Slide Show of gathering on the coast - June 18th 2011

Click on link to see full slide show.

Pictures by: Amanita

https://picasaweb.google.com/epicGIS/20110618TribesHarvestSelect100p1600x?authkey=Gv1sRgCPji36Ch543c4gE&feat=directlink#slideshow/5619780751159323282

Tribes Express Coastal Gathering Rights

For Immediate Release
Contact Matt Mais
Yurok Tribe
(707) 482-1350 ext. 306
(707)954-0976

Tribes express coastal gathering rights in ancestral territory
Tribal members will meet at several locations on Saturday to practice traditional harvest

Armed with only tribal identification cards, Native Americans from Tolowa Country to the Wiyot Nation will be assembling on culturally critical beaches Saturday to harvest marine resources.

“We don’t perceive traditional tribal gathering of ocean resources to be some kind of delinquent activity, but the state and feds do,” said Yurok Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer, Bob McConnell. “We harvest from the ocean for our ceremonies and physical health. It is time to decriminalize our culture.”

“The Tribe’s rights are nonnegotiable,” added Yurok Chairman Thomas O’Rourke Sr. “As long as we are here, we will continue to gather in culturally appropriate way that is beneficial to all species.”

State parks and national marine reserves and parks do disproportionate and unjustifiable harm to California’s indigenous people who need access to marine resources in order to perpetuate complex spiritual practices and life ways.

“Our methods of take enhance these resources rather than harm them. We offer as evidence the abundance of coastal resources prior to European contact,” McConnell said. “Prayer is an integral part of the process as no life can be taken without acknowledgement of that life. We thank the creator and the plant/animal for that life each and every time we gather a resource.”

Decades have passed and public perceptions about Native Americans have changed since most of the rules that govern California’s coast were signed into law.

“These government bodies have made criminals out of people for embracing their culture. We want the people of California to know that and join us in the process of reversing it,” McConnell concluded.

Tribal members are encouraged to gather at their favorite spot. There will be tribal members at Patrick’s Point State Park at 5:30 a.m., Clam Beach at 7:30 a.m. and Wilson Creek Beach near Klamath at 8:30 a.m..

Assert Your Native Gathering Rights!

Saturday, June 18 · 5:30am - 8:30am

Location:
Your gathering place or Patrick's Point 5:30am, Clam Beach 7:30am, Wilson Crk near Klamath 8:30am



This Saturday, the Klamath and Coastal Justice Coalitions are calling on all members of local tribes to gather coastal resources at their traditional gathering places. Members of the Justice Coalitions will be harvesting coastal resources at Patrick’s Point State Park at 5:30 am, Clam Beach at 7:30 am and Wilson Creek Beach near Klamath at 8:30 am.

“It is our sovereign and sacred right to harvest coastal resources according to ...our customs. We will no longer allow the state or the feds to criminalize our culture.” said Hoopa Tribal Citizen Dania Rose Colegrove, an organizer for the Klamath Justice Coalition.

Local Tribes use hundreds of coastal resources for ceremonial regalia, medicine and for subsistence. Under the proposed Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), tribal citizens face fines and potential incarceration for harvesting for traditional purposes in a culturally appropriate way. Regulations against indigenous people in state parks, federal marine reserves and the proposed MLPA areas are an unacceptable and outdated threat to native sovereignty and culture.

The Klamath and Coastal Justice Coalitions are native alliances formed with the aim of protecting tribal rights. The KJC played a large role in pushing forward the removal of four dams on the Klamath River and is currently working to ensure California’s Marine Life Protection Act honors tribal sovereignty.

Know Your Rights

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Tips for everyday life or when taking action and speaking out for justice
Civil Liberties Defense Center – www.cldc.org

What to do if you are stopped by the police
There are 3 distinct categories of police interference with a citizen’s liberties: Conversation, Detention and Arrest. It is important to identify your situation so you know your rights, and, remember, anything you say can and will be used against you! Stay calm and in control of your words and actions at all times.

• Mere Conversation - LEVEL 1
Police officers have the same right as any other citizen to approach you and inquire about circumstances of interest. However, absent any reasonable suspicion that you are involved in criminal activity, an officer cannot detain you.
You do not have to provide identification to an officer at this level unless you are in a motor vehicle.
You do not have to answer any questions.
Determine if you are in a Level 1 situation by asking if you are free to leave.

• Detention - LEVEL 2
If an officer reasonably suspects you have been involved in a crime, they may detain you for questioning. You may invoke your 5th amendment rights and remain silent. You must provide identification upon request at this level (name, address, d.o.b.). You do not need to provide your social security number.
Giving a false name is a criminal offense.
You do not have to consent to a search.
However, if the police have probable cause or a warrant your consent is not required.
If the police say they have a warrant, ask to see it.
Police may pat down your clothing if they have a reasonable suspicion that you are carrying a concealed weapon; do not physically resist but make it clear that you do not consent to any further search.
What you choose to say to the police is important—it can be used against you later and can provide the police with probable cause to arrest you.
Don’t run away even if you believe what is happening to you is unreasonable or unlawful; this may lead to your arrest.
Remember officers names and badge numbers and write down everything about the incident as soon as possible.

• Arrest - LEVEL 3
You have the right to remain silent—wait for your attorney before saying anything.
Ask for an attorney immediately upon being taken into custody.
If you refuse to provide a name and address while in custody, you will not be eligible for release or a court appointed attorney in most circumstances.
Within a reasonable time, the police must allow you to make a phone call to your attorney and they may not legally listen to that call—but assume that they will.
Do not talk to fellow arrestees regarding the circumstances of the arrest—you never know who might be listening.
You must be provided adequate medical care while in custody. If you are on medication, inform the jail of that fact immediately and repeatedly.
If you have dietary restrictions for health or religious reasons, the jail may be required to provide you with alternative meals. Inform the jail of your dietary needs as soon as you arrive. If the jail fails to accommodate those needs, begin the grievance process immediately.

What Happens Next?
Take photographs of any injuries right away. Get medical attention and copies of the medical reports.
Either while in custody, or shortly upon your release, you will be required to appear in court for an arraignment hearing.
Plead NOT GUILTY to all charges. Apply for a court appointed attorney if you so choose. You will receive a future court date to appear.
Make contact with your attorney as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to remain in contact with your attorney, this may be frustrating, but will be essential to your defense!
If you remain in custody, you have a right to a jury trial within 60 days in Oregon, or within 30 days in California.
If you choose to go to trial, it may be your responsibility to locate and secure witnesses on your behalf.
If you are found guilty at trial, or elect to plead guilty, you are allowed to delay sentencing at least 48 hours. At the sentencing hearing, you may be ordered to serve jail time, so be prepared to report to jail immediately.