October 28, 2006

Oct 28, 2006

Regular Meeting


Meeting Notes

Opening Prayer: “He Sapa kin Wakan, oheniya kik suyapo.” [Always remember, the Black Hills are sacred.]

Each year in October, Defenders has gone into the Black Hills to say a Wopila (Thank you) prayer for the Black Hills and all that is given to the world from this sacred place. Even though there is a tremendous amount of environmental damage present and continuing to be done to these sacred mountains, we continue to remember and be thankful for what is still given.

Opening Remarks: Charmaine gave special thanks to Ingrid Long Soldier who provided the place to pray and cooked a delicious buffalo chili. A short meeting followed the prayer ceremony and lunch.

Minutes: A quorum of the Board of Directors met on Oct. 2, 2006, and unanimously approved the Minutes for the previous 12 months according to the By-Laws. The minutes are mailed and emailed to the members. Aug. and Sept. minutes will be sent to remaining email members that were missed due to difficulties with the website.

Treasurer’s Report: Brian: $1,000 from Resist Foundation for general operations; lost money on Benefit Concert; raised a little from Black Hills Pow Wow tabling.

    * 1. Germany: Ike gave a report on her trip to Germany: had 3 meetings and showed the Defenders 12-minute video. Explained the situation here. Gathered email addresses from those who want more info. “What can we do?” was the main questioned asked. Discussions about Bear Butte and the Title issue with America. Need information prepared in the German language.

    * 2. Report on USFS Open House for Nov. 9: Discussion on a ‘public education demonstration’. Decision was to hand-out copies of “English only” letter we received from USFS in response to our request for Lakota signs. [The demonstration was not conducted primarily for financial reasons - couldn’t get the word out in time, and the publicity about the Open House occurred 3 days earlier.]

    * 3. European Tour: Discussion A local rock band, Arrow Space, wants their European tour in Jan. - Feb. to benefit Defenders. We are very humbled and grateful but do not have the funds or the personnel to raise the funds and attend. We will provide information and buttons for them to take.

    * 4. Fundraising: Discussion. Application submitted to IEN for Uranium Summit on Dec. 20. Raffle tickets are available. Call 605-399-1868 for your tickets.. Winners to be announced during the Lakota Nation Invitational Basketball Tournament, Dec. 16. Raffle items include: 1) Hand quilted Star Quilt, 2) three Silver Bracelets, 4) Tipi Lamp, 5) Pickup load of Firewood (local only), 6) Gingerbread Tipi (local only), 7) and Painting by Genevieve Blue Bird. Tickets are $1 per ticket, or 6 for $5. [Non-local winners of firewood and gingerbread tipi will be sent an alternate prize.]

Closing Prayer: Garvard Good Plume Jr.

Submitted by: Charmaine White Face