native american culture

In November 2021 we were denied by Hardin Co., Kentucky planning and zoning board to continue hosting and educating visitors on our property.   We are home to a Native American Site that holds great historical value.  As the Landowner and Site Steward of our Historical Rock Shelters and Land, My family and I promote protection through monitoring, education, research, and public awareness to ensure that one of Kentucky's significant sites will be preserved and protected for future generations.  Our goal is to educate the community about Cultural Heritage Conservation & Economical Sustainable Living. At Got the World Cheated Farm & The Meadowlands, We offer Visual Educational Exhibits to provoke a passion for learning about cultural customs, beliefs, rites, rituals, ceremonies, indigenous knowledge, arts, crafts, music, beliefs, behavior, history, practices concerning the natural environment, religious and scientific traditions, language, sports, food and drink, calendars, clothing, and emerging new cultures which will become the heritage of the future. As well as sustainable farming techniques. Encouraging cultural heritage traditions and diversity creates a rich and varied world, which nurtures human capacities and values, and therefore is a mainspring for sustainable development for communities, peoples and nations. We were never considered as a Historical recreational site. We were never given any options or any references as to how to obtain the zoning required to continue. We were told to comply to certain ordinances, we honored and went above and beyond to show our compliance. Yet we were still rejected. Our denial letter does not give reason as to why we were rejected. When our appeal was made, they stated it was due to our rural one lane road (county maintained). Some of the most unique and special places are only accessible through small country roads. Being that our road is a county maintained road, our hopes are that with enough community support and the fact that rural areas such as ours are in great need of economic relief, we should be considered for maintenance and better access. IV. [5.11] Exemptions from Zoning Ordinances Certain facilities of public utilities are exempt from zoning regulation (KRS 100.324(1)) [note: see definition of "public facility" in KRS 100.111], and others are required to supply information to the planning unit concerning acquisition or disposition of land for public facilities or changes in structures. KRS 100.324(4) 100.111 Definitions for chapter. Public facility" means any use of land whether publicly or privately owned for transportation, utilities, or communications, or for the benefit of the general public, including but not limited to libraries, streets, schools, fire or police stations, county buildings, municipal buildings, recreational centers including parks, and cemeteries. Granting access to recreational opportunities is important for public engagement and stewardship, which are essential to the mission of all National heritage areas. Outdoor recreation provides physical challenge, requires development of life-long skills, provokes interest and inquiry, and inspires wonder and awe of the natural world. Recreation thereby contributes greatly to the physical, mental, and spiritual health of individuals, bonds family and friends, instills pride in heritage, and provides economic benefits to communities, regions, and the nation. Indeed, outdoor recreation has become an essential part of our American culture. Outdoor recreation also helps support the economy and drives awareness of important conservation issues. Responsible use of public and private land helps make people care about what happens to these places. Research suggests that when kids play outdoors, it leads to greater environmental awareness later in life. The U.S. outdoor recreation economy supports about 4.3 million jobs, generates nearly $689 billion in consumer spending and accounts for 1.8 percent of GDP. Individual Benefits: Develops Personal Development and GrowthPhysical HealthSelf Esteem and Self RelianceCreativity and Sense of AccomplishmentCreates more FunEnhances PleasureReduces StressIncreases Life SatisfactionPromotes Psychological Well-being Community Benefits: Connected FamiliesStrengths Social BondingEthnic and cultural HarmonyReduces AlienationDevelops Strong Communities Environmental Benefits: Reduces PollutionPromotes Clean Air and WaterPreserves Open SpaceProtects the EcosystemIncreases Community Pride Economic Benefits: Reduces Healthcare CostReduces Vandalism and CrimeEnhances Property ValueCatalyst for Tourism Good for the mind. Outdoor recreation has psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress; improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity; spiritual growth; and an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life. Good for the body. Getting outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as improved functioning of the immune system.Even better for your social life. The great outdoors afford social benefits like bonding with like-minded people who enjoy outdoor activities and feeling an increased pride in your community and nation.Good for the economy. Outdoor recreation pays off with economic benefits too: People who regularly participate in outdoor recreation tend to be more productive at work. Outdoor recreation creates job opportunities for others, which leads to economic growth. And the preservation of the natural areas needed for outdoor recreation increases property values. Great for the great outdoors. Outdoor recreation provides environmental benefits, including increased environmental awareness. Concern that results from outdoor recreation can lead to increased involvement in environmental issues. By granting us permissions to host visitors,  our resources, educational exhibits, facilities and preservation will become greater and more efficient. By allowing people to personally encounter such a unique historical site, will create an everlasting memory of its importance and value of all cultural heritage.  What visitors can expect: We have created habitatations for the purpose of overnight primitive camping or RV Campers. Each site has been named with a well thought out theme around Native American History. For example, Habitat #1~Dream Catcher Dwelling will educate the occupant of the habitat about the Native American uses, practices and beliefs of a Dream Catcher as well as displays of handmade dreams catchers and instructions and supplies to create their own. Our other Habitat names are Petroglyph Point; The Gnomes Home, and Arrowhead Alley. Our community areas consist of Trails to the Native American Rocks Shelters; The BIG WHITE OAK Sacred Medicine Tree/Pow•wow Area, An area for picnics, games and entertainment; Treasure Hunt Trail, A scavenger hunt walk and search for Treasure of the Rich History and Culture of our Native Ancestors; Trail of Haunts, Spooky displays and Native American Legends of “Ghosts,” “Spirits,” “Witches,” “Monsters,” and “The Supernatural.” Educational signage posted at all locations relating to the Native American Theme.  Join and Support our cause by signing this petition.   

We are proposing that Harney Channel, a body of water in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, be renamed. It was originally named by the British around 1860 for General William S. Harney (1800-1889). A group of us who reside in the islands feel that General Harney does not deserve the honor because he was responsible for a number of heinous incidents to Native Americans and black people which do not reflect the values we hold today – or even at that time. Instead, we are proposing that this water be renamed for Henry Cayou (1869-1959), who lived in the San Juan Islands through his entire life of 90 years and was a major figure in both the Native American and white communities. He was truly a bridge between cultures. General Harney is particularly notorious for the following incidents, and we encourage you to consult Wikipedia or other online sources for more information: -  In Missouri in 1834, then-Major Harney killed a young black woman with a cane. The act, which of course would be considered murder today, was considered heinous even by 1830s standards. At that time, the Cincinnati newspaper called him “a monster!”. -  In Nebraska in 1855, Brigadier General Harney commanded about 600 soldiers in the Battle of Ash Hollow (aka Battle of Blue Water Creek and also as the Harney Massacre). Harney engineered the killing of 86 Sicangu Lakota warriors, taking their 70 women and children, many of them wounded, as prisoners. The chief of the Sicangu Lakota, Little Thunder, had tried to de-escalate the situation the night before, but Harney was adamant in his demands which led to the battle.  Harney engaged the chief in false peace talks while his soldiers crept around and took positions behind the Sicangu Lakota. Their belongings either torched or taken as souvenirs, the survivors were forced to walk 140 miles to the nearest Army fort, most of them without shoes. - As the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Army’s Department of Oregon, which included the San Juan Islands, he is widely considered to have needlessly escalated the potential for armed conflict during the so-called Pig War of 1859-60 by sending troops to the island. The Commanding General of the Army had to recall Harney from his command and bring us back from war. In contrast, Henry Cayou was born on Orcas Island in 1869 and passed away in 1959. He is interred on Orcas Island. His father was a trapper who was a very early settler on Orcas and his mother was Lummi; her people’s point of origin story is centered on San Juan Island. Henry Cayou’s first wife was Tlingit and many Native people in our area consider him their ancestor. His relations can be found throughout the Salish Sea, including at Lummi, Swinomish, and Samish. Cayou was a highly successful commercial fisherman (trapping and seining), was an early local maritime leader (owner of a steam tug and several fishing boats), farmed a 500-acre tract on Decatur Island, and was a co-founder of the local electric coooperative. Very notably, Henry Cayou was a member of the San Juan County Board of County Commissioners for 29 years and was chairman for a significant time on the commission. His signature is on Friday Harbor’s incorporation documents displayed in Friday Harbor Town Hall. We realize that the renaming of a body of water can have implications to navigation, but Harney Channel, which is just two miles long and averages a half-mile wide, has other landmarks such as two state ferry landings which are routinely used by mariners as points of reference. The authority of marine charting, the Coast Pilot published by the U.S. National Ocean Survey, considers Harney Channel to be a minor passage.  A precedent for renaming a topographic feature named after Harney occurred in 2016 when Harney Peak in South Dakota’s Black Hills was renamed to Black Elk Peak by the state and federal governments in response to a proposal by local tribes and citizens.  We will be applying to the Committee of Geographic Names of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and public support is essential for adoption of a name change.  Naming landmarks and bodies of water is important for our convenience in navigation, but has also traditionally served as an opportunity to honor people, especially residents, who have had a lasting influence culturally and economically on the land and the community. The names we choose help tell the story of a place.  Renaming this channel to honor Henry Cayou will satisfy this opportunity. Thank you for signing this petition. You will be supporting our efforts to rename Harney Channel to Cayou Channel – in recognition of an Indigenous islander and 20th century fishing, maritime and political leader. Our email address is renameharneychannel@gmail.com. 

Sign to support preservation of historic Patterson Farm in Bucks County, PA. Local farms & local food matter now more than ever! Demand proper stewardship of Patterson Farm. Patterson Farm was founded in 1683 by Quaker immigrant Thomas Janney, a member of William Penn's Provincial Council. It has been farmed continuously for over 300 years. In 1998 Lower Makefield Township obtained ownership of the 234-acre Patterson Farm by Eminent Domain taking from farmers Thomas & Alice Patterson. The Patterson's had owned and taken fastidious care of their magnificent farm for nearly 50 years. Today the National Register farm taxpayers paid to preserve is in sad disrepair, defunded and poorly managed by the governing body. It is listed on Preservation Pennsylvania's At-Risk list and is threatened by encroachment of non-agricultural uses within the local Agricultural Security Area. Sign to support preservation and responsible stewardship.  Patterson Farm Preservation, Inc. is a 501c3 volunteer group formed in 2015 to PRESERVE & RESTORE historic Patterson Farm for present and future generations. Proper stewardship means passing the farm on to future generations in better condition than we received it. YOU CAN HELP: Please, add your signature to implore Lower Makefield's elected officials protect the 38 acres that remain unprotected, and to embrace preservation by allowing Patterson Farm Preservation, Inc. to accomplish restoration of the farm's homes and buildings.  Agriculture, history and unspoiled natural areas matter. Thank you for supporting preservation. PLEASE SHARE!     

Nordic Aquafarms, a multi-national aquaculture corporation based in Norway, is proposing to develop 50+ acres of the Samoa Peninsula into a large land-based Atlantic salmon farm. The facility- which would be leased for 30 years- would produce up to 5 million fish per year in a RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) that would draw in water from Humboldt Bay and the Mad River, circulate the water through fish culture tanks, and discharge polluted water back into the Ocean. This facility would be located at sea-level, adjacent to Humboldt Bay, in a tsunami zone, and the site will see the impacts of sea level rise.  Nordic is currently applying for a Clean Water Act discharge permit (NPDES permit) permit from Humboldt County, despite not having submitted a Disaster Preparedness Report and Action Plan, a Biological Assessment for effects to Endangered Species and Critical Habitat, or a Cumulative Impacts Analysis. The Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration did not include the full range of effects of the project and deferred mitigation to outside parties. This does not enable a full CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) public process, and avoids a NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) impact analysis. Any other project of this magnitude would be required to conduct a full environmental impact analysis.  Please take action and ask that Humboldt County conducts a full environmental assessment of this proposal. North Coast communities deserve to know the impacts of this massive fish farm.  Why should Nordic provide a full environmental assessment?  Nordic proposes to withdraw 2 million gallons per day (MGD) of freshwater from the Mad River. If this level of withdrawal occurs during an extreme drought, river flows could be reduced by 30%. This level of withdrawal during an extreme drought is likely to result in death and injury to juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead in a manner that has not been analyzed, addressed, or considered. The facility would deposit 298 metric tons of Nitrogen compounds (NHx and NOx) per year into potential salmon rearing and migrating habitats and further contribute to the nitrification of Humboldt Bay. Warm effluent would discharge into coastal waters near the entrance to Humboldt Bay and the Mad River estuary. Tidal influences conveying effluent into the Mad River and the Eel River have not been adequately considered. Project modeling demonstrates that effluent will enter Humboldt Bay. The facility is energy-intensive and would contribute to a large percentage of Humboldt County’s CO2 emissions. The conservative electricity estimate provided by Nordic of 21.5 Megawatts is equivalent to building over 10,000 new homes in the Humboldt Bay area. Trucking the salt-laden sewage waste alone would generate 846 metric tons of CO2 per year. Toxins in fish feed accumulate within farmed fish and the waters they are raised in. Toxins include bioaccumulative toxic substances (PBTSs), monomethyl mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s). In addition, Ethoxyquin, used to keep the fishmeal from exploding and rotting, is banned in the US, but may be used on ships conveying fishmeal from the Southern Hemisphere. These chemicals are known to damage DNA and organs and cause reproductive disorders. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are also common in aquaculture facilities and can leak into local waterways via effluent. High-density animal farming often results in fish stress, disease, and mortality. The continuous circulation of water within the system can foster the growth and spread of pathogens. Thus far, Nordic claims not to have had a disease outbreak on one of their farms, but admits this is always a possibility. Since the project would likely harm local fish populations and their habitats, take more water from the Mad River, and pollute waterways, these repercussions would disproportionately impact Indigenous communities whose subsistence, economies, and cultural practices are tied to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Consolidating food production within the hands of a multinational corporation is not what real sustainability or food security looks like- for Humboldt, the region, or California. Humboldt County recently declared that the project would have no significant environmental impacts, despite not having conducted a full environmental impact report (EIR). We demand that the County conducts a more rigorous review. A full environmental impact report is necessary, and communities need time to review this full report BEFORE the project is approved. Humboldt County is currently receiving public comments on the proposed fish farm.  Sign this petition to tell the Water Board and the County that the people of California do not want an environmentally dangerous factory farm on the North Coast. Signing this petition will send a public comment to the North Coast Water Board and Humboldt County.