Alpha Institute 2003 Annual Meeting

Introduction: From the President, Andrea R. Lord ,

Alpha Institute was started 13 years ago. It evolved out of our work with the Native American community as a site where relationships and problems, even ancient ones could be dealt with and balanced, like man's inhumanity to man and the destruction of the environment.

European dominated Modern Society and Native Americans coming together is probably the most difficult environment to create, it is filled with eons of distrust, condescension, disrespect and illusion, but we have been able, incrementally but not insignificantly over these past 13 years, to start a dialogue, and we hope, a true relationship where we are blending all of our human talents and differences to create a positive meeting place.

Part of the members of Alpha Institute's understanding comes from living an alternative life style, a life that meant changing the rules so that one could live more naturally and intuitively; dropping out of a controlled life into your life even though it continues to be challenging.

I would like to talk a little more about social environment, meaning a place to be human, erring even, where one can truly change and be allowed to learn from mistakes and become better, wiser, a fuller human being.

A meeting place!

If you can help conceive of a place where change and growth can really occur then Alpha Institute probably is for you.

So the fact that we are here today after this many years should give us great hope, that the sparks of understanding and courage which are the roots of Alpha Institute will continue to prosper and succeed.

Thank you.

Web Sites Update February 9, 2003

The Denver Indian Center "In the Spirit of Indian People Helping Indian People" -services and activities promoting self-sufficiency. They've expanded their use of the website beyond a web presence to doing timely updates and informing the public of Native American related public events, DIC elections, and other timely announcements.

Dinè CARE Citizens Against Ruining our Environment. Dine CARE is still working to make it easier for Navajo miners and others of the Navajo Nation who were exposed to uranium and vanadium, used to harden steel, to receive compensation and medical benefits through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).

Hopiwerks - Thomas Banyacya Jr.'s Website for traditional knowledge and crafts.

Traditional Hopi Elder Thomas Banyacya carrying Hopi message of peace and warnings from prophecies.

Indigenous Environmental Network, Protecting Mother Earth - "An alliance of Indigenous Peoples protecting the sacredness of Mother Earth and building sustainable communities." IEN makes available background information, position papers, and statements, as well as logistical information geared for NGO's (Nongovernmental Organizations) attending the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa.
IEN is also actively interested in "Climate Justice" . Even though industrial countries might buy "green credits" from farmers or non-industrial countries, they would not be cleaning up their act.

Janet McCloud Native American Elder active on Indigenous: Rights, women, and Religious Freedom. Also home to: Sapa Dawn and North American Indian Lodge

Midwest Treaty Network supporting Native American sovereignty, and the environment - The Wolf Watershed Educational Project - maps, current issues: WI, MI, MN One of their chief issues is the banning of cyanide use in Wisconsin mining. They used their website to keep the public informed on the status of bills regarding cyanide use, and the stands of WI gubernatorial candidates on the issue. They have also been involved with the issues of nuclear and toxic waste transport and the proposed use of indigenous lands for waste storage.

NAMES Native American Multi-cultural Education School, Inc. Denver

NECONA National Environmental Coalition Of Native Americans. Indian Lands / "temporary" nuclear waste storage sites (MRS)
& Jim Thorpe "Athlete of the Century"

Peace & Dignity Project Proyecto Paz y Dignidad "More must be done to keep cultures alive and create awareness and sensitivity."

Seventh Generation Fund Native American intermediary foundation and advocacy organization promoting and maintaining the uniqueness of Native Peoples and our nations. This year they've used their website to put out several publications, including: the annual report, the news letter, the "First Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues", and "Keeping the Homefires Burning", along with announcements.

Tonatierra - part of Peace and Dignity tribal community. - An affiliate of the Seventh Generation Fund, based in Nevada with roots in Mexico. On last year's new website, Tupac Enrique Acosta puts up statements the think pieces. For Martin Luther King Day he said,
"We come together today in fulfillment of our mutual inheritance and responsibility as relatives all of the human family. Four score and seven centuries ago, the ancestors of my people committed our generations to a Treaty of Peace with the Earth, a way of life based on reciprocity and respect…" ( in it's entirety )

Western Shoshone Defense Project camp for non-violent resistance and documentation... BLM and WSDP have been in a struggle over grazing rights. WSDP says that a treaty with the U.S. guaranties them grazing rights for their livestock. WSDP has keep the public informed about this on-going situation. Last week the majority of the horses that were still on the land were offered safe haven on a California ranch. Provided a new layout to Alpha I.

A WOMAN'S CIRCLE - Monthly moon reports, general circle news and information.

Affiliate Sites

www.aicap.org - RISE and art

 

 

Walt Whitman Mandate
From Walt Whitman:
Whitman's Great Mandate:

"This is what you shall do:
Love the earth and sun and the animals,
Despise riches,
Give alms to everyone that asks, Stand up for the stupid and crazy, Devote your income and labor to others,
Hate tyrants,
Argue not concerning God,
Have patience and indulgence toward the people,
Take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men,
Go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families,
Read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life,
Re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, Dismiss whatever insults your own soul,
And your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body..."