Fall 2000 Big Mountain Update

There was a decision to let the Ana Mae sundance arbor to rest this summer, after many concerns, as well as the tree breaking down in the wind storms that blew through in May.

Many HPL resident weavers have organized to resist the hopi tribe’s recent decision to require permits and taxation for these traditional craftswomen to sell their rugs.

The BIA conducted livestock counting during the month of May, and impoundment notices have been issued to those families exceeding the low limit set by the BIA. The Hopi tribe has also told families that no longer will corralled livestock be legally safe from impoundment. Impoundments can begin at any time, and counting is to begin again this fall. So far few impoundments have been made, but this month cattle from a big mountain resident were impounded, this being after many of her sheep were lost to coyote. ]There has be so far no effort to tag the animals, although the BIA has threatened to do so.

Hopi exclusion orders have been ordered against 2 long term non-native supporters with exclusion verdicts of 2 years for Arlene Hamilton with Weavers for Freedom, and eternally for Marsha Monestersky, with Sovereign Dine Nation. Dineh elder resister Kee Shay is also a victim of this Hopi exclusion ordinance and was brought to trial this spring and summer and is awaiting a verdict from the Hopi court next month. Kee Shay’s summer and winter camp was divided by the 1974 HPL/NPL fence and was ordered to reside on the NPL side, therefore being ineligible to sign the 1997 Accommodation Agreement. He is being charged with trespassing on land that he has lived on his whole life. The US District attorney’s office is continuing to proceed with issuing federal eviction notices for the families who have refused to sign the accommodation agreement or move from their HPL homes. These notices are a step closer to federally enforced evictions, however no date has been specified yet.

The DA has also opened a new office in Flagstaff “in order to deal with various issues in National Parks and Indian reservations”.

The Manybeads case was heard in february in the 9th US circuit court of appeals, challenging the relocation on the basis of violations of religious freedom. This court case began 12 years ago by 49 families, and was DISMISSED as the judges declared they could not overturn the relocation laws without the participation of the Hopi Tribe, which has received the 50 million dollars from the federal government for the settlement agreement. These appealing families were encouraged by their lawyer to sign the AA insisting that it would have no affect to the Manybeads verdict. They were falsely informed. More legal action will be taken by the resisting families, and legal funding is greatly needed at this time, although money and lawyers have not made much change for the resisting families.

Several families are requesting on-land support at this time. Winter is coming and many can use help with their preparations. Spring time with the lambing season is a time of most need for on land support. For those interested, please thoroughly read the Cultural Sensitivity Packet or email granmonta@hotmail.com, and our voicemail 928-773-8086

Individuals interested in becoming involved as a BMIS volunteer, setting up local support groups, or hosting fundraising events, please contact us for more information.

Thank you so much for your physical support and prayers for the people of Black Mesa, and indigenous people everywhere who are facing cultural extinction and environmental devastation to benefit a select few, and our own modern lifestyles.

Much respect to you for taking action and may you walk in beauty.