The vision for the We the People—Standing our Ground march

From the South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC),
9 May 1998

The WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH honors the following guiding principle:

WE THE PEOPLE WILL STAND OUR GROUND in support of the principle that the right to forever live the Native way of life, to govern ourselves, to determine our own destiny, and to maintain our cultural existence, are fundamental human rights. We shall secure and protect these rights, and transmit the blessings of our way of life, to our future generations.

THE PURPOSE OF THE WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH

To raise the consciousness of the people of Alaska, and of the Nation, to the fundamental right of Alaska Native peoples to determine their own destiny, to continue their subsistence way of life, and to live free from discrimination. In so doing the WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH will enlist the support of all people of good will in turning back a tide that threatens to cripple Native cultures, Native traditions, and the fundamental right of Native peoples to exist.

WHY A WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH

There is an increasingly intolerant climate in Juneau toward the legitimate aspirations of Alaska Native people and the villages of rural Alaska. Native communities simultaneously face attacks on their fundamental human rights to self-determination, to feed both family and spirit through subsistence, and to be free of discrimination. The WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH has been organized to bring attention across the State and throughout the Nation to the hostility confronting the Native community, to call upon all people of good will to demand an end to this campaign, and to encourage respect for the continued right of all Native peoples of Alaska to exist as self-governing communities in their own lands.

FACTS

WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE MARCH TAKE PLACE?

The March will begin on Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m. in Anchorage. The date of the March has been chosen to coincide with the Alaska Conference of Tribes scheduled May 5-7, 1998. The March will begin at the Alaska State Courthouse at Fourth Avenue and I Street, proceed to the Federal Courthouse at Seventh Avenue and C Street, and terminate at the Delaney Parkstrip Flagpole for an assembly and presentations from invited speakers.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED?

1. Tribal Self-Determination and Respect for Tribal Governments

The recent United States Supreme Court ruling on village Indian country demands a renewed call for constructive dialogue between Tribes, the State and the Congress. Essential to that dialogue is an abandonment of intolerance and a mutual respect for the proper roles of Tribal governments in Native communities.

The WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH calls for full recognition and respect for the integrity and legitimacy of Alaska tribal governments.

2. Preservation of Subsistence Hunting and Fishing

The Alaska Legislative Majority continues to seek the final extinguishment of our fundamental right to survive as Native people by extinguishing our right to forever hunt and fish our ancestral lands according to our own customs, traditions and values. The WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH calls for full recognition of our inherent hunting and fishing rights and a rejection of all initiatives that would extinguish those rights.

3. The State Assault on Bush Alaska

Over the past year-

The government of the State of Alaska has appropriated one million dollars in an effort to destroy Native village governments through the Venetie litigation, an effort pursued jointly by the Legislature and the Governor.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has diverted excess Venetie litigation funds in an effort to destroy our remaining hunting and fishing rights through new litigation.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has refused to place on the ballot a constitutional amendment that would facilitate the preservation of our hunting and fishing rights.

The Governor of the State of Alaska has promoted an agenda to address subsistence hunting and fishing rights through a Task Force that failed to include Native village representation, and without regard to the will of the Alaska Native Subsistence Summit. As a direct result of that effort, federal law was amended to substantially weaken subsistence hunting and fishing protections that Alaska Native tribes depend upon.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has endeavored to deprive Native villages of essential funds necessary to educate village children.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has sought to replace Tribal governments with state-chartered governments.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has threatened to create a Legislature-controlled statewide borough to govern our villages, and to impose new taxes upon our subsistence communities.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has sought to impose an English only mandate on our Native children.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has delayed funding essential to assist our Western Alaska villages devastated by the 1997 fisheries disaster.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has threatened all Alaska Native regional and village corporations that have been financially successful.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has pursued a conscious and deliberate effort to destroy our communities by cutting off essential governmental services and associated funding.

The Alaska Legislative Majority has resisted appropriating matching funds necessary to support Federal clean water, sewer and roads projects that benefit village Alaska.

The government of the State of Alaska employs only 3% Alaska Natives in its workforce, although Alaska Natives comprise 17% of the State's population.

The government of the State of Alaska has a prison population over 35% Alaska Native, although Alaska Natives comprise only 17% of the State's population.

The WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH demands that the Alaska Legislative Majority STOP its hateful legislative assault on the Native communities of Alaska, that the Governor and the Legislature bring Alaska Tribes into the review and development of all current and future State initiatives impacting the Alaska Native community, and that the government of the State of Alaska cease those racially discriminatory practices that have led to disproportionate underemployment and over-incarceration of Alaska Natives. Limited examples of effective state-tribal relations exist in such areas as law enforcement and child welfare; leaders of good will must build upon these models to assure a secure foundation for effective inter-governmental affairs through the coming new century.

WHO SUPPORTS THE WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH?

A list of endorsements (along with additional information) is available at 276-0680 from Geri Simon, Planning Director for the WE THE PEOPLE—ALASKA TRIBES—STANDING OUR GROUND MARCH.

WE THE PEOPLE Planning Committee 310 K Street, Suite 708 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 (907) 276-0680 fax (907) 276-2466

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR WEEK OF MAY 3, 1998

Sunday, May 3 Work Party - NARF office 2:00-4:00 p.m. Making signs

Monday, May 4 Caravan from Fairbanks arriving 4:00 p.m. (Approx.)

Tuesday, May 5 Alaska Conference of Tribes 9am-5:00p.m. @ Capt Cook

The Land is Ours film 7:00-8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public @ Capt. Cook Hotel - Endeavor Room

Wednesday, May 6 Alaska Conference of Tribes 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. @ Capt Cook

Marshal Training - DOJ 6:00-8:00 p.m. @ Capt. Cook Hotel - Endeavor Room

Thursday, May 7 Alaska Conference of Tribes 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. @ Capt Cook

WE THE PEOPLE - ALASKA TRIBES - STANDING OUR GROUND March 3:00 p.m.

Meet in front of the Alaska Courthouse, 4th and I Streets. Be there early (about 2:30 - 2:45 p.m.)

PARTIAL ENDORSEMENT LIST TO DATE: May 1, 1998

Alaska Inter-Tribal Council
Agdaagux Tribal Council
Native Village of Akhiok
Akiachak Native Community
Akiak IRA Council
Akutan Traditional Council
Alakanuk Traditional Council
Alatna Traditional Council
Aleut Community of St. Paul
Aleknagik Traditional Council
Algaaciq Tribal Govt
Allakaket Traditional Council
Native Village of Ambler
Angoon Community Association
Native Village of Aniak
Anvik Traditional Council
Asa'carsarmuit Tribal Council
Atka IRA Council
Atmautluak Traditional Council
Arctic Village Traditional Council
Native Village of Barrow
Beaver Traditional Council
Native Village of Belkofski
Orutsaramuit Native Council (Bethel)
Bill Moore's Slough Elder's Council
Denduu Gwich'in Tribal Council
Native Village of Brevig Mission
Native Village of Buckland
CantwellVillage Council
Canyon Traditional Council
Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indians
Chalkyitsik Traditional Council
Chefornak Traditional Council
Chenega IRA Council
Chevak Native Village
Native Village of Chignik Bay
Govt Katalla Chilkat Tlingit
Chilkoot Indian Association (Haines)
Chinik Eskimo Community (Golovin)
Chistochina Village Council
Native Village of Chuathaluk
Circle Traditional Council
Clark's Point Village Council
Craig Commuity Association IRA
Curyung Tribal Council
Deering IRA Council
Native Village of Dillingham
Dot Lake Traditional Council
Douglas Indian Association
Eagle Traditional Council
Eek Traditional Council
Egegik Village Tribe
Native Village of Eklutna
Ekwok Village Council
Native Village of Elim IRA
Emmonak Tribal Council
Evansville Traditional Council
Native Village of Eyak
Native Village of False Pass
Fort Yukon IRA Council
Native Village of Gakona
Native Village of Gambell IRA
Grayling IRA Council
Healy Lake Traditional Council
Holy Cross Traditional Council
Hoonah Indian Association
Hughes Traditional Council
Huslia Traditional Council
Hydaburg Cooperative Association
Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope
Iqurmuit (Russian Mission)
Organized Village of Kake
Native Village of Kalskag
Kaltag Traditional Council
Kanatak Tribal Council
Karluk IRA Tribal Council
Organized Village of Kasaan IRA
Kasigluk Traditional Council
Kenaitze Indian Tribe IRA
Ketchikan Indian Corporation
Native Village of Kiana
King Island Native Community
Native Village of Kipnuk
Kivalina IRA Council
Klawock Cooperative Association
Native Village of Kluti-Kaah
Kobuk Traditional Council
Kodiak Tribal Council
Kongiganak Traditional Council
Kotlik Traditional Council
Native Village of Kotzebue IRA
Native Village of Koyuk IRA
Koyukuk Traditional Council
Organized Village of Kwethluk
Native Village of Kwigillingok
Native Village of Kwinhagak
Lake Minchumina Traditional Council
Larsen Bay Tribal Council
Lime Village
Louden Traditional Council (Galena)
Manakotak Village Council
Manley Traditional Council
Marshall Traditional Council
Mary's Igloo Traditional Council
McGrath Traditional Council
Native Village of Mekoryuk/IRA
Mentasta Lake Village
Minto Traditional Council
Naknek Native Village
Native Village of Nanwalek
Napakiak IRA Council
Native Village of Venetie Tribal Gov't
Nelson Lagoon Village Tribal Council
Nenana Traditional Council
New Stuyahok Traditional Council
Newhalen Traditional Council
Edzeno Native Council (Nikolai)
Ninilchik Traditional Council
Noatak Village Council
Nondalton Tribal Council
Noorvik Native Community
Northway Traditional Council
Nulato Traditional Council
Nunapitchuk Native Village
Old Harbor Tribal Council
Ouzinkie Tribal Council
Native Village of Paimuit
Pedro Bay Village Council
Petersburg Indian Association
Pilot Point Traditional Council
Pilot Station Traditional Council
Pitka's Point Village Council
Platinum Traditional Village
Port Graham Traditional Council
Native Village of Port Lions
Qagun Tayagunnigin Tribe
Qawalangin Tribe
Qutekcak Native Tribe (Seward)
Rampart Traditional Council
Red Devil Traditional Council
Ruby Traditional Council
Native Village of Savoonga
Native Village of Saxman
Scammon Bay Traditional Council
Native Village of Selawik
Seldovia Village Tribe
Shaktoolik Native Village
Shageluk IRA Council
Native Village of Sheldon's Point (nunam Iqua Tribal Council)
Native Village of Shishmaref
Shungnak IRA Council
Sitka Tribe of Alaska
Solomon Traditional Council
South Naknek Village Council
St. George Traditional Council
Native Village of St. Michael
Stebbins Community Association
Stevens Village IRA Council
Takotna Traditional Council
Tanacross IRA Council
Tanana IRA Council
Tatitlek IRA Council
Telida Native Village Council
Teller Traditional Council
Tetlin IRA Council
Traditional Council of Togiak
Tok Native Association
Toksook Bay Traditional Council
Tuluksak Native Community
Tuntutuliak Traditional Council
Native Village of Tununak
Twin Hills Village Council
Ugashik Tribal Council
Native Village of Unalakleet
Unga Tribal Council
Valdez Native Tribe
Venetie Traditional Council
White Mountain IRA Tribal Council
Wrangell Cooperative Association
Yakutat Tlingit Tribe
Yupiit of Andreafski
Ahtna Incorporated
Alaska Association of Natives
Alaska Center for the Environment
Alaska Christian Conference
Alaska Conservation Alliance
Alaska Civil Liberties Union
Alaska Community Action on Toxics
Alaska Federation of Natives
Alaska Friends of the Earth
Alaska Native Brotherhood, Kenai Camp 97
Alaska Native Brotherhood, Juneau Camp 2
Alaska Native Health Board
Alaska Native Sisterhood, Anch. Camp 72
Alaska Native Sisterhood, Juneau Camp 2
Alaska Peninsula Corporation
Anchorage Latinos Lions
Anchorage Press
Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Anchorage Urban League
Arctic Network
Association of Village Council Presidents
Best Storage
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation
Bristol Bay Native Association
Bristol Bay Native Corporation
Bristol Bay Housing Authority
Case, David S.
CEAAC (Citizens for the Educational
Advancement of Alaska's Children)
Chickaloon Village Traditional Council
Chugach Alaska Corporation
Chugach Heritage Foundation
Chugach Regional Resources Commission
Chugachmiut
Cook Inlet Keeper
Davidson, Art and Anna
Doyon, Limited
EQUAL of Anchorage
First House of Thlinadi Skakan Kwaai
Genet, Taras
Native Village of Goodnews Bay Trad'l Village Council
Greenpeace
Haida Nation
Heartbeat Alaska
Hispanic Organized Leaders of Alaska (HOLA)
Honor The Earth of Minnesota
Indigenous Womens Network
International Council of Community Churches
International Indian Treaty Council
Inuit Circumpolar Conference
Ivanof Bay Village Council
Jackson, Genevieve Chairwoman Navajo Nation
Jordan, Darryl
Keepers of the Treasures of Alaska
King Salmon Traditional Village Council
Klukwan, Incorporated
Native Village of Kuiggayagaq
Kodiak Area Native Association
Kokhanok Village Council
K'oyitl'ots'ina, Limited (Allakaket, Alatna, Hughes, and Huslia)
Kuiu Thling-git Nation of Alaska
Laborers Union Local 942 (Fairbanks)
La Raza de Alaska
Lummi Nation of Washington State
Manokotak Natives Limited
Mason, Rona
Mat-Su Native Community Fellowship
Milford, Elmer L. - Navajo Nation Delegate
Morning Star Singers and Dancers
Mose, Julia - Navajo Nation Crystal Chap.
Naa Luudisk Gwaii Yatx'i
NANA Regional Corporation
Navajo Nation Council of Arizona
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
National Congress of American Indians
Native American Alaska Native Coalition of Federal Aviation Admin.
Employees
Native American Rights Fund
Native Student Council of U.A.A.
Northwest Arctic Borough
Peninsula Airways, Inc.
Native Village of Perryville
Native Council of Port Heiden
Pribilof Islands Stewardship Prog. - St. Paul
Representative Ethan Berkowitz
Representative Ivan M. Ivan
Representative Irene Nicholia
Rural Student Services of U.A.F.
Savoonga Native Corporation
Senator Al Adams
Senator Jim Duncan
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Georgianna Lincoln
Shee Atika, Incorporated
Side Street Cafe
Sivuqaq Incorporated
Sonosky Chambers Sachse Miller and Munson
Snow City Cafe
St. Herman's Theological Seminary
Tanadgusix Corporation
Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc.

Alice Aguilar
Membership Director/Volunteer Coordinator
Alaska Center for the Environment
519 West 8th Avenue, #201
Anchorage, Alaska 99501

tel (907) 274-3621 or 3650
fax (907) 274-8733