FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 1997
Walt Bresette, Red Cliff
Lake Superior Chippewa

TREATY LEGAL DEFENSE FUND TO BEGIN

Because of the may tribal members who have taken direct action regarding treaty rights a Treaty Legal Defense Fund is needed. Such a fund, discussed at an Anishinabe Niijii meeting earlier this year, will be used in support of actions which move forward the protection of treaties or help clarify treaties as a tool to protect the environment of Ceded Territory.

The fund's account will be set up in a local bank where people will be able to make direct deposits. Elders from Red Cliff and members of the Waub Ojeeg Institute for Cultural Preservation will temporarily oversee the accounting of these funds; a more permanent fund system will be established in the next months for Ceded Territory. Until then, people can send contributions to the Treaty Defense Fund c/o Walt Bresette, Route 1, Box 117, Bayfield, WI 54814 or phone 715/779-5071.

WITNESSES NEEDED AT MOLE LAKE

Because of increased tensions on the Mole Lake Reservation, I call upon all sides to open direct dialogue, and to seek ways for a peaceful mediation and resolution of this situation. Until such avenues are opened there is a need for trained observers to monitor the situation so that no Mole Lake members or local citizens face hostile action. I urge trained witness for Non-violence members to make themselves available; they can contact me at the northern office of Witness for Non-violence, Route 1, Box 117, Bayfield WI 54814 or by calling 715/779-5071.