Meeting Notes

Opening Prayer: Garvard Good Plume Jr.

Opening Remarks: Charmaine White Face: We usually do not have meetings in June and July due to the number of other activities at the same time: Pow wows, ceremonies, graduations. However, we have some important work to complete so this meeting was scheduled.

A documentary film crew from Germany conducted interviews about the sacred Black Hills, the dams on the Missouri River, and the abandoned uranium mines affecting the entire Treaty territory.

Minutes of May 27, 2006, were not available and will be addressed at the July meeting. Janice Badhorse Larson has been selected as the Secretary.

Treasurer’s Report: need to do more fund raising

1. Announcements and handouts:

    * A. Bear Butte Press Release - Enclosed

    * B. Platform request to Democrat Convention - We requested the Democrats add the uranium mine issue to their platform [Update: The uranium mine issue was added.]

    * C. A nomination for the Leopard Frog as an Endangered Species will be given to the US Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, thanks to Jeremy Nichols from Biodiversity Conservation Alliance. Defenders is also a party in the nomination.

    * D. Update on New York event: Jenny has secured a large wildlife park in upstate New York for a cultural event to be scheduled for next Fall. Anyone interested in being on a Planning Committee, please call 399-1868.

2. Uranium Mine Clean up A Uranium Summit is planned for Aug. 17-18, at Reva Gap Campground in the Slim Buttes area. From the south, take SD Highway 79 out of Newell to the junction with SD Highway 20, then turn west to the Reva Gap Campground. If coming from the East and North, travel on SD Highway 20 to the Reva Gap Campground. See flyer.

3. Expert Treaty Seminar, Hobbema, Alberta, Canada, will be held Sept. 25-28, 2006. Representatives from the Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council will be attending.

4. Sept. 17, 1851 Commemoration Planning Committee needs to be reactivated as the planning for this event must begin now. Anyone interested in being on this committee, please call 399-1868. The event will occur in Rapid City, and includes an honor ceremony for a respected elder.

5. Fund Raising

    * A. Letters of Intent were submitted to two foundations.

    * B. Wounded Knee, the Museum in Wall, SD, is displaying our brochure, buttons and other items to benefit the work of Defenders. If in the area, you might want to check out this museum, or on the Internet. Lots of very good information.

    * C. Donations of silver jewelry by Lyle Christensen, Sicangu, from Dallas, TX, have been received to help offset our expenses. The items include beautiful inlaid bracelets, id bracelets, and pendants. All are sterling silver.

    * D. Tabling at Pow Wows and Events: Anyone wishing to volunteer to hand out information and handle a table at any Pow Wows or events, please call 399-1868.

6. Raffle Drawing

The winners of the Spring 2006 Raffle were:

    Bear Butte Framed Photos - Jenny Tkacz
    Beaded Medallion - Denise Tillman
    Leonard Peltier Shirt - Ana Delia
    Beaded Earrings - Sketti Nussbaum
    Beaded Earrings - Wanbli Red Cloud
    Beaded Earrings - Ana Delia
    Beaded Earrings - Paulette Muller
    Beaded Earrings - Julie Gaghardt
    Beaded Earrings - Megan Kraft

Thank you to all who donated to the raffle as the proceeds were $834.00 and helped pay for rent, copying and postage expenses.

Closing Prayer

Potluck Meal

Submitted by Charmaine White Face