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NEW PORT RICHEY, FL - The American Indian Movement of Florida (Florida AIM) has always preferred the dialogue of cooperation to the rhetoric of confrontation. Therefore we were pleased to have been invited and provided the opportunity to meet with the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce to provide to them our specific concerns as relates to the Chasco Festival.

The specific concerns delineated in the meeting by Florida AIM State Executive Director Sheridan Murphy, Florida AIM North Regional Director David Narcomey, Florida AIM Pasco Area Director Ruby Beaulieu and Florida AIM supporters Ms. Peno Hardestay are:

*The Pageant and the use of stereotypical imagery, misuse of spiritual and sacred objects, use of language referring to Indigenous peoples and culture as inferior, "savages", "heathens", "barbaric" etc.
*The fact that the theme of Chasco is currently based on Gerben M De Vries inherently racist and white supremacist "Chasco, Queen of the Calusa's" in which traditional Indigenous culture and spirituality is not only decidedly inferior to that of the dominant society but a culture and spirituality to be feared and abandoned. A festival based on a hero whose intent was to "rid the country of the heathen since they would not be converted and were a source of danger to the colonizing of the coast." Is utterly offensive and devoid of the need for repair. Therefore a change in theme must occur.
*That the "Pow-wow" stringently enforce and strive for total compliance with the American Indian Arts and crafts Act (Title 25 United States Code 305)
*Stereotypical imagery and desecration of Indigenous sacred objects and practices throughout the festival that also induces stereotypical, offensive and disgraceful advertising from area business

Florida AIM is pleased that the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce afforded us the opportunity to bring these concerns to their attention in a face to face meeting. We are disappointed that as human beings, they could not see the racism and offensiveness of their festival and thereby make a decision. However, we also recognize that as an organized body they feel an obligation to review the material and make a decision after group discussion.

Florida AIM respects the process the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce must follow to make a decision. We appreciate the dialogue, and hope to continue dialogue with the West Pasco Chamber to reach a resolution on this issue. In respecting this, Florida AIM will slow, but not stop our efforts to force change in the Chasco Festival.