To
all those unaware of the fine print of Obama's immigration plan:
First
and foremost, it will direct more resources to border security.
Meaning...further militarization of Indigenous communities who are
divided by the so-called border, such as my home community of the
Tohono O'odham Nation. Our O'odham him'dag (way of life) will once
again be attacked by settler border politics, as it was in 1848 and
1852 when the so-called border was illegally imposed. Attacked like
we were in 1994 when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
was enacted. These borderland policies are being devised and
implemented without any settler consciousness to the Indigenous
peoples who will be most negatively impacted by such policies. The
Indigenous nations who pre-date so called Mexico and the United
Snakkkes end up almost voiceless.
Basically
Obama's 2014 Immigration plan = border militarization = 21st century
colonization.
So
in light of Obama's latest immigration plan, I'm writing this to say
"DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE". The plan is anti-Indigenous and
anti-Migrant. Please look at the bigger picture (NAFTA). Please see
the trade off. Please see the state's 2014 divide and conquer
tactics. Then ask yourself, what does an anti-colonial
migrant/Indigenous response to this all look like? What does a world
without NAFTA borders look like? What does collective liberation look
like in O'odham lands? Lipan Apache Lands? Yoeme Lands? Kickapoo
Lands? Indigenous homelands which are now in the so-called border
region?
Where's
the solidarity with Indigenous people facing militarization?
I
recognize this is a complex issue. I do not want fellow Indigenous
migrants coming from the southern hemisphere to be criminalized by
racist laws. I do not want families to be separated, loved ones to be
deported, or for them to ever have to walk the hot desert in the
first place, just to have a "chance" in this neo-liberal,
NAFTA world we are forced to slave in. But at the same time, I do not
want my homeland to be a police state. I do not want our ceremonies
to be disrupted. I do not want our jewed (land) destroyed by border
security apparatus. I do not want our sky to be polluted by more
Border Patrol helicopters, cameras placed atop rotating cranes as
tall as skyscrapers, or drones. I do not want freedom of movement for
O'odham to be granted only to the holders of bio-metric colonial
passports. I do not want CANAMEX/NAFTA corridors scarring our lands
with freeways (Loop 202/Interstate 11). Ultimately I do not want, in
the words of my late grandfather, who saw the Berlin Wall with his
own eyes while being stationed in Germany, "an O'odham Berlin
Wall" built at the border.
These
are just a few thoughts I have at this time. Overall I maintain my
hopes we can all get our shit together. We just have to weather the
neo-colonial, mainstream migrant rights industrial complex funded by
the creator knows who (but is worth a longer analysis), Dream ACTors
and at the same time, we also have to weather the settler state,
while empowering our own community. Either way, we got this...
because we have to.
DETROIT RAPPER INVINCIBLE AND ARIZONA HIP HOP ARTISTS COME TOGETHER FOR BENEFIT SHOW TO SUPPORT THE 18TH ANNUAL O'ODHAM UNITY RUN
NEWS ADVISORY
January 29, 2013
Contact: Alex Soto 602-881-6027
Kendra Lewis 520-425-9058
Detroit rapper Invincible and Arizona Hip Hop artists come together for Benefit Show to support the 18th Annual O'odham Unity Run
What: Benefit show for the 18th Annual O'odham Unity Run.
Come help raise funds and donations for our O'odham runners from Salt River, Gila River, Ak-Chin, Tohono O'odham and O'odham in Mexico as they make their week long journey from the the community of San Xavier (Tohono O'odham Nation) to the Salt River Indian Community.
Who: Critically acclaimed, Detroit hip hop emcee, Invincible, will be performing along with hip hop artists from Tohono O'odham Nation, Salt River Indian Community, Tucson and Phoenix at the San Xavier Recreation Center on February 9th, 2013 from 5:30pm-11pm. This is an alcohol-free event. Musical acts performing at the benefit show are:
Invincible (Detroit) http://emergencemedia.org/invincible http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ6qMU7JbBY
Cozmobrown and DJ Lingos (Tucson)
Pick Up Kings (Waila Band-San Xavier)
Traditional singing begins at sunset.
Hosted by Black Mountain Singers and Michael Enis
Aerosol artists will be painting live art starting at 3pm. Open art panels will be open to the public. Aerosol artists featured at the benefit show are:
Tha Nox (San Xavier)
Brez (Salt River Indian Community/Tohono O'odham)
Dwayno Insano (Salt River Indian Community)
Plus other local artists
Local arts, crafts, jewelry and clothing vendors will have merchandise booths.
Included in the day's events is a Toka tournament, a traditional O'odham women's game similar to field hockey. It is an aggressive and fun sport that brings together women of all ages and all O'odham Nations to compete and even sometimes bet.
Toka tournament starts at Noon.
Hip hop workshops will be offered starting at 3pm.
Workshops to be announced.
When: Saturday February 9, 2013 Benefit Show: 5:30-11pm
Where: Wa:k (San Xavier) community- Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Recreation Center 8549 S J Mayor Dr Tucson, AZ 85746 Admission: $5 or $3 with suggested donation (water, Gatorade, gas cards)
All ages event
Why: Due to a request by Unity Run coordinators, we have been asked to help with raising funds and donations to ensure that all logistical needs are met. Donations look like: water, Gatorade and gas cards.
This year will be the 18th Annual O'odham Unity Run.
The run will be March 17-23, 2013
If unable to attend but like to support, please message us!
---------------------------------------------------------------- Brief history of the O'odham Unity Run:
The Akimel O'odham, Hia-Ced O'odham and the Tohono O'odham have long been known for their expertise in long distance running in the desert regions of what is now southwestern United States and Mexico. For over 150 years the O'odham Nations have dealt with separation by the U.S./Mexico Borders. We do not acknowledge this separation within our culture; we encourage our unity to continue. The Unity Run was founded in 1995, by a small group of grassroots people from both sides of Mexico and the United States, consisting of Tohono O'odham and Akimel O'odham. The group's main goal is to bring awareness to the youth and adults the legacy that our ancestors gave to us centuries ago. The coordinators are actively working to perpetuate that which we inherited and for this to continue for the generations yet to come. Reinstating the tradition of running and the spirituality that comes with running is a challenge to help unite, preserve, heal and respect our history, language and culture. The Unity Run is highly recognized as a drug free, alcohol free and gang free cultural event.
"The militarization of the U.S./Mexico border has led only to cultural and environmental destruction of the indigenous peoples whose land is on or near the border, such as the O'odham, Yaqui and Lipan Apache Nations.
Border Militarization brings death and terror to indigenous peoples from other parts of the continent migrating to this land.
The immigration struggle is also an Indigenous struggle. '
NO BORDERS! FREE MOVEMENT FOR ALL!"
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CHECK THESE SITES: http://oodhamsolidarity.blogspot.com/ http://www.solidarity-project.org/ http://survivalsolidarity.wordpress.com/ http://www.borderopposition.blogspot.com/ http://lipanapachecommunitydefense.blogspot.com/ http://chaparralrespectsnoborders.blogspot.com/ http://firesneverextinguished.blogspot.com/ http://sb1070resistance.blogspot.com/ http://www.taalahooghan.org/ http://dryriver.org/
About Shining Soul:
Straight outta occupied O'odham jewed in southern Arizona, Shining Soul is a grassroots duo based in Phoenix. Shining Soul's unique vintage means of beat production, and down to earth, empowering rhyme delivery is reminiscent of Hip-Hop's early days, when beats and rhymes took priority. Using Hip-Hop as a tool to get their voices out, Shining Soul pushes the margins by discussion issues that affect the communities they each originate from, while sharing and maintaining the essence of Hip-Hop culture that empowered them to take up arms via beats and rhymes.
HIP HOP IS RESISTANCE: As life-long admirers and now participants, Shining Soul, have greatly benefited from Hip Hop culture. From first hearing Blackstar's “Respiration” to Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel's “The Message”, the seeds of Hip Hop were planted in our souls. We now want to share that essence and knowledge that inspired us to pick up the mic and sampler years ago.
In our journey, we use emceeing as a platform to speak about the struggles that our respective communities face. Border Militarization, the Criminalization of People of Color, Police Brutality and the Desecration of Sacred Places are our realities today.
In our efforts, we use Hip Hop as a tool to empower community, especially youth, by informing them of the issues via dope beats, dope rhymes, and by providing context of the struggles we face. We challenge them to take effective action in their communities using music and creativity as a weapon.
The element of rap allows us to speak. We hope our music, beat making projects and overall message that "Hip Hop is Resistance" inspires others to think critically of the world we live in, so we can challenge the imperialistic pillars that attack us everyday (Capitalism, Patriarchy, White Supremacy and Colonization), in hopes to appreciate and respect all the beauty and power that that originates from our dignified cultures.
This is why we are resisting. That is why we fight.
NEWS RELEASE DATE: Thursday June 29, 2011 Contact: Alex Soto Phone: 602-881-6027 Email: stopbordermilitarization@gmail.com
Border Patrol Headquarters Occupation Protesters Found Not Guilty Reaffirms Call to End Border Militarization
Chuckson (Tucson), AZ - The six protesters who locked-down and occupied the United States Border Patrol (BP) – Tucson Headquarters on May 21, 2010 were found not guilty on the remaining count of a disorderly conduct "with serious disruptive behavior” charge.
The legal defense, William G. Walker and Jeffrey J. Rogers, argued that the remaining charge of disorderly conduct did not apply because it did not meet any of the statutes of the charge. After three hours of deliberation, the judge found the six not guilty.
The city prosecutor had attempted to re-introduce the previously misfiled criminal trespassing as a misdemeanor charge, but this charge was dismissed after the first trial date for the occupiers in February. After an objection by the defense, the state’s motion was denied.
“Today’s not guilty verdict shows that we, as O’odham, are not the ones who are disorderly. It is the Border Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, and the various levels of government that perpetrate the violence in our communities,” stated Alex Soto, Tohono O’odham, one of the protesters and member of O’odham Solidarity Across Borders Collective. “When will the institutions, whose conduct continues for more than 500 years of trespassing, that terrorize indigenous and migrants communities, be held accountable?”
“No state entity can deny peoples’ inherent right to freedom of movement," said Marisa Duarte, one of the protesters standing trial. "Borders are a colonial weapon used to continue the genocide of indigenous people and their culture. Through trade they exploit natural resources and use the profits to further the progress of neo-liberal infrastructure projects such as CANAMEX and NAFTA. This results in the criminalization of those who defy borders through living their lives traditionally. You see the forced relocation of families from borders all around the world. Today we say no more to this criminalization of people.”
O’odham Elders and community members attended the court proceedings to demonstrate their support.
“Today we celebrate our victory in court, but understand this is just one step in ending border militarization. We took action last May in order to directly confront the issues in our communities by physically intervening and occupying the Border Patrol station. Since that time, many have answered the call to end border militarization, and victories like today have inspired more action,” said Franco Habre.
As the six waited for the state’s decision, 16 angry community members targeted the prison firm G4S (formally Wackenhut) and were cited criminal trespassing charges. The16 declared in no uncertain terms their opposition to the company’s profiteering at the expense of immigrant communities in Tucson, across the nation and throughout the world. Their action, which was organized autonomously by Tucson community members, was carried out under the banner of Direct Action for Freedom of Movement
The six still stand firmly with their commitment and demands to end border militarization and their initial demands are listed below:
- Immediately withdraw National Guard Troops from the US/Mexico border - Immediately halt development of the border wall - Immediately remove drones and checkpoints - Decommission all detention camps and release all presently held undocumented migrants - Immediately honor Indigenous Peoples rights of self-determination - Fully comply with the recently signed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Respect Indigenous People's inherent right of migration - End NAFTA, FTAA and other trade agreements - Immediately end all CANAMEX/NAFTA Highway projects (such as the South Mountain Freeway) - Immediately repeal SB1070 and 287g - End all racial profiling - No BP encroachment/sweeps on sovereign Native land - No raids and deportations - Immediate and unconditional regularization (“legalization”) of all people - Uphold human freedom and rights - Uphold the rights of ALL Indigenous People - repeal HB 2281, support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People - Support dignity and respect - Support and ensure freedom of movement for all people
Soto concluded, “This action was a prayer. We’d like to thank those who stood with us during this process and to all who firmly stand with us to end border militarization. The occupation of the Border Patrol station was never about any group/organization, or us, it was about directly confronting the terror that the state unleashes upon indigenous and migrant communities, so we can critically challenge border militarization. As an O’odham, I always think back to my grandparents’ teachings: We as O’odham people have always traveled freely, regardless of the border. It’s our land, who we are, and we will defend it.”
To view the occupation video and for additional resources please visit: www.oodhamsolidarity.blogspot.com www.survivalsolidarity.wordpress.com
BORDER PATROL OCCUPIERS TRESPASSING CHARGE DROPPED-CALL FOR ACTION FOR JUNE 29, 2011
Chuckson (Tucson), AZ - The six protesters who locked-down and occupied the United States Border Patrol (BP) – Tucson Headquarters on May 21, 2010 are returning to trial to fight the remaining count of disorderly conduct "with serious disruptive behavior” charge. Last February the six also stood trial for a charge of criminal trespassing, but their defense team discovered that the trespassing charge was incorrectly filed by the State. The defense then filed a motion to dismiss the charge of criminal trespassing, which the court granted. The six return to trial on June 29, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Tucson City Court.
In addition to the kick off of the trial, the border patrol occupiers called for renewed action against border militarization. More than 40 protesters took to the streets, with banners reading, “Indigenous Resistance, Protect Sacred Places”, “Free Movement for People Not Commerce, Tear Down the Wall” and chanting “No Borders, No Border Patrol.” Two protesters were arrested. A banner reading “Border patrol out of O’odham land ” was also suspended from the “Snake Bridge” that morning before court. At one point they rallied in front of the streamline courtroom. Operation Streamline, started in 2005 is a “zero tolerance” rapid court process that prosecutes hundreds of migrants a day, sometimes in shackles. Constitutional rights are also not granted and what would take multiple hearings is often a less than a two-day process of arrest and deportation.
O’odham Elders attended the court proceedings to demonstrate their support.
Alex Soto, Tohono O’odham, and one of the arrestees states, "It was good to see all the support last February for our initial trial proceeding. We need to continue to build, and remember this action was a prayer, and the dismissal of trespassing reaffirms that the Border Patrol troops are the real trespassers, not us. How can I, a Tohono O'odham person, be trespassing on my own land?”
“Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, Immigration Custom Enforcement and their corporate backers such as Wackenhut, are the true criminals. Troops and paramilitary law enforcement, detention camps, check points, and citizenship verification are not a solution to ‘issues’ of migration. Indigenous Peoples have existed here long before these imposed borders, and Elders inform us that we always honored freedom of movement. Why are Indigenous communities and the daily deaths at the border ignored? The impacts of border militarization are constantly being made invisible in and by the media, and the popular culture of this country. Even the mainstream immigrant rights movement has often pushed for “reform”, which means further militarization of the border, leading to increased suffering for Indigenous communities. Border militarization destroys Indigenous communities." stated Soto.
Kevin Jose, Akimel/Tohono O’odham, and member of O’odham Solidarity Across Borders states, "During the time of this action, my thoughts ran so deep as to what else we could do and what we can make happen. Singing for them at this action was powerful and their hearts were stronger than ever. What the state does on the control of free movement along our traditional lands is like a choke hold to our throats. The push to militarize the border does not just affect the Tohono O’odham who live in the border region, it affects all O’odham. In Tohono, it comes in the form of a border wall, in the Gila River Indian Community; it comes in form of a freeway”.
Currently the state of Arizona is pushing for the construction of the South Mountain Loop 202 freeway extension on Akimel O’odham land (Phoenix Area). The Loop 202 is part of the CANAMEX transportation corridor, which is part of the larger NAFTA highway project. The two proposed routes will either result in a loss of approximately 600 acres of tribal land, and the forced relocation of Akimel O'odham and Pee-Posh families or would gouge a 40-story high, 200-yard wide cut into Muadag Do'ag (O'odham name for South Mountain), which is sacred to all O'odham and Pee-Posh.
“Neo-liberal projects such as CANAMEX and NAFTA are attacking O’odham communities. All these attacks are connected. Support our nawoj (friends) on June 29th for their trial" stated Jose.
The creation of the current U.S./Mexico border, 45 O’odham villages on or near the border have been completely depopulated.
According to the migrant support group No More Deaths, from October 2009 to April 2011 there have been more than 338 deaths on the Arizona border alone.
1,200 National Guard troops have been stationed along the southwestern border since June 2010.
Additionally, the state of Arizona recently passed a bill which will allow for Arizona to build its own border wall. The law goes into effect July 20 of this year.
Actions toward ending border militarization and the decriminalization of our communities:
-Immediately withdraw National Guard Troops from the US/Mexico border -Immediately halt development of the border wall -Immediately remove drones and checkpoints -Decommission all detention camps and release all presently held undocumented migrants -Immediately honor Indigenous Peoples rights of self-determination -Fully comply with the recently signed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples -Respect Indigenous People's inherent right of migration -End NAFTA, FTAA and other trade agreements -Immediately end all CANAMEX/NAFTA Highway projects (such as the South Mountain Freeway) -Immediately repeal SB1070 and 287g -End all racial profiling -No BP encroachment/sweeps on sovereign Native land -No raids and deportations- Immediate and unconditional regularization (“legalization”) of all people -Uphold human freedom and rights -Uphold the rights of ALL Indigenous People -Repeal HB 2281, support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People -Support dignity and respect -Support and ensure freedom of movement for all people
Put this message into action and help end the attack on Indigenous and migrant communities. Take these messages to the streets, wherever you are. If you can, join us inside and outside the court room in Tucson at 2:00pm on June 29, 2011. Tucson City Court is located at 103 E. Alameda St. Tucson, AZ.
Additional ways to take action in your community, and bring awareness to the impacts of border militarization and the criminalization of our communities:
1. Directly intervene by: -Protesting institutions and agencies directly responsible (a brief list available at: http://www.survivalsolidarity.wordpress.com/) -Being part of (or starting) Border Patrol, ICE, National Guard, Minutemen watch groups in your community- Stopping ICE vehicles from deporting migrants -Providing aid for migrants crossing the border
2. Pressure political officials: Janet Napolitano Department of Homeland Security U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 2052 Comment Line: 202-282-8495
5. Support local Indigenous struggles for self-determination and freedom of movement.In particular, bring awareness to Indigenous communities on the US/Mexican border that have been militarized.
OSABC stands in solidarity with struggle to protect the sacred San Francisco peaks, and all sacred sites. Check the links below for more information on the the fight to Save the Peaks: http://www.savethepeaks.org/ http://www.truesnow.org/ http://www.indigenousaction.org/
Protest Halts Snowbowl Pipeline Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday morning, June 16, 2011 Contact: Beth Lavely Tel: 928.254.1064 protectpeaks@gmail.com
*PROTECT THE PEAKS – STOP DESTRUCTION & DESECRATION NOW!*
Today we take direct action to stop further desecration and destruction of the Holy San Francisco Peaks. We stand with our ancestors, with allies and with those who also choose to embrace diverse tactics to safeguard Indigenous People’s cultural survival, our community’s health, and this sensitive mountain ecosystem.
On May 25th 2011, sanctioned by the US Forest Service, owners of Arizona Snowbowl began further destruction and desecration of the Holy San Francisco Peaks. Snowbowl’s hired work crews have laid over a mile and a half of the planned 14.8 mile wastewater pipeline. They have cut a six foot wide and six foot deep gash into the Holy Mountain.
Although a current legal battle is under appeal, Snowbowl owners have chosen to undermine judicial process by rushing to construct the pipeline. Not only do they disregard culture, environment, and our children’s health, they have proven that they are criminals beyond reproach.
Four weeks of desecration has already occurred. Too much has already been taken. Today, tomorrow and for a healthy future, we say “enough!”
As we take action, we look to the East and see Bear Butte facing desecration, Mt. Taylor facing further uranium mining; to the South, Mt. Graham desecrated, South Mountain threatened, the US/Mexico border severing Indigenous communities from sacred places; to the West, inspiring resistance at Sogorea Te, Moana Keya facing desecration; to the North, Mt. Tenabo, Grand Canyon, Black Mesa, and so many more… our homelands and our culture under assault.
We thought that the USDA, heads of the Forest Service, had meant it when they initiated nationwide listening sessions to protect sacred places. If the process was meaningful, we would not have to take action today.
More than 13 Indigenous Nations hold the Peaks Holy. The question has been asked yet we hear no response, “what part of sacred don’t you understand?”
For hundreds of years resistance to colonialism, slavery, & destruction of Mother Earth has existed and continues here in what we now call Arizona.
The United States recently moved to join the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, evidently the US has not currently observed and acted upon this declaration, otherwise we would not be taking action today. This document informs our action, we also assert that UNDRIP supports the basis for our action.
Although a current legal battle is under appeal, Snowbowl owners have chosen to undermine judicial process by rushing to construct the pipeline. Not only do they disregard culture, environment, and our children’s health, they have proven that they are criminals beyond reproach. Four weeks of desecration has already occurred. Too much has already been taken. Today, tomorrow and for a healthy future, we say “enough!”
As we take action, we look to the East and see Bear Butte facing desecration, Mt. Taylor facing further uranium mining; to the South, Mt. Graham desecrated, South Mountain threatened, the US/Mexico border severing Indigenous communities from sacred places; to the West, inspiring resistance at Sogorea Te, Moana Keya facing desecration; to the North, Mt. Tenabo, Grand Canyon, Black Mesa, and so many more… our homelands and our culture under assault.
We thought that the USDA, heads of the Forest Service, had meant it when they initiated nationwide listening sessions to protect sacred places. If the process was meaningful, we would not have to take action today.
More than 13 Indigenous Nations hold the Peaks Holy. The question has been asked yet we hear no response, “what part of sacred don’t you understand?”
For hundreds of years resistance to colonialism, slavery, & destruction of Mother Earth has existed and continues here in what we now call Arizona.
The United States recently moved to join the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, evidently the US has not currently observed and acted upon this declaration, otherwise we would not be taking action today. This document informs our action, we also assert that UNDRIP supports the basis for our action.
We continue today resisting Snowbowl’s plan to spray millions of gallons of wastewater snow, which is filled with cancer causing and other harmful contaminants, as well as clear-cut over 30,000 trees. The Peaks are a pristine and beautiful place, a fragile ecosystem, and home to rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
Our action is a prayer.
We invite those of you who could not join us today and who believe in the protection of culture, the environment and community health to resist destruction and desecration of the Peaks:
- Join us and others in physically stopping all Snowbowl development! - Honor and defend Indigenous Peoples’ inherent right to protect Sacred Places - Resist colonialism and capitalism! Embrace diverse tactics to end Snowbowl’s and all corporate greed - Demand USDA end Snowbowl’s Special Use Permit - Demand that the City of Flagstaff Mayor and Council find a way out of their contract to sell wastewater to Snowbowl - Demand that Arizona Department of Environmental Quality change its permission allowing wastewater to be used for snowmaking.
Tucson, AZ— On February 23, 2011, 2:00 PM at Tucson City Court, five of the six protesters who locked-down and occupied the US Border Patrol (BP) – Tucson Headquarters on May 21, 2010 are going to trial fighting one count each of “criminal trespassing”.
The action was taken, in part, to demand that BP, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), their parent entity, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Obama administration end militarization of the border, end the criminalization of immigrant communities, and end their campaign of terror which rips families apart through increasing numbers of raids and deportations.
Alex Soto, one of the arrestees and member of O’odham Solidarity Across Borders states, “As we did not enter the BP headquarters alone but with prayers of O’odham elders and community supporters, we are asking for support once again for our continued stand against border militarization. Our messaging is the reality for everyone that is forced to feel the pain that borders inflict upon us in our daily lives. The Border Patrol is not the only agency responsible for the militarization of the border – and it’s subsequent destruction of Indigenous and migrant communities – or the only benefactors of border militarization.” Soto states.
In a previous release O’odham Solidarity Across Borders and O’odham elders stated, “The development of the border wall has lead to desecration of Tohono O’odham ancestors graves, it has divided communities and prevents O’odham from accessing sacred places. Troops and paramilitary law enforcement, detention camps, check points, and citizenship verification are not a solution to “issues” of migration. Indigenous Peoples have existed here long before these imposed borders, elders inform us that we always honored freedom of movement. Why are Indigenous communities and the daily deaths at the border ignored? The impacts of border militarization are constantly made invisible in the media, the popular culture of this country and even the mainstream immigrants rights movement which has often pushed for “reform” that means further militarization of the border, which means increased suffering for Indigenous communities. Border militarization destroys Indigenous communities.”
Since the creation of the current U.S./Mexico border, 45 O’odham villages on or near the border have been completely depopulated.
According to the migrant support group No More Deaths, from October 2009 to Sept. 2010 there have been more than 250 deaths on the Arizona border alone.
For the full press release and additional resources please see the
….Calls for Further Action Against Border Militarization
Actions toward ending border militarization and the decriminalization of our communities: - Immediately withdraw National Guard Troops from the US/Mexico border - Immediately halt development of the border wall - Immediately remove drones and checkpoints - Decommission all detention camps and release all presently held undocumented migrants - Immediately honor Indigenous Peoples rights of self-determination - Fully comply with the recently signed UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Respect Indigenous People’s inherent right of migration - End NAFTA, FTAA and other trade agreements - Immediately repeal SB1070 and 287g - End all racial profiling - No BP encroachment/sweeps on sovereign Native land - No raids and deportations - Immediate and unconditional regularization (“legalization”) of all people - Uphold human freedom and rights - Support dignity and respect - Support and ensure freedom of movement for all people
Put this message in action and help end the attack on Indigenous and migrant communities. Take these messages to the street where you are. If you can, join us inside and outside the court room in Tucson at 2:00pm. on February 23, 2011. Tucson City Court is located at 103 E. Alameda St. Tucson, AZ.
For the full press release and additional resources please see the
Wesley Bolin Memorial Park Please spread the word. If you cannot make it to Phoenix or Flagstaff please consider organizing a vigil, rally or event in your community!
If you would like to help with outreach you can pick up posters at Taala Hooghan infoshop in Flagstaff (1704 N 2nd St. near Rt 66 and 4th St.) or you can print your own from www.savethepeaks.org. Volunteer support is also needed, contact phxrally@www.truesnow.org/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SAVE THE PEAKS! July 15th - 16th, 2010 PHOENIX, AZ Prayer Vigil • March • Rally
Arizona Snowbowl is attempting to expand development on the San Francisco Peaks and make fake snow out of treated sewage effluent on our public lands. This wastewater has been proven to contain harmful contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, hormones and cancer causing agents.
The US Forest Service has ignored public health concerns and approved this development without any tests to determine the health effects if our children eat the wastewater snow.
Snowbowl would be the only ski area in the world to use 100% wastewater to make snow. They would use 1.5 million gallons per day, storing and spraying this wastewater on a mountain that is holy to more than 13 Indigenous Nations.
Rideshare available: ride@savethepeaks.org There is also a rideshare board at Taala Hooghan Infoshop 1704 N. 2nd St Flagstaff, AZ 86004
SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, JULY 15TH
Taking Action for Healthy Communities Free dinner and discussion - 6:30PM - 9:30PM
At Serena Juste (Padilla) Residence Onk Akimel O'odham Nation (Salt River) 9312 E. Thomas Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Camping available Please RSVP atwww.truesnow.org/
FRIDAY, JULY 16TH
Sunrise Prayer Gathering for Protection of Sacred Places At Serena Juste (Padilla) Residence Onk Akimel O'odham Nation (Salt River) 9312 E. Thomas Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256
NOON - Rally and March to Protect the Peaks Wesley Bolin Memorial Park 1700 West Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007
We will gather at Wesley Bolin Park at about Noon and do a prayer circle. Then we will march down the sidewalk on Washington St. to the Courthouse. Please be sure to bring water and anything you might need to be out in the sun for a few hours. It is HOT in Phoenix. Parking is available at the park, but it is recommended that you use one of the parking garages along Washington and Jefferson to park since they are covered and we cannot be responsible if your car gets towed from the Bolin park parking lot after we head out.
Flagstaff Solidarity Vigil: July 16th -- 2PM - 4PM City Hall Lawn
O'odham Solidarity Across Borders Collective is putting a call out for immediate support for the upcoming Thursday, JULY 15/16, Save the Peak's Taking Action for Healthy Communities dinner and discussion At Serena Juste Padilla Residence (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community). A few last minute tasks need to be completed on the grounds in preparation for the dinner.
At this time, we are asking for individuals to help support us with preparing the site.
Support looks like:
Picking up trash Raking Basic yard work
This is most immediate need of support as of now. Additional support will be announced late this week.
These preparations will help ensure the space to host Thursday dinner and discussion around taking action for healthy communities. Part of healthy communities is supporting each others needs. In the past OSABC, has given and received solidarity/support in working towards community awareness/ empowerment. In an effort to make the most welcoming environment for our friends up north, OSABC is asking for individuals who have helped in previous solidarity efforts with indigenous people.
Lets come together for a healthy community of support.
We plan to start on:
July 14 Wednesday Morning 6:00 am - ??? (YES, WE KNOW ITS EARLY, BUT HEY, WE LIVE IN THE DESERT, MEANING WE NEED TO DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN BEFORE IT GETS HOT!)
Don't forget to bring water
So if you are interested, email us at:oodhamjeved@gmail.com or call 602-881-6027
So we can help coordinate with transportation and direction to the site.
(***additional ground work may be need Thursday as well***)
If you are unable to attend, you can support by attending Thursdays dinner/gathering and Fridays ralley. For more info, please go to: www.truesnow.org/
Scuckson (Occupied Territories of Tucson, AZ) -- On June 1, 2010 at 8:30AM (MST) the 6 peaceful resisters who locked down and occupied the Border Patrol Headquarters in Tucson, AZ on May 21, plead not guilty to charges of Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Trespassing at Tucson City Court. At this point no trial date has been set, and additional court proceedings are anticipated at the end of June and the beginning of July.
More than a dozen peaceful resisters, six of whom used devices to lock-down, occupied the Border Patrol Headquarters to demand that the Border Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Obama Administration end border militarization. The occupation lasted more than 4 hours while 70 supporters were outside protesting border militarization in solidarity with the six people locking down.
We reaffirm our opposition to border militarization and racist laws such as SB1070. We are committed to direct forms of action that uphold human dignity and respect. Terrorizing and destroying Indigenous communities, as well as the criminalizing of migrant communities, through racist legislation such as SB1070, must end.
In the past 10 days, since the peaceful act of resistance, the Obama administration has chosen to further military aggression against Indigenous & migrant communities by adding $500 million for "enhanced border protection and law enforcement activities" and mobilizing 1,200 National Guard Troops to the US and Mexico border. Even still, Arizona Senator John McCain threatens to double the number of troops in the borderlands.
We are making a non-exclusive call for affinity to those who stand in solidarity with us and others who take direct action against border militarization and the criminalization of our people.
These are some ways you can support those who continue to choose to take more direct forms of action against state violence in our communities: - Hold Janet Napolitano and the Department of Homeland Security accountable to its attack on indigenous/migrant communities. - Donate funds for legal defensive and offensive work - Show solidarity at court proceedings - Jail support - Provide legal support/observing - Media support - Spread the message!
END BORDER MILITARIZATION CONTINGENT DEMANDING DIGNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS FOR INDIGENOUS AND MIGRANT COMMUNITIES National Day of Action Against SB1070 May 29, 2010
O'odham Solidarity Across Borders Collective sends you greetings from occupied O'odham lands,
We urge all who support indigenous nations and migrant communities to join us on Saturday May 29th at the National Day of Action Against SB1070 to demand that Border Patrol (BP), Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), their parent entity, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Obama administration end militarization of the border, end the criminalization of immigrant communities, and end their campaign of terror which tear families apart through increasing numbers of raids and deportations.
This contingent is in support of the O'odham elders, and other indigenous elders that will be leading the march. It is a follow-up to last Friday’s (May 21st) Peaceful Occupation of the US Border Patrol Headquarters in Tucson, AZ. We hope to use this formation to voice the end of border militarization and racist, colonial laws that attack not just indigenous communities, but migrant ones too. We hope to project true Indigenous/Migrant solidarity in the face of the state's police oppression, and the immigration reform movement’s suppressive tactics to further marginalize the indigenous voice in border policies and colonial laws that affect us all.
The contingent also calls on the State of Arizona to repeal the racist Senate Bill 1070 that criminalizes immigrant communities on the state level, makes it illegal to transport or harbor an undocumented person regardless of family relationship, requires police agencies to engage in racial profiling, and ultimately is an attempt to ethnically cleanse Arizona of those with brown skin.
The contingent demands: • An end to border militarization • The immediate repeal of SB1070 and 287g • An end to all racial profiling and the criminalization of communities of color • No ethnic cleansing or cultural genocide • No border patrol encroachment/sweeps on sovereign native land No to comprehensive immigration reform that further militarizes the border or exploits migrant labor • No Deportations • No Raids • No ID-verification • No Checkpoints
• Yes to immediate and unconditional regularization (“legalization”) of all people • Yes to human rights • Yes to dignity • Yes to respect • Yes to respecting Indigenous Peoples inherent right of migration
Support looks like: • Banners calling for an end to border militarization,for migrant/indigenous solidarity, and drawing the connection between racist laws like SB1070/287g/HB2281, immigration reform and the destruction of indigenous and migrant communities. • Noise makers, puppets and other visuals, etc. •Cop Watching, video documentation, legal observation of the contingent and the march to ensure safety in light of police repression •Medics prepared for sun exposure, dehydration, police attacks •Our own “security” – not to police our people, but to deescalate the police, step-in as a barrier in case of a police attack, help people cross the street, etc. •People who can flyer/lecture expressing our message.
Join us on Friday, May 28th to help prepare for the following day. Bring materials to finish making signs, banners, noise makers, etc. To connect, let us know you're down, meet up with us on Friday, if you have any questions or for more information, contact Alex Soto @ 602.881.6027 or Ned @323.541.2352 or stopbordermilitarization@gmail.com.
Tucson, AZ – More than a dozen people occupied Border Patrol headquarters at Davis-Monthan Airforce Base today in an act of peaceful resistance. The group includes members of Indigenous Nations of Arizona, migrants, people of color and white allies. Six people used chains and other devices to lock themselves in the building. These Arizona residents disrupted the Border Patrol operations to demand that Border Patrol (BP), Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), their parent entity, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Obama administration end militarization of the border, end the criminalization of immigrant communities, and end their campaign of terror which tear families apart through increasing numbers of raids and deportations. (read more...)
High resolution pictures and B-roll available at: www.oodhamsolidarity.blogs
pot.com
Tucson, AZ – At approximately 1:00PM Friday, May 21, 2010 more than a dozen people occupied the Tucson Headquarters of the US Border Patrol to draw attention to impacts of border militarization in Indigenous Communities. Six people, including Alex Soto a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation and a volunteer with the group O’odham Solidarity Across Borders, locked themselves together for up to 3 and 1/2 hours. “Indigenous voices have been ignored. In our action today we say NO MORE!” Said Soto.
Banners were hung, including one placed over the reception window that read, “Stop Militarization of Indigenous Lands Now”, traditional songs were sung and the group chanted, “Border militarization destroys Indigenous communities!” and “No raids, no deportations! No SB1070, no racist laws!” Approximately 30 Border Patrol agents flooded the lobby of the headquarters and scrambled to react. Roads to the headquarters and adjacent air force base were shut down. Tucson City Police were eventually called and began preparing an extraction of the peaceful resisters.
A diverse crowd of up to 70 people quickly gathered outside the Border Patrol headquarters to support those locked down inside. Ofelia Rivas of O’odham Voices Against The Wall, an elder in support of the action stated, “It was a historical and powerful moment for people of all color to unite with O’odham to stand in solidarity for human rights and to see the next generation take a stand”.
At approximately 4 o’clock the peaceful resisters negotiated the conditions of their release on their terms. Their requests to consult with Tohono O’odham elders to negotiate terms of release were denied by Tucson Police. The protesters decided to unlock and were cited for two misdemeanors each of trespassing and disorderly conduct. The resisters were released just outside the premises to join supporters where they gathered in traditional prayer and rallied against border militarization for another hour. Community members including members of the Pasqual Yaqui, Tohono O'odham, and Dine' Nations reacted emotionally when two Wackenhut Corp. buses left the Border Patrol compound filled with undocumented people. The detainees responded with returning the symbol of resistance - a raised fist.
“This is just one action of many that makes visible the invisible crimes against humanity that occur every day on the colonial border,” stated one of the peaceful resisters. “We commit to honoring the prayers and call for support of the people most impacted by border militarization, the Indigenous Peoples who’s lands we are on and migrants who seek a better life for their families. We cannot not allow government agencies, border patrol, ICE or reformist agendas to further their suffering. We will continue our actions of peaceful resistance for human dignity and respect for all peoples.”
The action also denounced SB1070 and HB2281 as racist laws that are a part of an ongoing system of genocidal policies against Indigenous Peoples and migrant communities.
For previous Press Statement, please see attachment. Note to editors, high resolution photos attached; Photo credits: O'odham Solidarity Across Borders Collective
Media Contacts: Alex Soto (602) 881-6027 Leilani Clark (520) 982-5687 stopbordermilitarization@gmail.com
Down below are links to mainstream media coverage of the occupation. OSABC would like to share this link of today's occupation of Border Patrol in particular, down below.
"The demonstrators say they are protesting SB 1070 and any military presence at the border."
In this occupation, we came from our voice, the O'odham voice, along with other indigenous voices in the region, to address the bigger attack on indigenous/migrant communities by colonial, racist border policies/racist laws of the United States.
I'm glad that most coverage was positive of our peaceful resistance, but at the same time, I would hope the consideration and respect of our people (O'odham) is given in all coverage of this occupation. We would hope the colonial marginalization of our people, and all indigenous people, will not be continue in coverage of this occupation. We must recongnize where we are at. In southern AZ and northern Sonora, this is our traditional homelands, O'odham jewed (land).
For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Friday, May 21, 2010 Leilani Clark (520)982-5687
OCCUPATION OF BORDER PATROL HEADQUATERS DAVIS-MONTHAN AIRFORCE BASE, TUCSON, AZ
1st NATION AND MIGRANTS OPPOSE SB1070 DEMAND DIGNITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND END TO BORDER MILITARIZATION
“The militarized border imposed by the U.S. has lead only to cultural and environmental destruction of the indigenous peoples whose land is on or near the border. This militarization brings death and terror for indigenous peoples from other parts of the continent migrating to this land.” 21 May 2010
Tucson, AZ – More than a dozen people occupied Border Patrol headquarters at Davis-Monthan Airforce Base today in an act of peaceful resistance. The group includes members of Indigenous Nations of Arizona, migrants, people of color and white allies. Six people used chains and other devices to lock themselves in the building. These Arizona residents disrupted the Border Patrol operations to demand that Border Patrol (BP), Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), their parent entity, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Obama administration end militarization of the border, end the criminalization of immigrant communities, and end their campaign of terror which tear families apart through increasing numbers of raids and deportations.
The protesters also call on the State of Arizona to repeal the racist Senate Bill 1070 that criminalizes immigrant communities on the state level, makes it illegal to transport or harbor an undocumented person regardless of family relationship, requires police agencies to engage in racial profiling, and ultimately is an attempt to ethnically cleanse Arizona of those with brown skin. This act of civil disobedience was only the latest in an increasing wave of direct action targeting the federal government’s terrorist immigration policies.
Border militarization destroys Indigenous communities. The development of the border wall has lead to desecration of our ancestors graves, it has divided our communities and prevents us from accessing sacred places. Troops and paramilitary law enforcement, detention camps, check points, and citizenship verification are not a solution to migration. We have existed here long before these imposed borders, my elders inform us that we always honored freedom of movement. Why our communities and the daily deaths at the border ignored? The impacts of border militarization are constantly made invisible in the media, the popular culture of this country and even the mainstream immigrants rights movement which has often pushed for “reform” that means further militarization of the border, which means increased suffering for our communities.
Indigenous communities such as the O’odham, the Pascua Yaqui, Laipan Apache, Kickapoo, and Cocopah along the US/Mexico border have been terrorized with laws and practices like SB1070 for decades. Indigenous people along the border have been forced by border patrol to carry and provide proof of tribal membership when moving across their traditional lands that have been bisected by this imposed border; a border that has been extremely damaging to the cultural and spiritual practices of these communities. Many people are not able to journey to sacred sites because the communities where people live are on the opposite side of the border from these sites. Since the creation of the current U.S./Mexico border, 45 O’odham villages on or near the border have been completely depopulated.
On this day people who are indigenous to Arizona join with migrants who are indigenous to other parts of the Western Hemisphere in demanding a return to traditional indigenous value of freedom of movement for all people. Prior to the colonization by European nations (spaniards, english, french) and the establishment of the european settler state known as the United States and the artificial borders it and other european inspired nation states have imposed; indigenous people migrated, traveled and traded with each other without regard to artificial black lines drawn on maps. U.S. immigration policies dehumanize and criminalize people simply because which side of these artificial lines they were born on. White settlers whose ancestors have only been here at most for a few hundred years have imposed these policies of terror and death on “immigrants” whose ancestors have lived in this hemisphere for tens of thousands of years, for time immemorial.
In addition, the migration that the U.S. government is attempting to stop is driven more than anything else by the economic policies of the U.S. Free trade agreements such as NAFTA have severely reduced the ability of Mexicans and others from the global south to sustain themselves by permitting corporations to extract huge amounts of wealth and resources from these countries into the U.S. This has led to millions of people risking the terror and death that so many face to cross into the U.S. looking for ways to better support their families. Thousand of women, men, children and elders have died crossing just in the last decade. If the U.S. really wants to reduce migration it should end its policies of exploitation and wealth extraction targeted at the global south and instead pursue policies of economic, environmental and social justice for all human beings on the planet, thus reducing the drive to immigrate.
The protestors are demanding: -An end to border militarization -The immediate repeal of SB1070 and 287g -An end to all racial profiling and the criminalization of our communities -No ethnic cleansing or cultural genocide -No border patrol encroachment/sweeps on sovereign native land -No Deportations -No Raids -No ID-verification -No Checkpoints
-Yes to immediate and unconditional regularization (“legalization”) of all people -Yes to human rights -Yes to dignity -Yes to respect Yes to respecting Indigenous Peoples inherent right of migration
Anti-immigration bills such as SB 1070 rest on the "securing" of the borders in order to manage the flow of migration. This securing includes and is not limited to a physical wall to be made on Indigenous land (Tohono O'odham/Lipan Apache to name a few). The state's power to waive pre-existing laws (such as NEPA, NAGPRA) in the name of security, directly attacks Indigenous autonomy/sovereignty. The "political" solution will bring forced removal and relocation of the many Indigenous nations that span "their" borders by means of a reinforced physical barrier. In addition, the peoples who will be primarily targeted for racial profiling will be Indigenous peoples on both sides of the U.S/Mexico border. The passage of HB 2281 further contributes to the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples by criminalizing the histories of Indigenous peoples in our own lands within the Arizona public school system. The immigration struggle is also an Indigenous struggle.
PROTEST
US Immigration Court
160 North Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701-1584
Friday, 5/21
11am - 1pm.
For those attending the NAISA conference, please gather in the lobby of Westin at 10:15am.
For more information on the protest, contact:
NAISA members: contact Mishuana Goeman, Southern California Native Feminist Group, at mishuana@gmail.com Support the following Indigenous groups organizing against SB 1070:
"We are not doing this to hassle Americans or bother them. It is to have better order, be more organized and provide better services".
OSABC would like to identify the contradiction in the Mexican Government's need for "paperwork" (U.S. Passport) within "its" boundaries, and its oppositional position in Arizona law SB 1070, which also requires "paperwork" within the state of Arizona. Both policies are a tightened regulation of the free movement of people.
Mexico's new restriction are a direct attack on movement for all, but especially for the indigenous on both sides of the border line. For our people, the O'odham, this is a great concern. The article we've reproduced below is from the tribal newspaper, which covers the concerns that our people have with this law in Mexico. Many are concern how this will affect us this coming October as we make our yearly pilgrimage to Malina (also knows as Magdalena), and overall travel into Mexico. Malina is located in the Sonoran state, and is roughly 65 miles south of Nogales, clearly passed their 12 mile checkpoint known as "Marker 21".
Mexico's new requirement for a U.S. passports affects all O'odham, but especially our elders due to the requirement of a birth certificate. Many of our elders were born outside of the system and do not have records of their birth. Or, as was told to me by my grandpa, were lost in the 1940's when a tribal government storage building containing records, burned down. My grandpa was one of many who lost his "paperwork", and to this day, struggles with the State's ever growing demand for it.
Meanwhile, Mexico's public denouncement of SB 1070 sounds good on paper, but at the same time we can't help but see the contradiction in its position. The Mexican government and the state of Sonoran Goverment officials denounce SB 1070 on grounds of racial profiling, safety and overall humiliation towards its citizens. Do they expect a standing ovation, a round of applause?
Hmmm? While at the same time, the human right violations that they denounce, the Mexican State carries out towards the indigenous of Mexico everyday. Ask the Zapatistas and other autonomous indigenous communities that are resisting the Mexican State oppression. The recent news of the Mexican paramilitary attack in Oaxaca is just another example of that.
For our people, we are now restricted in a 12 mile "cage" between the international line and the 12 mile area "granted" to us by the Mexican State. Our tribal ID's are still "respected" (even though are highly questioned when re-entering the U.S.), but with Mexico's new regulation of movement, we are left wondering how long that will continue.
The U.S. could further violate our right to free movement by dismissing our tribal IDs due to Mexico's new regulations. OSABC is left to wonderif this is the first steps towards that. The U.S. could have the attitude that since Mexico is requiring everybody to have U.S. passports to travel more than 12miles, then ALL must have a U.S. passport to re-enter the the U.S.
Regardless of what the State views as "proper" paperwork in international travel, these policies by both the U.S. and Mexican State undermine and attack indigenous autonomy/sovereignty. SB 1070, U.S. Border Patrol on T.O. Nation (overall presence and check points), and internal Mexican check points are all the same, a control on movement. In our case, also a attack on religious freedom due to the requirement just to embark on our pilgrimage to Malina. These requirements now put our elders in an position where they must plead with the state by applying for passports, but without birth certificates, this makes this process a huge task, to say the least. OSABC feels we should not submit to these requirements. We as O'odham should have the right to free movement. This is still our jewed.
OSABC would like to highlight this contradiction so it will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the U.S./Mexican State attack on free movement. Deeper economic policies are into play, that lead to such regulation. If capital can move freely across borders (NAFTA), why can't people?
The last contradiction out of the Mexican State's new regulation is that it will not apply to travel towards Rocky Point. So, free movement for American tourists, but not for indigenous people.
We hope this article below gives some perspective in our struggles to maintain our free movement for cultural autonomy.
(note: the article takes a very complacent stance in the new restrictions.)
Plan to Journey to Magdalena? Get a Passport ORIGINALLY POSTED IN THE TOHONO O'ODHAM RUNNER APRIL 16, 2010 V.17 NUMBER 18
SELLS- If you're planning to make the pilgrimage to Magdalena, Sonora next October, you will need an American passport, and since it can take up to a couple of months to get one, you might want to get started now.
The Tohono O'odham Nation's Executive Office issued a travel alert in early March, informing tribal members that Mexican law now requires U.S. citizens traveling south of kilometer marker 21 to have a passport.
A handful of inquires about that requirement reveals that some Tohono O'odham are still unclear about the change in Mexican law.
Brenda Cruz, Executive Assistant to Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris Jr., said the travel alert is very clear, and the change in Mexican law in no way affects the use of tribal ID cards issued by the Tohono O'odham Nation.
She said official tribal ID cards issued by the Nation are accepted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Border Patrol when O'odham traveling in Mexico are returning to the United States.
The need for a passport is something required by the Mexican government for U.S. citizens when traveling in Mexico. Why the Mexican government passed the law is unknown to her, Cruz said.
Nonetheless, she said, Magdalena, Sonora, the destination of an annual pilgrimage made by hundreds, even thousands of Tohono O'odham every October, is well below the kilometer 21 marker in Sonora. Because of this, those making the pilgrimage next October will need a U.S. passport, she said.
To get one, a person must fill out and file an application for a passport, and one of the required documents to show evidence of U.S. citizenship is a birth certificate. While this is not a problem for young and middle-aged Tohono O'odham, it could affect elders, many of whom were born at home and never got a birth certificate, Cruz said.
If this is the case, other secondary evidence such as baptismal and early hospital records can be used, and in some cases even testimony by someone who witnessed the birth, she said. But if a person is an elder, it is unlikely someone who could offer such testimony is alive.
Cruz said there may be no relief for elders in this predicament, and some may not be able to make the pilgrimage to Magdalena.
For those Tohono O'odham who will be applying for a U.S. passport, they will need their birth certificate and Social Security card. The cost for a regular passport is $100, and the cost for a smaller, wallet-sized passport is $45. The passport card can be used only for travel to Mexico and Canada. For other international travel a regular passport is required.
Cruz said she gets from one to two inquires a day about passports, and she cautioned that since it can take up to two months to process and received a passport, it would be wise to get started now.
For more information about getting a passport, contact Cruz.
We just wanted to share a flyer put together by our good comradeChaparral Respects No Borders, it sums up not just SB1070, but the overall threat that this bill represents. These threats are not new, but now bring to surface the global contextof these threats: neo-liberalism. Border security is needed to ensure neo-liberal projects (NAFTA!), and really should be read for what it is: border "regulation/militarization" of indigenous land to ensure capital exportation of people and resources .
As you have seen, and will continue to see, politicians from both parties and reformist immigration activist organizations, push for "Immigration" Reform"which, directly or indirectly, calls for border "militarization". . As cited in an earlier piece, the "political" solution will bring forced removal and relocation of the many indigenous tribes that span "their" borders by means of a reinforced physical barrier. Regardless of the politics, pseudo-calls for movement unity and Pan-American Indigenous "Perspective"(the use of indigenous themes/imagines/icons of liberation, while ignoring the indigenous of the land they organize on), it must be clear that the immigration struggle is also an indigenous struggle.
In order for the state to pass immigration reform, it has called for the "securing" of the borders first, in order to manage the flow of migration. This securing includes and is not limited to a physical wall to be made on indigenous land (Tohono O'odham/Lipan Apache to name a few). The state's power to waive pre-existing laws ( such as NEPA,NAGPRA) in the name of security, directly attacks indigenous autonomy/sovereignty. We understand that our voice, the O'odham voice, is greatly undermined by the mainstream media, state/national politicians and sadly, even self proclaimed immigrant/human rights activists. Regardless of their politics, our voice will stay strong in the face of 21st Century marginalization/colonization.
Our people have survived and kept our him'dag (O'odham way of life) strong through three waves of colonial settlers (Spain, Mexico and United States). OSABC feels, in order to move forward, and attack the State's new wave of colonization, we must understand "where we are at". The very land we all walk on. This has, is and always will be O'odham jewed. If others cannot acknowledge the indigenous people of the land, and call for policies that attack them (O'odham! Yaqui!), such as Berlin Wall-like barrier, in the name of "reform/security", then we will witness the cycles of capitalist imperialism continue long into the 21st Century!
Migration is a natural thing, while the necessity of obstructions such as border walls are rationalized by those in power to deal with threats to security against a fortress built on the backs of other people. This fortress is the US, taken and secured by force, built up by slavery and attacks on liberation movements throughout its history. The border is therefore illegitimate and we need not and must not regard migrants as helpless victims to justify their crossing. Everyone should have the right to freedom of movement. Of course migration from south of the border has increased due to the economic and political impacts of neo-liberal projects such as NAFTA.
Homeland Security has nothing to do with making sure we all have homes.Especially when so many people are losing their homes, security should mean shelter, food, health care, safety. The governor is pushing for more National Guard on the border and Comprehensive Immigration Reform will likely include increased militarization. Communities, such as the Tohono O’odham, on the border are already severely impacted by militarization, while many migrants die crossing. This will only get worse. It needs to be opposed at all costs.
What is the threat?The first border patrol and physical barrier on the border are less than one hundred years old, yet some act like we’re doomed if we’re without a border wall. The billions upon billions of dollars to build a wall, buy border security technology, pay border patrol agents, detain hundreds of thousands of migrants, and deport them is hardly justified by the alleged costly impact migrants have on the economy. The impact of supposed over-population is nothing compared to the impact that big corporations- especially weapons manufactures- have on the planet.
Why we oppose the latest anti-immigrant bill, SB 1070:
It allows all police to enforce federal immigration law, allowing them to arrest someone without a warrant if they believe that the person is in the country illegally
Would create the additional crime of trespassing with which any undocumented immigrant could be charged in this state
Would penalize all migrants (legal or not) who don’t carry “an alien registration document”
Criminalizes day laborers and those who pick them up to hire them
Makes it a crime to conceal, harbor, or shield a migrant, including transportation, and also may include renting to migrants
No to increased border security! No to the created divisions between us and our brothers and sisters based on immigration status! No to continued invasions on native land! No to destroying the environment to build a wall! End NAFTA! We need alternatives to police and jails!
O'ODHAM SOLIDARITY ACROSS BORDERS COLLECTIVE is made up Akimel O'odham and Tohono O'odham youth who are pressing the attack against the ongoing colonization of our traditional lands (i.e. U.S./Mexico Border policies), environmental racism from transnational corporations and the state, and all colonial polices aimed at destroying our O'odham Him'dag (Traditional Way of Life). We fight for self-determination, and true sovereignty of our lands. We advocate for the traditional elders in Mexico and the United States. We provide an autonomous space for O'odham to educate themselves on the issues that affect our land and people (our future). We encourage and support all O'odham, especially the youth, in carrying on our traditional practices, just as our ancestors did before us. Our projects of solidarity are our politics. You dig?
