Black Mesa Wish List

Despite years of lawsuits against the federal government to repeal the relocation law, the United States continues to deny the Dine' the right to live on their homeland and preserve their traditional way of life.

Many elders live alone or with a few relatives, as most of their children have grown and are living in near-by towns to support their children. It is difficult for the elders to continue their daily lifestyles hauling water, herding sheep, chopping wood, and more whilst also going to court and dealing with the harassment from U.S. and tribal governments. The number one request from families is for support from strong, responsible people willing to live on the land with them and help maintain daily life. Whenever at all possible, BMIS strives to check in with the Elders children and other relatives as we are there to stand in solidarity with and offer our support, not interfere with the family unit. Supporters, it is strongly encouraged to read the Cultural Sensitivity Packet to help prepare you for your stay on Black Mesa. It is not expected of one to know everything in the Cultural Sensitivity Packet. Please use it as a helpful guide and enjoy your stay on Black Mesa!

ATTENTION FAMILIES OF BLACK MESA AND SUPPORTERS: Black Mesa Indigenous Support group asks of you to please network and check in with each other about new information pertaining to the needs and requests of families so that the needs list can stay updated and for support to be coordinated in as fair a manner as possible. If we know that a family has recently had a hogon remudded or if they currently have a sheepherder, then incoming support can be directed elsewhere. BMIS is also willing share updated information with you in regards to who has recently received support and if there are families that should get priority due to medical or other urgent situations on the land. Thankyou.

Important: BMIS often knows of families needing help but will not always post their names over the internet. BMIS will supply additional information as it becomes accessible, and with permission. If you are coming to Black Mesa, we can act as a guide on the back-country roads and introduce you to a family requesting help. Please make arrangements with BMIS beforehand as we are only a very small collective of individuals volunteering what's possible. If arrangements are not made, BMIS volunteers may not be able to offer any help. Please email or call BMIS for further info and we'll do our best to accommodate everybody's needs.

SPECIFIC NEEDS LIST This list changes from time to time, so check back often! (scroll down for general list)

• BMIS has a growing list of Elders and families of Black Mesa who are requesting support to stay with them to herd sheep, chop wood, assist with cooking meals, help with projects and chores, and act as human rights observers.

• TRUCK DONATION NEEDED! In order for BMIS to continue the important work of bringing supporters and donations to the land and checking in with families we desperately need a reliable, working vehicle. If you have a truck with sufficent clearing that you no longer need and it is in good working order please could you contact BMIS at 928 773 8086 or P.O. Box 23501 Flagstaff, Az 86002

• A huge canvas or army tent so that residents can set up community meetings and gatherings

• Help with repairing vehicles on Black Mesa!!

• Pauline Whitesinger desperately needs a vehicle - preferrably a truck. She is without any transportation. Her address is PO Box 973; Hotevilla, AZ 86030

• Shears (and a pair of left-handed shears for Pauline's granddaughter)

• Families are needing water, especially with the drought in the SWest and with Peabodys ongoing pumping of the NAquifer. A resident of Big Mountain has requested funding for two wells to be dug somewhere on Black Mesa for the people living in the communities on and around Big Mountain. If you can help with this, contact Black Mesa Indigenous Support via email or leave a message on our voicemail and we can supply you with further details.

• A jack, a tire iron (4-way if possible), and snow chains-one set for the supporter truck that is used to transport work crews, supplies, and long-term supporters.

• Wood! Wood! Wood!

• Families are in need of vehicles and/or mechanical repair. There are some families with no vehicle to collect wood, haul water, and other needs. BMIS is also in need of a vehicle to coordinate on-land supporters.

• Work crews are being requested for a number of projects. Please see the Cultural Sensitivity packet for details on work parties and contact BMIS for specific information.
  

  GENERAL NEEDS LIST

  People are asking for your prayers.

  DIRECT, ON-LAND SUPPORT: self-sufficient sheepherders and caregivers to stay a month minimum if possible. Work crews are also great if you are only available for several days to couple weeks. Supporters, it is strongly encouraged to read and print out the Cultural Sensitivity Packet. Contact BMIS to arrange an agreed upon date of arrival. BMIS is only a very small collective (with busy schedules) so please contact us in advance so both of our needs can be accommodated.

  Pressure is needed at all levels of the government. Please go to the contact list of appropriate public officials
  Write letters to, call, and email the appropriate government officials, write letters to your newspaper, stage peaceful demonstrations.

  
  FOOD: potatoes, oats, beans, brown rice, peanut butter, white flour (Bluebird is excellent for fry-bread!), blue cornmeal! (locally available, for pancakes, flat bread, and hot cereal), baking powder, grains, oil, canned foods, fruit, Vegetables, dried milk, coffee, herbal teas, fresh vegetables & fruits, dry foods, nuts.

  HARDWARE/TOOLS: Axes, shovels, pick-axes, hammers, handsaws, chainsaws, hoes, pliers, wire-cutters, nails, rope, sledgehammers, construction tools, drills, generators, floor jacks and tools for vehicles are very helpful.

  HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:Soap, toilet paper, personal items, pocket knife, matches & lighters, flashlight & batteries, propane, gas, dishwashing liquid, sponges, cloths, brushes.

  ANIMAL FOOD: Hay and food for dogs and cats are very much appreciated. Dogs play an important role in herding sheep and guarding ones homesite and cats keep the mice population down.

  VEHICLE PARTS : The rough, dirt roads on the reservation take their toll on the families vehicles.  Car/truck parts are always required as well as supporters with mechanical knowledge.

  MEDICINE: Cedar, white sage, osha root, other herbs, arthritis medicine, Arnica muscle-easing salve, tiger balm, herbal teas, & first aid. If you are traveling to Black Mesa via Flagstaff, a great place to stop at is Winter Sun.(They have a good selection of herbs and other medicines. ) Another form of medicine is massage for the Elders.

  GOOD READING MATERIALS!!! Books on Chiapas, Indigenous authors, educational books, etc.

  MISC: radios, scanners, solar panels, blankets, batteries, lanterns, heavy duty flashlights

  FUNDS: for building supplies and other small needs for families, vehicular repairs for families on Black Mesa, medicine for Elders and families, to maintain basic office needs being only the voicemail and PO BOX, to return phone calls of incoming support, BMIS truck insurance and maintenance, and maintainence on the chainsaws.