Aquinnah Tribe says it is prepared to sue if Cape Wind is approved
Posted by Beth Daley April 26, 2010 02:49 PM
As US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar prepares a final decision on the proposed 130-turbine offshore wind project this week, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe on Martha’s Vineyard issued a statement today saying they are prepared to sue if he approves it.
The tribe says it has retained a lawyer experienced in tribal historic preservation efforts to “fully prepare for administrative and judicial relief should the project move forward.” The tribe identified over 14 legal shortcomings by the Minerals Management Service under the National Historic Preservation Act and may sue under other federal laws.
Two Wampanoag tribes say that the proposed 400 plus foot tall turbines would disturb spiritual sun greetings and possibly ancestral artifacts on the seabed that was once exposed land.
Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais says the tribe is in favor of renewable energy, but not in Nantucket Sound.
She says the lawsuit would help their tribe, but also help avoid future devastation to tribal historic sites throughout the Country.
. “We view the Interior’s actions regarding the project to be the litmus test for the promises National Historic Preservation Act and may sue under other federal laws.
Two Wampanoag tribes say that the proposed 400 plus foot tall turbines would disturb spiritual sun greetings and possibly ancestral artifacts on the seabed that was once exposed land. Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais says the tribe is in favor of renewable energy, but not in Nantucket Sound.
She says the lawsuit would help their tribe, but also help avoid future devastation to tribal historic sites throughout the Country.
. “We view the Interior’s actions regarding the project to be the litmus test for the promises made by President Obama to Tribes – to respect and honor the government-to-government relationship between the Federal Government and the First Nations of these lands,” Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais stated.
The statement said the tribe “has not ruled out” its option to help the federal government properly site an alternative location for the property.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Why aren't other First People (Native Americans) helping and supporting the Wampanoags in this fight?
Native Americans need to ban together and help each other in the various fights that are going on nationwide. UNITY IS STRENGTH.
Look what happened with tobacco sales in New York? Look at the legislation that Obama signed ..... . Should tribes have stood together on that issue? What about standing up on this issue?
What are the Mohegans doing about this? What do you think?
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