From gars@speakeasy.org Tue Nov 19 23:15:26 2002 Date: 20 Nov 2002 00:41:10 -0000 From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews10.047 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 Okla Humma Holisso Nowat Anya -- Choctaw -- People(s) Red Newspaper 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 047 | Country than is reported in | O o o o o O | this weekly newsletter. For | O o O November 23, 2002 | For daily updates & events | O o O | go http://www.owlstar.com/ | O | dailyheadlines.htm | Kiowa tepgan p'a/geese going moon +-----------------------------+ Anishnaabe gashkadino-giizis(oog)/freezing 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.owlstar.com; www.indianz.com; www.pechanga.net; Native Lifeways, Minnesota Indian Affairs, Tsalagi & Iron Natives Mailing Lists; 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.'" "Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom, an intense and absorbing love for nature, a respect for life, enriching faith in a Supreme Power and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations." __ Chief Luther Standing, Oglala +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! My thanks to my wonderful wife, Janet, for the editorial which follows: Justice can happen, Indian voices can be heard in their communities, in their states, and in the United States. It will not be easy; there will be opposition -- sometimes violent and threatening, sometimes simply sly "dirty tricks." This last election, Lakota people in at least in one city, Martin, South Dakota and one county, Bennett County, SD, proved that standing together in the face of racism and injustice can put their own people inside doors of government once closed to them. Those new Lakota officials are committed to change, and with their community standing behind them, the habits of officials in that city and that county will inevitably become more hospitable to their Lakota citizens. There were clear signs change was needed. A year ago, Gerald, "Jed" Bettelyoun witnessed Bennett county police as they stopped two elder Lakota women on the side of the road on a cold day, and left them standing there in the cold, while the police officials repaired to their nice warm car and sat there for a LONG time before releasing the women. He determined then that he would step forward to make a difference for his people. Already Lakota were restive about openly discriminatory practices by law officers, government officials, school officials and business people in Martin, which is located in Bennett County. Enough was enough -- the Lakota people organized. Not only did they get out the vote -- they put up candidates among their own people. Opposition officials did their best to disqualify Lakota voters who registered, and to disqualify Lakota candidates. It just didn't work in the face of overwhelming organization, determination and turnout. In a county that had eighteen Lakota voters in the last election -- this year 300 voted. For the first time, Bennett County has an Indian sherrif, Charlie Cummings, and an Indian County Commissioner, Jed Bettelyoun. It's not enough to put just and fair non-Indians into office, although that's certainly better than letting bigoted officials continue to hold office. What's needed is participation by more Indians, and a movement up the ladder of leadership by the ones in office now. A few Indians have made it into the grass roots of politics, as law officers, commissioners, city councilmen, school board members. These are the training grounds for budding politicians. Its up to us to encourage the courageous ones like Jed Bettelyoun and others like him to make the kind of progress in their communities that will show they are worthy of state legislative positions, and beyond. Maybe there will be more than two Indian voices to speak for our people in the U.S. Congress and something better than a proven yes man to a proven Indian-hostile white boss representing us in the BIA. Demographics are changing, too. The last census showed the Native population to be about 2 percent. Not a lot to make changes. What many of you may not be told is that in five years, that percentage will have tripled to about 6 percent. Still not a lot, but not that far from the percentage of black Americans who stood up in the 50s, and said "no more" -- and were heard, and who raised up leaders in the subsequent generation who have become leaders in our community and our nation today. It may soon be possible for a Native American mother to dream, without knowing her dream is beyond reason, of her son or daughter becoming a governor, a senator, or even someday -- President, perhaps of the United States, or perhaps -- of a sovereign nation closer to home but with as much respect from the United States and the cities that neighbor them -- their own Native Nation. -=-=-=- A suggestion worth considering arrived in thjis week's email, and I have been granted permission to share it with you: Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 15:40:27 +0100 (MET) From: Sheila Cazzoli Subj: "Lakota Fund" example Hello, I was reading in Native American News that the Lakota Fund, a lending organization, is working great. It is a non-profit organization for and by Indian people. It provides education and training for people who want to open a business. It trains them in accounting skills, writing business proposals, etc. I heard on the AIM live webcast that there are Canadian Indians that have governmental programs but that they provide no money! Wouldn't it be a great idea to tell the Canadian Indians about making non-profit lending organizations that can lend money to Indians there who want to start their own businesses?! I bet they'd jump at the chance! They could use the Lakota Fund example as their guide to getting started. Please spread the word! Thank you very much for your kind consideration. Sincerely, Sheila Cazzoli Runs-Like-A-Deer Woman -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- Winter is here. Elders in those areas already need assistance... remember Secretary of Interior Norton withheld checks after the court appointed monitor broke into DoI computers. If you know of a reliable point where funds can be sent to assist these precious elders please drop me a note at gars@nanews.org and make the subject (all caps) WINTER HELP. -----> this list will remain up through January -----> PLEASE email gars@nanews.org with any updates/additions Date: Tue, 01 Oct 2002 20:46:06 -0500 From: Dodie Subj: fuel fund Gary: At this time this is the only fuel fund I have. If I receive more I will pass them along to you. Thank you for including it. If you need addresses for donations just let me know. Dodie Ndn-AIM Fund c/o box 1334 Rapid City, SD 57709 At 04:20 AM 10/1/2002, you wrote: -=-=-=- Date: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 02:35:47 -0000 From: "Dodie Finstead" After less than one year, the Northern Cheyenne School, who this time last year had never received donations, with children often going without supplies and clothing, now have more than they can handle and store. They have requested that no more donations be sent to them at this time as Vicki gave us a head up on. I want to thank Vicki, they had not been able to contact us. My suggestion would be the other fund in MT or to Carter Camp if you were planning on sending to the Northern Cheyenne school. Please be sure if you send used thing they are in very good condition. If you do chose one of these two, please let them know you are sending things so they can be expecting them. Dodie >> Honor Your Spirit - Protect the Children % Sue Buck PO Box 901 Great Falls, MT 59403-0901 suemontana@mcn.net The same needs as the other school, clothing, school supplies, blankets, etc. Oh, don't forget the toys. :) Carter Camp P.O.Box 1012, Rosebud S.D. 57570 cartercamp@yahoo.com Carter and his wife distribute to families with children. So clothing for all age children are need, from infants up. The basic needs toys, blankets, warm things, diapers, panties, tooth brushes, hats, socks, etc. -=-=-=- Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 11:43:21 +0300 From: "Brigitte Thimiakis" Subj: IMPORTANT Note to Winter Request From: Sue Buck - Please Read, and Forward - IMPORTANT NOTE regarding the Urgent Winter Request for Donations for Children and Elders Recently we were all very happy to read that a large amount of donations was sent to the Northern Cheyenne schools in MT. This was great news! However, due to a recent inquiry about whether or not our project still needed donations, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that there are still great needs on the reservation. Please note that our request and aim is to try and help the abandoned children's shelter and elders' center on the reservation, which are totally separate from the Northern Cheyenne tribal schools. They have great needs (also for the most part, different from the needs of the tribal Schools). Please read our list below. These needs have not been catered for and these children and elders are still in need of warm clothing items for the winter. Toys are also much needed so that the children at the shelter can have a Christmas give-away . After reading our request below, please do everything you can to support these children and elders. Many thanks for your time and help, Respectfully, Sue Buck "Honor Your Spirit - Protect the Children" [ PLEASE FORWARD where needed - thank you ] Urgent Winter Request for Donations Greetings, If you wish to make a difference and help children and elders through the harsh winter months in Montana, please take the time to read this request. On behalf of reliable Northern Cheyenne contacts from Lame Deer, we are once again collecting donations for the children's shelter and senior citizens center on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Our goal is to collect new and good quality used items for the shelter and senior center, as well as toys which can be used for the children's shelter at Christmas time. The toys will be distributed during the Christmas give away but the clothes and blankets will be distributed right away. During Montana winters, the temperature can drop to 30 or 40 degrees below zero so warm winter clothing can be lifesaving. Often, when a child arrives at the shelter, all they have is what they are wearing. This is very sad, but it is the reality these children have to face. When a child leaves to go to a foster home, or some other place, the people at the shelter try to send a weeks' worth of clothing with the child so they will at least have something. In other words, what ever is sent to the shelter can be used and there is a great need. There is a very high turnover rate due to the extreme poverty in the Big Horn and Rosebud Counties. The senior citizens center is in special need of - blankets - warm winter coats also needed by the seniors are socks, gloves, boots, hats and scarves The children's shelter is in special need of - warm winter coats and clothing - a baby crib and related bedding - twin size bedding of all types, - blankets - toys The children range in age from 0 to 12 years. Since they have school for the children at the shelter, there is also a need for: - educational toys, - writing paper, - pencils, - crayons or anything else used in schools. They can also use grooming supplies like toothpaste, tooth brushes, soaps and shampoos, combs, hair brushes, hair barrettes, rubber bands or other types of hair or pony tail holders. Last but not least : pampers diapers or pull-ups. Please note that we have changed and reorganized our mailing instructions from those suggested last year. Contact suemontana@mcn.net for mailing information other than regular US Mail service. (Also please include your name and address if you would like for us to acknowledge/confirm receipt of your donations) Donations can be sent to the following address: Honor Your Spirit - Protect the Children % Sue Buck PO Box 901 Great Falls, MT 59403-0901 USA The priority of our group, "Honor your Spirit - Protect the Children" is to make sure all donations get to where they are supposed to and recognized. It is very important to us to make sure that everything is distributed fairly and to those in the greatest need. Additional contact information: Brigitte Thimiakis, Greece thimiakischool@the.forthnet.gr Celine Branchard, France littlered@club-internet.fr Sue Buck, Project Coordinator, MT suemontana@mcn.net Thank you for any assistance you can give. -=-=-=- Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 19:39:02 -0400 From: "floyd perkins" Subj: Housing Dear Gary Greetings, my name is Alice Perkins. I am a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Pine Ridge Reservation. Recently, my husband and I started working with a couple of individuals out of Michigan and Denver, CO., to bring liveable, affordable housing to the reservation and to create jobs for our people. Our efforts have been rewarding, but we are struggling. Let me first give you an overview of our business. Our fund receives donated or we buy lowcost mobile homes (used) from individuals. We pay all the costs incurred to transport these homes to the Pine Ridge Reservation. Costs include labor, driver payment, fuel, food/shelter, cleanup cost, dumpster, permits, lot rent etc. The cost varies with each mobile home we get. After delivering the mobile homes to the reservation site, we inspect the homes for maintenance and repair needs such as hotwater heater, furnace, roof, plumbing, floor and windows etc... We fix these at our cost. Once the mobile home is in liveable condition, we sell it at the total cost we paid out for the home (delivery plus repair costs). These sales prices are affordable, ranging from $3500 to $6500. Since we hire reservation Lakota people to transport and repair these homes, we have created jobs for drivers, laborers, prep workers, construction, plumbers, electricians, escort, ect... The mobile homes are for buyers who do not qualify for loans through the banks because of bad credit, no credit, slow credit or whatever the reason. And these people are on a fixed income. Our payments are set according to their income and what they can afford -- usually about $100 to $200 a month until paid in full. We work with the buyers so that their payments go towards owning their own homes, which otherwise would be impossible. This also helps to reestablish credit. We also receive donor-directed homes (all costs are covered by the donor, who chooses the individual who will receive the donated home). Our problem is that we need funds to continue our efforts. We are seeking donations to help with transportation costs and supplies such as hotwater heaters, furnaces--any help would be appreciated. Winter is coming and we have many families waiting for a home. We have approximately 110 families on our waiting list, all of whom are in great need of shelter. Immediately we need 3 furnaces and 5 hotwater heaters. Visit our web site at http://www.americanindianhousing.com We had a very nice lady help set this up for us. Thank you. Alice Perkins HC 64 Box 58 Batesland, SD 57716 (605) 685-3362 -=-=-=- Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2002 07:33:45 EST From: Dnnfvpks@aol.com Subject: WINTER HELP >To: gars@nanews.org Dear Gary My name is Dianne Mountain. I'm with Wolf Band of Norfolk, Va. and Tidewater Native American Support Group of Virginia. I'm writing a request for help on the Rosebud Reservation, Norris S.D. our group helps out as much possible with assistance to our extended family at Norris. I work with an elder and she helps distributes clothing, money to the children and elders in her community. I would love to give you her address so that if you can help with some fuel assistance that would be a blessing. They can only get a delivery where they are at if there is at least 5 other family in need for fuel. Your help would be very much appreciated. Blessings Dianne Mountain Teresa Ammiotte PO Box / House #15 Norris , S.D. 57560 -=-=-=- *** NEW ITEM 11/16/2002 *** Date: Saturday, November 16, 2002 12:00 AM From: Dodie Finstead [mailto:dodiefinstead@ev1.net] Subj: Please help-Coats for Kids from the Cherokee Nation Mailing List: Native Lifeways Please repost. Cherokee Nation is working to provide a Coats for Kids in Sequoyah County this winter. Any and all help is appreciated and desperately needed. This project was supposed to end today (Nov. 15) but the project has run short in its goal and is asking for everyone's help. For more information on this special project please review the following news story: > http://www.cherokee.org/CurentNewsRelease.asp?ID=719 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 ---------- - First Indian Bishop Dies - Grant to help Tribes - Judy Trejo reclaim Land lost to Fraud - O'odham Educator Rosilda Manuel - Luminaria honor all killed - John Curotte at Big Hole/Bear Paw - Crossings - Vice-Chief says no - Tribe Land Allottees' to Gun Registration Laws Numbers Dwindling - Relatives want BIA to make Changes - Lakota Vote defeats Enemies - Native Prisoner - Wisconsin Tribe acquires -- Montana State Prison: New York Land Sacred Religious Items removed - Protesters Challenge Plans - Rustywire: to expand Mica Mine Navajo Grandma - Shi Ma Ssni - Sensitive Maidu Cultural Areas - History: Carlisle Indian School to be closed - Poem: Forever Cherokee Free Spirit - Plans in works to develop - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days Wyoming Buffalo Jump - 73-Year-Old helps revive - Tribe converts Nisqually Pasture Forgotten Language into Marshland - This Week on First Peoples TV - Doctor: Tribes need to Initiate - Native America Calling own Health Care - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: First Indian Bishop Dies" --------- Date: Thu 14 Nov, 2002 08:57:13 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="REV. HAROLD JONES" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2002/11/14/news/local/news03.txt First Indian bishop dies By Dan Daly, Journal Staff Writer November 14, 2002 CHANDLER, Ariz. - In 1972, the Rev. Harold Jones was consecrated as a bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota. He was the first American Indian to be elevated to the office of bishop by any Christian denomination. A year later, in an interview with the Rapid City Journal, Bishop Jones was still downplaying the historic precedent. "It is secondary to being a bishop - my ministry is to all the people," he said. And according to those who knew him, Bishop Jones spent his life balancing his Indian heritage and his ministry. Bishop Jones died Tuesday in Chandler, Ariz., at age 92. "I didn't see a dichotomy," the Rev. Ron Hennies of Rapid City, an Episcopal priest and longtime friend of Bishop Jones, said. "He lived the Native American concept of generosity. ... He'd give you literally the shirt off his back, and he'd never check to see if he had a spare," Hennies said. "He brought many of the characteristics of the best of Native American culture with him to this Christian expression." Hennies said he will serve as master of ceremonies at Jones' burial ceremonies. Arrangements are pending with Osheim-Catron Funeral Home in Rapid City. "He was a fine mentor and a fine man," Hennies said. "He didn't get out of me the best I could produce by bawling me out or laying out goals and all that. He did it by modeling - humble and generous and Gospel-oriented in the best sense of the word. ... I never wanted to short-change that man." Bishop Jones loved to tell stories and sing Lakota hymns, Hennies recalled. In a ceremony at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Sioux Falls, Jones was consecrated as a suffragan bishop of the Episcopal Church on Jan. 11, 1972. More than 1,000 people, from the Episcopal Church and other denominations and faiths, attended. Parts of the ceremony were conducted in the Lakota language. His consecration marked the highlight of a career that began in 1938 with his ordination. Five days later, he married Blossom Steele at a ceremony in Santee, Neb. Jones began his work with 13 years of service at the Pine Ridge Mission, first in the small rectory of Christ Church at Red Shirt Table. He also lived at the rectories of St. John's, St. Peter's and Holy Cross. Later, he served at the Cheyenne River Agency, Gettysburg, Dupree, Pine Ridge, Wahpeton, N.D., Fort Defiance, Ariz., and Rapid City. After his consecration as a bishop, the Joneses settled into their home in Rapid City, and he began to travel throughout the South Dakota diocese. Just nine months after he became a bishop, doctors diagnosed heart problems in Jones. By 1976, he was forced to retire. However, he remained active in the church and in the community. In 1988, Hennies and Jones attended the ceremony in which the Rev. Charles J. Chaput, an American Indian Roman Catholic priest, became the bishop of Rapid City. Hennies recalled that Chaput hurried over to where Jones and Hennies were standing. "Bishop Chaput said, `Your grace, I want to humbly apologize for the press saying that I'm the first Native American bishop,'" Hennies recalled. "That was such a nice moment. Bishop Chaput made such a point of saying that." Blossom Jones, who preceded her husband in death, worked as a teacher in Bureau of Indian Affairs and public schools in the places where Bishop Jones served. Their daughter, Norma Pederson, and son-in-law Jerry Pederson, live in Chandler. At the time of his death, Jones was living in the Chandler area, too. He died at Chandler Regional Hospital. Contact reporter Dan Daly at 394-8421 or dan.daly@rapidcityjournal.com Copyright c. the Rapid City Journal. --------- "RE: Judy Trejo" --------- Date: Thu 14 Nov, 2002 08:57:13 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JUDY TREJO" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2002/11/13/28060.php?sp1=&sp2=&sp3= Paiute artist, educator Judy Trejo dies in Reno at 62 Sandra Chereb ASSOCIATED PRESS 11/13/2002 10:29 pm Funeral services were scheduled today for Judy Sam Trejo, a northern Nevada Paiute who was instrumental in preserving the tribe's native language through education, storytelling and song. Trejo, of Nixon, died of natural causes Saturday at Washoe Medical Center, according to the county coroner's office. She was 62. "Judy was indeed an important figure in both song and language," said Catherine Fowler, an anthropology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. "She introduced curriculum in the Paiute language - was one of the first to try to teach the language in a public school setting in Nevada," Fowler said. The night before she died, Trejo had returned from Las Vegas, where she participated in programs sponsored by the Clark County Library District honoring Native American Heritage Month. "She was quite wonderful," said Suzanne Scott, a library employee who worked with Trejo on the project. "She presented four programs in storytelling and song." "She was very knowledgeable and willing to share her culture," Scott said. Her death is "quite a loss for the community." Traditional Paiute ceremonies were held Wednesday at a private home on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in Nixon north of Reno. Funeral services were scheduled today, also in Nixon. Born in Alturas, Calif., Trejo grew up on the Fort McDermitt Paiute- Shoshone Reservation north of Winnemucca. She attended the Stewart Indian School in Carson City before moving to Idaho, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in counseling from the College of Idaho. Trejo returned to Nevada, where she taught first and second grade at the Walker River Indian Reservation in Schurz for 20 years. She continued teaching adult programs throughout her retirement and shared her heritage with children through song and verse. Trejo is perhaps best known for her recordings of Native American music. "She was a wonderful singer, of both traditional and more contemporary Native music," Fowler said. "She sang at many different venues around the state and around the country." Her first album, "Circle Dance Songs of the Paiute and Shoshone," received the 1997 American Federation Independent Music Indie Award for Best Native American Album. In 2000, her second album, "Stick Game Songs of the Paiute," was named best historical recording at the Native American Music Awards. "She was a very important artist, not only for her people, but also for the Native American community as a whole," Robert Doyle, president of Phoenix-based Canyon Records, said. "She provided us not only with translations of the Paiute-Shoshone lyrics, but the words themselves so we're able to provide an educational resource." Copyright c. 2002 Reno Gazette-Journal, a Gannett Co. Inc. Newspaper. --------- "RE: O'odham Educator Rosilda Manuel" --------- Date: Fri 15 Nov, 2002 08:08:32 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ROSILDA MANUEL" http://www.azstarnet.com/star/fri/21115OBITMANUEL.html O'odham educator Rosilda Manuel dies By Eric Swedlund ARIZONA DAILY STAR November 15, 2002 Rosilda Manuel, the former director of the Tohono O'odham Department of Education who was a strong proponent of bilingual education and spearheaded the development of a tribal community college, died Nov. 7. Manuel, 55, was an educator, administrator and author in Southern Arizona for more than 30 years, specializing in bilingual education. She also was recognized for her efforts to teach and preserve the O'odham language. Manuel also was an instructor at the Institute of Linguistics for Native Americans in Albuquerque and at Pima Community College. "She made some change on the nation overall," said Marietta Martin, who worked for the last three years as Manuel's assistant director, taking the top post after Manuel left in April because of health problems. "We lost a great person." Even after Manuel left her position, she remained as involved as she could be, Martin said. "She was still aware of what was going on and willing to help when she could," she said. "She's done quite a number of things, but mainly she's been a big enforcer of bilingual education," she said. Manuel worked hard to develop tribal scholarship programs, Martin said. Jana Kooi, president of PCC's Community Campus, worked with Manuel for many years to provide educational opportunities on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. She called Manuel a dedicated, caring professional. "She's always been so great a partner to work with, she's such a wonderful woman." Kooi said Manuel also was a fun person. "She was truly delightful to spend time with," Kooi said. "I'll remember her as a very dedicated and caring professional who wanted to make a change in people's lives. She did that not only through how she lived her life but how she supported education. We miss her desperately already." Edward D. Manuel, tribal chairman, issued a written statement Thursday: "Rosilda Manuel's commitment to education was nothing less than extraordinary. She made history by putting education first above all else. ...Education is the very means for passing our language, our culture, and our spirituality from generation to generation." She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Frank Manuel. * Reporter L. Anne Newell contributed to this report. * Contact reporter Eric Swedlund at 629-9412 or swedlund@azstarnet.com. Copyright c. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star. --------- "RE: John Curotte" --------- Date: Fri 15 Nov, 2002 08:08:32 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JOHN CUROTTE" John Curotte, Elder By: Kenneth Deer & Alex McComber John Thoronhiate Curotte, a well-known community member and much respected elder in Kahnawake, passed to spirit world this past Tuesday evening after a hard fought battle with complications from diabetes. His passing bring much sadness to the people of Kahnawake, as he had an impact on so many people through his career as an ironworker, farmer and with the Kahnawake Survival School; but mainly through his participation with the Longhouse. It was in 1963 when John Curotte and his son Joe reinstated into the Longhouse. Joe recalled that there were very few people in the old Longhouse at the end of the Old Tennessee Road, among them his mother Grace, Dominic Diabo, Joe Phillips, James Montour, Sarah Montour, Belva Montour, and Nias Sakari Zacharie. He remembered that Nias Sakari was almost crying during the ceremony, saying "I never thought I would ever see a father and his join the Longhouse." John went on to influence many people to turn towards our traditions in the decades that followed. John was born at the Kateri Hospital in 1923, delivered by Dr. Jacobs . He was raised on his father's farm, across the road from the site of the Caughnawaga Golf Club. It was there that John learned about animals and farming, skills which would later play an important part in Kahnawake education. He attended the elementary school in the village only until grade four when his father withdrew him because he believed that "you could not eat on books." Yet John received a wide and rich education through many other ways. John's life on the farm helped him develop a good work ethic and pride that carried into his adult career as an ironworker. He worked throughout the northeastern United States, the Maritimes and across the river in Lachine at the Northern Electric plant. In 1979 he began his career at the Kahnawake Survival School. It was here that his nickname "Baba" became widespread as he endeared himself to many students and educators. At Survival School, John operated the farm and helped counsel students and staff as the school elder. Most people can recall a Baba John farm story and he forged a special and close relationship with author, farmer and teacher H. Gordon Green. But John was best known for his contribution to the Longhouse. He sat behind Turtle Clan Chief Angus Lahache, eventually being asked to take his place. John presided over ceremonies and sat in council until recent times. John was never a Condoled Chief, but he sat with the Turtle Clan title of Tekarihoken. As with any position, he had to deal with many controversial issues and he always stood by his principles. John withdrew from Longhouse activities in the latter 1980s. Eventually, he was instrumental in the expansion of the Longhouse on Mohawk Trail. He resumed responsibilities as a ceremonial and political spokesperson at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse as it developed and grew. As interest in the ways of our traditions increased, so did John's stature in the community. He was always willing to teach what he knew and people gravitated to him. More than just a teacher, he imparted a down- home wisdom which manifested itself through our traditions. He always had kind words for those who sought his help. John travelled to many different communities, both Aboriginal and non- Native, sharing the life and experiences of the Kanien'keha:ka. He met many people from around the world and presided at many a gathering. He greeted the Dali Lama of Tibet in Montreal. With that smile on his lips and that twinkle in his eyes, John would tell people that he and the Dali Lama were close friends. The Dali Lama would say to him, "Hello, John." And John would answer, "Hello, Dali." As his age advanced and health concerns increased, John gradually reduced his duties in the Longhouse. But even in his reduced role he was happy to receive guests who sought his advice or a piece of his knowledge. In his last days, his former Clan mother Norma Delaronde thanked him for all the work he did for the Longhouse. John married Grace Osoti:io Diabo in 1945 and is survived by her, their five children - Roy, Joseph, Josie, Russel and Audrey - sons and daughters-in-law, 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In his final hours, John's family was at his bedside. His wife Grace held his hand and, with a little smile on his face, he opened his eyes and looked at her and said, "I only have eyes for you." Those were his last words as he passed into the spirit world. easterndoor@axess.com Copyright c. 1997-2000 The Eastern Door. --------- "RE: Crossings" --------- Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2002 08:10:52 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" November 13, 2002 Alvin White Lance Sr. BULL CREEK - Alvin White Lance Sr., 42, Bull Creek, died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, in an accident on Spring Creek Road. Survivors include seven children, Alvin Jr., Dorothy, Heather, Samuel, Julia, Larry and Tianna; two sisters, Violet Little Elk, Two Strike, and Philomene White Lance, Bull Creek; three brothers, Homer White Lance and Harlan White Lance, both of St. Francis, and Donald White Lance, McClester, Okla.; and grandchildren. Services were held Friday, Oct. 18, at St. Charles Catholic Church in St. Francis. Burial was at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in St. Francis. Holmes Funeral Home of Valentine, Neb., was in charge of arrangements. November 14, 2002 William `Billy' Cottier Jr. PINE RIDGE - William "Billy" Cottier Jr., 67, Pine Ridge, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, in Pine Ridge. Survivors include his mother, Mary Nelson, Pine Ridge; his wife, Cecelia "Sister Babe" Cottier, Pine Ridge; five sons, Darrell Cottier, Dean Cottier, Jerry Cottier, Tom Cottier and Jim Cottier, all of Pine Ridge; three sisters, Crystal Eagle Elk, Emma Gallego and Sissy White Eyes, all of Pine Ridge; 20 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Sacred Heart Church Hall in Pine Ridge. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Pine Ridge High School gym, with the Rev. Ben Tyon, the Rev. Agnes Tyon and the Rev. Joanne Conroy officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Episcopal Cemetery in Pine Ridge. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. November 15, 2002 Marcus F. `Spud' Mesteth Sr. MANDERSON - Marcus F. "Spud" Mesteth Sr., 45, Manderson, died Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002, in Rapid City. Survivors include his parents, Max and Cecelia Mesteth, Manderson; his wife, LaVonne Mesteth, Manderson; three sons, Marcus Mesteth Jr., Rapid City, and Casey Mesteth and George Mesteth, both of Manderson; one daughter, Amber Mesteth, Rapid City; five brothers, Winston Mesteth, Moses Bull Bear and A.V. Fire Thunder, all of Manderson, Bluch Fire Thunder Jr., Grass Creek, and Mick Martino, Philmore, Calif.; two sisters, Carol Mesteth and Christine Bores A Hole, both of Manderson; and two grandchildren. A two-night wake will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Wounded Knee School gym in Manderson. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at the school gym, with the Rev. Bill Pauly and the Rev. Ron Seminara. Mr. Wilmer Mesteth and Mr. Pete Catches Jr. will officiate over traditional services. Burial will be at St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Manderson. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. November 16, 2002 Susann Runs Along The Edge-Red Bear ALLEN - Susann Runs Along The Edge-Red Bear, 40, Allen, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, in Alliance, Neb. Survivors include five sons, Frank Red Bear and Moses Red Bear, both of Allen, and Brian Red Bear, Darren Red Bear and Kadin Red Bear, all of Alliance; one daughter, Pearl Red Bear, Nashville, Tenn.; five brothers, Raymond Whirlwind Horse and Mike Whirlwind Horse, both of Alliance, Paul Whirlwind Horse, Chadron, Neb., and John Whirlwind Horse and Moses Whirlwind Horse, both of Allen; eight sisters, Verna Sanchez and Maria Whirlwind Horse, both of Alliance, Cheryl Hudelson, Hannibal, Mo., Pauline Hairy Shirt, Martha Whirlwind Horse and Molly Whirlwind Horse, all of Allen, Billy Whirlwind Horse, Batesland, and Crystal Whirlwind Horse, Chadron; her father, William Whirlwind Horse, Allen; and numerous grandchildren. A two-night wake will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Allen. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the church, with the Rev. Frank Smith, S.J., officiating. Burial will be at St. John of the Cross Catholic Cemetery in Allen. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Judith E. Clifford BATESLAND - Judith Elaine Clifford, 61, Batesland, died Thursday, November 14, 2002, at Rapid City Regional Hospital after a courageous 8-year battle with respiratory illness. She was born March 30, 1941, to David O. and Barbara Pearl (O'Rourke) Brewer, Sr. at Pine Ridge, SD. Judy attended and graduated from Holy Rosary Indian Mission as class Salutatorian. She worked for the Shannon County School District as bookkeeper and then payroll clerk for 28 years. She retired in February 2000, because of health problems. She spent her remaining years with her loving family in Batesland. Survivors include two sons, Pat and Dave Clifford, Batesland; three daughters, Anne and Denise Briggs, Batesland, and Therese Monroe, Pine Ridge; four brothers, Dennis, Dean, and Duane Brewer, all of Pine Ridge, Rich Brewer, Lawrence, KS; two sisters, Doris Giago, Brookings, SD, and Colleen Brewer, Chadron, NE; 7 grandchildren, Jamie and Johna Martin, Damian and Darnell Quintana, Jacob Briggs, Michael Clifford, all of Batesland, and Jordan Clifford of Lawrence, KS; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Barbara Brewer; two brothers, Dave Brewer, Jr. and Delmar Brewer; and one daughter, Gloria Clifford. A one-night wake begins Sunday, November 17, at 1 p.m. at Billy Mills Hall, Pine Ridge, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 18, at 10 a.m. at Billy Mills Hall, with Rev. Steve Sanford, S.J. as celebrant. Interment will be at Knight Cemetery, Batesland, SD. Sioux Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 the Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- November 15, 2002 Magdalena Gallegos Magdalena Gallegos, 75, died Thursday, November 14, 2002. She is survived by her sons, Ray Gallegos and Lupe Gallegos; adopted sons, Raynaldo Gallegos and Felipe Gallegos; a lot of grandchildren; one great-grandchild, David; sisters, Consuelo, Tana, Antonia and Theresa; brothers, Guadalupe and Celestino; and very dear friend, Andy. Rosary will be recited Friday, 7:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Pena Blanca. Mass will be celebrated Saturday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Bonaventure on Cochiti Pueblo. Interment will follow at Cochiti Pueblo Cemetery. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE. Copyright c. 1997 - 2002 Albuquerque Journal: Albuquerque, New Mexico. -=-=-=- November 14, 2002 Johnson Benally Jan. 9, 1932 - Nov. 8, 2002 Johnson Benally, 70, of Shiprock went home with our Heavenly Father on Friday, Nov. 8, 2002. He was born on Jan. 9, 1932 in Red Valley, Ariz., to the late Taylor and Lucy Benally. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, at Chapel of Memories in Kirtland. Burial will be at the Shiprock Community Cemetery. A reception will be held after the services. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel of Memories Funeral Home of Kirtland, (505) 598-9636. Copyright c. 1999-2002 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington, NM. -=-=-=- November 14, 2002 George Allen Begay FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. - Services for George Begay, 37, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 15 at Cope Memorial Chapel. Calvin Lee will officiate. Burial will follow in Coyote Canyon. Begay died Nov. 9 in Flagstaff, Ariz. He was born Feb. 23 in Rehoboth into the Red House People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Begay is a 1983 graduate of Window Rock High School and attended Fort Lewis College/Dine' College. He was an Asst. Coach at Window Rock High School and the Dine' College Ladies Basketball Team. He was a Consultant/Programmer. His hobbies included computer programing, fishing, golfing and playing guitar. Survivors include his sons, Brett Allyn Begay of Fort Defiance, Ariz. and Robbyn Hickman of Denver; parents, Walter and Mary Begay Sr. of Fort Defiance; brothers, Timothy Begay of Phoenix, Walter Begay Jr. and Anthony Begay of Fort Defiance; sisters, Sandi Begay of Fort Defiance and Carrie Begay of Albuquerque. Begay was preceded in death by his grandparents, Allan Lee and Nellie F. Begay. Pallbearers will be Ray Bedonie, Jeff Begay, Andrew Reed, Jay Notah, Virgil Dahozy and Delbert James. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Coyote Canyon Chapter House. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Bennie Willie Sr. BREAD SPRINGS - Services for Bennie Willie Sr., 51, will be held at 2 p. m., Friday, Nov. 15 at Rollie Mortuary Palm Chapel. Pastor Bobby Willie will officiate. Burial will follow at Gallup City Cemetery. Willie Sr. died Nov. 9 in Gallup. He was born Nov. 24, 1950 in Bread Springs into the Red Running into the Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Survivors include his wife, Doris Willie of Bread Springs; sons, Benjamin Willie, Bennie Willie Jr., Brandon Willie and Brian Willie all of Bread Springs; daughters, Charmayne Willie and Kimberly K. Willie both of Bread Springs; mother Mayme Willie of Bread Springs; brothers, Jimmy Willie of Twin Lakes, Sammie Willie of Smith Lake, Alvin Willie, Ben C. Willie both of Bread Springs; and sisters, Rose M. Begay, Betty Willie, Elsie Willie and Rose Ann Willie all of Bread Springs. Willie Sr. was preceded in death by his father, Ben Willie and brother, Jerry Willie. Pallbearers will be family members. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Pearl Upshaw Tsosie TOHATCHI - Services for Pearl Tsosie, 53, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 15 at Tohatchi Christian Reform Church. John Kostylek will officiate. Burial will follow at Tohatchi Cemetery. Tsosie died Nov. 10 in Phoenix. She was born Aug. 1, 1949 in Fort Defiance, Ariz. into the Edge Water People Clan for the Black Streak People Clan. Tsosie worked in Idaho. Her hobbies included puzzles, going to casinos, shopping and cooking. Survivors include her sons, Darrell Willie of Twin Lakes and Dave Willie of St. George, Utah; daughters, Priscilla Willie and Marcella Salt both of Standing Rock, Phyllis Willie and Rosita Willie both of Phoenix; brother, Leslie Upshaw of Navajo; sisters, Adeline Brown of Twin Lakes, Charlene Baca of Tuba City, Ariz., Caroline Wilson and Virginia Mares both of Mexican Springs; and two grandchildren. Tsosie was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn Jim and Haswood Upshaw; brother, Lester Upshaw and sister, Angela Begay. Pallbearers will be Arnold Wilson, Leslie Upshaw, Michell James, Delwin Sam, Rynell Tayah and Kenny Silver. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Leroy B. Shorty CHURCH ROCK - Services for Leroy Shorty, 33, will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15 at Cope Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Gallup City Cemetery. Shorty died Nov. 9 in Gallup. He was born March 5, 1969 in Rehoboth. Shorty attended Church Rock Elementary and Gallup High School. He was employed with AHEC, A-1 Tire and Shaffer's Mr. Tire and was self employed as a Kachina maker. His hobby was motorcycles. Survivors include his sons, Lerando B. Shorty of Tohlakai, Leland Shorty and Leonando Shorty both of Pinedale; daughter, Sheniel L. Shorty of Tohlakai; mother, Rose Begay of Church Rock; brother, Francis Shorty and stepfather Jimmy Begaye, both of Church Rock; sisters, Irene Peterson, Roselyn Begay and Rose Begay all of Church Rock; and grandparents, Alice and Kenneth Begay both of Church Rock. Pallbearers will be Leo Begay, Harold Begay, Luke McCorky, Johnny Begay, Jimmy Begaye and Johnson Begay. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at the Church Rock Chapter House. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- November 15, 2002 Arnold Dean Steele Arnold Dean Steele, lifelong resident of Ponca City, passed away Monday afternoon, Nov. 11, 2002, in Prague, Okla. He was 61. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at Grace Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tony Hays, presiding. Interment will be at the Pawhuska Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Arnold Dean Steele was born April 14, 1941, at Pawhuska, the son of Jonas M. (Johnny) Steele and Goldie Marie Shelton Steele. Mr. Steele attended the Ponca City public schools. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Hall on Dec. 15, 1969, in Miami, Okla. He was a small business owner who provided small engine repair and maintenance. He was a member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church and his enjoyments included working on lawnmowers, taking care of his yard, collecting antiques and taking care of his dogs, especially Scooter. He is survived by his mother of Stroud; two sons, Victor Dean Steele and wife, Monica of Ponca City and Johnathon of Enid; one brother, Morgan Jonas Steele Jr. of Ponca City; two sisters, Ruby Anderson and husband, Bill, of Stroud, and Betty Pino and husband, Bill, of Albuquerque, N.M.; one granddaughter; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father on Feb. 14, 1976; his wife on Dec. 27, 1976; and one infant sister, Lucy Ann Steele. Casket bearers will be Dewayne Buffalohead, Dwight Buffalohead, Keith Buffalohead, Freddie Others, George Littlevoice and Bill James. Honorary casket bearers will be George Brown and Steve Buffalohead. Memorial contributions may be made to the cause or fund of choice or to the American Heart Association, 2227 East Skelly Drive, Tulsa, Okla. 74105-5913. Levi Orris Moncooyea Jr. Levi Orris Moncooyea Jr., Ponca City resident, was born July 2, 1959, the son of Levi Moncooyea and Gloria Collins Moncooyea. In the fall of 2002, he left this life to join his heavenly father, having reached the age of 43. He was very talented. He was an artist, an avid reader, and was great at helping others. He was experienced in everything, and supportive of the Oklahoma Indian Theater and Dance Company. Levi is survived by a brother, Charles Moncooyea of Tulsa; five sisters, Glenda Harp, Vernice Willis, Susan Moncooyea, and Alvanita Fields, all of Tulsa, and Holly Kemble of Ponca City; plus a number of other relatives and many friends. Levi was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Clyde Warrior and Colin and Stanley Snake. We will all miss his smile, humor and his stories. A wake will be held at the Otoe Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2002. The traditional feast will be at noon, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at the Otoe Cultural Center, Red Rock, and burial will be at 2 p.m. at the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery. Casket bearers are Vance Lansford, James Lansford, Kelly Lowrance, Floyde Lansford, Eddie Ramsey and Jason Burris. Honorary casket bearers are Joe Young III, Clay Young, Justin Young, Carrey Young, Dave Littlecook and Lawrence DeRoin. November 17, 2002 Martha Marie Arbona WICHITA, Kan. -- Martha Marie Arbona, resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, at Via Christi-St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. She was 58. A prayer service will be held today at 7 p.m. at 517 North Fourth, Ponca City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tonkawa with the Rev. Larok Obwana Martin, officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tonkawa. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Martha was born July 6, 1943, in Concho, the daughter of Hewitt J. and Ruth B. Americanhorse West. She was the granddaughter of Walter Americanhorse, chief of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. On May 1, 1962, she married Vincent Anthony Arbona in Kingfisher. She was a domestic violence counselor and she enjoyed picnics, her family and friends. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Vincent Arbona Jr. and Walter Arbona of Ponca City; two daughters, Leisha Arbona and Christina Williams of Ponca City; 12 grandchildren; one brother, Kevin West of Newkirk; and six sisters, Lillian Keeney of Wichita, Hewetta Wilson of Tonkawa, Beverly Alters of Howard City, Mich., Sybol Day of Perry, Sebrina West of Ponca City and Cindy Jefferson of Blackwell. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother. Casket bearers will be Mike Day, Mike Greenwood, Ronnie Day, Marty Greenwood, Myron Davis and Bill Bridgeman. Honorary casket bearers will be Ronnie O'Neil, Vincent Arbona III, James Ray Arbona, Brian Jefferson, Kenny Brown, Patrick Horne and Dave Williams. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., ockville, MD 20852. November 18, 2002 Warren Ramey Warren Ramey, longtime Ponca City resident, died late Saturday afternoon, Nov. 16, 2002, at his home. He was 82. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with Pastor Robert Ferris, minister of the Newkirk First Christian Church, officiating. Burial is to follow in Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in Ponca City under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. Warren Gerald Ramey was born Nov. 9, 1920, in Arkansas City, the son of Harvey James and Emily McPherson Pappan Ramey. He grew up on a farm east of Newkirk in the Sweetwater community and attended Sweetwater School and Newkirk High School. After finishing his education, he worked as a farm hand for his father and for Mr. Cooley. On July 20, 1942, he entered the U.S. Air Force and received training as a gunner. On Jan. 15, 1944, Warren and Mary Frances Gilmore were married in Wichita Falls, Texas, while Mr. Ramey was stationed at Shepherd Air Force Base. He received his honorable discharge in January of 1946. In April of 1946 they moved to Ponca City and he began his employment with Continental Oil Company. He worked in the compound and packing department for 35 years. He retired Jan. 31, 1981. He was a member of the Kaw Indian Tribe, Woodlands Christian Church, the American Legion Huff Minor Post 14, and the International Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers. Survivors include his wife, Mary Frances; one son, Monte D. Ramey of Houston; a daughter, Paula R. Spomer of Edmond; one sister, Charlotte Engelking of Ponca City; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial fund has been established with Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Ponca City, Okla. 74604. Copyright c. 1998-2002 The Ponca City News. -=-=-=- Golden Triangle On-Line Obituaries The following obituaries appeared in the Cut Bank Pioneer Press, Shelby Promoter or Glacier Reporter this week. November 14, 2002 Dorothy Lorraine 'Rainie' Scriver Dorothy Lorraine "Rainie" Scriver, formerly of Browning, died Nov. 3, 2002, at her home at Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada, after a long battle with kidney disease. Her wishes were for cremation. There will be a small private reception at her home Saturday, Nov. 16 in celebration of her life. Ashes will be scattered near her home at Nanoose Bay, B.C. and, pending necessary arrangements being made, possibly in the spring at her former ranch in Browning. Scriver was born Mar. 8, 1924, in Bonner's Ferry, Ida., after which she lived for extensive periods in both Canada and the United States. She moved to Browning in 1959 where she resided until moving to Nanoose Bay, B. C. in September of 2001 after the death her husband, Robert M. (Bob) Scriver, in January of 1999. She is survived by her brothers Bud McFarland of Nanoose Bay, B.C. and Dan McFarland of Chilliwack, B.C. and their families. Scriver was a very private, generous and talented person. She worked very hard along side her partner and late husband, in the creation and operation of the Montana Museum of Wildlife and Hall of Bronze in Browning. During this time adopted some of the Native culture and was given the Blackfeet name of Me-sin-skee-ah-kee, Badger Woman, at an annual pipe opening ceremony. After her husband's passing, Scriver donated the bulk of his significant works to the Montana Historical Society at Helena and to the University of Alberta, Edmonton, where these impressive art collections will remain as a legacy to the peoples of both Canada and the United States. Before her death, she also established a sizeable arts scholarship in the name of Bob Scriver at his alma mater, Carroll College in Helena. Along with her remaining family, she will be missed by the many friends she had made over the years throughout her interesting and full life, and by the new friends she recently made at her new home in Canada. Carole Ann Larson Former Browning native and Blackfeet tribal member Carol Ann (Woodward) Larson, 59, of Cushing, Wis., died Oct. 18, 2002, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. of scleroderma. Services were held Oct. 23 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Taylors Falls, Minn., with burial in Wolf Creek Cemetery in Sterling Township, Wis. Edling Funeral Home of St. Croix Falls, Minn. handled the arrangements. Survivors include her husband, Rick Larson of the family home in Cushing, Wis. sons Joseph Peterson and wife Noelene of Sydney, Australia; Rick Larson Jr. and wife Leslie of Centuria, Wis., Clifford Larson of Cushing, Jonathan of Star Prairie, Wis., and Christopher Larson of Cushing; a sister, Geri Baker and husband Jim of Cut Bank; her father, Calvin Woodward of Browning; and a niece, Carol Zuback and family of Phoenix; nephew Kurt Zuback and wife Carolyn of Browning. She was especially proud of and loving to grandchildren Anthony, Angela, Matthew and Chloe who live in Wisconsin. Aunts, uncles and other relatives also survive. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret of Browning and a brother, Clark of Cut Bank. Carole succumbed to scleroderma after a courageous struggle of one and a half years. She was born Aug. 27, 1943 to Calvin and Margaret Woodward in Browning. She attended grade school in Babb and high school in Browning. She was a graduate of Haskell in Lawrence, Kan., and later became a licensed beautician and cosmetologist after schooling in Denver. She managed a beauty salon in Browning. While employed in Glasgow, she met her husband, Rick Larson, and they married in Oct. 31, 1970, and moved to the St. Croix valley on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border. Carole was a homemaker, but still found time while raising a family to create arts and crafts of which she enjoyed a considerable talent. Alma E. Caye Alma E. Caye, 64, of Elmo. passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002 at St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula. Alma was born on Jan. 1, 1938 in Browning to John & Christine (Boy) Mittens. She grew up and attended schools in Browning. She moved to Dayton in 1956. Alma married Albert Caye in Couer d'Alene, Idaho in 1958. They lived on the Pleasant Valley Ranch near McGregor Lake for two years and then to Kellogg, Idaho for two years. They moved back to her family's home in Browning for a short time before moving back to Elmo. They lived in Glasgow from 1978-79. While in Glasgow, Alma received her Early Childhood Education degree. They also lived in Hot Springs and eventually moved back to Elmo. Alma ran her own daycare in Elmo for a short time. She loved to pick huckleberries, go on Christmas tree cutting trips, sewing, baking, beading and playing in stick game tournaments. She especially looked forward and enjoyed her trips to Bonners Ferry, Idaho to play bingo at Thanksgiving every year. Alma was a member of the Blackfeet Tribe. She is preceded in death by four sons; Aaron, Francis, Jerome & August; one sister, Veronica Newrobe, her parents and step-father Tony Santerno She is survived by her husband Albert of Elmo, four daughters; Velma Caye of Elmo, Genevie Caye and husband Brad Eneas of Big Arm, Alberta Caye and Felicity Caye both of Elmo, three granddaughters; Christine Johnston, Valerie Caye and Miranda Kenmille. six grandsons, David Kallowat, Duane Kallowat, Allan Kenmille, Laurence Kenmille, Bassu Eneas and Youstah Eneas, two great grandsons; MaKeelin Glass and Ozayo Burland and one great- granddaughter; Rakeena Caye, two sisters, Colleen Swims Under of Big Badger, and Dorothy Mittens of Tacoma, Wash., one brother, Billy Mittens of Browning, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives in Elmo & Browning. Traditional wake services will begin on Monday at 4 p.m. at the Elmo Hall. Rosary will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Elmo Hall. A mass will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Elmo Hall with Father Gary Reller officiating. Burial will follow at the Dayton Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Grogan Funeral Home of Polson. Mary Viola Running Fisher Mary Viola (Whitehorse) Running Fisher, 70, of Browning, died Nov. 10, 2002 at IHS in Browning of Lung Cancer. The funeral will be held today, Thursday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Little Flower Parish, with burial at Running Fisher Cemetery. Day Family Funeral Home is handing the arrangements. She was born in Rocky Boy on Oct. 2, 1932. She was married on 1990 to James Running Fisher Sr. in Cut Bank, he passed away on Aug. 10, 1995. Running Fisher was an avid game player; she enjoyed beading, crocheting, sewing and a good joke. She is survived by her daughter, Georgianna Little Dog Futch, step- daughters Mary E. Racine, Joanne Running Fisher, Valerie Heptner and Kathy Arcand, sons Emil Joseph Long Neck, Daniel Jacob Bullchild, and stepsons James Running Fisher and Joe Whitehorse, sisters Lorraine Spotted Bear, Violet Butterfly, Kathleen Gopher, Linda Gopher, Ruby Gopher, Liza Smah and Leona Sharp, brothers Joe Whitehorse, Johnny Roasting Stick, Rusty Gopher and Robert Gopher. She is also survived by many grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband James Running Fisher and two sons, Orin and John. Roy George Arnold McNabb Roy George Arnold McNabb, 89, former parts manager, ranch worker and Army veteran, died of heart failure Saturday at a Browning hospital. Funeral has taken place with burial in Willow Creek Cemetery. Day Family Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Survivors include daughters Deana McNabb and Delma Jean Redneck of Browning, Loretta Berthelson of Heart Butte, Nancy Higgins of Stevensville and Cecile Rideshorse of Yuma, Ariz.; sons Leroy Bullshow of Heart Butte and Roy H. McNabb of Browning; an adopted son, Dwight Held of Missoula; 30 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. His wife, Cecile, died in 1968. Roy was born Sept. 10, 1913, in Fargo, N.D., to John McNabb and Marie (Probst) McNabb. He served in the Army in World War II with the 434th Quartermaster Platoon Air Depot Group and participated in campaigns in Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arne, in the south of France and in the North Apennines. In 1947, he married Cecile Little Dog in Browning. He earned an Honorary Associate of Arts degree from Blackfeet Community College in 1994. Roy worked as a ranch hand, was the parts manager at Shurrs Chevrolet and at NAPA and was a custodian at Browning High School until he retired in 1978. He was a member of the Northern Rocky Musical Association, and liked picnics, berry picking, drives in the country, target shooting and playing cards. He enjoyed high school sports and rarely missed a boys' or girls' basketball or volleyball game, cross-country or track meet. He was an avid reader of "Archie" and magazines such as National Geographic. Roy liked watching the news, the "Price is Right," "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune." He was also preceded in death by his parents. Copyright c. 2002 Golden Triangle Newspapers. -=-=-=- November 17, 2002 Clarence Three Irons, Jr. LODGE GRASS - Clarence C. Three Irons, Jr., 18, of Lodge Grass died Thursday evening, Nov. 14, 2002, of injuries sustained in a one-car accident near Lodge Grass. His Indian name, Iilapaa-chaho (He Who Has Many Many Friends), was given to him by the Crow elder Pius Real Bird. He was born Dec. 19, 1983, in Crow Agency, a son of Clarence and Joselyn Al-den Three Irons, Sr. He grew up and attended schools in Lodge Grass, graduating in 2002. While in high school, he actively participated in football, basketball, Indian club, FFA and his favorite, Rodeo Club. He excelled in high school rodeo in team roping, calf roping and bull dogging, and represented Lodge Grass High School at several high school rodeo finals. He was currently enrolled at Little Big Horn College, where he was a member of the college rodeo team. He currently was in seventh place overall in the Big Sky region. His rodeo talents enabled him to take part in numerous All-Indian rodeo associations events, often winning buckles and saddles. Indian, as he was affectionately called, was a member of the Baptist Church, Ree Society, Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Bad War Deeds Clan. His grandfathers, Joe Alden, Sr., and Bill Three Irons preceded him in death. Survivors include his parents, Clarence and Joselyn Three Irons; his brothers Greg (Kateri) of Crow Agency, Cameron (Louise) of Lodge Grass, Alvin (Kristi) of Billings and Clay (Carrie) of Fort Smith; his companion, Alisara Jackson; his grandmothers , Louise Three Irons of Crow Agency and Ruth Alden of Lodge Grass; his grandfather Sam Bird in Ground, Jr., of Garryowen; 11 adopted brothers, Shane Littlebear of Canada, Stoney Lane of New Mexico, Rowdy Alexander of Dillon, Aspen Brugh of Wyola, Raymond Champ of Billings, Regis Hogan of Crow Agency, Roland Redfield, Jr., Brian Old Bull, Elijah Bear Below, Preston Guardipee and Beau Plenty Hawk of Lodge Grass; one adopted sister, Britney Wyles of Wyola; his nieces, Kaliegh, Mikayla and Victoria; his nephews, Rope, Eli and Beau, whom he enjoyed spending time with; all of his roping friends; his extended family, including the Bird in Ground, Alden, Pickett, Backbone, Falls Down and Left Hand families; as well as his special circle of rodeo and college friends, including Duke Dixie, Ole Els, Prince Brockie, James Brown and the Fredericks. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, in the Lodge Grass High School Gymnasium. Interment will follow in the Lodge Grass Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- November 13, 2002 Mary Viola Running Fisher BROWNING -- Mary Viola (Whitehorse) Running Fisher, 70, of Browning, died of lung cancer Sunday at a Browning hospital. Rosary is 7 this evening at Glacier Homes Community Center in Browning. Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Thursday at Little Flower Parish, with burial in Running Fisher Cemetery. Day Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors, all of Browning, include her daughter, Georgianna Little Dog Futch; stepdaughters Mary E. Racine, Joanne Running Fisher, Valerie Heptner and Kathy Arcand; sons Emil Joseph Long Neck and Daniel Jacob Bullchild; stepsons James Running Fisher Jr. and Joe Whitehorse; sisters Lorraine Spotted Bear, Violet Butterfly, Kathleen Gopher, Linda Gopher, Ruby Gopher, Liza Small and Leona Sharp; brothers Joe White Horse, Johnny Roasting Stick, Rusty Gopher and Robert Gopher; and many grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two infant sons, Orin and John Michael. Copyright c. 2002 Great Falls Tribune. -=-=-=- November 16, 2002 Reginald "Reggie" H. Wells Reggie was born on February 21, 1932 in Nisqually. He passed away on November 13, 2002 after being involved in a car accident. He is survived by his wife, Ramona M. Wells; his son, Clifford, and wife, Susan; daughter, Lorena Guidry, and husband, Larry Jr.; 3 granddaughters, Jolene and Jennifer Wells and Rachel Guidry; brothers, Raymond, Reuben, Roy, and Willie; and sisters, Rosetta Klatush, Roberta Secena, Ruth Hoskins, and Rena Wells. He was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Wells, Sr. and Josephine Skamink Wells; brothers, Ralph, Richard, Ronald, and Robert; sisters, Ruby and Sophie; and a great-grandson, James Gilmore. Reggie graduated from Chemawa Indian School in Oregon in 1951. After graduation he served in the Army from 1953-1954 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He then returned home to Nisqually and married his wife, Ramona, on March 13, 1955. He worked as a farm laborer at the Deck Farm for 16 years. He then went to work for the Holroyd Company as a truck driver for 17 years until he retired. Reggie served on the Nisqually Tribal Council for nine years. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed gardening and going to the Red Wind Casino. He loved baseball, basketball, and football, and participated in these sports throughout his entire life. Reggie was very devoted to his family and his community. He loved going to help them and visit with them. There will be a viewing on Sunday, November 17, 2002, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Olympic Memorial Gardens Chapel, 5725 Littlerock Road S.W. , Tumwater, Wash. Funeral Services will be held at the Nisqually Tribal Center on Monday, November 18, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. Internment will be held immediately following at the Leschi Indian Cemetery. November 17, 2002 Joseph A. Andrews, Sr. Andrews, Joseph A. Sr., 89, of the Skokomish Indian Reservation, Shelton, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at home. McComb Funeral Home, Shelton, 360-426-4803. Copyright c. 2002 The Olympian. -=-=-=- November 15, 2002 Janet Blood JANET BLOOD Naatoyiikkaina'sooyilwa - "Holy Shiner" was called home by the Creator on Friday, November 08, 2002 at the age of 64 years. Born April 16, 1938 to her parents Alfred Blood and Rosie English, she was raised by her maternal grandparents John and Emma English. Left with happy memories are her children; Lewis, Marcella, Donna (Allan), Cheryl (Neil), William (Kim), Duane (Cherry), her 27 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. Her brothers; Wallace, Wilfred (Martina), Charlie (Rhonda), Donald (Annie), Dewey, Blaine, Manuel, and her sisters; Angeline, Sally, Peggy, Joanne, Yolanda (Sonny), and Cynthia and adopted children; Kevin (Lori) Healy, Shawn (Pam) Little Bear, and Sherrie Many Guns. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Janet attended Sacred Heart School in Brocket from 1944 ~ 1954. She also attended Midnapore Boarding School where she received her nursing aide training in 1956. She married Morris Little Bear and they had six children together. Janet worked hard all of her life. She worked at the Indian Hospital in Cardston as a nurse's aide. For many years as a receptionist for the Blood Tribe. Later as a child care worker at the Koo Konnon Group Home until it closed. She also worked as a foster parent until illness prevented her from working. Janet was strong in her faith to the end. She never complained of the pain. She endured it in silence. She remained humble and left it in God's hands. Family and friends would often come to her for advice. Her home was open to all. Her laughter and friendship will never be forgotten. Always by her side was her special granddaughter Emmy. Janet was predeceased by her parents, also by her brothers; Narcisse, Adolphus, Henry and by her sisters; Violet, Hilda, Eileen, and Beverly, also by her special granddaughter Emmy Lou. The family would like to thank all the people who supported us in our time of need. A Wake Service will be held ST. MARY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Blood Reserve, on Friday, November 15, 2002 from 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. with Reverend Les Kwiatkowski O.M.I. officiating. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Blood Reserve, on Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 12:00 Noon with Reverend Les Kwiatkowski O.M.I. Celebrant. Interment to follow at the Little Bear Family Plot. If friends so desire, Memorial Tributes in Janet's name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7. Quincy Louis Weasel Head The Funeral Service for QUINCY LOUIS WEASEL HEAD, beloved son of Jason Weasel Head and Emily Knife will be held at Salmon Funeral Home, Cardston, on Thursday, November 14th, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Leszek Kwiatkowski Celebrant. Interment in the St. Catherine's Cemetery, Blood Reserve. Copyright c. 2000 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc./Lethbridge Herald. -=-=-=- November 15, 2002 Marjorie Rose Carrier Piapot, SK CARRIER--Marjorie Rose was born September 22, 1922 and passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2002. Predeceased by her parents, Bella and Marius Nanipawis; one son, Gerald; granddaughter, Claudette; one sister, Alice and one brother, James. Marjorie leaves to mourn, her loving husband, Clifford; two daughters Terry (Bill) and Shirley (Larry); two sons, Lloyd (Genevieve) and Glen (Doreen); a special daughter in law, Christina; 15 grandchildren, including special Granddaughter, Rae-Lynn and 5 great grandchildren. She also leaves two sisters, Isabel Kaiswatum and Rose Dubois; one brother, Alex Nanipawis and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. Wake will be held at 4:00 pm, Friday, November 15, 2002, with Funeral Service to be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 16, 2002, both from the Piapot Band Hall. ARRANGEMENTS IN CARE OF PARAGON FUNERAL SERVICES (359-7776) Copyright c. 2000-2002 Regina Leader Post Group Inc. --------- "RE: Tribe Land Allottees' Numbers Dwindling" --------- Date: Thu 14 Nov, 2002 08:57:13 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ALLOTTEES" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=946568&pic=none&TP=getarticle Tribe land allottees' numbers dwindling 2002-11-14 By Ron Jackson The Oklahoman ANADARKO -- Ten years ago, the federal government honored the original land allottees of the Southern Plains Tribes. There were 99 honorees. The government on Wednesday again recognized that same celebrated group whose numbers have dwindled to nine. The ceremony was hosted by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs' Anadarko Indian Agency in conjunction with National American Indian Heritage Month. "I hesitated to come because I haven't been feeling well," said Carrie Quoetone Sahmaunt, 98, a Kiowa tribal member and allottee No. 3,074. "But my son really wanted me to come. He thought it would be nice, and I'm glad because I got to see everybody. "This is certainly a great honor." Sahmaunt and eight others received a plaque and certificate honoring their family's history from a land allottee period that dates from 1901 to 1918. The awards were presented by BIA Director Neal McCaleb, who traveled from Washington for the ceremony. Other honorees were: James Conover, Clarence LeBarre, Marie P. Poncey, Anna Coffee Gover, Julia Mahseet and Lee E. Viddaurri, all of the Comanche Nation; Maggie T. Reid of the Kiowa Tribe; and Benedict Jozhe Jr. of the Fort Sill-Apache Tribe. Only Sahmaunt, Conover and Mahseet were able to attend. "This is a great day for us to be able to honor and show the respect that all the original allottees are entitled to," said Betty Tippeconnie, the Anadarko agency's superintendent and event coordinator. "This is our past. They left us a great legacy." Mahseet, 95, didn't have to strain to remember her family's old home place in Apache -- she still lives there. "I think (the original allotment) was more or less considered a gift back then," Mahseet said. "It was their land, and many of them picked the land they wanted." Allotments were given in three phases, beginning with 2,759 lots on Aug. 25, 1901, for members of the Apache, Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa and Wichita tribes. The last 25 allotments were issued in 1918 to Fort Sill- Apache tribal members shortly after their release as prisoners of war. Jozhe, whose family settled outside present-day Apache, once was held by Geronimo when she was a baby. As for the Mahseet family, Julia's father, Jack Mahseet, scouted for his own land before settling on 160 acres in Apache. He kept his selection secret even to his relatives. "People were always trying to come in and claim the land as their own," Mahseet said. "So my father didn't tell anyone about his." The Mahseet children went on to graduate from Apache High School. Julia Mahseet graduated in 1930. "We went to public school when Indian children weren't really welcomed in public schools," Mahseet said. "But we all graduated." Conover, 95, said he remembers growing up on his family's land allotment south of Anadarko with seven siblings. The land is still a source of countless memories, including those involving his pet deer. Wednesday, Conover said he was overwhelmed with pride and emotion. "All this makes me feel like that's about it," said Conover, referring to the few surviving land allottees. Said McCaleb: "I have no words that add more luster to the lives of these great people. I can only say I am so honored and pleased to be here." Copyright c. 2002, Produced by NewsOK/NEWS 9/The Oklahoman. --------- "RE: Lakota Vote defeats Enemies" --------- Date: Tue 12 Nov, 2002 08:19:35 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="LAKOTA VOTE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.okit.com/news/2002/novdec/lakotavote.html Lakota Vote Defeats Enemies by Ruth Steinberger November 12, 2002 (Martin, SD) Organizing efforts throughout the past year paid off for the Indian community in The City of Martin, in Bennett County, South Dakota on election night. Charlie Cummings, an Indian, was elected Sheriff of Bennett County, replacing Rus Waterbury, a white sheriff who has been at the center of controversy that included allegations of racial profiling, illegal searches, threats and intimidation. Gerald, "Jed" Bettelyoun was elected to the County Commission, coming in ahead of County Building Inspector Scott Larsen, who has remained at the heart of controversy involving the condemnations of property owned or rented by Indians. Bettelyoun said he decided to run after witnessing deputies harassing some Indians who were stuck along the highway. He said the situation bothered him for a couple weeks and he made a commitment to run in the election for commissioner. Bettelyoun said he looks forward to seeing the situation in Bennett County begin to turn around and to residents working together. Despite Bennett County being over 60% Indian, no Indians served on the County Commission, or the school board. Following several unsuccessful meetings with officials in which over forty residents offered testimony concerning incidents of racism in the City of Martin, many involving law enforcement personnel, activists organized a demonstration in the town of Martin last February that drew 1, 200 people. After the march the LaCreek District Civil Rights Committee organized a voter registration drive. In the City of Martin election on June 4th, held on the same day as the county primary, Oglala candidate Sandy Fly was elected to the City of Martin School Board and three incumbent county commissioners were replaced as candidates for the county-wide election on November 5, 2002. The voter registration drive in Indian country of South Dakota was met with aggressive objections by white Republican officials, who used claims of fraud to discredit the organized effort that registered over 25,000 people. Officials in Bennett County immediately threatened to block two of the three candidates from serving because they work in positions funded by the BIA. White officials invoked the Hatch Act, a federal law drafted in the 1930's intended to block federal employees from holding elected positions to prevent racketeering. Bennett County Auditor, Susan Williams, was a candidate for re-election whose opponent was strongly supported by the Indian community. The County Auditor is responsible for accepting the registration applications in South Dakota, which call for a description if a mailing address and physical address are not the same. With no mail delivery to homes in many South Dakota Indian communities, residents of the No Flesh community in Bennett County collect their mail at the Post Office in the town of Allen. Some No Flesh residents wrote their physical address as being eight miles north of Allen. They did not designate that they meant eight miles north/ northwest along a certain highway, using a more general description instead. Williams blocked the registrations of some Indians from No Flesh, claiming that eight miles north would have placed them into a different county. Before the primary, Williams blocked around one third of registrations brought in during the registration drive. LaCreek District Civil Rights Committee Chairman, Jesse Claussen, explained that there is no actual road the way that Williams calculated the addresses and people would have had to have gotten out of their vehicles and walked through private property to go eight miles directly north of Allen. Claussen said, "Williams took blocking registrations to a new level." The main focus of the election for many Indians in Bennett County was the ouster of Sheriff Waterbury, who lost by 72 votes. Illustrating the point of what can be accomplished by high voter turnout, Claussen referred to Election Day. He said, "It was a tense day, we worked hard all day, we didn't know if we would make it." He cited the voting tally from Allen and said, "Oglalas from Allen stormed in and saved the day for us." Claussen pointed out that in the last general election, 18 votes were cast by Indians in Allen, while in this election that number was 300. The votes from this small community tipped the scales, winning the election for Charlie Cummings. Copyright c. 2000-2001 Oklahoma Indian Times, Inc. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Wisconsin Tribe acquires New York Land" --------- Date: Thu 14 Nov, 2002 08:57:13 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.theday.com/news/ts-re Wisconsin tribe acquires New York land By The Associated Press Published on 11/14/2002 Stockbridge, N.Y. (AP) - A Wisconsin Indian tribe has acquired 125 acres of upstate New York farmland, taking another significant step in re- establishing their presence in New York after an absence of nearly 170 years. "We have long sought to re-establish our presence in New York state, our ancestral homeland," Robert Chicks, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, said Wednesday. "The reacquisition of this property, where our people once flourished, is yet another major step toward realizing our dreams of returning to New York," he said. The Stockbridge-Munsee were given the property by Trading Cove Associates, which bought the former Madison County dairy farm more than a year ago for $150,000, said Maureen Connelly, a spokeswoman for the Stockbridge-Munsee. "Trading Cove transferred the property at no cost and with no conditions, " she said. The farm is in the hamlet of Munnsville about 40 miles east of Syracuse, not far from the Oneida Indian Nation reservation and the Oneida's Turning Stone casino and resort complex. Trading Cove, which helped the Mohegan Tribe develop the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut, signed an agreement with the Stockbridge-Munsee 19 months ago to develop a major casino in New York. The Stockbridge-Munsee have an application pending with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to place 333 acres of land in trust near Monticello in Sullivan County to build a proposed $600 million casino. Connelly said it was the tribe's intention to reimburse Trading Cove "if and when" the Stockbridge-Munsee settle their land claim with New York state. The Madison County parcel is within the more than 23,000-acre region the Stockbridge-Munsee claim as its reservation in a suit filed in 1986. The tribe has said it is willing to settle its pending land claim against the state and it has been urging Gov. George Pataki to grant a gaming compact so the tribe can open a casino in the Catskills. But so far Pataki has been unresponsive to the tribe's appeal to negotiate a settlement of the land claim or to discuss a gaming compact. Earlier this year, Pataki opposed the tribe's request for a federal mediator to help settle its land claim. Pataki spokesman Joseph Conway indicated the state may not recognize the property as reservation land. "This is irrelevant to any land claim or casino issues and really changes nothing," he said. Chicks said that based on past court decisions, the tribe considers the reacquired Stockbridge site sovereign land that would be free of property taxes and where it could create tax-free businesses, including Class II gaming such as bingo and video poker. However, Chicks said he was not sure what will become of the Madison County land and that economic development projects and cultural projects are under discussion. "We haven't ruled anything in or out," he said. The land acquisition is the second in New York for the Wisconsin tribe. In May 2001, the tribe purchased an acre of property in Leeds, a historically and archeologically significant Mohican site where remains of at least five Mohican ancestors have been discovered. Stockbridge-Munsee tribal members trace their roots to the Hudson Valley, particularly the Albany area. The tribe's ancestors, called Mahicans, migrated out of state into the Stockbridge, Mass., area before moving to Madison County, living in Oneida Indian territory from the mid-1780s until 1834, when they were forced westward. The tribe lost its New York reservation land after being stripped of the property illegally by New York state, the tribe's lawsuit alleges. Copyright c. 1998-2002 The Day Publishing Co. --------- "RE: Protesters Challenge Plans to expand Mica Mine" --------- Date: Fri 15 Nov, 2002 08:08:32 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="PICURIS" http://www.abqjournal.com/paperboy/text/north/798531north11-15-02.htm Protesters Challenge Plans To Expand Mica Mine November 15, 2002 By Brendan Smith Journal Staff Writer PICURIS PUEBLO - Pueblo potter Jess Mermejo remembers collecting mica- flecked clay with his aunt more than 50 years ago from a traditional site now buried by a corporate mica mine. About 60 people protested Thursday outside the mica mine north of Vadito and at a mica mill site in Velarde, both of which are owned by Oglebay Norton Specialty Minerals. "We have to go other places for our clay for our pottery," said the 67- year-old Mermejo. "Maybe we will get our land back. It is destroyed already." Oglebay Norton has submitted plans to the state Mining and Minerals Division to expand the mine and adjoining waste piles, or tailings, of rock and sand. But the publicly traded company recently withdrew plans to expand the mill site, including proposed construction of a 2-acre tailings pond and sand recovery unit. Oglebay Norton listened to complaints from neighbors and decided against expanding the 40-acre mill site, but it still plans to expand the mine, said Steven Herron, manager of technical services and regulatory affairs. Herron spoke with some protesters Thursday at the mill site. "This place hasn't been managed well, and I know that," he admitted. "I understand you all are outraged. You're angry. You have a right to be." "We're going to do whatever it takes to bring this facility into compliance," he said. State agencies cited Oglebay Norton last month for environmental violations at both the mine and mill site. The company repeatedly failed to control dust and mica emissions at the mill, improperly stored sand tailings at the mine and failed to reclaim disturbed lands to prevent erosion at the mine. Picuris Pueblo lost a court challenge last year to stop a state- permitted 20-year expansion of the mine to more than 80 acres, including a pit up to two-thirds of a mile long and about 400 feet deep. Those expansion plans are being revised, but Herron said he doesn't know any details about the changes. The pueblo claimed the mine site as ancestral land before it was declared part of the Carson National Forest. Former mine owner Franklin Industrial Minerals then obtained the land by patenting mining claims under the federal Mining Act of 1872. Mica, a flaky, semi-transparent mineral, is trucked from the mine to the mill for processing for use in paint, cosmetics and other products. Oglebay Norton owns one other mica mine in North Carolina. The local environmental group Vecinos del Rio joined pueblo members and others for the protest. Neighbors of the mill site are concerned about possible health problems from breathing mica dust, which covers their homes and crops and enters the water supply through nearby acequias, Vecinos President Donna House said. "Oglebay Norton has not at all been a good neighbor," she said. "They've been polluting our water. They've been polluting our air." The company has about 30 employees at the mill site, while only about five contracted miners run the mine, Herron said. Copyright c. 2002 Albuquerque Journal. --------- "RE: Sensitive Maidu Cultural Areas to be closed" --------- Date: Wed 6 Nov, 2002 08:10:27 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MAIDU AREAS" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.chicoer.com/articles/2002/11/05/news/news6.txt Sensitive Maidu cultural areas around lake to be closed November 6, 2002 By MARY WESTON - MediaNews Group OROVILLE - Three "culturally sensitive" sites around Lake Oroville may be closed to the public by mid-November. Dan Peterson of the Department of Water Resources made the announcement at the Oroville Area Recreation Committee Friday, following a long discussion about lake access. Peterson said the gates could be closed at the Enterprise and McCabe boat launches in two weeks, with access limited to paved areas at the Foreman Creek area. All three areas contain Maidu burial grounds and sacred sites that were previously covered by water. With lake levels dropping, the newly exposed areas are being damaged by off road vehicles said Art Angle, tribal legacy coordinator for the Enterprise Rancheria. "We're seeing people four-wheeling on burial grounds," Angle said. "The reverence of our sacred sites has not been protected." Angle said the tribes had written a letter to Governor Gray Davis and DWR requesting the gates be locked at these areas to prevent further desecration. Some sites in the area are covered by water at 825 feet, but Angle said other sites are exposed all year. Patricia Reece-Allen, Coordinator for Berry Creek Rancheria, said she had written a letter to Kate Foley at the state Department of Parks and Recreation, but she didn't answer. "Two weeks later state parks installed a floating toilet right off the burial grounds," Reece-Allen said. Peterson said DWR proposed closing the gates at Enterprise and McCabe as soon as possible and putting up signs at Foreman limiting access to paved areas. Peterson said state parks will be enforcing the new rules. Violators will be ticketed and fined by park rangers. Peterson said some areas would be re-opened when the lake rose. He said the cultural sites would be addressed during relicensing. In the meantime, DWR and state parks would have to take steps to insure the sites aren't damaged. Others urged an alternative approach to allow public access in the areas. Scott Lawrence, General Manager of Feather River Recreation and Park District suggested restricting off-road vehicles but leaving them open on a trail basis. If damage continues, he said, then close the gates. Jake Albright said the public should be notified and given a chance to respond before DWR limits access. Tribal representative vehemently opposed leaving any of the sites open. "How many recreation areas do you have on your burial sites?" Angle asked Peterson said he would take the issue back to Sacramento and discuss it with DWR representatives, but DWR would have to protect the sites. Mary Weston is a writer for the Oroville Mercury-Register. Copyright c. 2002 Chico Enterprise Record. --------- "RE: Plans in works to develop Wyoming Buffalo Jump" --------- Date: Sun 17 Nov, 2002 13:54:09 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BUFFALO JUMP" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2002/ Plans in works to develop Wyoming buffalo jump Associated Press November 16, 2002 SUNDANCE, Wyo. (AP) - Plans are being made to develop the Vore Buffalo Jump just west of the South Dakota line into a tourist attraction. From about 1500 to 1800, Plains Indians took advantage of the natural sinkhole and chased bison herds into it. Bison were butchered at the site, which now contains a wealth of artifacts in near-perfect condition. "We are going to create a world-class facility with teepees, earth lodges and the sinkhole," said Gene Gade, president of the Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation. Gade said tourists visiting the attraction would contribute $4.3 million to the area's economy and create about 60 jobs. "Given that most visitors to Wyoming come to enjoy scenery, Western history and wildlife, there could be no better 'Welcome to Wyoming' than a fully developed Vore Buffalo Jump, just inside the state's northeast entrance and immediately beside Interstate 90," said Campbell County Commissioner Craig Mader. At least six tribes used the buffalo jump during a "critical period" of American history, according to Gade, a University of Wyoming extension agent and educator. Mader said the foundation is proposing to continue scientific investigation at the site and allow people to "look over the shoulder" of archaeologists. "We intend to have some outstanding living history by the Northern Cheyenne and Crow where one can step in and feel like you are walking into that century," Gade said. The project is expected to cost between $10 million and $11.5 million, with some funds coming from private foundations. Gade said the site could be self-supporting after two years in operation. The state and several American Indian tribes are possible partners in the venture. Copyright c. 2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2002 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Tribe converts Nisqually Pasture into Marshland" --------- Date: Sun 17 Nov, 2002 13:54:09 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SALMON ESTUARY" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20021116/southsound/9495.shtml Tribe converts Nisqually pasture into marshland Reclamation expected to boost salmon recovery The Olympian, Olympia Washington Saturday, November 16, 2002 JOHN DODGE - THE OLYMPIAN NISQUALLY DELTA -- Pasture land converted back to saltwater marsh -- a centerpiece of Puget Sound salmon recovery -- was on display here Friday. The tide slowly rolled across 31 acres where man-made dikes that held back the forces of Mother Nature for nearly 100 years were recently removed by the Nisqually Indian tribe on farmland purchased from farmer Ken Braget. Goodbye cows. Welcome home salmon. About 50 people active in statewide salmon recovery efforts gathered as the tide lapped at their feet. They hailed the $200,000 project as a prime example of how to restore habitat for the benefit of salmon. "You're going to see the salmon jumping here the next time you're here," Nisqually tribal member Billy Frank Jr. said. "It's going to be a magical place." "This project is a model for the whole Puget Sound," said William Ruckelhaus, chairman of the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board. And it could just be the beginning, noted Jean Takekawa, manager of the neighboring Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is studying a proposal to take out some refuge dikes to allow some of its refuge land to return to a place where the Nisqually River mixes with the South Sound tides. And the tribe, which purchased the 410-acre Braget farm in 1999, wants to convert another 110 acres over the next couple of years, Tribal Chairman John Simmons said. Three generations of blood, sweat and tears went into the farm on the Pierce County side of the river, Braget said. "The land was borrowed by the Bragets for 100 years," he said. "Now it's being put back in the best option for the good of the order." Estuaries, the places where fresh water meets the sea, are where juvenile salmon get acclimated to their new life in saltwater before embarking on their ocean journey. Up and down the Pacific Coast, estuaries have been diked, filled and lost to development. In the Nisqually Delta, 35 percent of the natural wetlands have been blocked by dikes, said Jeanette Dorner, the tribe's salmon restoration program manager. "A major reason chinook are in trouble here is because they don't have enough estuary habitat," she said. Puget Sound chinook salmon, including Nisqually River chinook, are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Young salmon from other rivers are likely to benefit from the Nisqually estuary projects, Dorner said. Juvenile salmon from as far away as the Green River near Seattle have been detected using the Nisqually estuary. "Projects like this is what it takes to recover the fish," said Jeff Koenings, director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The tribe received a $178,000 grant last year from the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board to restore the 31 acres. It came on the heels of an adjacent, eight-acre pilot project completed in 1996. The tribe learned quickly that saltwater plants colonize voluntarily when the dikes are removed, providing habitat for other aquatic life, waterfowl and shorebirds. Studies suggest the Nisqually wild chinook population could be doubled, simply by restoring all 800 acres of diked delta, Dorner said. Friday's ceremony included dance and song by students from nearby Wa-He- Lut School. Simmons said he will present a resolution to the Nisqually Tribal Council next week, asking them to name the project after tribal council member and tribal fisherman Reggie Wells, who died in a truck accident Wednesday. John Dodge covers the environment and energy for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5444 or e-mail at jdodge@olympia.gannett.com. Copyright c. 2002 The Olympian. --------- "RE: Doctor: Tribes need to Initiate own Health Care" --------- Date: Tue 12 Nov, 2002 08:19:35 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HEALTH CARE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.yankton.net/stories/111202/new_20021112025.shtml Doctor: Tribes Need To Initiate Own Health Care By BILL BERGSTROM Associated Press Writer November 12, 2002 PHILADELPHIA -- Swiftly spreading diabetes among American Indians shows vividly that tribes need to take the initiative for their own health care rather than count on government programs or other outside help, an American Indian doctor said Monday. "How long are we going to wait for someone else to solve this problem for us," Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, an assistant professor in public health and medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, said in a session at the 130th annual meeting of the American Public Health Association. Congress has established a $400 million program to combat diabetes among American Indians, launching 330 new programs, many of which focus on prevention, but the problem continues to worsen, Roubideaux said. Rather than more grants and research to reverse the trend, she said, "One way is to start to reclaim our responsibility for Indian health in Indian communities." The convention is expected to draw some 13,000 people as it continues through Wednesday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Roubideaux spoke at a session on how integrating tradition healing practices into health care can gain trust and increase participation by indigenous people. Patricia Cochran, executive director of the Alaska Native Science Commission, said the approach makes patients feel more at home at the Alaska Native Health Center in Anchorage. In addition to receiving modern medical treatment, "They can see a native healer, they can eat native food," said Cochran, an Inupiat Eskimo born and raised in Nome, Alaska. "You can have dry fish. You can have caribou stew. You don't have to eat Jell-O." Roubideaux, a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe who has served as president of the Association of American Indian Physicians, said traditional tribal values would help reverse the rapid advance of diabetes among Southwestern Indians. Cases among American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents ages 15 to 19 increased by 68 percent between 1990 and 1998, she said. "In the Southwest it is so prevalent in some communities that one of every two adults has diabetes," she said. "Of most concern, the prevalence of diabetes among children is increasing, as young as 5 or 10 years old. It's very scary." "A century ago we did not have this problem. They were very active, hunting, farming and gathering, not sitting in front of a computer or a TV. They ate healthy foods, meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. They ate small amounts," Roubideaux said. "Now we are walking around with Big Gulps. We are driving to McDonald's with big pickups when McDonald's is only a block away." Noting that the session title referred to "modern problems and ancient solutions," Roubideaux said tribal values would help individuals stick to goals of eating healthy foods, getting exercise and getting medical care. "When we were a traditional people we focused on staying in balance, we focused on praying, on eating healthy, on practices that kept the group healthy," she said. The approach would adds to a public health professional's role of providing medical care, Roubideaux said. "It is also important to empower people as they try to take over responsibility for their own health," she said. "I had a little bit of that right out of residency, wanting to go in and save the community, but what we need to do is help the community save itself." Copyright c. 2002 Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan. --------- "RE: Grant to help Tribes reclaim Land lost to Fraud" --------- Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 02:30:32 -0600 From: Chris Spotted Eagle Subj: Lost Tribal Land Mailing List: Minnesota Indian Affairs $20 million grant to help tribes reclaim land lost to fraud Robert Franklin Star Tribune Published Nov. 13, 2002 James J. Hill ran his train tracks across the plains and through American Indian land, once wangling special legislation to transfer Montana reservation property to his railroad. Now money descended from the St. Paul empire builder's family will help tribal members reclaim some of the millions of acres they lost to widespread fraud more than a century ago. In announcing the biggest grant commitment in its 78-year history, the Northwest Area Foundation said Tuesday that it will allocate $20 million over the next decade to the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, which it helped form last year. The money is believed to be the largest grant ever to an Indian- controlled organization, said Karl Stauber, foundation president. "We see this initiative as having potentially a major impact on poverty reduction" among Indians, who make up "the poorest population" in the foundation's eight-state region stretching from its St. Paul headquarters to the West Coast, Stauber said. Cris Stainbrook, president of Indian Land Tenure, will unveil details today at the National Conference of American Indians in San Diego. He said the foundation will work to educate tribal people about land ownership and management. It hopes to coordinate and develop models for land programs and work with local groups such as the White Earth Land Recovery Project in northwestern Minnesota, he said. Some tribes in Minnesota and elsewhere have been reclaiming or repurchasing land for farming, timber production, wildlife protection, other economic development or cultural or religious reasons. Stainbrook said Indians nationally lost about 90 percent of reservation land they were given in the 19th century. That includes more than 65 million acres in Northwest Area's eight-state region. Use of some land is hamstrung by allotments in which ownership passes down to as many as 500 descendants of an original owner. Many urban Indians, including those in the Twin Cities, are landowners and "some know it and some don't," he said, and "you've got thousands of people who are probably holders of an undivided interest [of land] scattered on reservations throughout the country because you've got so many tribes represented." Stauber noted that "land is a critical cultural, economic and spiritual asset in Indian country, and the eight states we work in are blessed to have a third of the Indian reservations in the United States." Meanwhile, he said, "poverty has been a reality for native populations since they were forcibly relocated on the reservations." The Northwest Area Foundation was founded in 1934 by Louis W. Hill, son of James J., founder of the Great Northern Railway. The foundation plans to pour millions of dollars into a relatively few communities -- including one in Oregon and one in South Dakota -- to fight poverty. Discussions also are underway in north Minneapolis. Helping the Indian community reclaim land involves "absolutely some irony," Stauber said. "And some payback." -- Robert Franklin is at rfranklin@startribune.com. Copyright c. 2002 Star Tribune. --------- "RE: Luminaria honor all killed at Big Hole/Bear Paw" --------- Date: Wed 6 Nov, 2002 08:10:27 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MEMORIAL" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=110502&ID=s1247291&cat=section.Tribal_news Indians included Luminaria honor all killed at Big Hole, Bear Paw Associated Press November 6, 2002 HAVRE, Mont. -- For the first time since the Nez Perce War 125 years ago, the National Park Service set out luminaria on the battle sites at the Big Hole and the Bear Paw to honor the dead. The glow of about 160 candles was a new element to the anniversary observances. For decades, the only memorials were to government soldiers. "It's a sad place -- both of them. They both have their own tragic stories," said W. Otis Halfmoon, a National Parks Service worker whose great-grandfather was among the warriors killed at Big Hole. The Big Hole was known as Gibbon's Battlefield for Col. John Gibbon, the commander who led the attack on the Nez Perce and Palouse Indians there. After the civil rights movement, the American Indian movement and a reawakening of Indian culture, Native Americans began walking these battle sites to reclaim their side of the story. In 1977, the first pipe ceremony was held at Bear Paw to honor ancestors. Halfmoon was there. "I was an angry young man. I didn't care about white people at all," he said. "I grew up with much resentment toward the soldiers -- I knew my history well." Many of the dead at Big Hole were women and children, killed in the attack at first light. Halfmoon joined the U.S. Army and remembers talking with friends who had served in Vietnam. In their stories of feeling caught between their personal beliefs and the politics of the day, Halfmoon heard an echo from 1877. He studied history again, this time reading soldier accounts and diaries. "Some of the soldiers at Big Hole were actually cheering for the Nez Perce to get away," he said. "This did not fit my stereotype of the soldiers." Richard Luppi, who had two great-grandfathers fight in the battle, remembers his first visit to the site in 1955. The rifle pits hastily dug by soldiers could still be seen. "I didn't see any tepees or any recognition of Native Americans," Luppi said. Copyright c. 2002, The Spokesman-Review. --------- "RE: Vice-Chief says no to Gun Registration Laws" --------- Date: Wed 13 Nov, 2002 08:16:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NO TO GUN LAWS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.canoe.ca/NationalTicker/CANOE-wire.Aboriginal-Gun-Laws.html Sask. native federation vice-chief says no to federal gun registration laws November 12, 2002 REGINA (CP) -- Preparing for a showdown with Ottawa over gun registration laws, a vice-chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is refusing to list his firearms with the federal government. Greg Ahenakew said the registration law, which takes effect Jan. 1, infringes on treaty rights. He added that while he doesn't advocate breaking the law, the federation will lend legal support to any Saskatchewan aboriginal person who chooses to do so. "What I will say is I have a gun and I am not going to register it," Ahenakew said Tuesday. "If you truly believe that that is your right not to register your gun, then don't do it, but every individual needs to make that choice." Ahenakew pointed out the federation is challenging the gun control laws in court, and though confident his group will win, he cautions it could take up to eight years. "We're saying we have no problem with public safety, but we don't like what you have done with this act because you have infringed upon our rights and you have done so without consultation," Ahenakew said. "We're saying if there is going to be a firearms law then it's going to be a First Nations' firearms act." The federation is the latest group to speak out against Bill C-68, which requires all firearms to be registered in a national database by the start of next year. David Austin of the Canadian Firearms Centre said that the federal government has every intention of defending the registry against the federation's challenge. With about 50 days left before the deadline, about 70 per cent of guns have been registered in Canada, he said, and the centre has no reason to believe that non-compliance among aboriginal people will be a problem. "The problem is that, on the registration, we have no way of distinguishing between an aboriginal and a non-aboriginal," Austin said. "Looking across the country we have no reason to see that they are not part of the norm." Saskatchewan Justice Minister Chris Axworthy spoke out in favour of the federation's challenge. "We hope the FSIN challenge will be more successful and gun owners across the province support FSIN in undermining, as best they can, the firearms legislation," Axworthy said. The Canadian Alliance has been the most vocal critic of the gun laws, calling the registry a wasteful bureaucracy that does nothing to protect Canadians. A number of gun groups have balked at the laws as well. Their protests have ranged from the sensational to the frightening. In Manitoba, one man successfully registered his soldering gun in the database to point out what he called ignorance in the system, while in Edmonton, a campaign was started to mail old phone books to Ottawa in hopes the feds would have to pay for the postage. In June, the firearms processing centre in New Brunswick had to be shut down for almost a week when someone mailed two packages of white powder to the building. Local police have said the packages came from Alberta. Copyright c. 2002, CANOE, a division of Netgraphe Inc. --------- "RE: Relatives want BIA to make Changes" --------- Date: Wed 13 Nov, 2002 08:16:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BIA CHANGES" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.gallupindependent.com/todaysnews.html#anchor3 Relatives want BIA to make changes November 12, 2002 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Families of two Nebraska couples killed in a New Mexico traffic crash involving a Bureau of Indian Affairs employee who was driving drunk want the BIA to change its policies on who drives government vehicles. The relatives, in an amended lawsuit filed here Wednesday, asked a federal judge to prevent employees who have drinking problems and recent arrests for driving while intoxicated from driving or being assigned a BIA vehicle. BIA officials said Friday the agency has revised its driving policy nationwide and that the revisions are being implemented. The amended lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, was filed by relatives of Edward and Alice Ramaekers of Norfolk, Nebraska, Larry and Rita Beller. The two couples were killed Jan. 25 when the car they were in was hit head-on by a BIA pickup truck driven by Lloyd Larson of Crownpoint. Larson, who was intoxicated when he drove the truck the wrong way down Interstate 40, pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. "The families are very concerned with seeing that reforms are made within the federal government," said Jason Bowles, one of the attorneys for the Beller family. The government has 60 days to respond to the lawsuit. The families want U.S. District Judge William P. "Chip" Johnson to order the BIA to conduct background checks on current employees or turn their names over to the state Motor Vehicles Division to do so. The lawsuit accuses the bureau of negligently entrusting government vehicles to Larson. The lawsuit said the agency let him continue driving despite a driving record that included nine DWI arrests and several suspensions of his driver's license. The lawsuit contends the BIA should have been aware of Larson's history. The complaint also contends the agency negligently hired, retained, trained and supervised its employees. The lawsuit cited a 1994 instance in which a supervisor helped Larson get a limited driver's license after Larson's regular license was suspended after a DWI arrest. BIA spokeswoman Neda Darling in Washington, D.C., said a revised policy was sent to all employees at the end of summer "and we're working very hard to implement it." She did not have full details or a copy of the policy, but said it requires periodic checks of employees' driving records. She said it also calls for driver's licenses issued by the federal government. Kathy Love, one of the attorneys for the Ramaekers family, said, "We would like to see any such policies before we can comment on what effect it would have on the injunctive relief we requested." Larson worked for the BIA's Navajo Region from 1987 until he resigned in April. Copyright c. 2002 Gallup Independent. --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 08:19:12 -0600 From: Janet Smith Subj: Native Prisoner ===== Date: Friday, November 15, 2002 6:42 PM From: Brigitte Thimiakis Subj: ALERT : Sacred Religious Items removed - NEW retaliation From: justicenetwork Greetings, On Saturday, November 09, 2002, Father Pins told the Prayer Warriors at MSP that they could no longer keep their cedar, sage, sweetgrass and kinnickinnick in the Religious Activity Center (RAC). Father Pins also ordered that all Native American Sacred Religious items that are used for the Sweat Lodge and Talking Circle be removed from the RAC. Please note that ONLY the Native Americans are being asked to remove their religious items. Please also note that the Religious Activity Center Building was donated by the community for ALL religions. This happened a few days after the permanent cancellation of the Talking Circle, and should be added to the list of previous acts of discrimination and retaliation against these prisoners -- who are only asking to have their constitutional rights respected. As you can see, administration is not addressing the issues - on the contrary! Obviously, the prison does not consider Native Americans to be human beings; the prison and DOC obviously do not consider them worthy of equal rights. We ask everyone who possibly can, to please fill out the witness form or write letters and send them to the Human Rights Bureau by regular mail, e- mail or fax or even pony express if necessary. In other words please just contact them in whatever form that works for you, but please contact them! We are very much afraid that the prison's next step will be retaliation against the Prayer Warriors themselves, such as being unjustly sent to Maximum Security, for months, if not years. We just can't let this happen! Please also call the prison and Bill Slaughter, Director of MT DOC, to request they take immediate measures to ensure that the Native American Inmates's religious rights are respected so that they are able to honor their Spirituality according to their faith, as they are entitled by the Constitution. (contact info at the bottom of this post) Thank you once again for your continued support. Respectfully, <> Justice For First Nations Prisoners Network <> justicenetwork@ifrance.com ============================================================= Contact information is as follows: Mr. Bill Slaughter, Director of Corrections The Montana Department of Corrections 1539 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 201301 Helena MT 59620-1301 Tel :(406) 444-3930 ; jbouchee@state.mt.us MSP Warden Mike Mahoney, 500 Conley Lake Road, Deer Lodge, MT - 59722 (406) 846-1320, ext. 2200; mmahoney@state.mt.us Please - ask them to put an end to the violations of Native American spiritual rights - ask them to make sure that the Sweat Lodge ceremony and Talking Circle are held on a regular basis. - also that their sacred items are treated with respect and allowed to be kept in the RAC room. - remind them that not only is Spirituality a very important part of Native American life, but to many of these prisoners it is also the main way to rehabilitation available that answers to their specific cultural needs. - ask them to make sure there is no retaliation against these prisoners. These prisoners are merely requesting to honor their Spirituality according to the Policy. Please do NOT forward this post to Montana authorities or our contact info - Thank you for your support ! ------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Friday, November 15, 2002 6:43 PM From: Brigitte Thimiakis Subj: Response from MSP From Justicenetwork Greetings, Below is the response (form reply) that was sent by the Montana State Prison in reply to the inquiries of many supporters. It is worth noticing that the prison still emailed the same response on Oct 15th even though the Sweat Lodge Ceremony had AGAIN been cancelled 3 days before - the prison did not even bother to justify it. It was cancelled on Oct 12th which was also Columbus Day, and to the Brothers it was like another slap in the face, because it was the date which started the genocide of the First Nations. The replies we get from the prison and DOC are basically PR, not saying anything really, except giving a few excuses when they can think of one, or letters meant to intimidate and discourage the supporters concerned citizens, reporters and legislators. Not only have they dismissed the problems and the injustice of the cancellations of the Sweat Lodge ceremonies, but they have also allowed the Catholic Chaplain to cancel permanently the Talking Circle, which meant so much to the Native American prisoners, and as if it was not enough, to order the removal of their sacred herbs and items from the RAC room, which was donated for the purpose of ALL religions. The Montana Human Rights Bureau has to be told the truth! Please contact them using the form and contact info provided in a separate post. Please also email or call the prison and DOC and request that the Native American prisoners rights be respected ! Thank you, <> JUSTICE FOR FIRST NATIONS PRISONERS <> justicenetwork@ifrance.com - Contact info for your letters is listed below - ===================================================================================== Date: October 10, 2002 From: Mike Mahoney, Warden Montana State Prison Montana Department of Corrections Re: Cancellation of Sweat Ceremonies at Montana State Prison On Saturday October 5th, 2002 both the high and low side sweat ceremonies were cancelled at Montana State Prison, due to a scheduled annual Alcoholics Anonymous gathering that took place at the Religious Activity Center (RAC). The Sweat Lodge is located outside of the RAC and periodically sweats are cancelled when other Prison Programs, Groups, Religions etc. have scheduled events or gatherings. Montana State Prison schedules weekly Saturday sweats for the high side and low side Native American inmates, each side is scheduled for four (4) hours. The Religious Activity Center is a non-denominational, multi purpose building within Montana State Prison. At times the RAC is scheduled for other activities and/or major spiritual gatherings for many of the denominations we serve. Montana State Prison cannot accommodate these events and still allow eight (8) hours for sweat ceremonies each weekend. Montana State Prison will offer the Native American inmates the opportunity to still have a Pipe Ceremony when Sweats are cancelled to accommodate a major spiritual program. The logistics of this ceremony have not been finalized, the following issues still need to be addressed; staff supervision, identifying a sponsor (traditionalist/elder) and inmates are in disagreement as to the blend of kinnickinnick needed for the ceremony. Montana State Prison has over 1600 inmates that practice some 22 different denominations. The ability to meet the spiritual and program needs of all inmates in a fair and equal manner is a commitment made by myself as Warden and is paramount to Montana State Prison. It is important that we all work together to meet the spiritual programming needs of all denominations in a manner that is consistent with sound correctional practice. Questions regarding Religious programming at Montana State Prison should be directed to Jack Powers, Rehabilitative Services Program Manager. ============================================================= Contact information is as follows: 1) Mr. Bill Slaughter, Director of Corrections The Montana Department of Corrections 1539 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 201301 Helena, MT 59620-1301 jbouchee@state.mt.us Tel :(406) 444-3930 2) MSP Warden Mike Mahoney, 500 Conley Lake Road, Deer Lodge, MT - 59722 mmahoney@state.mt.us Tel: (406) 846-1320, ext. 2200; --------- "RE: Rustywire: Navajo Grandma - Shi Ma Ssni" --------- Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2002 08:35:17 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RUSTYWIRE/GRANDMA" http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Nook/1574/grow/grandma.html Navajo Spaceships- Laughing Road An Online Writing Journal, Prose & Poetry by John Rustywire, Navajo Navajo Grandma- Shi Ma Ssni by Johnny Rustywire On the Navajo reservation in my home area. I remember when I was young I would go out with my grandmother, her name was Ada, but to me she was always grandma (Shi masain')... she used to take the sheep out of the corral and count them out as they walked out, she knew them all. The goats were smart she didn't worry about them, they would walk around and then find their way back. Sheep were not so smart and so we had to follow them and make them go this way and that way, they move slow those sheep, so you have to get behind them and carry a tin can filled with noisy rocks attached to the end of a wire, so you could spin it over your head and throw it and the sheep would move the way you wanted them to. We would walk through sagebrush and the path was well worn from her many years of going this way. We took the long way and walked very slowly up and down the red sandstone hills and washes. I used to walk from cedar tree to cedar tree to get a little shade. My grandma her hair white and bent with age would walk with a walking stick and would tell me to go get that sheep who was wandering off and I would run over to the sheep and bring him back to the pack... We left early in the morning and would walk till midday. We would end up at a spring a couple two or three miles from the house and would take a break. My grandpa had fixed a pipe in the ground and a dipper would hang on the tree above a small pool of water and the sheep would stand there and drink it. My grandma had a place she always sat and we would eat biscuits