Remember when our Congress wanted to PROTECT Americans from civil rights violators? And they would stand up to Nations like, SOUTH AFRICA when they did these things? But now, they want tribes to get away with stuff like that....
From THE HILL
House members from Oklahoma will call upon the Justice Department not to investigate several Native American tribes for alleged mistreatment of the Freedmen — descendants of freed slaves once owned by Indians. OP: Did they get mentioned in the recent documentary about the trail of tears?
The planned request, announced Tuesday by Reps. Dan Boren (D-Okla.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.), comes a day after The Hill reported on an April 30 letter signed by several prominent liberals on Capitol Hill, such as Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), that asked Attorney General Eric Holder to began a full-scale investigation into the tribes for alleged civil rights abuses against the Freedmen.
WHY would they discourage a civil rights investigation?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Thunder Valley Indian Casino Cuts 100 Jobs
Remember when our Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger said that new compacts would help bail our state out of its fiscal crisis? It doesn't appear to be working, Arnie. Thunder Valley is cutting workers, you don't do that if things are going good. Pechanga has cut their work force by 800 since the heydey, so HOW, sir, do you expect us to be bailed out?
The operators of Thunder Valley Casino laid off about 100 part-time employees, which the casino says is about a 5 percent reduction.
The casino is still busy, but not as busy as it used to be, said spokesman Doug Elmets.
Thunder Valley started a hiring freeze in January, and it has eliminated positions for “fewer than 100 people,” most of whom worked from one to three days a week.
With more than 1,600 employees, the casino is the fourth-largest employer in Placer County. The casino continues to be open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The operators of Thunder Valley Casino laid off about 100 part-time employees, which the casino says is about a 5 percent reduction.
The casino is still busy, but not as busy as it used to be, said spokesman Doug Elmets.
Thunder Valley started a hiring freeze in January, and it has eliminated positions for “fewer than 100 people,” most of whom worked from one to three days a week.
With more than 1,600 employees, the casino is the fourth-largest employer in Placer County. The casino continues to be open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Congress asks Attorney General Holder to GET INVOLVED in the Freedmen's Fight for Civil Rights
It's ON, ladies and gentlemen. members of the House of Representatives, including John Conyers and Dianne Watson have joined with others in a letter to our new Attorney General Eric Holder. Please see this LINK for the full letter.
Additionally, Representative Barney Frank has written another letter that details the rights that have been abridged by the Cherokee and the Creek in their dealing with the Freedmen. That letter can be found at this LINK.
Please read the letters and be ready to use them as we ask AG Holder to stand up for ALL Indians' civil rights.
Additionally, Representative Barney Frank has written another letter that details the rights that have been abridged by the Cherokee and the Creek in their dealing with the Freedmen. That letter can be found at this LINK.
Please read the letters and be ready to use them as we ask AG Holder to stand up for ALL Indians' civil rights.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The Individual Indian Scores a VICTORY under Civil Rights Act: Another Crack in the Sovereignty Dam
Crack in the Sovereignty DAM! One of MANY to come. Congratulations to the BANISHED Snoqualmie.
In a legal first, tribal members have been victorious in Federal court challenging a tribal banishment action.
On April 30, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted the Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus filed by nine Snoqualmie Tribal members challenging a banishment imposed by the government of the Snoqualmie Tribe in May last year The Court held that the Tribe's government violated the Petitioners' due process rights under the Indian Civil Rights Act and vacated the full banishment. As a result, the Petitioners' membership in the Tribe, as well as their benefits, are restored. The Court also imposed a time restriction on a pre-existing social banishment that prevented the Petitioners from coming onto tribal land and attending tribal events. The Court reduced the open-ended social banishment to 90 days, further vindicating and protecting the tribal members' Indian civil rights.
The decision comes after the first trial held in Federal court under the 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act seeking relief from a tribal banishment action. This is the first Federal court decision to overturn a banishment after trial upon a finding of a denial of due process. Tribal banishments and disenrollments have been increasing in frequency in recent years. The decision could have profound effects on the way tribal governments treat their tribal members, hopefully leading to greater respect for Indian civil rights.
Rob Roy Smith and Steven Kennedy of Ater Wynne represented the tribal members, all of whom were one-time elected members of the Snoqualmie Tribe's government.
Rob Roy Smith
Ater Wynne LLP
Suite 1501, 601 Union Street
Seattle, WA 98101-3981
(206) 623-4711
(206) 467-8406 (fax)
In a legal first, tribal members have been victorious in Federal court challenging a tribal banishment action.
On April 30, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted the Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus filed by nine Snoqualmie Tribal members challenging a banishment imposed by the government of the Snoqualmie Tribe in May last year The Court held that the Tribe's government violated the Petitioners' due process rights under the Indian Civil Rights Act and vacated the full banishment. As a result, the Petitioners' membership in the Tribe, as well as their benefits, are restored. The Court also imposed a time restriction on a pre-existing social banishment that prevented the Petitioners from coming onto tribal land and attending tribal events. The Court reduced the open-ended social banishment to 90 days, further vindicating and protecting the tribal members' Indian civil rights.
The decision comes after the first trial held in Federal court under the 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act seeking relief from a tribal banishment action. This is the first Federal court decision to overturn a banishment after trial upon a finding of a denial of due process. Tribal banishments and disenrollments have been increasing in frequency in recent years. The decision could have profound effects on the way tribal governments treat their tribal members, hopefully leading to greater respect for Indian civil rights.
Rob Roy Smith and Steven Kennedy of Ater Wynne represented the tribal members, all of whom were one-time elected members of the Snoqualmie Tribe's government.
Rob Roy Smith
Ater Wynne LLP
Suite 1501, 601 Union Street
Seattle, WA 98101-3981
(206) 623-4711
(206) 467-8406 (fax)
Friday, May 1, 2009
SB Sheriff Accused of Extorting Wealthy San Manuel Member
A stain on the San Bernardino Sheriff's department
A former sheriff's deputy was ordered held on charges Thursday after prosecutors said he tried to extort cash and vehicles from a San Manuel tribal member.
John Thomas Laurent, who was a deputy when the alleged crimes occurred in 2007 and 2008, was ordered to face an attempted extortion charge during a hearing in San Bernardino Superior Court.
After hearing testimony from 46-year-old Ray Green and a sheriff's detective, Judge Robert J. Lemkau ruled that sufficient evidence existed to hold over Laurent to face the charges.
Laurent, 30, is out on bail and returns to court May 8 to enter a plea. OP: If Laurent were San Manuel, he'd get house arrest, like those who conspired to murder people got.....
Green testified that one of three homes he owns is in Lake Arrowhead, where Laurent contacted him. As a San Manuel member, he receives $50,000 a month, after taxes, as his share of the tribe's casino profits, he said. Green was on parole for narcotics violations in July 2007 when Laurent called him, he said. OP: $50K a month AFTER taxes and still turning to drugs?
A former sheriff's deputy was ordered held on charges Thursday after prosecutors said he tried to extort cash and vehicles from a San Manuel tribal member.
John Thomas Laurent, who was a deputy when the alleged crimes occurred in 2007 and 2008, was ordered to face an attempted extortion charge during a hearing in San Bernardino Superior Court.
After hearing testimony from 46-year-old Ray Green and a sheriff's detective, Judge Robert J. Lemkau ruled that sufficient evidence existed to hold over Laurent to face the charges.
Laurent, 30, is out on bail and returns to court May 8 to enter a plea. OP: If Laurent were San Manuel, he'd get house arrest, like those who conspired to murder people got.....
Green testified that one of three homes he owns is in Lake Arrowhead, where Laurent contacted him. As a San Manuel member, he receives $50,000 a month, after taxes, as his share of the tribe's casino profits, he said. Green was on parole for narcotics violations in July 2007 when Laurent called him, he said. OP: $50K a month AFTER taxes and still turning to drugs?
Mark Levy, Cobell Trust Attorney, Dead of Suicide in DC
Attorney who worked on Cobell case found dead in DC
Friday, May 1, 2009
Mark Levy, a prominent attorney who had worked on the Cobell trust fund case, was found dead in his office in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Authorities treated the case as a suicide.
Levy, 59, headed the chair of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy practice at Kilpatrick Stockton. According to news reports, he was being laid off yesterday.
"We in the legal community are losing someone who is hard to replace," Dennis Gingold, who has served as lead counsel in the Cobell case, . told The Legal Times. "This is a tough time."
Levy argued 16 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and argued the Cobell case before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is due to hear the case once again on May 11.
Kilpatrick Stockton employs several other attorneys who work on the Cobell case, including Keith Harper, a member of the Cherokee Nation.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Mark Levy, a prominent attorney who had worked on the Cobell trust fund case, was found dead in his office in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Authorities treated the case as a suicide.
Levy, 59, headed the chair of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy practice at Kilpatrick Stockton. According to news reports, he was being laid off yesterday.
"We in the legal community are losing someone who is hard to replace," Dennis Gingold, who has served as lead counsel in the Cobell case, . told The Legal Times. "This is a tough time."
Levy argued 16 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and argued the Cobell case before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is due to hear the case once again on May 11.
Kilpatrick Stockton employs several other attorneys who work on the Cobell case, including Keith Harper, a member of the Cherokee Nation.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sen. Dean Florez PULLS controversial Bill Giving Tribes too Much Power
Senator Dean Florez has PULLED his bill from the California Legislature titled S.B. 170. This was the bill that was an attempt to give authority to Indian tribes or tribal groups to cancel Williamson Act contracts on land they purchase removing any “encumbrance” that would prevent them from then taking that property through the fee-to-trust process thereby taking it off the property tax roles.
Pechanga Sends Golf Course Manager on a JOURNEY?
Sources are reporting that the Manager of the Pechanga Golf Course, JOURNEY , Andrew Miranda, has been escorted OFF the property.
How bad does it have to get when Andrew's own brother in on the PDC and may have signed off on this?
Developing.
How bad does it have to get when Andrew's own brother in on the PDC and may have signed off on this?
Developing.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Avoid California Casinos like Pechanga During Swine Flu Season?
Make you wonder if entering a casino in California is such a good idea during this Swine Flu period, doesn't it?
Think about it, a casino like Pechanga has 4,000 machines, all being touched daily, by potentially sick people. On weekends, even more people, crammed together, well within sneezing range? That's not what's on my "favorite things to do during flu season" list.
From the CDC:
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated (like a SLOT MACHINE)with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air (Like from the BUSLOADS of visitors trucked in?). Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk (lobby desk, restaurant table, bar, blackjack table) and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
Avoidance of casinos like Pechanga may be the right thing to do on numerous levels:
1. Pechanga has cheated it's own people, they'll cheat you
2. Pechanga has beaten customers like Richard Swan
3. Flu can be spread in close proximity areas
4. Pechanga shouldn't be rewarded with your business as they are unethical.
Think about it, a casino like Pechanga has 4,000 machines, all being touched daily, by potentially sick people. On weekends, even more people, crammed together, well within sneezing range? That's not what's on my "favorite things to do during flu season" list.
From the CDC:
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated (like a SLOT MACHINE)with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air (Like from the BUSLOADS of visitors trucked in?). Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk (lobby desk, restaurant table, bar, blackjack table) and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
Avoidance of casinos like Pechanga may be the right thing to do on numerous levels:
1. Pechanga has cheated it's own people, they'll cheat you
2. Pechanga has beaten customers like Richard Swan
3. Flu can be spread in close proximity areas
4. Pechanga shouldn't be rewarded with your business as they are unethical.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mark Macarro of Pechanga: Civil Rights Violator on Top 100 CA Power Broker List
Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro, dinner companion of Jack Abramhoff, is listed as one of the top 100 political power brokers in California.
79. Mark Macarro, chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Nobody did more to put tribal politics on the map than Mark Maccaro. He was the face of the Propositon 5 and Proposition 1A campaigns. And when it came time for Pechanga to update a handful of tribal compacts, Maccaro was once again in the thick of the negotiations. Tribal issues have recessed from the frontlines of state politics somewhat, but if and when they do re-emerge, Maccaro is sure to be in the mix.
Macarro was the face of the Propositions a decade ago, when he promised that gaming would be good for tribes. Since then, he led the tribe to terminate more Indians than the white man ever did the last century. This is NOT an honorable man, nor is his leadership anything more than a corrupt enterprise.
Capitol Weekly has the list. But Mark Macarro shouldn't be on it.
79. Mark Macarro, chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Nobody did more to put tribal politics on the map than Mark Maccaro. He was the face of the Propositon 5 and Proposition 1A campaigns. And when it came time for Pechanga to update a handful of tribal compacts, Maccaro was once again in the thick of the negotiations. Tribal issues have recessed from the frontlines of state politics somewhat, but if and when they do re-emerge, Maccaro is sure to be in the mix.
Macarro was the face of the Propositions a decade ago, when he promised that gaming would be good for tribes. Since then, he led the tribe to terminate more Indians than the white man ever did the last century. This is NOT an honorable man, nor is his leadership anything more than a corrupt enterprise.
Capitol Weekly has the list. But Mark Macarro shouldn't be on it.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Battle of Democrat Party's Biggest Donors. Unions vs. Tribes.
What will the Democratic Party do NOW? Their biggest benefactor, Unions want Card Check, which means they don't have to work as hard to get employees to bring the unions in. The Democrats (especially in California) other huge donor, Indian tribes, have just adopted a resolution OPPOSING that same bill, unanimously.
Which way will this go? Card check is bad for this country. The secret ballot is critical to people exercising their voting rights. I'm FOR unions, but I believe that unions have to get out and impress upon those employees they are trying to enjoin, that they are beneficial. If one is FORCED to join because Congress made it easier for the unions, THAT is NOT what organizing is all about.
The National Indian Gaming Association has adopted a resolution opposing the Employee Free Choice Act unless it is amended to acknowledge sovereign tribal nations as governments.
The resolution was passed during NIGA’s annual meeting during the Indian Gaming ’09 Trade Show and Convention held April 12 – 16.
The resolution was introduced to the association’s member tribes April 14, and adopted unanimously the next day after members met in caucuses and discussed the resolution.
The EFCA is pending legislation in Congress and the Senate. The bill’s purpose is “to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an easier system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices.” The bill was introduced to Congress by U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., and has more than 220 co-sponsors.
This will be fun to watch! Read more on the story at ICT
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Ramona Band of Cahuilla Recognized as Environmental Heroes.
Congratulations to the Ramona Band for being recognized for their work with saving our environment.
San Francisco, California - During the agency's 11th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco today, U.S. EPA acting Regional Administrator Laura Yoshii recognized eight Southern California organizations and individuals in recognition of their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in 2008.
“It is a great pleasure and honor that we can recognize the innovative and important environmental work achieved by this year’s impressive group of organizations and individuals, and the example they set for all of us to follow,” Yoshii said. “This year's winners and nominees have made superb efforts to protect and preserve our air, water and land, and increased awareness of the environmental challenges we all face.”
Ramona Band of Cahuilla, Anza - The Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians of Southern California has become the first fully “off grid” reservation with 100 percent renewable energy power for all facilities. Over the past decade, the tribe received funding from the Department of Energy, Housing & Urban Development and other agencies to build a sun and wind-powered energy system, and develop an ecotourism and training business.
The tribe is now developing an ecotourism center as a renewable energy destination resort. The Eco-Center will also teach people about Cahuilla culture. The training component will provide consulting and ecotourism start-up business services to enable other tribes to replicate or adapt this model for business development. Once the Eco-Center opens in late 2010, the tribe will have the only Native American-owned facility to train other rural/remote tribes to adapt this model for economic development.
San Francisco, California - During the agency's 11th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco today, U.S. EPA acting Regional Administrator Laura Yoshii recognized eight Southern California organizations and individuals in recognition of their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in 2008.
“It is a great pleasure and honor that we can recognize the innovative and important environmental work achieved by this year’s impressive group of organizations and individuals, and the example they set for all of us to follow,” Yoshii said. “This year's winners and nominees have made superb efforts to protect and preserve our air, water and land, and increased awareness of the environmental challenges we all face.”
Ramona Band of Cahuilla, Anza - The Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians of Southern California has become the first fully “off grid” reservation with 100 percent renewable energy power for all facilities. Over the past decade, the tribe received funding from the Department of Energy, Housing & Urban Development and other agencies to build a sun and wind-powered energy system, and develop an ecotourism and training business.
The tribe is now developing an ecotourism center as a renewable energy destination resort. The Eco-Center will also teach people about Cahuilla culture. The training component will provide consulting and ecotourism start-up business services to enable other tribes to replicate or adapt this model for business development. Once the Eco-Center opens in late 2010, the tribe will have the only Native American-owned facility to train other rural/remote tribes to adapt this model for economic development.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Twentynine Palms Band fires GM of Spotlight 29 Casino
Doing poorly in a bad economy leads to changes at Spotlight 29 Casino.
The general manager of Spotlight 29 Casino and his administrative assistant were dismissed this week.
Raymond DelFiandra, who was general manager, was told Monday that his services were no longer required. His administrative assistant, Amy Redford, was let go as well.
Paul Speirs, a spokesman for the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians, which owns and operates Spotlight 29 Casino, said the tribe's former chairman, Dean Mike, will serve as interim general manager for the casino until a replacement is found.
Tribal members did not return calls to comment.
www.mydesertsun.com has the rest of the story, but here is an interesting comment, a bit racist:
TLAlbert: Just what any Indian casino needs, an Indian taking over management...they have no concept what is needed or necessary to making a casino survive even in a good economy. It takes a careful GM to run an Indian casino as he has to walk a tightrope with tribal members who all have an opinion of how the casino should be run, and more importantly who the casino should hire. I've spent more than 25-years employed casinos in Las Vegas, Mesquite and in California at Indian owned casinos...and believe me, with the execption of the two casino's owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians, I would never, ever work for an Indian owned casino again. The two best days of your life in Indian gaming are the day you accept the job and the day you walk out the front door a free person, again.
The general manager of Spotlight 29 Casino and his administrative assistant were dismissed this week.
Raymond DelFiandra, who was general manager, was told Monday that his services were no longer required. His administrative assistant, Amy Redford, was let go as well.
Paul Speirs, a spokesman for the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians, which owns and operates Spotlight 29 Casino, said the tribe's former chairman, Dean Mike, will serve as interim general manager for the casino until a replacement is found.
Tribal members did not return calls to comment.
www.mydesertsun.com has the rest of the story, but here is an interesting comment, a bit racist:
TLAlbert: Just what any Indian casino needs, an Indian taking over management...they have no concept what is needed or necessary to making a casino survive even in a good economy. It takes a careful GM to run an Indian casino as he has to walk a tightrope with tribal members who all have an opinion of how the casino should be run, and more importantly who the casino should hire. I've spent more than 25-years employed casinos in Las Vegas, Mesquite and in California at Indian owned casinos...and believe me, with the execption of the two casino's owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians, I would never, ever work for an Indian owned casino again. The two best days of your life in Indian gaming are the day you accept the job and the day you walk out the front door a free person, again.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
On Pechanga's Oral Tradition and Custom: Teetilawuncha's Blog
Our Cousins at Teetilawuncha's Blog have a fine post on some history of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians Oral Custom and Tradition as it relates to the Paulina Hunter matter.
They also show some of the "inconsistencies" of how the Pechanga Enrollment Committee acted.
Most recently before his death, Antonio Ashman in a sworn affidavit said he knew Paulina as a member of the Band. He also swore that Paulina stayed at the home of Michelle and Salvador Quiliq and heard they were related.
He also stated Paulina was called Aunt by Martin Berdugo, another recognized member of Pechanga. This is recorded oral recognition that the CPP faction says Paulina Hunter did not have.
The enrollment committee also finds that Paulina was given a land allotment on the Pechanga reservation as a Temecula Indian. This confirms Paulina’s status as a Temecula Indian.
Please visit Teetilawuncha's Blog and add your comments here and there.
They also show some of the "inconsistencies" of how the Pechanga Enrollment Committee acted.
Most recently before his death, Antonio Ashman in a sworn affidavit said he knew Paulina as a member of the Band. He also swore that Paulina stayed at the home of Michelle and Salvador Quiliq and heard they were related.
He also stated Paulina was called Aunt by Martin Berdugo, another recognized member of Pechanga. This is recorded oral recognition that the CPP faction says Paulina Hunter did not have.
The enrollment committee also finds that Paulina was given a land allotment on the Pechanga reservation as a Temecula Indian. This confirms Paulina’s status as a Temecula Indian.
Please visit Teetilawuncha's Blog and add your comments here and there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)