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RE: 32nd American Indian Movement
Anniversary Conference
July 11-13, 2000 on the
Lac Courte Oreilles
Reservation, Wisconsin
AIM Conference 2000

June 10, 2000

Dear Relatives and Friends,

As the new Millennium begins, so will the American Indian Movement (AIM).
On July 11-13, 2000 at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Tribal Powwow Grounds, the American Indian Movement will conduct its annual Grand Governing Council meeting and celebrating the 32nd Anniversary of the American Indian Movement. Are you concerned about: waste of gaming revenues, enrollment abuses, neglect of members by tribal councils, ravages of youth existence, and old and irrelevant tribal constitutions?

You are cordially invited to attend and participate in serious dissertation regarding the welfare of our youth, preservation of ancient customs, artifacts, and cultural values, addressing tribal government shortcomings regarding tribal membership, seeking justice for Ingrid Washinawatok, political prisoner, Leonard Peltier, Public Law 280, utilization of casino profits, and tribal constitutional reform. We will produce a document challenging US, State, and Tribal Governments to begin a positive movement to correct these serious issues within a reasonable period of time. This document will be a Manifesto produced by concerned Native Americans and friends in the broader community.

Enclosed is an early program, which contains telephone numbers for area lodging. Camping space is available at the powwow grounds for camping at the conference site.

Migwetch / Thank you,

Eugene Begay, Sr., Chairperson, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter, American Indian Movement

Susan LaMorie Aasen, Secretary, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter, American Indian Movement and Legal Advisor

Clyde Bellecourt, Co-Founder and National Director, American Indian Movement

Vernon Bellecourt, National Representative, American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council; President, National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media

Dennis Banks, National Field Director, American Indian Movement


RE: 32nd Anniversary Conference of
the American Indian Movement
July 11-13, 2000 on the
Reservation of the
Lac Courte Oreilles
Ojibwa Nation in
northern Wisconsin
AIM Conference 2000

June 10, 2000

Dear Supporters and Native American Concerns:

The American Indian Movement is pleased to announce the convening of its
32nd Anniversary gathering at the Lac Courte Oreilles tradtional powwow grounds near Hayward, Wisconsin. This conference is being hosted by the Lac Courte Oreilles AIM Chapter, and the AIM administrative offices in Minneapolis. Please find enclosed an informatinal flyer which highlights some critically important topics to be addressed at the conference. We would be very honored by your financial support and attendance at this historic event takingpalce on the beautiful homelands of the LacCourte Oreilles Ojibwa people.

As you are aware, the conditions of our Native American people have not improved very much over the past 30 years. Today, with the influx of casino gaming revenues, most Indian tribal leaders neglect the basic personal, cultural, land, and environmental needs of tribal people and communities. In fact, the private wealth and political strength of many tribal leaders are perpetrated through violations of Tribal Constitutions and illegal adoptions of non-Indians as tribal members. Tribal people who are legally entitled to membership are excluded and disenfranchised from their own Indian community. However, when such abuses are brought to light, the tribal councils further this abuse by asserting tribal sovereign immunity. Tribal leaders and tribes who may not be of this course should attend to exemplify leadership and communications with their members.

Additionally, tribes are now faced with political-legal extinction by the onslaught of non-Indians claiming membership through lineal descent. One needs merely to possess a minute drop of Indian blood to be defined as a tribal member through lineal descent. There will be a day in the very near future when tribes may no longer base their legal tribalism on realistic Indian identity and cultural distinction. One related critical concern is the mass of young people who are left without tribal support in culture, family and community guidance, and encouragement to preserve the legacy of their Indian nations. Instead, our Indian youth are heavily involved in gang violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and they comprise an alarming high population in county jails, state prisons, and federal penal institutions.

These same conditions of extreme poverty, political abuses by tribal leaders, and secret waste of tribal funds resulted in a Trail of Broken Treaties Twenty Point Manifesto drafted in 1972 by the American Indian Movement. While many solutions offered in the Manifesto have been implemented in Indian Country, we have not gained any ground to ensure the cultural and political survival of indigenous people's way of life. Henceforth, a Manifesto for the new Millennium addressing these conditions and solutions will be drafted at the 32nd American Indian Movement Anniversary Conference. Your input in forming this historical document will be greatly appreciated. The timing of this document comes at a critical period in history as we are needed to provide the vision and conscience for the well-being of future generations.

Please find enclosed a budget containing the costs necessary to conduct this conference. We are soliciting contributions from substantial individuals, tribal casinos, and business enterprises. We are requesting any amount of donation from individuals, and increments of $500.00 up $5,000.00 from casinos and businesses. Donations are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to the

Winter Dam Committee-LCO AIM Chapter
c/o Jim White, Treasurer
7090N County Road NN
Hayward WI 54853.

Questions can be directed to people identified on the attached flyer. Please consider supporting this critical event through your presence or financial support at your earliest convenience before the conference.

Migwetch / Thank you.

Eugene Begay, Sr., Chairperson, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter
American Indian Movement

Susan LaMorie Aasen, Secretary, Lac Courte Oreilles Chapter
American Indian Movement and Legal Advisor

Clyde Bellecourt, Co-Founder and National Director
American Indian Movement

Vernon Bellecourt, National Representative, American Indian Movement
Grand Governing Council; President, National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media

Dennis Banks, National Field Director, American Indian Movement


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