Who knew the Cherokees owned slaves? - In The Aggregate – Arizona's political blogs

Who knew the Cherokees owned slaves? - In The Aggregate – Arizona's political blogs: "There have been several articles in recent days referring to the Cherokee Nation’s sparring with the descendents of slaves the tribe once owned.

Shocking as it sounds, tribal members owned black slaves. In fact In the 1830s, when the Cherokees were forced from their lands in the southeastern United States, many brought their slaves to Oklahoma. When the Civil War broke out decades later, numerous Cherokees fought for the Confederacy."

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Cherokee Nation battles U.S. government over right to nix votes by descendants of freed slaves

Cherokee Nation battles U.S. government over right to nix votes by descendants of freed slaves:

Not necessarily pertinent to Arizona but I ran into this bit of news in at a local, native news site.

So the Cherokees owned slaves, who would have thought?!?

Stephen Holman/The Tulsa World

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development froze $33 million in funds for the Cherokee Nation after its decision against the freedmen.

The descendants of slaves once owned by members of the Cherokee Nation can vote for its next principal chief - but it's unclear if those votes will count.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/09/15/2011-09-15_cherokee_nation_battles_us_government_over_right_to_nix_votes_by_descendants_of_.html#ixzz1YKEK2n3w
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Lower Salt River Cleanup - Volunteer Opportunity 9/24 Pebble Beach 8 a.m.

If you have ever spent any of your Arizona summer enjoying the recreation options of the Lower Salt River, especially tubing - then you know how cluttered the river and surrounding areas become. Not only is the litter a terrible eyesore, it can be dangerous to visitors and wildlife in the area.

The Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest, in celebration of National Public Lands Day, is hosting the annual Lower Salt clean-up and I am sure they would love to have some extra hands on deck.

A lot of the LSR clean up is focused on the shore, but the water gets its share of litter and the crew really encourages those that have kayaks and rafts to volunteer. Volunteers are encouraged to use the online sign-up, so the crew can get an idea that you are coming and how to plan.

The weather is beautiful so grab your sunscreen, safe footwear (waterproof, closed toe) , your gloves and sign up. It truly is the perfect opportunity to give back and help preserve our Forest areas for future use. Trash Bags and Parking are free for volunteers - all you really need to bring is yourself, properly attired, and some great energy! Clean up starts after registration and ends around noon. Literally only a few hours of your time and - drum roll - free noms are served afterward. Yep, you heard that right, free food and beverage for volunteers will be served afterward from 11A.M. - 1P.M.

You never know, you might enjoy this LSR clean-up opportunity so much that you will find yourself wanting to become a Forest Service Volunteer. Forest Service Volunteering is encouraged and promises plenty of fun and worthwhile opportunities.

You can register , in person, at Pebble Beach Recreation Site b/t 8-9 A.M. or online @ http://www.mrdvolunteers.org/saltriversignup.html

For more info contact Rocco Minetti @ the Mesa Ranger District via phone 480-610-3332 or via email
lsrcleanup@yahoo.com.

Salt River too far? Check for an opportunity near you!

Lower Salt River Cleanup: "Please Join us for the 34th Annual
Lower Salt River Clean-up, Saturday, September 24!

8 AM to 1 PM at the Pebble Beach Recreation Site
For directions go here (Pebble Beach is across the street). Sign-in from 8 - 9 AM,
Free lunch for participants from 11 -1 PM


Please sign up and let us know you're coming so we'll know how to plan!

While you're helping us with this event, we invite you to consider joining us, or one of our partnership organizations, as a regular Forest Service Volunteer. You'll find lots of fun things to do that will make a difference!

For additional information, you can e-mail us at lsrcleanup@mrdvolunteers.org

Thanks for your support!"

We're a family of friends "caring for the land and serving people."

Photos of liter and debris from
previous Lower Salt River Cleanups

Join us for a good time
and some good food!

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