North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
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The full PAUR report is available on the NDHRC web site at http://ndhrc.org/Newsletters/PAUR%202005/080505.htm.
~North Dakota Human Rights Coalition~ PAUR Report
Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Visit our Website at www.ndhrc.org
August 5, 2005
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!
In this week’s PAUR Report:
Announcements 1) News from the NDHRC 2) Proclamation By the President: Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act 2005 3) Call to Action: NCAA Minnesota Anti-Marriage Amendment 4) Press Release: Introduce Sweet Medicine 5) Smoke-Free Law Effective August 1 6) HUD Study Shows People with Disabilities Face Discrimination in Up to Half of Rental Inquires 7) Leave My Child Alone Campaign
Newspaper Articles 8) The Forum (Fargo), Canada OKs gay marriage 9) Grand Forks Herald, Immigration: Refugees decline 10) The Forum (Fargo), “Good Will” is Required: Government Action Spurs Change, But Job Picture Still Dim 11) The Forum (Fargo), Memorial Attracts Protestors 12) The Forum (Fargo), NCAA Bans Indian Mascots, Nicknames from Postseason 13) Bismarck Tribune, Catholic Hospital Adds Room for Indians 14) Bismarck Tribune, Business Honored for Accessibility
Events 15) All Nations Youth Update 16) 60th Anniversary of Hiroshima Bombing Prayer Service for Peace 17) August 2005 Native American Powwows in North Dakota
Reminders 18) NDHRC Announces 2005 Annual Giving Program 19) North Dakota Fair Housing Council Changes Name to Fair Housing of the Dakotas 20) North Dakota Disabilities Advocacy Consortium Conference, August 29 & 30, 2005, Bismarck 21) Save the Date: 2005 North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, Thursday & Friday, October 27 – 28, 2005, Fargo
Please Note: The NDHRC distributes a weekly PAUR report to inform our members and friends about news, events, and other human rights related information around the state. The opinions expressed within the articles are those of the authors and are not endorsed by the NDHRC.
New NDHRC members: as a membership benefit you have received an e-mail subscription of our weekly e-mail newsletter, the NDHRC PAUR Report. If you would like to be removed from the PAUR Report mailing list, please send an email to humanrights@ndhrc.org.
********************************************* Announcements *********************************************
1.) News from the NDHRC
Cheryl Bergian, Executive Director of the NDHRC, will be taking a sabbatical this fall to teach in the Clinical Education Program at UND School of Law in Grand Forks. Andrea Warren-Deegan will be Interim Executive Director during this time, and Tendai Phiri will be an Administrative Assistant during this time, starting August 1, 2005. Cheryl will be leaving NDHRC in August, and will be back in January 2006.
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2.) Proclamation By the President: Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act 2005
PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT: ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2005
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3.) Minnesota Anti-Marriage State Constitutional Amendment
Minnesota
anti-marriage (anti-gay) state constitutional amendment message from OutFront
http://www.outfront.org/
Once again, legislators need to hear from Minnesotans who are opposed to discrimination and believe that the Constitution should never be used to enshrine second-class status for GLBT people or anyone else.
"Please oppose the
constitutional amendment to ban civil unions, marriage, and all other forms of
legal protection for same-sex couples. This amendment mandates discrimination
for some of Minnesota families and it distracts legislators from reaching
resolution on pressing issues that affect the quality of life for all of our
state's families." Rep. Dan Severson
(R-Sauk Rapids)
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4.) Press Release: Introduce Sweet Medicine
Sweet Medicine A Native American Healing Journey
The mission of Sweet Medicine is to be a healing and therapeutic link within the local community, and beyond, to maintain the integrity of our Native American Ancestors. Sweet Medicine seeks to provide access to culturally acceptable, social education and information to support present and future Native American leadership, in the communities in which we reside.
The goal of Sweet Medicine is to develop and support Native American led programming, in a safe, culturally inclusive environment, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially.
The mission and goals of Sweet Medicine is the collective works and outcomes of Talking Circles, that have been led by Native American Sandra Berlin, for the past 5 years, and discussions with many individuals over the past 15 years in the local Native and Non-native community. To date there are 14 Enrolled Tribal members who lead in program development.
Sweet Medicine’s Director, Sandra Berlin, provides stability in the strategic planning and program development, seeking initial start-up funds, and development of a support staff, which include an Administrative Assistant/Accountant, Legal Advocate, Transportation and Organizers. Thus far, Sweet Medicines all-volunteer leadership, credits its success to the inclusion of cultural values and Native American leadership at each of its gatherings.
Native American leadership will be empowered to be a voice in the community, with better access to information and understanding of current systems and institutions, and development of remedies to better serve the diverse communities, that includes the Native American perspective.
Sweet Medicine Meeting
Please note this date of the Business meeting is Monday, not Tues. We will be having our regular business meetings the last Monday of each month at 3:00, 4:00 Elders Council, 5:00 meal and 6:00 Teen Beat. Contact: Sandra Berlin Sandib@i29.net or 701-729-2627.
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5.) Smoke-Free Law Effective August 1
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6.) HUD Study Shows People with Disabilities Face Discrimination in Up to Half of Rental Inquires
New study the most comprehensive disability housing discrimination study conducted
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released a groundbreaking study, Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities - Barriers at Every Step, that showed people with disabilities are often discriminated against when trying to rent apartments. The agency plans to use the comprehensive study to educate consumers and landlords on their rights as well as provide fair housing advocates with new guidelines and strategies that will allow them to investigate and detect discrimination against people with disabilities. In addition, the study will assist the agency in continuing to monitor the progress of discrimination against persons with disabilities in the Chicago area and nationwide.
"The Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark legislation signed fifteen years ago tomorrow, has made great strides in reducing barriers to people with disabilities in employment, government, and public places." HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said. "At HUD, that means breaking down the barriers to affordable rental housing and homeownership that disabled individuals sometimes face. Through a combination of outreach, technical assistance, and enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, we've already accomplished a great deal but, we know more has to be done."
In the Chicago-based study, hearing-impaired people were discriminated against approximately 50 percent of the time when using a telephone-operator relay to search for rentals. Mobility impaired people using wheelchairs faced discrimination about a third of the time when they visited rental properties.
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7.) Leave My Child Alone Campaign
Message from the North Dakota Peace Coalition
A Family Privacy Campaign to Protect Our High School Students From Unwanted Military Recruiting
To learn more visit http://www.leavemychildalone.org/.
********************************************* Newspaper Articles *********************************************
8.) The Forum (Fargo), Canada OKs Gay Marriage
Associated Press - 07/21/2005 TORONTO - Canada legalized gay marriage Wednesday, becoming the world's fourth nation to grant full legal rights to same-sex couples.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin signed the legislation making it law, hours after it was approved by the Senate late Tuesday night despite strong opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders.
The bill gives homosexual couples the same rights as those in traditional unions between a man and a woman, something already legal in eight of Canada's 10 provinces and in two of its three territories.
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9.) Grand Forks Herald, Immigration: Refugees Decline
Resettlement agency says it would welcome new arrivals FARGO - Refugee resettlement officials in North Dakota, who struggled to find services for nearly 700 refugees in 1999, say smaller numbers over the past four years have been more manageable, but they would welcome more.
Fewer than 500 people have moved to North Dakota from other countries since 2001, when the federal government began to restrict immigration after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"I think people in the community and providers would like to see around 300 a year," said Linda Schell, a refugee coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Human Services. "That's a number that people feel comfortable with for staffing and getting new arrivals the services and time they need."
The state has seen about 80 new arrivals this year. Another 40 to 50 immigrants are expected by the end of the fiscal year in September, Schell said.
A total of 223 refugees settled in North Dakota in the last fiscal year, from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Colombia, Congo, Ethiopia, Iran, Liberia, Rwanda, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan, Schell said.
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10.) The Forum (Fargo), “Good Will” is Required: Government Action Spurs Change, But Job Picture Still Dim
By Dave Olson Nate Aalgaard still remembers the happiness he felt 15 years ago today.
During a sun-drenched ceremony filled with promise, Aalgaard and hundreds of others watched on the south lawn of the White House as President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.
Intended to ensure equal rights for those with disabilities, the law requires that things like public buildings and transportation be accessible to all. The law also requires companies to make reasonable attempts to accommodate all workers.
Much of what he could only wish for then is now reality, said Aalgaard, the executive director of the Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living in Fargo.
Transportation and communication services for those with impairments are much improved, and accessibility is a standard part of many building projects, Aalgaard said.
"It took quite a while, but that's progress," said Aalgaard, 46, who has been in a wheelchair since an automobile accident 28 years ago.
Problems remain, however, in the area of employment. Aalgaard said little has changed since 1990.
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11.) The Forum (Fargo), Memorial Attracts Protestors
By Amy Dalrymple Waving inflammatory signs, about 10 members of a controversial Kansas church quietly picketed a memorial service Thursday for a Moorhead Marine killed in Iraq last month.
More than 15 law enforcement officers monitored the protest at the service for Marine Sgt. Bryan Opskar in his hometown of Princeton, Minn., said Princeton Police Chief David Warneke.
Friends and family of the Marine killed July 23 by a roadside bomb appeared to ignore the protesters from the Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church, observers said.
"No words were spoken from either side," Warneke said.
The Kansas group initially announced it would picket Opskar's funeral Tuesday in Moorhead but rescheduled the protest to the memorial service.
The protesters - many of them in their teens and younger - held anti-American and anti-gay signs for about 45 minutes prior to the service, said Joel Stottrup, a reporter and photographer from the Princeton Union-Eagle.
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12.) The Forum (Fargo), NCAA Bans Indian Mascots, Nicknames from Postseason
Associated Press - 08/05/2005 INDIANAPOLIS - The NCAA has banned the use of American Indian mascots by sports teams during its postseason tournaments, but will not prohibit them otherwise.
The NCAA's executive committee decided this week the organization did not have the authority to bar Indian mascots by individual schools, committee chairman Walter Harrison said today.
At the University of North Dakota, where the Fighting Sioux nickname has come under fire, officials said they wanted to study the decision before commenting.
"We just don't have enough information to know exactly what it means," said Phil Harmeson, a senior associate to UND President Charles Kupchella.
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13.) Bismarck Tribune, Catholic Hospital Adds Room for Indians
By JAMES MacPHERSON, Associated Press Writer Sherman Iron Shield used to sneak his son behind some elevators at St. Alexius Medical Center to burn sacred herbs, hoping to chase away evil spirits without setting off fire alarms and sprinklers.
The practice, known as smudging, along with modern medicine, helped his son, George, recover from a gunshot wound to the head nearly a dozen years ago, he said.
"My son is still alive," Iron Shield said.
On Thursday, the hospital dedicated a $350,000 solarium and meditation room that may be used for such things as burning sage, cedar or sweetgrass, or for singing or drumming.
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14.) Bismarck Tribune, Business Honored for Accessibility
By KAYLA COGDILL, Bismarck Tribune For 15 years, public buildings have been required to be handicapped accessible. Over the years, some of the buildings have been updated, and some have not.
To inform the public which buildings are handicapped accessible, the Dakota Center for Assisted Living is awarding businesses the Blue By You award. The first recipient was The Bird House, on 3101 State St.
On Wednesday, Phyllis Morrissey, owner of the Bird House, accepted the award for complying with accessibility issues at the store. There were three areas that needed changing, and Morrissey was quick to make the changes at little cost.
The Bird House didn't have handicapped parking, and the counter tops and bathroom didn't meet the standard requirements.
In a matter of days, a designated handicapped parking spot was added in front of the building. Before, Morrissey would let customers with mobility issues park in front of the building, which isn't designated for parking.
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********************************************* Events *********************************************
A calendar of events for August is available on the NDHRC web site at http://ndhrc.org/Events/Calendar/2005/August.htm.
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15.) All Nations Youth Update
All Nations Youth update: Native American youth and young adults are welcome! Current ages range from 7- 19.
All Nations Youth Summer Schedule: Tues and Thurs Activities. Tues. 5:00 meal and 6:00 is Drum & Dance night with All Nations youth at the Wesley Center. We are seeking volunteers to help teach basic beading to youth (during the Drum practice)! Just show up!
We are playing softball each Thurs. 5:00 w/meal at Wesley Center & 6:00 Romkey Park, S. Mhd., through the summer. Come cheer them on! We are currently looking for a driver, Tues & Thurs and the last Monday of each month. Contact Sandi, Interim Coordinator 701-729-2627
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16.) 60th Anniversary of Hiroshima Bombing Prayer Service for Peace
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace Sponsored by the Presentation Peace & Justice Coalition Saturday, August 6, 2005 10 am at Riverview Place Chapel, 5300 12th Street South Fargo
The ecumenical prayer service will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian Communities in the FM area. Refreshments will be served.
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17.) August 2005 Native American Powwows in North Dakota
August 5-7:
Fort Yates contest pow wow.
August 11-14:
Little Shell Celebration contest pow wow.
August 12-14:
Turtle Mountain Chief Little Shell pow wow.
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18.) NDHRC Announces 2005 Annual Giving Program
The NDHRC kicks off its 2005 Annual Giving Program and we need your help. The money received from our annual giving program will support our conference, education and outreach efforts and other essential work of the Coalition. Our goal is to reach $7,500 by the end of 2005.
Here are ways to participate:
Donate: Help strengthen our efforts and promote human rights in North Dakota with a contribution in the amount you choose. Every dollar makes a difference.
Gift Memberships: It's a great way to celebrate the holidays and birthdays. An NDHRC gift membership makes a real difference in the fight to end discrimination faced by our friends, neighbors, and ourselves in North Dakota.
Tribute Gifts: Celebrating the wedding or commitment ceremony of a friend of family member? Why not make it special with a donation in their honor to support NDHRC's work. Each donation is acknowledged with a personalized card to the individual or couple — a reminder of how much you care about human rights.
Memorial Gifts: Honoring a person's memory is a wonderful way to celebrate their life. Memorial gifts also help family members through a difficult time. You can preserve their legacies and support the work of the NDHRC. Upon making a memorial donation, a family representative will be notified of the contribution you made in their loved one's name.
Your contribution will make an invaluable difference. To participate in the program, visit our web site at http://ndhrc.org/AnnualGiving/2005AnnualGivingProgram.htm.
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19.) North Dakota Fair Housing Council Changes Name to Fair Housing of the Dakotas
The North Dakota Fair Housing Council has changed its name to the Fair Housing of the Dakotas. Please update your contact information. Address, phone, fax, email all remain the same.
The Fair Housing of the Dakotas (formerly the North Dakota Fair Housing Council) is a non-profit organization serving North and South Dakota. The Fair Housing of the Dakotas was originally founded in 1995 as the North Dakota Fair Housing Council to serve the State of North Dakota. In 2003, services were expanded to also include the State of South Dakota and its name was changed in 2005 to the Fair Housing of the Dakotas to reflect these duties in both North and South Dakota.
The Fair Housing of the Dakotas' mission is to eradicate housing discrimination through community education; encouragement of public involvement; assistance to those experiencing housing discrimination; and support of individuals and organizations seeking equal opportunity in housing.
Please also visit our web site at: www.ndfhc.org for information on fair housing, including publications, links to civil rights groups in North and South Dakota and other information. Contact us with any questions.
Amy Schauer
Nelson, Executive Director
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20.) North Dakota Disabilities Advocacy Consortium Conference, August 29 & 30, 2005 Bismarck, ND
Annual Dakota Disabilities Issues August 29 & 30, 2005 Monday 12 pm to 8 pm and Tuesday 7 am to 3:15 pm Ramkota Inn Bismarck, ND
–Co-sponsored by Mental Health Association in ND and ND Medicaid Infrastructure Grant
Please keep your calendar open for the First Annual NDDAC conference in collaboration with MIG and NDMHA with topics like The True Value of In-Home Care, Leave No Child With Special Needs Behind, and Building Alliances and Breaking Down Barriers. The NDDAC advocates for public policy that ensures all people with disabilities and their families are fully integrated into the mainstream of society.
More information and registration forms on NDDAC’s website at www.nddac.org.
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21.) Save the Date: 2005 North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, Thursday & Friday, October 27 – 28, 2005, Fargo
Theme: “Tools for Building Inclusive Communities: The Role of Human Rights Education and Action in North Dakota”
When: Thursday, October 27 & Friday, October 28, 2005
Where: Ramada Plaza Suites & Conference Center, 1635 42nd Street, S.W., Fargo
What: The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition annual conference will bring together a diversity of people from around North Dakota to explore and discuss the “How To’s” of human rights work with regard to progress and challenges impacting individuals and communities.
Who Should Attend: We invite community and Tribal leaders, support and advocacy organizations, stakeholders and policy makers, state agency and reservation civil rights and human resource officers, union members and officers, law enforcement officers, human service employees, churches and faith-based organizations, and individuals with an interest in human rights to attend.
Highlights:
Networking and membership meeting will 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 will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about local and statewide human rights related organizations and resources
Social event will provide a relaxed setting for establishing professional contacts, greeting friends, and making new ones
Additional information will be available on the NDHRC web site in the coming month at www.ndhrc.org.
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***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.
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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.
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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
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