WASHINGTON – Earlier this month, Congress held a hearing that could eventually result in a huge step forward for the Cherokee Nation. The hearing held by the Committee on Rules was the first in establishing a non-voting delegate seat for the Cherokee Nation and would fulfill a promise that goes all the way back to 1835 and the Treaty of New Echota.
The provision for a non-voting delegate was outlined in Article 7 of the Treaty:
ARTICLE 7. The Cherokee nation having already made great progress in civilization and deeming it important that every proper and laudable inducement should be offered to their people to improve their condition as well as to guard and secure in the most effectual manner the rights guarantied [sic] to them in this treaty, and with a view to illustrate the liberal and enlarged policy of the Government of the United States towards the Indians in their removal beyond the territorial limits of the States, it is stipulated that they shall be entitled to a delegate in the House of Representatives of the United States whenever Congress shall make provision for the same.
There are currently six non-voting delegates that represent, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the U.S. House of Representatives. While the delegates cannot vote on proposed legislation in the full House, they are allowed to vote in any committees they serve on, and can introduce legislation.
Committee chair, James P. McGovern (D-MA), opened the meeting by acknowledging the American history in its treatment of Indigenous people who are native to the land as being “atrocious.” He went on to say that while a number of steps have been taken in recent years to publicly acknowledge and admit the horrific actions and policy decisions made by the U.S. government, it was not enough.
“…the truth is that simply acknowledging this truth is not enough. Words alone don’t absolve us of the horrific injustices brought on Native American communities at the hands of the U.S. government, actions do. that is why I’m hopeful that today’s historic hearing opens a new door towards building Greater understanding and the possible inclusion of these communities in Congress.”
McGovern also acknowledged that while representatives from other tribes have also come forward and pointed out that they too were entitled to a non-voting delegate, the hearing would only focus on the Cherokee Nation’s proposed delegate. Though he did note that more work in these areas needed to be done, and that a way must be found to honor the obligations promised in various treaties with other Native tribes and nations.
Ranking Member, Tom Cole (R- OK) who is also a member of the Chickasaw Nation and co-chair of the Congressional Native American caucus, one of five Native Americans serving in the House said, “Today’s hearing, it’s important to note that the right contained in the treaty may be clear but the resolution of those rights and how they may be applied still require great examination and consideration. If the house ultimately decides to move forward, it will only do so after a bipartisan recognition of the claim and a bipartisan process going forward. We should remember that the Cherokee Nation is not the only tribe that has or may have this right, and the process we ultimately follow for this claim may apply to others as well.”
Witnesses appearing before the Committee were Cherokee Nation principal chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.; Lindsey Robertson, a professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and an indigenous law and an indigenous Law Center visiting Professor; and legislative attorney at the Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service, American Law Division, Mainon A. Schwartz.
Chief Hoskin addressed the Committee, thanking them for holding the hearing and also pointed out that ranking members of the Cherokee Nation that were in attendance; speaker of the Council of the Cherokee Nation, Mike Shambaugh; councilman Keith Austin; counselor Joe Dear; Marshal of the Cherokee Nation Shannon Buell; and Kimberly Teehee who would serve as the first non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives.
Hoskin appointed Teehee in 2019 as the first delegate for Cherokee Nation in preparation of Congress hopefully approving a non-voting Cherokee delegate seat. The Cherokee Nation has the largest Native American population in the U.S. with over 440,000 citizens.
Hoskin outlined the historical record contained within the Treaty and the Treaty of 1866, and how the Cherokee Nation had adhered to their obligations. He then stated that “It’s time for this body to honor this promise and seat our delegate in the House of Representatives. No barrier — constitutional or otherwise — prevents this.”
How quickly the U.S. House of Representatives might act on the matter is uncertain, especially considering that Republicans will have control of Congress beginning on January 3, 2023.
However, towards the end of the hearing, Hoskin voiced his optimism about the approval of a non-voting delegate, “Very good questions raised today, but I think the conclusion is inescapable. And I think that that conclusion can be reached in this calendar year.”
Time will tell if Hoskin is correct in his assessment of whether a delegate is approved before the end of the year. The full Committee hearing is available both on the Committee on Rules’ website, as well as on its YouTube channel.
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Hilo, Hawaii – Late Sunday night, Mauna Loa, one of five volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawai’i, began to erupt at approximately 11:30 pm (HST). Native Hawaiian religious practice notes that the five volcanic peaks of the island are sacred. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984 and is the world’s largest active volcano. The eruption began in the summit caldera of the volcano with the majority of lava initially being contained within the summit area.
Time-lapse of Mauna Loa from a temporary research camera positioned on the north rim of Mokuʻāweoweo, the summit caldera of Mauna Loa volcano by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – Image credit: USGS – Public Domain
The morning update from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for the area noted that lava while migrating from the summit was not currently threatening any communities:
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: REDThe eruption of Mauna Loa has migrated from the summit to the Northeast Rift Zone where fissures are feeding several lava flows. HVO staff on an overflight at approximately 6:30 a.m. HST confirmed fissures at high elevations within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are feeding lava flows upslope of the Mauna Loa Weather Observatory. Lava flows are not threatening any downslope communities and all indications are that the eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone. Volcanic gas and possibly fine ash and Pele’s Hair may be carried downwind.
The potential for volcanic gas, ash, and Pele’s hair (fine fragments of volcanic glass) which can be extremely hazardous, especially if inhaled, to be carried downwind and to populated areas nearby.
Later reports also noted the lava flow via the northeast rift zone. Fortunately, once Mauna Loa erupts, it typically holds to one rift zone, so it is unlikely that other areas will see lava flows. But the situation could change suddenly and local authorities have advised those in the area to remain prepared to take action. Earthquakes are not uncommon before during or after
#MaunaLoa is erupting from vents on the Northeast Rift zone. Flows are moving downslope to the north. USGS Photos from Civil Air Patrol fight. #MaunaLoaErupts @Volcanoes_NPS @Hawaii_EMA @CivilDefenseHI pic.twitter.com/kUYWYPdk4L
— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) November 28, 2022
Nearby Kīlauea Volcano has remained active with eruption activity confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit. It began erupting in September of 2021 and has taken pauses since then. USGS lists Kīlauea’s current alert level as “watch” and aviation color code as “orange.”
Announcements:
- The Earth-based Spirituality Action Team (ESBAT) of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold its monthly Zoom meeting on December 12, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (PST). Interfaith chaplain, spiritual mentor, and peace counselor H.E. Rev. Patrick McCollum will be sharing his thoughts on why “Eco-activism with indigenous peoples is peace work.” According to the press release, “McCollum works with indigenous leaders in various parts of the world including the Amazon. With over half a century of peace work and eco-activism, Patrick will share a bit about what he does and why.” The meeting will run 30 minutes. EBSAT defines itself as, “a group that welcomes anyone who holds the earth sacred to join us in our meetings.” And that, “As with all grassroots groups, we appreciate everyone that shows up and even those that spread the word.”
In other news:
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- Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday and a great time to donate to charitable and non-profit organizations, whether it is your local Temple, your favorite cause, or your favorite 100% reader-supporter Pagan news source!
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- A 4,000-year-old tomb in the ancient necropolis at Aswan in Egypt is believed by researchers at the University of Málaga to have been constructed so that the rising sun on Winter Solstice would shine on a statue depicting the governor of the city of Elephantine. The research indicates that ancient Egyptian architects would have been capable of pinpointing how the tomb would need to be situated to achieve this effect merely using what tools would have been available to them at that time. The research team also used computer software to determine where the sun would have risen during the time period when the tomb was constructed in roughly 1830 B.C.E. and match it with the design of the tomb.
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- Archaeologists from the Proyecto Templo Mayor of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) who are overseeing the excavation of what was likely the “holiest shrine” of the Aztec empire have found a large cache of offerings. The shrine is part of Templo Mayor which is today downtown Mexico City. Buried near the base of the shrine were stone boxes that contained 165 red starfish and 180 complete coral branches. Prior to the pandemic shutting down the dig for two years, excavators had discovered: “a sacrificed jaguar dressed like a warrior associated with the Aztec patron Huitzilopochtli, the war and sun god.” The jaguar which had copper bells tied around its ankles held a sacrificed eagle held in its clutches and was lying next to miniature wooden spears and a reed shield. The stone box dates to the reign of Aztec emperor Ahuitzotl (1486 to 1502) and the lead researcher, Leonardo Lopez Lujan believes the team may finally discover the remains of an Aztec emperor due to the number of sea offerings which may have translated to a safe journey to the underworld for a great warrior. In over 40 years of excavations, and the discovery of over 200 stone offering boxes, the remains of an emperor have yet to be uncovered. Lopez Lujan expects at least another excavation before they know for sure. Other finds at the site include “the skulls of a dozen sacrificed children between one to six years old were also discovered in a nearby pit.”
As Artemis 1 continues its journey NASA has released stunning video footage nearly every day. This video compilation features the Earth setting behind the Moon, an interesting-looking crater on the moon’s surface, and a view of the moon from one of the solar arrays from Day 9.
Artemis 1 was launched at 1:47 am (EST) on Wednesday, November 16. This is the first integrated flight test of NASA’s deep space exploration system: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Artemis 1 mission spans 25 and half days and is set to return to earth on December 11.
Tarot of the week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: The Dreamkeepers Tarot by Liz Huston, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.Card: Page of Wands
This week may offer news of possible changes and new opportunities that can help re-ignite the creative spark and provide inspiration generated by the more youthful aspects of the inner self.
Conversely, being overly cautious or hesitant to even consider proposed shifts and changes can stifle creativity and even create a block.
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