Send a Letter to Congress Now!
June 20, 2006 by pathfinder
Filed under Archives
UNJUST RELOCATION LEGISLATION S.1003 PASSES SENATE, AWAITS IN THE HOUSE: STOP FORCED RELOCATION ON BIG MOUNTAIN, BLACK MESA, AZ. LEARN HOW NAVAJO FAMILIES ARE BEING TARGETED BY AN UNUST RELOCATION LEGISLATION. 02/15/06 – present. EVEN THOUGH THIS ACTION ALERT WENT OUT IN FEBRUARY 2006, THIS LEGISLATION IS STILL CURRENTLY ON THE BOOKS. STAY POSTED FOR FURTHER UPDATES & POSSIBLE ALERTS.
S.1003 has been passed by the United States Senate by ‘unanimous consent’, a term used for non-controversial bills, despite public outcry. It has now been referred to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Resources. Sign onto the letter below (or write your own).
This bill will have dire consequences for families who are resisting relocation, families who have already or are awaiting relocation housing, the natural resources of the land, and to the sovergnity of the Navajo Nation. In a recent press release, the Navajo Nation states their opposition to this legislation: “Although Senator McCain addressed some of the issues raised by the Navajo Nation, he did not address our principal concerns regarding mitigation of the terrible effects of the relocation program and rehabilitation of the Bennett Freeze area”.
S 1003, sponsored by Senator John McCain (R-AZ), comes as Peabody Coal, the world’s largest coal company, is planning to expand its strip mining of American Indian lands, drawing down another high-quality residential aquifer in the process. Only one thing stands in Peabody’s way: indigenous people live on the land below which lies billions of tons of low-sulfur coal. As with their ancestors, the land is the basis for the Black Mesa people’s traditions, spirituality, and livelihoods.
The indigenous inhabitants of the Big Mountain and surrounding communities directly affected by this legislation have not been represented in this process. Members of the US Congress have received over 180,000 complaints, by nearly 4,000 individuals and organizations, including many of the Big Mountain residents, who reject S1003 based on human rights and environmental objections. Additionally, a DVD with collection of statements from Dineh residents targeted by S1003 was also sent to members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and members of Congress in order to have their voice represented. Thank you to all who have given your support.
“We will continue to fight to defend our homelands and hopeful, our endurance and defiance will continue” Bahe Keediniihii of Big Mountain who gathered and edited the collection of statements by community members directly affected by this bill.
It’s up to us the public and the international community to demand that Congress educate themselves before they vote.After passing an earlier relocation act, PL 93-531, in 1974, several Senators expressed misgivings about the law, but it was too late. We cannot allow this to happen again. If this bill does not pass by October 2006, then it will die. We must keep up the pressure on representatives. We must tell those who would once again sell out the people and the land that there will be a political price to pay. It’s easy to make decisions from afar if you never risk meeting the people who will be affected. Demand that Congress listen to the people. Maybe it is possible to reach their hearts. The people of Big Mountain can not win this fight alone and need the support of all people who love justice, human rights, and the earth.
PLEASE SIGN THIS LETTER TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE DINEH TO THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES TODAY!!!
Thank you,
Black Mesa Indigenous Support
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For Updates, background, facts, see the bill in full, watch the video & read the transcripts of the testimony before the Senate Committee On Indian Affairs regarding the Relocation Legislation Senate Bill 1003:
https://supportblackmesa.org/2006/10/relocation-legislation-senate-bill-1003-the-navajo-hopi-land-settlement-act-of-1974-amendments-2005/
Background and Talking Points, from the words of the People affected
Contact list for appropriate public officials and talking points.
