This was posted in Native Perspectives by Red Road Walker

Laws favoring land development over the protection of religious and ceremonial sites have limited the ability of Indian people to protect their dignity and cultural heritage. These irreplaceable places are essential to cultural traditions, and once they are gone, they are gone forever.

The Legislature has passed balanced and reasonable legislation, SB 1828, giving Native American sacred sites protection similar to that afforded environmental resources. The bill includes Native American sacred sites in the California Environmental Quality Act, and it restricts new mines on or near sacred sites in the California desert.

Governor Gray Davis is deciding now whether to sign SB 1828. He is hearing from many big business interests in opposition to the bill. At the same time, the state's newspapers are considering whether to support or oppose the bill in their editorial pages.

Letters to the editor are needed now. Your letter should be copied to Governor Gray Davis, Attn. Linda Adams, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Please write now. CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE LETTER




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