gathering around him. His sister Evette and several nieces and nephews live nearby. His brother Burl will arrive shortly from Pipe Stone, Minnesota. Manataka is lending support and assistance to the family.
Lee Standing Bear Moore and Aurora Adney of Manataka spent five days at Woableza's bedside. Adney is a wonderful and knowledgeable herbalist from Little Rock who provided transportation for Lee Standing Bear and brought several soothing healing balms and oils. She provided many hours of tender care while washing his hair, applying healing creams and oils to his body, talking and praying with him and giving her heart and healing spirit.
Jim Ewing and Gale Constable of Mississippi provided lodging and food for several days for Bear and Aurora and hosted a wonderful drum ceremony on Saturday. Jim and Gale make regular visits to the hospital to lead prayer ceremonies and attend to his needs. Peter Bloom of Memphis added his special healing prayers and helped raise Woableza's spirits.
Our thanks to Gary Fleck of Hot Springs sent healing stones at the request of Woableza. The stones are a very special medicine that hastened his healing tremendously.
Telephone calls to his hospital room are limited primarily to family and friends attending him in the hospital, but calls to Manataka have been extremely heavy. We have received hundreds of emails offering prayers and assistance.
Please do not attempt to contact him by telephone at this time. He cannot speak well and tires easily. We will let you know when he is ready to accept calls.
We are very thankful for the wonderful people who offered gifts and sent healing messages. Woableza is thankful for the many prayer circles begun around the country.
How It Happened
Woableza went the Choctaw Reservation at Philadelphia, Mississippi to rest after the Gathering at Manataka in late June. On Sunday, July 13 he was invited to the home of Nathaniel Tubby, a cousin of his brother-in-law to teach Tubby's teenage children.
While there three grown Choctaw men came to the home and began drinking alcohol with the host. All four men began to taunt Woableza demanding that he give them his special medicine. The men also demanded that Woableza give them the keys to his van parked outside. Woableza refused to give them his keys and to participate further in the conversation and went to bed. Sometime later during the morning hours, Woableza was suddenly awakened by the sound of loud voices arguing outside the bedroom door. He recognized the voices to be those of the drunken men who were in the home earlier. All of a sudden, the door crashed open and the men rushed into darkened room and began to beat the half-asleep Woableza.
He does not remember much else until he awoke in the hospital Tuesday after surgery at the Mississippi University Medical Center in Jackson.
According to Woableza's niece, she was called at work around 1 p.m. on Monday and told by one of Tubby's sons to come pick him up because he had fallen and hit his head. When she arrived a few minutes later, Woableza was begging for anyone to take him to the hospital. She saw that he had lost a large amount of blood and he was covered in his own feces after laying on the floor unable to move for several hours. He told his niece that he had been begging those in the home to take him to the hospital but they ignored him. The wife of Nathaniel Tubby, allegedly told Woableza's niece that they slept very late and did not know he had fallen until sometime after they awoke. One of the two teenage Tubby boys left the home early the previous evening and the other teenage son slept in the same room when the alleged attack took place.
His niece rushed him to the nearby Choctaw Tribal Medical Center. According to her, he was refused treatment by the Choctaw Nation on the basis that his injuries were too critical. She was forced to drive an hour away to the University Medical Center in Jackson.
Woableza's family later discovered that his vehicle was stolen the same night and later returned with its contents in disarray and several valuables were missing. His wallet was also removed from his pants laying near the bed and some its contents, including cash was missing.
Several witnesses who saw the men entering the home provided the name and addresses of the alleged perpetrators. A Choctaw man by the name of Lee Mac Stevens, a younger half-brother of Nathaniel Tubby and an unnamed middle-aged man were identified by witnesses. The names of the perpetrators and other details of the aggravated assault were turned over the Choctaw tribal police.
Questions
#1: We are concerned that nearly two weeks have passed since the brutal attack and attempted murder of our beloved spiritual leader Chief Woableza. No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made by the Choctaw Nation. The criminals remain at large continuing their abusive behavior in the community as if nothing ever happened.
#2: We are also somewhat puzzled by the fact that the Choctaw Nation has not sent anyone to apologize for this ruthless attack on a high holy man of the Sioux Nation. They have not offered any assistance to Chief Woableza or his family. They have not bothered to send flowers or a simple get well card.
#3: Why was a man in critical condition refused treatment by the Choctaw? And, why did they send him over 50 miles away without medical assistance in route? This man could have died along the way and it appears the Choctaw Nation could have cared less.
#4: The day after the Choctaw Nation was confronted in-person with these and other questions by Lee Standing Bear Moore and Aurora Adney, someone in the Choctaw Nation demanded that his feeding tube be unhooked and he be discharged from the critical care unit in Jackson. A medically untrained driver was sent in a non-medically equipped van to pick Chief Woableza to take him back to the reservation within a few blocks where he was attacked. No prior plans were made for his safety and security or medical treatment in route.
Why is the Choctaw Nation acting this way?
NOTES:
Unfortunately, because Chief Woableza has no money or assets except for his well-traveled van, he has no choice but to return to the Choctaw reservation for medical treatment. He is expected to be transported to Philadelphia by his family on Wednesday, July 23.
We are in contact with Woableza's friends in California who are attempting to get him treatment at a major head trauma center. Woableza is most agreeable to this option. We pray for their success in obtaining the necessary doctor's referral.
What Can You Do?
1. Pray for the continued healing of our most beloved and respected elder, Grand Chief Woableza.
2. Pray for his family that they may remain strong.
3. Pray for the perpetrators and their families that they may understand the gravity of this horrendous crime against a holy man and take responsibility for their actions.
4. Pray for the Choctaw Nation that they may have compassion for this beautiful man and offer assistance in a respectful way. Pray for Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin that he may lead his people not only toward economic prosperity but also away from darkness of spirit.
Chief Martin's telephone number is: 601- 656- 5251 -- Do not allow the operator to refer to the police department.
5. Ask more questions of those who are ultimately responsible for dealing with this terrible tragedy.
6. Send this message to every one on your mailing list.
7. If you can spare a gift please send to:
WOABLEZA FUND
Manataka American Indian Council
P.O. Box 476
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71902-0476
501-627-0555
Give by check or credit card on-line:
Make sure to include in the ''message' section the words: Woableza Fund
Gifts will establish a trust fund to assist Chief Woableza's rehabilitation and support.
ARTICLES ABOUT WOABLEZA
The Woableza Story Spiritual Elders.com
UPDATE: JULY 24, 2003
(PHILADELPHIA, MS)
Dear Bear,
Just got back from the Tribal medical center at the reservation. His spirits are good and he thinks it's funny that the Choctaw police detective Butler is angry at you, and said if you came to the rez he would arrest you. I'm not sure for what charge. Seeking justice? But anyhow... Woableza thinks it's a hoot. Never seen him grin so big.
I arrived at the clinic about 5:30 p.m. There are no telephones in the rooms. So we used my cell phone until the battery went dead. The clinic is really, truly, sadly pathetic. (By the way, there are three good hospitals just 35 miles from the rez at Meridian, including one trauma care unit that's almost as good as UMC... why they couldn't take him there, I don't know.)
There is no rehabilitation, which his doctor at UMC said he needed for his throat.
When he checked in (as I was getting there), the pharmacy was closed. So the only pain medication they could give him was Tylenol 3. (For head surgery?????????) I asked the nurse if there wasn't anything else, but as I left, about 11 p.m., still nothing. They said it would open in the morning. Even the Tylenol wasn't designed to go in the feeding tube; they had to crush it up with a spoon. They couldn't find or didn't know how to operate the feeding machine; and only showed up with it around 10 p.m. He had not taken any nouishment since that morning.
Despite assurances of security, I was there when the officer who was there when he arrived told Evette that they didn't have enough manpower to keep someone there. The officer then left. I didn't see another one until around 10 p.m., when one stuck his head in the door. At least they lock the doors at 10. I'm told they have security and security cameras, but I didn't see either.
The nurses are very considerate, friendly and kind, but the facility is not suitable for this type of care. It's totally inadequate. Example: There were flies in the room, so the nurse brought me a fly swatter. Well used. Nuff said???
Woableza is saddened by all this.... incredibly not for his plight because he felt sorry for the Choctaw people... that with all their casino money, this is the quality health care they are given. The man's amazing. I've decided that Woableza should be up there with Quan Yin.
They were kind enough to give me the phone number for the nurse's station; they will call a family member to the phone if one is present (I was the only one present from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., when his nephew Brian arrived). The number is: 601-389-6200. (The address is Chocaw Medical Center, 210 Hospital Circle, Choctaw MS 39350.)
Burl and Mona still haven't arrived.
I have unraveled the mystery of why the men who did this haven't been arrested... It's because no charges have been filed... the Choctaw police haven't taken his statement. Woableza said the officer told him he was going out of town for a few days and would talk to him when he returned on Monday (!!!!!!!!)....What was that about "justice delayed, justice denied????"
HOWEVER.... There's good news.....
I talked with Barbara from the Santa Cruz Indian Council. They are raising money to help Woableza go to a better hospital.
The plan now is that they will rent a RV for him and his family to drive to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where Woableza wants to go. They really wanted to fly him to California, but he wants to go in the RV with his family. It also will entail hiring a nurse to go along to tend to his wounds, feeding tube, etc.
They are also sending money for Woableza to have his glasses replaced, which were broken when he was beaten; and they are also sending money so that he can have a cell phone to talk to people in his room. (He should have it in the morning; he said he would call me and give me the number when he gets it.) The plan now is that as soon as Burl gets here, he can sign all the paperwork and away they go...
Blessings, My Brother....
Next time you visit, better bring bail money ....for yourself! :-) That was the biggest grin I've seen on his face....
Jim
MORE QUESTIONS
QUESTION #1: Choctaw Police now say the reason they have not acted is because a complaint has not been filed by Woableza.
This is a incorrect response. They have not attempted since the first day of the attack to interview him. When strong evidence exists that a violent felony has been committed, the police DO NOT need a signed statement by the victim, especially when that victim is physically unable to provide details.
Why is the Choctaw Nation acting so unprofessional?
QUESTION #2: Why do they wish to arrest Lee Standing Bear Moore? Is it because he turned the spotlight of public scrutiny on this tragedy? Bear has done nothing else except to come to the aid of his friend.
QUESTION #3: Why are Choctaw medical facilities so woefully lacking when the tribe earns millions from its casinos, resorts and industries - not to mention the millions of tax dollars provided by the BIA and other agencies of the federal government? (The Choctaw Nation is the second largest employer in the state) If the money is not being spent for the care of their people, where is all the money going?
NEWS FLASH: 7/24/03 11:45 a.m.
Choctaw Chief of Police, Terry Parkinson told Manataka supporter, Roger Reader of California by telephone this morning that the reason no arrests have been made is because "...no evidence exists to say Woableza was assaulted, but we will not rule out that he simply fell..."
Parkinson also told Reader that Woableza had not arrived at the Choctaw reservation from Jackson as of 4 a.m. last night.
FACT #1: More than ample evidence exists, both physical and from witnesses, to prove Woableza was brutally attacked and did not simply fall of his own accord.
FACT #2: Woableza arrived by caravan led by his family on Wednesday afternoon. The Chief of Choctaw Police should be insuring his security, yet he did not know where to find Woableza. This guy sounds like a real professional.
Please call Chief Parkinson and remind him of the facts - 601-656-5711.
UPDATE: Friday, JULY 25, 2003
(CHOCTAW, MS)
Woableza received a quick visit Thursday from Detective Ken Butler. According to Woableza, Butler did not seem to be too interested in taking a report directly from him and did not ask any questions about the individuals who brutally beat him. Instead, Butler asked his sister, Evette a few questions, some not remotely related to the attack. Butler spent most of the few minutes he was there explaining that he was leaving on a two week vacation and therefore could not continue the investigation.
Doctors and nurses at the Choctaw Medical Center are courteous and helpful. With limited resources and assistance, the staff is doing as good a job as possible under the conditions they are forced to endure. According to several doctors, brutal attacks and family violence is increasing on the reservation at an alarming rate.
Woableza's brother, Burl arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Woableza's family spent the night at his bedside and will continue a 24-hour vigil as long as he remains on the Choctaw Reservation.
CONTACT PEOPLE AND NUMBERS:
Phillip Martin, Choctaw Principal Chief - 601- 656- 5251
Terry Parkinson, Choctaw Chief of Police - 601- 656- 5711
Creda Stewart, Public Information - 601- 650- 1537
Manataka American Indian Council - 501- 627- 0555
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