and send/fax it to all interested parties - AIM Chapters,
Support Groups, Members and Friends!
here's a text-only copy for easy emailing & printing.
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RE: 32nd American Indian Movement Anniversary Conference July 11-13, 2000 on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, Wisconsin |
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June 10, 2000 Dear Relatives and Friends,
As the new Millennium begins, so will the American Indian Movement (AIM). You are cordially invited to attend and participate in serious dissertation regarding the welfare of our youth, preservation of ancient customs, artifacts, and cultural values, addressing tribal government shortcomings regarding tribal membership, seeking justice for Ingrid Washinawatok, political prisoner, Leonard Peltier, Public Law 280, utilization of casino profits, and tribal constitutional reform. We will produce a document challenging US, State, and Tribal Governments to begin a positive movement to correct these serious issues within a reasonable period of time. This document will be a Manifesto produced by concerned Native Americans and friends in the broader community. Enclosed is an early program, which contains telephone numbers for area lodging. Camping space is available at the powwow grounds for camping at the conference site. Migwetch / Thank you, Eugene Begay, Sr., Chairperson, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter, American Indian Movement Susan LaMorie Aasen, Secretary, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter, American Indian Movement and Legal Advisor Clyde Bellecourt, Co-Founder and National Director, American Indian Movement Vernon Bellecourt, National Representative, American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council; President, National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media Dennis Banks, National Field Director, American Indian Movement
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RE: 32nd Anniversary Conference of the American Indian Movement July 11-13, 2000 on the Reservation of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Nation in northern Wisconsin |
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June 10, 2000 Dear Supporters and Native American Concerns:
The American Indian Movement is pleased to announce the convening of its As you are aware, the conditions of our Native American people have not improved very much over the past 30 years. Today, with the influx of casino gaming revenues, most Indian tribal leaders neglect the basic personal, cultural, land, and environmental needs of tribal people and communities. In fact, the private wealth and political strength of many tribal leaders are perpetrated through violations of Tribal Constitutions and illegal adoptions of non-Indians as tribal members. Tribal people who are legally entitled to membership are excluded and disenfranchised from their own Indian community. However, when such abuses are brought to light, the tribal councils further this abuse by asserting tribal sovereign immunity. Tribal leaders and tribes who may not be of this course should attend to exemplify leadership and communications with their members. Additionally, tribes are now faced with political-legal extinction by the onslaught of non-Indians claiming membership through lineal descent. One needs merely to possess a minute drop of Indian blood to be defined as a tribal member through lineal descent. There will be a day in the very near future when tribes may no longer base their legal tribalism on realistic Indian identity and cultural distinction. One related critical concern is the mass of young people who are left without tribal support in culture, family and community guidance, and encouragement to preserve the legacy of their Indian nations. Instead, our Indian youth are heavily involved in gang violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and they comprise an alarming high population in county jails, state prisons, and federal penal institutions. These same conditions of extreme poverty, political abuses by tribal leaders, and secret waste of tribal funds resulted in a Trail of Broken Treaties Twenty Point Manifesto drafted in 1972 by the American Indian Movement. While many solutions offered in the Manifesto have been implemented in Indian Country, we have not gained any ground to ensure the cultural and political survival of indigenous people's way of life. Henceforth, a Manifesto for the new Millennium addressing these conditions and solutions will be drafted at the 32nd American Indian Movement Anniversary Conference. Your input in forming this historical document will be greatly appreciated. The timing of this document comes at a critical period in history as we are needed to provide the vision and conscience for the well-being of future generations.
Please find enclosed a budget containing the costs necessary to conduct this conference. We are soliciting contributions from substantial individuals, tribal casinos, and business enterprises. We are requesting any amount of donation from individuals, and increments of $500.00 up $5,000.00 from casinos and businesses. Donations are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to the
Questions can be directed to people identified on the attached flyer. Please consider supporting this critical event through your presence or financial support at your earliest convenience before the conference. Migwetch / Thank you.
Eugene Begay, Sr., Chairperson, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter
Susan LaMorie Aasen, Secretary, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter
Clyde Bellecourt, Co-Founder and National Director
Vernon Bellecourt, National Representative, American Indian Movement Dennis Banks, National Field Director, American Indian Movement
Conference agenda :: AIM home |