Copyright © 1998 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
U.S. GOVERNMENT and NATIVE AMERICAN
From: Dr. Don Drennon-Gala
Copyright © 1998 Drennon-Gala
Theme of the Event:This is a magnificent moment worth celebrating when members of the Federal government and the sovereign Nations of Native American People join to remedy problems created 160 years ago from policies that had unjustly harmed indigenous people. The act of solidarity describes the posture of the representatives gathered for this historical event and sets the theme for the 21st Century.
Background:
It has not been since the removal of the Cherokee People in 1838 (160 years ago) that the Creek and Cherokee People (Trails of Tears) have been represented in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When the Native Americans were removed they did not take everything with them. They left behind a legacy of rich culture and religious sites (burial grounds). One of the more significant sites includes Moccasin Bend at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Archaeological scholars are in consensus and have identified this particular site as Muscogee (Creek). The site includes a village and more than 900 burials.
Throughout the years, these cultural sites have been threatened by pot hunters, relic collectors, and more recently, real estate developers. Now, with the threat of future development at Moccasin Bend, the Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park [a 501(c)(3) Tennessee Corporation] (referred to as the "Friends") have spear headed a proposal for the preservation of Moccasin Bend to become part of the National Park Service. The Friends consist of prominent community leaders who are concerned with the preservation of Moccasin Bend. Another group instrumental in the preservation efforts include the Chattanooga InterTribal Association (CITA), a Native American nonprofit 501(c)(4) Tennessee Corporation, that established the only law enforcement Native American Reserve Force (NARF) in the Nation nearly five years ago, that is a unit of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department in Chattanooga, Tennessee. CITA members consist of Native Americans and non-Native Americans who support Native American initiatives. Both organizations are concerned for the preservation of Moccasin Bend, because of the spiritual significance to Native Americans, and the rich cultural history that would be lost forever if real estate development were allowed at this site.
Several public meetings have been held with the National Park Service and the Friends. The National Park Service will be holding Planning Sessions at the Marriott Convention and Trade Center on April 20 and 21, 1998. The Friends have planned a few events as a prelude to the National Park Service's planning sessions.
Representatives of the sovereign Native American Nations of the Creek and Cherokee People, individuals appearing on behalf of U.S. Senators Fred Thompson and Dr. Bill Frist, and U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp have stated that they support Moccasin Bend becoming part of the National Park Service, with the legal protection afforded to our National Parks. Park status for the Bend would make it a Federal crime as a felony, instead of a State crime as a misdemeanor, for those who take artifacts from Native American graves. This is the type of protection that Moccasin Bend needs in the future.
The Friends have planned a social event for the 19th of April 1998, and a historical event for April 20, 1998, in addition to meetings prior to each National Park Service (NPS) planning session. The Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park will host the duly designated representatives of the following Native American Nations and Tribal Towns that will be present during the events held on the 19th and 20th of April 1998 in Chattanooga, Tennessee:
* Creek Nation of Oklahoma (Confirmed)These Nations, Bands, and Tribal Towns represent nearly 600,000 of the 1.3 million Federally recognized Native Americans remaining in the United States. (Note: Even if the numbers are a bit off, the fact of the matter is that this is a significant event).
* Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (Creek) (Confirmed)
* Thlopthlocco Tribal Town (Creek) (Confirmed)
* Kialegee Tribal Town (Creek) (Confirmed)
* Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (Confirmed)
* Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (Confirmed)
* Poarch Band of Creek Indians (Confirmed)
* United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (Confirmed)
The Friends will pay for the transportation the designated representative from each Nation and Tribal Town. The Friends will also pay for two nights at the Marriott Convention and Trade Center/Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
April 20, 1998, MONDAY
* 8:00A.M. Press/Media - Breakfast (approx. 150 people). Marriott Trade and Convention Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Breakfast - compliments of the Friends). Vice President Al Gore has sent a communication that will be read at this event that supports the initiative to place Moccasin Bend under the protection of the National Park Service. (INVITATION ONLY)
SPECIAL GUESTS:
* Al Gore, Vice President of the United States of America (Invited)The media (CNN, Networks, etc.) and the Press (local news service and Atlanta news services) have been invited to record this historical event (handshaking, picture taking session, with a few remarks).
* Representatives of the sovereign Native American Nations of the Creek and Cherokee People. (Confirmed)
* The Honorable Dr. Bill Frist, U.S. Senator (Invited and waiting for confirmation)
* The Honorable Fred Thompson, U.S. Senator (Invited and waiting for confirmation)
* The Honorable Zach Wamp, U.S. Congressman (Tennessee 3rd District) (Confirmed)
* The Honorable Tom A. Coburn, U.S. Congressman (Oklahoma 2nd District) (Invited)
* The Honorable Don Sundquist, Governor of the State of Tennessee (Invited)
* The Honorable Claude Ramsey, Hamilton County Executive (Invited)
* The Honorable John Kinsey, Mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee (Confirmed)
* Pat Reed, Superintendent, National Park Service (Invited)
* Jay Mills, Vice President, Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park (Confirmed)
During the breakfast, traditional Native American gifts from the Friends, CITA, the Mayor, and County Executive will be presented to the Nations, Bands, and Tribal Towns.
* 5:40P.M. Meeting: Marriott Convention and Trade Center. TBA. (OPEN TO PUBLIC) Hors d'oeuvres Buffet. (Compliments of the Friends). Welcoming remarks: U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp (Confirmed) - Bob Herbst, Former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior (Invited)
* 6:30P.M. Meeting: Marriott Convention and Trade Center. National Parks Service, Planning Sessions. (OPEN TO PUBLIC)
April 21, 1998, TUESDAY
* 5:40P.M. Meeting: Marriott Convention and Trade Center. TBA. (OPEN TO PUBLIC) Hors d'oeuvres Buffet. (Compliments of the Friends).
* 6:30P.M. Meeting: Marriott Convention and Trade Center. National Parks Service, Summary Session. (OPEN TO PUBLIC)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dr. Don Drennon-Gala,
Council Member, (CITA) Chattanooga InterTribal
Association. Member, Board of Directors,
Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park.Phone Office: (423) 877-9400
FAX: (423) 877-9132
Email: ddgala@doctormail.com
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