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


HELP STOP THE PROPOSED RADIOACTIVE WASTE DUMP!

From: swv1@ctaz.com (Save Ward Valley)

As he moved slowly from the north into the village of Silyaye Aheace, the tortoise gazed from side to side. He and his relatives had felt strong prayers and strong hearts while they slept their winter's sleep. Now it was time to see what was going on this, his home.

As he moved through the village he say people working and laughing, children playing and flags whipping in the breeze. The sight made him happy, for he knew these people were here to protect him and this sacred valley he lives in.

As he continued his journey the people saw him. Their hearts were joyous. They kept their distance and welcomed him. He enjoyed the sounds of happy voices and basked in the warmth of their smiles. He felt safe here. He knew these people would not pick him us, prod and poke him. They would not glue strange devices to his back. He felt no fear, no trepidation; he felt only love.

Toward the center of the village he found ashes on the ground. He could tell these were ashes from the sacred fire that burned there. He felt the power of the prayers that had been offered around that fire. He could feel Creator here. He ate some of those ashes are carried that power away with him.

He then turned to the west and made his way back into the desert.. He moved slowly deliberately, taking his time to glean every detail so he could tell his relatives about their new friends.

And as he made his way back he thought, "Maybe humanity isn't all bad for in these people I see love, compassion and caring for Mother Earth. Maybe there is hope for us after all."

This visit by our first tortoise to come into the village came on the day negotiations between the Colorado River Native Nations Alliance - Ft. Mojave, Chemehuevi, Cocopah, Quechan, and Colorado River Indian Tribes - seemed to have broken off. We, at the camp, felt honored by his visit and took it as a sign that the valley and its natural inhabitants welcome us. We have since had other visits. The tortoises seem content with our presence; they appear to enjoy our greetings.

Basil Fass, Ft. Mojave Elder, said, "See, they show us they are here. They bless us when they come. They know we will win this fight for our sacred land. "