http://media.www.michigandaily.com/media/storage/paper851/news/2007/11/13/C
ampusLife/Laduke.Calls.For.Renewed.Fight.For.Human.Rights-3096896.shtml

LaDuke calls for renewed fight for human rights
Former Green VP candidate wants better treatment of Native Americans

By Lisa Haidostian, Daily Staff Reporter on 11/13/07

Ojibwe activist and former Ralph Nader running mate Winona LaDuke urged
University students and Ann Arbor community members last night not to get
complacent in the fight for human rights.

LaDuke spoke at the Trotter Multicultural Center about the recent passage
of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The
declaration, which passed on Sept. 13, was a symbolic message to affirm
rights for indigenous groups around the world.

The event was hosted by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs in
recognition of National American Indian Heritage Month.

LaDuke said Native American people have been trivialized by U.S. culture,
citing the use of Native American mascots and the popularity of Pocahontas
Halloween costumes.

"We do not exist as full human beings," she said. "We exist as
caricatures."

She also referenced the senior honor society formerly known as Michigamua
and its appropriation of Native American culture in its rituals. Earlier
this year, the group changed its name to the Order of Angell and registered
as a University student group. The group agreed to stop using Native
American artifacts in its rituals in 1989.

LaDuke said that indigenous people are oppressed in the United States
because American society is based on conquest, not survival.

In order to support globalization and an energy-dependent economy, she
said, a large amount of people are displaced.

"Our economy requires denying human rights," she said.

LaDuke criticized the Bush administration, half-jokingly saying that the
nation was part of an "axis of evil."

"The Bush administration is arguably one of the worst violators of
international law," she said.

Alyx Cadotte, a MESA program specialist who helped coordinate the event,
said that although the U.N. declaration isn't legally binding, it's an
important step for groups who she said are frequently denied basic human
rights.

"The declaration could have a lot of impact on how native tribes are
treated in the United States," she said. "It's been brought to national
attention."

Native Americans, she said, are often denied territory and full use of
resources on reservations.

Margaret Noori, a University professor of Ojibwe language and literature,
said having a notable figure who speaks her language visit the University
is meaningful.

"I was thankful that MESA chose to bring a woman who is one of us and is
known throughout the world," Noori said.

Noori said 140 University students are enrolled in Ojibwe classes.

LaDuke also focused heavily on issues of food and energy sustainability,
drawing strong support from the crowd of about 60 listeners.

"What I am trying to impart, which I am sure in my ranting you will get, is
that it's not the law, it's not what the U.N. says, it's how we choose to
live," she said.

Amid a chorus of affirmations from the audience, LaDuke emphasized that it
wasn't enough for Ann Arborites to buy hybrid cars but to ignore other
environmental issues.

"This is a privileged city, but that's the thing about privilege," she
said. "You have responsibility."