Colorado River Native Nations Alliance
Fort Mojave • Chemehuevi • Quechan • Cocopah • Colorado River Indian Tribes


HELP STOP THE PROPOSED RADIOACTIVE WASTE DUMP!

Call to Action

Sunday, February 15

"Ground-Zero"

Elders of the 5 Tribes of the Colorado River Indian Nations join to stop a proposed radioactive waste dump while supporters of the site move to block Interior Deputy Secretary John Garamendi from any further involvement in the deal.

Dale Caruso
American Reporter Correspondent
Raleigh, N.C.

Needles, CA -- Facing rain, tornadoes and a perimeter of numerous Bureau of Land Management law enforcement vehicles and personnel, Native and Non-Native protesters encamped at Ward Valley remain determined and motivated. The protest at the proposed low-level radioactive waste dump at Ward Valley, located 22 miles west of Needles, California is entering its first full week of non-violent protest. The demonstration has attracted over 300 Native and non-Native supporters from throughout the region, nationally and internationally.

During the past several days and nights local tribal spiritual leaders have conducted an ongoing religious ceremony that reflects the rich heritage of the Fort Mojave, Chemehuevi, Cocopah, Quechan and Colorado River Indian Tribes. A sacred staff of these indigenous "river people" was planted at the site further symbolizing the cultural and religious significance of Ward Valley to the regional Indian Nations.

As Bureau of Land Management rangers parked on a hill overlooking the ceremony and protest, Quechan spiritual leaders and young warriors sang their sacred cycle of songs. "We sang the Lightening Songs based upon creation stories that took place on our Spirit Mountain," said Preston Arrow-weed of the Quechan Indian Nation. "These songs call on our creator to protect the land that we are here in Ward Valley to defend. We also sang the Pipa songs of being daring, challenging, intimidating and protecting the land of the people. We are trying to stop death from coming to Ward Valley."

According to protesters, there has been incidents of "psychological intimidation" on the part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Law Enforcement Personnel. They say that BLM personnel drove around the encampment in large vehicles, did fly-overs in planes and helicopters and generally made their presence known all through the night."

The protesters claim that this has caused the situation in the camp to become tense as "this type of intimation does not allow for much rest and less sleep."

Despite this, they say that at this time, everyone is healthy and "very dedicated to the protection of the Elders and the Land."

Tribal members and their supporters continue to dig in to protect Ward Valley against what they call "further desecration and impending law enforcement action" to remove encampment participants. Protesters have vowed to put their bodies on the line to defend the land in a peaceful and dignified manner. The BLM issued a 5-day eviction notice on Saturday, February 14th. The tribal leadership, tribal grassroots members, elders, and environmental supporters are prepared to stand in solidarity this coming Thursday in defense of the sacred lands of Ward Valley when the eviction notice expires.

While protesters dig in for the showdown on Thursday, several organizations that support the opening of Ward Valley site for the disposal of low level radioactive waste, have united in one voice to urge the immediate removal of Interior Deputy Secretary John Garamendi from any further involvement in the federal land transfer.

They are endorsing California Senator Larry Craig's call for Garamendi's removal from any Ward Valley involvement citing Garamendi's February 21, 1996 "venal toady" memo, his inappropriate involvement with the Committee to Bridge the Gap in securing a contractor to do tritium testing that the National Academy said could be done during construction, and Interior's refusal to give California access to Ward Valley for studies until BLM contractors complete theirs. He also accused Garamendi of ignoring senior BLM advice about misuse of government funds for these services.

According to an article in February 10th issue of the Cal Rad Forum, "BIOCOM/San Diego, the National Association of Cancer Patients, Organizations United, the American College of Nuclear Physicians and the Cal Rad Forum endorse Craig's call for Garamendi's removal from Ward Valley issues. These groups urge an immediate land transfer for the safe disposal of low-level radioactive waste, a bi-product of beneficial nuclear technology. Garamendi's biased and inappropriate actions have been those of an activist, not a neutral administrator, the groups said, and there is clear evidence of bad faith at Interior." These groups maintain that "Garamendi has refused to recognize California's statutory regulatory authority and expertise, has not consulted with the NRC, and has ignored the USGS and the NAS in making decisions about site suitability at Ward Valley. His removal should ensure fair, impartial proceedings."

In a February 3, letter to Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, Craig said "that the Department of Interior lacks authority and expertise to conduct radionuclide migration studies and that it should not be second guessing California license approval action."

Craig's letter to the Inspector General referred to several documents that have surfaced in the discovery process for the State's lawsuit against the Federal government, including a Record diary maintained by the Deputy Director of California BLM. In it BLM raised concerns about misappropriation of funds for Interior studies at a July 1, 1996 meeting, stating that it was "obvious" such work is "the state's responsibility." Garamendi offered no comment at that meeting, then proceeded with instructions for performing the tests and a second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS).

Craig's letter goes on to say. "A picture emerges of an interest group and a benefitting contractor coordinating work scopes with a political appointee (Mr. Garamendi) with virtually no technical expertise in the scientific matters involved."

"There is ample cause to fear that the Department of the Interior is spending tax dollars to justify a preordained decision to deny the State of California's land transfer request," wrote Craig in his letter to the Inspector General.

Meanwhile, back at Ward Valley, on Saturday morning BLM rangers were blocked from entering the site in their vehicles in order to prevent interference with the ongoing religious ceremony. Young environmental activists joined hands with tribal members, the American Indian Movement and other supporters to protect the area. Wally Antone of the Colorado River Native Nations Alliance informed the BLM officials Saturday morning "Our ceremonies will continue here and our elders will not move. You will have to drag us out, and I say these words with honor".

Encampment leaders are asking the public to contact President Clinton and political leaders to end all "planned federal activities that would further desecrate the sacred lands of Ward Valley."

Tribal members and supporters are continuing their vow to put their bodies on the line to defend the land in a peaceful and dignified manner. A call to action is still continuing that requests the public to come to Ward Valley to stand together in defense of Ward Valley. Encampment leaders are asking the public to contact President Clinton and political leaders to end all planned federal activities that would further desecrate the sacred lands of Ward Valley and to stop the dump NOW!

TOP

UPDATE: FEBRUARY 15TH
Ward Valley Red Alert Update

COLORADO RIVER NATIVE NATIONS ALLIANCE AND SAVE WARD VALLEY COALITION EMERGENCY CALL TO ACTION!!!

CALL TO ACTION TO JOIN IN DEFENSE OF WARD VALLEY!

NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN THE DEFENSE OF WARD VALLEY TO STOP ANY FURTHER DAMAGE TO WARD VALLEY AND STOP THE PROPOSED RADIOACTIVE WASTE DUMP

A nonviolent direct action is now underway at Ward Valley located 22 miles west from Needles, California. Tribes from the Colorado River Native Nations Alliance--Fort Mojave, Chemehuevi, Cocopah, Quechan, and Colorado River Indian Tribes--are at the core of the ongoing resistance. Environmental activists and the public have joined tribal members in the initiation of a blockade to protect religious ceremonies now continuing at the site. We have occupied "ground zero" and your help is needed.

The federal government has been unable to enforce their closure order due to our line of resistance. The BLM have issued the 5-day eviction notice on Saturday, February 14th. This means BLM could start their eviction process on Thursday, February 19th. The tribal leadership and elders are requesting all supporters to come now or be here on Wednesday evening at the latest.

Please bring the following things to Ward Valley: *lots of friends, family, co-workers! *lots of water (10 gallons if possible), food, toilet paper, garbage bags *tent, sleeping bag and pad, hat, warm clothes, rain gear, stove, eating utensils, cup, backpack, flashlight *absolutely no drugs, alcohol, weapons, dogs. Respect and do not touch the desert tortoise.

WHERE TO GO: Please don't go directly to Ward Valley. The situation will be changing daily. Get updated first at the Save Ward Valley office. DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate 40 to Needles. Take the J Street exit. Turn left on J Street to Broadway. Turn Right. Go to F Street. Turn Left. The office is at 107 F Street. Phone: 760/326-6267.

IF YOU CAN'T COME TO THE ACTION:

1. Organize a support demonstration in your area.
2. Call Dianne Feinstein at 202/224-3841 or e-mail her at senator@feinstein.senate.gov and tell her to oppose the dump now.
3. Call President Clinton at 202/456-1111 or e-mail him at president@whitehouse.gov and demand this project be stopped now - once and for all.
4. Write a letter to the editor or call in to a radio talk show and spread the word.