Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

January 11, 2016

Photos Oak Flat Solidarity and Protection by Sandra Rambler






Article and photos by Sandra Rambler
San Carlos Apache

On Jan. 10th, some San Carlos Apaches stood in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples at Chi'Chil'Bilda'Goteel (Oak Flat) to protect their sacred, holy and ancestral lands throughout the continent.  The Protect Oak Flat Bills introduced by Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva in the House and also introduced by Vermont Senator and candidate for the U.S. Presidency, Bernie Sanders, co-sponsored by Wisconsin Senator, Tammy Baldwin, in the Senate remain on the floor.  Everyone is urged to continue to contact their representatives to continue to support these bills and not let the foreign company Rio Tinto--BHP--Resolution Copper desecrate their sacred, holy and ancestral lands.  Apache tribal elder and spiritual leader, Audrey Johnson says in her native Apache language, "This land is ours!  It belongs to us! Our Creator God gave it to us to take care of it to continue with our prayers and our ceremonies at Chi'Chil'Bilda'Goteel.  This is what was taught to us and this is the teaching we pass on to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  And I will keep standing up and fighting for what I believe.  It is my prayer that these people that are blinded by greed, corruption and power will open their eyes and leave Oak Flat alone and go somewhere else."
Thanks, Sandra Rambler

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