The event was organized by the Native American Rights Foundation (NARF) and the Alaskan Tribes. It followed three days of meetings of the Alaskan Conference of Tribes. Four hundred delegates from Alaska villages attended to decide what further actions would be take after the February Supreme Court decision, which denied the village of Venetie the right to sovereign tribal powers over land it controls.

Alaska tribes from all over the state were represented at the march. They call themselves the First Nations - the people who inhabited North America before it was "discovered" by Europeans. They are Aleut, Athabascan, Cupik, Eyak, Haida, Inupiat, Tlingit, Tshimshian, Siberian Yupik, Sugpuiak, and Yupiit peoples who are standing together as one nation. They are dignified and hopeful for the future.

Among those cosponsoring the march were Hispanic Organized Leaders of Alaska (HOLA), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), some labor unions, and church groups.

In their Declaration of Fundamental Rights of Alaska's First Nations, formulated at the end of the conference, the first point is "the right to develop and maintain our distinct identities and attributes, and the right to protect, preserve, and retain our customs, traditions and tribal government authorities." This important march is just a beginning of uniting minorities and Native peoples.

Ruth Sheridan

Anchorage, Alaska

Political prisoner
I am a political prisoner incarcerated at the Indiana State Prison. I am writing in hopes of you putting me on your mailing list.

A prisoner

Michigan City, Indiana

Jericho March '98
I'm a political prisoner and took part in the Jericho March '98! I'm requesting your newspaper on a monthly basis. My appreciation and thanks in advance.

A prisoner

Michigan City, Indiana

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