Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

December 31, 2012

Zapatistas Announcement of New Steps Dec. 30, 2012

 
Zapatistas announce Next Steps
Mexico
December 30, 2012

To the People of Mexico:

To the Peoples and Goverments of the World:

Brothers and Sisters:

Compañeros and compañeras:

This past December 21, 2012, in the pre-dawn hours, tens of thousands of indigenous Zapatistas mobilized and we took over, peacefully and in silence, 5 municipal seats in the Mexican southeastern state of Chiapas.
In the cities of Palenque, Altamirano, Las Margaritas, Ocosingo, and San Cristobal de las Casas, we watched you and we watched ourselves in silence.

This is not a message of resignation.

It is not one of war, death, or destruction.

Our message is one of struggle and resistance.

After the media-driven coup d'état that exalted a poorly concealed and even more poorly disguised ignorance to the federal executive branch, we made ourselves present so that you would know that if they never left, neither did we.

Six years ago, a segment of the political and intellectual class went out in search of someone to blame for its loss. At that time we were in cities and communities, struggling for justice for an Atenco that was not fashionable at that time.

On that yesterday first they defamed us, and then they wanted to shut us up. Too incapable and dishonest to see that within themselves they had and have the seeds of their own destruction, they tried to make us disappear with lies and complicit silence.

Six years later, two things remain clear:

They don't need us to fail.

We don't need them to survive.

We never left, even though media from all over the spectrum have dedicated themselves to making you believe that, and we are reemerging as the indigenous Zapatistas that we are and will be.

In these past years we've strengthened ourselves and we have significantly improved our living conditions. Our standard of living is superior to that of the indigenous communities that are linked to the governments in power, that receive charity and squander it all on alcohol and useless things.

Our homes improve without hurting nature by imposing roads upon it that are foreign to it. In our villages, the land that was previously used to fatten estate owners' cattle is now used to grow the corn, beans, and vegetables that brighten our tables.
Our work has the double satisfaction of providing us with what we need to live honorably and to contribute to the collective growth of our communities.
Our boys and girls go to a school that teaches them their own history, that of their fatherland and of the world, as well as the sciences and techniques they need to grow without no longer being indigenous.

The indigenous Zapatista women are not sold as merchandise. The indigenous PRI members go to our hospitals, clinics, and laboratories because in those provided by the government there are no medicines, nor equipment, nor doctors, nor qualified personnell.

Our culture florishes not insolation, but rather enriched by contact with the cultures of other peoples of Mexico and the world.

We govern and we govern ourselves, always seeking agreement before confrontation.

All of this has been achieved not only without the government, the political class, and the media that accompanies them, but also while resisting their attacks of all kinds.

We have demonstrated, yet again, that we are who we are. With our silence, we were present.

Now, with our word we announce that:

First: we reaffirm and consolidate our membership in the National Indigenous Congress [CNI],a space for meeting with the original peoples of our country.

Second: we will resume contact with our compañeros and compañeras who are Adherents to the Sixth eclaration of the Lacandon Jungle in Mexico and around the world.

Third: we will try to construct the necessary bridges towards the social movements that have arisen and will arise, not to lead them or take their place, but rather to learn from them, from their history, from their journeys and fates.

For this we have achieved the support of individuals and groups in different parts of the world who comprise the support teams for the EZLN's Sixth and International commissions, so that they will become communication links between the Zapatista Support Bases and the individuals, groups, and collectives that are Adherents to the Sixth Declaration in Mexico and around the world who still maintain their conviction and dedication to the construction of a leftist non-institutional alternative.

Fourth: our critical distance from the Mexican political class will continue; they have done nothing but prosper at the cost of the necessities and the hopes of humble and simple people.

Fifth: regarding the federal, state, and municipal bad governments--executive, legislative, and judicial--, and the media that accompanies them, we say to them the following:

The bad governments from all over the political spectrum, without exception, have done everything they can to destroy us, buy us, and make us give in. The PRI, PAN, PRD, PVEM, PT, CC, and the future RN party have attacked us militarily, politically, socially, and ideologically.

The corporate media tried to make us disappear, first with servile and opportunistic slander, later with cunning and complicit silence. Those whom they served and whose moneys breastfeed them are no longer around. And those who have taken their place won't last longer than their predecesors.

As was evident on December 21, 2012, they've all failed.

It remains to be seen if the federal, executive, legislative, and judicial government decides to once again resort to the counterinsurgency policy that has only achieved a rickety farse clumsily based on media management, or if it recognizes and fulfills its duty and raises indigenous rights and culture to constitutional ranking as established by the so-called "San Andres Accords," signed by the federal government in 1996, which was ruled by the same party that now controls the executive branch.

It remains to be seen if the state government will decide if it continues its dishonest and despicable strategy of its predecesor which, in addition to being corrupt and deceitful, used the Chiapan people's money for his own enrichment and that of his accomplices and set about openly buying voices and pens in the media, while he heaped misery upon the Chiapan people, at the same time that he was using police and paramilitaries to try to stop the organizational advance of the Zapatista villages; or if it will instead, with truth and justice, accept our existence and the idea that a new form of social life is blossoming in Zapatista territory, Chiapas, Mexico. Blossoming that draws the attention of honest people all over the planet.

It remains to be seen if the municipal governments decide to keep swallowing the millstones that the anti-Zapatista or supposedly "Zapatista" organizations use to extort them to attack our communities, or if they instead use that money to improve the living conditions of their constituents.

It remains to be seen if the people of Mexico who organize themselves in electoral struggle and resist decide to continue viewing us as the enemies or rivals upon whom they can unload their frustration about the frauds and attacks that, in the end, all of us suffer, and if in their struggle for power they continue to ally themselves with our persecutors; or if they finally see in us another way of doing politics.

Sixth: in the coming days the EZLN, through its Sixth and International commissions, will announce a series of initiatives of a civil and peaceful nature, to continue walking together with the other original peoples of Mexico and the whole continent, along with those in Mexico and around the whole world who resist and struggle down and to the left.

Brothers and sisters:
Compañeros and compañeras:

Before, we had the good fortune of honest and noble attention from various media outlets. We thanked them for it then. But that was completely erased with their later attitude.

Those who bet that we only existed in the media and that with the siege of lies and silence we would disappear were wrong.

When there weren't cameras, microphones, pens, ears, and looks, we existed.

When they defamed us, we existed.

When they silenced us, we existed.

And here we are, existing.

Our pace, as has been demonstrated, does not depend upon our impact in the media, but rather upon the world's and its parts' understanding, upon the indigenous wisdom that dictates our steps, upon the unflinching courage that comes from below and to the left.

From now on, our word will begin to be selective in its recipient and, with the exception of a few occassions, will only be understood by those who have walked and walk with us without giving in to the media and current trends.

Here, with not a few errors and a lot of difficulties, another way of doing politics is already a reality.
Few, very few, will have the priviledge of knowing it and learning from it directly.

Nineteen years ago we surprised them by taking over their cities with fire and blood. Now we've done it again, without weapons, without death, without destruction.

That is how we differentiate ourselves from those who, during their administrations, delivered and deliver death to their constituents.

We are the same from 500 years ago, from 44 years ago, from 30 years ago, from 20 years ago, from just a few days ago.

We are the Zapatistas, the smallest, the ones who live, struggle, and die in the last corner of the fatherland, those who don't give up, those who don't sell out, those who don't give in.

Brothers and sisters:
compañeros and compañeras:

We are the Zapatistas, and we send you a hug.

Democracy!

Freedom!

Justice!

From the mountains of the Mexican southeast,
For the Indigenous Revolutionary Clandestine Committee -- General Command of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation.

Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos.
Mexico. December 2012-January 2013.
Translation: Kristin Bricker

EL EZLN ANUNCIA SUS PASOS SIGUIENTES. Comunicado del 30 de diciembre del 2012
COMUNICADO DEL COMITÉ CLANDESTINO REVOLUCIONARIO INDÍGENA-COMANDANCIA GENERAL DEL EJÉRCITO ZAPATISTA DE LIBERACIÓN NACIONAL.
MÉXICO.

30 DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2012.

AL PUEBLO DE MÉXICO:

A LOS PUEBLOS Y GOBIERNOS DEL MUNDO:

HERMANOS Y HERMANAS:

COMPAÑEROS Y COMPAÑERAS:

EL PASADO 21 DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2012, EN HORAS DE LA MADRUGADA, DECENAS DE MILES DE INDÍGENAS ZAPATISTAS NOS MOVILIZAMOS Y TOMAMOS, PACÍFICAMENTE Y EN SILENCIO, 5 CABECERAS MUNICIPALES EN EL SURORIENTAL ESTADO MEXICANO DE CHIAPAS.

EN LAS CIUDADES DE PALENQUE, ALTAMIRANO, LAS MARGARITAS, OCOSINGO Y SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS, LOS MIRAMOS Y NOS MIRAMOS A NOSOTROS MISMOS EN SILENCIO.

NO ES EL NUESTRO UN MENSAJE DE RESIGNACIÓN.

NO LO ES DE GUERRA, DE MUERTE Y DESTRUCCIÓN.

NUESTRO MENSAJE ES DE LUCHA Y RESISTENCIA.

DESPUÉS DEL GOLPE DE ESTADO MEDIÁTICO QUE ENCUMBRÓ EN EL PODER EJECUTIVO FEDERAL A LA IGNORANCIA MAL DISIMULADA Y PEOR MAQUILLADA, NOS HICIMOS PRESENTES PARA HACERLES SABER QUE SI ELLOS NUNCA SE FUERON, TAMPOCO NOSOTROS.

HACE 6 AÑOS, UN SEGMENTO DE LA CLASE POLÍTICA E INTELECTUAL SALIÓ A BUSCAR UN RESPONSABLE PARA SU DERROTA. EN AQUEL TIEMPO NOSOTROS ESTÁBAMOS, EN CIUDADES Y COMUNIDADES, LUCHANDO POR JUSTICIA PARA UN ATENCO QUE NO ESTABA ENTONCES DE MODA.

EN ESE AYER NOS CALUMNIARON PRIMERO Y QUISIERON ACALLARNOS DESPUÉS.

INCAPACES Y DESHONESTOS PARA VER QUE EN SÍ MISMOS TENÍAN Y TIENEN LA LEVADURA DE SU RUINA, PRETENDIERON DESAPARECERNOS CON LA MENTIRA Y EL SILENCIO CÓMPLICE.

SEIS AÑOS DESPUÉS, DOS COSAS QUEDAN CLARAS:

ELLOS NO NOS NECESITAN PARA FRACASAR.

NOSOTROS NO LOS NECESITAMOS A ELLOS PARA SOBREVIVIR.

NOSOTROS, QUE NUNCA NOS FUIMOS AUNQUE ASÍ SE HAYAN EMPEÑADO EN HACERLES CREER LOS MEDIOS DE TODO EL ESPECTRO, RESURGIMOS COMO INDÍGENAS ZAPATISTAS QUE SOMOS Y SEREMOS.

EN ESTOS AÑOS NOS HEMOS FORTALECIDO Y HEMOS MEJORADO SIGNIFICATIVAMENTE NUESTRAS CONDICIONES DE VIDA. NUESTRO NIVEL DE VIDA ES SUPERIOR AL DE LAS COMUNIDADES INDÍGENAS AFINES A LOS GOBIERNOS EN TURNO, QUE RECIBEN LAS LIMOSNAS Y LAS DERROCHAN EN ALCOHOL Y ARTÍCULOS INÚTILES.

NUESTRAS VIVIENDAS SE MEJORAN SIN LASTIMAR A LA NATURALEZA IMPONIÉNDOLE CAMINOS QUE LE SON AJENOS.

EN NUESTROS PUEBLOS, LA TIERRA QUE ANTES ERA PARA ENGORDAR EL GANADO DE FINQUEROS Y TERRATENIENTES, AHORA ES PARA EL MAÍZ, EL FRIJOL Y LAS VERDURAS QUE ILUMINAN NUESTRAS MESAS.

NUESTRO TRABAJO RECIBE LA SATISFACCIÓN DOBLE DE PROVEERNOS DE LO NECESARIO PARA VIVIR HONRADAMENTE, Y DE CONTRIBUIR EN EL CRECIMIENTO COLECTIVO DE NUESTRAS COMUNIDADES.

NUESTROS NIÑOS Y NIÑAS VAN A UNA ESCUELA QUE LES ENSEÑA SU PROPIA HISTORIA, LA DE SU PATRIA Y LA DEL MUNDO, ASÍ COMO LAS CIENCIAS Y LAS TÉCNICAS NECESARIAS PARA ENGRANDECERSE SIN DEJAR DE SER INDÍGENAS.

LAS MUJERES INDÍGENAS ZAPATISTAS NO SON VENDIDAS COMO MERCANCÍAS.

LOS INDÍGENAS PRIÍSTAS VAN A NUESTROS HOSPITALES, CLÍNICAS Y LABORATORIOS PORQUE EN LOS DEL GOBIERNO NO HAY MEDICINAS, NI APARATOS, NI DOCTORES NI PERSONAL CALIFICADO.

NUESTRA CULTURA FLORECE, NO AISLADA SINO ENRIQUECIDA POR EL CONTACTO CON LAS CULTURAS DE OTROS PUEBLOS DE MÉXICO Y DEL MUNDO.

GOBERNAMOS Y NOS GOBERNAMOS NOSOTROS MISMOS, BUSCANDO SIEMPRE PRIMERO EL ACUERDO ANTES QUE LA CONFRONTACIÓN.

TODO ESTO SE HA CONSEGUIDO NO SÓLO SIN EL GOBIERNO, LA CLASE POLÍTICA Y MEDIOS QUE LOS ACOMPAÑAN, TAMBIÉN RESISTIENDO SUS ATAQUES DE TODO TIPO.

HEMOS DEMOSTRADO, UNA VEZ MÁS, QUE SOMOS QUIENES SOMOS.

CON NUESTRO SILENCIO NOS HICIMOS PRESENTES.

AHORA CON NUESTRA PALABRA ANUNCIAMOS QUE:

PRIMERO.- REAFIRMAREMOS Y CONSOLIDAREMOS NUESTRA PERTENENCIA AL CONGRESO NACIONAL INDÍGENA, ESPACIO DE ENCUENTRO CON LOS PUEBLOS ORIGINARIOS DE NUESTRO PAÍS.

SEGUNDO.- RETOMAREMOS EL CONTACTO CON NUESTROS COMPAÑEROS Y COMPAÑERAS ADHERENTES A LA SEXTA DECLARACIÓN DE LA SELVA LACANDONA EN MÉXICO Y EN EL MUNDO.

TERCERO.- INTENTAREMOS CONSTRUIR LOS PUENTES NECESARIOS HACIA LOS MOVIMIENTOS SOCIALES QUE HAN SURGIDO Y SURGIRÁN, NO PARA DIRIGIR O SUPLANTAR, SINO PARA APRENDER DE ELLOS, DE SU HISTORIA, DE SUS CAMINOS Y DESTINOS.

PARA ESTO HEMOS LOGRADO EL APOYO DE INDIVIDUOS Y GRUPOS EN DIFERENTES PARTES DE MÉXICO, CONFORMADOS COMO EQUIPOS DE APOYO DE LAS COMISIONES SEXTA E INTERNAZIONAL DEL EZLN, DE MODO QUE SE CONVIERTAN EN CORREAS DE COMUNICACIÓN ENTRE LAS BASES DE APOYO ZAPATISTAS Y LOS INDIVIDUOS, GRUPOS Y COLECTIVOS ADHERENTES A LA SEXTA DECLARACIÓN, EN MÉXICO Y EN EL MUNDO, QUE AÚN MANTIENEN SU CONVICCIÓN Y COMPROMISO CON LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DE UNA ALTERNATIVA NO INSTITUCIONAL DE IZQUIERDA.

CUARTO.- SEGUIRÁ NUESTRA DISTANCIA CRÍTICA FRENTE A LA CLASE POLÍTICA MEXICANA QUE, EN SU CONJUNTO, NO HA HECHO SINO MEDRAR A COSTA DE LAS NECESIDADES Y LAS ESPERANZAS DE LA GENTE HUMILDE Y SENCILLA.

QUINTO.- RESPECTO A LOS MALOS GOBIERNOS FEDERALES, ESTATALES Y MUNICIPALES, EJECUTIVOS, LEGISLATIVOS Y JUDICIALES, Y MEDIOS QUE LOS ACOMPAÑAN DECIMOS LO SIGUIENTE:

LOS MALOS GOBIERNOS DE TODO EL ESPECTRO POLÍTICO, SIN EXCEPCIÓN ALGUNA, HAN HECHO TODO LO POSIBLE POR DESTRUIRNOS, POR COMPRARNOS, POR RENDIRNOS. PRI, PAN, PRD, PVEM, PT, CC Y EL FUTURO PARTIDO DE RN, NOS HAN ATACADO MILITAR, POLÍTICA, SOCIAL E IDEOLÓGICAMENTE.

LOS GRANDES MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN INTENTARON DESAPARECERNOS, CON LA CALUMNIA SERVIL Y OPORTUNISTA PRIMERO, CON EL SILENCIO TAIMADO Y CÓMPLICE DESPUÉS. A QUIENES SIRVIERON Y DE CUYOS DINEROS SE AMAMANTARON YA NO ESTÁN. Y QUIENES AHORA LOS RELEVAN NO DURARÁN MÁS QUE SUS ANTECESORES.

COMO HA SIDO EVIDENTE EL 21 DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2012, TODOS HAN FRACASADO.

QUEDA ENTONCES AL GOBIERNO FEDERAL, EJECUTIVO, LEGISLATIVO Y JUDICIAL, DECIDIR SI REINCIDE EN LA POLÍTICA CONTRAINSURGENTE QUE SÓLO HA CONSEGUIDO UNA ENDEBLE SIMULACIÓN TORPEMENTE SUSTENTADA EN EL MANEJO MEDIÁTICO, O RECONOCE Y CUMPLE SUS COMPROMISOS ELEVANDO A RANGO CONSTITUCIONAL LOS DERECHOS Y LA CULTURA INDÍGENAS, TAL Y COMO LO ESTABLECEN LOS LLAMADOS “ACUERDOS DE SAN ANDRÉS”, FIRMADOS POR EL GOBIERNO FEDERAL EN 1996, ENCABEZADO ENTONCES POR EL MISMO PARTIDO AHORA EN EL EJECUTIVO.

QUEDA AL GOBIERNO ESTATAL DECIDIR SI CONTINÚA LA ESTRATEGIA DESHONESTA Y RUIN DE SU ANTECESOR, QUE ADEMÁS DE CORRUPTO Y MENTIROSO, OCUPÓ DINEROS DEL PUEBLO DE CHIAPAS EN EL ENRIQUECIMIENTO PROPIO Y DE SUS CÓMPLICES, Y SE DEDICÓ A LA COMPRA DESCARADA DE VOCES Y PLUMAS EN LOS MEDIOS, MIENTRAS SUMÍA AL PUEBLO DE CHIAPAS EN LA MISERIA, AL MISMO TIEMPO QUE HACÍA USO DE POLICÍAS Y PARAMILITARES PARA TRATAR DE FRENAR EL AVANCE ORGANIZATIVO DE LOS PUEBLOS ZAPATISTAS; O, EN CAMBIO, CON VERDAD Y JUSTICIA, ACEPTA Y RESPETA NUESTRA EXISTENCIA Y SE HACE A LA IDEA DE QUE FLORECE UNA NUEVA FORMA DE VIDA SOCIAL EN TERRITORIO ZAPATISTA, CHIAPAS, MÉXICO. FLORECIMIENTO QUE ATRAE LA ATENCIÓN DE PERSONAS HONESTAS EN TODO EL PLANETA.

QUEDA A LOS GOBIERNOS MUNICIPALES DECIDIR SI SE SIGUEN TRAGANDO LAS RUEDAS DE MOLINO CON LAS QUE LAS ORGANIZACIONES ANTIZAPATISTAS O SUPUESTAMENTE “ZAPATISTAS” LOS EXTORSIONAN PARA AGREDIR A NUESTRAS COMUNIDADES; O MEJOR USAN ESOS DINEROS PARA MEJORAR LAS CONDICIONES DE VIDA DE SUS GOBERNADOS.

QUEDA AL PUEBLO DE MÉXICO QUE SE ORGANIZA EN FORMAS DE LUCHA ELECTORAL Y RESISTE, DECIDIR SI SIGUE VIENDO EN NOSOTROS A LOS ENEMIGOS O RIVALES EN QUIENES DESCARGAR SU FRUSTRACIÓN POR LOS FRAUDES Y AGRESIONES QUE, AL FINAL, TODOS PADECEMOS, Y SI EN SU LUCHA POR EL PODER CONTINÚAN ALIÁNDOSE CON NUESTROS PERSEGUIDORES; O RECONOCEN AL FIN EN NOSOTROS OTRA FORMA DE HACER POLÍTICA.

SEXTO.- EN LOS PRÓXIMOS DÍAS EL EZLN, A TRAVÉS DE SUS COMISIONES SEXTA E INTERNAZIONAL, DARÁ A CONOCER UNA SERIE DE INICIATIVAS, DE CARÁCTER CIVIL Y PACÍFICO, PARA SEGUIR CAMINANDO JUNTO A LOS OTROS PUEBLOS ORIGINARIOS DE MÉXICO Y DE TODO EL CONTINENTE, Y JUNTO A QUIENES, EN MÉXICO Y EN EL MUNDO ENTERO, RESISTEN Y LUCHAN ABAJO Y A LA IZQUIERDA.

HERMANOS Y HERMANAS:
COMPAÑEROS Y COMPAÑERAS:

ANTES TUVIMOS LA BUENAVENTURA DE UNA ATENCIÓN HONESTA Y NOBLE DE DISTINTOS MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN. LO AGRADECIMOS ENTONCES. PERO ESO FUE COMPLETAMENTE BORRADO CON SU ACTITUD POSTERIOR.

QUIENES APOSTARON A QUE SÓLO EXISTÍAMOS MEDIÁTICAMENTE Y QUE, CON EL CERCO DE MENTIRAS Y SILENCIO, DESAPARECERÍAMOS, SE EQUIVOCARON.

CUANDO NO HABÍAN CÁMARAS, MICRÓFONOS, PLUMAS, OÍDOS Y MIRADAS, EXISTÍAMOS.

CUANDO NOS CALUMNIARON, EXISTÍAMOS.

CUANDO NOS SILENCIARON, EXISTÍAMOS.

Y AQUÍ ESTAMOS, EXISTIENDO.

NUESTRO ANDAR, COMO HA QUEDADO DEMOSTRADO, NO DEPENDE DEL IMPACTO MEDIÁTICO, SINO DE LA COMPRENSIÓN DEL MUNDO Y DE SUS PARTES, DE LA SABIDURÍA INDÍGENA QUE RIGE NUESTROS PASOS, DE LA DECISIÓN INQUEBRANTABLE QUE DA LA DIGNIDAD DE ABAJO Y A LA IZQUIERDA.

A PARTIR DE AHORA, NUESTRA PALABRA EMPEZARÁ A SER SELECTIVA EN SU DESTINATARIO Y, SALVO EN CONTADAS OCASIONES, SÓLO PODRÁ SER COMPRENDIDA POR QUIENES CON NOSOTROS HAN CAMINADO Y CAMINAN, SIN RENDIRSE A LAS MODAS MEDIÁTICAS Y COYUNTURALES.

ACÁ, CON NO POCOS ERRORES Y MUCHAS DIFICULTADES, ES YA UNA REALIDAD OTRA FORMA DE HACER POLÍTICA.

POCOS, MUY POCOS, TENDRÁN EL PRIVILEGIO DE CONOCERLA Y APRENDER DE ELLA DIRECTAMENTE.

HACE 19 AÑOS LOS SORPRENDIMOS TOMANDO CON FUEGO Y SANGRE SUS CIUDADES. AHORA LO HEMOS HECHO DE NUEVO, SIN ARMAS, SIN MUERTE, SIN DESTRUCCIÓN.

NOS DIFERENCIAMOS ASÍ DE QUIENES, DURANTE SUS GOBIERNOS, REPARTIERON Y REPARTEN LA MUERTE ENTRE SUS GOBERNADOS.

SOMOS LOS MISMOS DE HACE 500 AÑOS, DE HACE 44 AÑOS, DE HACE 30 AÑOS, DE HACE 20 AÑOS, DE HACE APENAS UNOS DÍAS.

SOMOS LOS ZAPATISTAS, LOS MÁS PEQUEÑOS, LOS QUE VIVEN, LUCHAN Y MUEREN EN EL ÚLTIMO RINCÓN DE LA PATRIA, LOS QUE NO CLAUDICAN, LOS QUE NO SE VENDEN, LOS QUE NO SE RINDEN.

HERMANOS Y HERMANAS:
COMPAÑERAS Y COMPAÑEROS:

SOMOS L@S ZAPATISTAS, RECIBAN NUESTRO ABRAZO.

¡DEMOCRACIA!
¡LIBERTAD!
¡JUSTICIA!
Desde las montañas del Sureste Mexicano.
Por el Comité Clandestino Revolucionario Indígena – Comandancia General del
Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional.
Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos.
México. Diciembre del 2012 – Enero del 2013.

Mohawk Nation News 'To Save our Mother'

MNN: TO SAVE OUR MOTHER

mnnlogo1TO SAVE OUR MOTHER
MNN. Dec. 30, 2012
http://www.mohawknationnews.com
 

Our Mother Earth is instructing us to protect her from corporate Canada’s murder and rape.
The “Idle No More” movement to stop Omnibus Bill C-45 is gaining worldwide momentum. They too are listening to our Mother.
earthCanada’s chief financial officer, Jim Flaherty and CEO Prime Minister ‘Pudge” Harper have illegally signed the equivalent of the “Enabling Act” of 1933 that brought Hitler to power. [Below].
enazblingC-45 removes indigenous people and takes our land and resources to establish a dictatorship of the bankers. Parliament provides the illusion of freedom to the masses. Their band councils in our communities are being staffed or trained by “Nazi” agents. Distress and crisis are being created to declare martial law. Arrests, torture and death are here. Our concentration camps called reserves are under strict surveillance and control [Indian agents].
Non-Natives can steal our land through a legislated voting fraud set up by this illegal bill. Funds for education, health and other essential services will be dissolved. Everything is being transferred to provinces that have no responsibility for us. Our education funds will go to non-native schools to assimilate and brainwash our children.
Our constant marches and flash mobs are alarming Harper’s banker bosses in the City of London.
We are all victims. When the masses turn their backs on the genocide, they are complicit in it. Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat has been driven to this point of desperation where she may soon die of hunger. She could ask the Indian Act band councils to step down and forego their obedience to their colonial masters, or be banished from our communities to live with their corporate puppeteers.
These well paid traitors and liars are helping our enemies try to tear us apart. Close them down! Let our people go! Our law provides that their voices and that of their children are never to be heard from again. As Chief Seattle said in 1896, “Man did not weave the web of life, is but a mere strand. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself”.
The real revolution is spirit evolution. To start it we must respect each other, other nations and all creation to bring peace and harmony to us and the world.
Canada controls our stolen funds. We won’t take up arms. Flash mobs can appear on highways, railways, rivers, canals, at the headquarters of the multinational corporations that steal our natural gas, oil, minerals, logging and creates infrastructures to rape our Mother.
As Karonhiaktajeh said, “People with fighting spirit shall not become casualties of psychological warfare”.
When the Men declare martial law in our communities, our traditional fire will be rekindled. The Great Law of Peace is our natural way. Not artificial like banks and corporations. We will be equal in voice and authority, to defend every member nation. Our Mother’s resources shall be shared fairly. The foreign corporation of Canada will be dissolved and everything will be returned to us.
The deplorable inhuman conditions in our communities will be removed. May the superior, dedicated and good minds come forward. If they don’t standup, who will? Our supporters will not be inconvenienced. We need you.
We will stand the tree back up for all to see, that true peace still exists here. There will be one more war on Great Turtle Island, the people against the bankers. No children will be bombed. The attack of the predator bankers will be repelled.
homelandOur Mother is pushing us to rise up. We defend and thank her. Harper, our death knell can never be sounded.
Jimi Hendrix predicted Earth changing times in the song, “Up from the Skies”: “So where do I purchase my ticket. I’d just like to have a ringside seat. I wanna know about the new Mother Earth. I want to hear and see everything. I want to hear and see everything. I want to hear and see everything. Yeah!”
MNN Mohawk Nation News kahentinetha2@yahoo.com For more news, books, workshops, to donate and sign up for MNN newsletters, go to www.mohawknationnews.com More stories at MNN Archives. Address: Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0

TODAY! Alaska Rally to Oppose Shell Drilling in Arctic

 
MEDIA ADVISORY
Alaska groups and Tribes Rally to oppose Shell drilling in the Arctic Dec. 31, 2012
12:00 pm noon Rally at the intersection of E. 36th & A street Anchorage, Alaska
Contact:
Carl Wassilie: 907- 382-3403 Alaska’s Big Village Network
Nikos Pastos: 907-764-2561 Center for Water Advocacy
Delice Calcote: 907-563-9334 Alaska Inter-Tribal Council
What:
12:00pm noon Rally at the intersection of E. 36th & A street Anchorage, Alaska
Rally to oppose Shell drilling in the Arctic
Alaska groups and Tribes urgently question Shell’s risky behavior in Alaska waters
U.S. laws require Federal Agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard to provide equal protection under of the law.
Real and persistent questions as to the Coast Guard’s availability of assets necessary to respond to non-tank vessel traffic incidents; and the adequacy of Shell's safety preparedness, emergency response and oil spill contingency ability in Arctic oil exploration activities in all Alaska waters.
See: Noble Discoverer safety violations and Kulluk drilling rig reckless drift .

December 30, 2012

Mohawks Tyendinaga Rail Blockade


Kanyen'kéhaka - Never Been Idle - We Support Idle No More

Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012

Tyendinaga Rail Blockade

Tyendinaga Mohawks launch temporary rail blockade on main line between Toronto, Montreal

The move forced CN to suspend all rail traffic along the line.
The blockade stranded about 2,000 passengers, said VIA Rail in a statement to media.
This was the same rail line, between Belleville, Ont., and Napanee, Ont., shut down in 2007 for almost 12 hours by the Mohawks as part of a planned national day of action.
“It’s not about you and it’s not about the Mohawks it’s about Chief Spence and everyone else dying,” said Tom Maracle, a Mohawk from Tyendinaga, at the blockade.
Maracle, however, issued a warning.
“This is peaceful. The next one won’t be,” he said.
A fire was keeping the blockaders warm. The blockade was launched at about 4 p.m. local time. OPP arrived on the scene at about 8 p.m. The blockade was expected to end sometime late Sunday evening.
CN spokesman Jim Feeny said CN had suspended all rail traffic until the blockade ended.
“This is the main line,” he said. “It is a heavily used line…We are hoping that the issue can be resolved and that traffic can be resumed as quickly as possible.”
kjackson@aptn.ca
@afixedaddress
jbarrera@aptn.ca
@JorgeBarrera


 

Chief Arvol Looking Horse support for Chief Spence and Protection of Mother Earth


By Chief Arvol Looking Horse
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com


As Keeper of our Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, I would like to send out support for the efforts of Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation, for giving of herself through fasting with prayers for the protection of Mother Earth.

Throughout history, there have been many Voices from different Nations trying to alert us of the prophecies that are now upon us. We are in a time of Great Urgency, especially since the animals have been showing their sacred color white to tell us we need to change the Path we are on.
...
The war in the Middle East over money, oil and power, in the name of Spirituality, has been affecting us for far too long. A Healing now needs to happen from that lesson. Those lessons now exist in those territories in the lack of animal and plant life, as well as the many orphans and childless parents.

Political decision makers throughout history have made decisions that have affected many People, lands and animal/plant life, the recent decision made to subject Mother Earth and take away any protection she had left, is a decision that affects all humanity.

This effort has to be understood the same light of our Peace work, which is “All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer”. This effort to protect Mother Earth is all Humanity’s responsibility, not just Aboriginal People. Every human being has had Ancestors in their lineage that understood their umbilical cord to the Earth, understanding the need to always protect and thank her. Therefore, all Humanity has to re-connect to their own Indigenous Roots of their lineage - to heal their connection and responsibility with Mother Earth and become a united voice.

In a Sacred Hoop Life, where there is no ending and no beginning!

Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe

Idle No More TORONTO Dec. 30, 2012


BREAKING NEWS! -CHECK OUT THE AERIAL VIEW FROM TORONTO TODAY! #Idle No More Round Dance Flash Mob Took Place at the Eaton Center Mall In Toronto Today supporting Chief Theresa Spence and First Nations. Watch archives from the livestream video, Idle No More at Eaton Centre, Toronto, Canada and http://civilianmedia.tv/
Courtesy of Jeremy -Civilian Media Dot TV  Photo by Derek @Occupy Canada
More Idle No More coverage by Censored News www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

Global Support for Idle No More Dec. 30, 2012


GUATEMALA
Message from the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (Guatemala) to Idle No More:

"We feel very deeply about what is happening in Canada to our brother native people. We condemn the pillaging of which they continue to be victims. We urge you to continue your acts of just resistance to defend Nature, our Mother Earth and Humanity, despite the ambition of governments and corporations to place their interests above the rights of the millenarian peoples.
We call on the (Canadian) government to respect the lives and territories of our brothers and sisters and to respond to their demands.
To resist is to defend the territories!
In solidarity: Comite Campesino del Altiplano CCDA.

Leocadio Juracan, General Coordinator, CCDA
Millenarianism (also millenarism) is the belief by a religious, social, or political group or movement in a coming major transformation of society, after which all things will be changed, based on a one-thousand-year cycle. The term is more generically used to refer to any belief centered around 1000-year intervals.  

Idle No More Courtenay BC

 

News for Idle No More YouTube

Syracuse- 2 days ago
The Globe and Mail
Idle No More Los Angeles - YouTubeDec 22, 2012 - Uploaded by DigitalNdnFootage from the "Idle No More" Rally held in front of the Canadian Embassy in Los ANgeles. TO stand in ...
Idle no more - YouTube
Idle No More - YouTube
Dec 19, 2012 - Uploaded by CBCTheNationalAdrienne Arsenault reports on a national First Nations protest movement that's building social media support ...
Fort William First Nation Idle No More Rally - YouTube
Idle No More, Kansas City 2 - YouTube
Oak Park mall on the Kansas side, Idle No More flash mob round dance. It was said to be ...
Idle No More - Round Dance Flash Mob at WEM in ... - YouTube
Dec 19, 2012 A round dance flash mob at West Edmonton Mall for Idle No More on December 18, 2012.
IDLE NO MORE PESSAMIT - YouTube
2 hours ago - Uploaded by WaubnasseThis is a video to provide Support for the Chief Spencer from the Community of Pessamit an Innu Nation - Idle ...
'Idle No More' - YouTube
Dec 22, 2012 - Uploaded by ctvvihttp://www.facebook.com/CTVVI http://www.ctvvancouverisland.ca VICTORIA -- The national Idle No More ...
#IDLE NO MORE @MALL OF AMERICA - YouTube


More videos for Idle No More YouTube »

 

VIDEO Minnesota Flash Mob Round Dance Dec. 29, 2012

 
 
Photo shared by AIM of Twin Cities & AIM Patrol of Minneapolis

Scroll down for two videos!
Mall of America on 12/29
Thousands of Native people coming together in solidarity for the people in Canada and Chief Th
eresa Spence
Video 2 Below
Flash Mob Round Dance Begins after Minute 30 (click on bar to move forward)
 

Video streaming by Ustream

Idle No More Denver Protest Canadian Consulate Dec 31, 2012



Chief Spence
KEEP THE PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA!

SUPPORT CHIEF THERESA SPENCE • SUPPORT “IDLE NO MORE”

Demand Justice for First Nations • Demand that Canadian Prime Minister Harper
Meet with Chief Spence and other First Nations Leaders• Repeal Canadian
Legislation C45, and all other anti-indigenous legislation!

PROTEST/ROUND DANCE @ THE CANADIAN
CONSULATE • 1625 BROADWAY (16TH STREET MALL@
BROADWAY), DENVER • MONDAY, DECEMBER 31,
2012 • 10:30 am • Bring drums, banners, signs
IDLE NO MORE Is a movement that was begun by four courageous women in Saskatchewan, Canada, in November, 2012, to combat vicious legislative attacks (especially Bill C45) on First Nation indigenous peoples by the government of Canada. Since that time, Idle No More has captured the imagination and attention of indigenous peoples and their allies, all over North America, and across the globe. Idle No More calls on all people to join in revolution that honors and fulfills Indigenous liberation, which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous peoples’ rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous decolonization, and to begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and nonIndigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create
solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and we encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit. Contact: http://idlenomore1.blogspot.com; www.idlenomore.com
CHIEF THERESA SPENCE To focus awareness on the broad range of issues that have been raised by "Idle No
More," Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation, on James Bay in northern Canada, began a hunger strike on December 11, demanding that Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper, and the Queen of England, meet with Spence and other First Nation leaders regarding current racist, antiindigenous legislation in Canada, and the spreading crises in indigenous territories. Now, over two weeks into her strike, Chief Spence is becoming increasingly weaker, and she needs our support. Her hunger strike is not a temporary, weekend fast, nor is it a publicity stunt. Chief Spence has vowed to remain on her hunger strike until the government of Canada responds, or until she dies. We cannot allow Canada's indifference to kill a caring and dedicated leader, demanding rights for her people, and for all people.
Contact: https://twitter.com/ChiefTheresa; http://www.facebook.com/pages/ChiefTheresaSpenceHungerStrikeLettersOfSupport/122241324605948

Flood the offices of Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper with emails, calls and faxes, in support of
Chief Spence and Idle No More. Harper’s Tel.: 6139924211; Fax: 6139416900; email: pm@pm.gc.ca
Labor and material for this flyer donated by American Indian Movement of Colorado
Flood the offices of Canadian Prime Minister Steven
Harper with emails, phone calls, faxes, and letters of support for Chief Theresa Spence and Idle No More.
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister Parliament Hill: Telephone: 613-992-4211 Fax: 613-941-6900
Department: Prime Minister of Canada, Langevin Building, 80 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A2 Telephone: 613-992-4211
Fax: 613-941-6900 E-Mail: pm@pm.gc.ca
Flood the offices of Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper with emails, phone calls, faxes, and letters of support for Chief Theresa Spence and Idle No More.
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister Parliament Hill:
Telephone: 613-992-4211 Fax: 613-941-6900 Department: Prime Minister of Canada
Langevin Building, 80 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A2, Telephone: 613-992-4211, Fax: 613-941-6900, E-Mail: pm@pm.gc.ca

Censored News Top Story 2012: Lakotas arrested blocking tarsands trucks


Censored News Top Story 2012: Reader favorite with most views this year
 

December 29, 2012

Chief Spence Day 19 Hunger Strike Call to Action


Mohawk Nation News: C-45 UN Agenda 21

MNN:  C-45 IS UN AGENDA 21 – THE CREATION OF ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT

By Mohawk Nation News
http://www.mohawknationnews.com
 
MNN.  28 Dec. 2012.  Prime Minister “Pudge” Harper faces the final dissolution of the corporation of Canada. He and his cabinet signed C-45 into law.  It’s an unconstitutional illegal corporate by-law to enhance UN Agenda 21 to set up a one world government.  To do this Canada has to take over all our land and resources through a hostile corporate take over.  UN Agenda 21 is forcing changes to our lives worldwide.  Harper has consulted mostly CEOs of banks, foreign oil companies and dictators. 
Canada is trying to control and threaten us, reduce protection of our communities and millions of our lakes and rivers.  Our communities can be leased through scam votes. The government can call a meeting of their band council and a few followers to vote to absolutely surrender our land.  This vote will be deemed to have been assented to by the entire community, even though the community was never consulted.  
agenda21All parks and selected lands will be UN protectorates.  The Niagara Escarpment is a world biosphere protectorate ceded to the UN.
Agenda 21 has laid out a depopulation plan called “sustainable development”, controlled by the UN and a one world government run by a small group of bankers.    
Sustainable human settlement development means they will go into poor Indigenous areas to take our resources to the elite in rich countries. We will be moved to densely populated areas to make our lands available. Our lands will become “wild lands’ where we will not be allowed to live or even traverse.  That is why our communities like Attawapiskat are not being developed. Band councils, special law enforcement and consensus structures are being designed to implement this fiendish scheme in our communities. 
The fire inside the Indigenous people, past, present and future, cannot be extinguished. We are facing Harper’s war machines that are mounting what he thinks is the ‘final solution’.  He is trying to take our rights, lives and possessions. Harper, you can keep your corporate artificial band councils and their followers.  The rest of us, you are going to answer directly to us!  
Their desperate corporate pyramid is coming apart.  They cannot save themselves by larceny, lying, attacking and threatening.  Their guns are turning on themselves.  Individualism is being replaced by collectivism, lies by truth, war by peace. 
We Kanionkehaka saw the conflict in 1990 and learned the lessons of war.  We stood up on the Guswentha [Two Row Wampum] and the Kaianerekowa [Great Law of Peace].  
We were never ashamed to resist when they tried coming into our homes with guns.  We didn’t stand there and turn the other cheek.  We did not run from the conflicts.  We ran to it, like to Kanehsatake when the Quebec police opened fire on the Mohawks. Our brothers and sisters came from everywhere to help us.  
apocalypto2-2Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat could die from hunger.  We must run to her, not away from her.  When we burn tobacco we embark on a journey, to practice, uphold and enforce the great law, the true order of the natural world. 
You hit us in the face.  We are running to the conflict as we are directed by the law of the land.  You better remember our faces and those who could not be here or are now gone.  We will proudly defend our Mother Earth. 
Harper, you better watch out! ACDC sang:  “Kicked in the teeth again.  Sometimes you lose.  Sometimes you win.  Kicked in the teeth again.  Ain’t this misery ever gonna end.  And I’ve been kicked in the teeth, kicked in the teeth, kicked in the teeth again”.  Harper, it’s a losing battle.  Make sure your dental plan is paid up.  
MNN Mohawk Nation News kahentinetha2@yahoo.com  For more news, books, workshops, to donate and sign up for MNN newsletters, go to www.mohawknationnews.com  More stories at MNN Archives.  Address:  Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0

December 28, 2012

Idle No More Photos Dec. 29, 2012



Navajo Nation Photo Shauna Leigh
Sacramento, Calif. Photo Steven Payan
Bismarck, North Dakota

/
Bismarck, North Dakota, Dec. 28/Photo Last Real Indians
 

Published on Dec 28, 2012
December 28th New York City Natives Gathered at Washington Square Park for a Peaceful Act of Solidarity, Unity and Hope with Natives the world over declaring and calling on all Natives to be Idle No More.
Speaker is Josephine WuTang Tarrant member of American Indian Community House Youth Council of NYC
Standing in solidarity with Chief Theresa Spence who has been on a Hunger Strike in Response to Stephen Harper not honoring her request for a meeting.. She has also requested the wife of Stephen Harper (Laureen Harper) to attend.
For more info. and to get involved visit:
Twitter: #IdleNoMore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdleNoMoreCommunity
Website: http://www.idlenomore.com/

AIM chapters and members from all over the United States and Canada are here in Minneapolis this weekend to support IDLE NO MORE at the Mall of America and to attend the On the Red Road New Years Celebration.

It's time to unite and show this community where AIM was founded. Show support for Chief Theresa Spence and our brothers and sisters of Canada.

Mii-gwech
Jason

Attawapiskat Chief Spence Statement, Day 17 Hunger Strike Dec. 28, 2012


Sandra Rambler 'Apache Elders mourn loss of spiritual leader Ola Cassadore Davis'

 
 
Apache Elders mourn loss of Spiritual Leader Ola Cassadore Davis
By Sandra Rambler
Censored News
 
 
            SAN CARLOS, Ariz. – Apache tribal elders in southeastern Arizona expressed the loss of a well known Apache spiritual leader, Ola Cassadore Davis, who entered the spirit world on Nov. 25 when she was 89 years old.
            With tears coming down her cheeks, 80 year-old, Gladys Longstreet Hinton, said in her native Apache language, “We are surely going to miss our friend and relative, Ola!  She was related to my late husband, Henry Hinton, Sr., and we come from families that are spiritual leaders within our communities.”
            “Her late brother, Philip Cassadore, was also a spiritual leader and Ola took on many responsibilities of her brother in helping protect our Apache traditional way of life.”
            “She had a wonderful spirit.  She was kind and she was very compassionate.  She always thought about other people, especially our Apache people here.”
            “She had a special gift and that was to bring people around her.  She had a beautiful personality and she was always nice, no matter what.  She participated in our traditional ceremonies and she always spoke up to protect our sovereign rights and especially to protect our culture and sacred sites.”
            “She always had a smile on her face, no matter what time of the day you saw her.  She always encouraged our youth to pray and ask our Creator to watch over all of us and for them to live to become elders.”
            “When I had my coming of age ceremony at the Men’s Club in Bylas, my late father, Jeff Longstreet, he was the head Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer, and he prayed for me.  He told me I would live to be an elder and today I am 80 years old and this is the kind of prayers that Ola had for our people, all of them, the young and the old.  Every day, all year round, our spiritual leaders, they are always in prayer and asking our Creator to watch over us.”
            “She was one tribal elder and spiritual leader that was not afraid to speak up when our inherent rights were violated.  She was very vocal and she made her point.  She was always standing up to the White People and reminding them that they took away a lot of our land and they were trying to make us like them.”
            “She was an avid fighter and we are going to miss her visiting us in our communities.  I appreciate all her help and her husband, Mike, who always stood by her side and helping with whatever he could to help our Apache people.”
            Chesley Wilson, Sr., spiritual leader, actor and artist within the Bylas community, added in his native Apache language, “I remember all the fights that Ola had when it came to protecting our sacred sites, especially at our holy Dzil Nchaa Sian, Mount Graham is what they call it.”
            “She had gatherings on top of our sacred mountain and we always were in prayer and we all prayed for the eternal existence of our Apache culture, our songs, our prayers, our language and for our people.”
            “I lived in Tucson for many years and that’s when I got to know Ola and her husband, Mike Davis, pretty good.  They were always ready to stand guard in protecting our Apache way of life.  She was always full of energy.  She could talk.  She could sing.  She could sure say strong words in protecting our Apache people.”
            “She was not afraid to speak up to the University of Arizona, who was the one that started the telescope project on top of our sacred mountain.  She was not afraid to speak against the Vatican because they are the ones that donated all kinds of money to build the telescopes on our sacred mountain.”
            “She will always be remembered for her commitment and true dedication to help our Apache people.  She was a kind woman and prayed for many people.  She will be greatly missed.”
            Shera Day, god-daughter of Ola Davis, pointed out, “I was so fortunate to have been a god-daughter to Ola.  She was a good example for me and she always encouraged me to finish school and get a career.  Like she did, I became a nurse and now I am helping children with respiratory care and it was because she set the path out for me to follow.”
            “I remember she came out with my god-father, Mike Davis, the day they came to Bylas after my family had given her with a stone and eagle feather and asked her to become my God-mother.  She stood there as our family presented her with gifts and she said she didn’t bring any gifts and she was surprised and said she didn’t bring any gifts to exchange.  But to me, that didn’t matter, because having Ola Cassadore Davis as my God-mother, was truly the greatest gift to me.”
            “I will miss her and her sweet ways.  When I was in Afghanistan, she told my mother that she was praying for me and that I would return safely from the U.S. Army and rejoin my family and to be sure and come and visit her.”
            “When I returned back to the United States and made my way back to our Apache reservation, I visited with her and Mike at their trailer in the Peridot District.  She cried and held me close to her heart and told me that she prayed and I could come home safely and to come and see her.”
            “She fought for the rights of all indigenous people, not just for Apaches.  She was a brave Apache woman.  She was not afraid at all.  She was loved by many people and she made many friends.  I looked at pictures of her.  She traveled through America and even to Europe in fighting for our rights as Apaches.  There was the one that I liked of her when she went before the National Congress of American Indians convention during the time when President Bill Clinton was first sworn into office in Washington, D.C.”
            “She spoke before the NCAI and she had them pass a resolution to stop the additional $10 million funding that the University of Arizona was trying to get to build more telescopes on top of Mount Graham.  Sure enough, after that resolution was passed, President Clinton did veto the bill.  She helped make history that day and she never gave up and these are the teachings that I am passing on to my children.”
            “She always showed respect to our tribal leaders and I know that she prayed for my uncle, Terry Rambler, who is the Tribal Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.  Just as our leaders tell us, she always stressed the importance of keeping our Apache culture alive by speaking it, singing it and praying for its survival.”
            “That was the kind of fighter my god-mother, Ola Cassadore Davis, was and I will always remember her and treasure the time that I had a chance to spend with her.  Thank you, God-Mother, may you rest in peace and my sincere condolences to the Cassadore and Davis families.  She brought a lot of pride, love and wisdom to us,” concluded Shera Day.
            Ola Cassadore Davis is survived by her husband, Mike Davis, two sons, 4 daughters, 14 grandchildren and one sister, Pansy Cassadore.
            “I want to say thank you to everyone that helped us during this time and for all the donations, songs and words that people expressed to us,” pointed out Pansy Cassadore.
            “Thank you to all the friends of the family that came like Sky Crosby and Roger Featherstone from Tucson,  Dr. Robin Silver from Flagstaff, Dr. Elizabeth Brandt from Phoenix, Keith Basso from Show Low, Lawyer Michael Nixon from Oregon, our Peridot District Council and former Tribal Chairman, Wendsler Nosie, Sr., and Terry Rambler, our present Tribal Chairman and many others.”
            “She was the last Chairperson of the Apache Survival Coalition and we will all miss my beloved sister, Ola,” concluded tribal elder, Pansy Cassadore.
            Ola Cassadore Davis was laid to rest on Dec. 1st, on her beloved San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in San Carlos, Arizona.