A benefit event for Dine (Navajo) indigenous resistance communities at Big Mountain/ Black Mesa, AZ who are in their third decade of resisting the expansion of coal strip mining operations and forced relocation from their traditional homeland by the US government.

Feature: Ariel Luckey presents FREE LAND
“FREE LAND” is a hip hop/ theater/ dance solo show; a compelling story of personal and political transformation that challenges us to take an unflinching look at the truth buried in the land beneath our feet.
More about FREE LAND: freelandproject.org

Speaker: Ann Marie Sayers
An outspoken Ohlone woman who has succeeded in obtaining title from the federal government for the land of her ancestors, at a place called Indian Canyon. The Ohlone are the original people of the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas.

Short film / slideshow
A brief slideshow presentation about relocation and coal mining at Black Mesa, with pictures and maps, followed by the screening of a 15-minute documentary.

This benefit is part of the 2010 Fall Caravan of Support
On November 20th, work crews from Santa Cruz and all across the country will converge in support of the indigenous resistance communities of Black Mesa / Big Mountain. Our work will include chopping firewood, sheepherding, and repairing structures for the icy winter months. Donations of tools, food, funds and other supplies (see below) are requested. Any items you wish to donate may be brought to this event. (See the needs list, below.)

Admission: $5-10 suggested donation. Snacks, baked treats, and drinks will be available.

Background:
Since 1974, federal relocation policy has forced 14,000 Diné (Navajo) people from their ancestral homeland in Arizona. This genocidal policy was designed by government agents and energy company representatives in order to gain access to the mineral resources of Black Mesa - billions of tons of coal, uranium, and natural gas. For over 30 years, traditional Diné at Black Mesa have lived in resistance, steadfastly refusing to relocate as strip-mines rip apart their sacred lands and generating plants poison the desert air.

"We are resisting relocation and the coal mining not only for ourselves but for the whole world. Black Mesa must not be desecrated because of its sacredness --it provides life to all living things including all the human races."

For more information:
Black Mesa Support, Santa Cruz
sheepandsagebrush [-at-] riseup.net
831-708-8199
http://blackmesais.org