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Indigenous Voices Event

On the last Wednesday of every month, you can find a diverse group of folks gathering at Bluestockings Bookstore for a discussion, film screening, reading, workshop/skill share, performances, and music. Please join us! >>Read More

Bluestockings Bookstore is located at: 172 Allen Street between Stanton and Rivington on the Lower East Side of Manhattan New York, NY 10002

December 9, 2006 Listen to the Show

Fiji Tribal Chiefs Refuse to Recognize New Regime
In Fiji, the military leader of the nation’s recent coup faces increasing isolation. The country’s powerful council of tribal chiefs are refusing to recognize the country's military regime and the newly installed prime minister has conceded the takeover was illegal. Commodore Frank Bainimarama used his self-appointed powers to remove Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi from his office late Wednesday. The council of tribal chiefs is throwing its support behind the nation's president. Tribal Council Chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini called Madraiwiwi's dismissal "illegal, unconstitutional and disrespectful" and reiterated support for him and President Ratu Josefa Iloilo. Iloilo is still technically the country's president, although Bainimarama said Tuesday that he had assumed presidential powers. The coup is Fiji's fourth in nearly two decades.

Tribal Elections on Oglala Sioux Rez Embroiled in Controversy
In South Dakota, a political standoff continues between two groups claiming to be the rightful government of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. John Yellow Bird Steele was sworn into office as President Tuesday. His opponent, Alexander White Plume, said the swearing in was illegal. White Plume has been tribal president since June and declared Steele’s victory in the November 7 tribal general election illegitimate. White Plume has pledged to continue in office until new elections can be held early next year. The tribal elections have been roiled with controversy, beginning with irregularities in the October 3 primary. Earlier this year, the tribal council impeached former president Cecilia Fire Thunder over her proposal for a private woman’s clinic that would thwart a new state abortion ban. The council then elevated Vice President Alex White Plume to the president’s post.

Indigenous World Uranium Summit
In other news, the Indigenous World Uranium Summit recently wrapped up in Arizona, hosted by the Navajo Nation from November 30 through December 2nd. It was a historic gathering for activists working to stop the spread of nuclear proliferation in all its forms. Here is Manny Pino, a board member of the Indigenous Environmental Network, reading the declaration: [audio included in show MP3].

Nasa Filmmaker on Violence Inflicted on Indigenous Peoples in Colombia
Mauricio Acosta, producers and directs documentaries for Tejido de Comunicacio, the communication network of the Associacion de Cabildos Indigenas del Norte (ACIN) in the state of Cauca, Colombia. Tejido de Comunicacion promotes the autonomy of indigenous communities through media. In 2006, Acosta’s video Pa’ poder quo Nos Cen Tierra was recognized at the Festival Internacional de Cine y Video de los Pueblos Indigenas for its effectiveness in bringing attention to the violence inflicted on indigenous peoples in Colombia and the communities’ peaceful resistance.

February 2, 2006

Confronting Myths: From the Legend of Pocahontas to the Discourse on Palestine

Nearly two weeks ago, the film "The New World" opened in theaters around the country. The film attempts to retell the mythical story of Pocahontas and John Smith as a passionate love story, with the settlement of the Jamestown colony taking place in the backdrop. Few reviews have criticized the film for perpetuating racist and sexist stereotypes, suggesting these ideas are so enmeshed in American culture that they are overlooked without protest.

Camilla Townsend, Associate Professor of History at Colgate University. She specializes in Native American and Latin American history. She is the author of several books, including "Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma" and "Burying the White Gods: New Perspectives on the Conquest of Mexico."

Free Speech or Racist Propaganda?: Multi-Faith Coalition Mobilizes to Respond to Anti-Palestinian Ad

In a recent issue of The Nation magazine, a full-page ad by the organization called Facts and Logic About the Middle East, or FLAME, claims to confront myths about Palestine. The ad says the nationhood of Palestine is a myth. The group's ad has outraged many people, including the group WESPAC. We speak with some representatives.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 3, 2006: Tiokasin Ghosthorse will play the flute and introduce the documentary film, "Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story." The film, by Robert Redford and Michael Apted shows the mockery made by the U.S. government of its own judicial system. It shows the FBI-led reign of terror perpetrated on the Lakota Reservation in 1973. Tiokasin will have a Q&A session following the film. Begins 7:30 pm, at Everything Goes Book Cafe, 208 Bay Street, Tompkinsville, Staten Island. Everything Goes Book Cafe & Neighborhood Stage

February 3, 2006: the 30th anniversary of Leonard Peltier's capture in Canada.
NYC Jericho and ProLibertad will show the film "Warrior: the Life of Leonard Peltier" by Susie Bear. 6:30 pm, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 521 W. 125th Street, Manhattan.
Call 718-220-6004.

November 10, 2005

Angus Hemlock, legal researcher for the traditional governing body for the Kanienkehaka nation (Mohawk nation)

Lola Forester, Aboriginal host and programmer for the National Aboriginal Radio Program for SBS Radio in Australia.

November 3, 2005

Renee Gurneau, President of the Red Lake College

Jose Barreiro, Senior Editor of Indian Country Today

Kent Nerburn, Author, sculptor, and educator, speaking on his new book: Chief Joseph & the Flight of the Nez Perce.