UPDATES
Monday, November 06, 2000 10:36 PM
Oysio My Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
I am Cyndi Gold "Turtle Woman." I am Vice Chief Gene Gold's wife. I wanted to
thank each and every person who stood beside us in this "Trail of Fear"
protest to protect our Ancestors graves. You are all true Warriors with a red
heart!
You have touched my heart with your out pouring of love and support. I have been praying for many years for the people to come together and stand as
one again and I believe the Creator has answered my prayers.
The first night I stood up on that burial mound and heard all the hoops,
hollers, screaming, and the way they were desecrating my peoples graves it
tore my heart out. I had never felt such an overwhelming feeling of sadness
and grief. I didn't know if I would be able to go back again.
I thought of all the pain and humiliation our ancestors had gone threw and knew that what
I was feeling, wasn't even close to the hell that they had to endure even
now, in this "Modern" World. I knew I had to go back. To stand up for my
people. To show that someone still cared and believed in them.
Each night the protest got a little more painful and I would think of all you
people and how much of yourselves you were giving and it always helped me to
go on. I guess Saturday night, the night of the beatings and arrests should have
been the worst, but it only made me stronger. They bruised my body but my
Spirit grew more than ever !!
I will never give up this fight to save Our Sacred Sites and Burials. I will
always stand proud and tall beside my brothers and sisters and fight for my
Ancestors rights. I pray that this fight of ours will help ALL of our people and future
generations, so that they will never have to go threw the pain and
humiliation that we all did.
I know our Ancestors, along with their Tears are Smiling down upon
us. Let us continue to make them Proud and keep the fight going.
Wado {Thank You}
Cyndi Gold
Turtle Woman
Siyo nigadv, Hello everyone
I have just had a conversation with Vice Chief Gene Gold on the phone, concerning an update on this protest.
There are several items I can comment on, and sometime today there will be an official release presented to you all.
First, I want to commend everyone for their unfailing
support and volunteering of help and services for this cause.
Let us not lose sight of the original issues involved, and what
made us all stand up and register our complaints!
On that, we have a commitment to everyone to see this whole process through. This protest has gotten the attention
we wanted it to have, and many 'official' organizations and representatives are now involved and looking into all of the
ramifications presented.
Although the event will be over, the process of definition will
continue to be pursued. We must allow those who specialize in these matters to have the time to sort through the facts, and
to handle the matter accordingly.
Some items to mention: First, there was a vote taken within
the Blue clan of the Echota whether or not to conduct a protest,
and this protest was agreed to by the voting members.
It was then put before the council of the Echota Cherokee, and the vote was passed to support this protest.
Yes, there are many rumors of internal strife within the local area.
These are unsubstantiated at this point. Please, lets all use our
common sense when dealing with remarks made.
Emotions are running high, and it is expected that many will want
to have their say. We must remember, this situation is not just a
local one, but has ramifications for many other people in other
places. Let's allow the tribe to handle their own internal matters.
Second, this matter has moved into another level, which we alluded
to yesterday. We must allow for the legal channels to be pursued.
Therefore, our statements must be factual.
Our website has been updated, and we feel it is a good source for
all who are interested in background and up to date information.
We have worked hard to make sure our protest was handled in a
way that would be an asset to the local protest activities.
Gene Gold has reaffirmed his commitment to stand strong through
all that will take place. I am affirming my commitment to see
this process through till we have satisfaction. I know many others
are also standing strong.
We ask that you continue to voice your protests in a good way.
We have the attention that this matter deserved, now we should
use this opportunity to educate and help to change the prevailing
opinions. If we want respect, now is the time to show we
understand what respect really means!!!!
So, to recap, please be patient with the process at hand, and know
that we will get the official statements out to you as soon as we
can. This is a step by step matter, and it will not all just be resolved
over night. We will post all official responses as they come to us, in
an equal and fair manner, so that you can judge for yourself how
well we are doing at affecting understanding and attitudes.
I personally want to congratulate everyone who stood up and spoke
their truth from their hearts! This is what has made the impact!
It was your voices that made this situation reach the level it is at.
Let us all learn from this, and the ensuing process!
Your friend in heart,
Lauri
Dear Mr. John Prozinski,
My name is Lauri Chambers, and I am one of the
protest coordinators working in regards of the protest
of the event, "The Trail of Fears", in Moulton, Alabama.
First, I would like to say, it was our intention to bring
awareness of this insensitivity, that your local chapter
in Alabama was causing for many people of native
descent, to many people across the nation. I felt, and
will stand by my actions, that the people who were
objecting to this locally, were not being heard, and they had rights that were being ignored.
I want to apologize if some of the letters you are receiving
seem to be harsh. I cannot control the emotional response of those who understand the meaning of this issue, but I
also believe that a big understanding can be gained from reading those responses with an open heart. This has offended
many people.
We have from the beginning cautioned everyone to be peaceful
and use discretion when writing letters to show that this does
indeed affect more people that just those living locally to the
area. Many people's families historically resided in that area.
But I am sure you have come to realize this by now.
I have been in contact with Mr. Jim Burnes from the start of
this. He has posted a recap of your conversation on the phone
yesterday, and we have gladly sent this on to all who are involved.
We do have understanding of this issue on many levels, and therefore we understand your response. We are not unfair
critics of your organization, but we are trying to point out that
these choices that were made were in very bad taste. That they
were not rectified at an earlier time when the opportunity was given,
has aroused some high emotions.
I will not apologize for what has come about, because we have the right
to voice our displeasure. I will apologize for that displeasure being
voiced in ways that could be considered emotionally charged.
I would invite you to go look at our web site, and visit the petition
site and view the signatures. With a keen eye, you will notice some
interesting things, I believe.
This protest is about respect, and I would want everyone involved
showing the same level of respect to all involved that they would want
shown to themselves. But, this event, the location, and the title, not to
mention certain behaviors being condoned there, has triggered many
negative reactions based on the historical facts that this event
reminds us of.
Although I can and do appreciate your position in this on many
levels, I do feel it is within your direct realm of responsibility
to make amends for this. I do not think a public apology is too
much to ask for from your level. We are aware that you are not
directly involved, and that you may not have had any idea a forehand
of this happening. But, it is the organization that you have a high
official position in, and therefore, the actions of those whom you
represent is partially a reflection on you, and your organization as
a whole.
We have many concerns over this event, and we will pursue them.
We will do this so that there is a full public accounting for all to
learn from as to why events such as this one should not take place.
We are trying to gain respect for our cultural beliefs, and to change
the attitudes that have been handed down through historical perceptions that
do not encompass the full truth.
Please go to our website and look around, and feel what people
are going thru.
http://members.tripod.com/cherokee_ne_al/new_page_1.htm
Then visit our petition site.
http://www.petitiononline.com/respect/petition.html
If you want help in discovering more of the historical facts and
references involved, I will be glad to point you to readily available
sources.
Then, we will hope for some word from you from your heart, that will help us to see that you understand the full significance
of what this all means.
I will be most glad to pass your words to everyone who knows
of this, so that they can feel we have truly accomplished changing
at least one person's attitude about the historical 'storyline' of this
country.
Sincerely,
Lauri Chambers
Date: Sunday, October 29, 2000 10:37 AM
5 arrested at Jaycees haunted trail in Oakville
By Deangelo McDaniel
DAILY Staff Writer
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/001029/arrests.shtml
OAKVILLE -- Five opponents to the Lawrence County Jaycees controversial haunted trail at the Oakville Indian Mounds and Museum were
arrested Saturday night.
Two protesters, Arthur Dross of Somerville and Gene Gold of Mount Hope, were charged with assaulting Lawrence County Chief Deputy
Jim Martin and a deputy with the Sheriff's Department.
Three others, Esther Turley, Sonja Turley and Jesse Turley, all of Heflin, were charged with disorderly conduct, records show.
Martin said one of the women from Heflin tried to block motorists from entering the park.
"She refused to move back and the others were ordered to stay back," the chief deputy said. "Some of them then came forward and an
altercation took place with me and another officer."
Gold refutes Martin's account of the event. He said an elderly lady was blocking the road leading to the park.
"We asked her to leave," Gold said. "The couple was arrested, and my wife snapped a picture. The officer demanded my wife's camera.
I said she had the right, and that was all I got out of my mouth."
Gold said he was then grabbed and turned around.
"I was sprayed with pepper spray," Gold said. "I never touched an officer, and there are 50 witnesses to what happened."
Dross also denied allegations that he assaulted an officer. The two were released, each on $5,000 bond.
Millard Shelton said the three from Heflin are not part of the Echota Tribe of Alabama.
"We believe that sacred grounds are being desecrated, but we plan to hold our protest peacefully," he said.
The haunted trail will open again on Monday and Tuesday night.
THE DECATUR DAILY
201 1st Ave. SE
P.O. Box 2213
Decatur, Ala. 35609
(256) 353-4612
webmaster@decaturdaily.com
Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law.
Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
http://ishgooda.nativeweb.org/
OCTOBER 26, 2000
Anpetu waste to everyone ,
(Fine Day) to everyone. Pilamaya (Thank You) for your
continued efforts and help on the protest. I cannot tell you
how my heart is so humbled by
your continued efforts to defend the bones of the
Ancestor's.
Also the right's of your relations now living and in such a
waste lila ( very good) way!!! Strong, respectful and
truthfully!
Now I ask all those relations out there to please send our
brothers and sisters prayers this evening as they face the
Jaycee's once again on this issue. They need added strength,
focus, good words and your spiritual support.
I feel this will be done through Wakantanka and Tunkasila
(The Creator and the Grandfathers) for they will protect and
guide their journey.
Please be with them in spirit at 7:00 p.m. Central
time...for I know in my heart they will feel you all there.
Toksa.....Good Hands Woman
Our Web site and Petition: http://members.tripod.com/cherokee_ne_al/new
A message from an Elder. Listen to her wisdom.
Written this morning after reading Neshoba's post. Blessing to all of
you as we come upon our season of rest. It is time for thanks to be given
for all we have had this past season and for the rest of the Earth Mother as
she rests and prepares for another season.
Ancient Voices
Did you listen today? What did your hear?
The ancient ones call and we feel them around
us, but we do not listen.
We no longer hear the voices in the wind as the leaves and branches tell us stories. The moon brings us messages
and we do not see them. We are to busy with the world created by man.
Take your children back to the times when the voices were heard and the signs were given. Go back before the
importance of Creation leaves us forever. The
voices of the ancestors may have been silenced
by the death call but they are only a whisper away.
Their music may have faded from our ears but must we let the delicate sounds of our past go with
them?
Our children need the teachings that are
leaving us forever. Sing the words in a lullaby,
whisper to them so they hear, lead them and
they will follow. Never let our traditions die.
Respected and revered the old ones still walk
with us. They hold our hand to help us see.
They still lead us and we must follow. We need
not let the dreams they had for the future depart
this life.
This is why they honored us with their
wisdom. When they leave us one by one, they
take the book with them, leaving a patchwork
of dreams on the web of life. What we do with
the patches will help us to grow in wisdom.
The Earth Mother is bountiful enough for all her
children. Working together we can bring back the
unique and powerful voice of our past. Grasp the
insights and perceptions in the wind. The
future of our children depends on our actions
today.
Do not let the voices of the ancestors
or the echoes of their songs fade away.
October 29, 2000 Momfeather
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