2003 annual report - Native American Rights Fund

Chairwoman’s MessageAloha, Aloha ke Akua, na¯‘aumakua a me na ¯ Kupuna: ¯Huliau! (Time of Change!)The Native American RightsFund (NARF) continues to be amajor influence for change. In myfour years on the NARF Board ofDirectors, I have enjoyed a muchcherished opportunity to learn fromand work with ‘ohana (family)from Turtle Island and now,as its Chairwoman, will do mybest to embrace the privilege,challenges and responsibilitiesthat come with this position.With your confidence and trust,I look forward to sharing myknowledge and experience as anadvocate for justice from ka pae‘aina ¯ o Hawai’i, the land and oceanthat feed us in the archipelago ofHawai’i. Mahalo a nui loa forthis opportunity to extend ourinfluence and commitment toaddress Native issues.As Lili’uokalani, the last rulingmonarch and queen of the Nationof Hawai’i, expressed (until illegallydethroned by “evil” descendants ofmissionaries with the backing of theUnited States military in 1893):“I could not turn backtime for the political change,but there is still time to saveour heritage. You must remembernever to cease to act becauseyou fear you may fail. The wayto lose any earthly kingdom isto be inflexible, intolerant, andprejudicial. Another way is tobe too flexible, tolerant of toomany wrongs and without judgmentat all. It is a razor’s edge.It is the width of a blade ofpili grass.”NARF has diligently workedat carrying out its mission to supportthe integrity and strength ofits peoples and cultures, providinghelp to rebuild nations and tribes,through difficult and often seeminglyinsurmountable challenges.As an organization, NARF willcontinue to develop and implementinnovative strategies thatwill effectively deal with harminflicted on native peoples. In itsthirty-four years of service, NARFhas provided invaluable legal andmoral support to “Indian Country”as its peoples struggle againstoppressive laws, practices andgovernmental systems and hasremained responsive and accountableto its constituents. NARFmust continue to take bold stepswhen necessary to ensure thatit remains a strong and viableresource for the continuing benefitof those who draw upon itsexpertise, compassion, andstrength as an organization committedto advocating for peaceand justice.NARF’s cases accentuate theburden of “Indian Country” andreveal the amazing spirit andresilience of its peoples to endureand survive severe acts of physical,economic and cultural genocide.I have experienced this sameamazing spirit at NARF and havewitnessed John Echohawkdynamically lead a brilliant anddedicated team of advocates forgeahead to defend, protect andwork to make whole NativeAmerica.Nana ¯ ¯ I Ke Kumu![Look to the Source!]A renewed respect for ourtraditional values helps us toresolve the political, economic,and social problems that impactour community. It is now morethan ever crucially important thatwe rediscover the power of traditionalteachings and apply themto contemporary problems. Byreinvigorating the principlesembedded in our ancient teachings,we honor the memory and wisdomof our ancestors. With the mana(spiritual energy and life force)of our ancestors and our ownwisdom, vitality and courage, wewill prevail and maintain thisinterdependency and enforce theintegrity of our cultures.A primary challenge this NewYear, Makahiki 2004, will be tostrengthen NARF’s financialresources. Our Board is streamliningexisting financial commitmentsand implementing more efficientinvestment and self-sustainingstrategies. With your kokua ¯ andkako’o, ¯ your help and continuingsupport, we will have the financialstrength to continue to focus onissues of concern to the peoplesof “Indian Country,” and resolveinjustices that support the legalrights of Native nations, peoplesand communities. We encouragethose Nations that are doing welleconomically to show their supportfor NARF with financial contributionsto help it to continue itsimportant and necessary work tobring justice and peace to Nativecommunities.Our communities‚ healthand well-being are of utmostimportance to preserve ourtraditional values because it givesus the necessary strength for ournations’ survival and growth inthis rapidly changing world. Wemust be extra vigilant not tounconsciously participate in ourown exploitation by turning awayfrom the voice of our ancestors inorder to pander to mainstreamsociety. In working to achieveeconomic independence andsocial justice, we exercise ourindependence of mind and spiritto defend our lands and rights.We must continue to take ourrightful place in the world andnot depend upon others to securethe revitalization of our cultures.Our ancestor, Kapihe, shared thispromising prophecy with us:E iho ana o luna;That which is above shall bebrought down;E pi’i ana o lalo;That which is below shall be lifted;E hui ana na ¯ moku;The islands shall be united;E ku ¯ ana ka paia.;The walls shall stand upright.I would like to share theserevealing words from QueenLili’uokalani of the Nation ofHawai’i: “Oh, honest Americans,as Christians hear me for my downtroddenpeople! Their form ofgovernment is as dear to them asyours is precious to you. Quite aswarmly as you love your country, sothey love theirs. …to hear what isnot said, to see what cannot be seen,and to know the unknowable, thatis Aloha.”And finally, in the words ofour most respected 19th CenturyFreedom advocate, JosephNawahi: “The cause of Hawaii andindependence is larger and dearerthan the life of any man connectedwith it. Love of country is deepseatedin the breast of everyHawaiian, whatever his station.”We are at a turning point,Huliau, a moment of truth. Letus holomua kakou (move forwardtogether) in 2004 ¯ with the greatspirits of Turtle Island, the alohaspirit of Hawai’i, and with themana of natives throughout theworld. May all people on thisearth enjoy peace, justice andaloha.Ku’e! ¯ Ku’e! ¯ Ku’e! ¯(Resist! Resist! Resist!)Holomua! (Move Forward!)Ea! (Life!)E. A. Ho`oipo Kalaena’auao Pa,Chairwoman4 annual report - native american rights fundnative american rights fund - annual report5