North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
|
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
|
Click PayPal link for direct credit card contribution or PayPal payment options. (No PayPal account necessary!)
Interested in Receiving NDHRC Email Newsletter? |
The following PAUR report is also available on the NDHRC web site at http://ndhrc.org/Newsletters/PAUR%202005/071405.htm.
~North Dakota Human Rights Coalition~ PAUR Report
Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Visit our Website at www.ndhrc.org
July 18, 2005
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!
In this week’s PAUR Report:
Announcements 1) NDHRC Announces 2005 Annual Giving Program 2) Press Release: DRC Asks Attorney General for Access to NDSU-Monsanto Contracts 3) Documentary About Tennessee’s Medicaid Program 4) White Ribbon Sign On Letter 5) Call to Action: NCAA may OK Indian mascots 6) North Dakota Fair Housing Council Changes Name to Fair Housing of the Dakotas 7) Daughters of the Earth, Native American Artists Needed for Art & Craft Show, July 20, Dilworth, MN
Newspaper Articles 8) The Forum (Fargo), Cheryl Bergian letter; Subjective values apparent in letter 9) The Forum (Fargo), Amy Nell letter: Even monuments don’t tell the story 10) The Forum (Fargo), Tribal firm helps military 11) Bismarck Tribune, Students build a dream house 12) The Forum (Fargo), Michael W. Naylor letter: No reason Indians should be grateful 13) The Forum (Fargo), Other views: Letter reflects ignorance of American Indian ways 14) Bismarck Tribune, Suicides baffle officials 15) Bismarck Tribune, Eagles take shape to soar in city park 16) Bismarck Tribune, Labor commissioner named 17) Associated Press, Cass prosecutor McEvers named N.D. labor commissioner 18) The Forum (Fargo), American Indians, police meet to improve relations 19) The Forum (Fargo), Thomas A. Bowden letter: Reject proposal to apologize to Indians 20) Bismarck Tribune, Strong focus on civil rights 21) The Forum (Fargo), Assault victim’s parents suing Moorhead, school 22) Grand Forks Herald, Our Opinion: Congrats, GF, on housing award 23) The Forum, N.D. housing rehab assistance offered 24) Indian Country Today, Racial discrimination becomes traumatic 25) The Forum (Fargo), History rises: Low water exposes artifacts 26) The Forum (Fargo), Susan Rae Helgeland letter: Columnist misused mental health term 27) Grand Forks Herald, Homeland security can’t shield abuse of immigrants 28) Grand Forks Herald, Senate panel mulls Indian apology resolution 29) Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Indian’s proposal targets roots of mismanagement 30) Bismarck Tribune, A feather in Cowboy Hall’s hat 31) The Forum, Ellen Hauser letter: Won’t be returning to White Earth 32) The Forum, Carlos Torres letter: Cannot walk freely because of looks 33) Associated Press, Missing persons: Some say coverage ignores minorities who disappear 34) The Jamestown Sun, Festival to celebrate diversity 35) Grand Forks Herald, College Athletics: NCAA panel takes action on mascots but keeps ideas mum 36) Bismarck Tribune, Reform of Indian Trust management imperative 37) Bismarck Tribune, Indians lack access to legal services 38) The Forum (Fargo), Coming out stronger: An introduction to this special report 39) Grand Forks Herald, Housing for the Disabled: Hollering for housing 40) Bismarck Tribune, A fair, undiscriminating return 41) The Forum (Fargo), Elaine Kastrinos letter: Treatment at civic was rude, insulting
Events 42) July 2005 Native American Powwows in North Dakota 43) Climate Change Forum, July 19, MSUM, Moorhead, MN
Reminders 44) North Dakota Disabilities Advocacy Consortium Conference in Collaboration with MIG & NDMHA, August 29 & 30, Bismarck 45) Save the Date: 2005 North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, Thursday & Friday, October 27 – 28, 2005, Fargo
Please Note: The NDHRC distributes a weekly PAUR report to inform our members and friends about news, events, and other human rights related information around the state. The opinions expressed within the articles are those of the authors and are not endorsed by the NDHRC.
New NDHRC members: as a membership benefit you have received an e-mail subscription of our weekly e-mail newsletter, the NDHRC PAUR Report. If you would like to be removed from the PAUR Report mailing list, please send an email to humanrights@ndhrc.org.
********************************************* Announcements *********************************************
1.) NDHRC Announces 2005 Annual Giving Program
The NDHRC kicks off its 2005 Annual Giving Program and we need your help. The money received from our annual giving program will support our conference, education and outreach efforts and other essential work of the Coalition. Our goal is to reach $7,500 by the end of 2005.
Here are ways to participate:
Donate: Help strengthen our efforts and promote human rights in North Dakota with a contribution in the amount you choose. Every dollar makes a difference.
Gift Memberships: It's a great way to celebrate the holidays and birthdays. An NDHRC gift membership makes a real difference in the fight to end discrimination faced by our friends, neighbors, and ourselves in North Dakota.
Tribute Gifts: Celebrating the wedding or commitment ceremony of a friend of family member? Why not make it special with a donation in their honor to support NDHRC's work. Each donation is acknowledged with a personalized card to the individual or couple — a reminder of how much you care about human rights.
Memorial Gifts: Honoring a person's memory is a wonderful way to celebrate their life. Memorial gifts also help family members through a difficult time. You can preserve their legacies and support the work of the NDHRC. Upon making a memorial donation, a family representative will be notified of the contribution you made in their loved one's name.
Your contribution will make an invaluable difference. To participate in the program, visit our web site at http://ndhrc.org/AnnualGiving/2005AnnualGivingProgram.htm.
*********************************************
2.) Press Release: DRC Asks Attorney General for Access to NDSU-Monsanto Contracts
Dakota Resource Council P. O. Box 1095, Dickinson ND 58602-1095 (701) 483-2851; www.drcinfo.com
For Immediate Release—June 9, 2005 Contact Information: Dean Hulse 701-232-7997 DRC Asks Attorney General for Access to NDSU-Monsanto Contracts
BISMARCK- Dakota Resource Council yesterday asked for Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s help in gaining public access to NDSU Research Foundation (NDSURF) documents related to its contracts with biotech giant Monsanto.
“We believe North Dakotans deserve to know what type of research is being done at their land grant university,” said Dean Hulse, Fargo, DRC Chair.
NDSU was a partner with Monsanto in the development of Roundup Ready hard red spring wheat until Monsanto bowed to market pressures and suspended research in May 2004.
DRC submitted its request to NDSURF for the Monsanto documents on May 5. Dale Zetocha, Executive Director of the NDSU Research Foundation, responded May 10, claiming NDSURF is not a public entity and therefore exempt from North Dakota’s Open Records Law.
In its letter to Stenehjem, however, DRC points out that NDSURF’s mission is to support NDSU, and that its governance, finances, communications and research are all linked inseparably to NDSU.
“We are not interested in proprietary information,” Hulse concluded. “We simply want to know what type of commitments our public university is making to a private company on behalf of taxpayers. Is the NDSURF operating in the best interest of farmers and consumers or being unduly influenced by private, special interests?”
*********************************************
3.) Documentary About Tennessee’s Medicaid Program
This is out-of-state news, however it is relevant to North Dakota. It's an example of what state governmental policies can do, and the Medical Assistance/Medicaid shortfall is possible in North Dakota, as has happened in Mississippi & Tennessee.
Forward freely.
This chilling 29-minute documentary, "323,000," is about the 323,000 who are now losing their health care under TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program.
It is the culmination of a 6-month investigation into the largest health care cuts in the history of America. In the course of the investigation and filming, documents were discovered that prove that the drastic nature of the cuts now are part of a bigger political strategy.*
*To understand the REAL issues with TennCare, the motives behind the cuts, the advocacy happening now, the people who will die from losing heart, anti-transplant rejection and other medications and those on respirators losing all their in-home care that keeps them alive, you MUST watch "323,000."
Click the link below to watch http://www.tenncare.org/323000.wmv
*********************************************
4.) White Ribbon Sign On Letter
The following information addresses a national/south border problem, however there is the possibility of vigilantes moving their activities into ND. The NDHRC has signed on to the letter in an effort to help keep them away.
NCLR is the
National Council of La Raza. More information on their work and projects can be
viewed at:
http://www.nclr.org/.
I’m writing to ask for your help in signing on to and circulating the attached letter. (If you can sign on, please send an email to signon@whiteribbon.org).
Let me explain in more detail what this is about: The nation is engaging in a vigorous debate about immigrants and immigration reform; while people of goodwill can have a variety of views on the policy issues, many of us are deeply concerned about the WAY the debate is taking shape, and the presence of bigotry, fearmongering, and even threats of violence. While a lot of us are used to getting hate mail, many advocates, including NCLR and several of its affiliates have reported receiving threats that were sufficiently serious that they contacted the authorities. We're getting reports that white supremacists are increasingly involved in the debate, and many of us are feeling a strong need to create the space for people with a variety of views on the issue to engage constructively in the debate, and to isolate those who are using fear, threats, and other divisive tactics.
Several of NCLR’s affiliates, along with many other groups in Arizona responded to the Minutemen by handing out white ribbons, and calling for reflection and dialogue on the immigration debate as an alternative to facing off at the border. Groups in other parts of the country are interested in doing the same thing; several local groups have asked their national partners to develop a national-level statement for a White Ribbon campaign. A draft statement is attached.
We are reaching out to leaders in the faith, business, labor, civil rights, conservative and other communities in the hope of attracting a diverse group of signers. Our hope is to publish the letter in early July in a national newspaper and to encourage local organizations to engage in similar efforts. The only individuals and organizations whose names will appear on the letter are those who have agreed to sign on. The letter will appear without letterhead; while NCLR is helping move the process along, we want to make it clear that it’s not an NCLR letter as much as it is a joint effort by a broad-based group of leaders.
PLEASE CIRCULATE THE ATTACHED SIGN ON LETTER TO YOUR NETWORKS. WE’RE ENCOURAGING INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO SIGN ON. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SIGNING ON, PLEASE SEND: NAME, ORGANIZATION (if applicable) AND CONTACT INFORMATION TO: signon@whiteribbon.org
Thank you!
THE WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN
An Open Letter in support of a thoughtful, constructive, and respectful debate on immigration reform
The undersigned individuals and organizations, who hold a variety of views on the policy issues in the nation’s immigration reform debate, believe that: · The United States is a nation of immigrants, and the role of immigrants throughout our history, in our present-day life, and into our future is worthy of respect. · Even as we honor our immigrant heritage, most Americans acknowledge that the nation’s immigration system is broken and badly in need of reform. · The most eloquent and tragic testimony to the need for reform is the alarming number of deaths at the U.S.-Mexico border, which exceeds an average of one per day. · Most Americans recognize that migrants risk their lives – and too often lose them – so that they may work and contribute to the United States and to the well-being of their families. · The security interests of the United States offer a strong incentive to adopt well-functioning immigration reforms so that the nation’s immigration system is safe, orderly, humane, and fair. Our immigration system must allow the government to thoroughly screen people entering the U.S. and to enforce reasonable immigration laws, while treating all migrants with dignity, fairness, and respect. · Americans have a moral imperative to engage in an immigration reform debate that moves us toward policy changes that effectively address these challenges. · Tactics like intimidation, violence, threats, and the spread of fear, hatred, and divisiveness are not conducive to the kind of rational, reflective debate that will produce solutions to these complex problems. · Americans of good will deplore these tactics in all forms, including the actions of individuals, commentators on the airwaves, and elected officials seeking to exploit community tensions.
Many Americans of good faith who hold a variety of policy views on immigration have begun to wear white ribbons as a call for prayer, reflection, and dialogue on this issue.
The White Ribbon Campaign is a demonstration of the values we share and our desire for constructive and thoughtful discussion to advance the immigration debate in a way that strengthens our country, rejects fear and hate, and helps Americans arrive at solutions to these complex problems.
Signed,
*********************************************
5.) Call to Action: NCAA may OK Indian mascots
Please forward. Please respond
A CALL TO ACTION
Friends,
Between now and August 1, the National Collegiate Athletic Association must hear from Native Americans from throughout the country. The voices of Native Americans who oppose the racial stereotyping and the denigration of Native People inherent in the use of Native American names and imagery as sports mascots must be heard. All support is welcome.
The people to send your concerns to at the NCAA are:
Myles Brand, President (e-mail: mbrand@ncaa.org) Ron Stratten, Vice President for Education Services and liaison to the NCAA Executive Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity (e-mail: rstratten@ncaa.org)
The NCAA Executive Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity and the NCAA Executive Committee will be considering this issue during the first week of August.
E-mail addresses for Myles Brand and Ron Stratten are as indicated above.
The mailing address for the NCAA is:
National Collegiate
Athletic Association
telephone: 317-917-6222 fax: 317-917-6336
I would appreciate a copy of whatever you send.
Thank you,
Stephen Kaufman University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
*******************************************************
NCAA may OK
Indian mascots
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
6.) North Dakota Fair Housing Council Changes Name to Fair Housing of the Dakotas
The North Dakota Fair Housing Council has changed its name to the Fair Housing of the Dakotas. Please update your contact information. Address, phone, fax, email all remain the same.
The Fair Housing of the Dakotas (formerly the North Dakota Fair Housing Council) is a non-profit organization serving North and South Dakota. The Fair Housing of the Dakotas was originally founded in 1995 as the North Dakota Fair Housing Council to serve the State of North Dakota. In 2003, services were expanded to also include the State of South Dakota and its name was changed in 2005 to the Fair Housing of the Dakotas to reflect these duties in both North and South Dakota.
The Fair Housing of the Dakotas' mission is to eradicate housing discrimination through community education; encouragement of public involvement; assistance to those experiencing housing discrimination; and support of individuals and organizations seeking equal opportunity in housing.
Please also visit our web site at: www.ndfhc.org for information on fair housing, including publications, links to civil rights groups in North and South Dakota and other information. Contact us with any questions.
Amy Schauer Nelson,
Executive Director
*********************************************
7.) Daughters of the Earth, Native American Artists Needed for Art & Craft Show, July 20, Dilworth, MN
Wanted:
Native American Artists WEDNESDAY,
JULY 20, 2005
********************************************* Newspaper Articles *********************************************
8.) The Forum (Fargo), Cheryl Bergian letter; Subjective values apparent in letter
Cheryl Bergian letter: Subjective values apparent in letterThe Forum – 07/14/2005
In response to the Thomas A. Bowden letter, of the Ayn Rand Institute, Irvine, Calif., in the July 2 Forum:
The Ayn Rand Institute purports to advance an theory of "Objectivism," in which "reality exists as an objective absolute - facts are facts, independent of man's feelings, wishes, hopes or fears." However, the subjective values of the institute are appallingly apparent in the letter: American Indians were living in "abject poverty, ignorance and superstition" prior to the European "conquest" of North America.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
9.) The Forum (Fargo), Amy Nell letter: Even monuments don’t tell the story
Amy Nell letter: Even monuments don't tell the storyThe Forum – 07/14/2005In response to the Thomas Bowden letter printed on July 2:
This past weekend we celebrated the birth of our country, and during this time I visited the Whitestone Battlefield Memorial near Kulm, N.D. What is most striking about this memorial is its 30-foot stone column, built in 1909. On its cap is a bugler commemorating the deaths of 20 cavalry men who died while fighting the Yanktonai and Hunkpapa American Indians.
During this fight, the cavalry decimated somewhere between 200-300 American Indians, many of these being women and children. Not only did they murder these people, but they burned all of their supplies for the winter, including 500,000 pounds of buffalo meat, pots, hunting weapons, etc. Only a small pile of stones, built in 1942, standing waist high with a hardly readable plaque commemorates this tragedy.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
10.) The Forum (Fargo), Tribal firm helps military
Tribal firm helps military By Patrick Springer The Forum - 07/11/2005
PARSHALL, N.D. - A storage room in an office building in this reservation farming town is stuffed with an improbable inventory: reams of operating manuals for weapons systems and military vehicles.
The closet belongs to MHA Systems Inc., a company owned by the Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara Nation, under contract with the Pentagon to convert paper records to digital documents.
The firm, launched with a $3.4 million defense contract awarded two years ago, has 25 employees who work in a sleek brick office building in this town of 981 dominated by towering grain elevators.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
11.) Bismarck Tribune, Students build a dream house
Students
build a dream house Bismarck Tribune – 07/07/2005
Many college
graduates don't have any real work experience in their chosen career field, but
this is not always the case.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
12.) The Forum (Fargo), Michael W. Naylor letter: No reason Indians should be grateful
Michael W.
Naylor letter: No reason Indians should be grateful
In his letter to the editor (Reject proposal to apologize to the Indians, July 2), Thomas Bowden makes the absurd assertion that the conquering Europeans gave American Indians the great gift of Western civilization for which they should be grateful. What he failed to mention is that this wonderful "gift" was wrapped in paper with genocidal print.
It was an expensive "gift" for which American Indians paid with their lives, lands, and culture. Decimated by smallpox, they were the victims of the earliest documented use of biological warfare when Indian combatants in the Pontiac Rebellion were given blankets from the smallpox hospital at Fort Pitt. The "gift" had its desired effect.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
13.) The Forum (Fargo), Other views: Letter reflects ignorance of American Indian ways
Other
views: Letter reflects ignorance of American Indian ways
The July 2 letter to the editor from Thomas Bowden of the Ayn Rand Institute, to reject a proposal from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for the United States to apologize to American Indians is a reflection of a conqueror's mentality. He seems to perpetuate ignorance. As a progressive leader in the Objectivist Movement, Ayn Rand was a seeker of truth, an entertainer of individualism who considered the facts before expressing substance. I challenge Bowden to consider the truth.
There is a mindset that American Indian techniques and way of life are inferior to one's own practices. However, this way of life, this Indian way of life reflects the compassion of humanity - a way of life that is grounded in respect and responsibility toward others. In the truest essence of who we are, we are for the people. We say "we are all related."
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
14.) Bismarck Tribune, Suicides baffle officials
Suicides baffle officials Bismarck Tribune – 07/10/2005
WASHINGTON
-- Surgeon General Richard Carmona has been quick to acknowledge a major problem
with teen suicide in Indian Country. He also admits that current efforts to slow
the deaths aren't working.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
15.) Bismarck Tribune, Eagles take shape to soar in city park
Eagles take
shape to soar in city park Bismarck Tribune – 07/092005
As people
walk around the mosaic, their reflection will show in the four different colors
of mankind. When they look up from their reflection, they can peek into a nest
and see a mother eagle taking care of her eaglets.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
16.) Bismarck Tribune, Labor commissioner named
Labor
commissioner named Bismarck Tribune – 07/09/2005
Gov. John
Hoeven appointed Cass County prosecutor Lisa Fair McEvers to head the Labor
Department on Friday, making her the second person to hold the position since
Mark Bachmeier resigned in August 2004.
"Whether it's handling human rights issues, labor issues, housing issues ... as well as the management skills that it takes in that office, I think she comes very, very well prepared," Hoeven said.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
17.) Associated Press, Cass prosecutor McEvers named N.D. labor commissioner
Cass
prosecutor McEvers named N.D. labor commissioner
(Updated at 2:37 p.m.) BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven has chosen an assistant Cass County state's attorney as North Dakota's new labor commissioner. Lisa Fair McEvers is the second prosecutor that Hoeven has hired to run the Labor Department. The announcement was made today.
McEvers, 43, will succeed Leann Bertsch, who took over last week as the new director of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Bertsch succeeded longtime corrections director Elaine Little, who took early retirement.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent people in their disputes, to be able to help resolve those disputes, and to protect our citizens' rights, whether they be in the work force or whether they be in housing issues," McEvers said.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
18.) The Forum (Fargo), American Indians, police meet to improve relations
American Indians, police meet to improve relations
Robert Hulst said he's been racially profiled by police three times in Fargo, and he's only lived in the city one year.
As a relatively light skinned member of the Spirit Lake Nation, he said he really worries about the treatment of darker skinned American Indians.
Hulst was one of about 20 people who gathered Thursday to improve relations between American Indians and police in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area.
"It's not good," Hulst told representatives of the Fargo, Moorhead and Dilworth departments. "There's some real problems underlying it."
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
19.) The Forum (Fargo), Thomas A. Bowden letter: Reject proposal to apologize to Indians
Thomas A. Bowden letter: Reject proposal to apologize to Indians
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is debating whether the United States should formally apologize to Indians for a "long history of official depredations and ill-conceived policies." This proposal should be rejected.
Before Europeans arrived, the scattered tribes occupying North America lived in abject poverty, ignorance, and superstition - not due to any racial inferiority, but because that is how all mankind starts out (Europeans included). The transfer of Western civilization to this continent was one of the great cultural gifts in recorded history, affording Indians almost effortless access to centuries of European accomplishments in philosophy, science, technology, and government. As a result, today's Indians enjoy a capacity for generating health, wealth and happiness that their Stone Age ancestors could never have conceived.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
20.) Bismarck Tribune, Strong focus on civil rights
Strong
focus on civil rights Bismarck Tribune – 07/02/2005
Some
cultures think they are targeted by racial profiling, and their rights and
property are at stake. To be able to protect themselves, they have to be
pro-active and educate themselves and their families, those attending a workshop
were told Thursday.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
21.) The Forum (Fargo), Assault victim’s parents suing Moorhead, school
Assault
victim's parents suing Moorhead, school
A sexual assault case involving the Moorhead Sports Center has the School District and the city of Moorhead embroiled in a civil lawsuit.
The parents of a girl who reported she was raped at age 15 claim in the suit both government entities failed to protect their daughter.
The city and School District say they have no liability in the case.
In a related criminal case, Robert James Hersrud, 20, is charged with four counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
22.) Grand Forks Herald, Our Opinion: Congrats, GF, on housing award
OUR
OPINION: Congrats, GF, on housing award Grand Forks
Herald – 07/05/2005 The city deserved the honor, which was bestowed last week by the U.S. secretary of housing and urban development.
What do you like most about living in Grand Forks? If you ask any resident that question, high up on his or her list will be the answer, "The lowcrime rate."
Remember that, and join in a salute to the city for its award-winning affordable housing efforts. Grand Forks' push to help low-income families buy their own homes was nationally recognized last week, as the city and 13 other communities won a federal award. The Robert L. Woodson Award went to communites who have overcome bureaucratic barriers and are helping needy families move into decent and affordable homes, a Herald story reported.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
23.) The Forum, N.D. housing rehab assistance offered
N.D.
housing rehab assistance offered
The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency has $25,000 in Rehab Assistance Program funds available for single or multi-family properties occupied by low-income people with physical disabilities, according to a news release from the Industrial Commission of North Dakota.
Preference will be given to applicants making improvements that benefit individuals participating in the North Dakota Department of Human Services' Developmental Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation Division programs.
Applications must be received by NDHFA by close of business Aug. 12.
For an application or more information, call Warren Hintz at (701) 328-8080 or (800) 292-8621. Information is also available at www.ndhfa.org.
View online article here
*********************************************
24.) Indian Country Today, Racial discrimination becomes traumatic
Racial discrimination becomes traumatic By David Melmer Indian
Country Today – 06/20/2005
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
25.) The Forum (Fargo), History rises: Low water exposes artifacts
History rises: Low water exposes artifacts By Patrick Springer The Forum – 06/27/2005
WINONA BAY, N.D. - Glenn McCrory saw remnants of his family's past scattered all around him on the site where his great-grandfather built a ranch back in frontier days.
Broken slabs of concrete marked the location of the house where his father and older sisters lived. The house was still standing when he was a child
McCrory, semi-retired from farming at 64, spied a piece of rusty metal lying on the ground near where the barn once stood, now overgrown with weeds and brush, and recognized it as a part from an old wagon.
"I suppose the government would call that artifacts now," McCrory said. "I better not pick that up."
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
26.) The Forum (Fargo), Susan Rae Helgeland letter: Columnist misused mental health term
Susan Rae
Helgeland letter: Columnist misused mental health term
On Sunday, May 29, James Ferragut, contributor to The Forum's opinion and commentary pages wrote, "I've always been a bit schizophrenic about Fargo's north side versus south side history. Which is better? Which has the best neighborhoods? Who's got the best schools? Does one side really have to be better than the other?"
As executive director of the Mental Health Association in North Dakota, I feel compelled to object to Ferragut's utilization of schizophrenic as a description of Fargo's north side versus south side history. I talked to Ferragut and we decided that I should use this opportunity to bring a clearer understanding of the word schizophrenic to the readers of The Forum. I explained to Ferragut that he is not alone and in excellent company. I have heard several top news reporters and many others use the word schizophrenic inappropriately to describe a situation. I have even heard it said in sitcoms.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
27.) Grand Forks Herald, Homeland security can’t shield abuse of immigrants
IN THE MAIL
<snip>
Homeland security can't shield abuse of immigrants
GRAND FORKS - In my faith, "love your neighbor as yourself" is the greatest commandment. In the Upper Red River Valley, we are predominately Christian. When we talk about freedom of religion, we think about our own freedoms within our own concepts of our religion. But we are not free until everyone is given equal rights to their faith. We must remember that unless you are full-blood Native American, we are a nation of immigrants. The majority of our ancestors were looked down upon by the immigrants who arrived before they did.
Many don't remember the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. But some of us do, so why don't we make links from our history to today? And why are we silent again?
Because it is happening again. Are we so concerned about "homeland security" that we're willing to let those who are different from us be jailed without reason or notification of family members?
<snip>
View full article here here
*********************************************
28.) Grand Forks Herald, Senate panel mulls Indian apology resolution
Senate
panel mulls Indian apology resolution Grand Forks Herald – 06/26/2005
WASHINGTON - Legislation that would offer a formal apology to American Indians for centuries of government mistreatment and neglect received a warm reception at a Senate committee hearing Wednesday.
Introduced last month by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., the resolution would apologize for the "many instances of violence, maltreatment and neglect inflicted on Native Peoples by citizens of the United States."
"While we cannot erase the record of our past, I am confident that we can acknowledge our past failures, express sincere regrets and work toward establishing a brighter future for all Americans," Brownback told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
<snip>
View full article here ********************************************* 29.) Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Indian’s proposal targets roots of mismanagement Indian's proposal targets roots of mismanagement
By Peter Harriman Sioux Falls Argus Leader – 06/27/2005
The dollar
amount – $27.5 billion – is sure to grab attention. But that obscures about 50
other points Native American leaders are proposing to resolve decade-old trust
mismanagement litigation and to reform the way the U.S. government carries out
its trust responsibilities for tribes and individual Indians.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
30.) Bismarck Tribune, A feather in Cowboy Hall’s hat
A feather
in Cowboy Hall's hat Bismarck Tribune – 06/28/2008
His young
daughter's eyes peeked curiously through the weathered eagle feathers. His Horse Is
Thunder donated the headdress of his great-great-great-grandfather, Sitting
Bull, to Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates in 1996. <snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
31.) The Forum, Ellen Hauser letter: Won’t be returning to White Earth
Ellen
Hauser letter: Won't be returning to White Earth
As a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux tribe I thought going to the White Earth Pow Wow would be an excellent cultural experience for my niece and nephew.
Upon arriving at the Pow Wow grounds and trying to find a place to park we were stopped at the entrance by several police officers. We were told we had to get out of our truck and take everything out so the drug dogs could go in and around. I told the officer I wouldn't give my consent and backed out and parked in the street. They then ran a check on my vehicle. I know they did because as we were walking in I heard my name and vehicle being mentioned on their walkie talkies.
Why would the White Earth Council sanction such an invasion of our rights? Can you imagine what the line would be like if the police did this at WE Fest or Moondance Jam?
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
32.) The Forum, Carlos Torres letter: Cannot walk freely because of looks
Carlos
Torres letter: Cannot walk freely because of looks
What a wonderful world. Celebrities can commit crimes and walk out free, whereas I, an honorable and law-abiding citizen, cannot walk anywhere freely, especially after Sept. 11 anyway.
As soon as I enter a public place, be it a gas station (the gas pump credit machines are so often broken - for me, and so I have to go inside to use my credit card), retail stores (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.), restaurants, fast food places (even McDonald's), the Opera House at the Ordway Center in St. Paul, here is what happens. Security is alerted, and I can promptly see employees following me, or plain clothes, bored, prejudiced, security individuals repeatedly showing up at my side one aisle after another, making eye contact, and ridiculous "ahem" sounds, waiting outside for me, staring at my car plates, etc.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
33.) Associated Press, Missing persons: Some say coverage ignores minorities who disappear
Missing
persons: Some say coverage ignores minorities who disappear
Most of the missing adults tracked by the FBI are men. More than one-in-five of those abducted or kidnapped are black.
But you might not get that impression from the news media, and some journalism watchdogs are now taking the industry to task for what they see as a disproportionate emphasis on cases in which white girls and women - overwhelmingly upper-middle class and attractive - disappear.
Television executives, who receive much of the criticism, defend their coverage. They stress that cases such as the recent disappearance in Aruba of 18-year-old Natalee Holloway of Alabama are extraordinary, and would be newsworthy no matter her background.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
34.) The Jamestown Sun, Festival to celebrate diversity
Festival to celebrate
diversity The Jamestown Sun – 06/18/2005
A festival celebrating the diversity of cultures, from the earliest inhabitants of North Dakota to its most recent immigrants, is being held in Jamestown Aug. 5-6 at McElroy Park.
Taylor Barnes, director of the Arts Center, said the idea for the festival emerged during the Midwest World Fest tour, which brought four groups of international performing artists to town over a two-year period. Each group not only offered high-quality performances, but spent a week sharing its culture with the community as artists in residence, providing workshops and classes. With that in mind the Arts Center started bringing in other artists in residence, who focused on the various arts and crafts from a heritage standpoint, to work with the city’s students.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
35.) Grand Forks Herald, College Athletics: NCAA panel takes action on mascots but keeps ideas mum
COLLEGE
ATHLETICS: NCAA panel takes action on mascots but keeps ideas mum Grand Forks
Herald – 06/25/2005
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
36.) Bismarck Tribune, Reform of Indian Trust management imperative
Reform of
Indian Trust management imperative Bismarck Tribune – 06/14/2005
The U.S.
Department of the Interior, along with Congress, needs to provide a strong
remedy to the Indian Trust problem, in reforms that result in accountability and
security, that result in a cure.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
37.) Bismarck Tribune, Indians lack access to legal services
Indians
lack access to legal services Bismarck Tribune – 06/14/2005
PIERRE, S.D.
-- Jessica Hinsley didn't know where to turn for help after Standing Rock Sioux
Tribe officials took her 1-year-old daughter. The girl had been hurt in a fall
at a day care center, and a tribal judge kept asking why Hinsley's three
children had to be in day care.
<snip> Many Indian reservations across the nation have a shortage of lawyers and other legal services, said Ron Hutchinson, executive director of Dakota Plains Legal Services, which has six offices in South Dakota and one just across the border in North Dakota.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
38.) Articles from The Forum (Fargo) series on gay and lesbian people in Fargo-Moorhead
'Coming out strong' series certainly brought you outThe Forum –
06/19/2005 This was a week I didn't run to get the mail every day, although I did read it all.
I'm referring, of course, to your feedback on our "Coming out stronger" series of articles that ran last Sunday and Monday.
In the looking-for-a-silver-lining department, I'll say thanks for feeling free to tell me what you think. The vast majority of you who felt compelled to respond were thoughtful and reasoned - no one called me names and hardly anyone yelled. I respect your opinions and am grateful that you took time to call or write.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
Cheryl Bergian is the Executive Director for the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.
Cheryl Bergian
letter: Gays lack common legal protections
Thank you for your series on gay and lesbian people in Fargo-Moorhead.
However, in the first part of the series, I didn't see information on the lack of legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation in North Dakota (http://www.state.nd.us/ labor/services/human-rights).
I'm sure that this is one reason why it was difficult to find people willing to talk about their lives, when it's entirely possible, and permissible in North Dakota, to fire them or deny them housing (or service in a business or by our governmental bodies) simply because of their sexual orientation.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
Coming out
stronger: Gay man finds college a place of new possibilities
Aaron Eichenberger woke up at 5 the morning he and his mom set out on the 150-mile trip to North Dakota State University.
He wanted to tell her a secret he had kept from everyone.
After wavering between "I could never do it" and "Of course I can do it" until dawn, Aaron set a deadline: He would tell her before they hit Fargo. He had a three-and-a-half hour car ride in front of him.
With his mom behind the wheel of his stepfather's truck, they drove and chatted about the weather, Fargo and dorm furniture. Every time the topic shifted, Aaron put off the news until they had exhausted another new topic.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
Coming out
stronger: Gina Powers, a not-so-mainstream mom
Cheryl Powers is at the age of "silly little kid crushes," but she has no interest in those whatsoever. She's not even allowed to date until she turns 16, though boys have been calling her home lately.
That's why the 12-year-old declines to give a definitive answer to the question people ask her most often: Is she going to be a lesbian?
As parents of other kids her age pick up the lingo of childish infatuations, Cheryl is constantly asked to define and defend her take on sexuality, by classmates and adults alike.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
Once in the closet, gay police officer combats stereotypesBy Mila KoumpilovaThe Forum –
06/13/2005 Sgt. Greg Lemke was about to get into his car at the Fargo law enforcement training center's parking lot last summer when a police academy trainee dashed after him.
"I feel terrible," the young man said. "All through high school, I picked on a kid."
The kid, the trainee assumed, was gay, and calling him on it in crowded school corridors had become the young man's shortcut to teen cool.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
Forum examines personal stories of three gay peopleThe Forum – 06/12/2005
"Coming out stronger," the first of a two-part series of stories about the challenges being gay presents begins on the front page today.
It's a good package of stories because it focuses on the personal journeys of three different people as they struggle to find their place in the mainstream. We've done packages of stories like this before: in the past five years or so, we've chronicled the challenges faced by Eastern European immigrants who've rebuilt their lives here as well as local African-Americans.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
Coming out stronger: An introduction to this special reportThe Forum – 06/12/2005Last year, the raucous national debate over gay marriage caught up with the largely low-key Fargo-Moorhead gay and lesbian community.
North Dakota proponents of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex unions echoed arguments that reverberated across the country: Allowing gay marriage would erode the fabric of a time-tested social institution and create a less-than-perfect environment for raising children.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
39.) Grand Forks Herald, Housing for the Disabled: Hollering for housing
HOUSING FOR
THE DISABLED: Hollering for housing Grand Forks Herald – 06/10/2005
CROOKSTON - Workers in the Housing and Redevelopment Authority office stood up behind their desks and watched stunned as a group of protesters with disabilities marched into their office Thursday morning.
To the cry of "No more lip service, get with the program!" the group of about 11 people and their signs filled the small office.
Gordie Haug, event organizer, said that disabled residents are tired of waiting for housing authorities to implement a federal program that allows people to use Section 8 vouchers from the Housing and Urban Development department to buy a home.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
40.) Bismarck Tribune, A fair, undiscriminating return
A fair,
undiscriminating return Bismarck Tribune – 06/05/2005
There are
few Bureau of Indian Affairs employees around today who took part in those
pivotal years in the early 1950s when the inhabitants (American Indians, and
those who did not carry that designation) were forced to leave the bottomlands
of the area involved in the Garrison Dam project.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
41.) The Forum (Fargo), Elaine Kastrinos letter: Treatment at civic was rude, insulting
Elaine
Kastrinos letter: Treatment at civic was rude, insulting
Dr. Timothy Mahoney presented my daughter with three VIP tickets to see Dana Reeve. Christine had a car accident and is now a vent-dependent quadriplegic. Thanks to the gallant efforts of Dakota and Innovis, she is alive today.
When we presented our tickets at the door of the Fargo Civic Center, a man refused us entry. In a loud voice, he told us we had to buy three more tickets because that thing took up too much space. The "thing" he was referring to was my daughter who unfortunately is stuck in a wheelchair. He then proceeded to tell us that he doubted that we could even purchase any accessible tickets because the civic only had so many spots for chairs and they were all sold. Little did he know that I had bought two of those tickets and given them to some friends. Also, I only saw two other wheelchairs there.
<snip>
View full article here
********************************************* Events *********************************************
A calendar of events for July is available on the NDHRC web site at http://ndhrc.org/Events/Calendar/2005/July.htm.
*********************************************
42.) July 2005 Native American Powwows in North Dakota
July 8-10:
Arikara Celebration
contest powwow
July 8-10:
Alexis Nakota Sioux
Nation contest powwow
July 15-17:
Mandaree Celebration
contest powwow
July 29-31:
38th Annual Spirit Lake
contest powwow
July 29-31:
Little Eagle contest powwow
*********************************************
43.) Climate Change Forum, July 19, MSUM, Moorhead, MN
CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM
Tuesday, July 19,20057:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m. Center for Business, Room111 Minnesota State UniversityMoorhead (on the right side of11thSt South between 7thand 9thAve South)
Topics to be addressed: 1. Scientific evidence of global climate change. 2. Anticipated and observed environmental impacts of climate change. 3. Related problems for humans at the local, regional, and global levels. 4. Probable cause and possible solutions.
Panelists: Dr. Allen Ashworth, Professor, NDSU Dr. Ron Hutchison, Assistant Professor, NDSU Dr. Dennis Jacobs, Professor, MSUM Rob Kupec, Meteorologist Dr. Charles Musiba, Assistant Professor, NDSU
Sponsored by South Agassiz Resource Council in conjunction with the: Dacotah Chapter of the Sierra Club, Fargo Moorhead Unitarian Universalist Church, Fargo Presentation Sisters, MSUM Environmental Action Committee, NDSU Student Environment Advisory Council, and Red River Group of the Sierra Club
For more information contact Terry Schaunaman South Agassiz Resource Council (SARC) / Dakota Resource Council (DRC) 701-298-8685 or terry@drcinfo.com.
********************************************* *********************************************
44.) North Dakota Disabilities Advocacy Consortium Conference in Collaboration with MIG & NDMHA, August 29 & 30, Bismarck
Message from North Dakota Disabilities Advocacy Consortium:
North Dakota Disabilities Advocacy Consortium members and friends
FYI -“Hold These Dates”-
Please keep your calendar open August 29th and August 30th for the First Annual NDDAC conference in collaboration with MIG and NDMHA. The conference will be held in Bismarck………..more details to follow.
*********************************************
45.) Save the Date: 2005 North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, Thursday & Friday, October 27 – 28, 2005, Fargo
Theme: “Tools for Building Inclusive Communities: The Role of Human Rights Education and Action in North Dakota”
When: Thursday, October 27 & Friday, October 28, 2005
Where: Ramada Plaza Suites & Conference Center, 1635 42nd Street, S.W., Fargo
What: The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition annual conference will bring together a diversity of people from around North Dakota to explore and discuss the “How To’s” of human rights work with regard to progress and challenges impacting individuals and communities.
Who Should Attend: We invite community and Tribal leaders, support and advocacy organizations, stakeholders and policy makers, state agency and reservation civil rights and human resource officers, union members and officers, law enforcement officers, human service employees, churches and faith-based organizations, and individuals with an interest in human rights to attend.
Highlights:
Networking and membership meeting will enable individuals to learn more about the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, and how to work together on common issues beyond the conference
Resource tables will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about local and statewide human rights related organizations and resources
Social event will provide a relaxed setting for establishing professional contacts, greeting friends, and making new ones
Additional information will be available on the NDHRC web site in the coming month at www.ndhrc.org.
************************************************
***Member Reminder*** Please keep us in mind for your group or church social action/social justice meetings! We’d be happy to provide a presentation at a meeting or provide newsletter articles for your organizations.
************************************************
Do you have a Program, Announcement, Update or Resource that you would like shared on our weekly PAUR report? If so, please send an email to AndreaDeegan@NDHRC.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.
If you are not yet a member of NDHRC, what are you waiting for? Sign up now! The membership form is available on line at http://ndhrc.org/membership_form_revised.htm.
Not getting the PAUR Report directly in your email? It's so easy to be added to the PAUR mailing list! Email HumanRights@NDHRC.org.
|
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition P.O. Box 1961 Fargo, North Dakota 58107-1961 Phone: (701) 239-9323 Fax: (701) 478-4452 Email: humanrights@ndhrc.org
|
