CPTnet
September 30, 2002
ONEIDA TERRITORY, NY: Tribal Court adjourns trial of traditional Oneida
woman
In an unexpected move on September 24, Judge Richard S. Simons of the
Oneida Nation Court adjourned until October 14 the trial of Danielle
Patterson for contempt of court and assault of a police officer. Oneida
Nation police charged her last November after she attempted to prevent
them from conducting an inspection of her home. Patterson refused to appear
in court today because she she does not recognize the legitimacy of the
legal system of Oneida Nation of New York, Inc, which is staffed almost
entirely by non-Native police officers, judges and lawyers.
The judge expressed outrage that Patterson did not appear in court and was
ready to issue a warrant for her immediate arrest. Patterson's attorney,
Joe Heath, argued that the Oneida Nation's contract with the county for
holding arrestees in the county jail is illegal, and therefore, they have
no legal place to hold her. After a short recess, the judge adjourned the
trial, stating that if she does not appear the next time, she will be tried
in absentia.
Patterson's home was condemned by order of Judge Stewart Hancock III after
Oneida Nation building inspectors declared it uninhabitable on November 16
, 2001. Prior to the Nation's inspection, New York State inspectors had
declared the house in compliance with state housing requirements. Nation
employees have already demolished eleven homes on traditional Oneida
Territory in an attempt to clear the territory of those who do not support
the Oneida Nation of New York, Inc., CEO Ray Halbritter and his
men's council. Patterson has resolved to resist the attempt to displace
her and her family from her traditional homeland.
While waiting for the judge's verdict, CPTer Joel Klassen joined Patterson
and six others on the roof of Patterson's house, ready to surround her in
the event of an arrest. Patterson and her supporters whooped and hollered
in celebration at the announcement of the judge's decision. "There have
been two victories here today," Patterson said after the group gave prayers
of thanks. "The house is still standing and no warrant was issued for my
arrest."
CPT is maintaining a nonviolent presence on the Oneida Territory while
homes of the traditional Oneida face threat of demolition. Current team
members include Anne Herman, Joel Klassen and Janet Shoemaker.
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