AIM Support Group of Ohio & N. KentuckyUpdates and Announcements
Tuesday, May 06, 2003The Web Of Life
Once again this year AIM Indiana Support Group will be sponsoring an overnight stay in Brookville for the runners of the Footprints for Peace (Web of Life). This year the run will be coming to Brookville on the 18th of June and leaving the morning of the 19th. Here are the dates for the run : Starting from Chief Little Turtle statue at 7:00 am in Covington KY. June 15th, Day 1: Covington KY. to Boonsboro State Park KY approximately 92 miles. June 16th, Day 2: Boonsboro State Park KY to Serpent Mound (in Ohio) overnight at Woodland Alters Camp approximately 105 miles. June 17th, Day 3: Serpent Mound OH to Antioch College OH approximately 65 miles. June 18th, Day 4: Antioch College OH to Brookville IN approximately 82 miles. June 19th, Day 5: Brookville IN to Devoe State Park KY approximately 61 miles AIM Indiana Support Group C/O Albert Runningwolf 1148 Main St. Brookville, IN. 47012 Ph: 765-647-4947 FAX: 765-647-5362 posted by Webmaster@ AIM Support 12:55 AM
posted by Webmaster@ AIM Support 12:24 AM
Sunday, May 04, 2003For Those Yet To Come: Film Festival If anyone lives near Portland, Oregon, this is happening next week. Lots of films and speakers--Free. http://geocities.com/forthoseyettocome/content.htm The brainchild of Native American filmmaker, Chris Francisco, the 2003 festival is the first in what will become an annual event highlighting the unique talents and perspectives of Native American filmmakers everywhere. This year's festival title/theme, for those yet to come was chosen by Chris to honor the generations who will follow us onto this planet, and to help raise our collective awareness that what we do -- the choices we make today about how we live our lives -- will impact the earth far beyond our individual life spans. Everyone is welcome to attend, and admission to all films and speaker events is free (there will be an admission charge to the Blackfire concert on May 9th at PSU). The films selected this year will be shown at various locations from May 5th through May 12th. So mark your calendar and be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and to honor the contributions of Native Americans to the art of filmmaking. "The Film Festival is dedicated to Skip Mahawk who passed on to the spirit world. Safe journey, brother." Chris Francisco, 04/29/03 The Speakers Arvol Looking Horse is a Lakota Chief and 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and founder of World Peace and Prayer Day. His degree of commitment to helping not only his own people but also -- through his sharing of the Native Prophecies and the creating of awareness and understanding -- people throughout the world, has placed him along with other great leaders in the forefront of the quest for world peace. He will also be speaking on the need to protect sacred ceremonies so that those yet to come will understand that Native American beliefs are a gift from the creator which must retain their meaning and power -- they must forever be held sacred. Bernard Red Cherries Jr. is a Northern Cheyenne Sundance-Arrow Priest, and Elk Society Headsman. He is also a 7th generation direct descendant of Chief Little Wolf, who along with Dull Knife fought to bring the Northern Cheyenne home, from the Indian Territories-Oklahoma to the North Country, where "we forever will remain." James Pitawanakwat (OJ) (The Last Aggressional Stance) is an Ottawa activist and resistor. In the early 90's, OJ spent 2 years in the Canadian prison system for upholding the law during the Gustafsen Lake standoff. Released with orders from the Canadian government to no longer speak or associate politically he sought asylum in the United States. Arrested by the US authorities, OJ fought the Canadian government's attempts to extradite him to Canada to face parole violation charges. He was victorious and remains in the USA. Jim (Toby) Big Boy (brother of Lovey Two Bulls) is a Lakota activist, and a spokesperson for the Stronghold Table resistance movement. He travels all over the country gathering support for the cause, and raising awareness of the struggles Native Americans face not only in South Dakota, but throughout the USA. Leonard Benally (the brother of Louise Benally) is a Dineh activist, and Big Mountain resident/resistor. Leonard was born into the struggle for the protection of Mother Earth from the coal mining companies. He is an non-signer of the accommodation agreement, and in spite of endless harassment; termination of water access; livestock reduction; and the bulldozing of the sacred Sundance ground, he remains to this day on his ancestral motherland, Big Mountain. Lovey Two Bulls is a Lakota activist, currently working to stop the National Park Service's planned "excavation" (NPS's code word for DESECRATION) of Stronghold Table in South Dakota. Native Youth Movement is a organization committed to galvanizing the power of Native youth resistance and activism. They are active in many causes and struggles across North America, and have chapters in both Canada and the USA. They work to preserve the forests, their sacred homelands, and Mother Earth. Several films in this festival showcase their efforts: Secwepemc Chapter Roadblock; Take Back the Land: Spirit Lake; and Skwelkwek'welt Protection Center. Robert Free (America's Mandela) is a Native American (Tewa, Scottish, and Mexican) activist/resistor and a veteran of Alcatraz Island, fishing rights struggle confrontations, Trail of Broken Treaties occupations, and Wounded Knee liberation. A long time friend of Leonard before his incarceration, Robert currently serves as the Chair of the LPDC (Leonard Peltier Defense Committee). He's also an AIDS activist within the Native community. Check out this great article: http://www.pechanga.net/web_articles/bear_project.htm William Underbaggage (Sacred Fires) is an Oglala Lakota and a resident of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He is a descendant of a survivor at the Massacre of Wounded Knee, a common Man, journalist, human rights and peace observer. He is also a filmmaker and the founder of the Indigenous Nations Network. You may email him at IndigenousNationsNetwork@lakota.cc. The Films A Century of Genocide in the Americas: The Residential School Experience (Rosemary Gibbons & Dex Thomas, 18 min.). A powerful documentary about how sexual abuse in Indian Residential Schools not only affected the child but the whole Indian community. America's Mandela (Robert Free, 30 min.). Mandela is free, but Leonard Peltier remains imprisoned -- despite rulings by Federal Court Judges acknowledging the falsehood of the charges against him. If Mandela can be freed, why can't the words of the District Attorney who filed the original charges against Leonard be heeded when he fully admits that there is NO evidence to warrant his continued detention. Leonard Peltier has been in jail for 27 years, and this film is a must-see for all people of conscience. This film focuses on the events during the several weeks leading up to the shooting at the Jumping Bull residence. Earthborn (Chris Francisco, 45 min.). A thought provoking documentary which tells the story of the Big Mountain grandmothers -- elderly women who were arrested and jailed for the "offense" of having a Sundance ceremony to pray for the healing of the motherland, Big Mountain, from the destruction Mother Earth has suffered at the hands of the mining companies. The film also explores the issues surrounding the depletion of precious water resources. In the Heart of Big Mountain (Sandra Osawa, 28 min.). An intimate portrait of the traumatic consequences of mass relocation on one Dine' é (Navajo) family, as seen through the eyes of elder Katherine Smith. In the Light of Reverence (Christopher McLeod, 73 min.). Devils Tower. The Four Corners. Mount Shasta. All places of extraordinary beauty - and impassioned controversy - as Indians and non-Indians struggle to co-exist with very different ideas about how the land should be used. For Native Americans, the land is sacred and akin to the world's greatest cathedrals. For others, the land should be used for industry and recreation. Narrated by Peter Coyote and Tantoo Cardinal (Metis), IN THE LIGHT OF REVERENCE is a beautifully rendered account of the struggles of the Lakota in the Black Hills, the Hopi in Arizona and the Wintu in California to protect their sacred sites. In Whose Honor? American Indian Mascots in Sports (Jay Rosenstein, 46 min.). While the use of many symbols of racial stereotyping has waned, Native American ones remain, especially in the sports arena. The film focuses on Charlene Teters, a Spokane Indian, who waged a campaign against Chief Illiniwek, the University of Illinois' beloved mascot. The Last Aggressional Stance (OJ, aka James Pitawanakwat, 30 min.). A powerful exploration of OJ's struggles with the US and Canadian legal systems, and the political oppression he has faced from both governments. The film speaks of OJ's experiences during the Gustafsen Lake standoff. This film is still in production, and the rough cut version will be shown! Lighting the 7th Fire (Sandra Osawa, 48 min.). The story of how the Chippewa Indians of Northern Wisconsin have struggled to restore the centuries- old tradition of spear fishing, and the heated opposition they have encountered. repREZentin' in Fort Chip (Big Soul Productions, 30 min.). The youth of Ft. Chipewyan are growing up and behaving like all teenagers do. On the weekends they like to hang out with their friends and some like to party. Using alcohol is nothing new to some of them, but it all seems relatively harmless to Robyn, until the worst happens. Robyn blacks out one night and can't remember what happens before her sister drags her, passed out, inside off of their front porch in the middle of a cold night. repREZentin' in Kettle Point (Big Soul Productions, 30 min.). In the wake of another crime in a small reserve community a young man arrives bringing hope, inspiration and an important message. His unorthodox approach to empowerment touches one group of kids who want change. repREZentin' in Regina (also know as Moccasin Flats) (Big Soul Productions, 24 min.). Justin is a good looking young native man who has just been accepted to University away from home but doesn't want to leave his friends and family in the harsh ghetto neighborhood called Moccasin Flats. His fears of leaving them are compounded by the recent release of his arch rival Jonathan who was once the pimp of Justin's girlfriend Kristin. Jonathan's release causes upheaval in Justin's relationship and also leads to some violent and even fatal confrontations. It is a realistic portrayal of life in the inner city Native community in Regina, Saskatchewan, called Moccasin Flats and the issues faced by the Aboriginal youth who live there. Sacred Fires (William Underbaggage 60 min.). Sacred Fires looks at the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to live in world which is increasing dominance of Mother Earth and her children in the Americas, to steadfastly maintain the lifeways and cultures of earth based cultures to stay alive. This rough cut will present the idea of an (IPPS) Indigenous Peoples Peace Summit to be held in Chiapas at the request of the indigenous leadership of the EZLN. In this film, Indigenous Nations Network founder and producer, Underbaggage, gives an indigenous viewpoint about the peace process which has stalled in Mexico. Stay tuned. Secwepemc Chapter Roadblock (Nitanis Desjarlais, 30 min.). Frustrated by years of unresolved land issues and loss of traditional Secwepemc lands, the Secwepemc youth became actively involved in the struggle to save Skwelkwek'welt from destruction by Sun Peaks Ski Resort and to assert Title to the ancestral lands of the Secwepemc. The youth stage a roadblock on the main road into the Sun Peaks Ski Resort as a response to the demolition of a mountain traditionally used for hunting and spiritual practices. Skins (Chris Eyre, 94 min.). This feature film explores the combative (love/hate) relationship of two Sioux Indian brothers living on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation today. Rudy (played by Eric Schweig ), is a policeman on the reservation struggling to "clean up the public image of his people" and makes several enemies along the way including Mogie (played by Graham Greene) his older brother. Mogie, the former football teen idol and family protector, is now an caustic/sarcastic alcoholic flaunting the Indian stereotype that Rudy abhors. Through biting humor and stunning visuals, Eyre sets the stage for a tale of murder, betrayal and ultimate redemption. Skwelkwek'welt Protection Center (Nitanis Desjarlais, 30 min.). This film explores the destruction of the Skwelkwek'welt Protection Center by the RCMP, and the subsequent efforts by Native Youth Movement members to rebuild and reassert their right to live on, speak for and protect Mother Earth. Stronghold Oyate (Chris Francisco, 45 min.). This documentary tells the story of Stronghold Table, South Dakota, and the efforts to protect the burial grounds of the Lakota Ghost Dancers from "excavation" by the National Park Service. It introduces viewers to the Lakota Traditionals who are struggling to preserve their ancestor's right to remain at rest in the Badlands. The National Park Service is committed to continuing with their plans -- despite the outcries of the people for whom this land is sacred -- and this film highlights the need for those who can -- and do -- hear those cries to lend their support to the Traditional's efforts. For more information about this issue visit: http://stronghold.table.tripod.com/. Take Back the Land: Spirit Lake (Nitanis Desjarlais, 30 min.). An exploration of the attempt by Native Youth Movement members to take back their ancestral lands in Spirit Lake, and to raise the awareness of mainstream society to the gross injustices done to the First Nation peoples of Canada. White Shamans and Plastic Medicine Men (Daniel Hart & Terry Macy, 30 min.). This award-winning documentary deals with the popularization and commercialization of Native American spiritual traditions by Non-Indians. Important questions are asked of those seeking to commercially exploit Tribal rituals and sacred ceremonies... and those vested with safeguarding sacred ways. The film represents a wide range of voices from Native communities, and speaks to issues of cultural appropriation with humor, righteous anger, and thoughtful insight. posted by Webmaster@ AIM Support 7:38 AM Last updated:
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