Commentary

Wireless Magnate John Nady on Completely Different Frequency than Indians

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Condition. Discussion »

Elem Indian Colony of
Pomo Indians

John Nady is a wealthy businessman, who pioneered wireless technology. His company, Nady, Inc. is the leading source of the wireless microphones of touring singers and musicians in the music industry.

A San Francisco Bay Area resident, Nady also owns property on Rattlesnake Island, a 57-acre island that lies a few hundred feet offshore from the federally-recognized Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians, on the eastern end of Clear Lake about 125-miles north of San Francisco.

Historically, there was a village, burial sites and ceremonial grounds of the Elem Indian Colony. The Tribe can trace thousands of years of ties to the island. The island was stolen from the Pomo in 1877, when it was deeded to settlers as private property in a supposed "clerical error". Ever since that time, the Elem Pomo have been fighting to regain traditional ownership of the land, and to halt various development projects.

Nady wants to erect a house, a caretaker's residence and stand-alone bathroom on property he owns on the island. In order to bring electricity, gas and water to these houses and bathroom, utility trenching is required.

The Elem Indian Colony is opposed to Nady's plans.

Nady is on a complete different frequency than the Elem Indian Colony.

In an attempt to block Nady from building on the island, the Elem Indian Colony lost a battle with the county where Rattlesnake Island is situated on Tuesday. Nady showed up to a hearing with attorneys who persuaded elected county officials to reverse a May 2010 county planning commission decision that requiring him to complete a focused environmental impact report.

Citing the rights of a property owner, the Lake County Board of Supervisors in California voted 3 to 2 margin to allow John Nady to proceed with his plans.

One more time, a wealthy landowner is displaying total disregard for the wishes of American Indians. With all of his wealth, he could go elsewhere to purchase property, but insists to build on this plot of land the Elem Indian Colony considers sacred.

Tribal officials vow to take the decision to litigation.

One more time, an American Indian tribe will have to spend money on attorney fees that could have gone to better use in programs.

Nady should get on the same frequency as the Elem Indian Colony.

posted September 9, 2011 10:10 am edt