From gars@speakeasy.org Wed Dec 11 13:46:12 2002 Date: 11 Dec 2002 02:02:20 -0000 From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews10.050 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 Hi'a chu ah gaa -- Pima -- The stories or the talk of the People 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 050 | Country than is reported in | O o o o o O | this weekly newsletter. For | O o O December 14, 2002 | For daily updates & events | O o O | go http://www.owlstar.com/ | O | dailyheadlines.htm | Cherokee v s gi ga/snow moon +-----------------------------+ Osage waca'ebe wedathabi/moon when black bear gives birth <================<<<< >>>>================> 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, Hawaii Nation Info, Iron Natives and Frostys AmerIndian 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 | | Once a language is lost, it is | | Limerick summarized in "The | | gone forever | | Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken | | * Of the 300 original Native | | Past of the American West... | | languages in North America, | | "Set the blood quantum at | | only 175 exist today. | | one-quarter, hold to it as a | | * 125 of these are no longer | | rigid definition of Indians, | | learned by children. | | let intermarriage proceed as | | * 55 are spoken by 1 to 6 elders;| | it had for centuries, and | | when they die, their language | | eventually Indians will be | | will disappear. | | defined out of existence." | | * Without action, only 20 | | "When that happens, the federal | | languages will survive the next| | government will be freed of | | 50 years. | | its persistent 'Indian problem.'"| | Source: Indigenous Language | +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ | Institute | |http://www.indigenous-language.org| This issue's Elder Quote: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + ======================== "Our elders talk about the spiritual battle that's been going on for a long time. Industrialization has always wanted to control the land, control the people. That's going on today." "I believe that globalization is part of that. Globalization places no value in people, no value in religious and spiritual principles, no value in the protection of the commons. Spiritual values tie us to the importance of protecting the Mother Earth, the plants, all animate and inanimate things." "When we lose that understanding, industry, development,and globalization can do what they want to do, because there are no values behind their structures. Globalization has created a system of corporate ownership above the importance of plants, living things, and humans." __ Tom Goldtooth, National Director, Indigenous Environmental Network +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating wants to revise tribal tobacco sales compacts to increase the portion of collected tobacco taxes the shops give the state... he says this is not about plumping up the state budget, but primarily in an effort to "level the playing field" between tribal and non-tribal tobacco sellers. I only find it interesting that this concern for a level playing field was not apparent when I lived in Tulsa and the area tribes were struggling just to stay alive. Interior Secretary Norton has thrown yet another twist in the dance the Bush administration is performing in its effort to wriggle out of Norton's contempt status and the ultimate liability to the Tribal Nations that were screwed for years and years while the Indian Trust Fund was flushed down countless pork barrels and political black holes. The Bush Administration has already petitioned the Supreme Court to limit the liability the U. S. Government will face for "misplacing" money that was earned by tribes (while they sure didn't limit how much money got misplaced, and showed no concern for limiting those "losses" until a lawsuit was filed. "Trust" indeed! This same concern for limiting losses was not evident when Alex White Plume's hemp crop was destroyed, and failing that when court sanctions were enacted to arrest and fine him if he sells the hemp to any of the waiting buyers. I do not recall similar concerns when Osage women were being murdered for their head rights. In Canada the thousands of First Nation people abused by Anglican Church clergy were notified they could sue only the Society (which has no money) and not the church, out of concern the mountain of suits would destroy the church. Where was all this concern about destruction when the thing being destroyed was a Native child? The obvious link to all the above is that the dominant society does not give the first damn about fairness or liability or saving of people or institutions if they are Native. The ONLY time for concern is when Native people find a way to scramble out of abject poverty and non-Native institutions need an excuse to steal what Natives have earned to benefit themselves. Mighty white of them. Maybe it's time to explain again what "wasichu" really means, and why the Lakota gave that name to those who came to usurp their land and its resources; and to butcher the buffalo for their coats and tongues, leaving the carcasses to rot. Stealing fat or stealing resources ... it's still the same old stuff, different day. -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- -=-=-=- 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 -=-=-=- *** NEW ITEM 12/10/2002 *** Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002 10:46:30 EST From: Itsshngsprt2@aol.com Subj: Crow Rez --some needs for those who might wish to donate??? I asked Randy, on the Crow Rez in Montana. I've known him, his family for years, face to face, in my house. He sent the following in response to my question of need. Firehair In a message dated 12/8/02 2:46:32 PM Eastern Standard Time, PastorRB@earthlink.net writes: <= email here for mailing address Projects: Could always use kids HEAVY coats, blankets, and such. We have commodities sponsored by the Gov. and we have a food bank through the church, so food is not generally a problem. Financial issues are most prevailing, but lots of time it is due to mis-management of funds. wishing all of "Our Family" a Very Merry Christmas!! Randy 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 ---------- - Long-time Tribal Leader - Skull identified as that Don Mitchell of missing Pueblo Man - Crossings - Panel hears - Tribal Program helping Heartbreaking Prison Stories Hundreds fight Diabetes - Native Prisoner - Navajo Nation: -- BEWARE: Ray Kotabish Shiprock has no Room for Business -- Innocence Irrelevant in Appeal - Schaghticoke denied Recognition - Rustywire: - Hopi, Navajo to be represented In the Midst of Them Yeis in Mohave Decision - Poem: It's Raining Leaves - Education for Natives Questioned - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days - Hawaii: - Experts striving Judge allows Ceded Land Sales to revive Alutiiq Language - U.S. to appeal Sanctions - Kanien'keha against Norton Literacy Certificate Program - U.S. seeks - Tribe fights for its Identity, to curb Indian Lawsuits One Word at a Time - Two blows to Nault's Reputation - From Yucca Shampoo - Canada must support to grinding Cornmeal Right to Self-Determination - This Week on First Peoples TV - Supreme Court Docket - Native America Calling --------- "RE: Long-time Tribal Leader Don Mitchell" --------- Date: Sun 8 Dec, 2002 18:23:19 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DON MITCHELL" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.communitypapers.com/dailycourier/myarticles.asp Long-time tribal leader Don Mitchell leaves a legacy of language and culture By JOANNA DODDER The Daily Courier PRESCOTT - As it did to countless Native Americans in the early part of the 1900s, the federal government forced Don Mitchell to attend an Indian boarding school, where they forbade him from speaking his native Yavapai and Apache languages or displaying his culture. Don didn't like it. When he was just an elementary student, he came back home to Yavapai County, and when school officials came looking for him, his grandmother hid him from the authorities. He never returned to boarding school. His lack of formal education makes it even more remarkable that Don taught Yavapai-Prescott Tribe members so much about their language and culture, and became the longest-running chairman and president in the tribe's history with 32 years of service. Don, the oldest member of his tribe at 96, died on Tuesday. But because of his tireless work, his legacy and the legacy of his tribe's language, history and culture will live on. Don always regretted not getting more formal education, his granddaughter, Violet Mitchell Enos, related. "He talked about how the land is important to the tribe, and to be able to keep it, we had to be educated," Violet said. So Don found a way to integrate the old and new ways in his life. "I think Grandpa wanted the best for the kids, and to be educated, you had to look forward and try and learn in a new world," said his granddaughter, Gracie Welsh. Don talked about how the tribe needed to preserve its heritage, but at the same time he acted on his beliefs. Although the Yavapai people called more than 9 million acres of Arizona their home, they didn't have a title to it in this region. In his 20s, he helped his family's effort to get their own reservation in Prescott. He was married to the late Grace Jimulla, who was a tribal chieftess and daughter of the first tribal chief and chieftess, Sam and Viola Jimulla. Don told his family how he traveled throughout the region, from Mayer to Peeples Valley, urging other Yavapai to join them in 1935 on their newly owned land that once was part of Fort Whipple. Later, as chairman of the tribe, Don led the effort to expand the 75- acre reservation to 1,395 acres. As an example of how Don successfully straddled both the White and Indian worlds, he was a charter member and elder of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, yet he used traditional medicines made from local plants. From his elders, and through his own hunts for plants and deer, he learned much about the land he admired for its beauty, and he shared it with others. "Pretty good, huh?" he often understated on his trips to the forest. He took tribal members and tribal director of research Nancy Hayden on many forays, so Nancy could record his knowledge of plants and special places. "He really knew the land - where the water started, where the springs were," Violet said. "He would talk about where the people had encampments near the water, where the food was. He just knew where all the roads would go." He used his knowledge to make special concoctions for others' illnesses, and again, showed others how to do it just the right way, ending up with just the right color. Recently he spent years unsuccessfully searching for a special plant, but didn't despair. "He told me, `That plant will show itself to you when it's ready,'" said his granddaughter, Lorna Mitchell Galeano, a current tribal board of directors member. Don continued his forays into the woods even when he could hardly walk. One of his last trips was to the petroglyphs of Inscription Canyon north of Prescott, which the subdivision developers had donated to the tribe. He also helped Nancy record Yavapai words, such as those for important landmarks - Granite Mountain is wee guhv dteh' (big rock), and Thumb Butte is nyu-midtah gee-yah-gah (lion laying down). "He is one of the most significant Yavapai speakers in providing the names of all the landmarks in the territory," Nancy said. During his tenure as chairman from 1938 to 1946 and then president from 1948 to 1972, Don helped accomplish many things - getting water and sewer and natural gas lines on the reservation, adopting the tribe's articles of association, initiating the tribe's land claim, setting up a tribal library, raising a community building and offering college financial aid for members. It wasn't long ago when the reservation was without basic necessities such as plumbing, before it built its casinos. Then, it was especially important for everyone to cooperate for the common good of the tribe. Don knew that and encouraged everyone to do so. "Because of the economics and social conditions, we just all had to work together," Violet related. The tribe is like a family, and not just because the members all live near each other. Because it originated with so few families, the members of the small tribe all are related in some way. They compare themselves to the pronghorn, so attached to their land that they would prefer to die there than move. Don taught his children to respect their elders, and again displayed those beliefs with action, often visiting elders and caring for his own Apache scout grandfather Joseph Howell when he lost his sight in later years. Recent conflict between families involved in a lawsuit hurt Don deeply. "They all worked together, and something like that was devastating to the elders," Lorna said. "Grandfather realized there is always conflict in family, so no matter what, you have to take the high road," Violet said. His sense of humor and religious beliefs helped him do that. "Perhaps because of that strong faith, he knew it was possible to be a better person," Violet said. "That's what you call leadership," punctuated Don's daughter, Ruth Welsh. Don also had a strong work ethic. He was a WPA mason on local treasures such as the Ken Lindley Park, the Armory building, the Smoki Museum and Orme School. He was a civil service automotive mechanic and police guard at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. When he retired, he had built up 3,000 hours of sick leave and 600 hours of annual leave. And when he wasn't working for a living, he was working at home, fixing up a car or tending his garden or caring for his Hereford cattle. In his final days, he continued to think of others and pass on his heritage. On Thanksgiving, Don gave his great-grandson Ryan a special Yavapai name. "That's the last time we spoke to him," Ryan said. Contact Joanna Dodder at jdodder@prescottaz.com or at 445-8179, ext. 2035. Copyright c. Prescott Newspapers Inc. --------- "RE: Crossings" --------- Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002 08:10:52 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" December 4, 2002 Laidman Fox, Sr. Laidman Fox, Sr., 73, Wakiya Pejuta-Gnau Wadukde, of Fort Totten, ND made his journey to the Spirit World on Dec. 1, 2002 in Ft. Totten. A wake will be held Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Crow Hill Recreation Center with the funeral to follow on Thursday at 12 Noon. Burial will be at St. James Episcopal Cemetery, Crow Hill. Serving as active pallbearers will be, Laidman Fox Jr., Leonard Fox, Lee Fox, Brian Hall, Willie Broncho, and Joe Lee ManyBears. Honorary pallbearers will be Dead Grass Society, Old Scouts, Thomas Wells, Ephraim Hill, Louie Garcia, Donald Malnourie, Casper Demarrias, Willy Longie, Walter (Porgy) Cavanaugh, Allen Alberts, Quentin Alberts, Richard Ramsey, Josie Lawrence, Earl Bullhead, Bill King, George Longie Sr, Davey Davidson, Wayne Trottier, Kermit Walking Eagle, Ed Larson, Keith Fox, John Knudson, Chiefy Boxer, Jr. White, Lawrence Littleghost, Leroy Yellowbird, Don Yellowbird, Tony McDonald, Nathan Buck Jones, Demus McDonald, Perry Kopp, Douglas Fontaine, Gandi Shaw, and "Buzz" Jensen. Laidman Fox, Sr. - Wakiya Pejuta-Gnau Wadukde was born in Elbowoods, ND, on May 8, 1929, to Joseph RedFox and Susan Many Bears. Laidman spoke of many things before he passed on. He loved singing and pow-wows. He did many things for many people. He showed us that you don't have to be a great person to do great things. Laidman was a brave man, a warrior at heart. He has now went home to be with his family, but will be missed by all of us here. He wished to thank the people of the Spirit Lake community for everything they have done for him. He is an Arikara from Fort Berthold but has lived in Fort Totten for 44 years and felt very welcome and called this his home. Laidman is survived by his wife, Winona; children, Lenore, Lynn (Raynard), Lavonne, Laverne, Linda (Rob), Laidman Jr., Leonard (Tara), Lee (Lorraine), Leann (Duane), and LaDonna; adopted daughters, Illa Red Owl, Roberta Ramsey, Penny Knudson, Pauline Boxer, Loretta Hall, Wanda Johnson, Doreen Yellowbird, Reba Mack; adopted sons, Noah Horse, John CrossDog, Sven Baker, Todd LeBeau, Tim Toppnhoffer, Jay Greene, Joe Lafferty, Richard Street, Al Demeray, Jasper Youngbear, T.J. Plentychief, Willie Broncho, Russell McDonald; brother, Roland Fox; sisters, Ester RedFox and Dolly Azure; godchildren, Donald Blackhawk Jr., Larry and Mitchell Spotted Horse and Elizabeth Walker; 42 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Many adopted grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, is in charge of the arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 Devils Lake Daily Journal. -=-=-=- December 10, 2002 Lawrence Jacob Whiting August 13, 1913-December 7, 2002 KYLE - Lawrence Jacob Whiting, 89, Kyle, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, in Martin. Lawrence was born in Spencer, Nebraska to Jacob Herman Whiting and Cora Mae Whitham-Whiting. He was the oldest of 18 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and 8 of his brothers and sisters: Moses Whiting, Neva Whiting, Mabel Haukaas, Pat Whiting, Bernard Whiting, Raymond Whiting, Jim Whiting, and Vivian Haukaas. 9 brothers and sisters are still alive: Sidney Whiting, Denver, CO; John Whiting, Plattsmouth, NE; George Whiting, Spring Creek, SD; Burton Whiting, Valentine, NE; Vera Compton, Rosebud, SD; Louise Haukaas, St. Francis, SD; Loretta Vocu, Pine Ridge, SD; Cora Mae Onate, Gibbon, NE; and Mary Anne Cahill, Valentine, NE. Lawrence attended school at St. Francis Indian Mission School in St. Francis, SD. He continued his education at Brookings Agricultural School. He worked at various jobs, including working at St. Francis Indian Mission where he met his bride. July 6, 1936, he married Martha Esther Clifford at St. Barbara's Catholic Church, on the White River in the Badlands north of Kyle, SD. From this union they had 6 children: Marie Antoinette Moore, Avenger, TX; Gloria Jean Valdez, Manhattan, KS; Lawrence M. Whiting, Palmier, AK; Joseph H. Whiting, Kyle, SD; Robert D. Whiting, Paducah, KY; and Clifford W. Whiting, Wanblee, SD. He has 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren. Lawrence did reside in Kyle from 1936. He did own and operate the Whiting's Store in Kyle from 1962 until he retired in 1982, at which time he and Martha opened a small craft store. On February 4, 1984 he was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church by Bishop Dimmerling. In 1996 he officially retired from the church but continued to assist as much as possible until 2000. A one-night wake begins Wednesday, December 11 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Hall, Kyle, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 12, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Hall, Kyle, SD, with Bishop Blase Cupich as celebrant. Interment will be at St. Barbara's Catholic Cemetery, Kyle, SD. Sioux Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 the Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- December 1, 2002 Al Logan Slagle SLAGLE, Al Logan, 51, died December 1, 2002. Survived by parents, Al and Eunice Slagle; sister, Brenda Wyckoff; nephews, Ricky and Henry. Services will be held in Brevard, NC. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway. Copyright c. 2002 tucson.com/azstarnet/Arizona Star. -=-=-=- December 8, 2002 Reuben D. Martel Reuben D. Martel died on November 15, 2002. Mr. Martel, a resident of Albuquerque since 1955, was an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. He was born August 4, 1918 at Fort Washakie, WY on the Wind River Indian Reservation. He attended boarding schools as a child and graduated from high school in Lander, WY. He went on to study forestry at the University of Montana. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in August 1941 and served through December 1945. He worked 31 years for Leedshill-Herkenhoff, Inc., an Albuquerque engineering firm. Mr. Martel is survived by daughters, Joan Martel Ball of South Bend, IN, Elaine Martel MD of Seattle, WA and Julie Martel Johnson of Las Vegas, NV; sons-in-law, Michael Ball and Richard Peet; grandchildren, Jasper and Lily Peet-Martel and Amara Ball; sisters, Catherine LaJeunesse, Doris Miller, Anita Felter all of Fort Washakie; brother, Chris Felter of Tulsa, OK. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; parents; brothers, Franklin and Joseph Martel; and sisters, Adeline Armour and Shirleen Snyder. It can be said of Reuben Martel that those who met him remember their time with him. He was an engaging and gregarious person who shared freely his knowledge, wit and wisdom. Throughout his life, he continued to learn. Among other things, Reuben had a great knowledge of land, horticulture and Pueblo Indian Culture. He read constantly to the end of his days. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved both hunting and fly fishing. Reuben truly appreciated the people in his life, in addition to many lifelong friendships. He was profoundly devoted to his wife of 39 years, Catherine; his three daughters; and in his later years his loving grandchildren, Jasper, Lily and Mari. Mr. Martel's cremated remains will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, January 3, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. next to his wife, Catherine. The family suggests memorial donations be made in Reuben Martel's name to the Shoshone Higher Education Program Tribal Scholarship Fund, PO Box 628 Fort Washakie, WY 82514. Cremation arrangements by the Sunrise Society of NM (505) 891-8200. Copyright c. 1997 - 2002 Albuquerque Journal: Albuquerque, New Mexico. -=-=-=- December 5, 2002 Arden Hosetosavit Funeral services for Arden E. Hosetosavit, 57, of Mescalero, will be at 10 a.m. today, Dec. 6, at the Mescalero Reformed Church in Mescalero, with the Rev. Bob Schut officiating. Burial will follow at the Gaines Well Cemetery in Mescalero. Mr. Hosetosavit died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002, at his residence in Mescalero. He was born May 21, 1945, in Mescalero to Alfred and Cecilia Hosetosavit, who preceded him in death. A lifetime resident of Mescalero, he was a self-employed artist. Survivors include brothers Arvin Hosetosavit of White River, Ariz., Harley Hosetosavit of Mescalero, and Ritchie Hosetosavit of Mescalero; sisters Brenda Kaznek of Boston, Mass., Clarinda Hosetosavit of Mescalero and Laveda Hosetosavit of Mescalero. Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso. Copyright c. 1999-2002 MediaNews Group, Inc./Ruidoso NM. -=-=-=- December 5, 2002 Jessie W. Brown Oct. 15, 1914 - Dec. 3, 2002 Jessie W. Brown, 88, of Two Grey Hills went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, in Shiprock. She was born, Oct. 15, 1914, in Two Grey Hills. Survivors include her daughters, Betty Secatero, Grace Bitsilly, Louise Brown, Ella Brown, Judy John, Rose Lapahie and Mary Begaye; her sons, Jimmie Brown, Harold Brown and Hoskie Brown; 52 grandchildren, 67 great- grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnson Brown; three sons, Frank Brown, Billy Brown and Nelson Brown; and daughter, Daisy Cox. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toadlena. Interment will follow at the family cemetery in Two Grey Hills. Pallbearers will be Larry Jumbo, Ferlin Begay, Nathan Crawford, Everette John, Dicky Brown and Mark Johnson Secatero. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmie Brown, Harold Brown and Hoskie Brown. Alternate pallbearers will be Freddie Jumbo and Aaron B. Secatero. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home in Shiprock, 505-368-4607. December 6, 2002 Irene J. Tsosie Jan. 19, 1945 - Dec. 2, 2002 Irene J. Tsosie, 57, of Sheepsprings died Monday, Dec. 2, 2002. Funeral services are pending with Chapel of Memories Funeral Home of Kirtland, (505) 598-9636. December 9, 2002 Mary Manuelito Dec. 7, 2002 Mary Manuelito, 101 years young, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, in Farmington. She is survived by two sons, Bill Manuelito of Houston, Texas and Davis Manuelito of Newcomb; two daughters, Frances Manuelito and Nettie J. Silentman both of Newcomb; and five generations of descendants. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, at the Newcomb Assembly of God Church in Newcomb with the Rev. Duane Hammond officiating. She will be interred at the family cemetery in the Newcomb area following the funeral service. Serving as her pallbearers will be Marshall Manuelito, Jeremy Begaye, Adrian Begaye, Adam Carr, Jonathan Begay and Larry Henderson Jr. Alternate bearers will be Cody Mac Manuelito and Michael Carr. Her honorary bearers will be Floyd Sam, Stanley Sam, Steve Sam, Jason Sam, Kee Becenti Jr., Davis Manuelito, Bill Manuelito, Marty Manolito, Matthew Jole, Sean Carr, Daniel Carr, Issac Wellito, Faustion Becenti, Lennie Becenti, Frances Manuelito, Nettie Silentman, Ernie Manolito, Kawrence Joe, Chadwick Manuelito and Cacey Manuelito. Funeral arrangements are with Chapel of Memories Funeral Home of Kirtland, (505) 598-9636. Copyright c. 1999-2002 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington, NM. -=-=-=- December 3, 2002 Keith Earl Yazzie SHIPROCK - Services for Keith Yazzie, 11, were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Mesa View Assembly of God Church, Shiprock, N.M. Burial followed at family cemetery, Red Valley, Ariz. Yazzie died Nov. 22 in Tocito. He was born Dec. 9, 1990 in Shiprock. Survivors include his parents, Bessie and Jimmie Yazzie of Tocito; brothers, Lonnie C. Begaye of Tocito, Shaun Miller, Trahern Iver Yazzie and Trahern Iver Yazzie all of Red Valey, Ariz.; sisters, Trinette Heather Hall of Shiprock, Shaunacie Kaye Yazzie of Phoenix and Yonna C. Begayle of Montana and grandparents, Betty Jo Yazzie of Red Valley, Arthur and Elsie Chester of Cornfields, Ariz. Yazzie was preceded in death by his grandfather, Kee Yazzie. Pallbearers will be Shaun Miller, Trahern Iver Yazzie, Tommie Yazzie, II Lonnie C. Begaye, Robert Lee Yazzie Jr., Freddie Yazzie and Shaunacie Kaye Yazzie. Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock was in charge of arrangements. December 8, 2002 Yvonne Shirley Manuelito GALLUP - Services for Yvonne Manuelito, 47 will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. Burial will follow in Allentown, Ariz. Manuelito died Dec. 5 in Gallup. She was born Sept. 26, 1955 in Bernalillo, NM into the One Who Walks Around People Clan for the Bitter Water People Clan. Manuelito graduated from Gallup High School. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her step-father Henry B. Shirley and grandparents Laura Petterson, Jimmie H. Petterson Sr., and Justin Shirley. Manuelito was preceded in death by her mother Nora V. Shirley. Pallbearers will be David Yellowhorse, Jonathan C. Shirley, Christopher L. Espinoza, Lewis Shirley and Henry H. Shirley. There will be a family meeting at the Lupton Chapter House today, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements. Tom Billy KLAGETOH - Services for Tom Billy, 75, will be held at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 7 at the Klagetoh Catholic Church. Father Flann will officiate. Burial will follow in the Community Cemetery in Klagetoh. Billy died Dec. 3 in Klagetoh. He was born June 8, 1927 in Klagetoh. Billy was a retired railroad worker and worked with the chapter home improvement program. He was a rancher and farmer. Survivors include his wife Marie L. Billy; sons Harrison Billy, Edison Billy, Dennison Billy, Kenneth Billy, and Ernest Billy; daughters Cecelia Tsosie, Imogene Billy, and Josephine Woodard; and sisters Susie Roanhorse and Mae John. He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Bah Billy; daughter Linda Billy and son Michael Billy. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Billy, Ernest Billy, Harrison Billy, Dennison Billy, Kevin Joyce. There will be a reception at Wide Ruins Chapter House following the services. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Evelyn Smith Brown GALLUP - Services for Evelyn Brown, 85, will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9 at Cope Memorial Chapel. Brother Maynard Shurley will officiate. Burial will follow at Gallup City Cemetery. Brown died Dec. 3 in Gallup. She was born July 12, 1917 in Cousins into the Red Running into the Water People Clan for the Water's Edge People Clan. Brown was a homemaker,silversmith, rugweaver and rancher. Survivors include her son, Sammy Smith of Gallup; brother, Kee Etsitty of Cousins; sisters, Zonnie C. Bee and Lorraine Walley of Cousins; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Brown was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Brown and parents, Jane Bah Etcitty and Black Mustache. Pallbearers will be Malcolm D. Francisco, Jerome Nez, Willard M. Tsosie, Stanley Etsitty, Cyril D. Francisco and Roland D. Francisco. The family meetings will take place at the Brown residence every evening at 5 p.m. Mary Ann Begay GALLUP - Services for Mary Ann Begay, 67, will be announced at a later date. Begay died Dec. 5 in Gallup. She was born July 1, 1935 in Manuelito, N.M. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- December 4, 2002 Joanne LeClaire Bible SAPULPA -- Joanne LeClaire Bible, sister of Maxine Owen of Ponca City, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, in Okmulgee. She was 73. The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the First Baptist Church of Glenpool with the Rev. Brett Allen officiating. Burial will follow at South Heights Cemetery in Sapulpa under the direction of Owen Funeral Home of Sapulpa. Joanne LeClaire Bible was born March 14, 1929, the daughter of Charles and Abbie Mann LeClaire. She married Andy F. Bible in Tulsa on June 10, 1949. She moved to the Oklahoma City area in 1970. She was employed as an office manager until retirement. She had been employed by the Oklahoma Indian Council on Aging and was the Indian Education director for Glenpool Schools. She was also a member of the Chilocco Indian School Alumni Association and a Baptist. Survivors include four sons, Larry Bible and David Bible, both of Glenpool, Robert Bible in Checotah and Timmy Bible of Coweta; two daughters, Billie Bible of Bixby and Lana Tiger of Glenpool; three brothers, Charles LeClaire of Casselberry, Fla., James LeClaire of Oklahoma City, and Robert Stigall of Plano, Texas; three sisters, Jean Flechel of Spokane, Wash., Jerry Jefferson of Oklahoma City and Maxine Hall of Ponca City; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1985; her parents; a son, Phillip Bible; a brother, Jack LeClaire; and a grandson. December 8, 2002 Cordena Rose Curtis Cordena Rose Curtis, infant daughter of Mark Eugene and Johnnie Willeen LeClair Curtis, died early Friday morning, Dec. 6, 2002, at the Via Christi Oklahoma Regional Medical Center. She was 5 months of age. The traditional funeral feast will be at noon Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Allen Colbert, pastor of Ponca Indian Baptist Church, will officiate, and burial will follow in the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Cordena Rose Curtis was born on June 18, 2002, at the Via Christi Oklahoma Regional Medical Center of Ponca City. Survivors include her parents, maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, and three brothers, Roberto Quintana, Steven LeClair, and Devin LeClair. One brother, Christian Quintana, preceded her in death. Copyright c. 1998-2002 Ponca City News. -=-=-=- December 6, 2002 Kevin Wayne "K.J." Horn Jr Kevin Wayne "K.J." Horn Jr. of Miami died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center from complications of a heart condition. He was 11. Horn was born April 5, 1991, in Miami to Kevin Wayne and Ardie Claudine (Nourse) Horn. He lived in Miami all of his life. He was a member of the sixth grade class at Will Rogers Middle School in Miami. He was active in sports and loved to play baseball in the Miami Little League and basketball in the Miami Youth Basketball League. He was an avid collector of Hot Wheels Cars and loved to ride four wheelers and go-carts. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was a member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe. Survivors include his parents, Kevin and Kim Horn and Ardie and Bill Blair, all of Miami; one sister, Katie Nelson of Miami; two brothers, Zack and Paul Blair of Miami; his grandparents, Shorty Akers, Tony and Judy Jameson and Bud Hauser, all of Miami; and his great-grandmother, Claudine Arnold of Miami. The service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home, of Miami, with the Rev. Mark Elam officiating. Burial will be in Williams Coal Creek Cemetery, west of Miami. Pallbearers will be Robert Clark, Tommy Easley, Darrin Worley, Johnny Webb, Steve Ullrich, Kevin Pickup, Tony Jameson, Jake Reed, Don Spitler and Terry Miller. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Copyright c. 2002 the Miami News Record/Miami, OK. -=-=-=- December 4, 2002 Pat Hiwalker Hossner LAME DEER - Pat (Ese'hemeona 'E Sunroads Woman) passed away at her home in Lame Deer, on Monday morning, Dec. 2, 2002, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 5, 1952, to George and Helen (Kinzel) Hiwalker. She attended grade school in Lame Deer and high school at St. Labre in Ashland. She was the apple of her daddy's eye. In April of 1969, she married Ron Beartusk. From this union was born her four children, Christopher, Neil, Weaver and Taralyn. Pat worked as an executive secretary for Morning Star Enterprises and the Northern Cheyenne Board of Health. She was always furthering her education. She attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, and graduated with an associate's degree from Dull Knife Memorial College in 1987. She later returned for more classes at Dull Knife, and in the summer of 1997 was chosen for the Bridges to Baccalaureate program at the University of Montana in Missoula. That summer, she and daughter Taralyn spent the summer at the university as she helped with research at the Pharmacy Lab. In June of 1998, she married Karl Hossner in Helena. They returned to Lame Deer, where she spent the remainder of her years. Pat always enjoyed a good laugh with her friends and family. She especially enjoyed dancing to polka music. If a polka song was playing, she was the first one on the dance floor. She had a great love for country western music. She always had a guitar at hand, and entertained many with a good old country western tune. She was an avid competitor. She played many years on softball teams in the area, ending the season by her team going to regional and state many times. She loved to pitch a good game of horseshoes, or play a game of cribbage. She loved the outdoors and depending on the season was a great participant whether hunting with her family or camping and fishing throughout Montana and Eastern Idaho. In her last years, her favorite hunting partners were her husband, nephew Larry "Fonz" LaFranier and his son Tye. She could tell a fish story with the best of them, and the biggest one never got away, she brought it home. Pat is survived by her husband Karl of Lame Deer; mother Helen of Lame Deer; children Christopher, Neil (Diane Spotted Elk), Weaver and Taralyn; her granddaughter, Araya Hope; adopted sons, Cleveland LaFranier and Brandon Matue; brothers, Weaver D. from Otter Creek, Hank and Floyd from Lame Deer; sisters Rose (Roy) LaFranier from Lame Deer and Virginia Ferris from Ft. Washakie, Wyo. Preceding her in death were her father, George Hiwalker Sr.; brothers, George Jr. and Cleveland; and nephews, George Hiwalker III and Michael Hiwalker. A Wake will be Thursday Evening, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lame Deer. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Moose Lodge in Colstrip. Burial will be in the family plot north of Lame Deer. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is in charge of the arrangements. DeAllen Little Owl CROW AGENCY - DeAllen G. Little Owl, 18, died in an auto accident 13 miles south of Hardin on Route 313, Dec. 1, 2002. He was born May 14, 1984, in Hardin, a son of Larry Little Owl, Jr. and Georgianna Old Elk. He grew up in the Crow Agency area and attended schools in Hardin and St. Labre. DeAllen enjoyed playing basketball with his many friends. He also enjoyed the outdoors most, especially working with his grandfather, Larry, Sr. DeAllen was a member of the Pentecostal Church, Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan. His great-great-great-grandmother, Mabel Pretty on Top; his two aunts, Roberta Old Elk and Fairalee Williamson; and his three cousins, Todd and Baby Alan Old Elk and Jazmin Morning preceded DeAllen in death. Survivors include his mother, Georgianna Old Elk of Crow Agency; his father, Larry Little Owl, Jr. of Crow Agency; five brothers, Levi (Tammy) Old Elk of Hardin, Waylon Hill of Lodge Grass, Larny (Heather) Stewart, John Fighter and Larry S. Little Owl, III of Crow Agency; three sisters, Valerie Hill of Billings, Jonny Jo Little Owl and Jessica Little Owl of Crow Agency; his grandparents, George (Diane) Old Elk, Jr. of Lodge Grass, Garlon and Pansy Williamson, Linda and Larry Little Owl of Crow Agency; and his great-grandmothers, Henrietta Pretty on Top of Lodge Grass and Evelyn Old Elk of Crow Agency. DeAllen, you will be missed, but your memory, smile and thoughtful ways will never be forgotten. You are truly loved. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the Crow Agency Multi-Purpose Building. Interment will follow in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. December 8, 2002 Alice Bell White Alice Bell White, 78, of Billings, formerly of Crow Agency, peacefully passed away Friday Dec.6, 2002, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was born Feb.28, 1924, in the Sarpy Creek area south of Hysham, a daughter of Wallace and Sarah Denny Newman. She received her early education at the Bear Creek School and later completed her education in Crow Agency, Sweet Grass and Hardin High School. Alice Bell married Gus A. Salveson and they were later divorced. Alice Bell was a successful businesswoman, who owned and operated the Sage Motel and Cafe near Crow Agency for nearly 20 years, where she developed many long lasting friendships. After the sale of her business, she moved to Forsyth and later to Billings. Alice Bell, a lifelong Christian, was a faithful member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Billings. She also belonged to the Jasmine Chapter, Order of Eastern Star; VFW Auxiliary, Senior Citizens, Daughters of the Nile and District Four Fiddlers of Montana. Alice Bell was an outgoing, social person and always enjoyed dancing and traveling. She also enjoyed reading and writing poetry. However, Alice Bell treasured her family, most especially the new great-grand babies. Alice Bell was a strong matriarch who instilled the value of family in her children and grandchildren. Her parents and two brothers, Thomas and Sid Newman preceded Alice in death. Survivors include her daughter, Sonja (Lee) Gustin of Billings; three sons, Allen (Pauline) Salveson of Joliet, Dwain (Millie) Salveson of Billings and Denny Paul Salveson of Boyd; her longtime companion, Gene McLeod of Billings; her brother, W. Albert (Jean) Newman of Ingomar; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Monday, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Hardin Fairview Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Alice Bell will be remembered as a nurturing parent and grandparent and an understanding friend to all who knew her. We all will miss her humor, kindness and good nature. We remember our Alice Bell's favorite words of wisdom, "Life here on earth was a dressing room for eternity." December 10, 2002 Mary Hoops Bixby CROW AGENCY - Mary M. Hoops Bixby, 58, of Crow Agency, went home to the Lord, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2002, in the Billings Deaconess Hospital, following a short illness. DIAAXKAASHBIA "Eagle Woman" was born July 10, 1944, in Crow Agency, a daughter of James Big Shoulder and Dorothy Hoops. She grew up in the Crow Agency area, receiving her early education in Montana, and completed her education at the Pierre Indian School in South Dakota. She later received LPN training in Billings and Denver. Mary worked as an LPN at the Denver General Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital and for the Indian Health Service. She married William Bixby Sr. and was later divorced. Mary was a member of the Foursquare Pentecostal Church, Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Bad War Deeds Clan. Her faith in the Lord enabled her to devote her life of Christianity. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada testifying at numerous revivals. She loved people and children, so much so that she adopted numerous children. Mary also worked for numerous Crow Tribal programs. Her grandfather, Howell Hoop On Forehead, son of Bull Chief; her parents, Jim Big Shoulder and Dorothy Hoops; uncle, Ivan Hoops, sisters, Irma Jean Hoops, Monte Ann Morning, Zelda "Star" Stops, and Charlene Jefferson Nomee; brothers, Victor, Robert and Benny Morning, Warren, Calvin, Ben, Charles, Raymond and Lester "Junior" Jefferson and his adopted daughters, Brenda Half and Joyce Horn, preceded Mary in death. Survivors include her children, Ardith (Lloyd, Sr.) Hogan, Lucy (Shawn), Adrian and AJ (Samantha) Broken Rope, Wahkuna, Wilhemina and William "Cheyenne" Bixby, Jr., Cathy (Wayne) Not Afraid, Georgia (Paul Matt) Hoops, Tina, Arethea and Birdie Hoops, Lori Rose Birdin Ground, Janet (Sidney) Fitzpatrick, Ronald Williamson, Sr., Stephen, Jr., Wayne and Sunshine Not Afraid, Loretta Well Known, Victor (Fray) Nomee, Sam (Maybelyn) Hoops, Jr., and Rodney George Plenty Hawk; her adopted children, Marcelline (Dexter) Falls Down, Karen and Tina Takes Enemy, Chad Bad Bear, Jeremy Holds, Randean Fitzpatrick, Roberta Morning, Lanny Real Bird, Georgia Old Dwarf, Lois Jefferson, Violet Wolf Black, Mary Jane (Issac) Birdin Ground, Carlotta Half, Bonnie Hawk, Jennifer (Robert) Gomez, LynRoss and Larry Bixby, Chesco Little Nest, Darrell Nomeee, Lisa Bell Rock, Josh and Clayton Fink, Rose, Kenneth and Pricella Condon, Doll Watt, Christy Delao, Kim Herbert, Tony Albert and Brenda White Shield; her sisters, Lorena Morning Half, Carol (John) Bullin Sight, Darlene (Duane) Bixby, Ivalee (Rudolph) Shane, Judith Jefferson, Melissa (Wesley) Falls Down, Connie (Bruce Sr.) Russell, Florine Taylor, Etheline Kills Night, Alice Rising Sun, Phyliss Well Known, Leda (Bernard) Little Nest, Tana Olyete, Betty (Rod) Caufield, Belva (James Sr.) Tuska, Lavonne and Rhonda King, Alta BirdinGround, Arna (Daniel) Takes Enemy and Inez Reed BirdinGround; her brothers, Sammy (Marjorie) Hoops, Sr., Gerry Hoops Wilson, Harold Stanton, Floyd Morrison and Robert Nomeee; adopted father, Harold (Mareena) Stone, Sr.; adopted mothers, Pearl Hogan and Mildred Billie; adopted brothers and sisters, Lenora Pretty Weasel, Victoria (Charles) Brown, Robert (Geneva) Other Medicine, Margo Real Bird, Danetta (Blaine) Falls Down, Owen (Rita) Snell, Richard Real Bird, Tim (Tela) Rondeau, Henry (LaBerta) Rondeau, Edward Artie Not Afraid, Butch (Shirley) Gardner, Victoria White (Harlan) Reed, Ada White, Donald Stewart, Ruben (Elizabeth) Stewart, David (Adelia) Stewart, Carl (Edwina) Venne, Art Alden, Sr., Adlie (Norma) Falls Down, Frank (Agnes) Falls Down, William (Donna) Falls Down and Donald (Lavina) Passes; numerous nieces and nephews and extended families include Charges Strong, Jefferson, Bull Chief, Stewart, Real Bird, White Clay, Goes Ahead, Big Man, Not Afraid, Plenty Hawk, Whiteman Runs Him, BackBone, Left Hand, Yellowtail, Onion, Door, Stone and James Roper family. Wake services will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Crow Agency Multi-Purpose Building. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Multi-Purpose Building. Interment will follow in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. Copyright c. 2002 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- December 7, 2002 Robert Alton (Butch) Medicine Crane MR. ROBERT ALTON (BUTCH) MEDICINE CRANE (AWA'KIMAA - AFTER BUFFALO) passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at the age of 58 years. He is survived by his wife Georgina Medicine Crane, six children; Dion, Dino, Orson (Jennifer), Serena (Shawn), Sykes (Brenda), and Roberta, eleven grandchildren; Julia, Jamie, Joanne, Kraig, Shonesty, Trent, Lyle, Trinity, Iyeala, Gracie and baby Orion, his adopted children; Janine, Joey, and Candace. He is also survived by one auntie Eve Spotted Bull and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his parents Robert Sr. and Julia (Iron Horn) Medicine Crane, his brothers; Gilbert, Julius, and Clarence, and sisters; Julia Ann, Theresa, and Mildred and uncles Tom (Katherine) Medicine Crane, Edward (Agnes) Red Crow, and one aunt Annie Iron Horn. Robert left school at the age of 16 years. He worked numerous farm jobs around Southern Alberta and then he went to the United States and worked there for several years. When he came back home he worked as a construction worker in numerous places on the Blood Reserve and Fort Macleod. He also worked on the potato farm on the Reserve and later continued to work at St. Paul's Treatment Centre. He also worked for the Head Consultant as a Youth Counselor. Recently worked at Blood Tribe Administration as a Security Guard. Robert greatly believed in his Native Culture. He was a member of the Horn Society. Robert was a very kind and generous person he will be greatly missed by his family and all his friends that knew him. A Wake Service will be held at ST. CATHERINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Standoff, on Sunday, December 8, 2002 at 4:30 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. CATHERINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Standoff, on Monday, December 9, 2002 at 12:30 P.M. with Reverend Maurice Jollie Celebrant. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery. December 9, 2002 Leo (Red Crow) McHugh LEO McHUGH, beloved husband of Irene, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 2, 2002 at the Magrath Auxiliary Hospital. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Reserve, with Pastor Freddie Bull Calf officiating, assisted by Campbell Eagle Child. Interment to follow in the McHugh family plot at the Country Gospel Church. A visitation will be held at the Country Gospel Church Friday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m. Friends who wish may donate to the Country Gospel Church, Box 93, Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0. Copyright c. 2000 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc./Lethbridge Herald. -=-=-=- December 7, 2002 Francis (Mitch) Xavier Desjarlais Cowessess First Nation, SK. DESJARLAIS--Francis (Mitch) Xavier, (1931-2002). It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loved one on Thursday, December 5, 2002 after a brief and courageous battle of cancer. There will be a wake on Monday, December 9, 2002 and the Funeral Service on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at the Cowessess Hall, Cowessess First Nation. There will be a more detailed obituary forthcoming. December 9, 2002 John (Simaci-kano-piyesiw) Center Sky Eagle, Kawacatoose First Nation, SK KAY--John. April 10, 1915 - Dec. 7, 2002) (Simaci-kano-piyesiw) Center Sky Eagle. On Saturday, December 7, 2002, at the age of 87 years, John Kay of Kawacatoose First Nation departed this world peacefully to meet with his Creator. Throughout his ordeal his family remained at his side. John is predeceased by; his mother, Mary Deere, stepfather Mike Trottier, brother Robert Kay, sister Gladys Dustyhorn, his children, Beatrice, Wesley, Arnold, Esther, Marina, and infant son and numerous grandchildren. He is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 67 years, and his adoring children; William Sr. (Dorothy), Joseph, Edgar (Joyce), Leona, Viola, Gloria (Mervin) and Alvina (Gary); 37 Grandchildren; 80 Great- grandchildren and 36 Great-great-grandchildren. His grandchildren span 5 generations. We all admired his courage and determination as he lived with the challenges he had to endure. The Wake will be held Monday, December 9, 2002 at 3 p.m. in the Kawacatoose gym, with the funeral service commencing Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Father T.B. Roy and Kawacatoose Elders officiating. Interment is to follow. John's family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the doctors and staff of Unit 3D, Pasqua Hospital, who treated him with great kindness, compassion and respect as well as to friends and family who offered their compassion, prayers and friendship. Arrangements are entrusted to Helmsing Funeral Home. Copyright c. 2000-2002 Regina Leader Post Group Inc. --------- "RE: Tribal Program helping Hundreds fight Diabetes" --------- Date: Mon 2 Dec, 2002 08:32:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DIABETES" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2002/12/01/29179 Tribal program helping hundreds fight diabetes Frank X. Mullen Jr. RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL 12/2/2002 12:06 am At the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, children, adults and elders lift weights, walk on treadmills, get advice about diets, check blood sugar levels and fight a common enemy: diabetes. The Colony's Diabetes Program began six years ago and now serves more than 1,800 Nevada Indians who have been diagnosed with diabetes and nearly twice that many who are at risk for the disease. The program, funded by an Indian Health Service grant, renewed Wednesday by Congress for another five years, has become a local and national model for what can be done to fight diabetes in any community, officials said. "There isn't any other program in Nevada that is doing what we're doing," said Cynthia Oceguera, RSIC diabetes program supervisor. "The people who have been diagnosed get on track to control the disease. The people who are at risk learn what to do to reduce that risk. We get them on track but we don't forget about them. This is an ongoing program and it's working." The program's clients are battling against a disease that strikes approximately 17 million people in the United States. While an estimated 11.1 million have been diagnosed, 5.9 million people - one out of three - are unaware that they have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. "I think we beat those odds at the Indian Colony," Oceguera said. "Here, a greater percentage of people with the disease are diagnosed and awareness of risk factors is high." The disease, if untreated, can be life-threatening, and patients are at risk of circulatory problems and other complications. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity, smoking and lack of exercise appear to play roles. "Here, our motto is diabetes education, nutrition and exercise," Oceguera said. "The bottom line is teaching people to take better care of themselves for life. We've been successful thanks to our great staff, which includes a nutritionist and two exercise trainers." Last week, Fred Mitchell, 60, a retired highway department supervisor, worked with trainer Anthony Revak. Mitchell has been diagnosed with type II diabetes and he said the program has made a great difference in his life. "It's a marvelous thing," he said. "My blood sugar level is down, cut more than in half. I've done it with a combination of exercise and changing my eating habits. "This is the kind of thing you've got to do for yourself. No one can force you. When you are ready to fight diabetes, don't hesitate, but you've got to be ready for a commitment." Revak said fighting diabetes is a matter of educating people about the disease and the steps they can take to improve their outcomes or prevent the onset of type II diabetes. It's a matter of patients taking charge of their own lives, he said. "There's a great support system here at the Colony," he said. "We work well with the doctors at the clinic and have the support of the tribe. Then, we are free to be the support system for the clients." Oceguera said the clinic's staff empowers clients with the education they need to deal with the disease. "Some people are afraid when they are referred here, but there's a change after they have been here awhile," she said. "You can see the self- esteem, the confidence, emerging after a couple of visits. Our regular clients walk in here like they own the place. It's a new beginning." Oceguera said Congress recognized the effectiveness of the program when it renewed the federal grant. "It's keeping people healthy," she said. "We've seen how well it can work. This isn't just needed at the Indian Colony, it's needed throughout the community. "The vision is here. It works. We see it every day." Copyright c. 2002 Reno Gazette-Journal, a Gannett Co. Inc. Newspaper. --------- "RE: Navajo Nation: Shiprock has no Room for Business" --------- Date: Sun 1 Dec, 2002 10:12:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NOT IN MY CITY" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.daily-times.com/Stories/0,1413,129%257E6572%257E1022090,00.html Navajo Nation: Shiprock has no room for business By Jim Snyder/Staff writer November 30, 2002 SHIPROCK Having trouble opening a business in Shiprock, a local man has one question for Navajo President-elect Joe Shirley Jr. "What's your plan to get the Navajo Nation business friendly?" Robert Joe said Wednesday. It is a Navajo Nation issue because the Shiprock Chapter House is not Local Governance Act certified. If it were, it would have control over land-use and business site leases. The 1998 Act, passed by the Navajo Council, was meant to decentralize the Navajo government and spur economic development accordingly. Until Shiprock gets that certification, the chapter is limited to passing resolutions. Shirley has said his administration would give the act a much-needed "boost," in order to get chapters certified. Joe, a Navajo who works for a defense contractor south of Farmington, has a dream to open a travel center in Shiprock consisting of a truck stop, restaurant and convenience store. But he said his first contact with the Navajo Nation's Regional Business Development Office in Shiprock to get his dream off the ground was negative. "They treated me like You're not welcome here, we don't want you here,'" Joe said Wednesday. "The way they dealt with me was not customer-oriented." Randy Sells, the RBDO director, was not at the office during Joe's visit. He was also gone Wednesday. Joe said that the issue of whether the Navajo Nation is business friendly or not, "is a Navajo issue. I don't think it's racial. I'm a Navajo." Joe said he was told by a Navajo staff member that there was no room in Shiprock for his business. "She told me what was available nothing. Everything was spoken for," he said. Though successful working for somebody else, Joe said most of his family has had their own businesses back in Arizona. He said he would also like to become an entrepreneur. Joe said a truck stop was needed in Shiprock. It would be commercially viable, he said, because Shiprock is located along a heavily-traveled, north-south corridor between I-40 and I-70. "A lot of truckers have to go through the Four Corners. Shiprock is an ideal location," he said. Shiprock is approximately the halfway point between Phoenix and Denver. It is also the tourism gateway to the Navajo Nation for the Four Corners Region. In addition, hundreds of truckers come through town each week. Few of them stop except to check in at the New Mexico Port-of-Entry. Most of them then leave town taking their dollars with them to spend somewhere else. There are no hotels or restaurants available other than fast food. Weary late-night travelers have to travel to Farmington, Cortez, Colo., or Gallup all off-reservation towns for lodging. Navajo Nation studies of Shiprock's business potential and lack of economic growth have been going on since at least the early 1980s. The conclusions, in 1982 and 2002 are the same: Shiprock is ready for progress. Joe said he had heard that some Navajos do not want economic development because they fear it would infringe on the culture. He added that bureaucratic resistance to business development needs to be overcome. "They (government employees) have been there so long they don't see it they're blind because of their surroundings," Joe said. Nearly all of the jobs in Shiprock are tribal, state or federal government whether it is the Central School District, the Northern Navajo Medical Center or an array of Navajo Nation government offices that report directly to Window Rock, Ariz. "More than 100 years ago, before The Long Walk, the Navajos were completely independent. Today they are completely dependent," Joe said. "You can label the Navajo government as socialistic. The incentive to set up jobs and fuel the economy with opportunity is not there. I haven't even gotten in the door yet and I am shut off. If you want to do something on the reservation, it's like you want to climb Mt. Everest." Shiprock Chapter President Duane "Chili" Yazzie said Wednesday that Shiprock was business friendly, but that "we do not need a truck stop right in town, especially with two elementary schools nearby. In that respect, I would say there is no room for a truck stop in the community proper." Yazzie suggested the best place for any truck stop would be at the junction of Navajo 36 and U.S. 666 just south of Shiprock. "Nobody has a (business) lease for that area," he said. That land, however, is currently part of a grazing permit and cannot be developed unless the permit owner gave it up, Yazzie said. The use of open land in Shiprock is based on grazing permits as well as business and homesite leases. There are no commercial zoning laws, although state Rep. Ray Begaye, D-Shiprock, tried at one time to identify commercial lots in Shiprock. It is not uncommon to see an abandoned business sitting next to an abandoned house, such as the old Manning Trading Post which had been boarded up. It was burned down in December 2001 by transients trying to keep warm. The old Manning house, also abandoned, sat behind the trading post. It was burned last month during a late-night rainstorm, presumably by transients, police said. Despite an acute housing shortage, the empty house sat in the heart of Shiprock for years. The same was true for the trading post. It sat boarded up in a town that has very few existing buildings into which a new business can move. Yazzie agreed with Joe that it was not a racist issue, but rather a business one. "The system needs to be redesigned to center on economic development," Joe said. All it takes is looking at it and redesigning the process. You have to change with the times. We (the Navajo Nation) are not changing with the times," he added. "I still plan to do what it takes to get a Shiprock business." Jim Snyder: jims@daily-times.com Copyright c. 1999-2002 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington, NM. --------- "RE: Schaghticoke denied Recognition" --------- Date: Fri 6 Dec, 2002 08:32:09 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SCHAGHTICOKE" http://www.indianz.com/News/show.asp?ID=2002/12/06/recognition McCaleb 'throwing away a history of people' FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2002 In what is likely to be outgoing Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb's last foray into the controversial subject, the Bush administration on Thursday denied federal status to one of the oldest historically recognized tribes in the United States. After more than 20 years of waiting, the the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut was informed that it failed to meet two out of seven mandatory recognition criteria. The Bureau of Indian Affairs in a statement said the tribe did not demonstrate continuous existence as a distinct community and failed to show political authority over its members for "certain periods of time." The decision, which is not final, is a major blow to a tribe that has been recognized by the state of Connecticut since colonial times. But unlike a recent ruling where state standing played a role, McCaleb said this "relationship does not substitute for the extended periods of time where there was little or no direct, specific, evidence provided in regard to political authority or influence." Schaghticoke Chief Richard Velky, upon hearing the news, said the tribe was "disappointed." "Obviously, we would have preferred a positive," he said from a tribal office in Derby. The BIA did not release copies of the preliminary finding to the tribe or the public. Velky, however, questioned the BIA's failure to rely on the tribe's government-to-government relationship with the state. "We should stand on our own but I don't see how the state evidence couldn't factor into this decision," he remarked. "The state has been the tribe's overseer since 1736 and to say that you are not going to accept documentation to help factor into the decision is throwing away a history of people." In June, McCaleb issued a final determination to acknowledge the historic Eastern Pequot Tribe, also of Connecticut. At the time, BIA officials said the decision was significant because state evidence was used to fill in the gaps in the record. "It is precedent setting because we have not had a situation where we have had to determine that state recognition played into the existence of an historical tribe," deputy assistant secretary Aurene Martin said. McCaleb, however, drew a distinction between the two cases. According to the BIA, the state of Connecticut lapsed in its oversight of the Schaghticoke and "declared affirmatively that there were no leaders recognized by the group." "In these respects, the state's relationship with the Schaghticoke petitioner differed from its relationship with the historical Eastern Pequot," the BIA stated. Yesterday's announcement was made because the BIA was under court order by a federal judge in Connecticut to issue a preliminary decision. It now sets into motion a six-month comment period for the parties to the litigation. There are three lawsuits that have been on hold pending a decision on the tribe's status. Once the decision is published in the Federal Register, which won't occur for several more days, the public will also have six months to comment. According to the court order, a final ruling will be made by September 2003. "I don't think we'll have any problems filling in the gaps," said Velky. "We expect to take this negative and turn it into a positive." Only once in BIA history has a negative proposal been reversed. That occurred in another Connecticut case for the Mohegan Tribe. Also, the BIA has never overturned a positive preliminary finding. There are four routes a tribe can take to obtain federal status. The most time-consuming is through the BIA, which relies on a set of regulations to arrive at a decision. Congress can pass legislation to recognize a tribe and must do so when a tribe has been terminated. The courts, through judicial decisions, and the president, through executive orders, can also extend federal status, although this is extremely rare. Since the BIA instituted its regulations in 1978, the staff of the Branch of Acknowledgment and Research (BAR) has recognized 16 tribes and turned down just as many. Under a proposed reorganization McCaleb announced on Wednesday, the BAR will be elevated to a separate office under Aurene Martin. The oke Tribal Nation resides on a 400-acre reservation in western Connecticut near the New York border. It has approximately 300 members. Copyright c. 2000-2002 Noble Savage Media, LLC/Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Hopi, Navajo to be represented in Mohave Decision" --------- Date: Thu 29 Nov, 2002 10:21:11 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MOHAVE DECISION" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.daily-times.com/Stories/0,1413,129%257E6574%257E1020455,00.html Hopi, Navajo groups will be represented in Mohave decision Special to The Daily Times November 29, 2002 - 8:28:45 AM MST KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. Black Mesa Trust said Saturday that the grassroots Hopi and Navajo people of Black Mesa will be represented in the California Public Utilities Commission proceeding to decide whether to keep the Mohave Generating Station open. "Until now, the people who live on Black Mesa have had no formal voice in the proceeding," said Vernon Masayesva, executive director of Black Mesa Trust. "They are concerned about the impacts that the world's largest coal company is having on land, water, and other natural and cultural resources of Black Mesa. The governments of the Hopi tribe and the Navajo Nation are determined to keep the Black Mesa Mine open at all costs because they are afraid of losing coal and water mining royalties, but the people have a different view, and their voice needs to be heard." On Nov. 6, Dr. Lon W. House of Water and Energy Consulting, a California-based consulting firm, filed a petition with the CPUC to intervene in the proceeding on behalf of Hopi Sinom and Din people who will be affected by the PUC's decision, which is expected in the spring 2003. Hopi Sinom representation will be through Black Mesa Trust, a grassroots organization founded to stop industrial pumping of the N-aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for the Hopi tribe and the approximately 27,000 Navajos living on Black Mesa. The aquifer also feeds the springs and seeps that are critical to the religious observances of both tribes. The Din people of Black Mesa will be represented through the grassroots organization To'nizh Oni'ani'. In a May 17 application to the PUC, Mohave's majority owner, Southern California Edison, requested that Mohave be shut down. The Hopi tribe, the Navajo Nation, and Peabody Energy filed formal protests to the application, which also calls on California ratepayers to foot the bill for any expenses incurred by the owners to keep the plant open. The plant owners must spend $58 million in the next few months to begin installing air pollution control equipment required by a 1999 Consent Decree that resulted from lawsuit brought against the owners by Grand Canyon Trust, the Sierra Club and others. On Oct. 11 in Tuba City, Ariz., the PUC held a public hearing on the possible shutdown of the plant. Dozens of local Hopi and Navajo people testified at that hearing, which was chaired by PUC President Loretta Lynch. Until now, however, grassroots people have had no formal opportunity to continue to be a part of the decision-making process. In the petition to intervene, House said, "Water and Energy Consulting is representing the local Hopi Sinom and Din and associated Edison residential customers concerned about the local air quality, land restoration, and water resources of SCE's application, as well as revenue implications for the Navajo Nation and Hopi tribe, and the impacts on the local economy." "Water and Energy Consulting will be presenting a perspective no other party in this proceeding is that of the local people. Most of the comments presented at the Pre-Hearing Conference in Tuba City were from the local citizens, which have been here-to-fore without representation in this hearing. Water and Energy Consulting will be introducing important factual issues regarding the localized environmental and human impacts of the plant and mine operation and presenting alternatives that would advance environmental protection and tribal revenues," he said. In their protests, both tribes told the California PUC that shutting down Mohave would have grave financial implications for the Hopi and Navajo people, who jointly own the coal that supplies Mohave Generating Station. Both tribes derive significant revenues from coal and water mining royalties. The coal is mined by Peabody Energy, which uses more than 4,000 acre feet a year of N-aquifer water to transport the coal from Black Mesa to the power plant in Laughlin, Nev. The coal slurry pipeline is the only such operation in the United States. The owners of Mohave and Peabody have been under pressure to find an alternative source of water for the slurry operation or an alternative means of transporting the coal, but so far have not come up with a plan. House has extensive experience in utility negotiations, energy procurement, resource planning, and with regulatory agencies in California energy regulation, having been a college professor, and having worked for the California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission before starting his own consulting firm. He has routinely provided policy directives and expert witness testimony and also has a great deal of personal knowledge of the area and issues, having lived in Oraibi when he was very young, and having grown up outside Farmington in the La Plata Valley. EDITOR'S NOTE: To'nizh Oni'ani' provided this article. Copyright c. 1999-2002 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington, NM. --------- "RE: Education for Natives Questioned" --------- Date: Tue 10 Dec, 2002 08:04:39 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FAILED EDUCATION SYSTEM" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/2299346p-2358339c.html Education for Natives questioned CONFERENCE: System fails indigenous people, group says. By Joel Gay Anchorage Daily News December 10, 2002 The western education system that has largely failed Alaska Natives in the past continues to fail them today, a group of parents, educators and former students asserted at a statewide conference Monday. But some also pointed out that efforts to restructure schools' culture and course work have begun. "If Native education worked for us, we would not be having this conference," said Byron Mallott, president of the Anchorage-based First Alaskans Institute, which is sponsoring the Alaska Native Education Summit at the Egan Center. The conference, titled "Native Culture Building Educational Success," follows up on a similar summit last year and allows Bush educators to work together on ways to improve their schools and help their students. In the grim statistics of educational failure, Alaska Native students are leaders, state statistics show. Their test scores are below national and statewide norms, their high school dropout rates are high, and few go on to college. "Everyone puts their best efforts forward," Mallott told several hundred teachers, principals, school board members and students at the conference, "but we cannot ignore failure. There are areas where more needs to be done." He proposed a new model for delivering education services along the lines of the health care and social services that, like education, are funded mainly by the federal government. Education should be part of the Native self-determination effort, Mallott said, and communities need decision-making power. It's an extension of the sovereignty movement, he said. "Some will cringe from that, (saying) 'we're indivisible,' " he continued. But promises of equal funding and equal opportunity in education haven't worked. "This is not an indictment," Mallott said, "it's a plea." His call for greater community involvement in education was echoed by other people, including Doreen Spear, a Barrow resident now attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. She got a standing ovation from the crowd for her unflinching depiction of education history in Alaska, starting with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The agency "tried to destroy our culture through the education of our children," she said. "No wonder the Inupiat suffer low self-esteem." Spear demanded changes. "I do not want my children to hear we were 'discovered' by Columbus or Vitus Bering" or schools to describe subsistence hunting, fishing and whaling as "social activities." She wants English to be North Slope schools' second language, all teachers fluent in Inupiaq and local culture incorporated into the curriculum. Christopher Simon, the Huslia-born superintendent of the Yukon/Koyukuk School District, said Bush schools are responsible to federal and state agencies but their primary leaders must be their school boards, which reflect parents' desires. Next semester, he said, every kindergartner and first- and second-grader in his district will study Native language 30 minutes a day, he said. He also called on parents to visit their kids' schools, check their homework, monitor their social activities and attend school functions. "Ultimately, the schools and adults are answerable to the children," he said. Frank Hill, co-director of the Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative, said Bush schools can help anchor Native students by becoming "culturally relevant." The Iliamna-raised educator with a Harvard degree said he likes to see teachers born and raised in the villages where they work, schools named for local leaders, and elders given seats of honor at basketball games and assemblies. Teachers should know the Native language at least enough to welcome students to school, say goodbye and give praise, Hill said, while students should behave to standards set out by the community and culture. Not everyone gives schools so much of the education burden. Melvin "Dumma" Otton, president of the Unalakleet-based Bering Strait School District, said parents, not schools, should teach Native language, culture and moral values. "In the last 20 years, more and more parents have tried to push that responsibility off to educators. But parents have to retake that responsibility." Conference participants met yesterday afternoon in work sessions to gather ideas about potential changes in their own schools. The conference concludes today. Reporter Joel Gay can be reached at 907 257-4310 or jgay@adn.com. Copyright c. 2002 The Anchorage Daily News. --------- "RE: Hawaii: Judge allows Ceded Land Sales" --------- Date: 12/6/2002 1:06:20 PM Pacific Standard Time From: info@hawaii-nation.org (Hawaii Nation Info) Subj: Judge allows ceded lands sales Mailing List: Hawaii Nation Info http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2002/Dec/06/ln/ln06a.html Judge allows ceded lands sales Posted on: Friday, December 6, 2002 By Vicki Viotti Advertiser Staff Writer The Native Hawaiian rights movement suffered another blow yesterday when a circuit judge ruled that the state can sell ceded lands for a public purpose without it constituting a breach of trust. However, an attorney representing opponents to the sale said the state faces legal hurdles before any of the land can change hands, including an appeal before the Hawai'i Supreme Court. The decision by Circuit Judge Sabrina McKenna - which is unrelated to the ongoing dispute over revenue owed to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs from the state's use of ceded lands - concerns land on Maui and the Big Island where the state had planned to develop affordable housing projects. Ceded lands are nearly 2 million acres of former crown and government lands transferred to the state under the 1959 Admission Act, to be held in trust for public benefits, including improving the lot of Native Hawaiians. Judge McKenna's opinion acknowledges that thousands of acres have been sold since statehood, and that since the late 1970s with the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, some revenue from these lands has been earmarked for OHA. State land officials later established a moratorium on sales to avoid diminishing the revenue stream to OHA, according to the opinion, but former Gov. Ben Cayetano lifted the moratorium for the housing projects in this case. OHA joined by a group of Native Hawaiians represented by attorney William Meheula, sued in 1994 to block the projects - in Leiali'i near Lahaina and at the La'i'opua project in North Kona - in which the ceded lands would be sold to the Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawai'i for development. In the decision yesterday, McKenna denied their request for a court order that would bar further sale of ceded lands until the issues of ownership and valuation are resolved. Sherry Broder, the attorney representing OHA in the case, did not return calls seeking comment. Haunani Apoliona, chairwoman of the OHA board of trustees, said the judge "erred" in her decision but took hope in the judge's call to lawmakers "to enact legislation that gives effect to the right of Native Hawaiians to benefit from the ceded land trust." Meheula said the plaintiffs plan to appeal McKenna's decision to the state's high court, but added he couldn't predict when that might happen. He maintained that the Congressional Apology Resolution of 1993 acknowledged the illegality of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and throws the state's ownership of former crown lands in question. "We're disappointed with the decision, and we disagree with the decision," he said. "The basic case is that the Apology Resolution has admitted that ceded lands were taken illegally. That means that the U.S. does not have good title to the land, and they shouldn't be allowed to sell it." State attorneys yesterday were consulting with the newly inaugurateted Gov. Linda Lingle on a response to the decision. In court hearings a year ago, Broder had argued that international law also protects the property rights of indigenous peoples. At that time, John Komeiji, a private attorney hired by the state to defend Housing and Community Development Corp., countered that the state's laws and constitution take precedence over those international laws, which are in draft form before the United Nations and never endorsed by the United States. Komeiji declined yesterday to comment on the decision. Among her findings, McKenna disputed the claim that there is a legal cloud over ceded land title because of the overthrow, calling it "a non- justiciable political question" that can't be decided by the court. McKenna also dismissed the plaintiff's argument that Native Hawaiian land rights are comparable to Native American claims and thus should be given the same treatment in this case. "Cases dealing with recognition of Native American claims or fiduciary duties with respect to land or assets are based on federal statutes or treaties that allow such claims," she wrote. Meheula said appealing the decision may have to wait until the second part of the case - a trial to set a fair market value for the land - takes place. That trial is necessary because under law, OHA is entitled to 20 percent of the proceeds from a sale of ceded lands, Meheula said. Attorneys for title insurance companies have indicated through court filings that no title insurance would be issued for the land transactions until the state wins this case on appeal, Meheula said, so nobody expects immediate land transfers to take place. Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053. Copyright c. 2002 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. --------- "RE: U.S. to appeal Sanctions against Norton" --------- Date: Sat 7 Dec, 2002 19:48:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NORTON" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/politics/4684312.htm U.S. to Appeal Sanctions Against Norton ROBERT GEHRKE Associated Press WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Gale Norton asked an appeals court Friday to throw out a judge's ruling that found her in contempt of court for concealing failures in fixing a century of mismanagement of royalties from American Indian lands. Norton's attorneys argued that U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth erred in declaring Norton an "unfit trustee" to manage royalities from oil and gas mining, grazing and timber harvesting on 11 million acres of American Indian land. "Although much work remains to be done to deal with a century of neglect, the present administration has made significant progress and is committed to successful completion of the extraordinary task it inherited," Norton's attorneys wrote. They also said Lamberth overstepped his authority by ordering the department to submit plans to the court on how it would fix the management of the funds. Dennis Gingold, an attorney for 350,000 American Indian landowners in the class-action lawsuit, said the appeal is without merit and could anger the appeals court. Lamberth ruled in September that Norton and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Neal A. McCaleb failed to comply with his 1999 order to account for the proceeds from the Indian land over more than a century and had committed fraud on the court by concealing failures and exaggerating progress on fixing the program. Normally, the courts do not allow appeals of civil contempt rulings, Stanford University law professor Barbara Allen Babcock said recently. In 1887, Congress assigned American Indians small parcels of land and tasked the Interior Department with managing the royalties, but untold amounts of money intended for some of the nation's poorest citizens were lost, stolen or never collected. A group of Indians sued the government in 1996, claiming it had squandered between $10 billion and $40 billion. Norton was the third Cabinet official Lamberth has held in contempt since the lawsuit was filed. Former President Clinton's Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt and Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin were found in contempt in 1999. Copyright c. 2002 Bradenton.com/Bradenton Herald, Bradenton, FL. --------- "RE: U.S. seeks to curb Indian Lawsuits" --------- Date: Tue 3 Dec, 2002 08:19:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BUSH ADMIN ATTEMPTING TO DUCK TRUST OBLIGATIONS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/nation/4649895.htm U.S. seeks to curb Indian lawsuits By ROBERT GEHRKE Associated Press Mon, Dec. 02, 2002 WASHINGTON - The Bush administration asked the Supreme Court on Monday to limit lawsuits filed by American Indian tribes contending the Interior Department failed to protect tribal resources. Otherwise, the government, which manages 56 million acres of land for the benefit of tribes, could be subject to a mountain of lawsuits, argued assistant solicitor Gregory G. Garre. "That would be an enormous potential liability that there is no indication that Congress ever intended to assume," he said. Specifically, Garre said the court should reverse two appeals court rulings that found the government liable for damages for violating implied responsibilities to the tribes. In one, the Navajo Nation alleges a former Interior secretary colluded with a coal company to deny the tribe tens of millions of dollars in royalties from coal mined from Navajo land. In the other, the White Mountain Apache Tribe of Arizona contends the Interior Department should pay to repair historic buildings Congress allowed the government to use on condition they be given to the tribe when the government doesn't need them. Appeals courts said the government was liable for damages as high as $600 million in the Navajo case and $14 million in the White Mountain instance. The government's responsibility to act as a trustee and protect the interests of American Indian tribes is a cornerstone of Indian law based on treaties with tribes and recognized by Congress and courts for 170 years. That could be redefined by the current cases, said David Getches, a professor specializing in Indian law at the University of Colorado. Getches said Indian tribes prevail in the current Supreme Court about one- fifth of the time, less than any other group. The cases could also affect other breach of trust cases, including a class-action suit filed in Washington, alleging the government squandered tens of billions of dollars in royalties from land owned by 350,000 American Indians nationwide. In the Navajo case, the tribe had sought in 1984 to renegotiate a 20- year-old coal lease with Peabody Energy, raising the royalty from less than 1 percent to 20 percent of proceeds. Interior Department studies said the rate increase was appropriate. An assistant secretary was about to set the royalties at 20 percent, but then-Interior Secretary Donald Hodel blocked the adjustment after meeting with a friend who had been hired by Peabody as a lobbyist. The tribe later settled for a 12.5 percent royalty. Navajo attorney Paul E. Frye said Hodel "colluded with Peabody to swindle the Navajo Nation," a violation of his trust obligation. But Justice Antonin Scalia said the secretary is only obliged to make sure the royalty rate is higher than the minimum set by law. Scalia also seemed unswayed by the White Mountain arguments that the Interior Department should be responsible for upkeep on the old Fort Apache buildings that Congress had arranged to be given to the tribe once the government was through with them. Millions have been spent repairing the buildings, but an estimated $8 million in work remains, including fixing basketball-sized holes in the ceiling of one building, said White Mountain Apache attorney Robert C. Brauchli. Garre argued Congress did not direct the government to maintain the buildings, but Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and John Paul Stevens questioned if that meant the government could destroy them without consequences. "I would have thought there might well be a duty for the United States government here acting as trustee not to lay waste to the property," said O'Connor, an Arizona native. Garre said if the buildings were destroyed, the tribe could sue, but could not claim damages because the government failed to meet its trust duties. The cases are U.S. v. Navajo Nation, 01-1375, and U.S. v. White Mountain Apache Tribe, 01-1067. On Monday, the court also agreed to decide if police officers can search tribal businesses for evidence of criminal activities off the reservation. The case was brought by Inyo County, Calif., and a dozen other states, after the Bishop Paiute Tribe resisted search warrants for records of three casino employees the county said were falsely claiming welfare benefits. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the tribe. In June 2001, the Supreme Court said state authorities may enter an Indian reservation to investigate or prosecute off-reservation violations of state law. The case is Inyo County v. Paiute-Shoshone Indians, 02-281. Copyright c. 2002 American News/Aberdeen, SD. --------- "RE: Two blows to Nault's Reputation" --------- Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2002 13:12:07 -0500 From: "Frosty" Subj: Two blows to Nault's reputation Mailing List: Frostys AmerIndian Re:Two blows to Nault's reputation ----- Original Message ----- From: Russell Diabo ----- Original Message ----- From: Boyce Richardson The following item appears on Boyce Richardson's personal web site today (magma.ca/~brich); Dec 7 2002 Two blows to the poor reputation of Robert Nault: found by a court in breach of the government's duty of procedural fairness Robert Nault's claim to be sympathetic to the Aboriginals of Canada, for whom he is responsible in the federal government as Minister for Indian Affairs, has always seemed bogus, since his revealed attitude has so often been arrogant and overbearing. Two cases that have come up this week put flesh on this perception of the minister. In one of these Mr. Justice John A. O'Keefe of the Federal Court, after five and a half months of deliberation, has ruled that the Minister abused his powers when he imposed a co-management structure on the Pikangikum First Nation, of north-western Ontario; in the second case, it is the Quebec government that has shown up the arbitrary behaviour of the federal minister, when he walked away in July from the negotiations then underway with the Barriere Lake Algonquins towards an agreed Integrated Resource Management Plan covering their traditional hunting territory in La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve, about 250 kilometres north of Ottawa. Let's take the second of these cases first: the Algonquins have been protesting for more than a decade against the clear-cutting that has been ripping the heart out of their way of life, by destroying their access to the animals they depend on for food. Their response, the so-called Trilateral Agreement between themselves, Quebec and Canada, was widely hailed as a possible world-wide model for resource development in areas occupied by Aboriginal people. Its course from conception to fruition has been a rocky one. First the Quebec government was noticeably unenthusiastic and disruptive, and the logging companies hostile; then the federal government took advantage of a split in the community by suspending the Barriere Lake government and replacing it with a rebel structure. Finally normality was restored and negotiations got under way again; only for Mr. Nault to withdraw his support for the process just as it has seemed to be about to come to fruition. It has been impossible for an outsider to avoid the conclusion that the federal authorities are determined not to allow these Aboriginal people to interfere with the sacred rights of private logging companies, or with the powers that governments have always held over the Indian bands and their unsurrendered lands. Nault has been completely inflexible about this issue, to the point that, as Grand Chief Carol McBride said this week, "we can't even get federal politicans to answer our phone calls." Meantime, Quebec has had a change of mind, has picked up (temporarily, it hopes) the federal share of the cost of the Trilateral Process, and is now singing the praises of this proposal. This week Premier Bernard Landry has lauded the agreement as a model for reconciliation between Quebec and First Nations peoples. He is not the first to come to this conclusion. The same view was expressed by Mr. Justice R=E9jean Paul in an earlier mediation of the dispute, several years ago (he was ignored) and it has been recognized in the United Nations as a groundbreaking process for sustainable development. The whole process began in the days of Brian Mulroney's Prime Ministership, when the Barriere Lake people arrived on Parliament Hill metaphorically waving copies of the UN's Brundtland Report on the global economy, which said that Aboriginal people should be given a decisive voice about development decisions being made in their lands, and challenging the Prime Minister, who had endorsed the report, to help them put it into operation. As in so many other fields, it has been like pulling teeth to get the governments to take the measures that Aboriginal people feel are necessary to enable them to get off their knees, economically speaking. Judge rebukes Nault over Pikangikum Now let's take the first case mentioned: Pikangikum is a small Ojibway reserve 85 kilometres northwest of Red Lake in north-western Ontario. It is one of those isolated reserves whose main occupations are trapping, fishing, forestry and wild rice harvesting, and whose people still speak their Ojibway language. In April 2001 the band was forced into a co-mangement arrangement because the department of Indian Affairs said it had fallen into a debt exceeding eight per cent of their total revenue. Pikangikum's unprecedented court victory acknowledges the complaint of the First Nation that the Minister of Indian Affairs unfairly removed the financial administration from the control of chief and council in April 2001. According to Doug Keshen, a Kenora attorney who represented the chief and council, the Minister had "unfairly" removed the financial administration from them. "They had clear audits for the two previous years and surpluses, " Keshen told the Kenora newspaper, the Miner and News. "They were managing their affairs well and they weren't prepared to agree to co-management." Nevertheless the department froze their annual funds and appointed a third party manager for whom the band had to pay $15,000 a month. This manager, who had never set foot in the community, had a profound impact on Pikangikum. putting a number of major projects on hold including water and sewer installation, a power grid line, housing, social service proposals and a new, much-needed school. Mr Justice O'Keefe, in a 40-page decision found that this imposition on the community by the minister was "totally unreasonable" and "a breach of the duty of procedural fairness" that lies on the department. He noted that Indian Affairs took over the community's financial administration without notice and without citing reasons, and condemned the minister and the department for failing to follow their own policy. Keshen said the judge cites uncontradicted evidence given during a cross- examination that Indian Affairs decided to withhold funding so they could gain a foothold in Pikangikum's dealings with the province of Ontario in the Whitefeather Forest Initiative. "It was obvious that they were pissed off that Pikangikum was not seeking advice of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada on their work for the sustainable forest initiative --- we think that was the main reason they pressed for co-management," said Keshen. Keshen believes the decision could have major implications in similar cases, where the department has placed First Nations in a co-management arrangement and could have a major impact on the future of the proposed First Nations Governance Act. Since the decision was announced, Keshen has been told by the council of the First Nation "they feel so empowered that they were able to stand up to what they have always believed to be an abusive power of the minister." "I think the reality is that this has been a real marathon for the people of Pikangikum, they have had the courage to stand for what they believe is right," said Keshen. The community of 2,000 is in desperate need of all the services that have been on hold, and expects the department now to fast track some of these projects. If this had been a judgment about some abuse in relation to white Canadians, it would have been all over our major newspapers. Since it is about Aboriginal people, little attention is being paid to it, except, no doubt, in Aboriginal communities. There, it strikes another blow to the poor reputation of Robert Nault, who seems to be a stubborn, foolish man. --------- "RE: Canada must Support Right to Self-Determination" --------- Date: Wed 4 Dec, 2002 08:53:27 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MOHAWK OP-ED" http://www.easterndoor.com/11-44/11-44-Editorial.htm Canada must support our right to self-determination By: Kenneth Deer, Eastern Door In the next two weeks the United Nations will again be debating the rights of Indigenous Peoples and, like in all past meetings, governments and Indigenous representatives will be battling head-to-head on defining those rights. The UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has been 20 years in the making. Since 1982, the Working Group on Indigenous Populations has been drafting these 45 articles that encapsulate rights that most other peoples take for granted: rights to, among others, language, culture, health, education, development, land, natural resources and self-determination. Governments, however, have been trying to water down the Draft Declaration before sending it to the General Assembly of the United Nations for ratification. Since 1995, the UN Open-ended, Inter-sessional Working Group on the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has been meeting to 'elaborate' a declaration on our rights. (Actually the official title of the group is the 'Working Group on Resolution 95/32' since some governments objected to the term 'Indigenous Peoples' in the title) While in past years, the Working Group dealt with articles concerning issues such as education, health, language and culture, this year the stakes are a little higher as our right to self-determination and our Treaty rights are on the table. Article 3 of the Declaration Indigenous peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. The principle enshrined in this article applies to all peoples of the world. It is based on existing international Human Rights standards in the United Nations such as the Optional Protocols under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Canada is a signatory to these protocols. However, many governments are dead set against recognizing such a right, hence their objection to the term 'Indigenous Peoples.' Many governments have interfered with the right of Indigenous Peoples to freely determine their political status and their economic, social and cultural development. And they want to continue to do so. There are other governments that have no problems with recognizing these rights and support this article in the Draft Declaration. Canada has been ambiguous on this point, at times saying they agree, at others qualifying their approval by adding 'within the Canadian Federation.' Hence the new political theory of 'Internal Self-determination' which does not exist under international law. Article 31 of the Declaration describes an expression of self- determination as can be exercised by Indigenous Peoples but is not limited to this model: Indigenous peoples, as a specific form of exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, including culture, religion, education, information, media, health, housing, employment, social welfare, economic activities, land and resources management, environment and entry by non-members, as well as ways and means for financing these autonomous functions. Certainly some Indigenous Peoples will be satisfied with this shopping list of mostly social programs as the limits of their 'self-government.' However, self-determination as a principle is not just limited to these activities but also includes the freedom to choose our political status. By recognizing our right to self-determination, governments must treat us as equals before we negotiate our relationship. For governments to pre- determine limits on our self-determination is a negation of the entire concept of self-determination. Once treated as equals, we can negotiate a relationship that recognizes both our rights to self-determination, ours and that of States, and the survival of all peoples. Our right to self-determination has been recognized by governments in the past. This recognition was exemplified by the signing of the treaties. Article 36 of the Declaration states: Indigenous peoples have the right to the recognition, observance and enforcement of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements concluded with States or their successors, according to their original spirit and intent, and to have States honour and respect such treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements. Conflicts and disputes which cannot otherwise be settled should be submitted to competent international bodies agreed to by all parties concerned. The mere fact that many governments signed treaties with Indigenous Peoples is proof of our status as peoples. Now some governments are trying to say that our treaties are 'domestic treaties' and therefore not subject to international treaty law. Governments are trying to rewrite history. The treaties between States and Indigenous Peoples were real treaties at the time of signing and still are today. In the next two weeks, Canada and other governments should remember the purpose of the creation of the United Nations. They should also remember the UN Charter which outlines the duty to promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights, based on "respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples" (Art. 55. Para. C). Canada and other governments should live up to the highest standards that the United Nations can achieve, and support our treaty rights and our right to self-determination. easterndoor@axess.com Copyright c. 1997-2000 The Eastern Door. --------- "RE: Supreme Court Docket" --------- Date: Wed 4 Dec, 2002 08:53:27 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="COURT DOCKET" http://www.indianz.com/TribalLaw/Focus/show.asp?ID=12042002 Supreme Court Docket: 2002-2003 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2002 Keeping cases out of the Supreme Court has been a primary goal of tribal leaders and Indian advocates. That changed this week with the decision to accept an appeal affecting state jurisdiction over tribal governments. The dispute isn't the only one before the high court, though. A few other Indian law-related appeals have been lodged in the past couple of months. Here's a look at a few of them. Non-Indian interests A non-Indian company was rebuffed by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this year in an attempt to keep its hog farm operation on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation of South Dakota alive. Sun Prairie of Nebraska wants the Supreme Court to reverse the decision. The Bureau of Indian Affairs had approved a lease for the hog farm. But former Assistant Secretary Kevin Gover revoked it after he determined environmental studies weren't conducted properly. Sun Prairie filed its petition for writ of certiorari on November 12. A response from the BIA is due December 15. Outgoing Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb is a named defendant. The tribe was on the company's side up until recently and the current administration opposes the hog farm. Health care and sovereignty Tribal nations were shut out of the 1998 $200 billion multi-state master settlement agreement (MSA) with tobacco companies. But with high rates of smoking and cancer among Indian people, tribes have sought their share, or a separate pot of funds, to combat the problem. None have been successful so far. The latest is the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, which has challenged America Tobacco Co. on a number of claims, including fraud, product liability negligence. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has issued a series of negative rulings against Texas tribes, denied the suit and the tribe has asked for a reversal. The tribe filed a petition for writ of certiorari on November 12. A response from the company is due by December 14. Environmental rights The Bush administration is supporting an $8 billion plan to cleanup the Florida Everglades. But the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida and environmentalists say local managers are actually trying to pump polluted water into the treasured resource. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in February 2002 sided with the tribe and said the South Florida Water Management District has to comply with federal clean water law. The district says it doesn't have to obtain a federal permit and has asked the Supreme Court to reverse. The district's petition for certiorari was filed on October 21. The Pacific Legal Foundation, a conservative organization that has sided against tribes in other disputes, has filed an amicus brief urging reversal, as have other groups. Land claims The United States is backing the Fort Mohave Tribe on a land claim affected by the Colorado River. The tribe's reservation spans Arizona, California and Nevada. A portion is in dispute because the river has changed course and private landowners are now affected. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this year said the U.S. and the tribe were entitled to another review of the lands. The decision reversed a federal judge who said the landowners had undisputed title. A group of the landowners filed a petition for writ of certiorari on October 11 to reverse the 9th Circuit. Solicitor General waived a right to file a response brief and the case has been distributed for review on December 13, after which the Supreme Court will announce whether it will take the case or not. Copyright c. 2000-2002 Indianz.Com. Indianz.com is a product of Noble Savage Media, LLC and Ho-Chunk, Inc. --------- "RE: Skull identified as that of missing Pueblo Man" --------- Date: Sat 7 Dec, 2002 19:48:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SKULL IDENTIFIED" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.imdiversity.com/Article_Detail.asp?Article_ID=14050 Skull Identified As That of Missing Pueblo Man by AP, The Associated Press December 6, 2002 Santa Fe (AP) - A skull found in an irrigation ditch in a Santa Fe County subdivision has been identified as a San Felipe Pueblo man whose family reported him missing July 14. Steven Aguilar, 55, was identified by dental records, said Santa Fe County sheriff's Maj. Ron Madrid. Madrid did not know where Aguilar was last seen alive. He said the department plans to expand its search for additional remains in the area. Authorities earlier had said the skull was that of an American Indian between 35 and 60 years old. The state Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque was unable to determine how the man died. "The skull doesn't tell us anything," Undersheriff Benjie Montano said earlier in the week. "There is no obvious trauma to the skull, is what I've been told." A man working on a sprinkler system in an irrigation ditch found the skull Friday near the Rancho Viejo subdivision. Copyright c. 2002 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2002 IMDiversity Inc. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Panel hears Heartbreaking Prison Stories" --------- Date: Fri 6 Dec, 2002 08:32:09 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SD PRISONS" http://www.indiancountry.com/newsfromthenations/ Panel hears heartbreaking prison stories Inmate treatment poses questions for law makers Posted: November 25, 2002 - 10:13am EST by: David Melmer / Indian Country Today PIERRE, S.D. - Marletta Pacheca's nephew was found hanging in his cell in a South Dakota prison. His previous displays of mental health brought no help from the prison health system. "I heard his cry; that voice will never leave my ears," said Pacheca, a Lakota from Rapid City, S.D. at a hearing of the State-Tribal Relations Committee of the South Dakota Legislature. "Why do we have to fight so hard just to find out about our relatives? "I am speaking out because prison cost my nephew his life. It is not safe in prison." Sometimes speaking publicly about problems American Indian inmates have in prison can get them into deeper trouble, many people told the state legislators in a session at the state Capitol. On the heels of a state-ordered study on the proportion of Natives in the prison system, the committee heard not so much about the excessive numbers of American Indians, but their treatment. "Who's going to help. It's a hard life, it's hard to be Indian in South Dakota, Pacheca said. Tom Van Norman, Lakota and state representative from District 28A, said things like Pacheca's situation should not happen on his watch, and he said the committee would do something this next session. "I am touched, I will not forget this," said Stan Adelstein, state senator from Rapid City. "We will move forward with a heavy heart," he said. Witness after witness before the committee had stories about inadequate health care in prison, about religious objects and practices withheld and of beatings and disciplinary actions for small infractions. Twyla Turney's son was beaten and disciplined for trying to give another prison inmate food. Turney said she was always taught that if someone were in need of food that she and her family would help. Her son eventually paid with his life. He committed suicide. Turney said after the prison authorities informed her of his death his personal effects were turned over and she found a letter addressed to her that had never left the prison. It was her son Bill's suicide note. She had no idea he was in such a state. "I feel nobody wants me around. It will be better without me around," the letter said in part. A recent study commissioned by Gov. William Janklow revealed that a disproportionate number of American Indians were incarcerated in the state's prisons. The state's American Indian population is 8.3 percent, and 22 percent of the prison population is American Indian. The Department of Corrections brought other state's statistics to the table at the committee hearing to indicate South Dakota has nothing to worry about in terms of the numbers. In Minnesota, 1.1 percent of the population is American Indian and 6.6 percent of the inmates come from that community, in Montana 4.9 percent of the population is American Indian and 17.9 percent of the prison population is American Indian. Paul Valandra, Rosebud Lakota and state representative, said he was concerned about the figures. He said he was led to believe the figures were higher in South Dakota. The state DOC figures did not include those people held under federal laws, which he said could bring the figures up to near 50 percent. Also county and city jails were not included in those figures. "I'm concerned that when it comes to funding, legislators will think South Dakota is not much different than other states, that there isn't a problem," Valandra said. Jesse Taken Alive, tribal councilman from the Standing Rock Sioux Tri