1994 letter to Allies announcing edgewood declaration

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Dear Ally of Colorado AIM:

On behalf of Colorado AlM, we would like to take this opportunity to send our greetings to you, and to convey our hope that all is well with you and your organization. We are communicating with you to clarify any rumors or miscommunication that you might have heard regarding Colorado AIM. We value our relationship with your organization, and we loak forward to continuing that relationship in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation

A recent communique from Minneapolis announced the formation of a group calling itself the National American Indian Movement, Inc. (NAIM, Inc.). This group has claimed the authority to dictate who in the United States is part of the American Indian Movement and who is not. It also reserves to itself the right to decide which chapters of the American Indian Movement are legitimate, and which are not. It claims such. authority under the corporate law of the State of Minnesota. With these pronouncements we could not be in stronger disagreement. While we do not wish to involve you in the internal disputes of other organizations, we feel that because of our past cordial relations with you we want you to have the most credible information regarding these developments involving Colorado AIM.

Colorado AIM operates on the understanding that AIM is a national liberation movement, comprised of autonomous local chapters, organized to maximize freedom for American Indians everywhere. The local chapters of AIM decide for themselves which issues are of importance to their communities, and decide when and how to address them. ln times of regional or national need, the chapters of AIM come together, or not, based on their own autonomous and independent judgments.

In traditional American Indian governing systems there were no "Big Chiefs" or dictators who told everyone else what to do. Our socio-political systems allowed a maximum of individual and local freedom, with people freely and loyally committing themselves to particular ideals and principles. Our leaders were not self-selected or appointed by secret "Central Committees," they were selected by the people, based on respect and honor. We believe that that's still a pretty good system.

Following the principles mentioned above, Colorado AIM has joined in confederation with at least nine other AIM chapters - the number continues to grow- (from Virginia to California, and from Florida to the Pacific Northwest) in an affirmation of democratic, accountable advancement of the principles of AIM. The enclosed document, The Edgewood Declaration, affirms not only our commitment to the principles of a free and participatory movement, but explicitly rejects the notion of centralized, authoritarian control by any self-appointed group. The declaration repudiates the creation of a national office of AIM because there has been no authorization for such an office by the membership of AIM. The declaration also affirms and respects the right of each AIM chapter to establish its own principles consistent with the overall purposes of AIM, to select its own leadership, and to be free from interference by other chapters or other organizations.

Colorado AIM remains committed to its essential principles of Spirituality, Sovereignty/Self-Determination, Solidarity, and Sobriety. (see enclosure) Over the past ten years, out of its own ashes, we have constructed one of the strongest and most active AIM chapters in the country, and we plan to continue our work. We have a positive, forward-looking, spiritually-guided program for the future, and we are going to advance it. We also remain dedicated to building alliances, in mutual respect, with those who are committed to justice, freedom, and liberation for all oppressed peoples.

Unfortunately, we must inform you that we no longer maintain relations with Margaret Martinez (a.k.a. Cahuilla Red Elk) from Colorado Springs. Perhaps that relationship will change in the future, but it should be clear that any statements or actions by Ms. Martinez, or her group from Colorado Springs claiming to be AIM, are not associated with Colorado AIM

We hope that this clarifies our position and any information that you might have received. We look forward to seeing you again soon, and to working together with you for a more just and respectful society. If you have any questions regarding this communiqué, please contact us at your convenience.