PRESS RELEASE


RE: American Indian Movement Conference, Seminar, Teachings Sponsored By AIM Michigan Chapter and Michigan Intertribal Coalition

BY: AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT GRAND GOVERNING COUNCIL


Contact:

Dave LaFreniere, AIM Michigan Chapter
Phone: (906) 376-2105 (Leave Message)

Ron Gardner, for Celebration of Life Powwow
P.O. Box 24
Negaunee, MI 49866
Phone: (906)475-7162



The American Indian Movement, Michigan Chapter will be hosting a conference on July 11-13, 2001 at the Al Quaal Park in Ishpeming, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Signs will be posted off US-41. Rough camping will be available, native vendors welcome, and the event is open to the public. A two-day powwow follows the conference and is sponsored by the Michigan Intertribal Coalition.

Our chapter was organized in 1997 and was sanctioned by national AIM. From the onset there had been much discussion about the need for a group that would actively take a stance on the hot issues tribal members face around our state. These issues of gaming, treaty rights, burial sites, mascot and racism in sports and media, and membership issues are similar to natives across the country.

Our featured speakers include Grand Governing Council Members of the American Indian Movement, spiritual leaders, and others to be announced. Michigan was the first state to open a tribally-run casino. How has gaming impacted the reservations and what is the outlook for the future?

Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians have long exercised their treaty rights. Today there is a growing threat attempting to erode or eradicate treaty rights. What are the difficulties facing tribal members, and how can we do more information dessemination?

The issue of mascots/logo and racism in sports and media reaches small communities as well as national colleges and pro-sports. Where do tribal leaders stand on this issue in Michigan and how have they arrived at their opinion?

Environmental concerns for our Great Lakes as well as protection of our sacred burial sites are also issues coming to the forefront.

Tribal member's concerns regarding their councils include membership, tribal constitutions and their quest for equality and justice is always being pursued.

Most importantly, we will discuss the calling or movement to go back to the old ways. In this fast-paced world, and through the policy of assimilation we have falled away from our traditional values of caring for each other and the survival of our tribe, our future.


AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT

'MICHIGAN CHAPTER' and

MICHIGAN INTERTRIBAL COALITION

SPONSORS: AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT

CONFERENCE, SEMINAR, AND TEACHINGS with numerous

speakers, and Spiritual Leaders from Indian Country.

Traditional Drum, Sweats, Talking Circles, and

much more.

July 11, 12, 13, 2001

Craft Booths Available

Food supplied by AIM Michigan Chapter and

Free Housing for

Elders upon request.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE "Honor All Children" Powwow

July 14, 15, 2001

At Ishpeming's Al Quaal Park

Rough Camping Available

For Information Contact:

Dave LaFreniere, AIM Michigan Chapter

(906) 376-2105 (Leave Messaage)

Celebration of Life Powwow - Ron Gardner

PO Box 24

Negaunee, MI 49866

(906) 475-7162