Indigenous Peoples Issues & Resources

[Richard Zane Smith]

I agree MJ,
Evidence for the down-turn slide (in the spiral) of any civilization
is when fear becomes considered "more sensible" than liberty.
Liberty and Freedom are ideals for a young vibrant civilization,
but definition of these terms slowly constrict as society weakens.

Would someone shipping something subversive or dangerous
use "names" that drew attention? I send CDs successfully to Canada often
and "Smith" would seem to be MORE suspicious...wouldn't ya think?

We've been pulled over by officials in the mid-west United States
humiliated, interrogated, and searched for absolutely NO illegal behavior.
But simply because the vehicle had tribal plates and one of our companions
drivers license had the obviously suspicious last name of White Eagle.
The authorities seemed to grow irritated when they didn't find anything
illegal.

This happens way too often..its almost a laughing joke with those of us
who take trips back and forth into Canada for ceremonies. Almost expected.
But i must also say *some border patrols officers are wonderful and
respectful*.
I try to NOT fly into Montreal when i go into Quebec. Quebec City is
preferred.

ske:noh
Richard



On Wed, Jul 7, 2010 at 9:26 AM, MJ Hardman <hardman at ufl.edu> wrote:

> I am so sorry for the both of you.  I sent a personal message to Jimmy.  I
> personally do not use PO.  If I absolutely have to send a package
> internationally I use one of the other services, which cost enormously, but
> they always arrive in one or two days OK.  Or I find someone traveling.  I
> do suspect, however, what you are suspecting.
>
> I am also pained at this loss.  I have heard the music and seen much of
> what
> he was sending you.  It is a loss.  MJ
>
> On 7/7/10 1:00 AM, "Rolland Nadjiwon" <mikinakn at SHAW.CA> wrote:
>
> > Hi Jimmy...Your package arrived in my mailbox with the morning mail. It
> > was placed inside a much larger sealed plastic bag along with the
> > contents of the manila envelope which had been torn open. All of the
> > printed materials are intact but taken out of the envelope. The one
> > music cd and the three DVDs have been removed and were not in the
> > plastic bag. I am sorry to say and so very disappointed the cd and DVDs
> > did not make it to me. I have attached photos of that part of the
> > plastic bag, which is much larger than in the photo by about twice,
> > which carries the postal corp. apology for the condition they found it
> > in in the mail processing system.
> >
> > I have no idea if it was opened by Candian or USA immigration but
> > someone did open it and removed only the cd and DVDs but for what ever
> > reason, I have no idea. Perhaps with increased security everywhere and
> > in particular on the borders our names on the envelope Huan and Nadjiwon
> > are not sufficiently English American or Canadian and so raise a 'red
> > flag' at security. I have had similar incidents but usually the tapes
> > were destroyed by pulling and knotting or the cd/DVDs were cut up. I
> > think this is the first time they have disappeared completely. I am sure
> > they will review the contents and destroy the discs.
> >
> > I was much too upset and saddened earlier today, after I had received
> > the damaged packages with the missing items, to try and tell you about
> > them. All I can figure is you are Siraya and I am Potowatomi(Native
> > North American)...maybe it is dangerous for us to exchange information
> > and knowledge on our peoples.
> >
> > I have posted to the ILAT list so one: they can all know what has
> > happened to an exchange of intellectual knowledge and two: if anyone on
> > the list has had the same or similar experiences with information
> > exchange in this manner. Or, if anyone can enlighten me as to why this
> > should happen, how common is it and how selective....
> >
> > Jimmy, I am so sorry this has happened. I was so looking forward to the
> > very special gifts which would enable me to hear your peoples songs,
> > language, young persons and being able to use it as a springboard to
> > deep discussions in the class and for my own...how can I put
> > it...happiness and satisfaction in the audio visual sharing of another
> > indigenous culture. I am so sorry Jimmy for whoever, persons or
> > government, have committed this violation...
> >
> > I think I had best have a good cup of herbal tea and calm down a
> > bit...wow...I feel so bad....
> >
> > -------
> > wahjeh
> > rolland nadjiwon
> > ______________________________________________
> >
> > A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memoryŠ
> > ______________________________________________
> >
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://listserv.linguistlist.org/pipermail/ilat/attachments/20100707/76a618ec/attachment.htm>