PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM CARRIE DANN
To Everyone who has sent such kind words – thank you and keep up your spirit – it’s what Mary would have wanted. Following is a short personal statement by Carrie Dann on her sister’s passing.
April 24, 2005
Crescent Valley, NV (Newe Sogobia). Carrie Dann, Western Shoshone Grandmother, activist and sister to Mary Dann (who passed away Friday evening at their ranch in Crescent Valley), issued the following statement today in response to the receipt of hundreds of emails and phone calls from around the world expressing their condolences and prayers for the family and for Carrie:
"We want to let people know that we are doing ok and we will be strong. There was a three day visitation for Mary beginning on Friday evening. Her body will be cremated and her ashes released to become part of the earth and nurture her and nurture life, as it was meant to be. You must remember she came from the earth and she is returning back to the arms of her mother, the earth. She has completed the cycle. This earth mother will cradle her forever. The wind will carry her body in all four directions those of us remaining here in the physical world we must be strong - stronger now for those who have passed ahead of us and those that who are yet to come. Mary believed in living her life for the protection of her family, the life - the sacred (the land, the air, the water, the sun) and for the future generations."
"We must remember that Mary stood proud, strong, dignified, respectful against all types of racial discrimination, desecration of her spiritual ways by the BLM, Department of Interior (who claimed to be her "trustee"). She stood up against the mining industry, the nuclear industry, the energy industry. Mary never took no for an answer but she stood her ground for what she believed in and for the Truth. Not because she wanted to, but because she had to. I will continue to do this, even with my sister gone. I believe in these things also."
"We must always remember the future generations and protect the sacred things so that the little ones coming behind us will be ok. The struggle will go on."
Also, for those who have requested information on services: Mary’s ashes will be returned to the earth this Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 10:00 at the site near the Dann ranch where she passed away. There will be no fancy trappings but if people would like to attend to give their respects that is fine. No cameras or filming will be allowed out of respect for the family. There will be food served afterward at the Dann ranch – feel welcome to bring a side dish or otherwise if you desire.
WESTERN SHOSHONE DEFENSE PROJECT
P.O. Box 211308
Crescent Valley, NV 89821
775-468-0230
775-468-0237 (fax)
Western Shoshone Defense Project
April Reports
Last updated on April 28, 2005