Dinner with President Obama

Time to shine up our new caiman boots and bolo ties and head out to D.C. for this mighty big  (and expensive) shindig!  Here is the invite: potus_invite_first_americans DC 1-27-12  For $35,800 you get a dinner with the President and a photo.  For those whose per caps have not come in just yet, for $5,000 you get three tickets to a reception with the President.  A photo will cost you another $10,000.

 For those wondering, why $35,800, here is the answer.  Because it’s the legal maximum amount for a campaign donation.  $5,000 goes to the Obama re-election campaign, which is the most an individual can give.  $30,500 goes to the Democratic National Committee, which again is the most an individual can give.

 

To those who are fortunate enough to attend this event, you’ll be in good company.  Obama’s fundraisers usually include the same dollar amount request.

Rep. Jay Inslee’s Position on Tribal Sovereignty

Jay Inslee and United Tribes' Randy Lewis at the Seafair pow wow

Welcome Indian guys and gals!  It’s been a while.  And we’ve had an awesome summer.  But campaign season is rolling around and there’s a lot happening in sunny Washington!

So let’s get down to it.  In one of the biggest and most important races coming up in 2012, two of Washington’s political heavyweights are squaring off in the fight to become our next Governor. 

On the Democratic side, U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee is the leading candidate.  And on the Republican side, Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna is out in front.  Folks back in DC are calling our Governor’s race the Number One race to watch in the nation.

And right out of the gate, Jay Inslee has landed the first blow by issuing his tribal platform.  It’s strong, specific, and heavy on detail.  Here is the platform in PDF format-  Inslee 2012 WA Tribal Platform.

We’ve reprinted several of his biggest points below. 

But, what we really want is to hear from Rob McKenna.  What is your tribal platform? 

It’s early, but nothing really says you are serious about the Native vote like an early outreach.  Both Inslee and McKenna have given us some early love.  Both attended the Daybreak Star Seafair Pow Wow in Seattle.  And both made a point to get to the Tribal Canoe Journeys this summer.   We say bravo.

But right now, speeches and event appearances aside, we want some real substance too.  Inslee has gotten off the first shot with his tribal platform.  Now, it’s McKenna’s turn.

 Jay Supports Washington’s Tribes

Throughout Jay Inslee’s career in elective office, as Vice Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and as a ten year member of the Natural Resources committee, Jay has worked tirelessly to support the needs of tribes, stand up and speak out for Indian Country, respect tribal sovereignty, advance economic development opportunities, protect the environment, and improve access to better and self-governed health care.

Supports & Respects Tribal Sovereignty

• Jay believes Native American communities know what is best for their people. That’s why he has stood up for tribal sovereignty over the years and supports policies to enhance tribal self-determination and meaningful tribal consultation.

Supports Gaming Rights & Operations

• Jay has worked hard to protect gaming rights for tribes because he recognizes the importance that such economic activity has on improving the lives of Tribal members. From building Boy’s and Girl’s clubs, providing educational opportunities for students, and improving health care for those who need it, Jay understands that it is important to have leaders willing to stand up against those who wish to eliminate this economic activity.

 

Bruce Harrell reception and Fundraiser

 

We are excited to attend a reception and fundraiser for Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell.  It’s this Monday, June 20, in Seattle.  Bruce is the strongest supporter of Native Amercans on the Council and has used his position as Chair of the Committee on Energy, Technology, and Civil Rights to promote Native American concerns regarding police accountability, create a Native American tribal liaison in the City, and have the City recognize Native American Heritage month.  Bruce also has a multicultural background that includes Choctaw heritage.  We are proud to call Bruce a friend and wish him the best as he seeks re-election to the Council. 

We will be there with local Native hero Senator Claudia Kauffman who is hosting the event along with Foster her husband and Native leader Larry Cordier, Foster Pepper’s Greg Guedel, Robert & Elizabeth Satiacum, Pam and Chris Stearns, and Chris Roberts, Chairman of the WA State Democrat’s Native American Caucus and more.

Date: Monday, June 20th; 5 to 7 pm.

Location:  30th Floor Events Center
Foster Pepper PLLC
1111 3rd Avenue, Seattle

Free lunchtime showing of Princess Angeline film – history of Native Seattle

 

Princess Angeline showing 4-28-11

TODAY!!  Noon.  “Princess Angeline”.  At the Seattle Public Library downtown.  1000 4th Ave. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. 

There will be an introduction by Pamela Masterman Stearns, President of CANOES and remarks by Seattle Councilmember Bruce Harrell and Civil Rights Director Julie Nelson.

 The movie is 53 minutes long.  Afterwards, stay for a panel on Seattle’s Native American culture featuring Duwamish Tribal Chairwoman Cecile Hansen, master storyteller and carver Rick Williams (Ditidaht First Nation), master storyteller Roger Fernandes (Lower Elwa Klallam), and Duwamish Councilmember Nancy Sackman. 

Presented by CANOES, the Seattle Public Utilities Race & Social Justice Change Team and the ARWA (Anti-Racist White Allies) .

Seattle’s United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is Looking for an Executive Director

United Indians - Founded by Bernie Whitebear - 1970 Ft Lawton Takeover

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation has announced a national search for a new executive director.  United Indians is a non-profit organization founded in Seattle, Washington in 1970. The mission of United Indians is to foster and sustain a strong sense of identity, tradition, and well-being among the Indian people in the Puget Sound area by promoting their cultural, economic, and social welfare.

Text of the announcement:

The United Indians, a 77-employee Seattle, WA urban Indian non-profit, is conducting a search for an Executive Director to oversee the administration of  its social, health, technical assistance programs. Salary range: $88,000+ and/or  DOQ. The final salary will be determined by the Board of Directors.

The candidate must have direct experience working in a tribal or non-profit organization in the development and implementation of federal, state and foundation grants and contracts.  This position requires experience in managing a multi faceted program structure, with strong budget and financial skills in order to meet grant and contract audit requirements.  Candidates must have experience in developing and implementing social service programming, demonstrated fundraising capacity and experience working with a Board of Director to identify goals and plans to ensure short and long term organizational sustainability. 

Applicants must demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills and cultural competency in order to advocate on behalf of the Seattle Urban Indian community.

Please send a chronological list of your education; pertinent work experience; supervisors; letters of references with your resume to: Chrissy Harris, Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, PO Box 99100, Seattle, WA  98139.   Phone:  (206) 285-4425 Fax: (206) 282-3640 by April 29, 2011.

If you have any questions or would like to make a site visit to United Indians please contact Julie Johnson, Search Consultant, PO Box 827, Neah Bay, Washington 98357.  Home/Office:  360-645-2548. Cell: 360-640-0222. Julie2008@centurytel.net

Justice Dept Opens investigation of Seattle Police

US Attorney General Eric Holder and Civil Rights Chief Tom Perez

The U.S. Department of Justice has officially begun an investigation into possible civil rights violations committed by the Seattle Police Department.

Read the letter to Mayor Mike McGinn DOJ letter to Mayor McGinn 3-31-11

Read the letter to the ACLU DOJ Letter to ACLU 3-31-11

Read the letter to the Human Rights Commission SHRC 03 31 11 letter from DOJ

If you have any information about the Seattle Police Department you can send it here:

Email :  Community.seattle@usdoj.gov  
Toll Free: 855-203-4479

Key Contacts:

Sarah Lopez, Investigator  sarah.lopez@usdoj.gov

202-305-0372

Michael Diaz, Asst. U.S. Attorney, Western Washington michael.diaz@usdoj.gov

206-553-4358

Serving Urban Indian Legal Needs Conference Thursday!

 

The “Serving the Legal Needs of Urban Indians” Conference is coming up this Thursday in Seattle.  It’s FREE (register below).  It’s open to all who want to know more about how to work with, serve, and protect Native Americans living in the cities. 

The conference is sponsored by the Foster Pepper law firm, the Northwest Justice Project, and the American Bar Association’s Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities.

Here is the description from the Foster Pepper website:

Tens of thousands of Native Americans live in and around America’s major cities, often far removed from their ancestral Tribes and families. Often battling poverty and discrimination, many see their legal and civil rights undermined by a lack of resources and effective advocacy.

Join us in person or via webinar for a complimentary seminar as we demonstrate how specialized non-profit legal clinics in the Northwest are providing much-needed guidance and resources to urban Native Americans, and how this success can be replicated in cities throughout the US.

Who Should Attend:

Attorneys and advocates of all kinds working for Native American Rights; Tribal leaders and members; law students interested in serving Native communities; and anyone interested in helping protect the legal rights of Native people living in urban centers.

“Serving the Legal Needs of Urban Native Americans” CLE

March 31, 2011 | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Foster Pepper PLLC | 30th Floor Conference Center
1111 Third Avenue | Seattle, Washington

CLE (Attorney) Credits – 2.0 General and 3.0 Ethics

Please respond by: Monday, March 28, 2011

REGISTER HERE

Questions?
Registration and other questions (ADA Accommodations, special meal requests, etc.) should be directed to events@foster.com or 206.447.2694.

Topics

• Recognizing the Need – Legal Issues for Urban Native Americans  Millie Kennedy (Tsimshian) Northwest Justice Project | Jenine Grey (Tlingit) Chief Seattle Club
• Addressing the Need  John Perkins (Tlingit; Thunderbird/Eagle) Chief Seattle Club | Brooke Pinkham (Nez Perce) Northwest Justice Project | Bree Kame’enui-Ramirez (Native Hawaiian) NW Indian Bar Association
• Under Fire – Relations Between Urban Native Americans and Police/Government  Chris Stearns (Navajo) Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker | Seattle Human Rights Commission
• Bridging the Gap – The Attorney’s Role of Engaging and Serving Urban American Indian Clients  Christina Parker (Chippewa Cree) Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid
• A New Beginning – The Tahoma Indian Center  Joan Staples Baum (White Earth Chippewa) Tahoma Indian Center | Chrishendra Tucker Northwest Justice Project

Schedule:
9:00 am	Registration
9:30 am – 3:30 pm	Program/Q&A (Lunch provided for in person attendees)

Please respond by: March 28, 2011

Questions?
Registration and other questions (ADA Accommodations, special meal requests, etc.) should be directed to events@foster.com or 206.447.2694

Screening of the Native Seattle film Princess Angeline

 

Flyer:Princess Angeline showing 4-28-11 flyer

CANOES, the Seattle Public Utilities Race & Social Justice Change Team and the ARWA (Anti-Racist White Allies) present a special noontime screening the film, Princess Angeline.  The film documents the tale of Native Seattle, the treatment and perserverence of the Duwamish people, and the wonderful and vibrant Native culture in Seattle.

At the Downtown Seattle Public Libray, Microsoft Auditorium.  Thursday, April 28 beginning at 11:00 a.m.   A panel discussion to follow featuring Chairwoman Cecile Hansen of the Duwamish Tribe.

2012 – WA State voters mostly Democratic?

The Seattle PI’s “strange bedfellows” blog headlines that “There are no Republicans in Washington (Almost)“.

PI political reporter Chris Grygiel notes:

• 41 percent of the populace is the “Democratic base.”
• 31 percent are swing voters
• 29 percent are the “GOP base.
• The national average is 37 percent Dems, 28 percent “swing” and 35 percent Republican.
• Only 6 states (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Maryland) have a smaller percentage of Republican base voters than Washington.

2012 WA Senate and Governor Races

University of Virginia’s Larry Sabato says that in 2012, Sen. Maria Cantwell is safe for re-election but that the Governor’s race will be a toss-up if Christine Gregoire does not run for a third term.  He also thinks Obama should carry our state next year.

Senate:

“Sen. Maria Cantwell (D) is an automatic favorite for reelection to a third term. She doesn’t have a particularly high profile, nor does she have an intense popular following. But she’s a Democrat and an incumbent in a state that isn’t inclined to support Republicans in most circumstances. President Obama should win handily in Washington, as he did in 2008, and that ought to be enough for Cantwell.”

Governor:

“This is likely to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial elections in the country in 2012. While she has made no formal announcement and has been careful not to disclose her intentions, Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to retire after serving two terms. She has never achieved deep popularity—in part because she was unable to overcome the controversial way she became chief executive in the extremely close, disputed election of 2004. Normally, one would think the Republican nominee, likely to be state Attorney General Rob McKenna, would have an edge. It may work out that way. But Congressman Jay Inslee, the probable Democratic candidate, will be a fierce competitor in a state that has become a Democratic stronghold. President Obama is the favorite to win Washington again in 2012, creating coattails for Inslee. The last Republican to serve as governor in this state was John Spellman, a one-termer elected in 1980. This is the longest gubernatorial dry spell for the GOP in the nation—but sooner or later, dry spells end. Will 2012 be the year?”