Civil Rights in Indian Country

Straightup Warbonnet

Border Town Racism Conference 2006

"Bringing Civil Rights to Indian Country"

Arrowheads

Welcome, on behalf of the 2006 Indian Civil Rights Planning Board, we welcome you to read, research, and contact us for any questions about the 2006 Indian Civil Rights Conference.

The Main Focus for 2006... To Bring Civil Rights to Indian Country and focus on reservation 'Border Town Racism'. The conference was the first of its kind and focused on practical realities of current minority racial conflicts. The conference is designed to educate tribal, state, and federal employees, and the general public on the history of Indian/Non-Indian relations; and to seek positive solutions. In conclusion, the intent was to be able to correct negative stereotypes, demand equal rights, economic opportunities, and ultimately, strengthen Indian/Non-Indian relations.

Conference Planning Board (2006)

Conference Co-Chairs: Rodney "Fish" Gervais, E.E.O.C Compliance Officer (2006), Blackfeet Tribe and Emorie Davis Bird, Chief Operating Officer, Blackfeet Tribe

Other Support: George Heavy Runner, Jean Bear Crane, Joe A. Gervais, Lola Wippert, Mike Lamere, Patrick Blackweasel, Susan Webber, Wilbur Fish, Jimmie St. Goddard, and Melinda Kipp.

2006 Border Town Racism Conference Meeting

SPONSORS:

- Blackfeet Tribal Business Council - Blackfeet Tribe
- Blackfeet Tribal Finance Department
- Opportunity Link Inc.
- Siyeh Development Corportation
- Steven Pavar, American Civil Liberties Union
- Rocky Mountain Regional T.E.R.O.
- University of Montana School of Business Administration
- Large Land Based Tribes
- University of Montana Native American Studies Department
- Montana/Wyoming Tribal Leaders Organization

ENDORSEMENTS:

- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Montana/Wyoming Tribal Leaders Commission
- Montana Department of Transportation Human Rights Division
- National Tribal Employments Rights Office
- John Morrison, Senate Campaign
- People Action, Native Americans Against Racism
- Blackfeet Community College
- Montana Human Rights Network
- Montana Department of Justice
- Montana Human Rights Commission
- U.S. Civil Rights Commission
- Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (E.E.O.C)

April 5-7, 2006: Agenda

Wednesday April 5, 2006:

Holiday Inn Parkside- Traditional Grand Entry, Kyi-Yo Indian Drum Group, Presentation of Tribal, United States, and Montana State flags. Welcoming of Lt. John Bolinger and Reno Charrette. The Blackfeet Traditional group "Crazy Dogs Society."

Topics:

- Zero Tolerance of Border Town Racism and Ignorance- "Racism and how it keeps us divided, but also brings us (humans) together for solutions"- Rodney "Fish" Gervais, Conference Chairperson

- Key Note: Cultural Impact Of Racism & Oppression: "How we (Native Americans) have learned to navigate the system"- Dr. Iris Heavy Runner Pretty Paint

- "Civil Rights as Human Rights for Indigenous People"-Dr. Frankie Wilmer

- Joan Ehrlich, Regional E.E.O.C. Director-Steve Hunt, State and Local Coordinator, E.E.O.C.-Rudolifo Hurtado, Program Analyst E.E.O.C, A. Luis Lucero, Field Director, E.E.O.C

- E.E.O.C.- Issues in Montana-Katherine Kountz

- U.S. Commission, U.S. Civil Rights History-John Dulles

- "History of Indian Civil Rights Act"- Jean Bearcrane, J.D.

- "American Indians and Civil Rights: The need for a new paradigm to protect the Rights of Indian People"-Professor Raymond Cross, J.D.

- American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU)-Andy Huff, J.D.

- Tribal Sovereignty and Civil Rights: "The more sovereignty exercised, the more racism you get"- Steven Pevar

Thursday April 6, 2006:

Holiday Inn Parkside- Traditonal Opening Prayer

Topics:

- Hate Crimes in Montana-Anti Indian Movement-Ken Toole, Montana Human Rights Network/Policy Institute

- Reservation Border Town Racism Issues

- Institutional Racism Happens: Case Analysis-Anita Big Spring

- Racial Statistical Data taken from the "Farmington Report (30)yrs" Patrick Blackweasel

- Panel (1) Grace E. Powless Sage, Facilitator: Predatory Lending Institutions, Law Enforcement Issues, Employment, Housing, Voting, Public Schools, Border Town Businessess, Department of Corrections & Native Prison Demographics on Racial Profiling

- Panel (2) Mike DeRosier, Facilitator: Governmental Conflicts & Soverereignty Issues-Unmet needs in Federal Funding, Taxation, Water Rights, Land Rights, Natural Resource Rights, Tribal Employment Rights and Indian Preference Issues, Redistricting- Mike DeRosier

- Panel (3) Tribal Governments' Responsiblities to Protect the Rights of their Members-Rodney "Fish" Gervais

- "Building Relationships Across Group Lines"- Linda Juneau & Kaycee Schilke

- Problem indentification and problem solutions: (Questions & Answers)-Public

Friday April 7, 2006:

Holiday Inn Parkside- Kyi-Yo Indian Drum Group Performance

Topics:

- Economic Racism: "Why Is Indian Money Different?"- Eloise Cobell

- Kyi-Yo Indian Club - Native American Civil Rights Rally- Idella Rattler, Donny Spotted Elk, Wilbur Fish, Lacy Abrahamson, Trina Old Person, Patrick Blackweasel, Stan Pretty Paint, and all other University of Montana Students who supported the rally...