Airport Authority turns back on community’s questions
Thursday, 11 June 2009
By D. Linsey Wisdom
News Editor
Members of the public have questions they want answers to, but according to Airport Authority Attorney Joe Collins, those questions will remain unanswered.
On the request of authority chairman Milles Gregory, residents submitted written questions regarding the Macon County Airport expansion and future development. Letters were answered with little result.
“It is my opinion,” wrote Collins, “that neither Chairman Gregory nor any member of the Airport Authority are obligated to respond to your questionnaire, and I have advised them accordingly.”
The letter was sent to a representative from two groups, Olga Pader with Save Iotla Valley Citizens Group and Sharon Kitchens with Save the Sacred Sites. The two organizations are not related. Each group, however, submitted separate lists of questions to the authority last month.
The Save Iotla Valley questions indicated they were responding to the authority’s request to submit all questions in writing. Six community members submitted questions with each person asking four to eight questions.
Collins said in all, just from Save Iotla Valley, there were about 50 questions.
“Some are questions. Some are statements of opinion. Some would require extensive research, engineering and hard work that those asking the question could answer just as well,” Collins said on Friday.
He said all resources are available to residents, like the 400-page environmental assessment which addresses issues like need for the airport and size of plane that is currently using the airport and will use the airport in the future.
Some questions are straightforward. “Who really owns the airport? Provide legal proof,” writes Jess Meadows. Others are more in depth: “How will increased noise pollution affect all of North Macon County and residents?” asked Debby Boots.
Pader, who lives close to the airport and has become the unofficial point person for Save Iotla Valley, said she feels like it is a “slap in the face” that the airport authority refused to answer questions.
“I find the whole situation frustrating and disheartening. What has become very clear is the people who live in Iotla Valley are being ignored,” she said.
She said the authority argues that this plan has been in process for the last 10 years.
“That being the case, these questions should already be answered,” Pader said.
Fleming Bell with the North Carolina School of Government says the authority is acting within the confines of the law.
“I think that attendees are entitled to ask questions during a public comment period or a public hearing, but there is no requirement that board members respond to those questions, either at the meeting or at some later time,” Bell said.
He said that public comment periods are only required as the law dictates, which is once a month at city council, school board and county commission meetings only.
Boards can impose time limits or adopt other rules in regards to public hearing and public comment periods.
“If public comment is being received, the board must be careful to allow all viewpoints to be heard. In my opinion, criticism of the board itself must also be allowed,” Bell said. “These rules stem from the fact that public comment periods and public hearings constitute limited public forums under First Amendment law.”
Collins said the authority was trying to be accommodating, but Gregory was simply overwhelmed by the number of responses received to the statement “submit your questions in writing.”
“It was suggested to Milles that, if these questions were written down, they would be more manageable,” Collins said. Meetings this spring have been well attended and many residents were seeking answers to questions during the public comment period.
When the letters were submitted, said Collins, Gregory was overwhelmed and brought the information to the attorney’s attention.
“As an attorney, I saw this was an unreasonable request of them. These people are volunteers. And I don’t think it would have satisfied those asking the questions,” Collins said. “It would open the door for interpretation of our answers. I just didn’t see the benefit to begin a process like that. It would be never ending.”
Collins said he advised Gregory against answering the questions individually.
“A well developed, complete response would require many manhours of work by many people. Some responses could be made by the members of the authority while other responses would require the assistance of others, including industry experts,” Collins explains in his letter. Those experts would cost money.
The offer was made to answer questions in writing because a number of people were very upset to learn of the project nearing the end of its completion. But in truth, the project is too far along to start over from the beginning.
“What we really want to know is where this is leading,” Pader said. She said there is talk in the community of future expansion, widening Airport Road and widening Iotla Road.
“We are the people living in this community. We have a right to know. We have a right to receive answers. They are beholdened to us, not the other way around,” she said.
Dolly Reed, a native Cherokee and area resident, said she doesn’t understand the attorney’s response.
“I couldn’t see why they couldn’t answer any of the questions,” she said. “When a child asks you a question, you answer ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or ‘maybe later.’” If the authority didn’t have answers readily available, or were asked too many questions at once, they should have said, “Maybe later.”
Gregory said on Tuesday he understood that people were upset.
“I take the blame for that,” Gregory said. “I had no idea when I opened that door just what the response would be.”
The authority states it followed the law. It posted notices of meetings as required. A formal public hearing was held.
Reed agreed that the board may have followed the letter of the law, but posting public notices when people aren’t expecting to look for them is an unrealistic solution.
“If you’re not really looking for it, you’re going to miss it,” she said.
Macon County Commissioner Bobby Kuppers acts as a liaison between the authority and the county commission. He has served in this role for the last six months.
“I hesitate to make any comment on this letter. It is a decision reached between the authority and its attorney,” he said. Kuppers is not a voting authority member and did not observe any discussion regarding the action.
“I can speak as a commissioner and say that in a commission meeting, the time to really raise the issues is during the public hearing,” he said. “I know during public comments, sometimes people don’t get the floor as long as they would like, but on the flip side of the coin, it’s really just a business meeting.”
He reiterated the fact that those serving on the authority were just volunteers.
“And at the end of the day, they’re your neighbors,” he said.
From what he has observed in the last six months, Kuppers said he has seen people become very interested in what the airport expansion is doing right now. But a lot of background work and public discussion took place before reaching this point.
“I respect their opinion, I really do. But this shows why it is so important for people to get involved early on. When you get in too late, you can’t be as effective,” he said.
Community members came before the board of commissioners to express their concerns earlier this year. The county has heard the concerns but taken no action and has failed to answer citizens’ concerns.
“People are welcome to come before the commissioners at anytime, but I don’t know that it will bring resolution to this situation,” Kuppers said.
Gregory also said he did not know how to come to a truce. The vocal groups right now are just against the project, he said.
“I don’t see resolution from their point of view. But, the majority of the people I have spoken with are for the project. This has been ongoing for 10 years.”
He said as far as future expansion, lots of things have been discussed over the last decade. There is a desire to build more hangars on the site. As for road projects, there was talk at one time, but he did not think that funding was available at this point.
Reed said now may be the time to become more organized as a community. She said she would like to see more effort made to keep residents informed of projects in those “early stages.”
Commissioners are now making visits to community clubs and that would be one communication tool which could help prevent problems like this in the future. A small public notice or posting information in the courthouse just doesn’t reach the people effectively.
“We’re not going to give up,” Pader said. “This is our community; we have a right to know.”
http://www.maconnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4878&Itemid=34
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Federal Agents Bust Ring of Antiquity Thieves Looting American Indian Sites for Priceless Treasures
Date: June 10, 2009
Contact: Frank Quimby, (202) 208-6416
Nedra Darling, 202-2194150
Federal Agents Bust Ring of Antiquity Thieves Looting American Indian Sites for Priceless Treasures
Largest Ever Undercover Operation Nabs Diggers, Dealers and Collectors Operating in Four Corners Region
SALT LAKE CITY – An unprecedented two-year undercover operation led by agents from Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the FBI today began rounding up what prosecutors call a ring of archeological grave robbers who looted pristine sites in the Southwest, desecrated ancient American Indian burials and stole priceless artifacts, selling them to dealers and collectors who were associated with the network.
In the nation’s largest investigation of archaeological and cultural artifact thefts, law officers from BLM, FBI, and U.S. Marshals, joined by local and state law enforcement partners, began arresting 23 individuals and executing a dozen search warrants in four states. The defendents, from Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado, were named in 12 indictments handed down by a Salt Lake City grand jury for multiple violations of federal law. Federal agents have identified more than 250 artifacts stolen by the ring, with an estimate value exceeding $335,000, including decorated Anasazi pottery, burial and ceremonial masks, a buffalo headdress, and ancient sandals known to be associated with Native American burials.
“Let this case serve notice to anyone who is considering breaking these laws and trampling our nation’s cultural heritage that the BLM, the Department of Justice, and the federal government will track you down and bring you to justice,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “As these alleged criminals are prosecuted and as federal agents continue to hunt down wrong doers, BLM cultural resources staff will work to ensure the proper recovery, identification, repatriation, and storage of the artifacts that have been confiscated.
“Looters robbing tribal communities of their cultural patrimony is a major law enforcement issue for federal agencies enforcing historic preservation laws in Indian Country,” said Interior Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk. "Today's action should give American Indians and Alaska Natives assurance that the Obama Administration is serious about preserving and protecting their cultural property."
The indictments were announced by Secretary Salazar; Assistant Secretary EchoHawk; Deputy Attorney General David Ogden of the U.S. Department of Justice; Brett L. Tolman, U.S Attorney in Utah; and Timothy J. Fuhrman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. The ring is charged with multiple counts of violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act as well as theft of government property, depredation of government property, and theft of Indian tribal property.
The Four Corners region, rich in archaeological resources, contains priceless and sacred artifacts of vital importance to Southwest American Indian communities, as well as of cultural and historical interest to scientists and academic scholars. The looting of the archeological sites also means the permanent loss of significant amounts of archeological, cultural and historical information because the artifacts can not now be identified in their in-situ context.
“These archaeological treasures are precious and protecting them preserves a rich history and heritage,” said Deputy Attorney General Ogden. “That is why the Justice Department will use all of its tools to vigorously enforce the laws designed to safeguard the cultural heritage of Native Americans. Recommitting resources and focus to criminal justice in Indian Country is of paramount importance to the Justice Department.”
Ogden said the Department of justice is conducting a training initiative with the Interior Department for federal prosecutors and law enforcement personnel on looting, vandalism, and illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, and the Department plans to reach out to Indian Country leaders in the near future to engage in consultation on these issues.
“These treasures are the heritage of all Americans, and some of the objects are sacred to American Indians,” said U.S. Attorney Tolman. “Those who loot or damage public and American Indian resources for their own personal use or gain take something from all of us. Those engaged in this kind of conduct will be prosecuted,” Tolman said.
“The FBI has taken this matter seriously and spent a significant amount of personnel and financial resources in exposing this network of individuals illegally trafficking in these items,” Said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuhrman. “The FBI remains committed to devoting all necessary resources to address this problem.”
A list of defendants is included as an attachment to this press release. The defendants were scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel Alba at the Grand County Courthouse in Moab later today. Defendants charged in federal indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act prohibits the unauthorized excavation and removal of archaeological resources on federal lands as well as the unlawful sale, purchase, or exchange of such resources. Under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, any Native American human remains, funerary objects, objects of cultural patrimony and sacred objects must be repatriated to Indian tribes.
The BLM will consult with tribes to determine cultural affiliation and to facilitate repatriation Of the stolen artifacts. For objects not subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the BLM will work with museums to stabilize, identify, and preserve them under the provisions of Archaeological Resources Protection Act and make them available for scientific research and public education.
U.S. Department of Justice
Brett L. Tolman
United States Attorney
District of Utah
Defendants in ARPA/NAGPRA cases
1. Loran St. Clair, Age 47, Monticello, UT
2. Rulon Kody Sommerville, Age 47, Monticello, UT
3. Kevin W. Shumway, Age 55, Blanding, UT
4. Sharon Evette Shumway, Age 41, Blanding, UT
5. David A. Lacy, Age 55, Blanding, UT
6. Aubry Patterson, Age 55, Blanding, UT
7. Dale J. Lyman, Age 73, Blanding, UT
8. Jeanne Redd, Age 59, Blanding, UT
9. James D. Redd, Age 60, Blanding, UT
10. Raymond J. Lyman, Age 70, Blanding, UT
11. Vern Crites, Age 74, Durango, CO
12. Marie Crites, Age 68, Durango, CO
13. Steven Shrader, Durango, CO
14. Tammy Shumway, Age 39, Blanding, UT
15. Joseph Smith, Age 31, Blanding, UT
16. Meredith Smith, Age 34, Blanding, UT
17. Harold Lyman, Age 78, Blanding, UT
18. Reese Laws, Age 27, Blanding, UT
19. Nick Laws, Age 30, Blanding, UT
20. Brandon Laws, Age 38, Blanding, UT
21. Tad Kreth, Age 30, Blanding, UT
22. Brent Bullock, Age 61, Moab, UT
23. Richard Bourret
http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/061009a.html
Contact: Frank Quimby, (202) 208-6416
Nedra Darling, 202-2194150
Federal Agents Bust Ring of Antiquity Thieves Looting American Indian Sites for Priceless Treasures
Largest Ever Undercover Operation Nabs Diggers, Dealers and Collectors Operating in Four Corners Region
SALT LAKE CITY – An unprecedented two-year undercover operation led by agents from Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the FBI today began rounding up what prosecutors call a ring of archeological grave robbers who looted pristine sites in the Southwest, desecrated ancient American Indian burials and stole priceless artifacts, selling them to dealers and collectors who were associated with the network.
In the nation’s largest investigation of archaeological and cultural artifact thefts, law officers from BLM, FBI, and U.S. Marshals, joined by local and state law enforcement partners, began arresting 23 individuals and executing a dozen search warrants in four states. The defendents, from Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado, were named in 12 indictments handed down by a Salt Lake City grand jury for multiple violations of federal law. Federal agents have identified more than 250 artifacts stolen by the ring, with an estimate value exceeding $335,000, including decorated Anasazi pottery, burial and ceremonial masks, a buffalo headdress, and ancient sandals known to be associated with Native American burials.
“Let this case serve notice to anyone who is considering breaking these laws and trampling our nation’s cultural heritage that the BLM, the Department of Justice, and the federal government will track you down and bring you to justice,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “As these alleged criminals are prosecuted and as federal agents continue to hunt down wrong doers, BLM cultural resources staff will work to ensure the proper recovery, identification, repatriation, and storage of the artifacts that have been confiscated.
“Looters robbing tribal communities of their cultural patrimony is a major law enforcement issue for federal agencies enforcing historic preservation laws in Indian Country,” said Interior Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk. "Today's action should give American Indians and Alaska Natives assurance that the Obama Administration is serious about preserving and protecting their cultural property."
The indictments were announced by Secretary Salazar; Assistant Secretary EchoHawk; Deputy Attorney General David Ogden of the U.S. Department of Justice; Brett L. Tolman, U.S Attorney in Utah; and Timothy J. Fuhrman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. The ring is charged with multiple counts of violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act as well as theft of government property, depredation of government property, and theft of Indian tribal property.
The Four Corners region, rich in archaeological resources, contains priceless and sacred artifacts of vital importance to Southwest American Indian communities, as well as of cultural and historical interest to scientists and academic scholars. The looting of the archeological sites also means the permanent loss of significant amounts of archeological, cultural and historical information because the artifacts can not now be identified in their in-situ context.
“These archaeological treasures are precious and protecting them preserves a rich history and heritage,” said Deputy Attorney General Ogden. “That is why the Justice Department will use all of its tools to vigorously enforce the laws designed to safeguard the cultural heritage of Native Americans. Recommitting resources and focus to criminal justice in Indian Country is of paramount importance to the Justice Department.”
Ogden said the Department of justice is conducting a training initiative with the Interior Department for federal prosecutors and law enforcement personnel on looting, vandalism, and illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, and the Department plans to reach out to Indian Country leaders in the near future to engage in consultation on these issues.
“These treasures are the heritage of all Americans, and some of the objects are sacred to American Indians,” said U.S. Attorney Tolman. “Those who loot or damage public and American Indian resources for their own personal use or gain take something from all of us. Those engaged in this kind of conduct will be prosecuted,” Tolman said.
“The FBI has taken this matter seriously and spent a significant amount of personnel and financial resources in exposing this network of individuals illegally trafficking in these items,” Said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuhrman. “The FBI remains committed to devoting all necessary resources to address this problem.”
A list of defendants is included as an attachment to this press release. The defendants were scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel Alba at the Grand County Courthouse in Moab later today. Defendants charged in federal indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act prohibits the unauthorized excavation and removal of archaeological resources on federal lands as well as the unlawful sale, purchase, or exchange of such resources. Under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, any Native American human remains, funerary objects, objects of cultural patrimony and sacred objects must be repatriated to Indian tribes.
The BLM will consult with tribes to determine cultural affiliation and to facilitate repatriation Of the stolen artifacts. For objects not subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the BLM will work with museums to stabilize, identify, and preserve them under the provisions of Archaeological Resources Protection Act and make them available for scientific research and public education.
U.S. Department of Justice
Brett L. Tolman
United States Attorney
District of Utah
Defendants in ARPA/NAGPRA cases
1. Loran St. Clair, Age 47, Monticello, UT
2. Rulon Kody Sommerville, Age 47, Monticello, UT
3. Kevin W. Shumway, Age 55, Blanding, UT
4. Sharon Evette Shumway, Age 41, Blanding, UT
5. David A. Lacy, Age 55, Blanding, UT
6. Aubry Patterson, Age 55, Blanding, UT
7. Dale J. Lyman, Age 73, Blanding, UT
8. Jeanne Redd, Age 59, Blanding, UT
9. James D. Redd, Age 60, Blanding, UT
10. Raymond J. Lyman, Age 70, Blanding, UT
11. Vern Crites, Age 74, Durango, CO
12. Marie Crites, Age 68, Durango, CO
13. Steven Shrader, Durango, CO
14. Tammy Shumway, Age 39, Blanding, UT
15. Joseph Smith, Age 31, Blanding, UT
16. Meredith Smith, Age 34, Blanding, UT
17. Harold Lyman, Age 78, Blanding, UT
18. Reese Laws, Age 27, Blanding, UT
19. Nick Laws, Age 30, Blanding, UT
20. Brandon Laws, Age 38, Blanding, UT
21. Tad Kreth, Age 30, Blanding, UT
22. Brent Bullock, Age 61, Moab, UT
23. Richard Bourret
http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/061009a.html
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Supreme Court Affirms Tribes Have No Religious Rights,
ATTN NEWS DESK – NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6th, 2009
Contact: Klee Benally, Save the Peaks Coalition
(928) 380-2629 | coalition@savethepeaks.org | www.savethepeaks.org
Supreme Court Affirms Tribes Have No Religious Rights,
Tribes and others Call For Congressional Action to Protect Sacred Places
Flagstaff, AZ -- On Monday, June 8th 2009, the Supreme Court denied the petition by Tribes & Environmental groups to hear the case to protect the holy San Francisco Peaks.
For nearly a decade, the Save the Peaks Coalition, Tribes, Environmental groups, and community members lead an effort to stop the Snowbowl ski area’s plan to expand it’s development on the Peaks, and make snow from treated sewage effluent. The ski resort operates on the Holy Mountain through a lease by the United States Forest Service, which sanctioned the proposed development in 2004.
This is the second time that a petition for the protection of the San Francisco Peaks has been denied by the Supreme Court.
According to Howard Shanker, attorney for the Navajo Nation, the Havasupai Tribe, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Flagstaff Activist Network, the Center for Biological Diversity and others, and former congressional candidate: “It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court denied our petition for certiorari. The Court’s denial serves to perpetuate injustice and the application of bad law regarding the rights of Native Americans to protect sacred and holy sites. It is, however safe to say that as long as the San Francisco Peaks remain, there will be people willing to continue the struggle to protect the Peaks and to honor the beliefs and cultures of those peoples who hold them sacred.”
“The Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in the Navajo Nation case is unfortunate to say the least.” Stated Jack Trope of the Association on American Indian Affairs who is working together with DNA Legal Services, representing the Hualapai Tribe, Navajo medicine practitioner Norris Nez and Hopi spiritual practitioner Bill Preston. “It means that the San Francisco Peaks, sacred to so many tribes, will continue to be at great risk from the development approved by the Forest Service that allows treated sewage water to be used for snowmaking. It also means that the Ninth Circuit’s narrow interpretation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) – an interpretation which in practice will make that law virtually unavailable to protect sacred lands in the states covered by the Ninth Circuit – will stand.”
According to the previous ruling of the en banc panel of the 9th Circuit, "the only effect of the proposed upgrades is on the Plaintiffs' subjective, emotional religious experience. That is, the presence of recycled wastewater on the Peaks is offensive to the Plaintiffs' religious sensibilities…the diminishment of spiritual fulfillment – serious though it may be – is not a 'substantial burden' on the free exercise of religion." The Court dismissed Plaintiffs' religious beliefs as calling them mere "damaged spiritual feelings." Regrettably, the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case leaves the en banc panel’s decision in place as the law in the Ninth Circuit.
“The Navajo Nation cannot express enough disappointment and disapproval.” Said Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan. “Navajo people understand Dook’o’ooslid, the San Francisco Peaks, to be a significant relative that we attribute value, concern and meaning to as anyone else would to a mother, father or grandparent. It is very unfortunate that our non-native relatives do not realize the seriousness of their decisions.”
Don Watahomigie, Chairman of the Havasupai Tribe stated, “Where do native people stand now in relation to our govt to govt relationship with the federal govt when laws passed like RFRA, airfa and NAGPRA don't hold water? If this goes on this will be a precedent for other developments to start on other spiritual sacred lands anywhere in the country. I call on other tribal leaders to work together to find a way to create laws to hold water and protect the sacred.”
“The Supreme Court, the Forest Service, and the Flagstaff City Council have all failed us.” Stated Jeneda Benally of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “In this day and age, we are still denied our basic civil and human rights by the U.S. government. We have no guarantee for the protection of our religious freedom. This case was important to insure religious freedom in the United States of America. Our own courts have failed the American people once again.”
“This is nothing new. The Supreme Court is deflecting its responsibilities toward indigenous people all over the country.” Stated Carly Long, President of the Board of Directors of the Flagstaff Activist Network, a plaintiff in the case. “Indigenous people and their allies need to stand up in the wake of this injustice and demand more from the US government. It is high time Congress stepped in with legislation to protect Native rights and sacred sites.”
“This is a setback, but it is not the end. The Obama Administration still has the authority to stop this development and develop policies to ensure that future decisions are more respectful of sacred sites.” stated Jack F. Trope, Executive Director, Association on American Indian Affairs. “Moreover, other circuits like the Tenth Circuit have interpreted RFRA more broadly and efforts to use that law to protect other sacred places will continue. Finally, the struggle over the San Francisco Peaks and the failure of RFRA to protect this sacred place ought to send the message to Congress that it is time for the lawmakers to approve legislation that would strengthen applicable law so that it will better protect Native American sacred places across the country.”
“As one of the plaintiffs in this case, I talk with Hopi elders, they have been telling me that they are tired of white men making decisions without coming to Hopi to tell us.” Stated Bucky Preston, a Hopi spiritual runner and plaintiff in the case. “A government is run by human beings and we are not above one another as humans. We are all equal. If we want good lives, consultation should be humans coming together by consensus. This is the Hopi way and this has never happened. We need to respect life and this can’t be done with this kind of consultation. True consultation has yet to be seen at Hopi. I remember that Obama told the Crow people that he would be thinking of Indian People every day. I point to him now and call upon him to come to Hopi in true consultation to resolve this matter with the true Hopi elders from our villages.” Stated Bucky Preston.
“This case goes far beyond the interests of a single for-profit private business. Our traditional cultural teachings compel us to continue to fight Snowbowl’s attempts at expansion and snowmaking with treated sewage on this Holy Mountain.” Stated Klee Benally of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “We will continue our work to protect the sensitive mountain ecosystem and public health. Our way of life is in peril. We will continue to pray and struggle to safeguard mother earth for our cultural survival.
Navajo Nation Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan stated, “If we stop here, we are short changing ourselves, we have to stand our ground and continue the fight for the protection of our sacred sites,” he added. “We cannot allow the flood gates to open even further. It is extremely important to seek all means of legal remedies, these decisions will impact future generations, it is imperative that we seek a decision in our favor.”
For more information and background please visit: www.savethepeaks.org
###
June 6th, 2009
Contact: Klee Benally, Save the Peaks Coalition
(928) 380-2629 | coalition@savethepeaks.org | www.savethepeaks.org
Supreme Court Affirms Tribes Have No Religious Rights,
Tribes and others Call For Congressional Action to Protect Sacred Places
Flagstaff, AZ -- On Monday, June 8th 2009, the Supreme Court denied the petition by Tribes & Environmental groups to hear the case to protect the holy San Francisco Peaks.
For nearly a decade, the Save the Peaks Coalition, Tribes, Environmental groups, and community members lead an effort to stop the Snowbowl ski area’s plan to expand it’s development on the Peaks, and make snow from treated sewage effluent. The ski resort operates on the Holy Mountain through a lease by the United States Forest Service, which sanctioned the proposed development in 2004.
This is the second time that a petition for the protection of the San Francisco Peaks has been denied by the Supreme Court.
According to Howard Shanker, attorney for the Navajo Nation, the Havasupai Tribe, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Flagstaff Activist Network, the Center for Biological Diversity and others, and former congressional candidate: “It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court denied our petition for certiorari. The Court’s denial serves to perpetuate injustice and the application of bad law regarding the rights of Native Americans to protect sacred and holy sites. It is, however safe to say that as long as the San Francisco Peaks remain, there will be people willing to continue the struggle to protect the Peaks and to honor the beliefs and cultures of those peoples who hold them sacred.”
“The Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in the Navajo Nation case is unfortunate to say the least.” Stated Jack Trope of the Association on American Indian Affairs who is working together with DNA Legal Services, representing the Hualapai Tribe, Navajo medicine practitioner Norris Nez and Hopi spiritual practitioner Bill Preston. “It means that the San Francisco Peaks, sacred to so many tribes, will continue to be at great risk from the development approved by the Forest Service that allows treated sewage water to be used for snowmaking. It also means that the Ninth Circuit’s narrow interpretation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) – an interpretation which in practice will make that law virtually unavailable to protect sacred lands in the states covered by the Ninth Circuit – will stand.”
According to the previous ruling of the en banc panel of the 9th Circuit, "the only effect of the proposed upgrades is on the Plaintiffs' subjective, emotional religious experience. That is, the presence of recycled wastewater on the Peaks is offensive to the Plaintiffs' religious sensibilities…the diminishment of spiritual fulfillment – serious though it may be – is not a 'substantial burden' on the free exercise of religion." The Court dismissed Plaintiffs' religious beliefs as calling them mere "damaged spiritual feelings." Regrettably, the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case leaves the en banc panel’s decision in place as the law in the Ninth Circuit.
“The Navajo Nation cannot express enough disappointment and disapproval.” Said Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan. “Navajo people understand Dook’o’ooslid, the San Francisco Peaks, to be a significant relative that we attribute value, concern and meaning to as anyone else would to a mother, father or grandparent. It is very unfortunate that our non-native relatives do not realize the seriousness of their decisions.”
Don Watahomigie, Chairman of the Havasupai Tribe stated, “Where do native people stand now in relation to our govt to govt relationship with the federal govt when laws passed like RFRA, airfa and NAGPRA don't hold water? If this goes on this will be a precedent for other developments to start on other spiritual sacred lands anywhere in the country. I call on other tribal leaders to work together to find a way to create laws to hold water and protect the sacred.”
“The Supreme Court, the Forest Service, and the Flagstaff City Council have all failed us.” Stated Jeneda Benally of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “In this day and age, we are still denied our basic civil and human rights by the U.S. government. We have no guarantee for the protection of our religious freedom. This case was important to insure religious freedom in the United States of America. Our own courts have failed the American people once again.”
“This is nothing new. The Supreme Court is deflecting its responsibilities toward indigenous people all over the country.” Stated Carly Long, President of the Board of Directors of the Flagstaff Activist Network, a plaintiff in the case. “Indigenous people and their allies need to stand up in the wake of this injustice and demand more from the US government. It is high time Congress stepped in with legislation to protect Native rights and sacred sites.”
“This is a setback, but it is not the end. The Obama Administration still has the authority to stop this development and develop policies to ensure that future decisions are more respectful of sacred sites.” stated Jack F. Trope, Executive Director, Association on American Indian Affairs. “Moreover, other circuits like the Tenth Circuit have interpreted RFRA more broadly and efforts to use that law to protect other sacred places will continue. Finally, the struggle over the San Francisco Peaks and the failure of RFRA to protect this sacred place ought to send the message to Congress that it is time for the lawmakers to approve legislation that would strengthen applicable law so that it will better protect Native American sacred places across the country.”
“As one of the plaintiffs in this case, I talk with Hopi elders, they have been telling me that they are tired of white men making decisions without coming to Hopi to tell us.” Stated Bucky Preston, a Hopi spiritual runner and plaintiff in the case. “A government is run by human beings and we are not above one another as humans. We are all equal. If we want good lives, consultation should be humans coming together by consensus. This is the Hopi way and this has never happened. We need to respect life and this can’t be done with this kind of consultation. True consultation has yet to be seen at Hopi. I remember that Obama told the Crow people that he would be thinking of Indian People every day. I point to him now and call upon him to come to Hopi in true consultation to resolve this matter with the true Hopi elders from our villages.” Stated Bucky Preston.
“This case goes far beyond the interests of a single for-profit private business. Our traditional cultural teachings compel us to continue to fight Snowbowl’s attempts at expansion and snowmaking with treated sewage on this Holy Mountain.” Stated Klee Benally of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “We will continue our work to protect the sensitive mountain ecosystem and public health. Our way of life is in peril. We will continue to pray and struggle to safeguard mother earth for our cultural survival.
Navajo Nation Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan stated, “If we stop here, we are short changing ourselves, we have to stand our ground and continue the fight for the protection of our sacred sites,” he added. “We cannot allow the flood gates to open even further. It is extremely important to seek all means of legal remedies, these decisions will impact future generations, it is imperative that we seek a decision in our favor.”
For more information and background please visit: www.savethepeaks.org
###
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Commission delays action on Glencoe Camp Resort liquor license transfer
Commission delays action on Glencoe Camp Resort liquor license transfer
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times Tribune staff | Thursday, June 04, 2009
STURGIS – Meade County commissioners granted one license transfer request and tabled a second during the annual application hearing Tuesday.
Commissioners granted a retail on-sale liquor license transfer from Hagg Brothers LLC Sawtooth Campground to Monkey Rock USA LLC. Monkey Rock is classified as commercial property and covers 19 acres inside the Thunderdome.
Glencoe Camp Resort and Rock’N the Rally applied for transfer of a retail on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales to Glencoe Entertainment LLC. That was tabled until June 17, along with an on-off malt beverage application.
Several speakers opposed the Glencoe request. Meade County resident Tamra Brennan said the facility’s proximity to Bear Butte is a definite issue. She added that noise, pyrotechnics and traffic at Glencoe caused absolute chaos at the butte last year.
“It has been considered sacred and a church for thousands of years,” Brennan said of the butte. Most of the other opposition centered on Glencoe’s proximity to the mountain.
Andrew Iron Shell said he’s certain intoxicated people aren’t running outside other people’s churches and littering the ground. “I’m sure if it was like that, you’d be offended,” he added. “You wouldn’t want your children to see those things.” He favors a five-mile buffer zone.
Commissioners Alan Aker and Doreen Allison-Creed voiced concern about the 492 acres the license would cover. They said they don’t appreciate that some of the property is ag-classified.
Aker explained the county incurs many expenses from alcohol consequences. “The only way we have of paying those expenses is our property tax payments,” he said. Aker added it’s reasonable to expect licenses to occur on commercial land.
Allison-Creed added places like Full Throttle Saloon and portions of Buffalo Chip Campground are on non-ag property. She considers that unfair and said some malt beverage license holders have nearly all their property classified as ag.
Co-chairman Dayle Hammock said the commission does not have the option to consider ag land versus non-ag land. Aker contended location on ag land is part of a liquor license applicant’s location criteria.
Allison-Creed said the county needs to change its law and adopt ordinances concerning liquor and malt beverage sales just like municipalities do. “We need some change at the state level.”
Commissioners also voted to approve the rest of the malt beverage license applications.
Allison-Creed voted for all applications for what she said will be the last time. She added she will oppose them in the future if the property is not commercial.
Her vote was based partly on this time being very close to the rally. Allison-Creed said the sizes of some applicants’ properties need to be condensed.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/local/doc4a283b4a1287e766161466.txt
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times Tribune staff | Thursday, June 04, 2009
STURGIS – Meade County commissioners granted one license transfer request and tabled a second during the annual application hearing Tuesday.
Commissioners granted a retail on-sale liquor license transfer from Hagg Brothers LLC Sawtooth Campground to Monkey Rock USA LLC. Monkey Rock is classified as commercial property and covers 19 acres inside the Thunderdome.
Glencoe Camp Resort and Rock’N the Rally applied for transfer of a retail on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales to Glencoe Entertainment LLC. That was tabled until June 17, along with an on-off malt beverage application.
Several speakers opposed the Glencoe request. Meade County resident Tamra Brennan said the facility’s proximity to Bear Butte is a definite issue. She added that noise, pyrotechnics and traffic at Glencoe caused absolute chaos at the butte last year.
“It has been considered sacred and a church for thousands of years,” Brennan said of the butte. Most of the other opposition centered on Glencoe’s proximity to the mountain.
Andrew Iron Shell said he’s certain intoxicated people aren’t running outside other people’s churches and littering the ground. “I’m sure if it was like that, you’d be offended,” he added. “You wouldn’t want your children to see those things.” He favors a five-mile buffer zone.
Commissioners Alan Aker and Doreen Allison-Creed voiced concern about the 492 acres the license would cover. They said they don’t appreciate that some of the property is ag-classified.
Aker explained the county incurs many expenses from alcohol consequences. “The only way we have of paying those expenses is our property tax payments,” he said. Aker added it’s reasonable to expect licenses to occur on commercial land.
Allison-Creed added places like Full Throttle Saloon and portions of Buffalo Chip Campground are on non-ag property. She considers that unfair and said some malt beverage license holders have nearly all their property classified as ag.
Co-chairman Dayle Hammock said the commission does not have the option to consider ag land versus non-ag land. Aker contended location on ag land is part of a liquor license applicant’s location criteria.
Allison-Creed said the county needs to change its law and adopt ordinances concerning liquor and malt beverage sales just like municipalities do. “We need some change at the state level.”
Commissioners also voted to approve the rest of the malt beverage license applications.
Allison-Creed voted for all applications for what she said will be the last time. She added she will oppose them in the future if the property is not commercial.
Her vote was based partly on this time being very close to the rally. Allison-Creed said the sizes of some applicants’ properties need to be condensed.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/local/doc4a283b4a1287e766161466.txt
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sacred Sites -vs- A Modern Day Disease, Greed
Press Release
May 24, 2009
Sacred Sites –vs- A Modern Day Disease, Greed
“Our Sacred Ground is Not Your Playground”
By Tamra Brennan
Founder/Director
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation
Bear Butte is a sacred site located in the Black Hills, eight miles east of Sturgis South Dakota.
The mountain is sacred to many of the Plains Tribes, including Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Northern and Southern Cheyenne, Northern and Southern Arapaho. For thousands of years, Tribes have traveled up to hundreds of miles to Bear Butte for their annual ceremonies. Many people today still make their annual journeys to the mountain, from May through August.
Unfortunately, the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte, against the continual encroachment and desecration caused by Sturgis Bike Rally venues, continues today. We have been battling these venues near Bear Butte since 2006. These large biker bars and concert venues continue to expand with further development, hosting huge concerts, bringing tens of thousands of people, vehicles and motorcycles towards Bear Butte.
During the August 2008 Sturgis Rally, Glencoe Campground’s, Rock’n the Rally venue located on Hwy 79 one mile south of Bear Butte, hosted the group KISS bringing absolute chaos to the area. Seven miles and three hours of gridlocked traffic, all headed towards Bear Butte. The same day, Buffalo Chip located off of Hwy 34 & 79, hosted Senator McCain and Kid Rock, multiplying to the chaos. Long time local residents stated they had never seen anything like this before, the worse traffic and chaos they had ever seen out this way.
The following day after the huge concert, a tornado warning swept thru Sturgis causing severe hail and thunderstorms. It was one of the worst thunderstorms in many years, right in the middle of the Sturgis Rally. Two people were actually struck by lightning at Glencoe Campground during this storm. The very campground, that caused all the chaos the previous day, next to Bear Butte. Coincidence, or a clear message from the Creator, you be the judge.
In December 2008, the virtual 600 acre bar, Glencoe Campground and Rock’n the Rally were sold to non residents Sean Clark and Devorah Lopez from California and Arizona, for a reported $8.4 million dollars. There are serious character issues with these individuals, which will be disclosed during the upcoming June 2nd hearing at Meade County Commissioners.
Another attack against the mountain during the 2008 Sturgis Rally, were helicopter flights from four separate Rally venues adjacent to Bear Butte, including Broken Spoke Campground, Buffalo Chip, Ride N Rest Campground and Lamphere Ranch.
In June 2008, Target Logistics, the new owners of Broken Spoke Campground, in their tenacity were quoted in the Rapid City Journal regarding the helicopter rides, stating "If someone asks to fly over Bear Butte, we'd take them unless it's not allowed." After several months of battling against it, publicly opposing the issue with our media campaign, working with FAA, and during the Rally physically being on the ground talking with these pilots, we were able to put a stop to flights over the mountain. After a huge fight regarding this issue, Broken Spoke finally stated they would not be flying over the mountain, and their helicopter pilot never showed up during the Rally. Three of the venues continued to offer flights, the pilots agreed to stay away from flying over the mountain.
The desecration from these venues worsens each year, with what they bring to the sacred mountain, Bear Butte. The disrespect is evidenced with loud music heard for miles, huge concerts, strobe lights, helicopters, motorcycle traffic, pyrotechnic firework shows, lude behavior, drunkenness and a half a million people, within less than a few miles of one of this nation’s most sacred places, Bear Butte.
People often ask, how can they get away with this and why isn’t the local governments doing anything about it? The simple answer is called greed, it is yet another sign of the times, a modern day disease that has consumed people. It continues to feed upon today’s money hungry corporate America, and a local county that refuses to take a stand to protect a sacred site and historical landmark. The bottom line is the tourism, promoting the Rally and adult entertainment in these venues, supersedes any Native American religious beliefs, our spirituality, the sacredness and tranquility of the mountain.
Laws were created and are in place to protect our religious rights, Including, The American Indian Freedom of Religion Act of 1978, Executive Order 13007
Protection and Accommodation of access to Indian Sacred Sites, and Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1993, these laws are continually violated by the decisions made by the Meade County Commissioners and these venues.
In last years Meade County Commissioners hearing, I proposed a question asking for clarification on the Commissioners definitions of a “church.” Commissioner Robert Mallow responded to my questioning, stating that Bear Butte is NOT considered a “church” under their definition, that he was not going to debate religion with me.
Thousands of years of Tribal Nations coming here to pray, to fast, for healing and for guidance apparently doesn’t met their standards for classifying the mountain as a church. These statements were not only insulting, but demoralizing to an entire people’s spirituality and belief system.
As a local resident, I wonder what desecration the mountain will be subjected to this year, praying there will be a way to stop it. We have to continue to speak out and oppose what is occurring at all of our sacred places, if we sit back and accept the destruction, our way of life will fade away in a memory long so forgotten.
There have been many ups and downs in this issue, with many losses, but also a few victories. Each year there has been progress in these efforts, creating awareness for the issue, gaining support from across the country especially within the biker communities. The word is reaching out to the bikers about our plight to Protect Bear Butte, thru our ongoing efforts with the Bikers for Bear Butte campaign, which has been very successful thus far. Last year, we found that the bikers themselves were discussing the issue and helping us spread the word in a positive way, about the protection efforts. Education is a critical tool in order to help make a difference.
Many people, Native and non Native attend the Rally to participate in the events, we respectfully ask everyone to please remember the plight, to Protect Bear Butte and not endorse, patronize and participate in these venues surrounding Bear Butte. No matter how much you may want to see your favorite bands playing at these Rally venues, please remember these concerts surrounding Bear Butte are violating the sacred mountain! Help us take a stand against these Rally venues that continue to disrespect Bear Butte and its spiritual and historical significance.
We would like to ask each and every one of you, to assist us with the Protect Bear Butte struggle by helping spread the word!
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation is a grass roots organization, working towards the protection of sacred sites across the country. Our organization has been actively involved with the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte for many years. Our organization is currently leading the campaign regarding opposing the new developments and further expansions at Bear Butte.
Visit our main website at www.protectsacredsites.org and our dedicated website for the Bear Butte struggle at www.protectbearbutte.com .
May 24, 2009
Sacred Sites –vs- A Modern Day Disease, Greed
“Our Sacred Ground is Not Your Playground”
By Tamra Brennan
Founder/Director
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation
Bear Butte is a sacred site located in the Black Hills, eight miles east of Sturgis South Dakota.
The mountain is sacred to many of the Plains Tribes, including Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Northern and Southern Cheyenne, Northern and Southern Arapaho. For thousands of years, Tribes have traveled up to hundreds of miles to Bear Butte for their annual ceremonies. Many people today still make their annual journeys to the mountain, from May through August.
Unfortunately, the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte, against the continual encroachment and desecration caused by Sturgis Bike Rally venues, continues today. We have been battling these venues near Bear Butte since 2006. These large biker bars and concert venues continue to expand with further development, hosting huge concerts, bringing tens of thousands of people, vehicles and motorcycles towards Bear Butte.
During the August 2008 Sturgis Rally, Glencoe Campground’s, Rock’n the Rally venue located on Hwy 79 one mile south of Bear Butte, hosted the group KISS bringing absolute chaos to the area. Seven miles and three hours of gridlocked traffic, all headed towards Bear Butte. The same day, Buffalo Chip located off of Hwy 34 & 79, hosted Senator McCain and Kid Rock, multiplying to the chaos. Long time local residents stated they had never seen anything like this before, the worse traffic and chaos they had ever seen out this way.
The following day after the huge concert, a tornado warning swept thru Sturgis causing severe hail and thunderstorms. It was one of the worst thunderstorms in many years, right in the middle of the Sturgis Rally. Two people were actually struck by lightning at Glencoe Campground during this storm. The very campground, that caused all the chaos the previous day, next to Bear Butte. Coincidence, or a clear message from the Creator, you be the judge.
In December 2008, the virtual 600 acre bar, Glencoe Campground and Rock’n the Rally were sold to non residents Sean Clark and Devorah Lopez from California and Arizona, for a reported $8.4 million dollars. There are serious character issues with these individuals, which will be disclosed during the upcoming June 2nd hearing at Meade County Commissioners.
Another attack against the mountain during the 2008 Sturgis Rally, were helicopter flights from four separate Rally venues adjacent to Bear Butte, including Broken Spoke Campground, Buffalo Chip, Ride N Rest Campground and Lamphere Ranch.
In June 2008, Target Logistics, the new owners of Broken Spoke Campground, in their tenacity were quoted in the Rapid City Journal regarding the helicopter rides, stating "If someone asks to fly over Bear Butte, we'd take them unless it's not allowed." After several months of battling against it, publicly opposing the issue with our media campaign, working with FAA, and during the Rally physically being on the ground talking with these pilots, we were able to put a stop to flights over the mountain. After a huge fight regarding this issue, Broken Spoke finally stated they would not be flying over the mountain, and their helicopter pilot never showed up during the Rally. Three of the venues continued to offer flights, the pilots agreed to stay away from flying over the mountain.
The desecration from these venues worsens each year, with what they bring to the sacred mountain, Bear Butte. The disrespect is evidenced with loud music heard for miles, huge concerts, strobe lights, helicopters, motorcycle traffic, pyrotechnic firework shows, lude behavior, drunkenness and a half a million people, within less than a few miles of one of this nation’s most sacred places, Bear Butte.
People often ask, how can they get away with this and why isn’t the local governments doing anything about it? The simple answer is called greed, it is yet another sign of the times, a modern day disease that has consumed people. It continues to feed upon today’s money hungry corporate America, and a local county that refuses to take a stand to protect a sacred site and historical landmark. The bottom line is the tourism, promoting the Rally and adult entertainment in these venues, supersedes any Native American religious beliefs, our spirituality, the sacredness and tranquility of the mountain.
Laws were created and are in place to protect our religious rights, Including, The American Indian Freedom of Religion Act of 1978, Executive Order 13007
Protection and Accommodation of access to Indian Sacred Sites, and Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1993, these laws are continually violated by the decisions made by the Meade County Commissioners and these venues.
In last years Meade County Commissioners hearing, I proposed a question asking for clarification on the Commissioners definitions of a “church.” Commissioner Robert Mallow responded to my questioning, stating that Bear Butte is NOT considered a “church” under their definition, that he was not going to debate religion with me.
Thousands of years of Tribal Nations coming here to pray, to fast, for healing and for guidance apparently doesn’t met their standards for classifying the mountain as a church. These statements were not only insulting, but demoralizing to an entire people’s spirituality and belief system.
As a local resident, I wonder what desecration the mountain will be subjected to this year, praying there will be a way to stop it. We have to continue to speak out and oppose what is occurring at all of our sacred places, if we sit back and accept the destruction, our way of life will fade away in a memory long so forgotten.
There have been many ups and downs in this issue, with many losses, but also a few victories. Each year there has been progress in these efforts, creating awareness for the issue, gaining support from across the country especially within the biker communities. The word is reaching out to the bikers about our plight to Protect Bear Butte, thru our ongoing efforts with the Bikers for Bear Butte campaign, which has been very successful thus far. Last year, we found that the bikers themselves were discussing the issue and helping us spread the word in a positive way, about the protection efforts. Education is a critical tool in order to help make a difference.
Many people, Native and non Native attend the Rally to participate in the events, we respectfully ask everyone to please remember the plight, to Protect Bear Butte and not endorse, patronize and participate in these venues surrounding Bear Butte. No matter how much you may want to see your favorite bands playing at these Rally venues, please remember these concerts surrounding Bear Butte are violating the sacred mountain! Help us take a stand against these Rally venues that continue to disrespect Bear Butte and its spiritual and historical significance.
We would like to ask each and every one of you, to assist us with the Protect Bear Butte struggle by helping spread the word!
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation is a grass roots organization, working towards the protection of sacred sites across the country. Our organization has been actively involved with the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte for many years. Our organization is currently leading the campaign regarding opposing the new developments and further expansions at Bear Butte.
Visit our main website at www.protectsacredsites.org and our dedicated website for the Bear Butte struggle at www.protectbearbutte.com .
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Airport dig yields new anthropological discovery
Airport dig yields new anthropological discovery
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Depiction of a palisaded village from 1100 A.D. Archaeologist Tasha Benyshek was unaware of the existence of such structures in this time period.
By Marla Dalrymple & Tony Wheeler
Staff Writers
A significant historical discovery was made last week when archaeologists at the site of the proposed Macon County Airport runway extension discovered two palisaded villages, circa 1100 A.D.
“We had no idea there were palisaded villages in 1100 A.D.,” said Tasha Benyshek, senior archaeologist on the project with TRC Solutions.
Benyshek has been working at the site for several weeks, removing top soil and performing preliminary mapping of archaeological features. Her crew was hired to perform artifact removal and data recovery on a portion of the area slated for a runway extension.
The Macon County Airport is located in Iotla Valley on property that was once apparently home to several native peoples. Artifacts found on site date back as early as 2000 B.C., said Benyshek.
Two areas that were opened last week revealed features including post holes encircling structures.
The evidence suggests that vertical fences were used to fortify homesteads nearly one thousand years ago.
Benyshek called the discovery a rare find, citing few instances where such palisades were ever documented. “It’s a little known time period,” she said. “There are so many posts and features in that area.”
Most of what the archaeological crew has come across at the site dates to the Woodland Period, 500 A.D. Structures, storage and cooking pits have all been found.
Two palisaded villages date to 1100 A.D. complete with structures. The next period evidenced on the property is the Middle Qualla period, 1600-1750 A.D, with structures and pit features.
The crew will start systematically documenting structures and excavating pit features. “It is so dense,” said Benyshek, “it will take time. There’s quite a bit to do.”
The information gleaned will help scientists understand how people lived thousands of years ago. Benyshek said it will be interesting to learn if people lived in individual farmsteads, villages or compact villages during the different time periods.
The settlement patterns have been especially enlightening at the Iotla site, she said, providing vital clues about how villages were set up.
The two fortified villages, said Benyshek, were probably meant to keep people safe from something. “During some time periods, people felt the need to close themselves in,” said Benyshek.
Evidence can also provide clues to what people ate, what tools they used and what activities they participated in.
“It will be interesting to see what else evolves,” said Benyshek of the site.
The runway extension has been a source of controversy as some area residents have voiced concern over the historical and cultural significance of the site at county meetings.
Officials involved have stated that the extension will not only improve airport safety but may also help bring jobs to the area.
Cowee resident and Wild- South Cultural Heritage Director Lamar Marshall said that the new discovery substantiates the claims that the significance of the site was “glossed over” by agencies such as the State Historic Preservation Office, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Macon County Airport Authority.
“The airport expansion is a gross violation of taxpayer trust, a waste of taxpayer money for special interests, a slap in the face to the Cherokee Nation and their dead that are buried there, and a tragedy for the families and property owners of the Iotla Community,” said Marshall. “There appears to be a trail of special interests that could lead back to elite entities that will benefit from this ridiculous example of corporate welfare.”
Marshall has contacted an attorney on the grounds that violations have already occurred in regard to the extension and its preparations. Marshall said, “The people of Macon County and the Cherokee Nation will not be steamrolled without a fight.”
Airport Authority Meeting
Not much was on the agenda for the regular meeting of the Macon County Airport Authority on Tuesday, April 28 – mainly the election of officers to serve the next two years and an executive session to discuss contractual matters. Though the meetings have always been open to the public and always will be, until recently they were rarely attended by anyone other than authority members or the media. That has not been the case lately. Seven visitors showed up on Tuesday thinking they might have a question and answer session with the authority.
The authority did allow for a public comment period during a packed house at the last meeting, though some of the questions posed would have to be answered at a later time, said Chairman Milles Gregory. “The board is being as accommodating as it can by allowing this public discussion today,” Franklin Mayor Joe Collins said. Collins serves as a lawyer for the authority. “This isn’t a public hearing; we don’t have to do this. But realistically, it is always better to let the people be heard.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, four of the visitors signed up to speak during the public comment period and were given three minutes each to air their thoughts. Lucy Meadows Smarr had a few questions she wanted answered. “Specifically, I want to know what type of permanent jobs will be provided. In conversations, you’ve said the airport runway extension will bring in a lot of jobs. I want to know specifically,” she said.
Collins replied, “On behalf of the authority, this is a public comment session, it’s not a back and forth. You have the right to pose questions, but it’s not the job of the authority to provide feedback.
“Well, how can you get these answers?” Smarr asked.
Gregory told her, and the others wanting to speak, to submit the questions in writing to the authority secretary, Teresa McDowell, and he would provide an answer by mail.
Smarr also wanted to know about the petition against the runway extension. “I’d like to know how many are against the extension and who they are,” she said. She commented on the time of day the authority meetings are held, 4 p.m. “Most people are at work and can’t attend. How can we address changing the time of the meetings?”
“We’ll get an answer to you,” Gregory said.
Debby Boots addressed the authority next. Her comments concerned an article she read about the Department of Fish and Wildlife where they stated they had not been involved in discussions with the authority about the runway extension since 2002. Critical wildlife habitat is located downstream of the project and Boots wanted to know why Fish and Wildlife wasn’t involved.
“The board can speak if they like, but again, this is a public comment session. It’s designed for you all to give comments to the board, not a question and answer session,” Collins said.
Dolly Reed stepped up and asked about the 100 percent data recovery at the site. Gregory explained that they are not doing 100 percent recovery. On 3.5 acres, they are doing stripping, mapping, and identifying. She then asked what type of jets would be landing there and Gregory replied they would be the same types as are landing now.
Norm Roberts, a former authority member, gave a presentation on the instrument approach system and how important it is to the airport. Due to recent technological advances like GPS, the airport is now part of the Air Traffic Control System, and some flights can be monitored from Atlanta. He praised the authority members for all of the hard work they’ve been doing.
With more praise came Patricia Stoker. She lives on McCall Circle near the airstrip, she said. “I love the airport. When I first moved here people would tell me ‘Oh, be careful because they're going to expand the airport and there’s going to be all kinds of cargo and big casino jets coming in' and I said ‘Oh. Oh, good.’”
She said she was definitely for the expansion and is glad it’s finally happening. “I’d love to see this place become a tourist destination for private aircraft,” she said.
The authority then went on to business. They decided to send a draft budget to the Board of Commissioners totaling $47,000. This is the amount they received last year and kept the proposal at the same figure due to the economy. The budget is mostly for operating expenses, said Treasurer Pete Haithcock.
Milles Gregory was reelected as chairman, Harold Corbin as vice-chair, and Pete Haithcock as treasurer.
http://www.maconnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4607&Itemid=34
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Depiction of a palisaded village from 1100 A.D. Archaeologist Tasha Benyshek was unaware of the existence of such structures in this time period.
By Marla Dalrymple & Tony Wheeler
Staff Writers
A significant historical discovery was made last week when archaeologists at the site of the proposed Macon County Airport runway extension discovered two palisaded villages, circa 1100 A.D.
“We had no idea there were palisaded villages in 1100 A.D.,” said Tasha Benyshek, senior archaeologist on the project with TRC Solutions.
Benyshek has been working at the site for several weeks, removing top soil and performing preliminary mapping of archaeological features. Her crew was hired to perform artifact removal and data recovery on a portion of the area slated for a runway extension.
The Macon County Airport is located in Iotla Valley on property that was once apparently home to several native peoples. Artifacts found on site date back as early as 2000 B.C., said Benyshek.
Two areas that were opened last week revealed features including post holes encircling structures.
The evidence suggests that vertical fences were used to fortify homesteads nearly one thousand years ago.
Benyshek called the discovery a rare find, citing few instances where such palisades were ever documented. “It’s a little known time period,” she said. “There are so many posts and features in that area.”
Most of what the archaeological crew has come across at the site dates to the Woodland Period, 500 A.D. Structures, storage and cooking pits have all been found.
Two palisaded villages date to 1100 A.D. complete with structures. The next period evidenced on the property is the Middle Qualla period, 1600-1750 A.D, with structures and pit features.
The crew will start systematically documenting structures and excavating pit features. “It is so dense,” said Benyshek, “it will take time. There’s quite a bit to do.”
The information gleaned will help scientists understand how people lived thousands of years ago. Benyshek said it will be interesting to learn if people lived in individual farmsteads, villages or compact villages during the different time periods.
The settlement patterns have been especially enlightening at the Iotla site, she said, providing vital clues about how villages were set up.
The two fortified villages, said Benyshek, were probably meant to keep people safe from something. “During some time periods, people felt the need to close themselves in,” said Benyshek.
Evidence can also provide clues to what people ate, what tools they used and what activities they participated in.
“It will be interesting to see what else evolves,” said Benyshek of the site.
The runway extension has been a source of controversy as some area residents have voiced concern over the historical and cultural significance of the site at county meetings.
Officials involved have stated that the extension will not only improve airport safety but may also help bring jobs to the area.
Cowee resident and Wild- South Cultural Heritage Director Lamar Marshall said that the new discovery substantiates the claims that the significance of the site was “glossed over” by agencies such as the State Historic Preservation Office, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Macon County Airport Authority.
“The airport expansion is a gross violation of taxpayer trust, a waste of taxpayer money for special interests, a slap in the face to the Cherokee Nation and their dead that are buried there, and a tragedy for the families and property owners of the Iotla Community,” said Marshall. “There appears to be a trail of special interests that could lead back to elite entities that will benefit from this ridiculous example of corporate welfare.”
Marshall has contacted an attorney on the grounds that violations have already occurred in regard to the extension and its preparations. Marshall said, “The people of Macon County and the Cherokee Nation will not be steamrolled without a fight.”
Airport Authority Meeting
Not much was on the agenda for the regular meeting of the Macon County Airport Authority on Tuesday, April 28 – mainly the election of officers to serve the next two years and an executive session to discuss contractual matters. Though the meetings have always been open to the public and always will be, until recently they were rarely attended by anyone other than authority members or the media. That has not been the case lately. Seven visitors showed up on Tuesday thinking they might have a question and answer session with the authority.
The authority did allow for a public comment period during a packed house at the last meeting, though some of the questions posed would have to be answered at a later time, said Chairman Milles Gregory. “The board is being as accommodating as it can by allowing this public discussion today,” Franklin Mayor Joe Collins said. Collins serves as a lawyer for the authority. “This isn’t a public hearing; we don’t have to do this. But realistically, it is always better to let the people be heard.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, four of the visitors signed up to speak during the public comment period and were given three minutes each to air their thoughts. Lucy Meadows Smarr had a few questions she wanted answered. “Specifically, I want to know what type of permanent jobs will be provided. In conversations, you’ve said the airport runway extension will bring in a lot of jobs. I want to know specifically,” she said.
Collins replied, “On behalf of the authority, this is a public comment session, it’s not a back and forth. You have the right to pose questions, but it’s not the job of the authority to provide feedback.
“Well, how can you get these answers?” Smarr asked.
Gregory told her, and the others wanting to speak, to submit the questions in writing to the authority secretary, Teresa McDowell, and he would provide an answer by mail.
Smarr also wanted to know about the petition against the runway extension. “I’d like to know how many are against the extension and who they are,” she said. She commented on the time of day the authority meetings are held, 4 p.m. “Most people are at work and can’t attend. How can we address changing the time of the meetings?”
“We’ll get an answer to you,” Gregory said.
Debby Boots addressed the authority next. Her comments concerned an article she read about the Department of Fish and Wildlife where they stated they had not been involved in discussions with the authority about the runway extension since 2002. Critical wildlife habitat is located downstream of the project and Boots wanted to know why Fish and Wildlife wasn’t involved.
“The board can speak if they like, but again, this is a public comment session. It’s designed for you all to give comments to the board, not a question and answer session,” Collins said.
Dolly Reed stepped up and asked about the 100 percent data recovery at the site. Gregory explained that they are not doing 100 percent recovery. On 3.5 acres, they are doing stripping, mapping, and identifying. She then asked what type of jets would be landing there and Gregory replied they would be the same types as are landing now.
Norm Roberts, a former authority member, gave a presentation on the instrument approach system and how important it is to the airport. Due to recent technological advances like GPS, the airport is now part of the Air Traffic Control System, and some flights can be monitored from Atlanta. He praised the authority members for all of the hard work they’ve been doing.
With more praise came Patricia Stoker. She lives on McCall Circle near the airstrip, she said. “I love the airport. When I first moved here people would tell me ‘Oh, be careful because they're going to expand the airport and there’s going to be all kinds of cargo and big casino jets coming in' and I said ‘Oh. Oh, good.’”
She said she was definitely for the expansion and is glad it’s finally happening. “I’d love to see this place become a tourist destination for private aircraft,” she said.
The authority then went on to business. They decided to send a draft budget to the Board of Commissioners totaling $47,000. This is the amount they received last year and kept the proposal at the same figure due to the economy. The budget is mostly for operating expenses, said Treasurer Pete Haithcock.
Milles Gregory was reelected as chairman, Harold Corbin as vice-chair, and Pete Haithcock as treasurer.
http://www.maconnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4607&Itemid=34
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bear Butte forum calls for understanding
Bear Butte forum calls for understanding
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune staff | Sunday, April 26, 2009
STURGIS -- People who consider Bear Butte a sacred site met for three hours Saturday morning to share their views on issues they fear could damage the peaceful atmosphere there and the use of the park as a place of worship for Native Americans.
One of those is the Meade County fire ban, imposed each July during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Bear Butte State Park Manager Jim Jandreau explained that no campfires are allowed because of potential wildfire danger.
Ceremonial rites are affected, according to Jandreau. He encouraged those concerned to visit with fire officials, Game, Fish & Parks personnel and others about the issue.
"The intent was a safety factor," Jandreau said of the yearly ban. "It has nothing to do with our spirituality or ceremonial ways."
Janet Clairmont said she will address the Meade County Commission on Wednesday, May 6. She will make a request for Bear Butte Lodge fire pit approval, according to the meeting agenda.
A proposed annexation of land east of Sturgis is also a concern.
Uma Black Crow Wilkinson, who said protection of Bear Butte's land and water are important to her, said not many people are aware of the proposal and called for more meetings about that and other issues surrounding the butte.
Area rancher Ross Lamphere addressed that annexation, saying if the effort succeeds, city limits will be about 1/4-mile north of Bear Butte Creek along S.D. Highway 79.
Lamphere estimates that boundary would be less than 3 miles from Bear Butte, and said the city, through state statute, will have jurisdiction for platting purposes.
At least four parcels around the butte are for sale. Meeting attendee Nancy Hilding said one of those, the Grubl property, occupies 120 acres and has been on sale for two or three years.
"Most of the legislators were receptive to purchase of land," Sen. Jim Bradford, R-Pine Ridge, said, referring to efforts to have the state buy some of the land to create a buffer zone. He said some state funds could be available because the state received some stimulus funding.
Bradford emphasized he attended the meeting to get the people's perspective. "The legislators are ready," he said. "They know they want to do something."
Native people need to be in a primary consultation role for butte use and management, Black Crow Wilkinson said. She said Natives are consulted but need to be in more of a leadership role.
"The sacredness of that site should probably be considered above and beyond any recreational use," Black Crow Wilkinson said.
Bear Butte is one of seven Black Hills sites sacred to the Lakota, elder Marie Randall said.
Randall called for understanding about how people can work together. "We need to learn to do more sharing than controlling," Randall said.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/26/news/local/doc49f3eb8c52743683964578.txt
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune staff | Sunday, April 26, 2009
STURGIS -- People who consider Bear Butte a sacred site met for three hours Saturday morning to share their views on issues they fear could damage the peaceful atmosphere there and the use of the park as a place of worship for Native Americans.
One of those is the Meade County fire ban, imposed each July during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Bear Butte State Park Manager Jim Jandreau explained that no campfires are allowed because of potential wildfire danger.
Ceremonial rites are affected, according to Jandreau. He encouraged those concerned to visit with fire officials, Game, Fish & Parks personnel and others about the issue.
"The intent was a safety factor," Jandreau said of the yearly ban. "It has nothing to do with our spirituality or ceremonial ways."
Janet Clairmont said she will address the Meade County Commission on Wednesday, May 6. She will make a request for Bear Butte Lodge fire pit approval, according to the meeting agenda.
A proposed annexation of land east of Sturgis is also a concern.
Uma Black Crow Wilkinson, who said protection of Bear Butte's land and water are important to her, said not many people are aware of the proposal and called for more meetings about that and other issues surrounding the butte.
Area rancher Ross Lamphere addressed that annexation, saying if the effort succeeds, city limits will be about 1/4-mile north of Bear Butte Creek along S.D. Highway 79.
Lamphere estimates that boundary would be less than 3 miles from Bear Butte, and said the city, through state statute, will have jurisdiction for platting purposes.
At least four parcels around the butte are for sale. Meeting attendee Nancy Hilding said one of those, the Grubl property, occupies 120 acres and has been on sale for two or three years.
"Most of the legislators were receptive to purchase of land," Sen. Jim Bradford, R-Pine Ridge, said, referring to efforts to have the state buy some of the land to create a buffer zone. He said some state funds could be available because the state received some stimulus funding.
Bradford emphasized he attended the meeting to get the people's perspective. "The legislators are ready," he said. "They know they want to do something."
Native people need to be in a primary consultation role for butte use and management, Black Crow Wilkinson said. She said Natives are consulted but need to be in more of a leadership role.
"The sacredness of that site should probably be considered above and beyond any recreational use," Black Crow Wilkinson said.
Bear Butte is one of seven Black Hills sites sacred to the Lakota, elder Marie Randall said.
Randall called for understanding about how people can work together. "We need to learn to do more sharing than controlling," Randall said.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/26/news/local/doc49f3eb8c52743683964578.txt
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