[IPSM] Underreported Struggles for May 2008

[willowtree at mts.net]

Greetings. Here's the latest monthly roundup of "underreported 
struggles." I hope you find it useful - Ahni


        Underreported Struggles for May, 2008

http://intercontinentalcry.org/underreported-struggles-for-may-2008/

A land reclamation in Colombia, an historic gathering Brazil, and two 
massive lawsuits filed by Indigenous Nations in Canada highlight this 
month’s roundup of Underreported Struggles. The Permanent People’s 
Tribunal (PPT) also tried more than 20 corporations in Peru; and to the 
surprise of many, the Ontario Court of Appeals unconditionally released 
Ardoch Algonquin Bob Lovelace and the six members of Kitchenuhmaykoosib 
Inninuwug (the KI6) after spending months in jail for defending their 
traditional lands against mining.

On the not-so-good side of things, armed Mexican marines and federal 
police confiscated 9 tons of gulf corvina from the Zapatista-backed 
Cucapa Peoples; in Panama, a group of paramilitaries attacked the site 
of a 7-month indigenous blockade (police responded by raiding their 
communities); in Australia, the government started pushing the so-called 
“intervention” onto indigenous people in Urban areas; and, finally, the 
government of Botswana decided to reaffirm how they couldn’t care less 
about the G’wi (but they sure love them tourists!)


        Underreported Struggles for May, 2008

Klamath River Tribes and Fishermen Declare Mission Accomplished 
<http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2008/05/klamath-disrupt-buffets-salmon-killing.html>
Klamath River Basin tribal leaders, native activists, and sport and 
commercial fishermen, and conservationists returned home to the West 
Coast after disrupting the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting. The 
group is demanding the removal of four Klamath River dams that kill 
salmon and create massive blooms of toxic algae. “We went to Omaha to 
send Warren Buffett and his executives a clear message that as long as 
there is no business as usual on the Klamath, there will be no business 
as usual for him, Mid American Energy, or PacifiCorp,” said Karuk 
Vice-Chair Leaf Hillman, after the shareholder meeting held May 1 –4.

*May 30*
Report back from ‘the Xingu Encounter’ 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/reportback-from-the-xingu-encounter/>
Thousands gathered in Altamira, Para-Brazil last week for the Xingu 
Forever Alive Encounter, an historic gathering of Indigenous Peoples and 
allies opposed to damming the Xingu River. The primary focus of the 
gathering, according to International Rivers, was on “the Belo Monte 
Dam, whose construction would result in the displacement of 500 
indigenous Brazilians, and 16,000 other people, create the need for the 
construction of four other dams to store water during the dry season and 
also destroy the natural resources upon which these local people survive.”

*May 29th*
Indigenous Groups Challenge Private Investment Decree 
<http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42578>
More than 5,000 indigenous and peasant communities in Peru launched a 
petition drive this week with the aim of getting President Alan García’s 
decree promoting private investment in communally owned land declared 
unconstitutional.

Free at Last! KI6 and Bob Lovelace Prevail In Court 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/free-at-last-ki6-and-bob-lovelace-prevail-in-court/>
Robert Lovelace of the Ardoch Algonquins and the group known as the KI6 
were unconditionally released by Ontario’s Court of Appeal yesterday. 
The overcrowded courtroom burst into applause when the judges read their 
decision. Since being released lovelace and the KI6 have both stated 
they fully intend to continue defending their lands, even if it means 
they’ll end up in jail once again…

*May 28th*
Paramilitaries Attack Indigenous Dam Resisters in Panama 
<http://www.rootforce.org/2008/05/28/paramilitaries-attack-indigenous-dam-resisters-in-panama/>
The site of a 7-month indigenous blockade in resistance to the 
construction of a new dam in the state of Bocas del Toro, Panama was 
attacked by gun-toting paramilitaries supported by Colombian electric 
firm Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EEPPM/EPM) on the night of May 18… 
Although local authorities have been notified of the incident and the 
potential for violence, to date police have only responded with raids 
into Naso communities

Letters needed to protect Mato Paha (Bear Butte) 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/letters-needed-to-protect-mato-paha-bear-butte/>
The Western Shoshone Defense Project (WSDP) has sent out an action alert 
warning of a renewed danger facing Mato Paha, a sacred place of prayer 
to over thirty Indigenous Nations across the Plains. On June 5th, the 
Meade County Commissioners will hold a hearing for a liquor license 
being sought by Target Logisitics for the “Broken Spoke Campground,” 
previously known as the Sturgis County Line. Your letters are needed 
(Before June 5) to help make sure the license is not approved.

*May 27th*
Australian Intervention Moving Towards Urban Areas 
<http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23763864-5013404,00.html>
The possibility of federal intervention into suburban Aboriginal 
communities was flagged yesterday by Environment Minister Peter Garrett. 
Mr Garrett said if it became clear “particular strategies” from the 
Northern Territory intervention had worked, they should be considered 
for other indigenous communities, including those in his own riding. See 
here for a related article
<http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23695735-29277,00.html>
Indigenous Nasa Repressed by Colombian State 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/indigenous-nasa-repressed-by-colombian-state/>
Last week, nearly 500 indigenous people claimed their right to land and 
demanded the Colombian State fulfill a set of promises made to the 
Indigenous Nasa community of Northern Cauca, for the States its role in 
the massacre of El Nilo. The Government quickly reacted to the 
reclamation by sending in the ESMAD, “the Colombian version of a ‘SWAT’ 
team.” At least 8 Nasa were seriously injured.

Mexico Confiscates Fish from the Cucapa 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/mexico-confiscates-fish-from-the-cucapa/>
Armed Mexican marines and federal police helped to confiscate 9 tons of 
gulf corvina from the Cucapa fishing community last weekend, reports 
Frontera NorteSur. Apparently, non-indigenous fisherman saw them 
catching the fish and told federal authorities, alleging they were 
violating a seasonal ban that started last week. It was later confirmed 
that the Cucapa were violating the ban. The fishing community, however, 
maintains their right to harvest the Corvina, also known as the 
weakfish, because they depend on it for subsistence.

*May 26th*
Grassy Narrows, Ontario government to negotiate pilot forestry project 
<http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417371>
A little over a week ago, the Province of Ontario signed a memorandum of 
understanding with Grassy Narrows First Nation, binding them to hold 
”good faith negotiations” to develop a short-term agreement that would 
include a pilot project integrating forestry with traditional uses in a 
site within the Whiskey Jack Forest. Years ago the Province gave 
AbitibiBowater Inc rights to log the forest, three-quarters of which is 
Grassy Narrows’ traditional territory…

*May 22nd*
South African Apartheid Victims Suing 50 Corporations 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/south-african-apartheid-victims-suing-50-corporations/>
The US Supreme Court affirmed a ruling on Monday that three class action 
lawsuits filed on behalf of South African apartheid victims can be tried 
in the American legal system. Combined, the lawsuits are seeking more 
than $400 billion from nearly 50 multinational companies for ‘allegedly’ 
aiding and abetting the South African military and security forces.

Racist Suppression at Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial 
<http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2008/05/mato-nunpa-arrests-and-genocide-at.html>
On Sunday, May 18, three indigenous People were arrested during a 
protest at Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial. Two of them are now in hospital 
after being beaten by the Police…Here you will find a message from Chris 
Mato Nunpa, father of one of the arrested, explaining what happened.

*May 20th*
Argentina: A Different Kind of Land Occupation 
<http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/1294/32/>
“This is going to be a different type of occupation,” say the people of 
Tierra y Libertad (Land and Freedom), a land occupation on the outskirts 
of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The name of their group gives an idea of 
what they intend. The occupation began on March 29th this year when 40 
families entered a small parcel of land in La Matanza and began setting 
up a community. Since then the occupation has grown to over 135 families 
and has continued to organize and resist eviction in the face of 
intimidation and violence…

Beaver Lake Identifies 16,000 infringements in Lawsuit 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/beaver-lake-identifies-16000-infringements-in-lawsuit/>
Aiming to stop the wholesale destruction of their traditional lands, the 
Beaver Lake Cree Nation has launched a massive lawsuit against the 
Federal and Alberta governments. Filed on May 14th, the suit identifies 
more than 16,000 infringements that are contributing to the destruction 
of the environment, the loss of traditional areas, and the decline in 
wildlife populations within their territory. These infringements are 
making it impossible for the Nation to exercise their Treaty Rights.

*May 19th*
European Companies Found Guilty By Permanent Tribunal 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/european-companies-found-guilty-by-permanent-tribunal/>
The Permanent People’s Tribunal (PPT) was gathered in Lima, Peru, from 
May 13 to 16, for its second session on European Transnational companies 
in Latin America. More than 20 companies were tried were for the 
environmental and human rights abuses. The final ruling of the tribunal 
declared them all: GUILTY.

*May 17th*
Canatuan Indigenous Leaders Call Announcement To Stop Gold Project A 
‘Cheap PR Stunt’ 
<http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20080517083444>
Calling the announcement of the Canadian–backed mining firm TVI Resource 
Development Philippines Incorporated that it has ended its $25–million 
Canatuan gold and silver project in Zamboanga del Norte as “cheap public 
relations stunt”, an indigenous leader said the mining firm “never stops 
telling us lies”.

*May 15th*
Lubicon Denied Standing at Pipeline Hearing 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/lubicon-denied-standing-at-pipeline-hearing/>
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) recently informed the Lubicon 
People that they will not be allowed to participate in the AUC’s hearing 
on TransCanada’s application to build a major gas pipeline… across 
unceded Lubicon land. To add insult to injury, the AUC says it’s the 
Lubicon’s own fault for not ‘properly’ answering their questions.

*May 14th*
Native band sues Ontario for $550-billion, saying mine sites belong to 
them 
<http://www.jatam.org/english/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=374&Itemid=42&PHPSESSID=8041a09f5fdc1415d34cfb5dab3841b2>
The Whitefish Lake First Nation is suing Ottawa and Ontario for 
$550-billion, claiming the dozens of mines that are once again operating 
in the Sudbury area, are on their Treaty Lands. “Describing the massive 
price tag as a conservative estimate, the band has filed a claim with 
the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, arguing that surveyors erred in 
1885, drawing up the reserve’s boundaries in a much more limited way 
than what was agreed to orally and in writing in the Robinson Huron 
Treaty 35 years prior.”

*May 11th*
Another uranium conflict brews in Ontario 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/another-uranium-conflict-brews-in-ontario/>
The Band Council of the Anishinabek at Serpent River issued the 
following Press Release on April 30, warning of yet another uranium 
conflict brewing in Ontario–that is to say, a conflict brought on by 
Ontario’s refusal to accept their constitutional obligations towards 
Indigenous Communities.

*May 9th*
Peru Will Not Exploit Uncontacted Peoples’ Lands 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/peru-backs-away-from-plan-to-exploit-uncontacted-peoples-lands/>
In a very suprising move, the government of Peru announced it will not 
auction off the reserve lands of uncontacted Tribal Peoples for oil 
exploration. The decision represents a U-turn for Perupetro, the state 
body responsible for negotiating exploration rights,” comments Survival 
International in a recent press release. “Perupetro spokespeople had 
previously suggested the uncontacted Indians did not exist, and that 
exploration in their reserves would be permitted.”

*May 5th*
Business as Usual: Selling Out the Sahrawis 
<http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20080505185401904>
Brave young Sahrawis took to the streets of El-Ayoune in the occupied 
Western Sahara to protest occupation by Morocco. As the Sahrawi in 
El-Ayoune were marching so were their brothers and sisters in France. 
More than 300 Saharawi workers participated in a rally in Paris to 
“reaffirm their will to continue the struggle for freedom and 
independence under the leadership of POLISARIO Front”, which will 
celebrate its 35th anniversary in May the 20. Sahara Watch meanwhile 
reports, “Peter Van Walsum, personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General 
to the festering, nearly 33-year-old conflict in Western Sahara, dropped 
the diplomatic equivalent of a nuclear bomb on international legality 
this week. The problem is, no one seemed to notice.”

*May 4th*
Hawiians occupy Iolani Palace 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/hawiians-occupy-iolani-palace/>
Around Seventy members and supporters from the “the Hawaiian Kingdom 
Government” occupied the grounds of Iolani Palace on Wednesday, saying 
the grounds are the property of the “Hawaiian Kingdom.” They locked all 
the gates and barred government workers and the public from entering the 
area. The action ended without incident on the same day, but then they 
returned the following day—only to leave and then once again return on 
Friday. The New York Times quoted the group’s leader as saying this is 
what they plan on doing every weekday from now on.

Cordillerans in Hong Kong Unite to Defend Ancestral Lands 
<http://www.cpaphils.org/campaigns/cd08%20in%20HK_15Mayl2008.htm>
The sound of gongs reverberated in Chater Road on May 4 as migrant 
workers from the Cordillera Administrative Region reaffirmed the defense 
of their land, life, livelihood and resources in celebration of 
Cordillera Day in Hong Kong. Organized by the Cordillera Alliance, the 
event focused on the issue of mining plunder and state terrorism in each 
of the six provinces in the region, namely Abra, Apayao, Benguet, 
Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

*May 3rd*
Achuar & Others Stage “Clean-Up” at Occidental Petroleum 
<http://www.tanasijournal.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=697&Itemid=304>
Indigenous leaders from the Peruvian Amazon and environmentalists today 
donned hazmat suits and staged a symbolic “clean-up operation” outside 
the global headquarters of Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) to urge the 
company to remediate a toxic disaster it created in the Peruvian Amazon 
rainforest. Oxy dumped nine billion barrels of toxic wastewater into 
virgin tropical rainforest belonging to the indigenous Achuar people 
when it drilled for oil in Peru from 1971 to 2000.

*May 1st*
Tourists in Botswana Get Water, but G’wi Do Not 
<http://www.peacefulsocieties.org/NAR08/080501gwi.html>
A travel company based in South Africa received permission on Friday 
from the government of Botswana to build a tourist lodge near a G’wi 
settlement in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). As part of the 
deal, the company has permission to sink numerous bore holes to provide 
water for the guests they expect to entertain. The Safari & Adventure 
Company, which also operates in Zambia and Namibia, will be taking 
significant amounts of water from the ground, even though the nearby San 
people are still denied the right by the government to use any water 
from the single borehole on their land.

Chixoy Dam (Genocide) Reparations Campaign Announced 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/chixoy-dam-reparations-campaign-announced/>
Courtesy of Rights Action, here’s a story discussing a reparations plan 
for Genocide survivors and Mayan-Achi people who were massacred and 
forcibly evicted from their communities in the 1970s and 1980s - to make 
way for the Inter-American Development Bank- and World Bank-funded 
Chixoy hydro-electric dam.

Stop Prestea Mine Expansion in Ghana 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/stop-prestea-mine-expansion-in-ghana/>
Oxfam has an ongoing letter campaign in support of indigenous 
communities that border near the Prestea Mine in Southwest Ghana. The 
US-based company Golden Star Resources recently announced a plan to 
expand the mine. The plan jeopardizes the communities, and explicitly 
denies their right to free, prior, and informed consent.


        Videos

Yankton Sioux: Oyate Duta Awa Yankapo 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/yankton-sioux-oyate-duta-awa-yankapo/>
Oyate Duta Awa Yankapo, or Protectors of the Red People, looks at the 
recent events surrounding the construction of an industrial hog farm 
that is completely surrounded by the Ihanktowan, or Yankton Sioux 
Nation. Since April 15th, 38 Ihanktowan peacefully blocking the 
construction have been arrested by state law enforcement officers acting 
outside of their jurisdiction on behalf of a company that is itself, 
acting illegally.

Dispatches: Undercover in Tibet 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/dispatches-undercover-in-tibet/>
Two weeks after China launched its full scale effort to suppress the 
Tibetan People, an effort that continues even now with almost daily 
arrests <http://www.tchrd.org/press/> of Tibetan Men and Women, Channel 
4’s Dispatches aired the report “Undercover in Tibet,” revealing ‘the 
hidden reality’ of Tibetan life under Chinese occupation. Here you can 
watch the full report.

The First People of Suriname 
<http://intercontinentalcry.org/the-first-people-of-suriname/>
In this video, you will hear Indigenous representatives from Suriname 
speaking about their centuries-old struggle for rights and for 
recognition by the government. The video was created for the 
Organization of Indigenous People in Suriname and taken to the United 
Nations Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), in April 2008.

/Underreported Struggles is a monthly roundup of the news and events 
compiled for intercontinentalcry.org <http://intercontinentalcry.org>. 
To view previous monthly reports, please visit 
http://intercontinentalcry.org/tags/underreported/