So far, three Black Mesa families have had their entire herds of sheep & goats impounded and are facing fees totaling about $1,000 per family to secure the release of their livestock. More impoundments appear likely in the near future.

This is an emergency fund that will go directly to covering fees and costs faced by the targeted families. Funds are being collected and distributed by Black Mesa Indigenous Support (BMIS), with the guidance of Black Mesa residents. BMIS will make records available detailing how funds were distributed.

“Call the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Hopi Rangers, and the Department of Interior. Ask they stop impounding sheep on the HPL. This is current day colonialism, our food sovereignty is being attacked. Ask that they stop the unjust impoundments.”
—Louise Benally

“They way that the rangers are treating the people goes against the Dineh way; it is very taboo to point a gun at somebody. They are traumatizing an already traumatized community. If overgrazing was actually the issue they could just educate people. But it’s not. This is uncalled for.”--Marie Gladue 10/26/14

“I disapprove of the impoundments. They really affect the elderly. Ever since I was a baby I was carried on a horse to herd sheep. I have herded all my life and I am in my eighties. You have the livestock in your heart, and they want to take that away.”--Jack Woody, Black Mesa Elder, 10/25/14

“Our life is connected to the life of the sheep. We are alive and strong because of them, and being close to them, being with them everyday, keeps us strong. Especially now in our old age the sheep are important to us. If we are too far from our sheep, we can become frail. “ --Clarence and Mary Lou Blackrock 10/25/14

for more information:
http://supportblackmesa.org/
http://www.indigenousaction.org/statement-on-recent-aggressive-confiscation-of-dineh-resisters-sheep-herds-by-nabahe-katenay-keedihiihii/
http://supportblackmesa.org/2014/10/urgent-widespread-impoundments-an-arrest-on-the-hpl-october-2014/