Here's the black and white information on the Shastas

Pioneer Press

Fort Jones , CA

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

page E29-E30, col. 3

pioneerp@sisqtel.net

To the Editor:

We are writing to you today not to bore you with outrageous remarks, accusations or threats.  Nor do we wish to air our dirty buckskins.  We are simply asking you see for yourselves the black and white information that will once and for all establish who is the rightful governing body for the Shasta People.  In the past few weeks there have been some articles written and agreements signed by "individuals" who claim to be  representing the "council" for the Shasta People.  But they are just that, individuals.  They have lovingly referred to us as the "Macdoel Group", but as usual they are misinformed; our office is in Yreka. We have tirelessly attempted to have talks with them and they refuse, now they have the audacity to self-appoint and misrepresent themselves.  I don't think so.  You can go to our web-site and see for yourselves.  It's all right there, the pre-election in May of 1999, the notification of election 30 days prior, post election results and so on. We are the legitimate Council, and we have all the documentation to prove it. www.shastaindiannation.org.  We know the truth and so will all who read.

And shame on you Gary Lake for those intemperate remarks accusing us of treason at our Nation's time of war.  I think you were still on the Karuk Council when those letters were written by an individual Shasta Nation Council member back in the mid 90's, and they were rejected!  Roy Hall Jr. was the Chairman at the time you can ask him.

WE are the Shastas that have a working Constitution, that have posted meeting notices and elections, that follow by-laws and observe protocol.  WE are the Shastas that have a working relationship with the Forrest Service and worked together to re-plant a burn area on the north side of Mt. Shasta .  WE are the Shastas who are working with the Institute of Tribal Government to form a solid infrastructure that will benefit the generations to come. 

WE are the Shastas who understand the way of peace, of reconciliation, knowing that you sometimes have to agree to disagree.  That does not mean that there should be lawlessness and divide.  We invite you all to our next meeting and hear our hearts.  See what we're working towards.  See all the good that we are doing.  We have nothing to hide, we are proud and grateful for our positions and we don't abuse them or take them for granted.  We have a big mission and it requires reconciliation.  That must first begin with our own people and we will once again offer a mediated talk with Mr. Hall and Mr. Lake.  If you still refuse we will continue to move forward and continue the good fight set before us without you. 

We would like to make it very clear that we do not feel the same way about our brothers and sisters in the Klamath, Karuk and Yurok Tribes as Mr. Lake stated with the consent of Mr. Roy Hall, Jr.  The Shasta People have not declared war on the said Tribes, but have offered talks of unification and they are doing well in the process.  We want what's best for all parties involved, but that must include the Shasta People and the legally elected officials that represent them.  We need the farmers, we need the ranchers, but we also need to find common ground and that will require sacrifice and compromise.  Maybe some pride will have to be swallowed.  Shouldn't our main goal be doing what's right and fair, with Liberty and Justice for All, and to be good stewards of the earth and of each other? 

We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful part of God's creation,  can't we all sit and really discuss what's best for our great-grand children?  It's not about us, it's about our decisions as leaders and the long term effects on the generations to come.  We live in a tight knit community, can't we put our heads together, use our God-Given talents and abilities and use them for something greater than power struggles?  We only want to do what is right and fair.  We choose not to focus on our differences, but on the solutions.  We have many tasks set before us and we believe that with open ears and hearts we will be able to hear the heart of others.  Please hear our hearts, hear the cry of the land, hear the cry of our Creator at the sight of our selfish motives. Let us ask for forgiveness, do the next right thing and move forward!  Maybe then, that heavy feeling will lift and the spirit of reconciliation will rest upon us and we'll get to celebrate each other.  Maybe we will catch a great view, stop, take a deep breath and say thank you.  Maybe we can walk in love, respect and gratitude.  Just maybe...
 
The Shasta Indian Nation Tribal Council
Chairman, Larry Doke of Eagle Point, Or.
Vice-Chair, Athena Bagwell of Dorris Ca.
Secretary, Ray Shelton of Etna, Ca.
Treasurer, Amber McCollough of Klamath Falls, Or. 
M.A.L., Bill Edwards of Coos Bay , Or.
M.A.L., Bill Speer of Palermo , CA. 
M.A.L., Andi Neuroth of, LaPine, Or. 

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