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GROUND BLESSING CEREMONY IN WARD VALLEY

The day began with gray skies, wind, and rain. As the sun rose (although we couldn't see it because of the clouds) we placed our offerings in the fire and sent our prayers with the smoke and hoped the weather would clear. We worried about the people of the O'odham Nation as they traveled the many miles to reach Ward Valley; but we also knew they were in Creator's hands and would arrive safely.

All day the sky seemed dark and foreboding; the rain came steadily down. Despite the weather, everyone made the preparations for the ceremony that was to begin when the sun went down and a feeling of joyous anticipation was in every heart.

Many people came to join in the Ceremony; some new faces, some we had seen before. The women of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe came loaded with pots of stew, tortillas, salad, and lots of wonderful food to eat. Truck loads of wood arrived for the ceremonial fire. People from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Flagstaff, San Francisco, and all over came to share in the momentous occasion.

As the sun began it's descent into the mountains of the west the people began to gather around the sacred fire. The Elders were made comfortable; the singers gathered together. The clouds in the sky over our heads blazed the crimson colors of sunset.

A hush fell over the crowd as the singers of the Salt River, Gila River, Pima-Maricopa, and Tohono O'odham Nations were introduced. Jose Mariano, an Elder and Medicine Man of the O'odham Nation in Mexico, then rose to address the people. He spoke of the reasons he was in Ward Valley and the sacredness of the land. He talked of the ocean salt he had brought with him to bless the land. With feathers and salt in hand he began the ceremony. To each of the four directions he prayed in the tongue of the ancestors. The sky began to clear; soon all one could see was the full moon and the uncountable billions of stars in the sky. All night the singing and the dancing went on. All night the sky stayed clear and the air crisp and clean.

As the sky began to glow with the rising of the sun in the morning, the wood was removed from the fire so that just a thick bed of coals remained. Jose Mariano began the ground blessing. Again to the four directions he prayed. He sprinkled the salt on ground; he sang the sacred song. Branches of Chaparral that had been brought up from the home of the O'odham were laid upon the coals and the smoke from the burning blessed all those in the circle and all of Ward Valley.

We would like to thank the people that came from such a long distance away to share with us this special ceremony and for adding so much powerful prayer and blessing to this wonderful place--Ward Valley. The power of the Spirit is great and it is the power of the Spirit that will win this battle.

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Ward Valley Wish List

The Occupation at Ward Valley is now a month old!!! We don't know how long we'll be here; it could be days, weeks, or months. We thank everyone who has sent us donations of food, supplies and money. Without your help we could not have maintained this occupation as long as we have.

The following is a wish list of items we either need now or foresee needing in the near future:

PRODUCE--
Broccoli, Bananas,Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Celery, Lettuce, Garlic, Onions, Ginger, Mango, Papaya

SPICES--
Spike, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cloves

NON-PERISHABLES--
Ketchup, Mustard, Salsa, Tobasco, Peanut Butter (or other nut butters), Jelly, Pastas, Herb teas, Rice Dream, Soy Milk, Nuts & Seeds, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Honey, Granola

PERKS--
Trail Mix, Marshmallows, Hot Chocolate, Yogurt, Popcorn, Any other "goodies"

MEDICAL NEEDS--
Tea Tree Oil, Gauze & Tape, Clove Oil, Inhalers, Homeopathics, Herbs, Traditional Medicinal Teas

MISC--
Duct Tape, Medical Gloves, Garbage Bags, Tents, Sleeping bags & pads, Tarps, Lanterns, Coleman Lantern fuel, Rope

AND ESPECIALLY--
We need people who are willing to become part of a community that is dedicated to saving this beautiful land from nuclear destruction. We need people that are hardworking and committed. We will provide food, water, and all the love, companionship, and unity you could possibly imagine! Bring your tent, sleeping bag, personal needs and self to this beautiful desert paradise. Whether you stay a week or a month or more, it will be one of the most important camping trips you've ever made.

For more information call 760/326-6267

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RUMOR CONTROL FROM WARD VALLEY

Unfortunately, in every endeavor and campaign there seems to be an effort by some people to undermine that endeavor and/or campaign. In regards to Ward Valley there are two rumors that we have heard of that we feel need to be put to rest.

1. The presence of weapons at Ward Valley. TOTALLY UNTRUE!!!! In fact, we are being quite diligent in making sure that no weapon enters Ward Valley. When you come in our checkpoints you are asked if you have any alcohol, drugs or weapons. If there is any indication that any of those items are present you are subject to search or refusal of admittance.

2. A lack of commitment to non-violence. TOTALLY UNTRUE!!!! We have provided non-violence training on a regular basis since way before the actual occupation began. The Elders of the Colorado River Native Nations Alliance have directed that this action will be one of non-violence, dignity, honor, and spiritually. Everyone at the Peace Camp has vowed to uphold the direction of the Elders and their own personal commitments to non-violence.

THE ONLY LOCK-DOWN DEVICE AT WARD VALLEY IS A SPIRITUAL ONE AND WE DO HAVE A SPIRITUAL LOCK-DOWN OVER ALL OF WARD VALLEY.

We ask that all of you make sure this message is passed along. So far, the only people wearing guns have been law enforcement and we have required they leave those weapons behind whenever they have been invited to the Peace Camp. BLM officers and officials were searched before entering Ward Valley!

To those that are out there trying to undermine us with your lies we say this-- Creator knows who you are and Creator will be the one to judge; we pray for you that you may see the error of your ways.

For Environmental Justice,
Molly