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

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