[UPDATE April 12, 2012: For a reason unknown to me, “This video has been removed by the user.” I’ve looked around on-line, but I’m unable to find the video through a different source. If anyone comes across the video, please let me know in the “Comments” section of this post]
Beyond the Mesas 
SB 2109
Former Navajo President Peter MCDonald, like former Hopi tribal chairmen, speaks clearly and in personal fashion. His comment that even if SP 2109 happened and a “promised” delivered water source, e.g. canal, was built to deliver water, that according to the way law is written, the flow of water would still be controlled by the federal government.
Also the Navajo leaders comment to encourage people to contact EASTERN REPRESENTATIVES in Congress on SP 2109 is important. Namely that western delegations in Congress have too much of their own historic interest in controlling the outcome from a non-tribal point of view. Or, as McDonald said in so many words they have taken the sheep, the land, and what would one expect about taking “water”.
Perter McDonald’s most salient comment about SB 2109 is – “The amount of money they are going to pay for life should not be a consideration.”
Phil, thanks again for taking the time to comment. The Navajo Post just published an article highlighting McDonald and this video. Here’s the link: http://thenavajopost.com/2012/04/19/the-rise-of-mcdonald-slams-water-sb2109/
I completely agree that SB 2109 should be given any consideration from the Navajo and Hopi Tribes. It completely undermines tribal sovereignty and shows that there has been limited progress since the signing of the original treaties from the 1800’s. As tribal people we need to take to educate ourselves. Take the time to read the fine print in the proposed legislation and see that there are several “out” clauses, so while the promises are made to make improvements, really there are no intentions to carry out those promises. Tribal people should know from history that making a deal like this is making a deal with the devil. McCain and Kyl are pushing this legislation in support of coorporations. We need to stand in solidarity and advocate to our leaders across the country….”We will not give up our water rights!!!!”
….sorry, I meant SHOULD NOT!!
I agree, Flo. We need to educate ourselves – “Take time to read the fine print” – and let our voices be heard by our tribal government leaders and U.S. officials.
What happen to the video?? Its important that video stays posted.
Pam, thanks for pointing this out. I don’t know what happened to the video. I checked Youtube and the video is gone. Let me know if you come across the video on-line and I will update the video link on my blog.
the poster of the video stated this in his statement about the video…
Dear Friends, The McDonald Family has asked that I remove the speech for fear that harm will come to him. I must respect their wishes. Thank you for understanding.
yourstorydigital via youtube posted a comment 12 hours ago
Dear Friends, The McDonald Family has asked that I remove the speech for fear that harm will come to him. I must respect their wishes. Thank you for understanding.
Ange, thanks for letting us know!
But it is the truth. I wanted to show it to my “White” friends so they can have a better understanding. No one could paint a more vivid picture with words.
Tropix, good to hear from you. McDonald’s words are very powerful. Donovan Pete reposted the video down below, but then it was taken down due to “Copyright” issues. If you have a minute, be sure to check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dvnpete
Lino, this is a great video. Thanks for posting! – “We will continue to fight. And hopefully the Hopi Nation will join us” – Everyone should become more familiar with http://dinewaterrights.org/
Of course, we (Navajos) have no one who will speak for our people and mother earth. Our so called leaders (Ben Shelley, McDonald, etc) are just sheep…even worse than sheep…they are their own cowardly species…scared to take risks for their own people and mother earth’s gifts…I’m afraid that our generation and the younger generation will have to take action and correct the errors of our so called leaders. Our elders are leaving it up to us to use the knowledge that they have passed down to us…it is time to take action and remind these politicians who controls them…Dineh (the people).
If there is a petition to sign so that these politicians can feel the pressure from those of us feeling you have been cheated and ‘bamboozled’ by them, please attach a link. I’ll sign it and post it on facebook for others to sign. You might go through Commoncause.org or moveon.org, as well…get the word out so the politico’s can feel the anger of this transaction.
Shanen, thanks for your comment! Down below, Michele, posted the following petition link: http://www.change.org/petitions/u-s-senate-remove-s-2109-from-consideration?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=own_wall
I’m not familiar with another petition on SB 2109, but I bet others exist. I’ll be sure to check out Commoncause.org and moveon.org
Here’s the site: http://www.change.org/petitions/u-s-senate-remove-s-2109-from-consideration?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=own_wall
Thanks, Michele!