LW2 Comes to Flagstaff! Schedule of Events!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11th, 2008

Contact: Klee Benally
LW2FLG@gmail.com

Native American Rights Walk Across America Comes to Northern Arizona

Longest Walk 2 Prayer Gatherings, Panel Discussion,
& Benefit Concert Planned

FLAGSTAFF, AZ -- During March 21st - 29th, more than 120 participants of the Longest Walk 2 will be walking through and resting in Flagstaff, Arizona. The Longest Walk 2 is a five-month journey on foot from San Francisco, CA to Washington, D.C. for the protection of Mother Earth & Native American rights. Flagstaff area groups have planned prayer gatherings, a panel discussion, and a benefit concert to support the Longest Walk 2. These events will help bring awareness and support to local issues.

"The Longest Walk 2 and its participants are calling attention to Sacred Sites - that is what has brought us to Arizona." Said Dennis Banks, co-founder American Indian Movement and Longest Walk 2 organizer. "Native Peoples' cultural identity lies rooted in the Sacred Sites of our communities. We stand in solidarity with the caretakers of this land, the Dine', the Hopi, the Havasupai, the Hualapai and other Indigenous nations, who fight to protect the Sacred Sites: The San Francisco Peaks, Big Mountain, Red Butte, Woodruff Butte, and Mt. Taylor."

The Longest Walk 2 will stop for a sunrise prayer on Friday, March 21st at the Holy San Francisco Peaks before proceeding to Flagstaff for a news conference and rally.

"The San Francisco Peaks are internationally recognized as a very significant sacred site." said Jeneda Benally, a Dine' (Navajo) volunteer with the Save the Peaks Coalition, "The Longest Walk 2 brings awareness to the threats of desecration of the Holy Peaks and other threatened sacred sites in America and to the fact that we have no guarantee for protection of our religious freedom in this country."

Arizona's San Francisco Peaks are a unique ecological island and are held holy by more than 13 Native American Nations.?The Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort, located on the holy Peaks, is attempting to expand its development, clear-cut acres of old growth trees, and make fake snow from treated sewage effluent, which has been proven to contain harmful contaminants.
A coalition of tribes and environmental groups have filed multiple lawsuits against the U.S. Forest Service, which leases the public land to the Snowbowl, to stop this proposed development. The legal battle has been viewed as a precedent setting case that will impact the future of Native American religious freedom.

"The Longest Walk 2 is our generations' opportunity to unite efforts in the movement to protect our Indigenous cultures." Said Tashina Banks Moore, National Coordinator for the Longest Walk 2. "Our parents and grandparents raised us with traditional beliefs and spiritual ways of life - it is our duty and our privilege to defend our cultural homelands, which are our connection to spirituality."

The Longest Walk 2 comprises two routes that will cover more than 8,000 miles in total through communities all across Turtle Island. The walkers rely on local communities' support for accommodations, supplies and monetary donations along the way. The walk will arrive in Washington, D.C. on July 11, 2008.

"Decision makers in Washington D.C. are planning ways to get onto our tribal lands to extract mineral resources, these unsustainable practices are contributing to climate change." Said Enei Begaye, Director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition. "The coal mining on Black Mesa that has been going on for over 30 years, and is still going on, has had detrimental impacts not only environmentally but culturally, socially, and economically. There are solutions; we can stop our need to depend on the mining of fossil fuels with clean sources of renewable energy. We are thankful that the walkers are carrying that message as well." Begaye said.

The Longest Walk 2 also marks the 30th anniversary of the original Longest Walk of 1978 that resulted in historic changes for Native Americans. During the 1978 Longest Walk, thousands converged on Washington, D.C. in an effort that defeated 11 pieces of legislation in Congress that would have abrogated Native American Treaties. As a result of the 1978 Walk, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978) was passed.

"We are renewing the sacred circle of life for all humanity," said Robert Tohe, a participant of the original 1978 Longest Walk and representative of the Sierra Club Environmental Justice Program. "The challenge to make a personal commitment may be offered for you to walk, if the opportunity arises to join the walk, seize it and participate. It's a life changing event, so bring extra pairs of shoes."

The Longest Walk 2 is an Indigenous Peoples walk and is open to people of all nations and cultures. Everyone is invited to join in and participate in the walk at any point in time on either route, for any length of the route.

For complete route itinerary and additional information, please visit: www.longestwalk.org.

Local groups supporting the Longest Walk 2 are: The Save the Peaks Coalition, Native Movement, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Indigenous Environmental Network, ECHOES, Sierra Club, Black Mesa Indigenous Support, Indigenous Action Media, 4th World Entertainment, Lovelution Industries & Youth of the Peaks.

Longest Walk 2 Flagstaff Area Schedule:

Friday, March 21st

5:30 a.m Sunrise Prayer in Honor & Protection of the Holy San Francisco Peaks
Join us in prayer and then join the Longest Walk 2 as it proceeds into Flagstaff.
Meet at Snowbowl lower parking lot. Dress warm! Limited parking, please carpool.
WHERE: Holy San Francisco Peaks, Southwestern Slopes at the end of Snowbowl Road off
of US-180.

9:00 a.m. Longest Walk 2 will proceed to Flagstaff. Highway 180/Ft. Valley Rd.

3:00 p.m. Rally & Press Conference
Longest Walk 2 will be entering Flagstaff. Join us in welcoming them!
WHERE: Flagstaff City Hall, Route 66 side.
WHO: Longest Walk 2 representatives, Save the Peaks Coalition, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Native Movement

7:00 p.m. Dinner Reception/Welcoming for the Longest Walk 2
WHERE: W. F. Killip Elementary School - 2300 E. 6th Avenue Flagstaff, AZ


Wednesday, March 26th

7:00 p.m. "All Life is Sacred" Panel Discussion
Come learn more about environmental protection, the 1978 and current Longest Walk,
and sacred sites issues. Event is *FREE* but donations for the Longest Walk 2
greatly appreciated!
WHERE: Cline Auditorium, Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ
WHO: Dennis Banks, Coordinator for the Longest Walk 2, Representatives of the Save the Peaks Coalition, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Native Movement, and more.

Thursday, March 27th

5:00 p.m. Longest Walk 2 & Save the Peaks Benefit Concert
Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $7 for 14 years & under, 5 years & under free
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, 15 W. Aspen St. Flagstaff, Arizona
WHO: Keith Secola, Blackfire, Radmilla Cody, Yaiva, Mokshya, Summit Dub Squad, Burning the Bridge, Synergy & Guest Speakers.

Friday, March 28th

11:00 a.m. Longest Walk 2 Prayer Gathering
Prayers for environmental protection and human rights will be offered and opportunity will be available
for individuals to speak to issues impacting their communities.
Longest Walk II representatives will listen to community concerns to prepare a document to be presented to U.S. officials in Washington D.C.
WHERE: Star School, 145 Leupp Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Please contact Longest Walk 2 Flagstaff Support at (928) 527-1431 or LW2FLG@gmail.com to register to present at the gathering. On site registration will be available as well.
Organizations are encouraged to send delegates to present.

Lunch & dinner will be provided. Kitchen volunteers and food donations are needed. Please contact LW2FLG@gmail.com.


Saturday, March 29th
7:00 a.m. Depart from Star School

SAVE THE PEAKS CALL FOR SUPPORT! - Legal Battle to Protect Sacred Site Comes to Pasadena, CA

The San Francisco Peaks are a unique mountain ecosystem which are managed as public lands in Northern Arizona.
The Peaks are held Holy by more than 13 Indigenous Nations. A small ski area is threatening expansion and attempting to make fake snow from treated sewage effluent filled with harmful contaminants.
A coalition of tribes and environmental groups have unified to prevent the environmental destruction, community health hazards and extreme desecration that would be caused by the proposed development.
Although the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the ski area plan, the case will be reheard in Pasadena on December 11th, 2007.

Along with the events planned below, the Save the Peaks Coalition is calling for prayers to be made on Dec. 11th to support the protection of all threatened sacred places.

If you, your group or organization would like to sign on as a supporter of our efforts, please send us an email indicating your support to coalition@savethepeaks.org.
We will publish your organization/group/individual name on our website and possibly on our outreach material as well, with your permission of course.

The Save the Peaks Coalition is also planning a caravan from Northern Arizona to Pasadena, CA to support the efforts to protect the Holy Peaks. If you would like to go on the caravan please contact us by December 5th. Please call or e-mail J Benally at (928) 527-1431 or coalition@savethepeaks.org to reserve your space or for more information.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
www.savethepeaks.org

SAVE THE PEAKS!

Flagstaff, AZ Events

Wednesday, December 5th
Save the Peaks Banner Making Party!
Where: Taala Hooghan Infoshop & Youth Media Arts Center
1926 N. 4th St. 7B, Flagstaff, AZ
When: 5:30pm

Tuesday, December 11th
Save the Peaks Vigil for Justice!
Where: Heritage Square, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ 
When: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

LA/Pasadena, CA Events

Sunday, December 2nd
Screenings of the "The Snowbowl Effect", a documentary about the struggle to protect the sacred San Francisco Peaks. Discussion with Save the Peaks Coalition representative and Q&A with the director of the film.

"Save the Peaks Solidarity" at the South Central Farmers' Tianguis
Where: South Central Farmers' Community Center
1702 E. 41st St., Los Angeles 90058
(between Long Beach Ave and Alameda Ave.)
Tel. 1-888-scfarm-1
southcentralfarmers.com
When: Sunday, December 2nd
w/ screenings and discussion at:
11:30am -- 1pm -- 2:30pm -- 4pm

"Environmental Justice and Protecting Sacred Lands"
Documentary screening and discussion on building a stronger Indigenous Movement and Environmental Justice Alliance.
Where: First Street Studios
2026 E. 1st Street Los Angeles, CA. 90033 (Boyle Heights)
Tel. 323-268-0005
www.firststreetstudios.com
When: Sunday, December 2nd at 6:00pm

Saturday, December 8th
Panel Discussion & Awareness Concert!
"Defending the Land: Indigenous Cultural Survival, Environmental Justice & Protecting Sacred Places"
Panel Discussion from 6:00pm - 8:00pm with representatives from Environmental groups, Grassroots organizations, and Indigenous communities struggling to protect sacred places. 
Protect Sacred Sites! Awareness Concert starting at 8:00pm (Bands TBA)
Where: Self Help Graphics & Art
3802 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90063
Tel. 323-881-6444

Monday, December 10th
Welcoming ceremony for Save the Peaks caravan from Northern Arizona, dinner and speakers.
When: 6:30pm
Where: The All Saints Church
132 North Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

Tuesday, December 11th - Save the Peaks Court Date
The case will be heard at the Pasadena Court of Appeals at 3:00pm. The court is located at 125 South Grand Avenue, Pasadena, CA. Parking is limited in the area so please carpool and use public transportation.

Noon - 1:30pm
March for Sacred Sites & Human Rights!
Meet at All Saints Church for lunch and march to the Appeals Court.

1:40pm - 3:00pm
Prayer Vigil, Ceremony & Rally outside the Courthouse.
Vigil to continue outside for folks who do not wish to enter the courthouse.

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Actual court proceedings. Folks will be able to go inside the courthouse to view the court proceedings and show support.

5:00pm - 5:30pm
Press Conference outside of courthouse.

Please visit www.savethepeaks.org for more information.

Wednesday, October 17th 2007

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Klee Benally
Save the Peaks Coalition
coalition@savethepeaks.org

Ninth Circuit Court Allows Review In Legal Case of Recycled
Sewage On Sacred Mountain

Flagstaff, AZ -- The 9th Circuit Court has granted the U.S. Forest Service and an Arizona ski resort the opportunity for review of the court's decision on March 12th, 2007 that had provided protection for a mountain held holy by more than 13 Native American Nations. The slopes of the San Francisco Peaks, located in Northern Arizona, have been at the center of a historical and lengthy battle that has pitted economic interests on public lands against environmental integrity, public health and cultural survival. A small local ski resort proposed a plan to expand and use treated waste effluent to make fake snow. However, their development has been halted due to the Ninth Circuit Court ruling, which has been hailed as a victory for Religious Freedom, Environmental Justice & Cultural Survival.

"The decision of the Ninth Circuit to rehear this case is regrettable. It means that the Court will reconsider the case - not that it has reversed any decision at this point. It is, however, even more regrettable that our federal government seems to place the profitability of a privately owned, non-destination ski area, that operates on federal land, over the deeply held religious and cultural convictions of hundreds of thousands of Native Americans living in the southwestern United States." said Howard Shanker, of the Shanker Law Firm, PLC, representing the Navajo Nation, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Yavapai-Apache Tribe, the Havasupai Tribe, Rex Tilousi, Dianna Uqualla, the Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Flagstaff Activist Network.
Shanker, who is running for Congress in Arizona Congressional District 1, further provided that, "this situation is indicative of the fact that we need better laws and lawmakers who are willing to stand up and be counted in the face of this type of injustice. The continued pursuit of the use of reclaimed waste water to make snow on the San Francisco Peaks should be an affront to all people of conscience everywhere."

"We are confident that a hearing en banc by the 9th Circuit Court will only make the current ruling stronger." Rudy Preston of the Flagstaff Activist Network.

"Why in 2007 do we as America's first people have no guarantee for protection of our religious freedom?" said Jeneda Benally a volunteer with the Save the Peaks Coalition. "The case to protect the sacred San Francisco Peaks demonstrates the need for further protection of Native American religious freedom and rights in this country. We will continue our dedication to save the Peaks until we have our human rights fully upheld."

For more information visit: www.savethepeaks.org





www.indigenousaction.org - Independent Indigenous Media

We just added "NDN Alien" from our new double-disk album "[Silence] is a Weapon".

Indian Alien was originally written by Native American folk singer/songwriter Peter LaFarge (Ballad of Ira Hayes etc.).
Peter passed on in obscurity even though he influenced folks like Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash. Read more about him here: www.peterlafarge.com

We took Peter's words and changed them a bit and wrote our own music to them, the song was originally only one-minute long with no chorus.
We really feel like the words are very important today; with ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples especially with the anti-immigrant movement.

Check it out and leave a comment to let us know what ya think!

Respect.

Klee

Check it out:

www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily

Navajo Hopi Observer

5/15/2007 8:39:00 PM 
"Silence is a Weapon" - CD Review

S.J. Wilson
The Observer


Silence is a Weapon-this powerful CD serves as a complex portrait of the public and private lives of Jeneda, Klee and Clayson Benally, who together, form the band Blackfire. Anyone privileged to know this trio personally know how carefully these young people nurture not only their music, but their Navajo culture. They are far more than just Navajo musicians-they are warriors for environmental justice, teachers of children, mother, husband, and the children of a medicine man. Each is a force within him or herself, living lives so full there is very little time for personal relaxation.

Those who know them only as musicians cannot ignore their intensity-that same intensity burns hot in their new CD.

Even the packaging and disc art of "Silence is a Weapon" serves as a herald of things that are and that could be.

Those possibilities are not pretty, but balanced in the Beauty Way of the Navajo people. There is hope. Images of the band members in traditional Navajo clothing as well as in what one might call activist couture screams the duality that Native American youth face every day of their lives. There are images of megaphones, feathers, drums, corn and utility poles, desert scenes of hogans, warriors riding by buildings and automobiles seemingly destroyed by nuclear war-the colors are radioactive hot, images viewed through what might be clouds of nuclear flash.

"NDN Alien" (words by Peter La Farge) describes the state of Indian youth today.

"I'm an Indian, I'm an alien, I'm a stranger in this town. All the White men's roads lead upward, all ours lead us down..."

Klee's deep, resonant voice leaves no doubt as to the anger and hopelessness many Native American people face, however there is powerful hope there as well.

"For the red man and the black man, the yellow, white and brown, we walk this road together and this road is freedom bound."

Blackfire challenges us not only to end the war in Iraq, but all wars. "We just treat the symptoms, but what about the source?"

"Overwhelming" can only describe the condition facing the Earth Mother-and the anger from deception. "It's getting hotter, harder to breathe, why should I calm down? I know I've been deceived."

Another song, "The Possibilities," asks, "How did we let it get this far."

The disc can only be described as angry and demanding-not unlike other forms of music such as rap-but there is no casual reference to killing, no disrespect of women, no foul language or description of raw sex. "Silence is a Weapon" is far more primal, concerned with the very basic truth that without a healthy environment, there is no life.

And finally, in addition to a veneer painted by their hard work on sacred site and environmental issues, Blackfire has produced some very good rock music. That fact should not be ignored.

But the other side of the coin-the second disc-is made up of the traditional teachings and songs that can only be described as beauty. Many of the songs that make up the traditional disc were carried down from the Benally's great, great, great grandfather, who trained warriors.

These are not actual ceremonial songs as those are not to be used for public entertainment. Some are old social songs, for hoop and circle dances, others are riding songs, sung by the People as they traveled the vast landscapes on horseback.

There are intertribal songs, learned at gatherings and passed on through powwow. Also included is the American Indian Movement Song, described as a song of struggle, celebration and honoring.

Indeed, silence is a weapon. Any person or group that has been ignored-their concerns unanswered by those of higher authority, whose safety and well-being lie in the hands of government, corporation or even family-can attest to the truth in these four words.

They speak volumes to anyone who has ever had to hold an ugly little family secret, or whose parent refuses to speak up in his or her defense. In the case of injustice, whether that be murders on reservation lands where mothers, fathers, husband, wives and children see the loss of their loved ones without justice, or environmental and cultural genocide where those cloaked in the robes of trust responsibility watch silently as people die one by one, silence is as dangerous as any murder weapon. The concept of silence as a deadly force is understood only by those who have been victims.

Back to the strange duality of these times-music is also a weapon, and wielded by the band Blackfire, it is a weapon demanding respect, environmental and cultural justice and the right to raise ones children and grandchildren in a healthy, sustainable world.

Silence is a Weapon is available at Cool Runnings in Window Rock, Winter Sun and Hastings in Flagstaff and on the internet at www.blackfire.net and on iTunes.

*Note - This article mentions a "Navajo" political prisoner, its actually a Leonard Peltier poem that the title is based from. He is from the Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota Nations. ww.leonardpeltier.net

www.flaglive.com
Combat Rock
Blackfire's global activism, new album and endless inspiration
By Michelle Talsma
Published on 05/31/2007

It's a cold Saturday on the first weekend in May and the sky is sputtering that classic mix of snow and rain. People from all walks of life dot Wheeler Park as the three bandmates set up the stage. Unlike previous concerts, police or City Hall officials cannot unplug their equipment because it's running on batteries—just one of the band's many efforts to a more energy efficient show.
     As they set up and greet their audience, the dedicated crowd decked out in their winter coats gathers in front of the tent they're playing under and prepare to listen. The band begins playing and the lead singer belts out song after song in a deep voice while the others join in on bass and drums. Their lyrics call for social justice as their beats call for the crowd to take action. Their audience is amazingly diverse—a girl in the front of the crowd jams out on her wheelchair while dedicated fans that come to every performance sing along to the lyrics. This is their last concert in Flagstaff for a few months because they're embarking on their world tour. But, they need not to worry, because their fans will be here when they get back—as they have been since 1989. Meet Blackfire.
     Klee, Clayson and Jeneda Benally, all siblings, have been playing music since their instruments were bigger than they were. Hailing from Black Mesa on the Navajo Reservation, they grew up surrounded by social and environmental injustice. From facing forest relocation to corrupt tribal government, they were raised in protests. With a mother who was a folk singer and a father who was a traditional medicine man and raised them on traditional Native songs, music became their salvation.
     "When you grow up and see injustice happening to the people and land you love, you can't help but get angry," says Klee. "Music was a way for us to channel that frustration.
For us it was more positive to transform our anger into positive energy and use music as a platform for our issues."
     Through their music, which the late Ramones frontman Joey Ramone called "fireball punk rock," Blackfire combats injustice of all forms.
     "Our goal is to address our issues, both environmental and social—they're all connected," Klee says. "We fight for indigenous communities, sacred sights, and the cultural and religious issues that are associated with the roots of our lives."
     From performing with Joey Ramone in New York City neighborhood club to a stage half way across the world where audience members have to travel by camel to reach, Blackfire has played shows across the gamete and across the world. Over the years they've received Native American Music Awards, recognition at the Grammys, have been on world tours and even performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Yet, all of their success is merely icing on top of the cake compared to being able to have their voices heard.
     "We're not MTV or egocentric," Clayson says. "That's not why we do this."
     "Our music will mean something if we have healthy communities," Klee adds. "If we contribute in some way by utilizing our platform and helping to maintain our culture—then our music will have longevity and meaning."
     Their latest release, (Silence) Is a Weapon, embodies all Blackfire believes in. It is a double disc set, with one disc comprised of their modern tracks, while the other carries traditional Navajo songs. Yet, the two styles are not totally separated—many of the traditional elements blend effortlessly into the modern tracks.
     "There is no separation between the generations," Clayson says. "Folk music simply means telling a story with a message, and that's what we do with all of our music. We were segregated from childhood, told that the Western culture and our Native culture were totally separate. But, we can make them work together by listening and learning from our elders."
     "There's no distinction between the traditional and modern," Jeneda adds. "The traditional music and culture is our foundation—we then use our instruments as tools to show the community what is happening in the world, address the issue, and inspire change."
     The album title (Silence) Is a Weapon is based on a poem by a Navajo political prisoner that hit home with the band because it showed how dissent can be criminalized.
     "Silence can be a weapon when you don't say anything when you see injustice happening," Klee says.
     The album's title track embodies Blackfire's message of taking a stance against injustice. "Silence is a weapon/violence is the message/take the time to listen!" the group cries out to their audience. The songs are made even more urgent because the laughing, doting, loving siblings turn into a force to be reckoned with once on stage. Their passion is obvious through their vocals along with the mix of both traditional and modern drums, deep bass, and a bullhorn that is regularly put to use. Their shows are like none other.
     "Our shows have a lot of energy and are very confrontational," Klee says. "Our style chose us—it's meaningful and has a spark. Our shows always have a concept; they're based on action, interaction and, like our recordings, call for positive change."
     Recently, the band has been very vocal and politically active in regards to the issue of snowmaking on the San Francisco Peaks and dedicated a song on their album to the issue. Titled "The Peaks Song," Blackfire asks the simple, yet poignant question of, "How can we have justice on stolen land?" And, in true Blackfire style, not only do they sing about the issue, but they could be seen protesting along side their fans. Even now after their side won the issue, they still stress its completion at concerts and events.
     "The San Francisco Peaks issue was very unveiling—Flagstaff still deals with a lot of prejudice and those who are not impacted by it don't believe it exists," Jeneda says. "We're supposedly 'opponents,' yet we're just people who care about healthy, respectable and diverse communities."
     In addition to their political activism and unique sound, another thing that makes Blackfire a fan favorite is their independence. Each album is completely independent and they have a hand in the entire creative process. From the song compositions, to the artwork, to the recyclable cover, the members of Blackfire do it all on their own terms.
     As the band moves forward this summer on their 15-country world tour, they will be taking their message with them to diverse communities across the globe.
     "We often play for a lot of indigenous communities," Clayson says. "We network and see how a lot of the same situations are carried on all over the world."
     But, despite their success locally and abroad, their music keeps to the same goal of impacting the future.
     "Now that I'm a parent, there's an urgency to want my daughter to inherit a clean, healthy planet," Jeneda says. "I hope she won't have to work as hard for social and environmental justice."
     "We really want to be able to write happy love songs," Klee added. "But how can we when there's so much injustice? Hopefully she [Jeneda's daughter] won't have to write politically charged songs like we do. We don't want the next generations to have to experience this nightmare, so we have to wake up."
     For more information on Blackfire and to check out their new CD (Silence) is a Weapon, visit their Web site at www.blackfire.net.

Kicking off the tour in Pinon on Black Mesa...