North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
|
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
|
Click PayPal link for direct credit card contribution or PayPal payment options. (No PayPal account necessary!)
Interested in Receiving NDHRC Email Newsletter? |
~North Dakota Human Rights Coalition~ PAUR Report
Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Visit our Website at www.ndhrc.org
August 31, 2004
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!
In this week’s PAUR Report:
Announcements 1) Important Message from Equality North Dakota: We Need to Come Together Now! 2) Help PEPP Host the Bike for Democracy Youth Riders on September 8th & 9th
Newspaper Articles 3) The Forum (Fargo), Judge splits groups in bias suit certification ruling 4) Bismarck Tribune, Suit against N.D. Labor Department expands 5) The Forum (Fargo), Steve Strege letter: Name street after Teddy Roosevelt 6) Grand Forks Herald, Columnist Dorreen Yellow Bird: Politicians show a sad ignorance about Indians 7) The Forum (Fargo) article regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage or civil unions in North Dakota 8) The Forum (Fargo), 2003 figures bring ‘great news for North Dakota’
Events 9) Powwow to Feature Apache Crown Dancers 10) Community Education Workshop, From Problems to Needs, From Deficits to Strengths: A New Paradigm of Disability, September 16, Bismarck 11) Social Justice Training Institute, December 8 – 12, 2004, Tucson, Arizona 12) Special Bismarck Human Relations Commission Meeting, September 2, Bismarck
Reminders 13) New Personal Narratives of Discrimination in North Dakota Featured on NDHRC Web Site 14) PSA: Volunteers Needed for Get Out and Vote Project 15) Press Release: Tribal Summit to Focus on Putting Vision Into Action 16) Applications Invited for Soros Fellowships for New Americans 17) 2004 NDHRC Conference Highlights, November 5 & 6, 2004, Bismarck
********************************************* Announcements *********************************************
1.) Important Message from Equality North Dakota: We Need to Come Together Now!
WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER NOW!
Have you ever considered important events in history and thought to yourself, “I wish I had been there to see it . . . to participate?” If you have, one of those profound moments is upon us. You can be here to see it, and you can participate.
A small group of North Dakotans, known as the North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA), has decided that their religious beliefs should be written into the North Dakota Constitution, so that all North Dakota citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, will be legally bound by those beliefs. The NDFA has successfully placed a constitutional amendment on the North Dakota ballot in November. If passed, it will deprive North Dakota’s Gay and Lesbian citizens of the right to civil marriage, civil unions and other basic legal protections.
If you truly believe that all people are created equal, and that all people deserve equal rights, then please join us in the struggle to defeat this attempt to write discrimination into the North Dakota Constitution. A coalition of individuals and organizations has joined together under the leadership of Equality North Dakota. The coalition has just two months to educate and persuade the voters of North Dakota to vote “No” on this ballot measure.
How can you participate? How can you help? There are three ways: donate your time, your talent and your money. Dollars are urgently needed now to launch a statewide media campaign. This will cost thousands of dollars. So we ask every fair-minded citizen who believes that all North Dakota citizens deserve full equality to donate to this campaign. This is the time to step up to the plate. We are short on time. We need your help today. Every donation, large and small, will make a difference.
Our coalition needs you, your ideas and your effort. Please consider volunteering and attending the weekly meetings at the Pride Collective & Community Center (116 South 12th Street, Moorhead) every Monday at 7:00 P.M.. This is the first time someone has attempted to write discrimination permanently into the North Dakota Constitution. We don’t get a second chance. This is our only shot at defeating constitutional discrimination. Please join us and help write a positive page in history for North Dakota!
Send donations to Equality North Dakota, Box 5222, Fargo, ND 58105 or click here to use PayPal.
*********************************************
2.) Help PEPP Host the Bike for Democracy Youth Riders on September 8th & 9th
PEPP will be
hosting the Bike For Democracy youth riders on September 8th and 9th
in Fargo Moorhead. Newspaper Articles *********************************************
View additional information on the class action lawsuit at the NDHRC website here.
3.) The Forum (Fargo), Judge splits groups in bias suit certification ruling
Judge splits groups in bias suit certification ruling
Three North Dakotans who sued the state Labor Department for improperly handling their discrimination complaints can continue their case as part of a class-action lawsuit, a judge decided.
East Central District Judge Douglas Herman certified the class-action suit this week for one set of people, which includes those who have filed complaints with the state but haven’t yet been issued a finding as to whether illegal discrimination occurred.
Herman denied certification for several other subgroups of people, saying their cases can be handled more efficiently on an individual basis.
In the case of a class-action lawsuit, others who are similarly situated can join the suit to seek relief.
One subgroup denied class-action status includes those who have been given probable cause findings from the Labor Department but who haven’t been offered administrative hearings because their discrimination occurred before August 2001 -- when state law began requiring hearings.
Once a discrimination complaint is filed and investigated, the Human Rights Division of the Department of Labor must decide if discrimination may have occurred.
When probable cause is found, the issue should go to an administrative law judge for a hearing. Since 2001, the department has issued eight probable cause findings, but no administrative hearings have been held.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
4.) Bismarck Tribune, Suit against N.D. Labor Department expands
Suit
against N.D. Labor Department expands Bismarck Tribune – 08/26/2004
North
Dakotans who are awaiting decisions on the merits of discrimination complaints
filed with the state Labor Department should be included in a lawsuit against
the agency, a judge ruled.
"Despite
scores (hundreds?) of charges being filed, the department has only issued
probable cause notices to eight claimants," Herman wrote. "This pattern of
inaction, even if from lack of funding (or) staffing, is contrary to the
legislative mandate and the remedial nature of the North Dakota Human Rights
Act."
View online article here
*********************************************
5.) The Forum (Fargo), Steve Strege letter: Name street after Teddy Roosevelt
Steve Strege letter: Name street after Teddy
Roosevelt
It has been suggested that a street between Fargo and West Fargo be named "Martin Luther King Jr. Drive." Let's honor those who've had a more direct, positive impact on this area and state.
We might consider past governors, congressmen, other officials, top military officers from North Dakota, or citizens who've contributed greatly to this area. Or we could honor some of the enterprises and products instrumental in the development of this area? How about some of our most revered U.S. presidents?
If this is to be a named instead of numbered street, I suggest "Theodore Roosevelt Drive." This U.S. president of a century ago had a ranch in western North Dakota. He said he wouldn't have become president without that experience. He used the bully pulpit of the presidency to advance progressive ideas.
In regard to large abusive businesses of his day, history refers to him as "the trust buster." He was a conservationist, establishing five national parks. In foreign affairs, his most quoted advice is "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
"Theodore Roosevelt Drive" also has symbolism within our state. If you care to think of it this way, it unites east (Fargo) with west (West Fargo).
Steve Strege
Fargo
View online article here
*********************************************
6.) Grand Forks Herald, Columnist Dorreen Yellow Bird: Politicians show a sad ignorance about Indians
COLUMNIST DORREEN YELLOW BIRD: Politicians show a sad ignorance about Indians
Grand Forks Herald – 08/17/2004
Bush was, after all, speaking at a conference for Journalists of Color (UNITY) in Washington, D.C., a few weeks ago. He should have had good answers for questions that he knew were likely to be asked of him by a panel of Native Americans, Hispanics, blacks and Asians. He has, after all, unlimited staff to write and research for him.
Mark Trahant, editorial page editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and a member of the Native American Journalists Association, asked the president, "What do you think tribal sovereignty means in the 21st century, and how do we resolve conflicts between tribes and the federal and the state governments?" The president's response was, "Tribal sovereignty means that, it's sovereign. You're a you've been given sovereignty, and you're viewed as a sovereign entity." His response was short and he changed the subject from sovereignty to information about Indian schools. "We've spent $1.l billion in reconstruction of Native American schools," he said.
Perhaps politicians' lack of knowledge about American Indians isn't unusual.
In my position on the editorial board at the Grand Forks Herald, I've been able to talk with many politicians. I have grown accustomed to hearing poor answers to questions about tribes and Indian issues.
Even officials who live in states where there are tribes or large groups of Native Americans don't seem know much about Indian people, tribes or culture.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
7.) The Forum (Fargo) article regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage or civil unions in North Dakota
The NDHRC Board of Directors has established a position on the proposed anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment. The position and proposed amendment is as follows:
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition opposes the proposed North Dakota constitutional amendment to prevent the recognition of marriage or civil unions for same-sex couples.
The NDHRC supports full civil rights for all residents of North Dakota, including gay/lesbian/transgender/bisexual residents of our state. Neither enshrining discrimination in our Constitution nor stripping families of basic protections would serve our state’s best interest. The North Dakota Constitution protects and ensures equal treatment for all people. It should not be used to single out a group of people for harmful and detrimental treatment.
The information that the NDHRC Board of Directors used to adopt this position is available on the NDHRC web site at http://www.ndhrc.org/Goals/NDHRAct/GayMarriageAmmendmentPosition.htm.
*****************************
Same-sex marriage debate off
A public debate about same-sex marriage will not take place Monday.
The Fargo Human Relations Commission could not find anyone to speak on behalf of a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage in North Dakota, said city liaison Dan Mahli.
The commission was sponsoring the community dialogue. The Rev. Steve Kindle, executive director of Clergy United for Equality of Homosexuals, had approached the commission to speak against the amendment.
The Family Alliance, which is sponsoring the initiative, declined to participate in the forum, saying it would not be a healthy debate.
The alliance was also disturbed because the Fargo Human Relations Commission had already taken a stance against the amendment.
The commission will decide how to proceed at its next meeting, at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
<snip>
View full article here
*****************************
Marriage Amendment needs fixing, says Mary
The cold weather discouraged most people last week, but not Mary Contrary. As I pulled into the grocery store parking lot early one morning when the thermometer read 43 degrees, there she was, sitting under a golf umbrella, holding a sign with the words, "Straighten Out the Marriage Amendment – sign here."
There weren't many cars in the lot, and she spotted me immediately, racing over to where I was parking the car and pounding on my window. Reluctantly, I rolled it down.
"Hey, Sunshine, you wanna sign my petition to fix the marriage amendment?"
"Mary, I just dashed out to pick up some milk and bread for breakfast before the rest of my family gets up. Couldn't you catch me another time?"
"Ah, you're breaking my heart, Sunshine. Come on, all you gotta do is sign your name." She grinned. "Can't imagine that's a stretch, even for you."
"I don't sign my name to things without knowing what they're about, Mary."
"OK, OK, don't get huffy. I'm just trying to be a good citizen here and clear up the problems with the North Dakota marriage amendment."
"What problems? I'm against it, but I thought it was pretty straight-forward."
"And you're pretty naïve, aren't you, Sunshine? Just look at the wording." She pushed the sign against the open window, scraping my nose in the process. "See, the proposed amendment says, 'Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman. No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect.'"
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
8.) The Forum (Fargo), 2003 figures bring ‘great news for North Dakota’
2003 figures bring ‘great news for North Dakota’
North Dakota is the only state to show both an increase in income and a decline in poverty last year, the Census Bureau says.
Figures released Thursday show that the state increased its two-year average median household income by 4.3 percent, the highest rate in the country. The number of people in the state living below the poverty level decreased by 2.1 percent.
“That’s great news for North Dakota,” said Richard Rathge, director of the State Data Center. “The decision-makers have been aggressively addressing economic development issues, and this shows that we’re starting to find some solutions.”
The figures are not surprising, Gov. John Hoeven said.
“It shows we’re moving income and wages higher, and also that we’re moving people out of poverty, and it’s widespread, across the spectrum of income levels,” he said.
The average household income increased to $38,720 last year, Rathge said.
Joe Satrom, the Democratic candidate for governor, said relatively strong farm prices have helped propel the income increases.
<snip>
View online article here
********************************************* Events *********************************************
A calendar of events for August is available on the NDHRC web site here.
*********************************************
9.) Powwow to Feature Apache Crown Dancers
Powwow to feature
Apache Crown Dancers
BISMARCK, ND - A group of Apache Crown Dancers from Arizona led by a renowned cultural teacher is the featured cultural dance group of the 35th Annual United Tribes International Powwow.
The Edgar Perry Group, of McNary, Arizona, is scheduled for special performances in the dance arbor at Lone Star Arena on the campus of United Tribes Technical College at 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, September 10 and 11, and at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 12.
Crown dances in Apache culture serve to invoke blessings for people of the tribe and typically are not performed in public. Performances at the powwow will be cultural sharing and not religious ceremonies.
Perry currently serves as Apache Culture Specialist for the White River Schools on the Fort Apache Reservation in east-central Arizona. He is a panel advisor for both the New Mexico Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, and a former director of the White Mountain Apache Cultural Center. He wrote the first and only Apache Dictionary and travels the world giving cultural presentations.
This is the first time that crown dancers, with their wooden slat headdresses and southwestern regalia, will appear at the United Tribes Powwow. In addition to the scheduled performances, the dancers will participate in powwow grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
TESORO Refining and Marketing and Westcon Industries, in collaboration with United Tribes, sponsor their appearance.
“We’re proud to be a supporter of the featured cultural group and the powwow. We’ve been involved for years,” said Al Anderson, TESORO Regional President and refinery manager. “The powwow enriches the entire community and everyone benefits.”
Admission wristbands are on sale at all TESORO stations in the Bismarck-Mandan area. A $15 weekend pass guarantees entrance to all cultural and sporting events affiliated with the powwow. Elders over age 60 and children under 5 are admitted free. There is no charge for parking.
Also scheduled to appear is the South American musical group Atalhualpa. Directed by master flute player Bolivar Burga, the group plays traditional pan flute music on native Inca instruments with contemporary backup from guitars and keyboard. Atahualpa is scheduled for performances at the Lone Star Arena at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 10, 11, and 12.
The roster of powwow officials includes announcers Dale Old Horn (Montana) and Wallace Coffey (Oklahoma), Arena Director Bill Runs Above (Montana), Head Singing Judge Wade Baker (ND), and Women’s Head Dance Judge Kim Tootosis (Canada). Mike One Star (SD) will be the Men’s Head Dance Judge, a change from earlier notices.
Copies of the United Tribes International Powwow information tabloid will be available free of charge at the official powwow souvenir stand. The 96-page guide contains the four-day powwow schedule along with information about powwow entertainment, etiquette, and the numerous sponsors and advertisers who underwrite the event.
More information about the event is posted at the website here.
*********************************************
10.) Community
Education Workshop, From Problems to Needs, From Deficits to Strengths: A New
Paradigm of Disability, September 16, Bismarck
From Problems to Needs, From Deficits to Strengths: A New Paradigm of Disability Kathie Snow, Presenter
Thursday, September 16, 2004 Best Western Doublewood Inn 1400 East Interchange Avenue, Bismarck 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
What can happen when we adopt a new paradigm of
disability, to recognize that disability is a natural part of life? Disability,
like gender and ethnicity, is simply one of many characteristics of being
human! What can happen when we focus on a person's strengths, interests,
abilities, and dreams, instead of the perceived "problems" of disability? What
is a disability, anyway?
*when labels are appropriate and when they're not
With common sense, humor, and a rebellious spirit, Kathie Snow enlightens and entertains participants in workshops and trainings across the United States and Canada. She challenges the old ways of thinking, and helps parents, people with disabilities, and professionals acquire new perceptions and attitudes—the first rung in the ladder of change.
Everyone is Welcome! Parents, people with disabilities, professionals, educators, service providers, support staff, advocates, students, and others interested in disabilities and differences are invited to participate in this exciting, thought-provoking workshop! Together we can explore and acquire new ways of thinking, which can lead to a more inclusive society for all.
The workshop is free, however please pre-register to enable us to have an appropriate number of handouts & refreshments available. Call Joyce @ 222-3636 or 800-489-5013 or e-mail joyces@dakotacil.org for more information or to pre-register.
*********************************************
11.) Social Justice
Training Institute, December 8 – 12, 2004, Tucson, Arizona
What is the Social
Justice Training Institute?
SJTI is a developmental experience that will involve personal work. Past participants have found SJTI to be an intense experience as we work to understand the dynamics and effects of race and racism and as we engage in authentic dialogue arcoss and within race groups.
If you are looking for training tools, exercises, or "how to" activities - SJTI might not be for you. While participants do bring articles and activities to share with colleagues, the focus of the institute is personal work.
Institute Format
Time and Place
Registration
For More Information Visit the SJTI website at http://www.sjti.org.
*********************************************
12.) Special Bismarck
Human Relations Commission Meeting, September 2, Bismarck The Public Is Invited To Attend A Meeting of the Bismarck Mayor’s Committee On Human Relations
When: Thursday, September 2, 2004 Time: 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Where: 1st Floor Conference Room in the City/County Building, 221 N. 5th Street in Bismarck, ND
Agenda: Call To Order Roll Call Introduction of Special Guest:
Ms. Silke Hansen, Senior Conciliation Specialist for the United States Department of Justice, Denver Regional Office
Public Input/Comment Period
Ms. Hansen is interested in learning more about human relations and race relations in the Bismarck community.
The Bismarck Human Relations Committee Welcomes Your Participation and Comment.
Call Kameran Ali, Chairman, Mayor’s Committee on Human Relations at 701-226-4724 for more information or to request special accommodations.
********************************************* *********************************************
13.) New Personal Narratives of Discrimination in North Dakota Featured on NDHRC Web Site
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition is currently interviewing people in North Dakota who have experienced discrimination to document those experiences.
Our focus is on discrimination involving:
These personal stories are being posted to our web site regularly and can be viewed here.
*********************************************
14.) PSA: Volunteers Needed for Get Out and Vote Project
For
Immediate Release
*********************************************
15.) Press Release: Tribal Summit to Focus on Putting Vision Into Action
United
Tribes Technical College News
BISMARCK, ND - Tribal leaders and public officials will be talking about what it takes to go from ideas to action when they gather for the Eighth Annual United Tribes Intertribal Council Summit.
The conference is scheduled for September 7-9 in Bismarck with the theme “Putting Visions Into Action.” United Tribes Technical College sponsors the event, held in conjunction with the United Tribes International Powwow.
“The act of visioning is important in tribal life and in the leadership functions of the mainstream,” said UTTC President David M. Gipp. “Perhaps the more difficult step is to put our ideas into action. It’s important to learn on how that occurs and hear from those who’ve been successful at it.”
In the past, summit meetings have focused on economic issues for tribes, said Gipp. Presenters at these sessions will touch on a wide range of interests including tribal participation in the upcoming election, transportation, federal taxation in Indian Country, federal program assessment rating tools, economic development, gaming, tourism, and other intertribal issues. Scheduled keynote speakers include Norm DeWeaver, Indian and Native American Employment and Training Coalition, Anchorage, AK, Sandy K. Baruah, EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary of Programs Operation, Washington, DC, and Robert E. Olson, EDA Regional Director, Denver, CO.
North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, Indian Affairs Commission Director Cheryl Kulas and other state officials, along with Bismarck Mayor John Warford, Mandan Mayor Ken LaMont and members of the state’s Congressional Delegation are scheduled for presentations on Tuesday afternoon, September 7.
Other presenters include Tex Hall, Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation and President of the National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal leaders including Chairman Charles Murphy, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Chairman Valentino White, Spirit Lake Tribe, Chairman James C. Crawford III, Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, and Chairman Leon Morin, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
The 2004 summit begins one day earlier than last year, on Tuesday, September 7. Registration opens at 8 a.m. The conference opening ceremony is set for 1 p.m.
The summit concludes Thursday, September 9 with policy discussions and the formation of resolutions by the United Tribes of North Dakota Board.
Early bird registration is available at $250 per person until August 20. Pre-paid registrations at $300 will be taken until September 3. Onsite registration at the time of the conference is $350. Summit meetings take place at the Best Western Doublewood Inn, 1400 East Interchange Avenue, (exit 159 & I-94). A reception with gubernatorial candidate Joe Satrom as guest speaker is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. at the North Dakota Heritage Center. To obtain a copy of the agenda and other information, or to register, contact Wes Long Feather, 701-255-3285 x 218 or visit the college website www.uttc.edu.
*********************************************
16.) Applications Invited for Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Deadline:
November 1, 2004
17.) 2004 NDHRC Conference Highlights, November 5 & 6, 2004, Bismarck
The second annual North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Conference, “Human Rights: Economic Impact of Discrimination,” will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, November 5 and close at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, November 6, 2004. The conference will be held at the Best Western, Ramkota Hotel, 800 South Third Street, Bismarck, ND.
This year’s keynote speaker is the honorable Chairman Tex Hall of the Three Affiliated Tribes and President of the National Congress of American Indians. Chairman Hall will give his address on Friday evening.
The goal of the conference is to bring together people from throughout North Dakota including representatives from grassroots organizations, private-sector businesses, state agencies and the legislature to explore and discuss progress and challenges, with an emphasis on practical applications of human rights relative to discrimination and its impact on economic structures.
The NDHRC encourages community and Tribal leaders, support and advocacy organizations, state legislators, elected officials in city government, state agency and reservation civil rights and human resource officers, union officers, professional development or technical assistance employees, human service employees, human rights advocates, and all individuals with an interest in human rights to attend.
The Conference program will have two major elements. Plenary sessions present information and diverse perspectives on the economic impact of discrimination and breakout sessions discuss important and emerging economic and human rights issues, and current challenges, access and use of human rights standards.
Other conference opportunities will include: a networking and membership meeting to enable individuals to learn more about the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, and how to work together on common issues beyond the conference; resource tables to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about local human rights related organizations and resources; and a social event to provide a relaxed setting for establishing professional contacts, greeting friends, and making new friends.
We will be posting registration and additional conference information on our website at www.ndhrc.org in the near future.
*********************************************
***Member Reminder*** Please keep us in mind for your group or church social action/social justice meetings! We’d be happy to provide a presentation at a meeting or provide newsletter articles for your organizations.
************************************************
Do you have a Program, Announcement, Update or Resource that you would like shared on our weekly PAUR report? If so, please send an email to AndreaDeegan@NDHRC.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.
If you are not yet a member of NDHRC, what are you waiting for? Sign up now! The membership form is available on line at http://ndhrc.org/membership_form_revised.htm.
Not getting the PAUR Report directly in your email? It's so easy to be added to the PAUR mailing list! Email HumanRights@NDHRC.org.
If you have received this email in error, or would like to be removed From the PAUR Report mailing list, please send an email to AndreaDeegan@NDHRC.org for immediate assistance.
|
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition P.O. Box 1961 Fargo, North Dakota 58107-1961 Phone: (701) 239-9323 Fax: (701) 478-4452 Email: humanrights@ndhrc.org
|
