Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Contrary to media article" Navajos' eviction by U.S. not likely" (AZ Republic 1/29/01) livestock impoundment threats have been delivered to several Dineh elders, once again bringing turmoil to their already shattered lives.

Fred Chavez, Hopi Area Bureau of Indian Affairs stated in a telephone interview (02/28/01) that March 9th, 2001 is the deadline for every HPL Dine' who have not paid their livestock permit or who has "unpermitted" animals that are not corralled.

Chavez stated that Accommodation signers "have first priority for range units" (a unit is a measure of livestock, where 1 sheep or goat = 1 unit; 4 sheep = 1 cow; & 5 sheep =1 horse) and that" a range survey of Range #259 productivity determines the actual numbers of units allowed. This information was given to the Hopi Tribal Council, which dictated range allotments and actual impoundment terms."

Last year, the permitted numbers were as few as 5 sheep per person, well below the number needed for subsistence, estimated at 30 per person. While the BIA permitted a few families with the same  or greater amounts of allowable units, others were reduced according to scientific study.(ofcourse everyone knows that after the draglines have come and gone, the land is 'reclaimed', looking better than before.) Roberta Blackgoat, who reportedly has 50 - 60 sheep, has received notice that she will only be allowed to have five sheep and one horse (10 units). We will post the notice shortly. Glenna and Louise Begay have also received impoundment notices. Glenna is permitted only 20 units, after previously being permitted 60 units. The BIA is and will continue to moniter flocks/herds. Any unpermitted animals seen outside corrals is and supject to impoundment for trespassing.

Roberta Blackgoats' grazing permit and permit stipulations will be posted shortly on the Black Mesa Indigenous Support site.

Also, at the same time as the above article was printed the Hopi Tribal Council handed down its decision on Dine'h Elder Kee Shay's Exclusion Hearing. Kee Shay has been "permanently excluded". Calls to the HTC, Chairman's Chief of Staff, Eugene Kaye, brought no answers questions concerning the exclusion hearing or the actual date on which it ocurred.

How quickly the BIA apology issued by Kevin Gover, Assistant-Secretary of the BIA ( 9/08/00) for the agency's participation in "ethnic cleansing of western tribes": "Never again will we be complicit in the theft of Indian property, Never again will we attack your religions, your languages, your rituals, or any of your tribal ways" has been forgotten.

Black Mesa Indigenous Support (BMIS) is a group of individuals acting to support the sovereignty of the indigenous people affected by mining activities on Black Mesa, who face forced relocation, environmental devastation, and cultural extinction at the hands of multi-national corporations, and United States and tribal governments.