Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN October 22, 2015
Greetings! The Planning Meeting was held on October 19th at Mary's house, to set the calendar for the next year, through May 2016. Please keep in mind that there may be circumstances where change is needed.
October 25: Joyce and Warren will present the program on pagan celebrations.
November 8: Pat will do a presentation on Native American Month. RE available.
November 22: Barb will do a presentation on Hannakah.
December 13: Melissa will present on Chalica. RE available.
December 19:Solstice Party at Barb's
2016
January 10: book Review, "Being Mortal", Pat and Mary A.
January 24: "Quality of Spiritual Maturity", Barb
February 14: Climate Change, Melissa
February 28: MUUSJA tba
March 13: Sex Trafficking, Pat
March 27: Ostara, Warren
April 10: Flower Service, MaryD
April 24: Nature and Earth, Alison
May 8: Book Review, MaryA.
May 22: Annual Business Meeting and Elections
We are meeting at Tiny Sprouts Day Care south of Pequot Lakes at 10:30 two Sundays per month.
This seems to be working well, as we can accommodate children on the first Sunday of the month for RE.
For questions, please feel free to contact us on our webpage, or call....
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair 218-587-2543
NORTHWOODS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
POST 74
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River September 24, 2015
Greetings! Some time off line for this blog....we aborted Video Conference for September 1st, due to the unavailability of several of the participants...just an unfortunate series of circumstances. The intent was to discuss further plans for celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day on the day set aside as Columbus Day. However the clock does not stop, and we now have available bumper stickers that say, Goodbye Columbus Hello Indigenous Peoples Day for a dollar donation to cover the printing. Please see our webpage.
And news from Fargo; the city commission is considering the change after being approached by the Native American Commission, and will vote tomorrow. So inch by inch, as they say. It would be great if our Governor would make the proclamation that we have asked for two years in a row, and just do it. No news on that front.
Truth and Reconciliation meetings are resuming in Bemidji this coming Monday. Melissa and I will attend, as well as members of the social justice team from Union Church in Hackensack. They have some innovative ideas to share, one of which is to do radio spots on a regular basis...pretty cool! I am quite certain KAXE in GR would be open to such discussions on race relations.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. Also our webpages have contact information. mnnuuf.org.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung Social Justice Chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! Some time off line for this blog....we aborted Video Conference for September 1st, due to the unavailability of several of the participants...just an unfortunate series of circumstances. The intent was to discuss further plans for celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day on the day set aside as Columbus Day. However the clock does not stop, and we now have available bumper stickers that say, Goodbye Columbus Hello Indigenous Peoples Day for a dollar donation to cover the printing. Please see our webpage.
And news from Fargo; the city commission is considering the change after being approached by the Native American Commission, and will vote tomorrow. So inch by inch, as they say. It would be great if our Governor would make the proclamation that we have asked for two years in a row, and just do it. No news on that front.
Truth and Reconciliation meetings are resuming in Bemidji this coming Monday. Melissa and I will attend, as well as members of the social justice team from Union Church in Hackensack. They have some innovative ideas to share, one of which is to do radio spots on a regular basis...pretty cool! I am quite certain KAXE in GR would be open to such discussions on race relations.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. Also our webpages have contact information. mnnuuf.org.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung Social Justice Chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Post 73
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship August 15, 2015 Brainerd/Pine River MN
Greetings! NUUF met yesterday to discuss the video conference scheduled for September 1 at 2pm, to work on Goodbye Columbus strategies to change the holiday in MN. Due to the unavailability of several of the panelists, we decided to cancel this event for the time being. Perhaps the timing was off, but in any case, because we want to have major representation by native people, and were not able to achieve our goal in this respect, it seems better to find other ways to dialog and work on the issues, at least for now... As you may know, NACDI was instrumental in changing the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day in the city of St. Paul, very recently. That group, headed by Jay BadHeart Bull, was also the leader in the City of Mpls' change on their stationery. We are in contact with him on the possibility of going statewide, as has been our focus, and see how we can support this. We did write the legislators who sponsored the bill that failed last spring, without response as yet; so we do not know if the bill will be resurrected or needs to be reintroduced next session. We are again writing a proposed proclamation for the Governor to designate Indigenous Peoples Day in October.
Garage sale to be held as a fundraiser, at Melissa's Sept. 4&5, 8am to 5pm. Her address is 30755 Old Hwy 371, Pequot Lakes.
Honor the Earth events and fundraisers Aug 27 6pm Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes; and Hackensack Union Church August 28 at 6:30. These are dinner meetings, to coincide with the Horse Rides Protests of the Enbridge pipeline proposals.
A long busy summer is coming to a close...have a safe and wonderful Labor Day celebration!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! NUUF met yesterday to discuss the video conference scheduled for September 1 at 2pm, to work on Goodbye Columbus strategies to change the holiday in MN. Due to the unavailability of several of the panelists, we decided to cancel this event for the time being. Perhaps the timing was off, but in any case, because we want to have major representation by native people, and were not able to achieve our goal in this respect, it seems better to find other ways to dialog and work on the issues, at least for now... As you may know, NACDI was instrumental in changing the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day in the city of St. Paul, very recently. That group, headed by Jay BadHeart Bull, was also the leader in the City of Mpls' change on their stationery. We are in contact with him on the possibility of going statewide, as has been our focus, and see how we can support this. We did write the legislators who sponsored the bill that failed last spring, without response as yet; so we do not know if the bill will be resurrected or needs to be reintroduced next session. We are again writing a proposed proclamation for the Governor to designate Indigenous Peoples Day in October.
Garage sale to be held as a fundraiser, at Melissa's Sept. 4&5, 8am to 5pm. Her address is 30755 Old Hwy 371, Pequot Lakes.
Honor the Earth events and fundraisers Aug 27 6pm Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes; and Hackensack Union Church August 28 at 6:30. These are dinner meetings, to coincide with the Horse Rides Protests of the Enbridge pipeline proposals.
A long busy summer is coming to a close...have a safe and wonderful Labor Day celebration!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Post 72
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship July 23, 2015 Brainerd/Pine River, MN.
Greetings! This summer has turned/is turning out to be full of activites. Several meetings on Goodbye Columbus plans have taken place, working on the upcoming video conference Sept 1 at 2pm. Invitations have gone out to several interested UU congregations, as well as others working on this issue in other churches and community entities. We are happy that Anton Treuer, at BSU has agreed to participate; he has written extensively on native history, language, culture preservation, and is currently involved in the Truth and Reconciliation effort in Bemidji. Becky LaPlant, human resources director for Blandin Corporation, and activist on the name change in Grand Rapids, is putting together a site and participants in that area. We have invited Jay Bad Heart Bull, NACDI, one of the persons instrumental in the city of Mpls stationary change, and active on the bill that failed in the legislature to establish American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day this year. There will be others.
One of the tasks is to frame the conference so as to discuss steps to take this next year to effect the change. We will be setting up loose guidelines to forward the discussion. Ashley Horan, MUUSJA, will be sending details on the mechanics and will host the program from Mpls.
On another front, Honor the Earth is beginning plans and activities on the Sandpiper pipeline protests, and we will participate as this years' ride comes through the state along the proposed routes set up by Enbridge corporation, and now approved by the MPUC as to their certificate of need. The next step for Enbridge is to decide the route and be approved by the PUC. Of course, coming through the watershed and native American reservations is where the controversy lies, and we ask that persons interested in this vital environmental concern, join efforts to combat further action by Enbridge.
LOCATION: We are going to begin meeting at Tine Sprouts Day Care, beginning with the Sept 13 service. This is just south of Timberjack, where we were meeting, on 371 south of Pequot Lakes. Please check the webpage for the latest information. We will schedule RE for children, the second Sunday of each month, and this location lends itself to such activities very well.
New member orientation folders are being developed, with the "who are we" questions addressed, bylaws, expectations, rights and responsibilities. This should be completed shortly.
Feel free to explore mnnuuf.org, and contact us if you are interested in any aspect of the ongoing work in which we are involved.....we welcome inquiries!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! This summer has turned/is turning out to be full of activites. Several meetings on Goodbye Columbus plans have taken place, working on the upcoming video conference Sept 1 at 2pm. Invitations have gone out to several interested UU congregations, as well as others working on this issue in other churches and community entities. We are happy that Anton Treuer, at BSU has agreed to participate; he has written extensively on native history, language, culture preservation, and is currently involved in the Truth and Reconciliation effort in Bemidji. Becky LaPlant, human resources director for Blandin Corporation, and activist on the name change in Grand Rapids, is putting together a site and participants in that area. We have invited Jay Bad Heart Bull, NACDI, one of the persons instrumental in the city of Mpls stationary change, and active on the bill that failed in the legislature to establish American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day this year. There will be others.
One of the tasks is to frame the conference so as to discuss steps to take this next year to effect the change. We will be setting up loose guidelines to forward the discussion. Ashley Horan, MUUSJA, will be sending details on the mechanics and will host the program from Mpls.
On another front, Honor the Earth is beginning plans and activities on the Sandpiper pipeline protests, and we will participate as this years' ride comes through the state along the proposed routes set up by Enbridge corporation, and now approved by the MPUC as to their certificate of need. The next step for Enbridge is to decide the route and be approved by the PUC. Of course, coming through the watershed and native American reservations is where the controversy lies, and we ask that persons interested in this vital environmental concern, join efforts to combat further action by Enbridge.
LOCATION: We are going to begin meeting at Tine Sprouts Day Care, beginning with the Sept 13 service. This is just south of Timberjack, where we were meeting, on 371 south of Pequot Lakes. Please check the webpage for the latest information. We will schedule RE for children, the second Sunday of each month, and this location lends itself to such activities very well.
New member orientation folders are being developed, with the "who are we" questions addressed, bylaws, expectations, rights and responsibilities. This should be completed shortly.
Feel free to explore mnnuuf.org, and contact us if you are interested in any aspect of the ongoing work in which we are involved.....we welcome inquiries!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Post 71
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN July 4, 2015
Greeetings! and happy fourth! this is an update of July events of interest, and late summer plans.
"Why Treaties Matter", the travelling interactive exhibit, will be on view at the Northern Lights Casino through August 28th.
A group is forming called the Northern MN Water Alliance, including watershed associations, to address water issues and pollution. More on this later.
On July 15, the Union Church in Hackensack is hosting an event called Love Water Not Oil, with Winona LaDuke; singer Annie Humphrey; The Goodsky Boys; this starts at 7pm, with light refreshments. The emphasis is 'no pipelines, no fracking, no tar sands.' Gather your friends and support this kickoff for summer protests on the pipeline issue. Suggested donation, $10....Honor the Earth is planning another horse ride along the proposed pipeline routes, and there may be canoe-ins as well, around August 28.
Leech Lake Area Watershed /foundation is hosting a fundraiser, "Jazz in August at Arthur's" August 27th, tickets $40 per person. Cash bar, silent auction, great music!
Kathy Kelly, peace activist, is presenting two programs in July: Little Falls, July 8 at 6:30, St. Francis Convent, 116 8th Ave, Little Falls, And on July 9th at 7pm, at Community Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, which is at 703 N. Pokegama Ave. Grand Rapids.
Truth and Reconciliation: Becky LaPlant posted an entry today on facebook, which is a presentation on KAXE of a Special Edition of Minnesota Native News: Bemidji, Rocking the Boat, Part 2. About a half hour long, it features Anton Treuer and Noreen Hautala among others, talking about racism and its effects, the new statue of Chief Bemidji, and efforts to bring truth and reconciliation to the community in a spirit of healing.
Work proceeds on the Sept. 1st video conference on Goodby Columbus. Watch the website for more news....mnnuuf.org......
3rd Annual Onigum Pow-wow participation July 25. Union Church plans to travel as a group in support of Leech Lake tribal observances at this annual event. I believe that is also the date for a Pow-wow at Mille Lacs reservation.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair; 218-587-2543
Greeetings! and happy fourth! this is an update of July events of interest, and late summer plans.
"Why Treaties Matter", the travelling interactive exhibit, will be on view at the Northern Lights Casino through August 28th.
A group is forming called the Northern MN Water Alliance, including watershed associations, to address water issues and pollution. More on this later.
On July 15, the Union Church in Hackensack is hosting an event called Love Water Not Oil, with Winona LaDuke; singer Annie Humphrey; The Goodsky Boys; this starts at 7pm, with light refreshments. The emphasis is 'no pipelines, no fracking, no tar sands.' Gather your friends and support this kickoff for summer protests on the pipeline issue. Suggested donation, $10....Honor the Earth is planning another horse ride along the proposed pipeline routes, and there may be canoe-ins as well, around August 28.
Leech Lake Area Watershed /foundation is hosting a fundraiser, "Jazz in August at Arthur's" August 27th, tickets $40 per person. Cash bar, silent auction, great music!
Kathy Kelly, peace activist, is presenting two programs in July: Little Falls, July 8 at 6:30, St. Francis Convent, 116 8th Ave, Little Falls, And on July 9th at 7pm, at Community Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, which is at 703 N. Pokegama Ave. Grand Rapids.
Truth and Reconciliation: Becky LaPlant posted an entry today on facebook, which is a presentation on KAXE of a Special Edition of Minnesota Native News: Bemidji, Rocking the Boat, Part 2. About a half hour long, it features Anton Treuer and Noreen Hautala among others, talking about racism and its effects, the new statue of Chief Bemidji, and efforts to bring truth and reconciliation to the community in a spirit of healing.
Work proceeds on the Sept. 1st video conference on Goodby Columbus. Watch the website for more news....mnnuuf.org......
3rd Annual Onigum Pow-wow participation July 25. Union Church plans to travel as a group in support of Leech Lake tribal observances at this annual event. I believe that is also the date for a Pow-wow at Mille Lacs reservation.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair; 218-587-2543
Friday, June 19, 2015
post 70
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN June 19, 2015u
Greetings! several items today of interest....
Thanks to David Jurgenson and the crew for work on the Pride Picnic for tomorrow, Lum Park, Brainerd. See the Peace Fair booths as well, and we will have a presence.
Thanks to Melissa for her work on outreach to other faith groups on Goodbye Columbus; a great response so far from Catholic sisters groups, Episcopal's Department of Indian Work, and links to other denominations we will follow up. Some surprising information here, and good to know we are not alone in our thinking and efforts!
We received an invitation to participate on a list of UUs working on native issues from Bellingham WA, being prepared for General Assembly by Beth Brownfield. She is hoping to provide links useful to those of us in the field. Bellingham and other UUs of the area are active in working with Lummi tribal members on several issues, including the effects of coal transport through the region.
Union Church in Hackensack will host a meeting with Honor the Earth on July 15 at 7pm. More on this after the social justice meeting on July 1st, I will attend.
The Reverend Suzanne Wasilczuk will present a sermon on September 13; we welcome her back and look forward to her visit, always a joy.
Work continues to develop the video conference on Sept, 1st at 2pm, to follow up on Goodbye Columbus efforts; this will involve knowledgeable people who can talk about strategies for the future. This is coming to be a long term effort; but worth it in the end, if we can achieve the goal of refocusing on the ongoing problems for native people.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair, 218-587-2543
Greetings! several items today of interest....
Thanks to David Jurgenson and the crew for work on the Pride Picnic for tomorrow, Lum Park, Brainerd. See the Peace Fair booths as well, and we will have a presence.
Thanks to Melissa for her work on outreach to other faith groups on Goodbye Columbus; a great response so far from Catholic sisters groups, Episcopal's Department of Indian Work, and links to other denominations we will follow up. Some surprising information here, and good to know we are not alone in our thinking and efforts!
We received an invitation to participate on a list of UUs working on native issues from Bellingham WA, being prepared for General Assembly by Beth Brownfield. She is hoping to provide links useful to those of us in the field. Bellingham and other UUs of the area are active in working with Lummi tribal members on several issues, including the effects of coal transport through the region.
Union Church in Hackensack will host a meeting with Honor the Earth on July 15 at 7pm. More on this after the social justice meeting on July 1st, I will attend.
The Reverend Suzanne Wasilczuk will present a sermon on September 13; we welcome her back and look forward to her visit, always a joy.
Work continues to develop the video conference on Sept, 1st at 2pm, to follow up on Goodbye Columbus efforts; this will involve knowledgeable people who can talk about strategies for the future. This is coming to be a long term effort; but worth it in the end, if we can achieve the goal of refocusing on the ongoing problems for native people.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair, 218-587-2543
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Post 69
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River 6/6/15
Greetings! We are working on Goodbye Columbus, contacting particpants for a video conference September 1, 2 to 3pm +-. This will be hosted by Ashley Horan, MUUSJA director. The discussion will center on strategies for the future change of the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day .
Meantime, the Pride Picnic is on for June 20, and other summer activities will be coming up.
Pat and Melissa and I attended a Gathering in Deer River May 30th with other native friends, and were given an opportunity to talk about GC, with a positive response...
This is a short note today as an interim update....
Respectfully submitted Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair 218-587-2543
Greetings! We are working on Goodbye Columbus, contacting particpants for a video conference September 1, 2 to 3pm +-. This will be hosted by Ashley Horan, MUUSJA director. The discussion will center on strategies for the future change of the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day .
Meantime, the Pride Picnic is on for June 20, and other summer activities will be coming up.
Pat and Melissa and I attended a Gathering in Deer River May 30th with other native friends, and were given an opportunity to talk about GC, with a positive response...
This is a short note today as an interim update....
Respectfully submitted Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair 218-587-2543
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Post 68
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN May 24. 2015
Greetings:
After about two weeks offline, finally back! It was a bad time to be without communications. The bill in the Legislature to establish American Indian and Peoples Day failed to be voted out of committee in the House, so it did not pass into law during this session. Back to square one? I am not sure if dead is dead, or if it can be resurrected. So onward. Our Goodbye Columbus activity continues. We have held planning meetings to decide how to proceed. One thing is to continue to try for a webinar, with the help of MUUSJA, to discuss strategies, probably in September, meantime developing questions for participants. Discussion continues.
Our flower service on May 10th included a welcome for four new members, two of whom were in attendance. This is always a high point in the spring, honoring Dr. Norbert Capek, founder of the Flower Service in Czechoslovakia, and martyr to the Nazi regime during WWII. His legacy of hope and endurance lives on.
The final business meeting and elections were held on May 17th. Officers are:
President: Pat Scott
Vice President: Barb Kaufman
Sec/Treas: Alison Edgerton
Membership Chair: Dave Jurgenson
Social Action Chair: Mary DeYoung
Web and Newsletter: Melissa Birch
Publicity and News Releases: Warren Case
A tentative summer schedule was set up, including June 20 participation in Project Rainbow PRIDE picnic, Lum Park, Brainerd from 2-5pm. A day at the Mille Lacs Powwow in August is planned. Other information will be forthcoming in the newsletter and here, as it becomes confirmed.
We do plan to work with Honor the Earth on the continuing pipeline protests during the summer, and look for more information on this as it is developed.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, Social Action Chair 218-587-2543
Greetings:
After about two weeks offline, finally back! It was a bad time to be without communications. The bill in the Legislature to establish American Indian and Peoples Day failed to be voted out of committee in the House, so it did not pass into law during this session. Back to square one? I am not sure if dead is dead, or if it can be resurrected. So onward. Our Goodbye Columbus activity continues. We have held planning meetings to decide how to proceed. One thing is to continue to try for a webinar, with the help of MUUSJA, to discuss strategies, probably in September, meantime developing questions for participants. Discussion continues.
Our flower service on May 10th included a welcome for four new members, two of whom were in attendance. This is always a high point in the spring, honoring Dr. Norbert Capek, founder of the Flower Service in Czechoslovakia, and martyr to the Nazi regime during WWII. His legacy of hope and endurance lives on.
The final business meeting and elections were held on May 17th. Officers are:
President: Pat Scott
Vice President: Barb Kaufman
Sec/Treas: Alison Edgerton
Membership Chair: Dave Jurgenson
Social Action Chair: Mary DeYoung
Web and Newsletter: Melissa Birch
Publicity and News Releases: Warren Case
A tentative summer schedule was set up, including June 20 participation in Project Rainbow PRIDE picnic, Lum Park, Brainerd from 2-5pm. A day at the Mille Lacs Powwow in August is planned. Other information will be forthcoming in the newsletter and here, as it becomes confirmed.
We do plan to work with Honor the Earth on the continuing pipeline protests during the summer, and look for more information on this as it is developed.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, Social Action Chair 218-587-2543
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Post 67
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN May 3, 2015
Greetings! We are delighted to announce that our Goodbye Columbus Minnesota webpage is up for your information. Right now it can be found through our website, mnnuuf.org as an attached page. Soon it will also be available by direct googling. The link now is: www.mnnuuf.org/#!goodbye-Columbus-home/c1ogh. Long, I know. We hope you like the layout, and that it will be user-friendly to contact with your thoughts, news items, ideas, support. Apparently, it takes some time to get up and running on google, perhaps a few days, or longer.
We are also monitoring by the day, the progress or lack thereof, of the bill in the MN House, HF1858, putting into law the change from Columbus Day to American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day. It has already passed the Senate in March. As part of our effort to continue follow up, we are planning a video conference to include people around the state to help set up strategies to help accomplish the change. There are a couple of scenarios; one, it could pass. Then how to carry forward with some substantial and achievable goals to improve race relations. It could be unacted upon, and die. Then would it carry over into the second session in October, or be totally dead and have to be reintroduced? In which case our efforts would be even more important.
Thank you all for hanging in there with us through this process, as far as we have gotten. As always, input is welcome!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, news director NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! We are delighted to announce that our Goodbye Columbus Minnesota webpage is up for your information. Right now it can be found through our website, mnnuuf.org as an attached page. Soon it will also be available by direct googling. The link now is: www.mnnuuf.org/#!goodbye-Columbus-home/c1ogh. Long, I know. We hope you like the layout, and that it will be user-friendly to contact with your thoughts, news items, ideas, support. Apparently, it takes some time to get up and running on google, perhaps a few days, or longer.
We are also monitoring by the day, the progress or lack thereof, of the bill in the MN House, HF1858, putting into law the change from Columbus Day to American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day. It has already passed the Senate in March. As part of our effort to continue follow up, we are planning a video conference to include people around the state to help set up strategies to help accomplish the change. There are a couple of scenarios; one, it could pass. Then how to carry forward with some substantial and achievable goals to improve race relations. It could be unacted upon, and die. Then would it carry over into the second session in October, or be totally dead and have to be reintroduced? In which case our efforts would be even more important.
Thank you all for hanging in there with us through this process, as far as we have gotten. As always, input is welcome!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, news director NUUF 218-587-2543
Monday, April 13, 2015
POST 66
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, April 13, 2015 Brainerd/Pine River MN
Greetings! At our Earth Day service yesterday, Pat Scott shared information from Honor the Earth and their plans for continuing the pipeline protests this summer against Enbridge's development in the MN watershed. One thing people could do is email or write to the Environmental Quality Board to express opinions on the violations of Native Treaty Rights, destruction of wild rice beds, and lack of consultation with the Tribal Governments on their proposals. The email address is: pipeline.EQB@state.mn.usar; the snail mail address is: Environmental Quality Board, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, 55155. Maybe you could do both! We will be sharing information as it becomes available, and will be helping Honor the Earth in whatever way seem feasible.
Our new website on Goodbye Columbus Minnesota is coming right along. Text is nearly ready, just some more technical work needs to be completed. As you may be aware, the House still has the current bill in committee, after passage by the Senate, to consider naming the second Monday in October as American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day. If one looks at the number of bills up for consideration, this is one of many; hopefully we can bring together enough strength to encourage passage this term. If it is not acted on, it will need to be reintroduced at the second session of the biennium, is my understanding, and if not acted on then, would need to be started at the beginning of the legislative process.
Upcoming is planning for a Webinar to discuss the Columbus Day issue, sometime over the summer, and we hope to engage other denominations with similar goals in participation.
Stay tuned!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung News Director NUUF 218-587-2543
Respic
Greetings! At our Earth Day service yesterday, Pat Scott shared information from Honor the Earth and their plans for continuing the pipeline protests this summer against Enbridge's development in the MN watershed. One thing people could do is email or write to the Environmental Quality Board to express opinions on the violations of Native Treaty Rights, destruction of wild rice beds, and lack of consultation with the Tribal Governments on their proposals. The email address is: pipeline.EQB@state.mn.usar; the snail mail address is: Environmental Quality Board, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, 55155. Maybe you could do both! We will be sharing information as it becomes available, and will be helping Honor the Earth in whatever way seem feasible.
Our new website on Goodbye Columbus Minnesota is coming right along. Text is nearly ready, just some more technical work needs to be completed. As you may be aware, the House still has the current bill in committee, after passage by the Senate, to consider naming the second Monday in October as American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day. If one looks at the number of bills up for consideration, this is one of many; hopefully we can bring together enough strength to encourage passage this term. If it is not acted on, it will need to be reintroduced at the second session of the biennium, is my understanding, and if not acted on then, would need to be started at the beginning of the legislative process.
Upcoming is planning for a Webinar to discuss the Columbus Day issue, sometime over the summer, and we hope to engage other denominations with similar goals in participation.
Stay tuned!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung News Director NUUF 218-587-2543
Respic
Friday, March 27, 2015
Post 65
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship March 27, 2015 Brainerd/Pine River
Greetings! a quick note today. After some more research, we find that the Senate passed the bill to establish "American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day" as an addition to the current laws on holidays. It would not replace Columbus Day, but would be celebrated on the second Monday of October. If you go to the MN Senate and look up Bill 1703, there is an audio clip of the hearing on March 20. Testifying were: Dr. Ellen Kennedy, executive director of WorldWithoutGenocide and on the staff at William Mitchell College of Law; Anna Marie Hill, director of MN Indian Affairs Council; Mr. Means, a citizen of Lakota/Dakota descent;
Jay Bad Heart Bull, director of the Native American Community Development Institute. The hearing is 1:57:34; go ahead to 1:45:50 for the start of the testimony on the holiday.
Now on to the House, which is predominantly Republican, and may not be as easy sailing.
Our website is being worked on continuously, and should be available mid-April. Will keep you posted on progress.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, news director NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! a quick note today. After some more research, we find that the Senate passed the bill to establish "American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day" as an addition to the current laws on holidays. It would not replace Columbus Day, but would be celebrated on the second Monday of October. If you go to the MN Senate and look up Bill 1703, there is an audio clip of the hearing on March 20. Testifying were: Dr. Ellen Kennedy, executive director of WorldWithoutGenocide and on the staff at William Mitchell College of Law; Anna Marie Hill, director of MN Indian Affairs Council; Mr. Means, a citizen of Lakota/Dakota descent;
Jay Bad Heart Bull, director of the Native American Community Development Institute. The hearing is 1:57:34; go ahead to 1:45:50 for the start of the testimony on the holiday.
Now on to the House, which is predominantly Republican, and may not be as easy sailing.
Our website is being worked on continuously, and should be available mid-April. Will keep you posted on progress.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, news director NUUF 218-587-2543
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Post 64
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship March 25, 2015
Breaking news! today we received a response to an email to Representative John Persell (D-Bemidji) to inquire about progress on Goodbye Columbus, which he had offered to bring to the attention of the Tribal Governments. What has happened is that on March 16, a bill was introduced in the House to recognize American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October. If you go to bills in the House, you will find the wording and the names of the sponsoring Representatives. They are not familiar to me, but of course are well known in their districts. This is real progress. We are planning to open our online campaign mid-April, with a website devoted to the change, nonpartisan, non-denominational. That is still going forward, and now we will be tracking this bill as it goes through the procedures in the House, then Senate. This is a happy day!
Last Sunday we had a wonderful presentation at NUUF by Gary Dietrich, live coach from Bemidji. He shared some of the practices and traditions of native people that he works with, not surprisingly strongly affiniated with our UU principles. His is director of northwaygroup.com. More on this in the April NUUF newsletter....
Next up will be a celebration of Earth Day, April 12, and the Flower Service April 26.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung news director, 218-587-2543
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Post 63
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River 3/11/15
A quick note today....Melissa and I have been working on a webpage for google facebook and twitter, re: Goodbye Columbus Minnesota, over the past few weeks, and hope to be up and running in April. This is an outreach effort to gain support for a change in October from CD to Indigenous Peoples Day, in accordance with UUAs repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery and our own stated goals of combating racism here in MN. The webpage will be non-denominational and non-partisan, open to all who share the idea of showing respect for native culture, values, and contributions to society. We will let everyone know when up, and will welcome suggestions and ideas, leads, contacts, and any other ways to help.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director NUUF
218-587-2543
A quick note today....Melissa and I have been working on a webpage for google facebook and twitter, re: Goodbye Columbus Minnesota, over the past few weeks, and hope to be up and running in April. This is an outreach effort to gain support for a change in October from CD to Indigenous Peoples Day, in accordance with UUAs repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery and our own stated goals of combating racism here in MN. The webpage will be non-denominational and non-partisan, open to all who share the idea of showing respect for native culture, values, and contributions to society. We will let everyone know when up, and will welcome suggestions and ideas, leads, contacts, and any other ways to help.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director NUUF
218-587-2543
Friday, February 20, 2015
Post 62
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN 2/20/15
Greetings UU friends: this is a short update on items going on. We have not yet received notes from the last Truth and Reconciliation meeting at BSU, but will post as soon as received. That was held Jan. 28. We were advised that the director of the American Indian Center, Dr. Anton Treuer is resigning, to return to teaching, but he will still be invovled in T&R.
We were advised that the Grand Rapids city council adopted a resolution on renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day, December 15th, 2014.
Good work, and congratulations! one more notch in the belt for MN.
Speaking of which, there are several things to mention in this respect. Our request to MUUSJA (Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance) in Minneapolis for assistance with Goodbye Columbus resulted in several offers to use their platforms to disseminate information to UUs across the state, including a webinar and access to newsletters, etc. If the webinar is set up, it would be for mid to late summer, and invitations will be sent to Dr. Treuer, Jay Bad Heart Bull, and other native persons to participate on a panel at that event. Becky LaPlant, Grand Rapids Human Rights Commission, has already agreed to be a panelist, one of the authors of the above resolution.
To sort out strategy and actions, and do some more planning, Melissa and I met today to start setting up a FaceBook page just for Goodbye Columbus information, to be open to general supporters in the community, not just UUs. We are going to call it "Goodbye Columbus MN" (no surprise there!), write a mission statement, and add events and information as it comes up. For instance, we sent exploratory letters to the DFL delegation at the Legislature, asking if they or colleagues would introduce a bill to make the holiday change. Too early for responses at this writing. The page will contain updates as they occur.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director NUUF 218-587-2543
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Post 61
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship February 8, 2015
Greetings UU friends: Your editor has returned from a monthlong vacation and therefore was offline during January. I promised to follow up with information on the Truth and Reconciliation meeting held on January 28, and will do so as soon as the official notes come out. As mentioned in the Newsletter for this month, one of our members did attend, and made comments on the number of participants, exceeding that of the original meeting, and the establishments of groups to study various aspects of problems between the native and white cultures in the local area. Barbara said she was intending to attend the group on education. I am guessing there will be others on relations with law enforcement, health, economics.
Today our service was conducted by Melissa Birch, and, from the UUA Tapestry of Faith, talked about the Eight Spheres of Spiritual Growth, in which the practices are personal, communal, spiritual, mind, body, soul, life, and justice. We were invited to write out our thoughts on each of these realms, and combine them to make a coherent guide. Melissa will be publishing results on the website. One of the songs played today is called "Mango Thoughts in a Meatloaf Town," on a CD by Meg Barnhouse, member of the Underwood UU Church, whom we have met, and a very talented musician.
Best wishes go out to David Edgerton, just home from a bout with septic pneumonia, with hope for a steady recovery.
Our next meeting will center on the book, "The New Jim Crow". And I am getting "Brain Pickings" online, a site promoting books in philosophy, history and more, that would be of interest to most UUs if I am not mistaken. At least, go and have a look!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, news director NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings UU friends: Your editor has returned from a monthlong vacation and therefore was offline during January. I promised to follow up with information on the Truth and Reconciliation meeting held on January 28, and will do so as soon as the official notes come out. As mentioned in the Newsletter for this month, one of our members did attend, and made comments on the number of participants, exceeding that of the original meeting, and the establishments of groups to study various aspects of problems between the native and white cultures in the local area. Barbara said she was intending to attend the group on education. I am guessing there will be others on relations with law enforcement, health, economics.
Today our service was conducted by Melissa Birch, and, from the UUA Tapestry of Faith, talked about the Eight Spheres of Spiritual Growth, in which the practices are personal, communal, spiritual, mind, body, soul, life, and justice. We were invited to write out our thoughts on each of these realms, and combine them to make a coherent guide. Melissa will be publishing results on the website. One of the songs played today is called "Mango Thoughts in a Meatloaf Town," on a CD by Meg Barnhouse, member of the Underwood UU Church, whom we have met, and a very talented musician.
Best wishes go out to David Edgerton, just home from a bout with septic pneumonia, with hope for a steady recovery.
Our next meeting will center on the book, "The New Jim Crow". And I am getting "Brain Pickings" online, a site promoting books in philosophy, history and more, that would be of interest to most UUs if I am not mistaken. At least, go and have a look!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, news director NUUF 218-587-2543
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