UPDATES ON SENECA NATION: APRIL 17, 1997

Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:41:01
From: JSD
To: serendipity-L

Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 10:42:29
From:ishgooda@tdi.net
To: serendipity-L

Last evening I spent over 4 hours with my friend on the Tonawanda Reservation. I came away with many concerns for the people.

Things are really tense on all of the Reservations in NY. The People are angry and their anger is starting to burn within. One comment that I heard was "...when they get angry like this, they start to drink, when they drink, they turn into an uncontrolled mob...." I was not pleased to hear this, as it means trouble.

Once again I was asked the question, "Where is A.I.M.? We need them to listen to and talk with the people."

Driving back from dinner on the western side of the rez, we passed a NY State Police car parked along side of the road. Just inside of the Rez proper, there were 2 NY State Police that had crossed the Rez boundary. These cars had pulled another car to the side and there were a lot of people milling around. 2 other rez cars were parked along the road on the opposite side from the Police cars. This kind of penetration of the Rez is only allowed if one of the Chiefs is present. Neither my friend nor I were able to determine if a Chief was there.

Manned fires continue to burn at all of the Rez entrances 24 hours a day. At the Rez entrance that I used, the blood red Warrior Society Battle flag was displayed.

I watched the video tape that my friend had made of the demonstration last weekend. It was peaceful for the most part, but the State Police did get pushy. There will be another demonstration at the Cattaraugus Rez and bridge this Sunday. I-90, the NY Thruway was closed for awhile durring the demo.

There seems to be a great deal of non-native support for the people on the reservations in all areas. I believe there would be more if only the news services took this situation seriously and covered it in places other than just in Buffalo, NY. Non-native people continue to purchase items in the Rez Smoke Shops, but the gas pumps are closed down for the moment. The gas tanks are full.

Considering what I am seeing and listening to people, I have grave concerns over what might flare into another "Wounded Knee" incident. These people are angry and it would take a mistake on either side to fan a spark into a flame.

Since issuing his "ultimatum", Gov. Petaki has been silent. NY is moving up on an election for Gov. year. At the moment, Petaki may be even money for losing, but he may also be playing a game with peoples lives and economic futures to gain some kind of political advantage, as I know that he has "Presidential ambitions".

If anyone wishes to send letters of support or comments, the email addresses of all NY Assembly persons can be found at:

I am including Assemblyman Doran in some of the mailings that I forward. He represents my area and I have found him to be a person who listens with genuine concern. He also wishes to be more informed with the governmental dealing toward Native People.

Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 14:05:17 (EST)
From: Robert B. Bancroft
To: serendipity-L
Subject: Project Zero [NY State Police]

For anyone attending the demonstration of support for Indian Treaties at Cattaraugus Rez this weekend, be WARNED!!

We have it on reliable authority that PROJECT ZERO, NY State Police zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs will be in operation on Friday 4/18, Sat 4/19, Sun 4/20 and Monday 4/21 in Livingston and adjoining counties.

This means ZERO tolerance for alcohol, drugs, guns, etc. anywhere in the Western NY counties. This could/will affect travelers to/from the Cattaraugus rally.

What a coincidence on the timing!!!

Grey Wolf