November 1,
2007
To The People
Of The
To All It May
Concern
This official statement from the Trustees of
The Turtle Island Trust is to educate and clarify our positions concerning
Ganienkeh. One ongoing task is that of education to those
outside of the day to day life of the community. We have been privileged to follow
those original Trustees who served so responsibly. According to the procedures outlined in the
Trust Agreement, the Trustees are the only ones to select new Trustees. This is always done with the approval of the people at
Ganienkeh. We feel honored to actively follow in
their footsteps. We are in communication
on a regular basis, especially as needs arise. We meet as Trustees, with the People at
Ganienkeh, combined meetings with State Police, appear with officials over tax and other issues, bring groups to Ganienkeh for education, and
etc. We are actively involved, and
appreciate the opportunity to serve..
Congratulations on your 33rd year after
reclamation of your Territory. We know
and appreciate all the special lives that have contributed through the
years. A special word of appreciation to those
who have remained faithfully present and serving the community from it’s inception to the present. You are the real heroes. Your efforts in educating the children,
providing improving standards of living, especially through the establishment of small businesses,
and above all the preservation of a culture built on “The Great Law” are
incredible accomplishments!
This
statement makes clear the unconditional support for the people at
Ganienkeh. You are right to stand on the
Great Law. Without that as a solid
foundation you would have nothing
to stand on when problems arise
from outside and within the community.
We applaud
your efforts to keep Ganienkeh alcohol and drug free. We know
there have been some difficult
decisions that have had to be made, but
people who choose not to live by
the code of the community are really the
ones who are making the decision about whether they remain a part of the
community or not.
Making the
Great Law work as a real
way of life will always be a challenge but the more practical it
becomes; the stronger it will be for future generations.
Lest anyone
question whether we as Trustees would
ever support businesses or activities
that would not be beneficial to the community’s original purposes, benefit only a few, and not all the people; we have never done this
and never will.
We are
thankful for the present relationships that exist between the Trustees, Ganienkeh, regional leaders of
the State Police, and The Department of Environmental Conversation. As in the past we will continue to keep these
relationships strong
so they can be mutually
beneficial. We are appreciative of all
the meetings that we have had to further these relationships.
Ganienkeh’s vision was to be a model community for
all Native Peoples and
you are!
All decisions are ultimately decisions by the people of the Longhouse at Ganienkeh and we
as Trustees will always respect that. It
has been and will continue to be our desire to be one with you in mind and
spirit.
While there have been and unfortunately will be some threats to the
Ganienkeh vision , be assured that our support is always with you. One day, when people can lay aside selfish
interests and desire for financial gains;
peace will be a reality. Let’s
continue to work together toward that goal!
Sincerely,
Trustees of The
Rev. Dr.
Donald Washburn
Christopher
M. Nyhan
We welcome
any opportunities for ongoing discussion:
DWASHBURN3@nycap.rr.com
bjconklin@aol.com
chris@nyhan.net