This resolution was passed before the creation of the website. We thought readers would be interested.
Whereas, the modern American Indian Movement (AIM) was forged in the crucible of the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969-1971; and
Whereas, the AIM occupation of Alcatraz Island was instrumental in reviving the spiritual and ceremonial traditions of Indigenous people; and
Whereas, on Indigenous People Day, the IITC has for many years organized a Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz, commemorating the occupation as well as the local, national and international struggles of indigenous peoples; and
Whereas, the Inlandboatmen’s Union-ILWU (IBU)and the International Organization of Masters Mates and Pilot(MMP) have represented the Alcatraz ferry captains and deckhands since the first tourist was brought to the island in 1973; and
Whereas, these same union captains and deckhands have respectfully transported the Sunrise Ceremony participants all of these past years; and
Whereas, the Bush Administration appointed National Park Service bureaucrats awarded the lucrative 10-year transport contact to non-union Alcatraz Cruises of Terry Macrae’s Hornblower dining and yachts empire; and
Whereas, on October 9, 2006 the IITC, citing the social movement born of the Oaxaca, Mexico teachers unions struggle and the historic election as president of Bolivia, Evo Morales an Aymara Indian, who came to politics through his experience as president of the Coca Growers Union, requested, but not demanded, those gathered in the predawn darkness to not travel to the island on non-union boats; and
Whereas, though more than half the people stayed behind in solidarity with the IBU and MMP those who did travel to the island to participate in the ceremony extended an invitation to all union members on the picket line with four union members able to accept and participate in a gracious gesture of solidarity between the union movement and the indigenous peoples struggles; and
Whereas, both circles on land and on the island honored one another’s solidarity and upon return from the island, participants joined to create a large picket circle for the community and media to see a historic gathering of solidarity,
Therefore Be It Resolved that the San Francisco Labor Council, recognizing the right of people to participate in religious ceremonies free of coercion, thanks the IITC for making the request of people not to cross the picket line and also thanks all those who chose to stay ashore.
Submitted by Robert Irminger, IBU, and adopted unanimously by the San Francisco Labor Council on October 23, 2006.
Respectfully,
Tim Paulson
Executive Director OPEIU3 AFL-CIO 11
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