Native youth assautled by Snowbowl supporter: OK with FLAG police.

So: Racist Flagstaff cops let a Snowbowl supporter assault those kids without holding them responsible for such - surprise, surprise. I know those kids - they're awesome drummers and committed activists. They're not only the future of the movement for Indigenous Rights, they are the NOW. And they wouldn't have been inciting anyone to violence.

As for this Officer Radliff and the Flagstaff Police: It sounds like you folks are saying it's okay for people to physically assault Indigenous children in your town now if they don't agree with the message to not desecrate a site that is holy to them. Is that right? Is it okay for me to come to Flag to assault random skiers' children because I don't want anyone to patronize Snowbowl? That would be treated as terrorism, no doubt - not because of the violence involved, but because the economic target has more value to Flagstaff than the children who live in or visit your city do - especially the Native ones.

----from protectthepeaks.org----

Native Youth Drummers Attacked by Snowbowl Supporter at City of Flagstaff Ski Event

Saturday, February 9, 2013

CONTACT: protectpeaks@gmail.com www.protectthepeaks.org

*Video will be posted soon.

Flagstaff, AZ — As part of a weeklong call for actions, more than 50 people gathered in downtown Flagstaff for an Idle No More flash mob round dance to support protection of the holy San Francisco Peaks.

The protest, which coincided with Dew Downtown, a City of Flagstaff sponsored event in partnership with Arizona Snowbowl, was organized to address Snowbowl ski area expansion and snowmaking with treated sewage.

In an apparent effort to prevent conflict between Dew Downtown and the Round Dance, protest organizers were invited to speak on the music stage at Heritage Square and then sing a song between bands. Rudy Preston, a long time advocate for the Peaks, was handed the microphone at 5:00pm to speak about the dangers of recycled toilet water snowmaking. He spoke about 5 minutes to a mixed crowd of Dew Downtown attendees and Idle No More Round Dancers. He invited the crowd to join in the Round Dance and offered literature for people who would like more information. Drumming for the Flash Mob Round Dance began at that point and a majority of the crowd joined in.

Rudy Preston

“This is a very divisive issue in our community and I was thankful for the opportunity to speak to a crowd of people who probably did not agree with my views and I hope that some of them will question if skiing on recycled toilet water is a wise decision. Even if it were to bring a few dollars to an already cash-strapped town it is not worth the risk to anyone’s health and wellbeing.” said Rudy Preston, websteward at TrueSnow.org.

When the dance was finished an impromptu march left the square and went towards the main Dew Downtown ski run area. Flagstaff police stopped the marchers from entering the area stating that Dew Downtown organizers had a permit and the protesters weren’t allowed onto the sidewalk. The march then stopped at the entrance to Dew Downtown and the protesters began chanting and singing songs.

Danny Blackgoat, a Dine’ (Navajo) from Black Mesa exclaimed, “This is how real snow is made!” as he gestured to the sky at the snow that was falling all around.



The group chanted, “Protect Sacred Sites, Defend Human Rights!”, “No Desecration for Recreation, Protect the Peaks!” and “No Poop Snow!” when a lone Snowbowl supporter began yelling racist remarks, profanity, including the words “die” at the protesters.

The group formed a circle and were closing the protest with the American Indian Movement song when the apparently inebriated Snowbowl supporter rushed into the circle of protesters swinging her arms and tore through a large banner, pulling it from the people holding it and smashed it on the ground. She then pushed further into the circle and assaulted two young Dine’ who were singing and drumming. After punching at them, she grabbed at the drums and tried to break them.

“I feel if the roles were reversed it would have been a different outcome,” said Leslyn Begay, Dine’ mother of the 11 & 13 year olds that were assaulted. “If I attacked a caucasian child I would have gone straight to jail. This white female attacked us and knocked their drums out of their hands and may get away with it. Its racism. The cops refused my request to arrest her for assault. They gave her a disorderly conduct ticket but refused to charge her with assault or jail her for her actions against my kids.”

In response to the attack, police officer Jim Radloff said, “you may offend some people with your messages… it was her [the attacker’s] freedom of speech.”

A few of the protesters quickly reacted and pulled the attacker away from the boys and she attempted to leave the area. A few people followed her while someone alerted the police.

The police determined that the woman had been drinking and was charged with disorderly conduct and released. Many of the eyewitnesses were very upset that she was allowed to just walk away and even though she was witnessed to have been punching and swinging at everyone in her path, the police did not feel that there was enough evidence to charge her with assault.

Officer Radloff with the City of Flagstaff defended his decision when asked why she was not arrested by stating, “the outcome will be the same either way, she will be summoned to court.”

When pressed on the fact that numerous people watched the attacker assault multiple people, he said he would include that in his report and let the city attorney decide if there was enough evidence to charge her with assault.

Officer Radliff did not seem to believe one boy when he told the officer that the woman had hit him. In fact if he was surrounded by at least half a dozen people who witnessed the event insisting that she be charged with assault, it is unclear if the attacker would have even received a disorderly conduct charge. Though Officer Radliff did ultimately state “she was clearly disorderly.”

Many witnesses to the attack were visibly shaken that she was allowed to just walk away with a ticket.

More info and background at: www.truesnow.org, www.protectthepeaks.org.

Pissing on the PEAKS: Snowbowl makes the NY Times.

this year, Snowbowl celebrates 75 years by spewing sewage all over the sacred San Francisco Peaks to fatten their purses...

"Snowbowel: 75 Years of Desecration..."

 Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff

New Year's Day 2013

 for more on the desecration of the Peaks, see

 TRUESNOW.ORG and

 Indigenous Action Media

IDLE NO MORE FLASH MOB: 

Indigenous activists and allies in Flagstaff, January 8, 2013

----------------

Thoughts on Snowbowl from the New York Times, below. 

Too bad they missed the beautiful action above.

January 11, 2013, 6:02 pm

Discolored Slopes Mar Debut of Snow-Making Effort

By LESLIE MACMILLAN

 

After a decade of legal battles, a ski resort in Northern Arizona recently became the first in the world to make artificial snow totally out of sewage effluent. On Dec. 24, Arizona Snowbowl fired up its snow guns for the first time, and to everyone's surprise, the snow that blasted onto the mountain was yellow.
The discolored snow has sharpened an already fraught conflict.

Snowbowl's manager, J. R. Murray, said the problem was caused by rusty residue in the new snow-making equipment that carries the wastewater from neighboring Flagstaff, where it is piped directly from the town's sewage treatment plant.

But Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biological Diversity, a conservation group, says something seems fishy. "I question whether that explanation is based on tests of the water or conjecture," he said.  "Something's awry, and the onus is on the Forest Service and ADEQ to protect the public and determine the cause." (ADEQ is the acronym for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.)

As I have reported, environmentalists and Native American groups have long opposed the ski area's snow-making plan, arguing that the wastewater snow poses risks to public health and the ecology of a mountain considered sacred by 13 American Indian tribes.

Mike Fulton, water quality division director of the state Department of Environmental Quality, said the agency was "looking hard" into several complaints it had received claiming that the presence of the manufactured snow on the slopes violated state laws on the use of reclaimed water, which prohibit ingesting it. Critics argue, among other things, that wastewater snow is being tracked into eating areas and that children are playing in it and touching their faces with it.

The water used for making snow at the ski area is not drinking water. Studies have found that it contains hormones, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics and other chemicals. There is much debate about whether these chemicals are harmful in small amounts.

Regardless, the discolored snow has meant Snowbowl has to contend with a heightened ick factor. Kaelan Monroe, 11, said he went skiing on New Year's Day and that the conditions were "kind of disgusting."

"The snow is crusty and icy and doesn't look very clean," he said. But that won't keep him from Snowbowl, where he has skied since age 3, he said. "I'm not too worried about face-planting in the snow and getting sick," said Kaelan, who describes himself as a proficient skier.

Arizona Snowbowl operates on public land under a special-use permit issued by the Forest Service. In 2005, the agency approved the ski area's upgrade plans, including artificial snow-making, after conducting a long environmental impact study.


That study "did not predict that the snow would be yellow," Mr. McKinnon said.


He said the yellow snow and "a growing list of unforeseen impacts," including new scientific research that indicates harmful chemicals in the wastewater, have rendered the 2005 study obsolete. "Snowbowl would be smart to update the study before they're forced to do so in court," Mr. McKinnon said.
Mr. Murray counters that the excitement over the yellow snow is "a lot to do about a small issue."
"No one here even cares except for those that oppose us," he said.

However, a worker hired just before Christmas for making snow said that his impression had been that the management was concerned about the image problem posed by the yellow snow. The worker, Grayson Lookner, said part of his job had been to drain the snow guns when they were not in use and he was told to drag them into the woods so the ski trails would not turn yellow.

He said he worked there only eight days and then resigned because the work was quite hard and he felt a growing unease. "I didn't feel right about blowing" the effluent "all over a sacred mountain," he said. Snowbowl confirmed that Mr. Lookner was employed by the resort from Dec. 20 to 28.

With climate change and prolonged drought in arid places like the Southwest, the use of reclaimed water is gaining importance as a conservation tool. Snowbowl officials portray the resort as on the cutting-edge of creative water recycling. Opponents argue that economic interests are driving a federal wastewater policy that puts commerce ahead of ecology.

Snowbowl officials have said that, because of reduced snowfall, the resort needs to make snow to stay in business. And so far snow-making has been a boon for the resort, it says. "The skiing is great! The pipes are now cleansed," Mr. Murray said in an e-mail.

State environmental officials say they have sent an inspector to Snowbowl and expect to complete an investigation next week. And Mr. Fulton said the agency had already worked with Snowbowl to construct barriers around the ski lifts to prevent overspray from entering the adjacent forest, where endangered plants grow in the fragile alpine tundra.

Potential harm to that that habitat was the focus of a lawsuit that was recently settled out of court.

To date, the discolored snow has not been tested.

Federal Persecution of Indigenous Activists steps up.

 
I lifted the following posts from Indigenous Action Media to catch myself up to speed on the resistance in Arizona. I spent New Year's Eve with Klee Benally and a small gathering of friends in Flagstaff, and saw the sunrise from the San Francisco Peaks before leaving the gift below at the entrance to Snowbowl Road. I was deeply troubled by all I learned about the US Attorney's office's latest attacks on Klee and his comrades. 

As many readers of this blog know, Snowbowl is celebrating 75 years of desecration this year with a new feature: treated sewage effluent. Flagstaff's waste water has extended their season as well as the amount of recreational activities they offer now. Of course, it's not only a health and environmental concern, but the spewing of sewage all over the mountain is desecrating a sacred site, a continuation of the genocidal process the prison industrial complex is now playing its part in perpetrating - witness the persecution of Indigenous resisters to the violence against their people and culture, and join us in solidarity actions. 

You don't need a Facebook event page or a whole crew to make your own thoughts on the desecration known, by the way...this was done by my lonesome with simple food coloring and spray bottles, and I set up my tripod so my camera was watching my back. Always make sure someone is watching your back...

 Snowbowl Road Entrance, Flagstaff

New Year's Day 2013

Below are the last three posts from Indigenous Action Media. They do good work there. Please support them every way you can. Info from their site:



Indigenous Action Media (IAM) was founded on August 25th, 2001 to provide strategic media support and direct action to address issues impacting Indigenous communities.


IAM offers media strategy consultation and support in the face of environmental & social injustices. We do this through direct support, workshops, web and graphic design services, documentaries and youth empowerment projects.

We are a volunteer collective of experienced Indigenous media makers & activists that work together on a project by project basis for media justice from an anti-colonial & anti-capitalist framework.

-------------------------------

Peaks Activists Targeted with Federal Charges and Arrest Warrants as Forest Service Announces New Sacred Sites Policy

December 10, 2012

By admin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 10, 2012
CONTACT:
Klee Benally
indigenousaction@gmail.com

National Forest Service Announces New Sacred Sites Policy at the Same Time That Flagstaff Peaks Activists Are Targeted with Federal Charges and Arrest Warrants 

 

Peaks Activists Vow to Fight Charges and Plan to Turn themselves Over to U.S. Marshalls 

 

What: Peaks activist Klee Benally and others expected to be arrested
When: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 8:15 a.m
Where: US Marshall’s Office 123 N. San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ



FLAGSTAFF, AZ — On the same day that secretary Tom Vilsack of the US Department of Agriculture issued a final report on Sacred Sites and an inter-agency memorandum to work towards Sacred Sites protection, the Coconino Forest Service filed federal charges against four Sacred Sites advocates who were part of a protest at the Forest Service offices three months earlier.

On September 21, 2012 more than a dozen Flagstaff community members peacefully delivered letters to address the US Department of Agriculture’s policy on sacred places. While community members delivered the letters, a “quarantine” was also theatrically staged in the Coconino National Forest Service lobby to protest the agency’s role in approving of an Arizona Snowbowl ski area expansion and snowmaking with treated sewage effluent on the Holy San Francisco Peaks. Several members of the theatrical staging wore white suits and held caution tape with signs that said, “Quarantine Snowbowl,” “Forest Service Kills Native Culture, Stop Snowbowl,” and “Protect the Sacred.”

The four protestors are facing multiple counts (Section 261.3a) of a misdemeanor charge for allegedly interfering with a Forest officer. The statute reads, “Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or interfering with any forest officer engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties in the protection, improvement, or administration of the National Forest System is prohibited.”

“Not only are these federal charges absurd, they are an attack on freedom of expression,” stated Klee Benally, a Dine’ (Navajo) activist who has been advocating for Indigenous religious freedom and protection of the holy Peaks for more than 14 years. “The fact that the USFS would bring these charges the same day they released their report on the protection of sacred sites demonstrates that they are not acting in good faith.”

Klee Benally delivered two letters to acting Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart calling for an immediate halt to ski area expansion and snowmaking with treated sewage effluent on the holy San Francisco Peaks. The letters were addressed to the Obama administration and included: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack, Senior Adviser for Tribal Affairs USDA Janie Hipp, Coconino National Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart, and Counselor to the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Dion Killsback. The letters called for the termination of Snowbowl’s Special Use Permit and the protection of sacred places.

The letters also focused on public health concerns due to contaminants in the treated sewage effluent that Snowbowl ski resort intends on using for snowmaking on the Holy site and demanded a moratorium on the use of treated sewage effluent, commonly called reclaimed wastewater to avoid the “ick factor”, in public places.

“I entered the building with a group of people and requested to speak to Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart, we had a cordial conversation, he accepted letters regarding the sacred sites policy, we shook hands multiple times. We broke no laws. The Forest Service is the one who is violating the law of the creator.” stated Benally. “Myself and others will turn ourselves over to the U.S. Marshall tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. so we can move towards ending this act of repression and political retaliation against us by the US Forest Service.”

The U.S. Marshall’s office is located at 123 N. San Francisco St.. Benally and others are expected to be arrested and appear before a judge for arraignment at 10:00 a.m.

According to the Forest Service complaint, the fire department and a hazmat team were called to address a potentially hazardous spill of clear liquid that had flooded the Forest Service lobby floor after protesters exited. An unknown individual allegedly tipped over a 5 gallon bucket full of what the hazmat team determined to be treated sewage effluent.

“These charges are absurd! The irony is that the USFS has authorized Snowbowl to spill more than one million five hundred thousand gallons of treated sewage effluent per day onto a rare and pristine alpine habitat. Yet they feel its appropriate to call hazmat when a pail of wastewater is allegedly poured onto their polished tile floors? I hold the USFS liable for the environmental poisoning that is set to occur on the Peaks right now,” stated Flagstaff resident Evan Hawbaker.

On December 6, 2012, while addressing more than 500 Indigenous leaders at the “White House Tribal Nations Conference” Secretary Vilsack unveiled a sacred sites report stating, “This report represents a commitment by USDA and other agencies to be better partners and improve communications about Sacred Sites, better protecting those sites, access and provide government-wide training to ensure that there is a better understanding of the relationship those sites have to decisions we make.” Vilsack continued, “While we have made strides in improving services to Tribes, much is left to be done. One step we are taking today is the filing of our Sacred Sites report.”

“The President is insistent that these Sacred Sites be protected and preserved: treated with dignity and respect.  That is also my commitment as Secretary of USDA.  I know my fellow Secretaries share in this commitment.  We understand the importance of these sites and will do our best to make sure they are protected and respected.” Vilsack stated.

(http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/12/06/secretary-vilsack-addresses-white-house-tribal-nations-conference-unveils-sacred-sites-report/#more-43547)

Read the delivered letters here: http://protectthepeaks.org/protect-the-peaks-letter-to-usda-protect-the-holy-san-francisco-peaks-terminate-snowbowls-special-use-permit-for-higher-public-purpose/

Read the sacred sites report here: http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/documents/sacredsites/SacredSitesFinalReportDec2012.pdf

News Release: Peaks Supporters Face Federal Charges in ‘Politically Motivated Attack’

December 12, 2012

By admin

Forest Service attempts to ‘Ban’ Peaks Activists from the Peaks to Prevent Further Protests
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2012

Contact:
Klee Benally
indigenousaction@gmail.com

Peaks Supporters Face Federal Charges in ‘Politically Motivated Attack’
Forest Service attempts to ‘Ban’ them from the Peaks to Prevent Further Protests

Note to editors: Video of September 21, 2012 protest available upon request.

Klee Benally sings before being arrested.

FLAGSTAFF, AZ — On December 11, 2012 three Peaks activists peacefully turned themselves over to U.S. Marshalls in response to allegations of federal charges and “sealed” warrants resulting from a civil protest at a Forest Service building on September 21, 2012.

“It is obvious why these court documents were sealed, the Forest Service wanted to arrest and make an example out of us to deter further protests for protection of the Holy San Francisco Peaks.” stated Klee Benally a Dine’ (Navajo) activist. Benally has been advocating for Indigenous religious freedom and protection of the holy Peaks for more than 14 years, “This is a politically motivated attack that was clearly timed to send a message to anyone who cares about the Peaks from protesting Snowbowl snowmaking with treated sewage effluent.”

Benally declared to a crowd of supporters at the Marshall’s office, “The Forest Service lied in the Environmental Impact Statement, they lied in court, they are lying about these charges, and they are lying about their sacred sites policy. We are being arrested today because we are not afraid to stand up and speak the truth!”

Protect the Peaks supporters gather outside the Federal Courthouse.

The three Peaks activists were kept in shackles around their waists, hands and feet and caged for nearly 5 hours while waiting to appear before a judge. While in custody, plain clothed U.S. Forest Service agents attempted to individually interrogate the Peaks activists without lawyers present.

Forest Service law enforcement captain John Nelson was the only Forest Service representative in the courtroom. Nelson has a history of intimidating and harassing Peaks supporters and traditional practitioners engaged in prayer on the Peaks.

“It seems clear to me,” Benally stated, that the Forest Service is seeking to suppress any further possibility of us speaking the truth for religious freedom and protection of the holy San Francisco Peaks.”

The prosecutor repeatedly requested that the judge “ban” the activists from going on the San Francisco Peaks and to any Coconino Forest Service building as a condition of their release. During the arraignment, the federal prosecutor continually stated that he was concerned about the possibility of further protests.

Attorney Matthew Brown argued that Benally’s religious practice was directly connected to the San Francisco Peaks and restricting his access to the Holy Mountain would be akin to preventing him from going to church. The judge agreed not to ban Benally from the Peaks but cautioned him that if he broke any laws he would be immediately imprisoned until trial. Even a wrongful arrest on USFS lands would be grounds for imprisonment until trial.

The three Peaks supporters were released just after 2:30 p.m.. They re-joined the group of supporters and held a banner stating, “Protect Sacred Sites, Defend Human Rights.”

A status hearing for the Peaks activists will be held on December 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Flagstaff Federal Courthouse. A date for a bench trial is expected to be set then.

The four protestors are facing multiple counts (Section 261.3a) of a misdemeanor charge for allegedly interfering with a Forest officer. The statute reads, “Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or interfering with any forest officer engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties in the protection, improvement, or administration of the National Forest System is prohibited.”

“Not only are these federal charges absurd, they are an attack on freedom of expression,” stated Benally, “The fact that the USFS would bring these charges the same day they released their report on the protection of sacred sites demonstrates that they are not acting in good faith.”

“The final report on Sacred Sites repeatedly points directly at Coconino National Forest and Secretary Vilsack’s callous handling and subsequent approval of using treated sewage effluent to make snow at Arizona Snowbowl.” stated Rudy Preston, a citizen of Flagstaff. He continues his statement “it was the single most detrimental action to their ability to even be taken seriously while doing public outreach to create the report. I feel like the timing of these arrests had two goals in mind: the first was to ban effective activists from Snowbowl as the resort begins to make poop snow, and the second was to thumb their noses at the Sacred Sites report and say, ‘this is how we do it in the Coconino and we don’t care if you want to make good relations with Indigenous cultures.’ Even the Snowbowl Record of Decision clearly states ‘this project will likely have a disproportionately adverse effect on affected Native Americans (p.32)’ and additionally states that the no action alternative ‘is the environmentally preferable alternative because it would not have approved any of the physical, cultural or biological impacts that are anticipated under the implementation of Alternative 3 (snowmaking and expansion, p.33).’”

Peaks supporters have stated that they are undeterred from this attack on their freedom to express themselves and will continue their efforts to protect the holy San Francisco Peaks.

“The natural laws and the indigenous people were already here in a good relationship before the coming of the colonial society who draws law and boundaries.” stated Big Mountain resister Louise Benally who was outside the courthouse offering support, “However we Indigenous Peoples will always have ties with these lands, we will continue to live that way with nature and we will carry on. These man-made laws by the U.S. government will vanish soon.”

Previous News Release & Forest Service Report here: http://www.indigenousaction.org/peaks-activists-targeted-with-federal-charges-and-arrest-warrants-as-forest-service-announces-new-sacred-sites-policy/

More info: www.ProtectthePeaks.org

News Release: Arizona Snowbowl Starts Making Fake Snow from Treated Sewage… and it’s Yellow

December 24, 2012

By admin

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 24, 2012

Contact: Rudy Preston
Email: info@truesnow.org
Phone: 480-382-5288
www.TrueSnow.org

Arizona Snowbowl Starts Making Fake Snow from Treated Sewage… and it’s Yellow

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (San Francisco Peaks) — After a decade of legal battles and opposition from environmental groups, concerned citizens, and Indigenous Nations, Arizona Snowbowl ski area has started making fake snow from Flagstaff’s treated sewage effluent.

Surprise… it’s yellow!

“My parents always told me not to eat yellow snow, this is absolutely disgusting,” said Katie Nelson, longtime resident of Northern Arizona. “ Will parents tell their kids it’s OK to play in it? I used to be a skier and snowboarder, but I am boycotting Snowbowl because they obviously don’t care about my health or the environment.” stated Nelson.

Snowbowl is set to be the only ski area in the world to make snow from 100% treated sewage effluent. This action has raised serious concerns from community and environmental groups due to potential risks to human health and the sensitive mountain ecosystem.

“Snowbowl is clearly disregarding public health by not fulfilling their requirement to have signs posted that the fake snow is made from treated sewage and that it must not be consumed. I checked the entire area where kids ski and learn to ski and I could not find any warning signs.” stated Rudy Preston, former board member of the Flagstaff Activist Network. “There were none posted on the childrens ski lifts either,” he continued.

Although Snowbowl manager JR Murray has stated that treated sewage would be “…cleaner than the snow falling out of the sky” the yellow colored snow clearly indicates that something is wrong.
State law mandates that it is illegal for anyone to consume snow made from treated sewage effluent. Ingestion pathways include the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin. Additionally, any “direct reuse” cannot even have the “potential for ingestion.” While Snowmaking is considered legal, the “direct reuse” of this treated sewage effluent is in fact “skiing” and ADEQ is ignoring their own laws when it allowed Snowbowl to make snow (Arizona Administrative Code: R-18-9-704).

“Despite the obvious health risks, you would have thought that respect for our Indigenous brothers and sisters would have been enough to stop this project years ago, treated sewage for snowmaking is an absolute affront to Indigenous Nations that revere the Peaks as holy and I for one choose to respect their wishes and will no longer ski at Arizona Snowbowl.” stated Rudy Preston.

Multiple protests and prayer gatherings have been held since Snowbowl opened last Thursday.

On November, 14, 2012 the Hopi Tribe filed a new lawsuit and for injunctive relief due to threats reclaimed water poses to an endangered plant that is found nowhere else in the world but on the Peaks. The Hopi Tribe requested an injunction to be placed on snowmaking activities until consultation was completed with both the US Fish and Wildlife and Department of Agriculture. The court has yet to issue a response.

The wastewater, which is treated to Flagstaff’s highest standard, has been proven to contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (http://azdailysun.com/article_a53bda53-1369-5d4b-bf1f-cbce10164267.html) and now even anti-biotic resistant genes (http://www.rwlwater.com/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-genes-found-in-flagstaff-water/). Since the Environmental Protection Agency has no regulations addressing these contaminants in treated sewage, the Forest Service, City of Flagstaff, AZ Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and Snowbowl continue to call it “clean enough to drink” although it would be illegal to do so.

ADEQ regulations allow A+ treated sewer water to contain fecal matter in three out of seven daily samples (R18-11-303 2a). In addition, according to Northern Arizona University biologist Dr. Paul Torrence, the treated sewage effluent may also contain antibiotics such as triclosan and triclocarban, which break down into bio-accumulating cancerous dioxins when exposed to sunlight.

For nearly a decade every environmental concern brought to the courts by Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Flagstaff Activist Network have been swept under the rug on filing technicalities and no court has ruled on the issues raised about direct reuse and ingestion. In another lawsuit by the Hopi challenging the legality of the City’s contract with Snowbowl, Judge Joe Lodge ruled that the tribe waited too long for the court to make a ruling on clear ADEQ environmental law violations.

Download high resolution pictures here:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9AUXPXEUmRJS1NtaWVMdHBPVEU

Photo credits: Katie Nelson and Rudy Preston

Stop police harasssment of Indigenous and Anarchists..

Thanks to the folks over at Fires Never Extinguished for being on top of this BS by the Tempe Police. Guess they have no better way to spend all our anti-terrorism tax dollars than to protect the community from good music like this. The same guy tried to shut down our May Day Guerilla Garden too...heaven's forbid a sunflower should grow where a deserted lot should be, eh Officer Pittman?

SOLIDARITY WITH INDIGENOUS RESISTANCE! 

 North Mountain Park, PHX

August, 2012

------------------------------

Tempe Police and Arizona Anti-Terror Unit are targeting anarchists and indigenous projects in Arizona

Sunday, September 9, 2012

A campaign of political repression is under way against anarchist and indigenous projects in Arizona, spearheaded by the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center and the Tempe Police Department Homeland Defense Unit. The Tempe police department’s anti-terror division preemptively shut down the Protect the Peaks solidarity benefit show that was planned for Friday night, using the threat of a fire code violation to ensure that the venue would have to cancel the event.  The Homeland Defense Unit acted on an alert they received from Arizona's main counter terrorism information gathering hub, also known as a fusion center, that a benefit show to raise money for the struggle to save the San Francisco Peaks was scheduled to take place in Tempe on Friday night.

The benefit show organizers had contacted a DIY venue/space run out of a warehouse in west Tempe, a well regarded space that has hosted a number of shows over the last year, often receiving coverage in the Phoenix New Times and other media.  It is a labor of love for the person who runs it, who has a full time job in addition to hosting the occasional show at the venue.  The Protect the Peaks benefit show would have been the first political show to have been hosted at the space, it also put the venue on the radar of Arizona's counter terrorism fusion center.

On Thursday, September 6^th the venue operator received an unannounced visit at his workplace from an officer assigned to the city’s Homeland Defense Unit.  The officer, Detective Derek Pittam, threatened to have the venue shut down for fire code violations if the Protect the Peaks show wasn’t canceled immediately.  Detective Pittam informed the person that he was aware that the venue regularly held shows and made it clear that under no circumstances would this benefit show be held at the venue.  The venue's future is now up in the air due to the threats of the Homeland Defense Unit, even though Detective Pittam admitted to the venue operator that he was aware that there had never been one call to police or reports of any illegal activity at that location.

 Detective Derek Pittam of the Tempe Police Homeland Defense Unit

At least one officer working in the Homeland Defense Unit spent last week locating the DIY venue, identifying the operator of the venue, finding his cell phone number, and where he works his full time job so that he could be harassed by Detective Pittam. They had also decided that their anti-terror unit was going to manufacture a fire code violation as pretext to shut down the show, unless the Homeland Defense unit is regularly enforcing code violations in Tempe.

I've learned that during the workplace visit, Pittam specifically identified support for the "Save the Peaks" as a concern for the authorities.  Throughout his visit Detective Pittam made it clear, the issue is with the benefit show not the venue, however the venue would face the consequences for allowing a radical, anarchist, and indigenous themed event.

I've also learned that the venue operator was again contacted on his cell phone Friday night by a Tempe police commander who wanted the venue's permission as the primary property manager to arrest individuals (who may not even know the show was canceled) for trespass on site.  The venue operator declined, and was then asked by the commander for the landlord's phone number, which he also declined to provide to the Tempe Police.   A friend who drove by the venue Friday evening observed one marked police vehicle on the property where the venue was located, and another vehicle parked near by.

In the short time since word got around about the show being canceled, many people involved with various projects are shocked and outraged over this show of state repression.  I was able to chat with Alex Soto, a Tohono O'odham MC from the hip hop group Shining Soul, one of the acts that was scheduled to perform on Friday.  In addition to his music, Alex has organized against border militarization on his traditional land,  the Tohono O'odham nation, a land divided by the US/Mexico border wall and militarized by the border patrol.

He had this to say about the cancelling of the show:

"The show itself is an example of the solidarity between indigenous people, the Diné and O'odham, and anarchist people who are supportive, it also means that the authorities are afraid of us acting in collaboration, collectively.  They’re afraid of all of us coming together, it’s not new, it’s happened before at past demonstrations where we’re targeted, we’re marked for oppression, mainly just by being ourselves and being there.

It doesn't matter to them whether it's an action or protest, or in this case with our talents and our musical gifts to bring people together, the state doesn’t respect that.  This act of repression by the police further motivates myself and everyone else involved to push forward and to have another benefit or show, because we know this will be effective, and all we’re doing now is picking up mics and guitars.

In addition, I’d like to express that as a Tohono O'odham person, I have solidarity with other indigenous people in this area, in this case it’s Diné people and the other 12 tribes that hold the San Francisco Peaks as a sacred site.   This act by Tempe police, and all the entities involved is an attack on who I am and who we are as indigenous people, it verifies to me that we’re doing our role, in this case by standing in solidarity with the peaks, or when we oppose the loop 202 freeway or oppose the border and militarization because this is what solidarity and healthy communities look like.   When we stand together, fight alongside each other, or in this case sing together to defend who we are and what we hold sacred, then fuck the Tempe PD, fuck Phoenix PD, fuck DPS, and any entity that tries to stop this energy that’s building here in Arizona."

When the authorities act to intimidate or threaten dissident voices and movements, it causes a chilling effect, in this case the Tempe police were willing to let a fire inspector poke around in the venue until any little violation could be found that would shut the show down.  We also know that they wanted to arrest anyone who came to the property expecting to see a show. This is a direct attack on the ability of people to freely gather, communicate, and organize without the potential of arrest or physical injury by police, in addition to the potential for serious financial problems for the venue operator. 

The Extermination of Indigenous Cultures

Protect the Sacred: Save the Peaks!

4th Ave/W. Washington St Parking structure

Phoenix (June 24, 2011)

My friend Garyn just pulled these points together on Spacebook better than I've been able to anywhere lately, putting the attacks on Arizona's indigenous communities into the bigger context. Thanks to him for letting me share this.

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The Extermination of Indigenous Cultures

by Garyn Klasek on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 9:53pm

In these modern times, its frowned upon for people to take actions without thinking about the impacts they will have on others. This doesn’t just go for individuals, but for entities such as corporations, governments and the like. Although it may sound like a good thing, it can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a way that the people can keep others, including governments and corporations, in check. However, this also leaves a loophole for discernment between various peoples and perspective on who represents the popular majority. This can be seen on so many levels, but will be narrowed down into three particular areas within the struggles of indigenous peoples. These areas, in many ways, have either been conquered, obliterated or transformed in order to capitalize off of indigenous cultures and attempt to absorb them. The following points to be illustrated are sacred sites, sweat lodges and tribal governments.

A good point to open with is sacred sites. One of the biggest detriments to indigenous sacred sites is “the constant search for energy” that industry prefers to keep underground (Lyons). Coming from a southwestern standpoint, this can include dams, coal and uranium mining, however these aren’t limited to just this region. As well, there are not only other regions and tribes affected by this corporate desire for energy companies to thrive, but other fuels that are sought after. Of course, a very popular example is oil, which has been extracted in tribal lands the world over. A major detriment for many tribes that hits close to home is recreation on holy land. A ski resort called Snowbowl, which exists on the San Francisco Peaks, has been challenging various tribes in legal battles for decades now. Not only does the resort have negative impacts on tribal religious culture, but it stands as a threat for public safety as well as the unique ecosystem in the northern highlands of Arizona. In the courts, this struggle “is one of the first to test the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and ultimately show[s] [a] lack of protection for sacred sites “ (Benally). All of this goes to show that the state will often defend corporate interest when ruining sacred sites, even when facing off against thousands of indigenous people.

Another point to mention is sweat lodges. Ironically, this one has been exploited by mainstream culture for profit. Apparently, many people within the New Age community and their followers believe that they can tackle this piece of indigenous culture without offending indigenous people and even more ridiculous, they believe that they can perform this rite safely. This isn’t to say that there is anything necessarily wrong with being from an outside culture and being included in a sweat lodge in an indigenous cultural setting. An Assiniboine spiritual leader named Gary Adler Four Star “tutors non-Indians about Native American values and even admits some to sweat lodges, provided they understand their responsibilities” (Haederle). This can hit close to home when you live in a state with much tribal land, at least in comparison to others, and where the New Age community has made headlines in this area. In Prescott, 21 people took ill, about a third in attendance, and of those two died after a sweat lodge ceremony was conducted at a New Age retreat. When something that bad occurs, it shows a strong lack of knowledge and respect for indigenous religious rites. Joseph Bruchac, a writer on the topic, mentions that if one “imitate[s] someone's tradition and you don't know what you are doing, there's a danger of doing something very wrong” (Fonseca). Perhaps conducting rites like this should be left to those who have been passing down the proper methods for centuries.

The final point is tribal governments. This is one of the biggest attacks on indigenous cultures. Not only have tribes battled and been forced to face genocide, slavery and a new kind of nation that has always been seeking to conquer and/or eradicate tribal nations, but now they have to accept, deal with or confront tribal leadership that is acknowledged by the very government that have been fighting against for over 200 years. In essence, tribes “are now being subjected to the raw forces of cultural transformation that often play themselves out through violent interpersonal conflicts” (Porter). It doesn’t seem very surprising that this would occur when having leadership that has at the very least worked for indigenous peoples for thousands of years replaced with a far lesser model that has vested political interests that more often than not seem to align with the U.S. government. There are several examples of tribal government not representing its people in Arizona alone. One is the Tohono O’odham tribal government, which has sided with the U.S. government when it comes to issues their people face, like the border wall and its impacts on their free movement, religious practices and burial grounds. Another is the battle that Gila River faces with the Loop 202 extension. Their indigenous council is pushing for the freeway to either cut through their land, contaminating the health of their people, or cut through the South Mountain Preserve, which would contaminate their spirituality as well as target some endangered species. Ironically, there’s an option to fight the freeway that the council is not mentioning to their people. Then there’s the Navajo Nation leadership, “who have voted to give themselves gold rings, and drain tribal funds meant for capital improvements and for tribal employee raises”, despite an uproar from the Navajo people (New York Times). As if out of the Lord of the Rings, and comparable to every other government, it seems that even tribal leaders don’t represent their people unless they can get something precious in exchange.

In conclusion, three areas that mainstream culture has brought disrespect and control to indigenous cultures are in relation to sacred sites, sweat lodges and tribal governments. These represent just a few areas of which indigenous cultures struggle with mainstream culture. Because of this, it’s our responsibility to stand up with indigenous cultures and not allow this sacrilege to continue. This isn’t because indigenous cultures are a minority on these issues. The minority are those who choose to recreate on indigenous sacred sites. They are those within the New Age community driven by profit motives and no grasp on performing indigenous religious rites. They are those that the U.S. government deems acceptable to govern their people despite popular opinion. We must fight any and all travesties if we want to truly consider ourselves a democratic society.

Peaks Watch: Fuck the US Forest Service.

From www.truesnow.org, an update on the battle for the San Francisco Peaks. Contact info for Forest Service employees are at the bottom...

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Forest Service cracks down on Camping and Prayer in Forest

by Web Steward for truesnow.org

Over the last few weeks the US Forest Service has been surveiling prayer circles and harassing campers and hikers near Snowbowl as to their intentions on the Peaks. Many people have been stopped and asked their feelings about Snowbowl's current construction project and if they are "pro-Snowbowl." Some are even given citations by the USFS law enforcement from anywhere from $75 to $300 if they are visibly against Snowbowl's project. It has been reported that sometimes USFS refers to a book of pictures of people perported to be camping on the peaks. Anyone found in the book has been given a citation.

This has not deterred camping in the woods around Snowbowl at all, and many people have continued to "camp for the Peaks" so the Forest Service is attempting an even more drastic step. They want to ban camping! The USFS feels that camping leads to the equipment at Arizona Snowbowl being hurt. No evidence to support any of these claims has been presented, and a questioning of Jon Nelson, the patrol captain at the Coconino Forest Service Law Enforcement stated that "someone put sugar in the gas tank of some equipment and other things were vandalized. A sign was grafittied." I am not sure what this has to do with camping on the peaks.

It would seem that it was more likely a hiker in my opinion. But I guess, one ban at a time. When they find out that the campers were in fact just camping and bearing witness and a "hiker" goes and destroys something because they are so angry that Snowbowl is in the process of the most violent desecration they have seen in their lifetime, then I guess they will blindly protect Snowbowl a bit more and ban all hiking and walking too. Here is the press release they sent in advance of the anticipated camping ban. Which is different than the unsigned camping ban they handed campers last week. The only difference is the dates of closure. The release below states, November 2011 as the end of the ban, while the printed copy reports August 2013.

I like how they say they will still allow for religious practices in the area, but suddenly "recreational camping" is not such a high priority for them. Usually the "need to recreate" trumps all other cards :P

US Forest Service

Sep. 2, 2011

Leroux Springs Area Closure, Snowbowl Ski Area

Background: The ski area, currently known as the Arizona Snowbowl, encompasses 777 acres of NFS lands and operates under a Special Use Permit issued by the Coconino National Forest. TheArizona Snowbowl Ski Resort was approved to initiate construction of a water pipeline following the February 2005 Record of Decision to provide snowmaking capabilities. Construction has been ongoing as of May 24, 2011 adjacent to Snowbowl Road (FR516) from Highway 180 to the ski area. Coconino Law Enforcement has been actively patrolling the area since the construction began. There has been an escalation of incidents involving acts of vandalism to private and Forest Service property caused by campers being allowed to camp within close proximity to the construction and permitted area. To date more than $3,000 dollars of damage has occurred and the project has experienced delays.

Current Status: The Coconino National Forest will be instituting a camping ban at Leroux Springs to allow for greater security of equipment, buildings and personnel working in the area.

The trailheads for the Kachina Peaks Wilderness receive high visitation by forest users including the sky ride at Arizona Snowbowl. Forest Service employees frequently work in the area and contract workers are operating large equipment. To provide for the health, safety and property protection of contractors, public users, and Forest Service employees, camping will be restricted in the area shown on the attached map. Recreation opportunities would still be available in the closure area, although limited to day use. Camping will still be allowed at nearby designated camp sites along Freidlein Prairie Road and “Big Camp” along the Humphrey’s trail. The closure order will be in effect until November 30, 2011. At that time, the Forest will determine if an extension of the order is necessary.

The Coconino National Forest will post the order and informational signage at access points and railheads in the area, and will issue a press release prior to implementation of the closure. The closure area will also be posted. The Forest’s Tribal Relations Liaison will make personal contacts with Tribes to explain the closure and to assure them that the Forest will facilitate their continued use of the area for religious and cultural purposes.

Contact:

Jon Nelson, Patrol Captain, (928) 527-3508, jnelson01@fs.fed.us
Craig Johnson, Tribal Liaison Officer, Coconino NF, (928)527-3475, cjjohnson@fs.fed.us
Brady Smith, Public Affairs Officer, Coconino NF, (928) 527-3490, bradysmith@fs.fed.us

Peaks Watch: Hopi sue Flagstaff.

Solidarity from Phoenix...

Firehouse Gallery
1015 North 1st Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(August 20, 2011)

-------------from www.truesnow.org-----------

Hopi Sue over Sewage Effluent Contract

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2011

The Hopi Tribe Initiates Litigation against the City of Flagstaff to Enjoin the Illegal Contract for the Sale of Reclaimed Wastewater to the Snowbowl

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. – On Friday, August 19, 2011, the Hopi Tribe filed a lawsuit against the City of Flagstaff in Arizona Superior Court in Coconino County challenging the City’s decision in September 2010 not to amend or cancel the contract for the sale of reclaimed wastewater to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort (“Snowbowl”) for snowmaking.

The lawsuit states that the City’s contract to sell 1.5 million gallons of reclaimed wastewater per day to Snowbowl is illegal because it violates several Arizona laws that govern the proper use of reclaimed wastewater. The contract provides for the use of reclaimed wastewater in a mountain setting where runoff and overspray cannot be prevented, as Arizona law requires. Additionally, restrictions on limiting human contact with wastewater cannot be met, and harm to the unique alpine environment in the area, including rare animals and plants, cannot be prevented. The contract is also illegal under Arizona law because it will result in unreasonable environmental degradation and will further deplete limited drinking water resources. As stated in the complaint, the use of reclaimed wastewater for snowmaking will unreasonably harm the environment, create a public nuisance, and infringe upon the public’s, including the Hopi Tribe’s, use and enjoyment of the area around Snowbowl as well as infringe on the Hopi Tribe’s reserved water rights.

The City’s sale of reclaimed wastewater to the Snowbowl will cover a portion of the San Francisco Peaks with artificial snow made from reclaimed wastewater. The San Francisco Peaks, and in particular Snowbowl, is ecologically unique and contains rare types of habitat and species. The City’s illegal contract allows wastewater to run off and spray into wilderness areas specifically used by the Hopi Tribe and others, impeding and infringing on the use and enjoyment of these areas by the Hopi Tribe and others.

Reclaimed wastewater is water that has been used and processed through the City’s wastewater system. Snowmelt from artificial snow made from reclaimed wastewater will be environmentally harmful because it contains chemicals including endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with natural hormone levels and processes in humans and animals. Negative impacts of endocrine disrupters include aberrant sexual development, behavioral and reproductive problems. Key species in the San Francisco Peaks ecosystem, such as frogs, are particularly susceptible to these harmful effects.

The Hopi Tribe will show that the illegal contract for the sale and use of reclaimed wastewater at Snowbowl will result in a very large net economic loss for the San Francisco Peaks community. The small increase in profits anticipated by the Snowbowl and minimal economic benefits to the area are far outweighed by much higher costs, including environmental damage, for the San Francisco Peaks’ community, including the Hopi Tribe. The effects of the reclaimed wastewater cannot be confined to the ski area and, therefore, users of the Peaks in the vital and accessible areas around Snowbowl will be harmed if the illegal contract is allowed to stand. The Hopi Tribe seeks a judicial order prohibiting performance on this contract to sell reclaimed wastewater to Snowbowl, as the contract is for an illegal purpose and contrary to public policy.

The Hopi Tribe Chairman Leroy Shingoitewa stressed the importance of the case to the Hopi Tribe: “the health and safety of the Hopi people is indistinguishable from the health and safety of the environment -- protection of the environment on the San Francisco Peaks is central to the Tribe’s existence. The use of reclaimed sewage on the San Francisco Peaks as planned by the City of Flagstaff and Snowbowl will have a direct negative impact on the Hopi Tribe’s frequent and vital uses of the Peaks.”

For more information, contact (928) 734-3107.

PEAKS Watch: Rudy Preston's arrest.

Press Release by Rudy Preston, police liason for Save the Peaks activists in Flagstaff, regarding his arrest over the weekend...

---------------FACEBOOK: Wednesday, August 17, 2011---------------

Press Release: Rudy Preston

Coconino County Sheriff: "I'm arresting you for talking"

San Francisco Peaks, Snowbowel Road - On Saturday August 13, 2011 I was engaged in a conversation with the operator of a rock crusher on Snowbowel Road. He and I know each other by name and face. He said "hi Rudy" as I approached. We engaged in dialogue about the nature of the work he was doing. I feel it is desecration, and he said it was just crushing rock. This went on for a little while and I think we have both enjoyed the debates we have had this summer. At least to the extent that he did not ask me to leave and the conversation stimulated both our minds.

Then Dale Haelund, comes speeding up and screeched to a halt and started waving a camera around and yelling "get out of the construction area." At that point I began to approach the vehicle to ask him where the construction area was and did he have the right to dictate where to be on public lands. I did not want to leave because the conversation with the rock crushing machine operator was going along nicely and I was not asked to leave by him.

Dale drove the vehicle directly at me nearly hitting me, but I did not move and he halted in front of me. Had he not stopped he would have hit me and then the rock crushing machine. I went to his window and told him to call the police or an authority to explain the "construction area" to me and also to stop taking my picture over and over again. Dale knew me by name and face. I learned his from the police report but have seen him before. I was now quite upset from the adrenaline of almost being run over so I told Dale to leave me alone and to get the police or something because I felt he was harassing me.

I stood beside Dale's vehicle with my hand up and Dale childishly wiggled his camera back and forth saying, "I got one, I got one." Officer O'Farrell with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office then approached us. He did not do anything but say hi to Dale and told me that I was in a construction zone. I asked him to please have Dale stop taking my picture, but he ignored my request. So I asked him where the construction zone was, because it is not marked. Officer O'Ferrell told me I have to be on the west side of the road. I complied with his request immediately while Dale got out of his truck and taunted me from behind the officer and took more pictures. After I crossed the street and stood where I was allowed Officer O'Ferrell moved up nose to nose with me as Dale taunted me. This felt quite threatening, especially since I complied with all orders that he gave me and was standing exactly where he told me I could stand.

Officer O'Farrell then told me that he felt threatened by my hand covering my face to block the pictures and pulled my arm down to my side. I put my hand down as I had no intention of threatening physical violence. I verbalize to the officer that I meant no violence or harm to him. But I continue to tell Dale to stop taking my picture and that Dale was harassing me and would the officer please make Dale stop harassing me. The office told me to "shut up".

I say to him, "let me turn my back to you so you understand I mean you no harm and so I don't have pictures taken." I just wanted Dale to leave me alone and to get fair treatment in the situation by the officer. Once my back was turned, officer O'Ferrell grabbed my arm and said to Dale, "you know if you tell me that you want to be a victim and you want to press charges, I can arrest him." Dale shouted his enthusiasm and then started to harass the people who witnessed the whole incident and were standing a few feet from me on the same (legal) side of the road.

In a situation like this I did not want to be hurt and I did not want to be perceived as resisting so I choose to remain limp. O'Ferrell and a Forest Service Law Enforcement employee who had just arrived stood over me while I was face down on the ground and cuffed me. I asked O'Ferrell what they arrested me for and he said, "I'm arresting you for talking."

I was incredulous, and demanded I be released immediately and that I wanted to press charges against Dale for both trying to hit me with his car and then for standing behind the officer inciting the incident.

The Sheriff's officer then grabbed me by my arms and attempted to drag my limp body, but decided not to drag me because of the outcry from the people watching. After he put me down, I was able to speak to the Forest Service Officer (name not known) and explained I was willing to forget the whole thing if Dale would do likewise, otherwise I insisted on pressing charges against Dale for driving his car at me. My dog was at home alone and I had no intentions of going to jail that day.

Officer O'Ferrell said, "you can press charges when you get out of jail."

My question for officer O'Ferrell is "Who do you protect, who do you serve?" Because your actions on Saturday were surely not in your duties as a police officer. I have every right to talk. You came to the scene and served your friends and protected nothing. In fact you violated the constitution. It did not go unnoticed by me as you sat outside the police car you put me in and joked with Dale Haelund and JR Murray, General Manager of Snowbowel, who had arrived just then. I watched as JR Murray triumphantly smiled and said "take him away."

After I bailed myself out and got a good nights sleep I pressed charges against Dale Haelund and filed a complaint against officer O' Farrell.

"Who do you protect? Who do you serve?"

Snowbowl Resistance: Call to Action!

Please drop off donations and equipment to support the Snowbowl Resistance at:

Taala Hoogan Infoshop

1700 N. 2nd St.
Occupied Territories
Flagstaff, AZ, 86004

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Something’s a brewin’! Support the Convergence and Cook Shack Base Camp on the Peaks!

by Peaks CookShack on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 5:57pm

STOP SPIRITUAL DESECRATION AND

ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION NOW!

PROTECT THE PEAKS AND ALL SACRED PLACES!

Dear Friends Family, Neighbors and Allies,

The Cook Shack has officially set-up camp!!! We started our first day with over two dozen people strong. Today, on our second day, we have grown to 40 plus people who love and care about the Peaks, the all sacred places, people’s health, cultural and spiritual survival, and the protection of Mother Earth. Folks from all over are coming together to stop the construction and put an end once and for all to the desecration.

What we need now is more of us. We ALL need to converge on the Holy San Francisco Peaks. Let’s become hundreds and thousands strong. The construction is moving quickly and we need everyone to act now. Don’t wait until it’s too late. With a thousand voices, anything is possible!

Don’t know where to start? Here are just a few suggestions…

1. Grab your gear and come camping! Enjoy the peace and beauty the Peaks has to offer and give back by joining the resistance. Please be self-sufficient. List of what that means, included below.

2. Come to the mountain for a day! Say hello to us, go for a hike, take a breather, play with your kids… just come!

3. Help run and support the Cook Shack. Make donations at Taala Hooghan Infoshop – 1704 N. 2nd. St. East Flagstaff AZ. List of needs included below.

4. Become the Media! Bear witness, document the atrocities being committed by Snowbowl, the Forest Service, and by extension the USDA, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the city of Flagstaff… and spread the word!

5. Be ready! Keep your eyes/ears open and support calls to action and public events in the next few weeks!

If you would like to support the CookShack basecamp, here are some things we need:

- Monies for gas and other supplies! You can send/drop off a donation at Taala Hooghan Infoshop or use paypal on www.truesnow.org.

- Food (ongoing) – Dry goods, snacks, fruits, and non-perishables

- Water (ongoing) – 5 gallon drums with potable water

- Coffee and Teas

- Camping stoves and propane tanks

- Ammo cans

- Sleeping pads, sleeping bags, tents

- First Aid and Homeopathic medicine for headaches, heat exhaustion, and altitude sickness

- Rain and cold weather gear (please, it’s below 45 degrees in the evenings)

What it means to be self-sufficient?

It is low 40’s in the evenings and there will be scattered thunderstorms throughout the week. Please bring warm and rain-proof clothing and gear.

Things to bring with you:

• Earth-friendly toiletries
• Water
• Food and cooking utensils if needed
• Utensils, plate and cup!
• Toilet paper
• Tent
• Tarps
• Flashlight and batteries
• Sleeping pad and bag
• Medicine (if you need it)
• Extra clothing

Reminders when converging on the Peaks:

• Leave no trace!
• Minimize garbage and dispose of it properly.
• Abide by US forest Service regulations
• http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/other-rec/dispersed_camping.shtml
• No drugs/alcohol/violence/haters
• No sexism, homophobia, racism, classism, transphobia, ageism, or any other form of oppression or other forms of violence
• Dogs welcomed
• Be deeply responsible for yourself and your actions
• Be respectful
• Be helpful

The goals of the Cook Shack base camp are simple:

To be visibly and actively in resistance to corporate greed, state violence, environmental destruction, and spiritual desecration.

To not allow ourselves or others to look away - To bear witness to the atrocities being committed against the environment, indigenous people and community health, as well as bear witness to the resilience and power of the people!

To support other encampments and affinity groups by providing access to available food, gear, first aid, information and other supplies being offered and dropped off by supporters and community members. We will be transporting donations from Taala Hooghan Infoshop to the CookShack base camp.

To answer the calls to action to STOP CONSTRUCTION AND DESECRATION and to stand with people past and present fighting to protect the peaks and all sacred places.

Much Love,

Cook Shack

“Rise like Tsunamis after the Earthquakes”

Protect the Sacred: Defend the Peaks!

Solidarity with the Defenders of the San Francisco Peaks !
(seen over W. Washington St. in Phoenix, AZ / June 2011)

Solidarity with Snowbowl Resisters: ADEQ Protest.

If you knew how many Indigenous people we were imprisoning these days - many far from their homes - you'd know why it's so important to the fight for prison abolition to respect sacred places...their struggle for Indigenous rights, free exercise of religion, and to defend Mother Earth - without being marginalized or branded as eco-terrorists in the process - is also ours. We must stand in solidarity with them before they are imprisoned...

As asked by one defender of the San Francisco Peaks last week: How can the Dine' and other Indigenous peoples be trespassers on their own Holy Land?


Join us in Phoenix on Friday, June 24 at 7:30am to stand in solidarity with Indigenous resistance to the destruction and desecration of the Sacred: Demand that Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Change its Permission Allowing Wastewater to be Used for Snowmaking.

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PROTECT SACRED SITES!


DEFEND THE PEAKS!


Friday, June 24th 7:30-9AM



Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

1110 West Washington Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

On Thursday, June 16th six people were arrested for halting the construction of a water line, which would pump Flagstaff waste-water up to Snowbowl on the sacred San Francisco Peaks.


We’ll be showing up in front of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) office to stand in solidarity with those arrested, demand that ADEQ change its permission for allowing wastewater to be used on the San Francisco Peaks, and with all indigenous people who hold the Peaks holy.


ADEQ has never held any meaningful public process when it initially decided to allow wastewater to be used for snowmaking. Whose interests are they serving?


One of the protesters who locked themselves to the excavator on Thursday said “Snowbowl plans to spray millions of gallons of waste water 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.”


Another person who locked down said the “action is not isolated, but part of a continued resistance to human rights violations, to colonialism, to corporate greed, and destruction of Mother Earth.”

Please bring signs, noise makers, water and/or your voice!

Sponsored by Phoenix Anarchist Coalition (PAC) -

http://www.phoenixanarchist.org/

For more info check out http://truesnow.org/ and http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/

ADEQ

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