For IEN notices/alerts

From Walt Bresette, Red Cliff Chippewa, (715) 779-5071
Saturday, May 24, 11:20 am
PLEASE CIRCULATE to media and lists

PEACEFUL MOLE LAKE PROTEST MET WITH VIOLENCE
Supporters, Observers, Ogitchida Requested!

At 1:15 this morning, Saturday, May 24, a non-Indian private security force hired by Mole Lake Tribal Chair Arlyn Ackley attacked the tribal offices where tribal members have been staging a peaceful protest since May 1.

Bill Koenen, a tribal environmental specialist, was beaten by the club-wielding security force. It was reported that approximately 10 local county sheiriff vehicles were parked outside, witnessed this beating, and did nothing. No arrests have been made.

The Bingo Hall portion of the tribal offices was taken by security forces, but the tribal members remain in other portions of the building. It was reported by witnesses inside the building that when the attacked was made, window glass in one of the portions of the building was shattered by one of the goons, spraying broken glass over children that were inside the building.

Requests have been made from inside the building for supporters, Ogitchida, and others concerned with a peaceful resolution to this dispute to either go to the Mole Lake community in northeastern Wisconsin, or call the telephone numbers below to voice your concern.

"The private force, WisCo Security out of Merrill, Wisconsin, was joined by some local thugs fueled with some alcohol," said one eyewitness inside the building.

At 11:00 a.m. this morning, it was reported that 50 tribal members were still inside the building and wererefusing to be removed. It was reported that Bill Koenen was in the hospital. His condition was unknown. Bill Koenen earlier said, "We are still here protecting the tribal records. We have a sacred Pipe and our Medicine Drum in this building and must protect it."

For more information, contact the tribal members at (715) 367-2902. For more background information on the dispute, and its relationship to the proposed Exxon mine, see http://www.ienearth.org/notices.html or call the Indigenous Environmental Network at (218) 751-4967 or (715) 779-5071.