BIG MOUNTAIN, AZ -- February 4, 2000

A Message from John Benally and the People from the Mountain --

Greetings to all the supporters in all parts of the world. Thank you for
your solidarity and your support. We would like to continue working together
to resolve our crisis and achieve a fair solution.

One definite solution is that the Dineh get back their home without the
intervention of the federal government. In other words, home rule so we can
be self-governing.

Since we already are a Nation and excercising our ways of life, we believe
this is the only solution we can see if going to resolve our issue. We must
reverse all the legislation that has to do with Relocation, Public Law 93-531
and Public Law 104-301.

Efforts and threats by the US government to forcefully evict Dineh resisters
were thwarted by the presence of international and national human rights
observers. About 500 supporters traveled here to show their solidarity with
Dineh resisters.

About 200 elders and Dineh people came to share Ceremony with the Prayer Walk
- 25 walkers from Japan and other people from Peru, Sweden, Canada,
Argentina, Germany, Mexico and France.

We are glad we got to spend some time with the Prayer Walk. We thank the
Creator that protected them and ensured their safety. Please come back again
and support us again.

Thank you to the people who locked down and participated in demonstrations
and Prayer Vigils around the US and the world. There is a Buddhist right now
who is fasting and praying in front of the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian
Relocation Commission in Flagstaff, AZ.

What we are discussing now is a Call for 6 Months of Peace. A 6 Month time
when we will be allowed our human rights. Our right to live without the
fear of livestock confiscation's, evictions, relocation. Our right to
adequate housing, road repair. Our right to survive.

Instead of February 1, signaling a time of deadline and devastation, we
celebrated with traditional Hopi and Dineh solidarity and friendship at the
barbed wire fenceline that separates our people.

We ask for your help to support the call for 6 months of peace.
Please call and write Wayne Taylor, Jr., Chairman of The Hopi Tribe
P.O. Box 123, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039, Phone: (520) 734-3000

Please copy Sovereign Dineh Nation on all letters sent, P.O. Box 1968,
Kaibeto, AZ 86053.

We are glad that finally there were articles published about some of our
people that have already relocated. It is a real tragic story. How a
beautiful way of life has been destroyed by these laws. So, the 2,000 mark
of resisting in this European colonial nation that invaded us many, many
moons ago, needs to be told - what Human Rights are. And what it means to be
Indigenous from this hemisphere.

So thank you very much for your support, we will try to update you and keep
in touch.

Please check out Saturday, January 29 - Wednesday, February 2 issues of the
Arizona Republic article (see link)
http://www.azcentral.com/news/navahopi/navahopi4.shtml

Please call the AZ Republic to let them know that you want them to continue
running articles about the Dineh resisters.
1-800-331-9303, ext. 8185

We need your support.

Thank you,

John Benally and Marsha Monestersky
in communication with people from the Mountain