The Native American Press (Bemidji, Minnesota), 1992-10-23

              A Peaceful Protest
Canadian Indians march at border
crossing over cigarette confiscation
By Stephen J. Lee
Hearld Staff Writer
EMERSON, MAN. ~ A protest at
the Canadian border by Manitoba
Indians remained peaceful
Wednesday and traffic was blocked
only briefly by the two hour
demonstration.
About 250 Indian demonstrators
from several reserves in Manitoba
momentarily blocked traffic on
Canadian Highway 75 at Emerson,
Man. After a brief exchange with a
sergeant in the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police, the protestors
moved aside for trucks and cars and
marched to a drumbeat across the
border to the United States and
D&cJk
About 100 RCMP officers were
on hand, equipped with SWAT
team-style gear but remained at the
distance in a bus and other vehicles.
The protest was engineered by
Terrance Nelson of the Roseau
River First Nation, which is 11 miles
north of Emerson, Man.
It was sparked by an RCMP raid
on his home and other Roseau River
property last week in which 303
cartons of cigarettes were
confiscated, Nelson said. RCMP
officials said the cigarettes were
smuggled in fron the United States
and were being sold illegally
without all taxes being collected.
Nelson likely will face charges in
the incident.
But Nelson and other protestors
said the raid served as a last straw in
a what they called 121 years of
Canadian officials refusing to
recognize Indian rights.
He previously announced plans to
block traffic for up to three hours
and to buy cigarettes on the U.S. side
and take them back across and refuse
to pay Canadian taxes on them.
But after talks with RCMP and
Canada Customs officials, Nelson
decided to keep the demonstration just
that.
The only tense moment was at the
start as the line of protest vehicles and
backed up traffic arrived at the
intersection north of the border.
RCMP Sgt. Charlie McKinnon and
Nelson met nose to nose, surrounded
by protesters and media in front of a
long line of backed-up traffic.
MacKinnon outlined the RCMP's
position: No blockade of traffic.
Nelson said protestors would allow
traffic to pass as they marched.
"Do you have control of this?"
MacKinnon asked, crushed by the
crown nearly against Nelson.
"We have control of it," Nelson
told him. They parted, and the
demonstration continued in a loop
around the U.S. border station near
Pembina, N.D. and back.
Beforehand, violence seemed a
possibility as both sides took hard
lines. Nelson said Tuesday they
"will have to kill us to stop us,"
from taking cigarettes across.
Old treaties exempt Indians from
some taxes and border restrictions,
and decades of oppression and
taking of Indian lands put the
government in the Indians' debt,
according to Nelson. "We have
already paid our taxes."
"Tobacco is sacred to us. We're
not dealing in alcohol, we're not
dealing in drugs, we're not dealing
in guns."
The protest marks a new phase of
Indian activism -- and perhaps
militancy — in Canada, said Chief
Lawrence Henry of the 1,400
member Roseau River nation. "It's a
start. It's been 121 years," he said,
referring to the 1871 treaty.
Henry took a background role
Wednesday and did not walk across
the border. But he said he fully
supports Nelson's leadership of the
demonstration, even though Nelson
has criticized Indian chiefs as failing
in talks with the government. "I
guess he's saying diplomacy can
only go so far," Henry said.
Nelson hinted that further
confrontations may not remain
peaceful.
"If they don't come back into
Roseau River with guns, then we
can negotiate," Nelson said. "If they
comej back into Roseau River with
guns, that is not negotiation, that is
conflict, and they will be met soldier
to soldier."
By and For the Native American Com
]
?WrV      The
Allegations Continue at Detox Center
Pree
Native
American
Press
By Gary Blair
PRESS sources at the Hennepin
County Detox Center, located at 1800
Chicago Avenue South, now say if
patient abuse at this facility is to be
effectively dealt with, then the
administration must be willing to
address the full scope of staff
misconduct.
With additional allegations of a
Detox Center patient being raped, the
PRESS has now attained additional
details surrounding its October 9th
article in which a former Detox Center
patient said she was raped by Detox
Center staff. The person is reported to
be from Edina and says she was
assaulted on September 18,1992, by
four "different Detox Center staff who
she can identify. After being a shot of
Haldol, she awoke to find herselfbeing
violated. Upon her discharge from
the Detox Center, she went to a doctor
who told her not to report the incident
because of where she lived.
On October 20th those involved in
exposing the abuse of patients at the
hennepin County Detox Center told
thePRESS'the following: "I remember
the time someone told another Detox
Center staff that they were going to
report them for abusing a patient."
The person being accused said, "If
anyone reports me, I am going to tell
the names of everyone up here that I
sell drugs to." They continued,
"Irecently went to visit two co-workers
at one of their homes. Upon entering
thepersorisbasement, I mettwo males
that had just been discharged from the
Detox Center. They were drunk and
they were all having a party. Those
two staff members are now being
investigated and yet thay haven't
missed a day of work."
"We have a registered nurse who
works at the detox center and also
works as a bartender over on the West
Bank by the University of Minnesota.
When I told Paul Norman, the Detox
Center Program Manager, about her,
he later told me the person had stopped
working there, but I know she still
works there. We have another person
who works as a bouncer at a local bar
and this person is also still working
there because our patients tell that he
won't let them into the bar because
they have been at the Detox Center."
The PRESShas learned that there is
now a hearing being held over an
allegation of nine months ago by a
former patient who says he had a
homosexual encounter with a member
ofthe Detox Center staff.
When asked by the PRESS for
additional details involving Detox
Center staff and patients the group
continued. "When white female staff
get involved with patients, nothing is
done, but when male staff of color are
involved with whjte female patients,
even if they are cleared of their charges,
they still lose their jobs. If a white
staff is put on suspension they still
receive full pay during that time
period, but male staff of color have
received no pay over the same period."
Under Detox Center rules, staff are
not allowed to get personally involved
with former patients for up to two
years. For medical personnel it'sup to
six years following the person's
discharge.
On October 22nd the union that
represents Detox Center employees is
planning on holding a "HEALING
CEREMONY" for its members. It
appears someone at the Detox Center
has decidedto try to put the abuse
allegations behind them without first
ever addressing them.
We support Equal Opportunity For All People
A Weekly Publication
Founded in 1991
Volume 2 Issue 24
October 23, 1992
am
Copyright, The Native American Press, 1992
Native Community Reacts to Bellecourt's
Move to Control Detox Issue
The exhibit Minnesota A to Z features over 700 items from the collection of the Minnesota Historical Society.
Minnesota Historical Society Has Grand Opening
and Honors its Commitment to Indian Community
By Gary Blair
On October 14th those involved in
organizing the protest demonstration
in front ofthe Hennepin County Detox
Center over long standing allegations
of patient abuse at this facility, now
say Clyde Bellecourt's comments at
the meeting held that same afternoon
with Detox coalition were belittling
to those who organized the event and
the American Indian community.
They say Bellecourt, who along with
his ADM Patrol, has also been one of
the so called "American Indian
leaders" that has consistently looked
the other way to the abuse of Indian
patients at the detox center and then
shows up at the last moment to take all
the credit for ATM.
When the group protesting outside
the Detox Center was told to come
inside to meet with the Detox Center
coalition, Clyde Bellecourt, who had
just joined the group also moved inside
with them and members ofthe media.
State Representative Karen Clark
who chairs the Detox Center coalition
welcomed the group. Opening
statements were made by the protest
leadership and then Larry Knutson
told ofhis recent abuse as a patient at
the Detox Center.
At this point, Bellecourt who had
been quiet, jumped up and started
with his speech on all that AIM has
done. Never once acknowledging the
protest groups efforts or the issues
that were being discussed. He started
by greeting Rep. Karen Clark, State
Senator Linda Berglin and Hennepin
County Commissioner Peter
McLaughlin (who had joined Rep.
Clarkforthe meeting). He said, "I am
glad to see you here Peter." By the
comments the PRESS heard later,
Bellecourt's remarks were taken to
signal the three officials seated at the
head of the table that he was "still
their Indian" and he was not going to
attack them personally.
Joe Big Bear, who works in
administration at the Detox Center
and who has fallen to criticism for not
reporting the abuse was then quickly
defended by Bellecourt. Hesaid, "Big
Bear is caught up in the same system
that allows American Indian people
to be abused."
Bellecourt continued, "I am hearing
the same things here today that I heard
25 years ago. That's why ADM was
started, our people were being raped."
Again, he stopped short of saying what
ATM has done to change the abuse
American Indians are still receiving.
Instead, he went on to take credit for all
the organizations, he said, AIM had
started. Organizations he remains on
the board of directors for.
Bellecourt then made reference to the
Native American Press. HE said, "Gary
Blair, I want to let you know that I am
not only addressing the mascot issue. I
am also involved in other things." The
PRESS then spoke up and asked him
what he has been doing. Bellecourt then
ignored the question and continued to
talk.
Irene Wade, an American Indian
Detox Center staff member who
originally reportedtheabuse.said, "The
reason American Indian staff at the
Detox Center don't speak up when they
see Indians beingabused is because they
have bought into the system. They are
'apples', red on the outside, white on the
inside."Uponhearingher remarks other
Indian Detox Center Staff members
left.
The issue of harassment of staff that
reported the abuse of patients at the
Detox Center was then discussed.
Commissioner McLaughlin then
assured those staff being harassed that
he wanted to hear personally if it
happened again. Larry Knutson, was
then taken to Paul Norman's office and
later stated that the Detox Center had
taken responsibility for the tip of his
finger being cut off when staff locked
him in their 'QUIET ROOM.'
By Mel Rasmussen
October 17, 1992, was a historical
day for the Minnesota Historical
Society. Its new History Center opened
its doors for business. The society is
Minnesota's oldest institution and one
ofthe largest state historical societies
in the country. It has a staff of over
200 employees and volunteers in its
ranks, including a Native American
Advisory board of fifteen members
who provide guidance and counsel to
the society on Native American issues.
Most recently, the Historical Society
was involved with a dispute over the
displaying of sacred pipes in its,
Minnesota A to Z, inaugural exhibit.
After meeting with the advisory board
and taking input from members ofthe
Indian community, the Society
decided to pull the Pipe display and
work on this issue.
In a Saturday meeting with Nina
Archabal, Executive Director, Tim
Glines, Administrative Director, and
George Ryan, Public Information
Officer, the issues of community
involvement was addressed
concerning the viewing of sacred relics
and the repatriation of these items.
All of the Society's officers stated
they would actively work with the
Indian community to address and take
action concerning these issues. They
are now aware of the special
significance that Native Americans
place upon their heritage and religious
practices and items. Further
assurances were given to involve
spiritual leaders from the affected
communities and they will be involved
with the Historical Society in the
future.
In a tour, ofthe exhibit, it was noted
that the sign indicating that the Pipe
exhibit was still being developed
was done in a non-offensive manner
and was respectful ofthe issue. This
type of concern reflects upon the
commitment ofthe Society to honor
and respect the rights of others. It is
worth time for all Minnesotans, both
Indian and Non-Indian to thank the
Society for being accountable and
respecting the rights ofthe citizens of
this state.
It is recommended that all of the j
Indian community should view the
Historical Society exhibits and also
the exhibit at the Minneapolis
Institute of Art also. Bothexhibits do
honor to the Indigenous People of this
country.
U of M Athletic director Takes Stand On Indian Names
KFAI Fresh Air Radio 'Airs' Detox Issue
By Mel Rasmussen
Mike Ballinger, Native American
Hour radio announcer, met Friday
with representatives from the Native
American community who have been
active and concerned with the abuses
that-are occurring at the Hennepin
Detox facility. Jerry Stafford from
American Indian Services (AIS) and
Kathleen Messenger from Kateri
House areboth involved with chemical
dependency programs in their
respective social service agencies,
went on the air to discuss and
bring up facts about the Detox
Center. Stafford stated that for
three years AIS and the Heart ofthe
Earth PIPES program run by Vern
Bellecourt have been aware of the
mistreatment of people within the
Detox Center but could never get any
action from the appropriate
authorities.
Stafford went on to state that because
ofthe Native American Press articles
and the incident over the AIS parking
lot issue with the Minneapolis Park
Board the frustrations of the Detox
Center was brought to light. In a
different vein, Ballinger asked about
the future of AIS and if it would be
allowed to continue in its present
facility in light of the Park Board's
decision to try and close them down.
Stafford stated that the their prayers
are the only tiling keeping thenralive
and are not sure if they will be moving.
Because ofthe extent of problems at
the Detox Center, both of these
agencies are seeking past patients of
the Detox Center and appealed that
they come forward and testify about
their experiences. They are trying to
establish a further pattern of the
ongoing abuse that has occurred in
the past. Messenger stated that there
wouldbeapressconferenceon Tuesday,
October27th at 10:00 a.m. Thepuipose
of this meeting is to let witnesses come
forward and to show the concern that
the Indian community has towards this
investigation. If any witnesses wish to
contact either people first they can
contact them at the following numbers.
Jerry Stafford at AIS, 871-0477, and
Kathleen Messenger at Kateri House,
871-0477.
The final comment that came to
light were the comments that Bob
Olander, Director of the Chemical
Health Division for Hennepin County,
made to these people. He admitted
that there is abuse in the system and
that it occurs in all institutions aid we
have to accept this fact. Both Stafford
and Messenger were appalled bj this
point and this has given thert the
strength to pursue this issue for the
community and for their clients.
By Jeffrey Shelman
Minnesota Daily
University men's coaches have been
discouraged from scheduling home
contests against teams using
American Indian nicknames.
In a memo sent to men's coaches
Friday, Director of Men's Athletics
McKinley Boston suggested they
should be sensitive in scheduling
events.
"As of the moment, it is a
suggestion," Boston said Tuesday.
"We're not ready to mandate it."
But whether the recommendation
means anything is difficult to say.
At least two coaches said they
oppose any scheduling bans. And as a
member of the^Big Ten Conference
and the Western Collegiate Hockey
Association, Minnesota does not have
control over conference scheduling.
That means games against the
Illinois fighting Illini and the North
Dakota Fighting Sioux will not be
affected.
In the last five years, Gopher hockey
and baseball teams have not hosted
any non-conference opponents with
Indian nicknames. The football team
did play Miami of Ohio in 1988 and
Utah in 1990. The Gophers are
scheduled to play at San Diego State
next season and will host the Aztecs
in 1994.
Boston said those games will not be
canceled.
"It's still their decision," Boston
said ofthe coaches.
Even so, Clyde Bellecourt, founder
and national director ofthe American
Indian Movement, applauded
Boston's move.
"Right on. I'm excited," he said. "I
feel really good. Everybody's excited
about what McKinley Boston is
doing."
Bellecourt said his group isn't
opposed to the nicknames themselves.
It is the behavior of fans at events that
promotes racism and ignorance of
Indian culture, he said.
Fan behavior - like wearing
headdresses and sing "War chants" -
has a tremendous impact and a
psychological effect on Indian youth,
hesaid.
Although Boston said he believes
not scheduling events with teams that
use American Indian nicknames is a
good idea, some of Minnesota's men's
coaches said scheduling should be
based on more than simply a team's
name.
"If we're going to play Illinois, we
should be able to play whoever we
want," said baseball coach John
Anderson. "I'm not scheduling teams
because of their nicknames. I schedule
teams we want to play."
University men's golf coach John
Means said he believes the nicknames
are not insulting but complimentary
to American Indians.
Anderson said if Boston's
suggestion is mandated, problems with
previously scheduled games will arise.*
The baseball team has an agreement
with the Florida Seminoles to play in
the Oscar Mayer Baseball classic in
1995. The Gophers host the
tournament annually.
"We have consistently scheduled
Florida State, and I'd hate to see that
end," Anderson said. "I don't think
we should be the people to decide
whether (an Indian nickname) is right
or wrong."
The sports information director at
the University of Illinois, whose teams
are nicknamed the Fighting Illini,
said Boston's memo was "rather
surprising."
"It seems a bit extreme to do
something like that, but I'm sure he
has researched this," said Mike
Pearson.
The University women's athletic
department has not made a similar
recommendation. Director of
Women's Athletics Chris Voelz was
unavailable for comment Tuesday.
Besides Illinois, only five other
schools in major college football have
Indian nicknames: Central Michigan,
Florida State, Miami of Ohio, San
Diego State and Utah.
Editor's Note: More information is
coming forth, but not available as of
press time. MPR.