Idle No More

'Giving a Shit,' an Idle No More Poem by Janet Rogers

JANET MARIE ROGERS
December 24, 2012

The objective of civilizing us
Is to make Indian history
Become our permanent reality
The necessary objective
Of Native people is to
Outlast this attack,
However long it takes
To keep our identity alive*

We’ll give them leather and feathers
Whatever gets the attention
We’ll give them drums and songs
We’ll give them stories
To see how long they’ll wait
for us to turn angry

We work with an unseen power
Less a weapon More a legacy
An answer to NO MORE What now
Simultaneous exhaustion
And exhilaration
Determination thick as
Mineral rich soil negotiations

Not a mob
We are a peaceful people
For now we are the timber
Standing in the way
Getting ready for the grave
How close to death
Do they want us to come
Close enough to smell
What it smells like
We have the answers
And we’re showing you
Can’t see it you have to
Feel it

Have you nothing to say

The women in their jingles
The fellas in their jackets
The elders in their blankets
And the children
Waving signs
“No More, No More, No More, No More”

Flags flowing like
Winter snow
Landing on strong shoulders
Withstanding Blizzards
I see my people
Many shades of the same
So proud
We are the responsible
Incorrigible
Bravery in our veins
Fed by hunger
Writing love letters
Growing in momentum

We are revisiting wampum
We are witnessing commitment
That wasn’t legislated by war
Or defense budgets
This is the People’s love
For the mother
The movement has just begun

Bring it in
Send it out
Walk it around
Sing it loud
We keep beating
To keep the reality
Of the hate from playing
In our brains
We can take it
For we have good minds
And an army of ancestors
Walking with us

How can they counter that

Blissful ignorance
Sounds like holiday songs
on a Saturday morning
The same day she enters
Day 12 starving
For her people
Starving for attention
When the answers are
Within and right in front
Of us
Protect, react, resist,
Mobilize those to know
Motives working against
Natural law

So what can I do?

I’m going to fuck with your money
I’m going to
Talk to your children
Tell them the truth
And influence their reality
Is it true you
can love a country but not
its government
Is this possible?
When the law says
A country is formed by
A council and registered
Like a baby’s birth certificate
Within the courts the same
place that makes the laws,
so what came first?

Is the U.N. knocking at your door?
Or the ghosts of those
who circled your abode?
Are you finished dreaming of bacon
Are you begging for protection?
Shaking under your blanket hiding
From your own ancestors saying
“don’t shame us”

crossing the line – getting close
closing the gap – moving in
finding the light – standing in it
making the sounds – painting in colour
getting it right – taking names
planning for the future – re-claim

releasing the medicine – pounding the drums
staying connected_ stepping forward
rooted in humanity – giving a shit
reproducing history – recognizing equals
slam dancing  - gathering
letting the answers find us

saying your piece – providing
helping the cause – craving
stealing home – forcing the point
attending to details – walking together
shooting craps – taking it with you

forward…

--J.M. Rogers 2012

*The first stanza of this poem is a recent quote by John Trudell

Janet Marie Rogers, Mohawk writer from the Six Nations territory in southern Ontario, is Poet Laureate of Victoria, British Columbia. To learn more about her, visit janetmarierogers.com.

Visit soundcloud.com/janet-marie-rogers/giving-a-shit to hear this poem read by the author.

Idle No More

Idle No More: First Nations protesters rally in Vancouver

First Nations demonstrators rally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery Sunday in opposition to the policies of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.

Photograph by: Kim Stallknecht , PNG

Read more:http://www.theprovince.com/news/Idle+More+First+Nations+protesters+rally+Vancouver/7739029/story.html#ixzz2FzUxTafy

Hundreds of First Nations activists and supporters gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery Sunday for the movement sweeping the country, Idle No More.

Rallies have been taking place across Canada in support of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, who has been on a hunger strike in Ottawa for two weeks, seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss the government’s policies on aboriginal communities.

“We’re fighting (against) the decisions that Harper makes — and those decisions affect not only First Nations, but all Canadian citizens,” Rueben George from North Vancouver told The Province.

George is fighting to protect waterways, change fishery laws and for money to be put toward green energy instead of fossil fuel companies.

“Drastic things that affect not only Canadians, but the world,” he said. “Our nation has been numb to these things.”

“What I’d like to see the most is for Canada to wake up — to wake up and stand up for our future.”

A number of speakers — including George — addressed the crowd in the Sunday morning rain in between songs, drums and chants of “idle no more.”

“It’s time to stand up for the ones that need our support and need our help,” George shouted to the crowd. “Taking care of our community is a priority and I think us, as a nation, we’re about to do that.”

“Not only are we going to do it to protect our teachings, to protect ourselves, to protect our elderly, to protect our children, but we’re going to protect everybody ... to take care of all human beings and even the ones that are making the decisions — even Harper.”

While many supporters are unsure how the government will respond, Clayton Haskells from northern B.C. is hoping a response comes soon to put an end to Spence’s hunger strike.

“I would like Stephen Harper to acknowledge her before Christmas meal — that’s what everybody’s hoping for,” said Haskells.

lcahute@theprovince.com

twitter.com/larissacahute

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Idle+More+First+Nations+protesters+rally+Vancouver/7739029/story.html#ixzz2FzUmX5lV

Mayan Calendar

Evo Morales Looks at December 21 Mayan Apocalypse  As a New Beginning

" . . . I would like to say that according to the Mayan calendar the 21 of December is the end of the non-time and the beginning of time. It is the end of the Macha and the beginning of the Pacha, the end of selfishness and the beginning of brotherhood, it is the end of individualism and the beginning of collectivism 21 of December this year. The scientists know very well that this marks the end of an anthropocentric life and the beginning of a bio-centric life. It is the end of hatred and the beginning of love, the end of lies and beginning of truth. It is the end of sadness and the beginning of happiness, it is the end of division and the beginning of unity, and this is a theme to be developed. That is why we invite all of you, those of you who bet on mankind, we invite those who want to share their experiences for the benefit of mankind."

Evo Morales

Read the rest of the article here:
<http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/evo-morales-looks-december-21-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%98mayan-apocalypse%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-new-beginning-146322>
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
´¯`·.¸. ><((((º>.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>
áama/salmon
·
André Cramblit, Operations Director
707.445.8451
Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) (http://www.ncidc.org) 
To subscribe to a blog of interest to Natives send go to:  http://andrekaruk.posterous.com/

Grad Nation Summit

Full Application at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDNUUFNsTUJxVG43SzM5QXBUUFFOVUE6MA#gid=0

Youth Application - Grad Nation Summit

In 2010, America’s Promise Alliance launched its most ambitious campaign ever– Grad Nation –to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. Grad Nation has two goals: 1.) 90 percent graduation rate nationwide by 2020, with no school graduating less than 80 percent of its students. 2.) Regain America’s standing as first in the world in college completion. We need everyone involved – civic and business leaders, elected officials, educators, faith leaders, parents, volunteers, and young people themselves. At this year's Building a Grad Nation Summit, America’s Promise Alliance will facilitate a youth-only session, which will allow young leaders to meet their peers and engage with Grad Nation topics to become part of the drop out crisis discussion. Last year we had passionate, young leaders from across the country join us for this exciting event and this year you could be one of the young leaders who has the chance to join America’s Promise Alliance in Washington, DC for the 2013 Building a Grad Nation Summit! Besides the youth-only session, you will attend events of the Summit as general stakeholders who have an important voice in what happens at the Summit. You will be able to talk to adults from across the country about projects you have done in your community, and share your ideas with these adults for future work in communities to engage youth and your peers. This application is intended for young leaders who have an interest in our mission and who would like to attend the Building a Grad Nation Summit on February 24-26, 2013. Please read the application thoroughly before completing. Application Guidelines: 1. Applications must be received by January 2, 2013. 2. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 3. All decisions related to the Impact Network are the sole discretion of America’s Promise Alliance. 4. Filling out this application is not a guarantee that America’s Promise Alliance will pay for you to attend the Summit. 5. Please email any questions to Cody Ruxton at CodyR@americaspromise.org

Idle No More-Sacramento (event)

In Solidarity! Idle No More! Sacramento Represent!

(Flash Mob Round Dance)

Friday, December 28, 2012

12:00pm

West Steps, State Capitol at 12:00 Noon (sharp)

1315 10th Street, Sacramento, California 95814-5506

 

We realize there are two events planned in the area, Friday at 12:00 noon on the West steps of the State Capitol and Saturday, in front of Nordstrom's at 2pm!

Lots to do in Sac-town! Stay the night and be sure to make both events! C'mon Sacramento! Let's do this! Spread the word!

 

Here's the spot to get more on the event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/512958468736585/

 

And you can scroll through the posts here to get an idea on the growth of this movement:

http://www.idlenomore.com

NIEA Remembers Native Education Champion Daniel Inouye

NIEA News Alert

   

NIEA HONORS THE CAREER OF NATIVE EDUCATION CHAMPION SEN. DANIEL INOUYE
Former U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye
Sen. Daniel Inouye earlier this year at NIEA's Legislative Summit
On behalf of our more than 4,000 members and advocates, National Indian Education Association extends its condolences to the family of Daniel Inouye, United States Senator for Hawaii and champion of advancing excellent education for our American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. One of the longest-serving senators in United States history, the legislative body's President Pro Tempore, and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Inouye, 88, passed on last night surrounded by his family.

 

"Sen. Inouye was one of the foremost champions for Native education, and a strong believer in nurturing the potential of our children," says NIEA President Dr. Heather Shotton. "There are no words that can comfort a family during the loss of a loved one. At the same time, we hope that Sen. Inouye's family is comforted by the powerful legacy he has left behind, one to which we should all aspire to match in our own lives. We will keep the Inouye family in our prayers."

 

During his lifetime, Inouye showed heroism and courage that few others can match. The son of Japanese immigrant parents, he was a medical volunteer at Pearl Harbor in 1941 when the naval base was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Two years later, he left his studies at the University of Hawaii to volunteer for the U.S. Army, serving as a member of the famed 442nd Regiment that fought bravely for the United States against the Axis forces in the European campaign. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and later the Medal of Honor after he led an assault on Nazi fortifications near San Terenzo, Italy. During that battle, Inouye continued the charge even after bullets ripped through his stomach and right arm; his arm would eventually be amputated at a field hospital without proper anesthesia.
Inouye's quote from the Japanese-American War Monument in Washington, D.C.
From championing Japanese-Americans wrongly interned by the federal government during World War II, to defending Native communities, Inouye was a champion of Native and non-Natives alike.
After returning from war, Inouye earned his baccalaureate degree at the University of Hawaii, and graduated from George Washington University Law School in 1953. That year, Inouye began his political career by winning a seat in Hawaii's territorial legislature. Five years later, he was elected to Congress, the first to represent the newly-admitted state. Then in 1963, Inouye succeeded Oren Long in the United States Senate, where he would serve the rest of his career and become a champion for the rights of Natives and non-Natives alike.

 

During his tenure in the Senate, Inouye served as chairman of what is now the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Through his role, he helped craft and pass legislation that improved education for our Native students. This included the Native Hawaiian Education Act (NHEA) - now part of the No Child Left Behind Act/Elementary and Secondary Education Act - which made improving education for Native Hawaiian students a priority in federal education policy. This year alone, through NHEA, the federal government has provided more than $10.6 million in funding to Native Hawaiian education programs.

 

Inouye also co-sponsored what became the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act, which in the six years since its passage has provided more than $50 million to Native language immersion programs that help preserve our cultures and support student success. Before his death, Inouye co-sponsored the Native Culture, Language and Access for Success in Schools (CLASS) Act, currently under congressional consideration, which will help address many of the systemic problems in Native education.

 

NIEA appreciates the powerful work that Sen. Inouye has done on behalf of all of our Native children.

Study of Race

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DissertationRace2

Hello,

My name is Rebecca Rangel, a doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at
Teachers College, Columbia University. I am writing to invite you to participate
in my dissertation study that will help me and other scholars learn about
individuals' beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and feelings regarding their race,
culture, and identities. Moreover, it will explore the effects of oppression on
the mental health of individuals living in the United States.

To qualify you must:

· Be 18 years old or older.

· Identify as a Racial or Ethnic Minority in the United States.

If you decide to take this online survey, you will be asked personal questions
asking you to identify your gender, race, ethnicity, etc. as well as questions
regarding your racial attitudes, beliefs, behaviors and emotions. No identifying
information will be asked such as your name, date of birth, etc., hence this
survey is completely anonymous. The entire survey should take you approximately
30-45 minutes.

The survey can be found at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DissertationRace2

Your responses are anonymous and confidential. Some individuals may be
interested in learning about the results, if so, you may contact the primary
investigator indicating your desire.

You may also forward to other individuals that you know who may meet criteria.
Thank you in advance for considering participating in this important study and
assisting me in completing my final doctoral requirement.

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Teachers College, Columbia
University Institutional Review Board, IRB-approved Protocol #12-059.

*If at any time you have comments, or concerns regarding the conduct of the
research or questions about your rights as a research subject, you should
contact the Teachers College, Columbia University Institutional Review Board
/IRB. The phone number for the IRB is (212) 678-4105. Or, you can write to the
IRB at Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY,
10027, Box 151. You may also contact me, Rebecca Rangel, via email,
rr2447@... or my faculty sponsor, Robert T. Carter via email,
rtc10@....

Again, Thank You!

Rebecca

P.S> Please pass on to others!!

Violence Against Native Women Act (politics/action request)

Thanks to Harvest at NCA for highlighting this:


The purpose of H.R. 6625: Violence Against Indian Women Act of 2012 is to grant Indian tribes jurisdiction over crimes of domestic violence that occur in the Indian country of that tribe.

This bill is predicted to have only 5% chance of getting past committee,and a 3% chance of being enacted.

You can help improve its chances by getting involved.

Read the full text of the bill here:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr6625/text

Use this link to tell your congress people how you feel. Begin by clicking "log in" in near the top right of the page, then you can click on your favorite social networking icon to log in with that account.
https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/112/hr6625#_=_

Whether you click support or oppose, and any comments you add will be sent directly to your representatives!

Thanks for participating in democracy.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
´¯`·.¸. ><((((º>.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>
áama/salmon
·André Cramblit, Operations Director
707.445.8451
Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) (http://www.ncidc.org) 
To subscribe to a blog of interest to Natives send go to:  http://andrekaruk.posterous.com/