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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJonathan ArakawaVia Email to g�tQwt1ii _ q) tVg1pq.us November 15, 2016 Patrick Downie, Mayor Port Angeles City Council City of Port Angeles 321 East 5th Street Port Angeles, Washington 98362 Dear Mayor Downie: In addition to the Port Angeles City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. I was very disappointed on the outcome in regards to the original resolution in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and its opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline that Port Angeles City Council ("Council") disapproved on from what Councilwoman Bruch had proposed to the Council. As it was mentioned throughout the discussion that transpired, this is a Global Issue. It pertains to all of us. We will all be affected with the "if', "if' the Dakota Access Pipeline leaks. Each water run is connected, not either one is not separated from another. This, this is an issue that is affecting us all, around the Globe. It comes down to what our future generations will be left with. What they will think once they look back at each of us have done. What was denied that may change for the better. This is not only for the Native communities throughout the United States. It is for all of us. For your grandchildren, your great grandchildren, and your great - great grandchildren. Like I said, it pertains to all of us. We cannot determine "if' or "when" a pipeline could be put through our City, through places that you may claim as sacred. How you may react to something that may pertain on an issue that may transpire. That is how we feel when the pipeline workers bulldozed through sacred sites that hold strong meaning the Sioux Nation peoples throughout North and South Dakota. And what could harm the Missouri River along North and South Dakota if the construction continues to transpire. There has been issues within the jurisdiction in regards to a pipeline that was trying to be installed around Joyce, Washington, area and so on. This could happen again, but we cannot determine that. Just by summary as one of the gentleman that was at the Council meeting had indicated. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe was thankful for your support in our support to Standing Rock. But that is not something we planned having the resolution established for. Like the the people are the Public Hearing and what our tribal member, Arlene Wheeler had addressed, the Council needs to educate themselves. Jurisdiction should not matter when it is by the touch of your pen with a resolution set in place by the City of Seattle, Washington. Again, this is a Global Issue. For example, our main Port Angeles Harbor is contaminated. The Puget Sound is contaminated. Our Port Angeles City water is contaminated by fluoride. I really want urge this Council to educate yourselves on this Global Issue. Something that may pertain to Port Angeles and surrounding communities, as it slowly has become one. But has not been observed closely. On the note of the resolution, the resolution was already typed out and made appropriate for the Council and your signature. Your staff would not have had to work on anything, just your signature and it would be sent to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. I want the Council to continue to think about sending resolution, not having to be concerned about jurisdiction nor thinking it is "City Business." Your support can make a change. It will show the other agencies that we care about the environment. Because if agencies see that the Council does not support such, they will think, "Oh, it is okay to go over to Port Angeles and extend our permits to put a pipeline in areas that the citizens do not use." We cannot allow this to happen, so when we say "working together," this is what we mean. Standing Rock and their cultural values are not any different from Lower Elwha. So in this, I urge you to support this. Once again, I urge the Port Angeles City Council to think about send the original resolution to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Educate yourselves on this Global Issue, on the 567+ Tribes throughout the United States and what we fight for. To educate yourselves on Climate Change, the issues that pertain to us that are transpiring right now. And if Port Townsend can do it and if Seattle which has a higher populations with bigger issues, and they can do it. I believe that Port Angeles can do the same. Which will have nothing to do with City Business. I formally request that you take this into consideration and continue to educate yourselves in order to save our future generations. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jonathan J. Arakawa, Tribal Member Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe 2851 Lower Elwha Road Port Angeles, Washington 98363 CC: Port Angeles City Council 12 /lb -0 WASH I N G T O N, U.S.A. City Council December 19, 2016 Jonathan J. Arakawa Tribal Member, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe 2851 Lower Elwha Road Port Angeles, WA 98363 Dear Jonathan, First, I must apologize for the tardiness in my reply to you, as a result of a very full calendar and some personal illness. I wish to compliment you for a very well written letter. I find your passion, sincerity and capacity to express your concerns in a thoughtful and mature way most impressive. It is obvious you care deeply about the public health and safety issues and horrific environmental damage that would result if the Dakota Access Pipeline were to be installed, and subsequently fail. Clearly, not only would such a disaster be ruinous to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, but to many others as well. I commend you for your firm and well -considered position. I respect and appreciate your willingness to take a stand and publically express your feelings on this matter. While the resolution ultimately adopted by the majority of the Port Angeles City Council on November 15`h did not fully reflect the original resolution, please know I proposed a compromise resolution which did, to the fullest extent possible that night, sincerely express genuine support for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe's support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and its legitimate concerns. I am pleased the permit to build the pipeline was denied by the US Army Corp of Engineering last week. I have concern for the issues relating to Climate Change, as do you and many others in our country. It is essential each and every citizen strive to be wise stewards of the natural resources entrusted to our care and keeping. Jonathan, I cannot overstate how important it is you continue to show by personal example and leadership, that each of us should be watchful and protective of that which has been given to us by our Creator. As it may be convenient to you, I would be pleased to meet you in person. I invite you to make an appointment to visit with me, perhaps during the upcoming holiday break from your normal school schedule. Best regards, Z Patrick Downie Mayor Phone: 360-417-4500 / Pax: 360-417-4509 / TTY: 360-417-4645 Website: www.cityofpa.us / mail: council 9cityofpa.us 321 East Fifth Street / Port Angeles, WA 98362-0217