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International Indian Treaty Council CONSEJO INTERNACIONAL DE TRATADOS INDIOS |
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DESERT ROCK BLOCKADE REPORT December 15th, 2006
Ya'a'teh, I just returned to Flagstaff from Burnham, New Mexico where community members have established a blockade to prevent preliminary work for the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant. On Tuesday, December 12th Elouise Brown & elder Alice Gilmore along with their relatives and concerned community members took action and stopped representatives of Sithe Global from entering onto their land. It was found that the New York based company Sithe Global, along with Dine' Power Authority which is an enterprise of the Navajo Nation, had been drilling for water near Alice Gilmore's home.
A tent has been raised, a fire is being kept and donations are slowly pouring in.
The elders and folks out there have experienced harassment and threats from law enforcement and other officials. In an incident last night a sheep dog had reportedly been run over, skinned and left for dead near the encampment. They have also stated that their elected representatives are ignoring them. Aside from Navajo Nation Vice President Frank Dayish visiting a few days ago and promising to deliver a yet-to-be-seen port-a-potty, no other officials have met with these folks to hear their concerns.
When my friend Cy and I arrived we were warmly welcomed. We had passed a few law enforcement vehicles on the way, but the camp was completely peaceful. Although we heard of the harassment of the resisters, we also heard of their resolve to stand until their homes, their sacred sites and their ways of life are protected.
Please take a moment and support the families who are courageously taking a stand!
Ahee' hee', Klee Benally Indigenous Action Media
Alice Gilmore.
MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED!
This is a call to participate in the blockade from the community: "This direct action is Dine’ – Native based. You have been invited by the Dine’ grassroots families that live on the land where the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant may be built." For more information on participating in the blockade, where to go and what to bring check out: http://www.desert-rock-blog.com
A few specific items that were requested are: - Unleaded gas in appropriate containers for a generator - A Port-a-potty (Navajo Vice President Frank Dayish had promised one days ago and has yet to provide) - Various kitchen Supplies including: Hefty trash bags, large pots, ladles for stew, paring knives, paper towels, baking powder, hand soap, toilet paper, a washpan and big bowls. - Monetary donations to cover costs of radio announcements
Video cameras and digital cameras would also be very helpful.
Please contact DineCARE and Dooda Desert Rock Committee if you would like to help.
Contact: Sarah Jane White, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 860-6166 Dailan J. Long , Diné CARE, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 801-0713 Elouise Brown, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 974-6159 Lori Goodman, Diné CARE (970) 759-1908
For more up to date information visit: http://www.desert-rock-blog.com
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP:
Contact the Following Authorities! Tell them you have heard about Desert Rock's harassment of Navajo elders and youth. Tell them you are extremely concerned! If enough people contact these offices they will know that the world is watching.
Shiprock Police Department phone: (505) 368-1350 fax: (505) 368-1293
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley's Office P.O. Box 9000 Window Rock, Arizona, 86515 phone #: (928) 871- 6352
also: George Hardeen, Navajo Nation Communications Director Office of the President Office #: 928-871-7000 Cell #: 928-380-7688 e-mail: georgehardeen@opvp.org
Bureau of Indian Affairs (Gallup Office) they are conducting the Environmental Impact Statement. Harrilene Yazzi, NEPA Coordinator Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Regional Office P.0. Box 1060 Gallup, New Mexico 87305 Phone: 505-863-8314 Fax: 505-863-8324
For those who cannot make it out to Burnham, NM there maybe places to hold solidarity demonstrations/vigils at near you:
SITHE GLOBAL POWER LLC CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEW YORK
Sithe Global Power, LLC
REGIONAL & AFFILIATE OFFICES TEXAS
Sithe Global Power, LLC
TORONTO
Sithe Global Power, LLC
www.indigenousaction.org - Independent Indigenous Media
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