From gars@speakeasy.org Tue Jul 2 18:51:24 2002 Date: 2 Jul 2002 22:09:36 -0000 From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews10.027 WOTANGING IKCHE -- Lakota -- Common News Kanoheda Aniyvwiya -- Cherokee -- Journal of the People Otapi'sin Atsinikiisinaakssin -- Blackfeet -- News for All the People Es'te Opunvk'vmucvse -- Creek -- People's New News Aunchemokauhettittea -- Naragansett -- Let Us Share News Ni-mah-mi-kwa-zoo-min -- Ojibwe -- We Are Talking About Ourselves Ha-Sah-Sliltha -- Ditidaht Nation -- News of the People Un Chota -- Susquehannic Seneca -- The People Speak Ximopanolti tehuatzin, inin Mexika tlahtolli -- Nahuatl -- For you we offer these words It-hah-pe-hah Ah-num pah-le -- Chickasaw -- Together We Are Talking Sho-da-ku-ye -- Teehahnahmah -- Talking Birchbark Acimowin -- Plains Cree -- Story or Account Dineh jii' adah' ho'nil'e'gii ba' ha' neh -- Navajo Nation -- What's Happening among The People News Native American News -- Language of the Occupation Forces Wotanging Ikche and Native American News Copyright c. 1996-2002 nanews.org ==>If you want your Nation represented in the banner of this newsletter<== email gars@nanews.org with the equivalent of "News of the People" in your tribal language along with the english translation O +-----------------------------+ O o O | Much more happens in Indian | O o O VOLUME 10, ISSUE 027 | Country than is reported in | O o o o o O | this weekly newsletter. For | O o O July 6, 2002 | For daily updates & events | O o O | go http://www.owlstar.com/ | O | dailyheadlines.htm | Choctaw hashi kafi/sassafras moon +-----------------------------+ Blackfoot niipoomahkatoyiiksistsikaa to's/Summer big holy day moon <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is produced in straight ASCII text for greatest portability across platforms. Read it with a fixed-pitch font, such as Courier, Monaco, FixedSys or CG Times. Proportional fonts will be difficult to read. <================<<<< >>>>================> This issue contains articles from www.pechanga.net; www.owlstar.com; www.indianz.com; Indianz elist, Rez Life and Minnesota Indian Affairs Mailing Lists; newsgroup: alt.native; UUCP email IMPORTANT!! ----------- In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes. <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. ++ It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org ++ It is archived at http://www.nanews.org <================<<<< >>>>================> As historian Patricia Nelson Limerick summarized in The Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken Past of the American West, "Set the blood quantum at one-quarter, hold to it as a rigid definition of Indians, let intermarriage proceed as it had for centuries, and eventually Indians will be defined out of existence. When that happens, the federal government will be freed of its persistent 'Indian problem.'" "We were taught to believe that the Great Spirit sees and hears everything, and that He never forgets; that hereafter He will give every man a Spirit-home according to his deserts: if he has been a good Man, he will have a good home; if he has been a bad man, he will have a bad home. This I believe, and all my people believe the same." __Chief Joseph, Nez Perce +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | Indian Pledge of Allegiance | The Indian Pledge of Alleg- | | iance was first presented | I pledge allegiance to my Tribe,| on 2 December '93 during the | to the democratic principles | opening address of the Nat- | of the Republic | ional Congress of American | and to the individual freedoms | Indian Tribal-States Relat- | borrowed from the Iroquois and | ions Panel in Reno, NV. NCAI | Choctaw Confederacies, | plans distribution of the | as incorporated in the United | Indian Pledge to all Indian | States Constitution, | Nations. | so that my forefathers | | shall not have died in vain | Walk in Beauty! Night Owl +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | Journey | In the summer and early fall | The Bloodline | of 1998 the Treaty Unity Riders | | rode a thousand miles on horse- | For all that live and live by law | back, carrying a staff and | We Stand, we Call, We Ride | praying each step of the way. | For All that fear and fear by sight | | We Hear, we Listen, we Ride | These prayers were offered for | For all that pray and pray by strength| each of us, and that the Unity | We Feel, we Move, we Ride | of all Peoples might happen. | For all that die and die by greed | | We Hurt, we Cry, we Ride | Tatanka Cante forwarded this | For all that birth and birth by right | poem on behalf of all the Unity | We Smile, we Hold, we Ride | Riders that we might stop and | For all that need and need by heart | ask if the next words we say, the | We Came, we Went, we Rode. | next act we make is for the good | | of the People or is it from ego | Treaty Unity Riders | for self. +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! Our thanks to Earth Eagle for the newest addition to the banner... Date: Friday, June 28, 2002 12:30 AM From: Subj: Navajo Language for News Dineh jii' adah' ho'nil'e'gii ba' ha' neh - Navajo Nation - What's happening among The People News I have said many times I would rather fill a page with our beautiful languages describing the reason for this simple newsletter than have one pristine banner in the language of the invaders. If you want your nation represented in the masthead do as Earth Eagle has done. Drop a note to myself at gars@speakeasy.org or my halfside Janet at owlstar@speakeasy.org -=-=-=- Assistance Needed: Arizona Tribes in Dire Need Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 08:51:06 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DIRE NEEDS" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.pechanga.net/press_release/assistance_needed_arizona_tribes.htm ASSISTANCE NEEDED: Arizona Tribes In Dire Need This morning, President Bush declared the Fort Apache Reservation, home to the White Mountain Apache Tribe, a disaster area in the wake of the Rodeo fire. The President also declared Apache and Navajo counties disaster areas. The declaration makes federal funds (such as low-interest loans, grants and other programs) available for disaster assistance for residents and businesses that are affected by the fire. To apply for aid, call the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired; lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Local Indian communities are also stepping up to the plate. The San Carlos Apache Tribe (SCAT) has established the "San Carlos Fire Support/Relief Committee" to help address the concerns of the Rodeo fire. Robert Howard heads the committee for the tribal government. Mr. Howard is seeking resources to assist White Mountain Apache tribal members affected by the huge fires raging across the White Mountains. The committee's command and information center will be in the Tribal Administration Building in San Carlos. To help the victims of Arizona's largest wildfire, please call (928) 812-0561. Mr. Howard can also be paged at (928) 402-3651 or emailed at scat_7mileoffice@yahoo.com. SCAT has opened its R.V. park and horse/livestock facilities at the Apache Gold Casino/Resort to people with trailers/campers free of charge. There will also be a block of rooms available at the resort hotel free of charge to fire victims, as well as meals for both evacuees and firefighters. SCAT is also accepting donations for forwarding to the American Red Cross. Willadine Hughes, RN Nurse Educator/Liaison to the Evacuation Center Coordinator at the Whiteriver Indian Health Service offices, forwarded a list of the most-needed items: - Toiletries: Shampoo, toothpaste, lotion - Towels - Sheets - Blankets - Flashlights and batteries - Drinking water - Juice - Small and large animal cages or pet taxis - Phone cards for families to keep in touch with loved ones - Cell phones if possible - Generators - as many as you can supply - Water tankers - 30,000 - 40,000 gal. (military type) Ms. Hughes can be reached at (928) 338-4911 or email kwhughes@citlink.net. Copyright c. 2002 Victor Rocha Communications, LLC. -=-=-=- Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002 00:17:05 EDT From: sumsumsumer@aol.com Subj: Warning from the Blackfeet Nation re: Cherylanne Rainbow Star Mailing List: Indianz elist from mike wicks Warning from the Blackfeet Nation re: Cherylanne Rainbow Star Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2002 20:49:34 -0700 (PDT) From: VA AIM Chapter Greetings, A number of complaints and concerns were received regarding Cherylanne Rainbow Star (real name Cherylanne Linares)of Milford Connecticut, and Director of 'White Buffalo Society'. We verified the issues of concerns, much of which was found on her own website. Some of those issues included dressing school children up with 'indian headbands' complete with paper or fake feather as part of her educational exhibit at schools; having the teacher pretend to be a 'chief' and then instructing the children into 'clans' and tribes for their activities. Adding to that was her 'products' available in her catalog for children as 'toys and games' such as "pipe w/legend $3", game rules for "medicine lodge", plastic bear claws and eagle claws for making 'play' jewelry, etc. These were just a few of the complaints, not withstanding the stereotyping and misrepresentation of Native culture(s). In checking further we found that she claimed to be Blackfoot or be a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation and told people she had the approval and sanction of her Nation. Calls were made to the Nations in Montana and none knew of her, except for the Blackfeet Nation in Browning Montana. We were referred to their Tribal Attorney who asked that we post the following statement to warn others about Cherylanne Rainbow Star. As a side note, many Nations and Native groups are making stronger stands and speaking out against frauds and those who exploit our various Nations cultures. We not only applaud their actions but also encourage them and offer our support. Kathy Morning Star Director, VA-AIM STATEMENT, dated June 28, 2002: "We want people to know Cherylanne Rainbow Star is not a member of nor sanctioned by or approved by the Tribal Council or Tribal Business Council of the Blackfeet Nation. Her stuff is not culturally consistent or appropriate for our people or tribe. She is misrepresenting Native people and our people and in our view is fraudulently benefiting from her misrepresentation(s). Joe McKay Tribal Attorney Blackfeet Tribal Council Browning, Montana" Their website can be found at http://www.blackfeetnation.com/ Dohiyi Ani Oginalii , , Gary Night Owl gars@nanews.org (*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@speakeasy.org (`-') Marietta, GA 30007, U.S.A. gars@olagrande.net ===w=w=== gars@sdf.lonestar.org ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- + URGENT NEEDS in Editorial above + - Judge faults Corps - Sam "Chi" Jones Billy Jr. for Handling of Remains - Former Crow Tribal Chairman - Lakota Journal: Forest Horn Blow out America's Birthday Cake - Crossings - FBI arrests Dine' Cop - Timber Loss threatens on Sex Charges White Mountain Livelihood - URGENT: Letter Drive - Fire rips Heart out of for Peltier's Parole Hearing White Mountain Apache - Native Prisoner - Code-Talker will be Honored July 4 -- If You Strike at, - Navajo Emergency Funds Imprison, or Kill Us used to buy Livestock Feed - Rustywire: Fort Duchesne - Have Toxins permeated - Poem: Swinomish Diet At the Roots of the Sacred Tree - BIA and HIS Workers - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days charged in Fraud - Native America Calling - Kowagniut Inupiat dies in Jail - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: Sam "Chi" Jones Billy Jr." --------- Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 08:51:06 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SAM JONES BILLY JR." http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.daily-times.com/Stories/0,1413,129%257E6574%257E693731,00.html Code Talker dead at the age of 77 Tuesday, June 25, 2002 SHEEP SPRINGS Friday morning Sam "Chi" Jones Billy Jr. passed away at his home. He was 77-years-old and a resident of New Mexico all of his life. Billy was born in Standing Rock, but for the past 55 years he lived in Sheep Springs. He married Genevieve Billy and raised a family of two daughters and one son in the area outside of Gallup. During World War II, Billy was called to serve his country. He went overseas to serve as a Navajo Code Talker with the U.S. Marine Corps. This was an interesting time for him as he got to see another continent and the horrors of war. "We would ask him to tell us stories about the war, but he would always tell us that we didn't need to know anything about it," his granddaughter Claudia Sandoval stated. He made a reference to World War II every few years, but for the most part, preferred not to talk about it. Billy did have one reminder of the war that he kept visible, though. He had always enjoyed woodworking and as a souvenir he brought back a piece of wood from the battlefield and some bullets from Japanese fighter planes. Out of these materials, he made a very unique picture frame. He gave it to his family with a picture of himself in it. He loved working with wood, and even built the house that he lived in until his death. Billy was very proud of this and his other creations that included some furniture and a shade house. He was considered a handy man. Other hobbies included reading, writing and spending time with his family. Billy loved spoiling his grandchildren, buying them candy and soda every time he went to the store, said Claudia. Billy was a stubborn man, basically doing what he pleased. He was advised not to drive because of his age, but did it anyway. He liked driving, so he was not going to stop. His family always found it humorous because they could never keep up with him. He also liked to watch wrestling, making sure his family recorded the weekly programs so he would never miss an episode. Besides being stubborn and a fun man, Billy was a very helpful person. He tried to make sure everyone he knew had what they needed. Whether it was food, money or a helping hand, he was there to assist whoever needed it. He enjoyed his life and where he lived. His home in Sheep Springs was near the mountains. He had land in the mountains and loved to camp out there. During the warmer months in the year, Billy would take a pillow and blanket to his land, grab a book, and read until he fell asleep in the summer sun. This giving man was content with life and enjoyed being around people. He leaves behind his wife and children, five brothers, three sisters, 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Copyright c. 1999-2002 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington Daily Times. --------- "RE: Former Crow Tribal Chairman Forest Horn" --------- Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002 14:39:22 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FOREST A. HORN" http://www.billingsgazette.com/obits/horn.inc Forest Horn Sunday, June 30, 2002 LODGE GRASS - Forest A. Horn, 78, of Lodge Grass, former Crow Tribal Chairman, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2002, in the Crow Agency IHS Hospital. Iilahiiche (Sharp Shooter) was born on Nov. 27, 1923, in Lodge Grass, the son of Samuel and Mary Ann Bear Below Horn. He grew up in the Lodge Grass area along Lodge Grass Creek. He received his education in Lodge Grass at the St. Ann's Mission, where the teacher was his uncle, Well Known. He continued his education at the Albright School, often riding horseback to school. Forest married Violetta Thomas in October of 1948 and the couple made their home on Lodge Grass Creek. Many who knew Forest recall how he was a champion in rodeo, successful cattleman and Crow politician. Despite his stature and success, he was a humble, compassionate and honest man. A man of few words and probably would agree that if he was standing here today, he would say little more about himself then, "I love my family and I loved the time I was able to be with you." On a professional level and as first a cattleman and then Chairman of the Crow Nation, he demonstrated his humility by just getting by. He never wanted more for himself and was perfectly content to drive a Ford or Chevy, no matter how broken down. He demonstrated a profound political acuity for the Crow people. His thinking was profound in that he reconciled his Crow beliefs in ways that were good for his people. He served in nearly all offices for the Crow Tribe, including the Tribal Chairman. He was honest and believed that the ancient ways were viable and necessary for the tribe to survive. He had a vision of where the tribe was and what was needed for it's prosperity. Forest was a faithful member of the Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, the Greasy Mouth Clan and child of Greasy Mouth. He opened his doors to everyone and welcomed all to the table, where he could always be counted upon for a good meal, good company and a place to stay for a night or for months. His parents, wife, Violetta, daughter Theresa Horn, son Clayton Horn, his adopted father, Caleb Plain Bull, brothers Alonzo and Daniel Other Bull, Thomas and George Horn, adopted brother Lawrence Plenty Hawk, and one grandson, Shawn Gun Shows, preceded Forest in death. Survivors include two sons, Samuel (Darla) Horn and Danny (Letha) Gun Shows of Lodge Grass; four daughters, Joan Big Medicine of Dunmore, Joanie (Frank) Rowland of Lodge Grass, Rhonda and Mary Horn of No Water; his brothers, Floyd (Ada) Horn and Harry (Darlene) Wallace of Lodge Grass and Roger Turns Plenty of Pryor; a sister, Joan Horn of Lodge Grass; half sister, Kathy Jones of Wyola; adopted sisters, Clara Nomee and Ada Rides the Horse of Lodge Grass, Rosaline Long Visitor and Ida Tobacco of South Dakota; his adopted brothers, Sargie Howe of Lodge Grass, John Myron Stewart of Dunmore and Calvin Jumping Bull of South Dakota; adopted sons, Clay Dawes of Washington, Francis White Clay and Michael Little Nest of Crow Agency, Bernard Johnson, Benedict Blaine, Woodson Faraway and Terrance Coversup of Lodge Grass; adopted daughters, Bridgett Takes Gun and Dora Gonzales of Lodge Grass; he raised his grandson, Sam Horn, Jr.; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; his extended families, G rey Bull, Blaine, Bends, Stops, Black Eagle, Bear Below, Jefferson, Shaeffer, White Hip, Well Known, Sara Pease family and the Horn family from Idaho; members of the Thomas and Whiteman families who, as in-laws, always held him in a position of honor. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Tribian Rides the Bear, Loretta Cummings, Autumn White Clay, Jacalyn Bear Claw, Rosaline Old Bear, Susan Horn, Rebecca Other Bull, Mike Horn, Chris Horn, Darrel Bright Wings, Willie Old Bear, Frank Bear Cloud, Sr., Jordie Bear Cloud, Marlene Thomas, Treva Bell Rock Raynard, Morton and Byron Other Bull, and his sister-in-law, Doris Thomas. Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, at the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Monday in the Lodge Grass Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Family Cemetery at No Water. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Crossings" --------- Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 08:10:52 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" June 26, 2002 Charles Vernon Clifford Jr. PINE RIDGE - Charles Vernon Clifford Jr., infant son of Charles Clifford Sr. and Constance Winters-Clifford of Pine Ridge, was born and died Sunday, June 23, 2002, in Bellevue, Neb. Survivors include his parents; one brother, Charles Louis Clifford, Pine Ridge; three sisters, Anne Clifford, Edith Clifford and Sheere Clifford, all of Pine Ridge; his paternal grandparents, Melvin Clifford Sr., Sioux City, S.D., and Thelma Red Feather, Pine Ridge; and his maternal grandfather, Louis Winters Sr., Pine Ridge. A one-night wake will begin at 3 p.m. today at Sacred Heart Catholic Hall in Pine Ridge. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Catholic Hall, with the Rev. Steve Pugliese officiating. Burial will be at Holy Rosary Mission Catholic Cemetery in Pine Ridge. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. June 28, 2002 Ambrose R. Tail Sr. OGLALA - Ambrose R. Tail Sr., 56, Oglala, died Monday, June 24, 2002, in Cheyenne, Wyo. Survivors include his wife, Susan Tail, Cheyenne; three daughters, Amber Tail, Ellen Tail and Lynette Tail, all of Cheyenne; three sons, Richard Tail, Denver, Ambrose Tail Jr., Portsmouth, W.Va., and Jeremy Tail, Cheyenne; two stepchildren, Carmel Garnier, Cheyenne, and Verlyn Garnier, Fort Lewis, Wash.; four brothers, Don Tail, Al Tail, Cleveland Tail and Fred Tail, all of Porcupine; and eight grandchildren. A one-night wake began Thursday, June 27, at Makasan Presbyterian Church in Oglala. Services will be at 10 a.m. today at the church, with the Rev. Asa Wilson officiating. Burial will be at Makasan Presbyterian Cemetery in Oglala. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. June 29, 2002 Kayla Lou Matthews PINE RIDGE - Kayla Lou Matthews, 17, Pine Ridge, died Tuesday, June 25, 2002, in Minneapolis. Survivors include her parents, Leon and Belva Matthews, Pine Ridge; one sister, Tami Matthews, Pine Ridge; and one brother, Brad Matthews, Pine Ridge. A one-night wake will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, July 1, at Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, at Gospel Fellowship Mission in Pine Ridge, with the Rev. Earl Hedlund and the Rev. Harold Ambrose officiating. Burial will be at the Brown Eyes family plot in Slim Buttes. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Carilla Sue Shots With Arrow ALLEN - Carilla Sue Shots With Arrow, 22, Allen, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, in Allen. Survivors include one daughter, Alliana Returns From Scout, Allen; her parents, Charles Shots With Arrow and Florence Tallman, both of Allen; one son, Albert Returns From Scout, Allen; eight sisters, Carla Shots With Arrow, Chastity Shots With Arrow, Charmaine Shots With Arrow, Charlene Shots With Arrow, Jessica Shots With Arrow, DeAnne Shots With Arrow and Tina Shots With Arrow, all of Allen, and Sonya Shots With Arrow, Kyle; and five brothers, Travis Thunder Bow, Charles Shots With Arrow and Trudell Shots With Arrow, all of Allen, and Deon Shots With Arrow and Milo Shots With Arrow, both of Kyle. A two-night wake will begin at 11 a.m. today at Inestimable Gift Episcopal Church in Allen. Services will be at noon Monday, July 1, at the church, with the Rev. Daniel Makes Good and the Rev. Cordelia Red Owl officiating. Mr. Mike Little Boy will officiate over traditional services. Burial will be at Inestimable Gift Episcopal Cemetery in Allen. Sioux Funeral Home, Pine Ridge, is in charge of arrangements. June 30, 2002 Kayla Lou Matthews In loving memory of Kayla Lou Matthews. Kayla was born on March 1, 1985 to Leon and Belva Matthews. At 8 months Kayla was diagnosed with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease. At the age of seventeen, and, after four heart surgeries and waiting almost four months for a heart transplant in Minnesota, Kayla left loved ones to be with her Grandma Lou and Jesus on June 25, 2002. In spite of her serious illness, Kayla lived and loved life to the fullest. She rode horseback and a 4- wheeler with her sister-friend, Donnel Ecoffey. She went parasailing and tubing with her sister Tami. She watched movies with her little brother, Brad. Kayla left her family and relatives with the gift of how precious life is. She leaves Tami to be the "big sister" and gives Brad a rest from being her "go-fer" (he was her feet when hers were too tired). Kayla leaves her daddy and mom with broken hearts but with a smile saying that we'll all be together again. She leaves all her cousins, aunties, uncles, Grandmas, Grandpas and dear friends with much regret, and yet, Kayla was at peace knowing what she believed about God. Her beloved Grandma Lou Brown Eyes, with whom she shared birthdays and times of death, preceded Kayla in death. The Family is truly grateful to all who loved and helped Kayla in and out of the home and hospital visits. We also want to thank Dr. Braunlin, Dr. Spangler and Brenda, Dr. Dunnigan, and our own local friend, Dr. Butterbrodt; and, the entire cardiology, rehab, pain, neurology, and nephrology team at Fairview University. Kayla became very close and dependent on her ICU nurses, Kelly, Aimee, and Lori, and on her primary nurses on 6C, Stephanie and Megan. A special thanks to Tony, her food tray provider, and, who called Kayla his "Princess" and who always encouraged her to eat. Also, we'll miss Dot dearly, our faithful social worker visitor and dear friend who always brought stickers and sunshine to our days. All that you did for Kayla, physically, emotionally and spiritually will be kept hidden in her mother's heart. Wake Services will be on Monday, July 1, 2002 at 1 pm beginning at Billy Mills Hall with the funeral service on Tuesday at 10 am, July 2, 2002 at her own Pine Ridge Gospel Fellowship Church. Burial will be at the Brown Eyes Family Plot in Slim Buttes, South Dakota. Until we go to her, we let Kayla go with all our love and tears. July 2, 2002 Roselyn E. Has No Horse KYLE - Roselyn E. Has No Horse, 62, Kyle, died Friday, June 28, 2002, in Rapid City. Survivors include three sons, Jonathan Long Soldier, Lapwai, Idaho, Tim Has No Horse, Atwater, Calif., and Julien Has No Horse, Potato Creek; two sisters, Ramona Means, Gordon, Neb., and Althea Doodson, Derry, N.H.; three brothers, Lawrence Chipps, Waterloo, Iowa, Arthur Has No Horse, Allen, and Alvin Has No Horse, Kyle; and five grandchildren. A two-night wake will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, at Little Wound School in Kyle. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at the school, with the Rev. Cordelia Red Owl officiating. Mr. Keith Horse Looking will officiate over traditional Lakota services. Burial will be at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Potato Creek. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 The Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- June 26, 2002 Gilbert Roan FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. - Services for Gilbert Roan, 42, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 28 at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament, Fort Defiance. Father Gilbert Schneider will officiate. Burial will follow at Veterans Community Cemetery, Fort Defiance. Roan died June 20 in Edgewood. He was Dec. 21, 1959 Chinle, Ariz. into the Coyote Pass People Clan and Towering House People Clan. Roan graduated from Window Rock High School, attended TVI, Albuquerque, where he earned a AA-Liberal Arts and Highlands University, Las Vegas, were he graduated with his bachelors and masters degrees in social work. He was a substance abuse counselor and former Gallup High Teacher. Survivors include his parents, Mary and Julison Roan Sr.; brothers, David J. Roan Sr. of Gallup; sisters, Patricia Roan of Mariano Lake, Salome Roan of Gallup and Brenda Chee of Globe, Ariz. Roan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold Ayze and Noami Ayze, Chester Roan and Rena Mark; brothers, Ronald Roan and Julison Roan Jr. and Sandra Roan. Pallbearers will be Pascal Kinsel Jr., Davidson Roan, Robert Roan, David Roan Jr., Samuel Parker and David Roan Sr. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at St. Dominics Hall, Fort Defiance. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Johnnie Hale WIDE RUINS - Services for Johnnie Hale, 77, will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 27 at St. Anne's Catholic Mission, Klagetoh, Ariz. Father Will McCue will officiate. Burial will follow in Klagetoh, Ariz. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., today at Cope Memorial Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m., at Cope Memorial Chapel. Hale died June 23 in Ganado, Ariz. He was born Dec. 15, 1924 in Antelope Lake, Ariz. into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Hale was a silversmith, representative of Wide Ruins Chapter. He was a board member of Fort Defiance Agency Health Board, Sage Memorial Health Board, Wide Ruins School Board, Navajo Area School Board Association, DNA Legal Services and Navajo Nation Family Planning Board. Survivors include her brothers, John Hale of Oak Springs, Ariz. and Joe Hale of Mentmore and sisters, Fannie Hale-Mitchell and Alice Hale Joe both of Wide Ruins. Hale was preceded in death by his parents, Kadeebah Hale-Lynch and Jim Hale; brothers, Charlie Hale, Willie Hale, Thompson Hale and Benjamin Hale. Pallbearers will be family members. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Wide Ruins Chapter House. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Kenneth Chico KINLICHEE, Ariz. - Services for Kenneth Chico, 45, will be held at 10 a. m., Thursday, June 27 at Mary, Mother of Mankind Catholic Church, St. Michaels, Ariz. Father Gilbert Schneider will officiate. Burial will follow at at Community Cemetery, Kinlichee. Chico died June 21 in Lupton, Ariz. He was born Feb. 3, 1957 in Fort Defiance, Ariz. into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Edge Water People Clan. Chico attended Many Farms High School and was employed with N.H.A. scattered housing. His hobbies included jogging, horseback riding and rodeo. Survivors include his sons, Bandy Chico, Kevin Chico and Kennen Chico; daughters, Cindy Chico and Casey Chico; parents, Ilene Chico and Joe Chico; brothers, Herbert Chico, Leonard Chico and Hambert Chico; sisters, Charlotte Morgan, Alta Yazzie and Irene Chico. Pallbearers will be family members and relatives. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Kinlichee Chapter House. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Vincent Clyde Jr. ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. - Services for Vincent Clyde Jr., 20, will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, June 27 at St. Michaels Catholic Church. Father Gilbert Schneider willl officiate. Burial will follow at Community Cemetery, St. Michaels. Clyde Jr. died June 23 in St. Michaels. She was born Aug. 30, 1981 in Shiprock into the Bitter Water People Clan for the One Who Walks Around People Clan. Clyde Jr. attended Window Rock Elementary, Window Rock High School, Winslow High School, and Nothern Arizona Academy. He was employed with Cholla Power Plant, St. Johns and Navajo Nation Inn. His hobbies included playing basketball and listening to music. Survivors include his parents, Darlene Yazzie Sr. of St. Michaels and Vincent Clyde Sr. of Winslow; brothers, Juliuston Begay and Lance Clyde both of Winslow; sisters, Marlene Benally of St. Michaels, Velesha Clyde, Valencia Clyde, Tatianna Clyde and Venisha Clyde all of Winslow; grandparents, Joe and Betty Clyde Sr. of Oak Springs, Ariz. and Mary Ann Benally of St. Michaels. Clyde Jr. was preceded in death by his grandfather, Allen Benally. Pallbearers will be Joe Clyde Jr., Glenn Wilson, Adrian Notah, Garrett Notah, Tony Walker Jr. and Michael Clyde. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Clem Mariano HEARTBUTTE - Services for Clem Mariano, 92, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 28 at Thoreau Church of God. Pastor Ray and Florence Barker will officiate. Burial will follow at Community Cemetery, Thoreau. Mariano died June 22 in Crownpoint. He was bron June 22, 1910 in Crownpoint into the Tangle People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Mariano was a rancher. Survivors include his wife, Alice Mariano of Heartbutte; sons, Wayne C. Mariano of Heartbutte and Tom Mariano of Milan; daughter, Rose Ann Yazzie of Heartbutte; brother, Clarence B. Mariano of Heartbutte; sisters, Elizabeth M. Begay and Ruth M. Roper both of Heartbutte; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Mariano was preceded in death his father, Mariano Begay; sisters, Alice Willie and Anna Martinez and brothers, Phillip Mariano and John Mariano. Pallbearers will be Ricky B. Yazzie, Bobby Mariano, Brian Mariano, Harvey Mariano, Troy Mariano and Wayne C. Mariano. A family meeting will be held at 6 p.m., tonight at Little Water Chapter House. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Lucy Peshlakai NASCHITTI - Services for Lucy Peshlakai, 90, will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 27 at Christian Reformed Church, Naschitti. Pastor Jerome Sandoval will officiate. Burial will follow at Naschitti Community Cemetery. Peshlakai died June 23 in Bloomfield. She was born April 11, 1912 in Wheatfields, Ariz. into the Salt People Clan for the Sleep Rock People Clan. Peshlakai was a rug weaver, raised livestock and was a homemaker. Survivors include her son, Lee John Peshlakai Sr. of Naschitti; daughters, Rose Bitsie of Albuquerque, Elsie Peshlakai, Amelda Peshlakai, Pauline Jr. Peshlakai and Myrtle J. Herbert all of Naschitti; brothers, Frank Stevens Jr. and Edgar Bitsoi both of Naschitti; sister, Minnie Foster of Naschitti; 25 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Peshlakai was preceded in death by her parents, Jennie Peshlakai-Begay and Frank Steven Sr.; sons, Henry, Kenneth and George; brother, Jerome Stevens and sister, Katherine Arviso. Pallbearers will be Alex Peshlakai, Kenneth Peshlakai, Lee John Peshlakai Jr., Jason Herbert, Joel Herbert and Kevin Peshlakai. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Naschitti Chapter House. June 27, 2002 Linda B. Barber TOCITO - Services for Linda Barber, 54, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 28 at Boyd's Residence, Vanderwagen. Pastor Joe M. Lee will officiate. Burial will follow at Pine Tree Cemetery, Vanderwagen. Barber died June 24 in Gallup. She was born June 12, 1948 in Vanderwagen into the White Mountain Apache Edge Water People Clan for the Mountain Meadow People Clan. Survivors include her husband, Henry Barber of Tocito; son, David Barber of Gallup; daughter, Ophelia Barber of Vanderwagen; mother, Olive Mae Russell of Vanderwagen; brothers, Glenn Adeky Sr., Carl Boyd, Raymond Boyd and Leo R. Etsitty all of Vanderwagen; sisters, Lucy Antone of Coolidge, Ariz., Lottie Boyd, Sadie Boyd and Ruth Charley all of Vanderwagen and 10 grandchildren. Barber was preceded in death by his father, Dummy Mustache Boy and brother, Mike R. Etsitty. Pallbeaers will be David H. Barber, Billy Begay Jr., Carl Boyd, Conan Caesar, Frankie Charley and Keith Charley. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Benson Benally RAMAH - Services for Benson Benally, 43, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 28 at Ramah Nazarene Church. Rev. John R. Nells will officiate. Burial will follow on family land. Benally died June 21 in Zuni. He was born July 26, 1958 in Zuni. Benally recieved an associate degree from New Mexico State University. He was a teacher at Pinehill High School and was employed by the Ramah Navajo School Board. His hobbies included football, basketball, and outdoor activities. Survivors include his wife, Tanya Benally of Ramah; sons, Brent, Doren and Adriel all of Ramah; daughter, Charity of Ramah; mother, Zonnie Benally of Vanderwagen; brothers, Wilson Benally of El Paso, Texas, Johnson Benally and Kee Benally both of Vanderwagen; sisters, Louise and Linda Benally both of Vanderwagen, Alice Pablano and Susie Benally both of Zuni. Benally was preceded in death by his father, Hoskie Benally. Pallbearers will be Brent Benally, Doren Benally, Adriel Benally, Keith Benally Jr. Emmanuel Benally and Edlen Begay. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Ramah Nazarene Church. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. July 1, 2002 Pernall J. Edsitty ALBUQUERQUE - Services for Pernall Edsitty, 27, will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 1 at LaVida Mission, north of Crownpoint. Raven Preston will officiate. Burial will follow at private family cemetery. Edsitty died June 22 in Albuquerque. He was born Sept. 14, 1974 in Fort Defiance, Ariz. into the Meadow People Clan for the Sleep Rock People Clan. Edsitty graduated from Fort Wingate High School and was employed at Wendy's in Albuquerque. Survivors include his daughter, Alicia Renee Edsitty of Red Rock; father, Ned Edsitty of Crownpoint; brother, Nedford Edsitty of Hobbs; and sisters, Lynette K. Edsitty of Standing Rock, Personna J. Edsitty of Becenti and Rahelle A. Edsitty of Crownpoint. Edsitty was preceded in death by her mother, Pearl S. Edsitty and grandmother, Hilda J. Harvey, and great-grandparents, Eva and Frank John. Pallbearers will be Gerald Benally, Arvil Benally, Ned Edsitty, Charles Kelsey, Johnson Kien and Felix Vigil. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. John Tsosie CHINLE, Ariz. - Services for John Tsosie, 89, will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 1 at Chinle the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Burial will follow at Chinle Cemetery. Tsosie was born Dec. 24, 1912 in Chinle into the Water Edge People Clan for the Tower House People Clan. Tsosie was a Hand Trembler, sheepherder, farmer and rancher. He worked on the railroad and coalmines. Survivors include his sons, David Tsosie of Phoenix, Tommy Tsosie of Chinle; daughters, Della Keith of Blanding, Utah, Mary Ann Shorty and Juanita Jones both of Chinle; parents, Woman in Red and Hosteen Etsitty; brothers, Jamie Etsitty, Bahe Etsitty and David Etsitty; 21 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Tsosie was preceded in death by his wife, Zonnie Whitesinger Tsosie; daughters, Alta Smith; sister, Nellie Etsitty; and brother, Stanley Etsitty, Wilup Etsitty, Etsitty Begay and Hobb Etsitty. Pallbearers will be Marvin Shorty, Delbert Shorty, Lorenzo Shorty, Farren Benviden, Orlando Tsosie and Phillip D. Yazzie. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Yelth Nana Bah John WIDE RUINS, Ariz. - Services for Yalth Nana Bah John, 95, will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 1 at the Catholic Church, Klagetoh. Burial will follow at family plot, Wide Ruins. John died June 26 in Ganado, Ariz. She was born in 1907 in Wide Ruins into the Towering House People Clan for the Red House People Clan. Survivors include her son, Emanuel Kee John; daughter, Louise Stewart and 27 grandchildren. John was preceded in death by her husband, Kee John and parents, Nadesba and Kla'Zhin. Pallbearers will be family and relatives. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- June 26, 2002 Woodrow Kicking Woman BROWNING -- Woodrow Kicking Woman, 57, a firefighter, ranchhand and boxer from Browning, died Sunday in a Great Falls hospital of complications from a stroke. His funeral is noon Saturday at the Starr School gym, with burial in Whitegrass Cemetery at Starr School. His wake is in progress. Day Family Funeral Home of Browning is handling the arrangements. Survivors include a son, Jeff Savage; a sister, Esther Kicking Woman; and brothers Melvin Kicking Woman, Louis Kicking Woman and Calvin Kicking Woman Sr. June 30, 2002 Joseph 'Mousie' Rattler Sr. BROWNING -- World War II Army veteran Joseph "Mousie" Rattler Sr., whose Indian name was Wolf Head, 78, of Browning, who worked for Great Northern Railway and Burlington Northern Railroad until retiring in 1986, died Thursday in Browning of pulmonary fibrosis. A rosary is 7 p.m. Tuesday at Little Flower Parish. Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Little Flower Parish, with burial at St. Michael's Cemetery in Browning. Day Family Funeral Home of Browning is handling the arrangements. Survivors include daughters Verena Rattler, Lucille Hall, Kathy R. Evans and Monica Rattler; sons Joseph Rattler Jr., Elmer Rattler and Dick Rattler; sisters Victoria Skunk Cap and Annie Wall; a brother, Roy Bennett Sr.; and 39 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn (LaMott) Rattler in 1994; daughters Mary M. Bird and Joyce Reevis; and three grandchildren. Copyright c. 2002 Great Falls Tribune. -=-=-=- June 25, 2002 Victor Morning, Sr. LODGE GRASS - Victor Thomas "Tuffy" Morning, Sr., 75, of Lodge Grass, went home to be with our Lord and to unite with loved ones that have gone before, on Saturday, June 22, 2002. Our Dad was a member of the Peigan Clan and a child of the Peigan Clan. IISAXCHILAAKE-Hawk Child was born Dec. 14, 1926 to Paul and Nancy Hoops Morning in Crow Agency. He received his early education in Crow Agency and later received a degree as a Counselor in Salt Lake City. Victor married Leona Little Light on March 14, 1954, in Hardin and they made their home in the Lodge Grass area. Dad worked as a ranch hand, which came naturally to him, because of his love for horses and cattle. He worked for ranches throughout the Lodge Grass valley. After receiving his counselor credentials, Dad worked for several years as a Community Health Representative for the Crow Tribe. This also included the position of alcohol counselor at the Crow Tribal Detox Center. Dad had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 26, changing the course of his life from then on. He served as the first Pastor of the Miracle Church, then proceeded to further the gospel in the evangelistic field, spreading the gospel to the Blackfeet, Shoshone, Northern Cheyenne, Arapaho, Navajo, Apache, Yakima and his beloved Crow Nation. Dad served faithfully as the Elder of the El Shaddai Pentecostal Church in Wyola for the remaining 12 years of his life. He has truly displayed a life based on the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ to his children and the lives that he has touched through the years. Dad's love for his personal savior was equaled only by his love for us, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished. His parents; wife, Leona; brothers, Benedict and Robert Morning, Sr.; sister, Monte Ann Iron; son, Daniel Paul Morning; adopted son, Darrell Paul Morning; and grandson, Jordan Morning, preceded Victor in death. Survivors include his children, Garfield Little Light, John Dust, Sr. and Teresa Pretty Weasel of Billings, Victoria (Myron) Falls Down of Wyola, Celeste Tobacco, Nora Ann Bird, Minerva (Mike) Tucker, Victor C. (Marilyn), Jr., Vianna (Dennis) Stewart, Gordon (Nema) Morning, Kathleen (Clinton) White Clay and Paulette (Rueben) Falls Down of Lodge Grass; his sisters, Darlene (Duane) Bixby of Hardin, Judith Big Lake of Lodge Grass, Lorena Morning, Carol (John) Bullingsight and Mary Hoops of Crow Agency; his brothers, Samuel (Marjorie) Hoops and Clifford (Ardith) Bird in Ground, Sr. of Lodge Grass; his aunts, Grace Humming Bird, Mae House and Elizabeth Smart Enemy; his adopted brothers and sisters, Pius Real Bird, Marjorie Hoops, Paul Nomee, Jr., Margo Real Bird, Mardell Hogan, Ramona Backbone, Robert Nomee, Josie Stands, Daisy Bright Wings, Chester Nomee, Sr., Veronica Pretty On Top, Lloyd Hogan, Evelyn Bear Ground, Emma Yellowmule and Charlie Real Bird; his adopted children, Leo and Aldean Good Luck, Thomas Morning, Robert Morning, Jr., Gary Dean Little Light, James and Henrietta Takes Horse, Levi Brian Yellowmule, Mary Black Eagle, April Toinetta Flores, Melissa Falls Down, Almeda Good Luck, Larry Emerson, Clara Bear Don't Walk, Arnold Jefferson, Bernard Jefferson, Verena Costa, Rebecca Stovall, Lydia Hill, Jennifer Jefferson, Barbara S. Knows His Gun, Gwen Falls Down and Delinda Jefferson; 27 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. We, the children, wish to express our profound appreciation and respect to the Bright Wing, Dust, Good Luck and Red Star families for regarding our Dad as their own. The love and understanding that these families have shown through the years is recognized by his children. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, in the Crow Agency Multi-purpose Building. Interment will follow in the Lodge Grass Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. June 28, 2002 Ruth Ann Davie KIRBY - Ruth Ann Livingston Cunningham Davie, 47, of Kirby, died of injuries sustained in a one car rollover accident, Thursday, June 20, 2002, near Kirby. She was born June 12, 1955, in Billings, a daughter of Robert C. Livingston and Gail Bolson. Her stepfather was Philip Zimmer. She received her early education in Billings and later attended Eastern Montana College. Ruth married Richard Cunningham and was later divorced. She married Dennis R. Davie on May 5, 1984, in Billings, and the couple made their home near Kirby. Dennis died in 2000. She worked at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School and for Custer's Last Camp Store in Busby. She began to touch the lives of our children when she volunteered numerous hours at the Little Eagle Head Start. She later became a teacher's aide in the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School in the kindergarten, fifth grade and computer classes. When children were involved, Ruthie put out 110%, which was why she chose to work the district summer feed program for several years. Ruthie was a protector and advocate for children's right and had a heart big enough to all who needed help. She was the life of any party; her presence was always known. All who loved her will miss the laughter, the love, the caring she brought into our lives. However, the love of her life were her children and grandchildren and her legacy will live on through them. Survivors include the sons, Robert (Shannon) Cunningham of Billings, Torrey and Jacob Davie of the family home; a daughter, Chelsee Davie of the family home; an adopted son, Brandon Matue of Kirby; her four grandchildren, Hailey, Chad, Aaliyah and Ethan Cunningham; two sisters, Bonnie Pipe of Lame Deer and Lora Demaray of Billings; two brothers, Robert Livingston of California and Phillip Livingston of Billings; 93 nieces and nephews; as well as a host of friends. Cremation has taken place in the Bullis Eastern Montana Crematory. Memorial graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Bolson Family Cemetery, one mile south on the Kirby Road. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. June 30, 2002 Jordena Delaney Rose Left Hand On Thursday, June 27, 2002, God took our little angel, Jordena Delaney Rose Left Hand, home to be with Him. She was born to Maxine Left Hand and Dewey Bright Wings in Billings. She is survived by her twin sister, Jorden Dylana Rae; her maternal grandparents, Melanie Left Hand and Rod Old Bull; paternal grandparents, Henry and Garnett Bright Wings III; great-grandparents Gladys LaForge, Lawrence and Bertha Old Bull, Sr., Greeley Bear Ground and Doris Gets Down, Henry and Daisy Bright Wings, Jr., Jerome and Lois White Hip. Jordena was a fifth-generation grandchild to Alex LaForge, Sr. (a descendent of Enemy Hunter), and a great-grandchild of Mary Bright Wings, Cordelia and Pius Real Bird. Her aunts, Salisha, Quinn and Sarina Old Bull, Janet and Heather Bright Wings; uncles Justin Bright Wings, Matthew Bright Wings, Warren Gets Down; grandparents Les (Lesley) Left Hand, Tyler Left Hand, Valerie (Vince) Horse Chief, Sophia (Max) Dawes, Lawrence (Charlene) Old Bull, Jr., Veronica (Heywood) Big Day, and Reva Gardner; many aunts, uncles and cousins; the families of the Left Hand, LaForge, Old Bull, Gardner, Bright Wings, Alden, Bear Ground, Gets Down, Plenty Hawk, Bull Shows, Big Day, Covers Up, Flat Mouth, Bends, Bull Tail, Sun Goes Slow, Not Afraid, Blaine, White Hip, White Clay and Lincoln also survive her. Grandfather Nathan Old Dwarf, great-grandfather Melvin Left Hand, great- great-grandparents Maxine LaForge and Henry Bright Wings, Sr., preceded her in death. "Goodbye my precious angel. God gave you to me for a little while. I will see you in heaven. I love you." Love, Mom. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 1, at the Lodge Grass Cemetery. Dahl Funeral Chapel in Hardin is in charge of the arrangements. July 1, 2002 Elizabeth Caroline Door CROW AGENCY - Elizabeth Caroline Door, 78, of Crow Agency passed away Friday, June 28, 2002, in the Crow Agency Awekualawaache Care Center. Diax-kash-itchaa "Eagle that is Good" was born Jan. 16, 1924 in Crow Agency, a daughter of John Sits Down Spotted and Agnes Leider. She received her education at the St. Xavier Mission School. Elizabeth resided in the Soap Creek area before she married James Door in 1947. The couple made their home in St. Xavier until 1954, when they moved to Crow Agency. Mr. Door died in 1977. She was a traditional Crow blanket woman who was well known for her Indian and flower beading designs. She took great pride in making many traditional outfits for Crow men and women and loved to traditionally outfit her daughters-in-law and sisters- in law. Elizabeth was a member of the St. Dennis Catholic Church, Big Lodge Clan, a child of the Ties the Bundle Clan, Native American Church and the Tobacco Society. She became a member of the Tobacco Society after being adopted by Rose DeCrane Turns Plenty. Her daughters, Lynette Nanto and Maude Door, as well as her son, Marvett and her adopted mother, Rose DeCrane Turns Plenty preceded Elizabeth in death. Survivors include two daughters, Linda (Grant) Bull Tail of Crow Agency and Doris (Lee) Plain Feather of Pryor; three sons, James Door of Arizona, Garrett Door of Colorado and Garland (Laurie) Door of Pryor; her adopted daughters, Jessica Costa and Nora Big Hair; her adopted son, Ben Frank Irvin; her sister, Harriet (Ettinge) Little Owl of Crow Agency; her adopted brothers, Joe (Lorraine) Bear Cloud of Crow Agency, Kenneth (Barbara) Spotted of Wyola and Buster (Elsie) Leider of Lodge Grass; her great-aunt, Sarah Bull Chief of Crow Agency; 21 grandchildren; 42 great- grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, her Tobacco Society adopted daughter, Renaun Dawes, her special friend, Inez Reed Bird in Ground and adopted family including, Sylvia, Ralph, David, Wayne Louise, Chester, Verna Vernon, Avalone and Arron Turns Plenty, Persine Nez Perce, Charlene Lavadure and Mary Stewart. Rosary will be recited 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Rite of Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, in the Crow Agency St. Dennis Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. July 2, 2002 Curtis Singer CROW AGENCY - Curtis Paul Singer, 40, of Crow Agency, passed away June 29, 2002. He was born Nov. 26, 1961, in Crow Agency, the son of Adam Singer and Bernice Daychild Singer. Curtis attended schools in Crow Agency and Hardin, and was a member of the National Guard. On April 1990, he married Mae Singer of Petersburg, Alaska. Suvivors include his wife, Mae Singer; four children, Kane, Curtis Jr., Paul and Taylor Singer; two sisters, Mona Lisa Singer of Wisconsin and Faye Dean Singer of Billings; brothers, Adam "Boone" Singer, Samuel (Cara) Bullshows, John Bull Shows, Kenneth "Porkchop" Turns Plenty and Carson Singer of Wisconsin; his grandmother, Lillian Hogan of Crow Agency; his uncle, Samuel (Adeline) Plainfeather; his aunts, Lorena Mae (Cedric) Walks Over Ice, Nellie Pettey, Mary Hogan, Mardell (Dan) Plainfeather, Iva Mosely and Brenda Bull Shows; great-aunt, Annie Singer Costa. Curtis was a loving family man who cared deeply about his children and family. He was very talented and loved Native American Art. He was a member of the Big Lodge Clan of the Crow Tribe. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Pryor at the Singer family cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Leona Walks Leona "Lena" Walks, 70, of Billings, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2002, in the St. Vincent Hospital. Duxbeechaawia (Bear Woman) was born March 8, 1932, in St. Xavier, a daughter of George and Emma Kennawash Walks. A descendant of Chief Pete Kennawash of the Chippewa-Cree Nation. She grew up and attended schools at the Buckskin, St. Xavier Mission school and later nursing school in Missoula. Upon completion of her nurses' training, she worked at the Hillside Nursing Home in Missoula for many years. Lena married Patrick Phares in 1976 in Missoula and the couple made their home in Hardin in 1979. Mr. Phares died in 1988. She was a member of the Pentecostal Church, Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Greasy Mouth Clan. During her younger years, she enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, but as she grew older, she enjoyed beading, quilting and listening to country western music. Her parents; daughter, Henrietta; son, Dean; and siblings, Mary, Geneva, Charlie, Dan, Rosemary Big Hair and Gilbert Walks, John Montgomery, Emily Lovelace, Elizabeth Hatten, Margaret Brown; and two grandchildren, Joseph Reed, III, and Sasha Brien, preceded Lena in death. Survivors include six daughters, Mary (Gary) Whiteman of Crow Agency, Susan Jefferson of Malta, Theda (Wayne) Rogers, Tina LaHaye, Trudy Hatten and Lisa (David) Contreraz of Billings; three sons, Harold (Tara) Jefferson of Washington, Ervin (Carla) Jefferson of Wyola and Mike Hatten of Billings; two sisters, Annie Walks of St. Xavier and Dorthea Adams of Crow Agency; 23 grandchildren, Mike, JR, Marsha, Nicki, Buddy, Helen, Joey, Tyson, Kirsten, Wade, Tina, Stephen, Harold, Marina, Timbo, Dennis, Nacoma, Lisa, Deanna, DJ, Salena, Lyssah, Javier, David, Jr.; and seven great- grandchildren, Jasmine, Ray, Nikki, Cameron, KJ, Mariah and baby David. Wake services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, in the House of Hope Church. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, July 5, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. To the #1 Grandma with Love I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me... I took His hand when I heard His call I turned my back and left it all, I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at close of the day... If my parting has left a void then fill it with remembering joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much - good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share it with me and all thee God wanted me now; For He, He set me free... - Joey Much Love I love you, Grandma, I will always be with you. You have always had a place in my heart and you always will. I have enjoyed the time I got to spend with you here on earth. You were there when I needed you to love me, to care for me. I never needed anything but love and you were there to give it to me. I will always and forever love you. I will always remember you, you will always be in my heart and on my mind. Love you. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- June 28, 2002 Fred Benjamin Fred B. Benjamin, 88, of Hayward, Wis., died Monday, June 17, 2002, at the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital. A traditional Ojibwe service was held June 20 at the old Reserve Elderly Center with Larry Smallwood "Amik" officiating. Interment was in the Woodland Cemetery in Onamia. Casketbearers were Vincent Hill, Larry Smallwood, Chuck Whitebird, Greg Wind and Jason Wind. Honorary casketbearers were Oliver Benjamin and Perry Benjamin. The Anderson-Nathan Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; three step-sons, John (Amelia) Lacapa, San Antonio, Texas, Tom (Teresa) Lacapa, Hayward, Wis., Paul (Tina) Lacapa, Hayward; two step-daughters, Barbara Lacapa and Camille Lacapa, both of Hayward; son, Vincent Hill, Minneapolis; daughter, Lynette Wind, California; sister, Starry Skinaway, Onamia; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Rose, daughter Jacqueline Wind; three brothers and two sisters. Fred Biwash Benjamin was born Jan. 16, 1914, in Mille Lacs County, the son of John and Hattie (Merril) Benjamin. He attended school at the Tomah Indian School and the Flandreau Indian School. He moved to Minneapolis where he worked as a welder. He was joined in marriage to Rose Bugg. He moved back to the Mille Lacs area and worked at the Mille Lacs Museum, where he shared his singing and storytelling for several years. In November of 1991, he married Elizabeth Lacapa in an Indian ceremony at Mille Lacs. They moved to Hayward, Wis., in 1997. They traveled to different states to attend powwows, where Fred would share his singing. Copyright c. 2002 Mille Lacs Messenger. --------- "RE: Timber Loss threatens White Mountain Livelihood" --------- Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 08:22:25 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="WHITE MOUNTAIN FIRE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0627fire-tribe.html Timber loss threatens Apaches' livelihood Kristen Go The Arizona Republic June 27, 2002 12:00:00 For members of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, land is their most precious commodity. But the "Rodeo-Chediski" fire has robbed them of one of their most valuable resources: half of their timber. The fire has burned more than 409,900 acres, including 212,000 on the reservation. Much of the scorched land is part of the world's largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pine. Despite the advent of Indian gaming, the timber industry remains one of the tribe's biggest sources of income. The loss will have a profound effect on two of the state's most impoverished counties, Navajo and Apache. The Fort Apache Timber Co. employs 450 tribal members to log trees on the reservation, with mills in Whiteriver and Cibecue. It stands to lose $237 million, said Ben Nuvamsa, Fort Apache Bureau of Indian Affairs supervisor. The burned acres represent at least 12 years of timber harvest. "We'll work to salvage as much as possible," said John Philbin, Western regional forester for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. "But the reality may be that with less than half of its timber supply, the mill may only last a few more years." It will take at least a century for the forest to get close to what it was. "We'll have to pray for it to regrow," said Lenora Ethelbah, 66, a tribal member. "This land has a lot of offer." Ethelbah, forced out by the fire, was staying at the Whiteriver evacuation center. Like most of the tribe's 12,000 members, she lives on the 1.6 million-acre reservation. Tribal member Nolang Clay also worries. More than 60 percent of the tribe's population is unemployed, and its economy is heavily dependent on forestry operations. The tribe's revenue comes from timber, elk hunting season, its Hon-Dah Casino and Sunrise Park Ski Resort, which has been hit hard in recent years with short snow seasons. The ski resort finished in the red this winter, open only 90 days even using snowmakers. "We really depend on our land," Clay said. Other industries in the White Mountains also depend on the tribe, especially its timber. Dale Kamarata, general manager of Imperial Laminators in Eagar, was banking on timber from the mill to secure contracts with eight Western states to provide highway guardrail posts. Kamarata estimates he could lose $7 million if he isn't able to get the 600 truckloads of promised timber. The guardrails are required to be made with ponderosa pine. Shipping pine from Washington state would be too expensive, he said. "If we continue to lose timber, the whole project would be done," said Kamarata, who moved his business to Eagar from Phoenix three years ago because of its proximity to the mill. He employs 40 people. "Every day workers come in after hearing the news, and every day they ask me, 'What are we going to do?' " he said. Copyright c. 2002, azcentral.com. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Fire rips Heart out of White Mountain Apache" --------- Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 08:17:01 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RODEO CHEDISKI FIRE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0701fire-apache01.html Apache tribe facing hardships, racism Tom Zoellner The Arizona Republic July 01, 2002 FORT APACHE RESERVATION - The heart has been ripped out of this place. The "Rodeo-Chediski" fire has become a multidimensional disaster for this 12,500-member tribe, with racial prejudice, economic misery and spiritual grief among the possible lasting legacies. A deep sense of guilt descended on the reservation with the news that a member of the tribe, contract firefighter Leonard Gregg, had been charged with setting the Rodeo fire in the hope of earning a day's wages. "Fingers are being pointed at us," tribal Chairman Dallas Massey said. "It is important to remember that this was an individual, not the tribe, that set this fire." The loss of timber alone on the reservation is valued at $237 million. The tribal-owned lumber mills have shut down, and more than 600 people were laid off last month because of the fires. More ominously, Apaches here say they feel anger from White neighbors on the Mogollon Rim who were forced to endure more than a week's evacuation and came home to find 423 houses and businesses burned flat. Harder to chart will be the spiritual and cultural fallout from the fire. Traditional Apache belief places high value upon the land, and natural disasters are viewed as divine retribution for sin. "The fire has hurt Mother Earth and scarred the trees," said 64-year-old Edgar Perry of the tribal capital of Whiteriver. "The Earth is telling us we have done something wrong." Within the 212,000 acres of burned reservation land are dozens of archaeological sites dating back more than a thousand years. Wilson Gregg, the adopted brother of the man accused of setting the fire, said he views the fire as a fulfillment of prophecy. "My grandfather predicted the land up there would be burned up and the elks and the deer would be no more," he said, gesturing up the red rock arroyo near Cibecue where Leonard Gregg reportedly lit the fire. An undocumented number of elk and deer were killed or displaced in the fire, which brings its own form of economic hardship. A substantial source of income for the tribe comes through the sale of elk-hunting licenses. This year's fish and game revenue is already being written off, at a cost of at least $600,000, said Milfred Cosen, the tribe's director of enterprise. "We were hurting even before this fire," he said, citing data that pegs the tribe's unemployment rate at 60 percent. The Apaches saw a quarter of their forest land turn to ash within 11 days. In the burned areas are roots and herbs used by the elderly for various ailments. Cottonwood bark is used to treat athlete's foot, and certain kinds of sagebrush is used to relieve cold sores, said Amos Thorne Sr., a San Carlos Apache. Stronger medicine may be needed to ease the racial tension along the Rim that was brought on by the Rodeo-Chediski fire. Even before Gregg was charged with setting the fire, many thought the tribe and its firefighters could have done more early on to stop the blaze. "The relationship has gone sour and it's going to take a long time to heal," Thorne said. Going into the White-dominated town of Show Low for groceries has recently become an invitation for harassment for anybody who looks like an Indian. "If you're up there shopping, they'll say 'Shouldn't you be putting out the fire?'" he said. Whether the perception is accurate or not, many White residents are convinced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and by extension, the entire Apache tribe, should have done more to keep the fire from growing. "It was their fault it got out of hand," said Derek McFarland of Linden. Cosen said he fears a de facto White boycott of the tribe's Hon-Dah Casino south of Show Low, which employs nearly 500 and provides an undisclosed amount of revenue to the tribe. It's too early to predict long-term business trends, but officials said customer turnout was unusually light Sunday, the first full day of business since the evacuation order was lifted. Talk of lingering racial animosity concerns Gene Kelley, mayor of Show Low, which is just off the reservation. "The emotion of all this makes people look for somebody to blame," he said. "It makes no sense for people to blame the Apache tribe, despite the likelihood that somebody in the tribe started the fire through arson, just as the town shouldn't shoulder blame over the certainty that a White woman started the 'Chediski' fire." The dual nature of the merged fires - one caused by an Indian, the other by a White person - is viewed on the reservation as the great equalizing factor of the experience: a symbol of shared responsibility and guilt. How long it will take the divisions and the land to heal is a different question, but the Apaches say they have been through terrible hardship before and are prepared to weather the oncoming bad times. "It's going to cripple us economically," Perry said. "But life must go on. There will still be sunrise dances and prayers and eagle feathers in spite of the fire." Copyright c. 2002, azcentral.com. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Code-Talker will be Honored July 4" --------- Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 08:17:01 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CODE-TALKER" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/76711_codetalker29ww.shtml Local code-talker breaks silence; will be honored July 4 Saturday, June 29, 2002 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BREMERTON -- Arthur Hubbard Sr. was sworn to secrecy in 1945 -- an oath he upheld for more than 55 years. Drafted in New Mexico by the Marines in 1945, Hubbard was assigned to teach the Navajo military code during the closing months of World War II. It wasn't until November 2001, when Hubbard and more than 300 other Native Americans received Congressional Silver Medals, that his family knew he'd been part of the famed Navajo code-talkers -- who are getting renewed attention through the new movie "Windtalkers." "Even his mother and sister were surprised about this," said Hubbard's nephew, Chief Petty Officer Vernon Quimayousie, who retired from the Navy on Thursday after 24 years. "He never mentioned anything about it." Hubbard, 90 -- in Bremerton to attend Quimayousie's retirement ceremony -- said he rarely if ever mentioned his code-talking experience. Long after the war, the Navajo code was still used by the military and remained a closely guarded secret. "I think I was used to not being able to talk about it," said Hubbard, who lives on the Navajo Reservation in Ganado, Ariz. Hubbard, who served as an Arizona state senator for 12 years, will be honored with six other code talkers in a Washington, D.C., parade on the Fourth of July. "It makes me feel good that it is being recognized," he said. "Of course, when it was under secrecy, I just never paid attention to it. When it was taken out of secrecy, it made me feel good." In 1942, 29 Navajos were selected to create a military code using their unwritten and extremely complex language. Because military terms are not a part of the Navajo language, the code developers used words such as "Lo- tso," which means whale, for battleship or "dah-he-tih-hi," hummingbird, for fighter plane. There were 411 words in the code, used primarily in the Pacific theater. It was never deciphered by the Japanese, who had previously broken every U.S. military code. As a child, Hubbard knew Philip Johnston, the missionary's son who pitched the idea of a code based on the Navajo language to the Marine Corps. The only white child on the reservation, Johnston had learned Navajo so he could communicate with playmates. "He learned to talk Navajo and learned it real well," Hubbard said. "I didn't have any way to get to Fort Wingate when they were first recruiting the original code-talkers," Hubbard said. "They sent word for me, but I was working so far out on the reservation, there was no transportation at that time." He was finally drafted in 1945, when he was 30. After boot camp and combat training, 19 Navajos were given their assignments. "We packed our sea bags and carried them out and, one by one, the other fellows were picked up and sent out, most to defend many of (the Pacific Rim) islands," he said. "But I had to stay there until 5 o'clock before a Jeep finally came and got me. They said, 'You're going to be an instructor.'" Hubbard, who had hoped to see the world as a sailor, was assigned to San Diego. "I should've taken it as a reward, but I was kind of disappointed about not being sent overseas," he said. Navajo code-talkers have been hailed for helping the United States defeat Japan in World War II. During the U.S. invasion of Iwo Jima, for example, six code-talkers relayed 800 messages without error. "Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima," said Maj. Howard Connor. More than 500 Navajos served as Marines in the war -- and nearly 400 of them trained as code-talkers. As for the new movie -- starring Nicolas Cage, Adam Beach, Christian Slater and Roger Willie -- Hubbard said the film accurately depicts the way the code was used. His only complaint was the focus on just two of the hundreds of Navajo code-talkers. Copyright c. 1999-2002 Seattle Post-Intelligencer --------- "RE: Navajo Emergency Funds used to buy Livestock Feed" --------- Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2002 14:17:41 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FUNDS FOR FEED" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.daily-times.com/Stories/0,1413,129 Shiprock Chapter uses emergency funds to buy livestock feed By Jim Snyder/Staff writer Saturday, June 29, 2002 - 7:33:36 AM MST SHIPROCK - The Shiprock Chapter House has purchased $17,631 in emergency livestock feed and hay to sell to its members at subsidized prices. This is the first year the chapter has made a major purchase in one lump sum in order to help area livestock owners feed their animals. The drought is slowing starving cattle and horses, said Charley P. Joe, the chapter's vice president who is in charge of the operation. "It's nothing but sand dunes," he said about some grazing sites. "It's all white, there's nothing that is green. They (the livestock) are getting thin," he added. "By next month you should be able to see their ribs and hip bones." The sale began Friday in front of the abandoned Central School District school on U.S. 64 between the Chapter House and the U.S. 666 junction. Bids went out a couple weeks ago to three local venders for 2,000 bales of alfalfa, 400 bags of 4-Way feed at 50 pounds each and 140 Trace Mineral salt blocks. Wheeler's Farm of Waterflow won the alfalfa bid, with a price of $15,000. The Inter-Mountain Farmers Association of Farmington supplied the feed and salt blocks for $2,631. The bales, which cost the chapter $7.50 each, are being sold for $4. The feed is also being sold for $4 a bag, while a salt block runs $3. There are limits of 12 bales, three bags of feed and two salt blocks. The maximum a livestock owner can spend is $66, payable by money order to the Shiprock Chapter. Purchasers must be registered chapter members. "I appreciate the feed for my stock," said George Begay, Sr., of Magus Creek north of Shiprock, speaking through a translator. Begay was one of the first 30 chapter members who pulled up in pickup trucks Friday to purchase the full limit. Joe said he bypassed dealing with the tribe's Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, which has its 60,000 acre farm south of Farmington. "It's too complex, too much paperwork," trying to deal with NAPI, he said. "I like to deal with people directly, right now. NAPI has its own procedures and you have to order a year ahead of time. Most of NAPI's hay is going to Mexico," he said. The funds to buy the feed and hay came from the chapter house's $20,000 emergency fund, set up to cover severe emergencies such as a drought or a heavy-snowfall in the winter, Joe said. The fund, maintained separate from the chapter's main account, is restricted to this purpose. Other chapters have used their emergency funds to give their members food voucher checks. Joe said he wouldn't do that. The chapter is using the remainder of the balance to pay for hauling water to its members in outlying areas such as Megas Creek, Salt Creek Canyon, the Shiprock formation and areas along Navajo 36. Joe, in addition to being the chapter vice president, is a coordinator for the tribe's Authorized Local Response Team as well as chairman of the Farm Service Agency Committee. "I wear three hats," he said. Joe blamed the Navajo Nation for aggravating some of the problems associated with the drought. "They're not appropriating money to where it is needed. The Navajo Nation needs to lift up its veil and see what's going on, not just within their little area. "Hopefully with the new administration they can concentrate on natural resources." Joe said many windmills used to power well-site water pumps are broken and in disrepair. In some cases, the water is there but can't be accessed. The Navajo Nation's Department of Emergency Management is encouraging grazing permit holders to sell off livestock because of the drought. Jim Snyder: jims@daily-times Copyright c. 1999-2002 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington, NM --------- "RE: Have Toxins permeated Swinomish Diet" --------- Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 08:24:22 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TOXICS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/nation/3529082.htm Tribal members wonder if toxics have permeated diet By LYNDA V. MAPES Seattle Times Sun, Jun. 23, 2002 SWINOMISH INDIAN RESERVATION, Wash. - For thousands of years, as the tide has slipped from this beach, the table has been set with a bounty of sweet clams. Dungeness crabs have beckoned in nearby shallows. But today some tribal members wonder what else they could be eating in these traditional foods that have sustained them for generations. Oil refineries, a chemical-manufacturing plant and agricultural lands share the air and watershed with the tribe's 3,000 acres of tidelands located on the Swinomish Indian Reservation, just outside La Conner in Skagit County, Wash. State and federal surveys in the area indicate chemical contamination in tribal tidelands and water, as well as in some surrounding areas designated as tribal harvest areas. The health of those seabeds is an increasingly important question to tribal members, who eat shellfish at more than 20 times the rate of nontribal Puget Sound-area residents. Earlier this month, the Swinomish (pronounced "SWIN-ih-mish") received the largest research grant ever awarded to a tribe by the Environmental Protection Agency: a four-year, $1.2 million study of exposure of tribal members to toxics as a result of consumption of shellfish. The goal is to determine if toxics are present in crabs and clams at levels that could harm human health. This tribe, like others, endures elevated levels of chronic health problems, including cancer and diabetes. Some wonder if contamination of sustenance foods such as shellfish could be linked to those troubles. Some tribal members say they are relieved that the safety of their traditional foods is being assessed. "It's very important to determine what our people our ingesting. When it has been part of your diet forever, you take it for granted. "You go out, you dig the clams, you eat them, without ever considering that there could be something in them that could hurt your body," said Tribal Chairman Brian Cladoosby. "Hopefully we won't find anything major." Government standards based on consumption rates in the typical American diet don't begin to assess the potential for exposure to contamination for tribal members. These foods fill more than the belly: The harvesting of crab and shellfish is a treaty right due the tribe in return for thousands of acres of aboriginal lands ceded to the United States government. And these foods lie at the heart of the tribe's culture. The reservation encompasses approximately 7,344 acres, including nearly 3,000 acres of tidelands that ring it, harvested since time immemorial. "You can't measure the value," Cladoosby said of the tribe's traditional diet of crab, clams, mussels, oysters, geoduck and "sea eggs," or sea urchin roe. "There isn't a dollar figure you could put on what this means to our people." At a tribal gathering recently to celebrate a new playground and graduation from the tribe's Head Start program, steaming hot Dungeness crabs were passed at tables set up in the gym. No tribal gathering is complete without shellfish. Tina Cayou, 51, cradling her 3-year-old granddaughter, Briana, estimated her family eats shellfish and fish four times a week. "Geoduck, clams, horse clams, mussels, salmon," she said. "Anytime the fishermen can get them, we want them." A lifelong resident of the reservation, she grew up harvesting clams with her parents at Lone Tree Point and passed the tradition on to the next two generations. "I am glad they are doing the study," Cayou said. "We have another generation coming behind, and we need to be safe from toxics. We have babies to think about." One of her grandbaby's favorite foods, she said, is Dungeness crab. The study will also benefit the larger community, Cladoosby said. The tribe's crabs are sold commercially - they are the tribe's most important commercial fishery - and tribal members aren't the only ones who harvest shellfish from reservation beaches. The source of the concern are bioaccumulative toxics, chemicals released into the environment that do not dissipate but instead collect in the tissues of animals. Such chemical accumulations are found in humans, too. Swinomish and other tribal environmental specialists also have focused on water-quality protection for years. The neighborhood is one reason: All five oil refineries in Washington state are next to the Swinomish, Puyallup and Lummi Indian nations. The Padilla Bay and Fidalgo Bay harvest areas are near industrial sewer outfalls. Other important shellfish beds in Similk, Kiket and Skagit Bays also are near effluent outfalls and contaminated sites. A former petroleum-waste-disposal site also lies within the reservation boundaries. Testing will take place in Padilla and Fidalgo bays and near Samish Island. Shellfish will be dug from the beaches and analyzed in two labs for the presence of heavy metals, including arsenic, copper, cadmium, mercury and lead; PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls); dioxins and chlorinated pesticides. The chemicals are linked to long-term serious health effects such as immune-system suppression, endocrine disruption, and reproductive impairment. The study will identify the type and concentration of toxics present in locally harvested clams and crabs; determine the health risk, if any, and develop ways to offset those risks. A public-education program also would be developed to inform community members if any health risk is discerned. About half the grant money will pay for lab analysis. The rest will be spent harvesting the shellfish and recording and analyzing the data. Results and methodology will be shared with other potentially affected Puget Sound-area tribes and agencies. The tiny tribe, with just 763 members, worked for two years to find funding for the contamination study. The study was good news to member Brian Porter. "What else are we eating, what's in the clams?" Porter said. "This study will make me feel sure I'm eating something I'm supposed to be." Copyright c. 2002 The Ledger-Enquirer/Columbus GA Copyright c. 2002 The Seattle Times Company. --------- "RE: BIA and HIS Workers charged in Fraud" --------- Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 08:10:57 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BIA/IHS FRAUD" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/ BIA, HIS workers charged in fraud By LORNA THACKERAY Of The Gazette Staff June 27, 2002 Five former employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service have been charged by a grand jury with misusing federal credit cards and with accepting thousands of dollars in kickbacks. The Gazette has learned that two BIA employees and three Indian Health Service employees working out of Crow Agency or Lodge Grass have been named in separate conspiracy indictments with defrauding the government. Two men who allegedly paid kickbacks to do business with the agencies were also indicted. The former employees are accused of using government-issued credit cards to pay for tens of thousands of dollars in goods and services. The indictment said the items they purchased were significantly overpriced and in quantities the government did not need. Some of the goods charged to the government never arrived at all, the indictment said. The employees were also charged with giving their co-defendants in the private sector a monopoly on some supplies and services. Keith Beartusk, area director for the BIA's Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Billings, said his agency has completed a program review to find out how procurement violations occurred. New processes for checking purchases have been implemented to make sure it doesn't happen again, he said. Beartusk said that when irregularities were noticed, the Office of Inspector General was called to investigate. Inquires to the OIG's office in Billings were referred to Washington, D. .C. The Gazette was unable to reach a spokesman there late Wednesday. Montana U.S. Attorney Bill Mercer declined to comment. At Indian Health Service, Charles Lewis, acting associate area director for health care programs, said the investigation has resulted in significant policy changes at the Crow-Northern Cheyenne Hospital in Crow Agency. The kickbacks purportedly came from representatives of two businesses providing goods and services on the Crow Reservation - West Lite Corporation of Turtle Lake, N.D., and Pro Tech Mechanical of Billings. At BIA, charges were filed against Charles Christopher Dillon, a supervisor of BIA's Facilities Management Branch, and Emmett Old Bull, an accounting technician at the Facilities Management Branch. At IHS, those charged were Arthur C. Alden, a maintenance leader for the Facilities Maintenance Branch; Gale G. Three Irons, supply supervisor in the IHS Supply Department; and Keith E. Reece, maintenance mechanic at the Lodge Grass Health Center. At least some of the defendants are scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate in Billings on July 10. Reece told The Gazette he did not want to comment yet, but said there is more to the story. Alden, Dillon, Old Bull and Three Irons could not be reached. Also charged in various indictments were Kirm Garrett Kath, a Gering Neb., man who sold products for West Lite, and David Duane Bauman, vice president of Pro Tech Mechanical. Bauman referred questions to his attorney, Harold Stanton. Stanton did not want to comment Wednesday. Donald Coy, owner of West Lite, said he has never met Kath. Kath was not a West Lite employee, he said, but was an independent contractor who sold company products. Coy said he was unaware of any problems with Kath until investigators requested sales information. He cooperated fully with investigators, Coy said. Kath could not be located for comment. At least three indictments have been issued. Two of them involve cases developed at the BIA Facilities Management Branch in Crow Agency. The other involved IHS. Some federal employees are given credit cards that allow them to charge up to $2,500 for government purchases. Purchases over that amount require more authorization and paperwork. Card holders are prohibited from structuring purchases to get around the limit by breaking larger bills into smaller invoices. The first indictment names Dillon, Bauman and Old Bull in a conspiracy to defraud the government. It charges Old Bull and Dillon with soliciting or accepting kickbacks from Bauman for maintenance and repair of heating, air conditioning, ventilation and related electrical systems. It says they structured purchases to avoid BIA procurement-approval regulations by making sure invoices were for less than $2,500. The indictment also charged the defendants with giving Pro Tech Mechanical a "practical" monopoly instead of seeking bids from other contractors. The indictment charges that Dillon used his BIA credit card to pay Pro Tech $21,156. During the dates of the conspiracy Jan. 5, 1995, to July 2001, Dillon accepted $5,195 in payments from Bauman, it said. It also alleges that Old Bull used his credit card to make purchases from Pro Tech totaling $68,230, and that he received payments from Bauman of at least $2,161. The indictment charges Dillon and Old Bull each with one count of accepting kickbacks; Bauman with one count of paying kickbacks; and all three with wire fraud for the interstate credit card transactions. The second indictment charges Dillon, Bauman and Kath with another conspiracy to defraud the government. It alleges that Dillon would solicit or accept bribes from Kath for the purchase of tools and merchandise. During July and August 2001, Dillon used government credit cards issued to other BIA employees to pay for $13,995 in items purchased from Kath, according to the indictment. During that time, Kath made $2,300 in kickbacks to Dillon, it said. The merchandise, which included power tools, a soil compactor, four refrigerators, two stoves, two washer-dryer units and a sewer auger, was never delivered. According to the indictment, on Aug. 8, 2001, Bauman helped Dillon cover up when federal officials asked about the missing items. Bauman allegedly loaned Dillon tools as substitutes for those Kath didn't supply. In addition to the conspiracy count, Dillon is charged with taking bribes, and Kath with paying them. They are also charged with wire fraud. Dillon, Kath and Bauman are all named in a count that alleges they made false claims for payment to the government. Dillon is charged with making false statements to the government that the tools ordered from Kath had been delivered. The third indictment includes charges against Kath and IHS employees Alden, Three Irons and Reece. It said they conspired to defraud the government when the IHS employees accepted bribes from Kath. The IHS indictment is similar those filed in the BIA cases. The IHS defendants worked under the same credit card restrictions imposed by BIA, and the violations charged are comparable. According to the indictment, between December 1997 and July l999, Alden used the credit card of another employee to buy $80,880 worth of goods and services from West Lite. From November 1997 to August 2001, Three Irons allegedly authorized credit card purchases to West Lite totaling $87,292. From June 1998 to July 2001, Reece spent $19,240 with Kath, it said. IHS employees charged they allegedly bought far more lighting products than were needed, allowed Kath to take back excess supplies the government had already paid for and bought products at prices well above market price. The indictment contends the purchases were structured so invoices always showed amounts under $2,500. Kickbacks to the defendants from Kath amounted to $12,764 for Alden; $829 to Three Irons and $3,370 to Reece, the indictment said. In addition to the conspiracy charges, Alden, Three Irons and Reece are accused of accepting kickbacks, and Kath with paying them. All four defendants in the IHS indictment are also charged with wire fraud and making false claims to the government. Earlier this year, three top IHS officials at Crow Agency were placed on administrative leave during the course of the investigation. None of the those officials were named in the indictments. Lewis said they remain on leave for the time being. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Kowagniut Inupiat dies in Jail" --------- Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 08:51:06 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JAIL KILLING" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/1316226p-1435187c.html Ambler man dies in jail after struggle with village office STRUGGLE: Officer says Albert Sheldon hit his head on the ground. By Katie Pesznecker Anchorage Daily News Published: June 26, 2002 Alaska State Troopers said an Ambler man died Tuesday morning in the local jail, about an hour after he struck his head on the ground during a struggle with a village police officer trying to arrest him. Troopers who arrived in the village Tuesday morning said Albert Sheldon's death appears accidental. His body will be transported today to the state medical examiner's office in Anchorage for an autopsy. Sheldon, 21, had been arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault and disorderly conduct just after 6:30 a.m. At 7:55 a.m., four village health aides pronounced him dead. Ambler is a Kowagniut Inupiat Eskimo village of about 300 people on the north bank of the Kobuk River about 138 miles northeast of Kotzebue and 45 miles north of the Arctic Circle. According to Alaska State Troopers, village police officer Brian Jones, 25, was at his home about 6:30 a.m. when he got an anonymous tip that Sheldon was drunk and assaulting his girlfriend, Dora Williams, just outside the village police office. Jones found Sheldon with Williams in a headlock. Jones told Sheldon to let the girl go and return home. Sheldon released his girlfriend but wouldn't leave, yelling "belligerent and assaultive threats" at Jones, said Andy Greenstreet, trooper in charge at the Kotzebue office. Williams then passed by the scene on a four-wheeler with a girlfriend, Greenstreet said. As the four-wheeler slowed down, Sheldon seized the four-wheeler by the front rack and pushed it backward, turning again on Jones. Jones doused Sheldon with pepper spray, but Sheldon was still coming at the officer, Greenstreet said. So Jones whacked Sheldon on the back of the legs with a collapsible baton. Sheldon again grabbed the front of the four-wheeler and refused to let go, Greenstreet said. Jones grabbed Sheldon in a "bear hug" and threw him down. As they fell, Sheldon hit the back of his head on the ground. Jones saw the head wound was bleeding as he handcuffed and arrested Sheldon. As Jones walked him toward the VPO office, Sheldon "went limp," Greenstreet said. Jones got Sheldon into the office and called village health aides, then troopers in Kotzebue. "(Sheldon) still was breathing and had a good pulse here at the office," said Greenstreet, speaking from Ambler late Tuesday afternoon. "It wasn't until a little while later that he stopped breathing." Sheldon was pronounced dead at 7:55 a.m. Troopers Greenstreet and Rex Leath arrived in the village about 10 a.m. They learned Sheldon had been in a fight earlier that morning before his encounter with Jones. He was also injured in that confrontation. Leath will be investigating the death. Reporter Katie Pesznecker can be reached at kpesznecker@adn.com or 907 257-4589. Copyright c. 2002 The Anchorage Daily News. --------- "RE: Judge faults Corps for Handling of Remains" --------- Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 08:17:01 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CORP DESECRATION" http://www.indianz.com/News/ Judge faults Corps for handling of remains MONDAY, JULY 1, 2002 A federal judge on Friday extended a ban on construction work at a South Dakota recreation site, citing the federal government's failure to comply with a law designed to protect ancestral tribal remains. U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol issued his preliminary injunction over the objections of the state and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Both parties claimed they were doing everything to protect the North Point Recreation Area, a site near the Missouri River where bones and artifacts were uncovered by contract workers on May 14. "The court finds there is a significant threat of irreparable harm," wrote Piersol in his 30-page decision, "if there is further exposure of human remains or loss of remains or funerary objects." Responding to court testimony provided during a three-day trial last month, Piersol also ordered the state to provide access to the site for ceremonial and religious purposes. Tribal member Glenn Drapeau said he was prevented from entering the area after the bones were discovered. Piersol did not rule on the tribe's request to return the remains of at least four adults and one juvenile. But he did criticize the Army Corps for failing to follow its duties under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Specifically, he said the Corps did not adequately protect the remains once they were uncovered. Instead, the state was allowed to send the bones and items to Rapid City, ostensibly to protect them from theft and destruction. Blame was laid on Sandra Barnum, a Corps archaeologist. According to the ruling, she failed to initiate consultation required by NAGPRA. "Barnum clearly has an obligation to at least notify the tribe of the inadvertent discovery of human remains and funerary objects," Piersol wrote. "She did not so notify the tribe." Piersol noted that the state and the Corps should have known that remains uncovered might be related to Sioux, Omaha or Ponca tribes, which traditionally resided in the region. During the trial, Barnum and state officials defended their lack of consultation by claiming the origin of the bones was in doubt. "The court does not find this argument credible in light of Barnum's knowledge of the tribe's claims that their ancestors are buried in the North Point area," the ruling stated. Piersol's injunction will stand until the tribe's lawsuit works its way through the courts. In addition to seeking repatriation, the tribe wants the transfer of the North Point land from the Corps to the state declared illegal. The tribe, however, can effectively win its case even without more court proceedings. Since Piersol ordered NAGPRA compliance, construction of new camping spots, roads, parking lots and other facilities at the recreation site can be permanently stopped should the remains be connected to the tribe and reburied there. Piersol recommended the parties mediate to resolve the dispute. Copyright c. 2000-2002 Noble Savage Media, LLC/Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Lakota Journal: Blow out America's Birthday Cake" --------- Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 08:22:25 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="PROFILING" http://www.lakotajournal.com/Notes.htm NOTES FROM INDIAN COUNTRY He wanted to blow out the candles on America's birthday cake By Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji) Copyright c. 2002 Lakota Journal June 28 - July 5, 2002 What does racial profiling and the 4th of July have in common this year? First of all the internet and the airwaves appear to be alive with chit- chat between members of al-Qaida forecasting a day of attacks upon the United States on this holiday that celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Of course, law enforcement officers, neighborhood watch groups, military personnel, truck drivers and many others will be on the look out for suspicious looking Middle Eastern men. There has already been a clamor over stopping and checking little old ladies from Pasadena at the airports of America. Is this stretching political correctness too far, say the critics? Perhaps they have a point. Or do they? Twenty-six years ago the United States of America was looking towards a gigantic celebration to mark the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. An American Indian who had gained national acclaim and notoriety from his leadership roll in the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973 expressed his anger at America. His comments made the news throughout the state of South Dakota and were picked up by the wire services. Russell Means, an Oglala Lakota, said, "We will blow out the candles on America's birthday cake." Means, who is now running for governor of the State of New Mexico as an Independent, caused a ripple that even surprised him. His comments would cause a stampede of racial profiling for the second time in two years. There was not a stir from any national legal group about what happened to the Lakota people of South Dakota. The South Dakota Highway Patrol, the local county sheriff's departments and the law enforcement brigades of Rapid City and Sioux Falls set out on an unprecedented venture of stopping, searching and generally harassing American Indians. The comments of one man, although considered an extreme radical at the time, took away most of the basic freedoms of the Lakota and Dakota people of this state and region. The greatest fear, based upon unsubstantiated rumors probably spread by radical insiders or by enemies of the American Indian Movement, the organization that was most feared in the Western States, rumored that the target would be Mount Rushmore. Any Indian individual or family heading into the Black Hills was stopped, searched and bothered. It is quite possible that just like the stories bandied about by some of the captive members of al-Qaida, the rumors were intended to cause anxiety and concern. This they managed to do much to the consternation of all law-abiding Lakota. Just one year before this 4th of July scare, two FBI agents were murdered near the village of Oglala on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The man suspected of this crime was Leonard Peltier, an Ojibwe from the Turtle Mountain Reservation of North Dakota. Peltier escaped the dragnet set out shortly after the shootout. The FBI suspected he had taken refuge on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Actually, they had no idea where he was but they concentrated their efforts in an around Pine Ridge. It was not uncommon for roadblocks to be set up at major highways leading off the reservation on a 24/7 basis. Indian families leaving the reservation to shop in Nebraska or in Rapid City were stopped, searched and questioned. Did anyone except the Lakota complain about the violation of their civil rights? It became absolutely essential that any Indian driving off the reservation have his or her papers in order. It was almost guaranteed that they would be stopped by the highway patrol or the local police just for being Indian. It was at this time that the acronym "DWI" which meant "Driving While Intoxicated," took on a new meaning. It soon became "Driving While Indian" to the frightened and harassed Lakota people. One clever group of Lakota had buttons printed up that read, "I am not Leonard Peltier." In 1973 there had been a real division between those who had occupied Wounded Knee and those who had stood behind the duly elected tribal government. Those who had occupied Wounded Knee were known as AIM (American Indian Movement) and those who had opposed the occupation were known as GOONS (an acronym they soon turned into "Guardians of the Oglala Nation). It soon became pretty clear to all Lakota that it didn't matter whether one was labeled AIM or GOON. All Lakota were treated alike by the law enforcement officers of the state. And that was badly. To this day I believe that the way the FBI, state highway patrol and other law enforcement agencies treated the Lakota during these trying times caused the Indians to mend their fences much more quickly. When law abiding citizens are treated as badly as those targeted by the police they soon realize that it is only because they are of another race that this is allowed to happen. Neither their beliefs nor politics makes a difference. Even to this day when racial profiling is brought up, state and local law enforcement officers refuse to admit it exists. They refuse to keep records of the people stopped because they say they would then have to keep records of every race. What poppycock! I recall that the 4th of July in 1976 was a time I stayed home because I did not wish to become a target of the profiling that doesn't exist. Copyright c. 2002 Lakota Journal. If you want to get all of the news from the Northern Plains and Lakota Country, call 605-399-1999 for a subscription. --------- "RE: FBI arrests Dine' Cop on Sex Charges" --------- Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2002 14:17:41 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DINE' COP ARRESTED" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.gallupindependent.com/todaysnews.html#anchor6 FBI arrests Dine' cop on sex charges Jim Maniaci Dine' Bureau ALBUQUERQUE - A veteran of almost two decades on the Navajo Nation police force has been arrested by the FBI on child sex charges. FBI Agent Jenifer M. Sparks filed the federal criminal complaint on June 20 against Lloyd Shirley, 45, now a resident of the Rio Puerco subdivision in Fort Defiance. Gallup FBI agents then took him into custody without incident. In her affidavit to obtain the warrant from U.S. Magistrate Don J. Svet, the violent crimes squad agent said Shirley had intercourse with a girl between the ages of 12 and 16 in his To' Hajiilee office-residence... Copyright c. 2002 Gallup Independent. --------- "RE: URGENT: Letter Drive for Peltier's Parole Hearing" --------- Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 08:51:06 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="PELTIER" http://www.freepeltier.org/parole_hearing.htm#top URGENT ACTION! Letter Drive For Peltier's Parole Hearing Dear Friends: Leonard Peltier's next interim parole hearing has been scheduled for July 1, 2002. Letters of support are urgently needed. An interim parole hearing is different from a regular parole hearing. Its purpose is to review the Parole Commission's original decision to deny parole to see if any new developments warrant a change. The Commission can do one of three things: affirm the original decision to deny parole and leave the next full hearing date (2008) in place (the most common scenario); accelerate or postpone the next full hearing date; or grant parole (the rarest scenario). As many of you have experienced, the Parole Commission does not treat these hearings with any seriousness or fairness. During the last hearing, the Parole Examiner wrote his recommendation that Leonard not be granted parole while Leonard's representatives were still making their presentations. However, it is critical that we maintain a strong showing of support for Leonard's release. We DO NOT want to give the Commission or prison officials the false impression that Leonard Peltier's support is dwindling. This showing of support is what keeps Leonard safe. Furthermore, we must take full advantage of any opportunity to seek Leonard's release, even if the chances for victory are slim. Let's gather as many letters as possible and show officials that we have not and will not give up. A sample letter that you can use if you'd like is below. If you can personalize it that is even better. Please send your letters to the LPDC so that we can track how many were submitted and compile them for presentation to the Parole Commission. Thank you for your ongoing support --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sample Parole Letter: Date United States Parole Commission 5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 420 Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7286 Re: LEONARD PELTIER #89637-132 Dear Commissioners, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the parole of Mr. Leonard Peltier who is currently housed at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth. Mr. Peltier has served more than 26 years in prison for the deaths of FBI Agents, Ronald Williams and Jack Coler. I recognize the grave nature of such an offense. My deepest sympathy is extended to the families of these two agents. After careful consideration of the facts in Mr. Peltier's case, I ask you to grant Mr. Peltier parole. I note that the United States attorneys and the courts have long held that they do not know who killed Mr. Coler or Mr. Williams. In spite of this fact, Mr. Peltier has served more than 26 years in prison for their deaths. Although Mr. Peltier maintains that he did not kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their deaths. Mr. Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for non- violence throughout his prison term. Mr. Peltier does not represent a risk to the public. To the contrary, his release would help to heal a wound that has long impeded better relations with Native Americans. Furthermore, Mr. Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Most admirably, he contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and drug treatment programs, and Native American scholarship funds. He coordinates an annual gift drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which last year garnered more than 1,000 gifts. He is widely recognized in the human rights community for his good deeds and in turn has won several human rights awards, including the 2001 Ontario Federation of Labour Human Rights Award and a current nomination for the Right to Livelihood Award. Lastly, I note my deep concern with Mr. Peltier's health. He is now 57 years of age and he suffers from partial blindness, diabetes, a heart condition, and high blood pressure. Mr. Peltier deserves to live the remaining years of his life in peace. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely yours, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are some facts to aid you in preparing a letter in your own words: Quick Facts: On the Case of Leonard Peltier Leonard Peltier is an imprisoned Native American considered by Amnesty International, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, National Congress of American Indians, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Rev. Jesse Jackson, amongst many others, to be a political prisoner who should be immediately released. Leonard Peltier was convicted for the deaths of two FBI agents who died during a 1975 shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Mr. Peltier has been in prison for 26 years. The Wounded Knee occupation of 1973 marked the beginning of a three-year period of heightened political violence on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The tribal chairman hired vigilantes, self titled as "GOONS," to rid the reservation of American Indian Movement (AIM) activity and sentiment. More than 60 traditional tribal members and AIM members were murdered and scores more were assaulted. Evidence indicated GOON responsibility in the majority of crimes but despite a large FBI presence, nothing was done to stop the violence. The FBI supplied the GOONS with intelligence on AIM members and looked away as GOONS committed crimes. One former GOON member reported that the FBI supplied him with armor piercing ammunition. Leonard Peltier was a talented AIM organizer in the Northwest and was asked by traditional people at Pine Ridge, South Dakota to go to Pine Ridge to support and protect the people being targeted for violence. Mr. Peltier and a small group of young AIM members set up camp on a ranch owned by the traditional Jumping Bull family. On June 26, 1975 two FBI agents in unmarked cars followed a pickup onto the Jumping Bull ranch. The families immediately became alarmed and feared an attack. Shots were heard and a shoot-out erupted. More than 150 agents, GOON's, and law enforcement surrounded the ranch. When the shoot-out ended the two FBI agents and one Native American lay dead. The agents were injured in the shoot-out and were then shot at close range. The Native American, Joseph Stuntz, was shot in the head by a sniper bullet. Mr. Stuntz's death has never been investigated. According to FBI documents, more than 40 Native Americans participated in the gunfight, but only AIM members Bob Robideau, Darrell Butler, and Leonard Peltier were brought to trial. Mr. Robideau and Mr. Butler were arrested first and went to trial. A federal jury in Iowa acquitted them on grounds of self-defense, finding that their participation in the shoot-out was justified given the climate of fear that existed. Further, they could not be tied to the close range shootings. Leonard Peltier was arrested in Canada. The U.S. presented the Canadian court with affidavits signed by Myrtle Poor Bear who said she was Mr. Peltier's girlfriend and she saw him shoot the agents. In fact Ms. Poor Bear had never met Mr. Peltier and was not present during the shoot-out. Soon after, Ms. Poor Bear recanted her statements and said the FBI terrorized her and coerced her into signing the affidavits. Mr. Peltier was returned to the U.S. where his case was mysteriously transferred from the judge who tried his co-defendants to a more conservative federal judge in North Dakota. Key witnesses like Myrtle Poor Bear were not allowed to testify and unlike the Robideau/Butler trial in Iowa, evidence regarding violence on Pine Ridge was severely restricted. An FBI agent who had previously testified that the agents followed a pickup truck onto the scene, a vehicle that could not be tied to Mr. Peltier, changed his account, stating that the agents had followed a red and white van onto the scene, a vehicle which Mr. Peltier drove on occasion. Three teenaged Native witnesses testified against Mr. Peltier, all admitting later that the FBI terrorized them and forced them to testify. Still, not one witness identified Mr. Peltier as the shooter. The U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case emphatically stated that they had given the defense all FBI documents. To the contrary, more than 18,000 had been withheld in their entirety. An FBI ballistics expert testified that a casing found near the agents' bodies matched the gun tied to Mr. Peltier. However, a ballistic test proving that the casing did not come from the gun tied to Mr. Peltier was intentionally concealed. The jury, unaware of the aforementioned facts, sentenced Mr. Peltier to two consecutive life terms. Following the discovery of new evidence obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, Mr. Peltier demanded a new trial. The Eighth Circuit ruled, "There is a possibility that the jury would have acquitted Leonard Peltier had the records and data improperly withheld from the defense been available to him in order to better exploit and reinforce the inconsistencies casting strong doubts upon the government's case." Yet, the court denied Mr. Peltier a new trial. During oral arguments, the U.S. Prosecutor conceded that the government does not know who shot the agents, stating that Mr. Peltier is equally guilty whether he shot the agents at point blank range, or participated in the shoot-out from a distance. Mr. Peltier's co-defendants participated in the shoot-out from a distance, but were acquitted. Judge Heaney, who authored the decision denying a new trial, has since voiced firm support for Mr. Peltier's release, stating that the FBI used improper tactics to convict Mr. Peltier, the FBI was equally responsible for the shoot-out, and that Mr. Peltier's release would promote healing with Native Americans. Mr. Peltier has served 26 years in prison and is long overdue for parole. He has received several human rights awards for his good deeds from behind bars which include annual gift drives for the children of Pine Ridge, fund raisers for battered women's shelters and donations of his paintings to Native American recovery programs. However, the parole commission will not release him unless he admits to a crime he did not commit. Currently, Mr. Peltier's attorneys have filed a new round of Freedom of Information Act requests with FBI Headquarters and various FBI field offices in an attempt to secure the release of additional documents concerning Mr. Peltier. To date, the FBI has engaged in a number of dilatory tactics in order to avoid the processing of these requests. According to the FBI more than 6,000 full documents remain undisclosed. The FBI has disseminated false and inflammatory statements to members of the U.S. Congress, the Department of Justice, the White House, and the public, thus denying Mr. Peltier his right to fair clemency and parole reviews and Congressional oversight. Despite repeated calls for Congressional hearings by the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, Amnesty International, and individual members of Congress, no Congressional committee has yet had the courage to provide a forum by which to air the truth and bring closure to this case. Mr. Peltier suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and a heart condition. Time for justice is short. --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 08:19:12 -0600 From: Janet Smith Subj: Native Prisoner ===== Date: Sunday, June 30, 2002 7:44 PM From: Brigitte Thimiakis Subj: If You Strike at, Imprison, Or Kill Us [Please forward] "IF YOU STRIKE AT, IMPRISON, OR KILL US, OUT OF OUR PRISONS OR GRAVES..." -Our Visit With Manuel Redwoman. "If you strike at, imprison or kill us, Out of our prisons or graves. We will still evoke a spirit that will thwart you, And, mayhap, raise a force that will destroy you. We defy you. Do your worst!" -James Connolly, Dec. 1914. If a known child molester and child TORTURER began to attack a member of your family, what would you do? A lot of people carelessly throw around the word 'Warrior' these days. Well, my definition of a Warrior is someone who takes care of, protects, and defends their people and family. That is exactly what Manuel Redwoman did. When Manuel saw his little nephew being chased, he did what any true Warrior would do. He protected him by shooting his attacker. He shot and killed the monster that was preying on his nephew in an attempt to get his sexual kicks. Not only did Manuel save his own family, because his 'victim' was a recidivist, he saved countless other kids that would be future victims of this child predator. The family of the child molester did not press charges against him and the mother has forgiven him. She has even written to Manuel offering her sympathy and assuring him that she is doing everything she can to keep her deceased son's friends in prison from retaliating. Young victims of the child molester stated that they were grateful to Manuel for stopping the atrocities committed on the children of the community. So, how would you look at this case if it were brought before you? Would you look at it based on race; e.g. Indian man kills Non Indian man? Would you be more concerned for the rights of a child offender who'd been in and out of correctional facilities for preying on children, than the man who acted in defense of a family member? Well, I can tell you what the state of Montana did. They chose to look at the fact that Manuel Redwoman is a Northern Cheyenne, Lakota and Arapaho man who killed a white man. Regardless of how many times that white man had victimized children before, regardless of the trauma and life long scars he'd already afflicted MORE than once, regardless of the fact that the man was in the middle of yet another act of sickness, they looked at it based on race and put Manuel in prison until the year 2022. When someone comes into your prison and does almost four years (46 months) with a nearly perfect record, then gets attacked and hospitalized by a friend of his "victim", what do you do then? Well, in the case of the Montana State Penitentiary, Deer Lodge, MT, they put Manuel in Maximum security where he had to spend 2 years, without due process, including 18 months on Death Row. He was charged with the attack that he was the victim of although the prison denies this. So, Manuel filed a lawsuit against the prison for every day he spent in Max. illegally. The lawsuit is still pending. Two years later, in summer 2000, he was finally released into general population where he remained until February 2001, when a unit counselor had him locked up again illegally, without due process. Because of her, he was kept in Ad/Segregation for one full year, then, last February, he was sent to Death Row again, in Max. So most of his time has been spent in isolation, locked up 23 hours a day, seven days a week with almost no privileges - in spite of the excellent record on his reclassification paperwork. Of course, the fact that he tried to raise attention about the prison's religious rights abuses against Native inmates may have had something to do with it. The fact that he challenged the prison systems illegalities may have helped put him where he is. The fact that Manuel is one of only two Native inmates with the courage to keep their hair long, in spite of prison rules, and continues to push for their religious rights may also have something to do with it. On Friday June 21st, Lawrence Sampson and I made yet another trip from South Dakota to my reservation, the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, in southeastern Montana. I always look forward to making it back. They say that you can tell a lot about a person by where they come from. Manuel is no exception to that rule. His sister is very active in collecting and distributing clothes and donations to the Lame Deer abandoned children's home, as well as others in need in the community. She works for the Tribe, and raises several neighborhood children in addition to her own. She's a good example of what it means to be a strong Native woman. Her mother is a language speaker and I always enjoy setting with our people of her generation in their homes and talking with them. We got the privilege of visiting with his family again on Friday and talked about our next days activities. We were to make our way to Deer Lodge to meet with Manuel for the first time. We'd previously went through th e process of getting on his visitation list. It goes without saying that we, his family, and his many supporters were worried about how things would go. So, we sit with his sister and step-mother in her home and visited. After an hour or so we left with everyone wondering whether or not we'd get in to see him the next day. That was the question on everyone's minds. The next day, Saturday the 22nd, we headed from Billings to Butte, Montana. If anyone ever gets the chance to make that trip, I'd highly recommend it. It's a four hour drive, but worth it. The scenery is phenomenal. Anyway, around 1:00 we got into Butte, which gave us a half hour drive left to get to Deer Lodge. After stopping to get gas and stretch legs, we headed up to Deer Lodge. On Friday, from Lame Deer, I called the prison switch board operator who told me to be there at the front gate no later than 2 pm. We got there at 1:45 only to be told to turn around, go off the prison property, and wait until 2:05 to come back. We kept insisting that we were told 2:00. The guard kept saying 5 after 2. Lawrence said, "Look they told us we only had 20 minutes to get into Max., and that every minute counted, to get here no later than 2:00." The guard then said, "Oh, you're going to Max? Yeah, be here at 2:00." By the time we got back, there was already a long line of cars. When the guard finally did get to us he had us pull off to the side for instructions. We got to the visitors check-in area with about 15 minutes to spare. In that time, they made me go back to the vehicle, which required me to run across a parking lot in socks, no belt (they removed it for inspection) and 10 minutes to get everything done. While they patted us down and searched us, a piece of Buffalo hair fell out of my pocket. In all honesty, I really did forget that I had it. Anyway, the guard that picked it up said, "What's this? It looks like muskrat to me." Then everyone (guards and visitors alike) had a big laugh. I never answered him. About this time they took Lawrence's Medicine Bag out of his shirt. With it still on his neck, the female guard tried to jerk it in the other direction to show another guard. They knew what they were doing, too. I say this because they didn't, as in the case of my buffalo fur, ask 'what is this'. She pulled it out of his shirt, jerked it towards another guard and said very loudly, "We got a Medicine Bag here!" The same guard that was checking Lawrence felt his 2 1/2 day old Sundance scars and started POKING them. After it all, we got through. We were both very relieved to get in, even though we were more than a little upset with the guards. When they finally let us through, I heard a guard go over the radio saying, "We've got two here for Manuel Redwoman." I imagine somewhere in that prison somebody in a paid position crapped his pants when that was reported. I hope so. As we were escorted through the maze of gates and barbed wire, we could here a Drum and singing. The more we went through the prison, the louder it got. We knew they weren't singing for us, but DAMN it felt good. Someone up high was on our side. We got to the Max. unit and had a 2 hour "No Contact" visit with Manuel. No contact means that you and the person you are there to see are in two separate rooms with a window between you, and a little box to speak into. We visited for 2 hours and I can't tell you how much it lifted me up. Manuel told us that the brothers in General Population got to sing every Saturday. It was good to hear them. Even though Max. hasn't even been able to smudge in over a month and a half, I guess there are some rights observed in the lower security units. After that he said that everyone knew we were there. All the Indian inmates knew we were there, even those in the lower security units that Manuel has no contact with. He also said that they were all excited and enthused, even though none of them would even see us. The reason for there excitement was because they had never had any outside support, no one ever came in to see about the conditions they were in, and, somehow, word got around that AIM was coming in to see Manuel. He told us that everyone was excited beyond belief. So, as we walked through hearing them sing, it may not have been for us, but they knew we were there and we felt good to hear them. It definitely lifted up my spirits, especially after that crap with the guards. According to long-time supporter and European coordinator of the Manuel Redwoman Support Network, Bridgette Thimiakis, "Once again, the MT Department of Corrections was caught lying about Manuel in an effort to make him appear unworthy of support. A state legislator recently called the DOC on our request, to ask why Manuel was still in Max. and on Death Row in spite of a 46 month clear conduct and a very good record. On May 28th, this legislator contacted me saying that the DOC had told him that Manuel was no longer in MAX. This raised our hopes high..... only to find out that this was a new blatant, shameless lie on behalf of the DOC. Manuel is still in Max. to this date. He was not released at all, he is still on Death Row, still in isolation, UNJUSTLY and ILLEGALLY." In fact, Lawrence Sampson asked Manuel about this directly. While in the visit, Lawrence asked Manuel how long he would be in Max. Despite the recent claims by the DOC, Manuel said, "Indefinitely." Not only had there been no indication by the prison administration that he would soon get off Death Row, there was no indication if he'd EVER get out. Of course, he's kept on Death Row despite the fact that he doesn't' have the death penalty, a life sentence, or even the 23+ points that are required for Max. Custody. In visiting with him, I was inspired by how much of an extraordinary man he is. In my frequent writings back and forth with him, I've picked up on that before. Nothing compares to meeting someone in person, though. A lot of Manuel's concern was for his sister and the rest of their family. He expressed concern for the other Native inmates there in Deer Lodge, and for the many people on our reservation that need help. We discussed the possible solutions to the