Catching Up and Laying Back

It has been almost a month since I updated this blog. A month filled with all kinds of trials and tribulations, the war dance in Sacramento, the constant fight to hold ceremonies in our traditional places without interference. You name it and the Winnemem have seen it.

We recently completed the review of the Draft License Application that PG&E filed with the FERC for the re-license of the McCloud Reservoir. This document and the accompanying technical reports was a vast number of pages and information that, unfortunately did not include an accurate portrait of the Winnemem, our sites or the importance of both to the overall intent of the reports purportedly completed to protect and preserve natural and cultural assets. Check out the FERC comments page for our detailed findings regarding this project.

We are still waiting for a response from the government on our lawsuit: I have learned that folks who were allies when they worked in other government agencies are now unable to talk with the tribe about issues affecting sites and habitat because "of the lawsuit". So while we wait for a response, areas continue to be abused, sites endangered and destroyed, and our ability to enjoy our religious freedoms still denied by the government. Updates on the lawsuit will be posted as they occur, but as I said, so far nothing - they are taking their fully allotted time to respond.

The Puberty Ceremony is scheduled for the week of June 4-7 (ending on the full moon). We are hoping this happens without the problems of 2006: drunken people in boats, profanity, naked women showing their bodies to the children on shore etc. The Forest Service has indicated they will not provide any security or additional protection measures for us because, we have not filed for a permit. Oh well. hopefully no one will get injured due to unwarranted interaction with drunken pilgrims coming to see the Indians.

We are trying hard to keep our people healthy, my elder sister-in-law is very sick and we ask that folks send prayers for her (Sarah).

I will have more things in a few days but wanted to update on what we know so far. Thanks to all of you who helped with the war dance logistics and the filing and we look forward to seeing you at the upcoming ceremonies. Travel safe!

War Dance in Sacramento - Final Event Update 17 April 2009

Michael Preston
(530) 209-1235 cell



*** Media Advisory ***

Tribal War Dance and March Next Steps in Winnemem Wintu Tribe’s Journey to Justice Ceremonies Initiate Federal Lawsuit on behalf of Tribe.

Who: The Winnemem Wintu Tribe, a traditional California Tribe. The Winnemem have been fighting for years to sustain their culture and address generations of broken promises by the federal government.

What: War Dance, march and press conference from Sacramento River to the State Capitol..
Winnemem war dancers and tribal leaders will perform a traditional ceremonial War Dance next to the Sacramento River and will then march to the State Capitol building. The march and War Dance initiate the federal lawsuit the Tribe is filing, asking for compensation for damages done by federal land management policies, including the construction of the Shasta Dam.

Schedule of events:

Sunday, April 19th: 6:00pm War Dance begins at 1501 Northgate Blvd. Camp Pollock

Monday, April 20th: Ceremony continues on from the night before followed by address by Tribal leaders at Camp Pollock.

10:00 AM March from Old Sacramento to Capitol Building

12:00 to 1:00 PM Press Conference with Tribal leaders and community members State Capitol Location 27 West side of capitol building

More Information
The Winnemem Wintu Tribe is filing a lawsuit against Department of The Interior; Department of Agriculture; United States Forest Service; Bureau of Reclamation; Bureau of Indian Affairs; Bureau of Land Management; Ken Salazar, Secretary of The Interior; Assistant Secretary for Water and Science; Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks in The Department of Agriculture; and Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture asking for redress for decades of injustices and harm related to federal land management policies which have destroyed Winnemem cultural practices and sacred places.
The Winnemem began a journey to justice in 2004 with a War Dance at Shasta Dam. Today we continue that journey with another War Dance and this lawsuit. Our people are a traditional people, steeped in our culture and traditional lifeways, who have continued our cultural practices throughout the written history of the state of California. With this lawsuit and War Dance, we continue our journey to ensure our basic quality of life and freedom to maintain our traditions and culture.