Early Thanks

Comments (0) By Hiya Swanhuyser Wednesday, Nov 18 2009

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"Giving thanks to the Creator for our continued resistance and survival" is a big part of the annual Indigenous People's Alcatraz Sunrise Gathering. For example, follow these clips: Feb. 24, 2006, the Las Vegas Sun: "A United Nations' antiracism panel said Friday that it could not yet consider an appeal by an American Indian tribe that the U.S. government stole its ancestral land because the United States has withheld requested information." March 10, 2006, UN report: "The Committee recommends to the State party [the U.S.] that it respect and protect the human rights of the Western Shoshone peoples, without discrimination based on race, color, or national or ethnic origin, in accordance with the Convention." March 7, 2008, UN recommendations report: "Under international law, the Rights recognized for Indigenous Peoples apply to all Indigenous Peoples, whether or not they are 'federally recognized' by the State." Indians for the win! The International Indian Treaty Council was a big part of indigenous Americans' weighing in on the UN's deliberations, so today, on the 40th anniversary of the Indian occupation of Alcatraz, we can see why it's time to give a few thanks. Enjoy Aztec and Pomo dancers and All Nations Drummers, and don't forget to take lots of pictures of the "Indians Welcome" graffiti out there. Ferries leave 4:45-6 a.m.
Thu., Nov. 26, 6 a.m., 2009