From gars@speakeasy.org Wed Apr 9 21:18:27 2003 Date: 8 Apr 2003 23:34:34 -0000 From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews11.015 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 Tlaixmatiliztli -- Nahuatl -- News Native American News -- Language of the Occupation Forces Wotanging Ikche and Native American News Copyright c. 1996-2003 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 11, ISSUE 015 | Country than is reported in | O o o o o O | this weekly newsletter. For | O o O April 5, 2003 | For daily updates & events | O o O | go http://www.owlstar.com/ | O | dailyheadlines.htm | Yuchi Wadaa/big summer moon +-----------------------------+ Algonquin Suquanni kesos/moon when they set Indian corn <================<<<< >>>>================> 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 American Advocate, Native American Chat, ndn-aim and Iron House Drums Mailing Lists; Newsgroup: alt.native; UUCP email IMPORTANT!! ----------- In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes. <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. ++ It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org ++ It is archived at http://www.nanews.org <================<<<< >>>>================> +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + | As historian Patricia Nelson | | 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: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + ======================== "We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees." __ Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), Nuxalk Nation +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! I had hope what I heard was not true, but I suspect it is. It is possible Lori Piestewa's family discovered she had been confirmed KIA the same way I did - through a news report. It has also been reported the family was was informed over the phone by the military. Either way, I am convinced our government has no shame. My half-side, Janet, and I were at a powwow in northwest Alabama when we heard the news. The drum I sing on had just dedicated the veterans' song to Lori. The committee then reported the horrible news of her crossing. Without discussion warriors assembled in the circle. An eagle whistle called to the four directions and Amazing Grace was rendered in Cherokee in a beautiful tear-filled acapella. Veterans from Korea, World War II, Viet Nam, Grenada, Panama and Desert Storm embraced as they sent Lori on her final journey and remembered other comrades other times. I can only hope Lori's family learns that 1600 miles from Tuba City, their daughter DID receive the respect she deserved from Cherokee, Apache, Creek, Iroquois, Lakota and many others in the mountains of northwest Alabama, even if the government she gave her life for did not. Lori is believed to be the first Native American woman to die in battle on behalf of the US. Ever. The government is planning to feature her in an exhibit opening May 24 at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, located at Arlington National Cemetery. There will be additional observances at Memorial Day ceremonies there. Her tribe and other groups around the country are planning, or have held memorials for her. See links listed at http://www.owlstar.com/ dailyheadlines.htm (in the yellow box) for details about memorial services and locations to send cards, letters, or gifts to her family. Note: The ceremonies are a nice gesture. I wonder if the government will go beyond speeches and rose petals to express gratitude for Lori's sacrifice, and for the void it will leave for her family and friends, and especially for her two children. As a point of comparison--the governor of West Virginia guaranteed full scholarships to Jessica Lynch, another member of Lori's unit who was rescued alive but injured. Beyond the very minimal compensation granted families of GIs killed in action -- what will be done for Lori's family and children? Dohiyi Ani Oginalii , , Gary Night Owl gars@nanews.org (*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@speakeasy.org (`-') Marietta, GA 30008, U.S.A. ===w=w=== ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- - Crossings - B.C. First Nations Update - Statement from Percy Piestewa - Justices weigh Tribal Sovereignty - Hopi Soldier's - Arrest seen as break Spiritual return Home in 27-Year-Old Murder Case - Piestewa Peak to honor - Second Man sought Soldier from Tuba City in Slaying of Anna Mae - Wartime Service - I am Arlo's Niece of Indian Women researched - Matteucci hired to - Indian Chamber site shape up Crow Court in support of Indian Troops - Sgt. Alan Two Crow's Death - Guest Opinion: - Native Prisoner West needs Wild Bison -- Inmate needs Mail - Black Mesa Trust - Rustywire: files Testimony on Mohave - Poem: Can You Hear The Cry - Navajo Farmers offered Money - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days to shut off Water - Preserving Languages - Managing Minors' Money a struggle across Nation concerns Tribe - Specials This Week on APTN - Hearing on Governance Act - This Week on AIROS labelled a Charade - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: Crossings" --------- Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2003 08:10:52 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" April 3, 2003 Julia Mary Diaz Julia Mary Diaz, (Wambdi Ho Waste Wi), infant daughter of James and Janette (Tomahawk) Diaz of Devils Lake, entered and left our world on March 29, 2003 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten, ND. Fr. Charles Leute will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Jerome's Catholic Cemetery, rural Crow Hill. Visitation will be on Wednesday at Seven Dolors Catholic Church beginning at 5 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8 p.m. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Julia Mary's Cousins Serving as Active Pallbearers will be Hope Tomahawk, Faith Tomahawk, Sharon Feather and Delphine Thompson. Julia Mary is survived by her parents; sister, Delisha; brothers, Andres, Jamison, John and William Diaz all at home in Devils Lake; God-brother, Treigh WhiteBuffalo; uncles, William Tomahawk, Jr., J.R. Diaz, Chico (Berta) Diaz of Morton, MN, Nathan Dogskin, Jr., Greenville, IL, Gideon Bison, Crow Hill, ND; paternal grandfather, Porfirio Diaz, Corrizzo Springs, TX; and aunts, Sharon Feather, Hope and Faith Tomahawk, Devils Lake, Oralia "Lolly" Diaz, Minot, ND, and Irene Diaz, Bismarck, ND. Julia Mary was preceded to the spirit world by her paternal grandmother, Mary Louise (Brown) Diaz; great-grandparents, James and Agnes Brown; aunt, Joann (Marks) Dogskin; maternal grandparents, William Tomahawk, Sr and Julia Peltier; great grandparents, John and Gladys Peltier, Sr. and Frank and Josephine Tomahawk, Sr. Julia Mary will be greatly missed by all her many, many relations. Our Little Angel. Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, is in charge of the arrangements. Copyright c. 2003 Devils Lake Daily Journal. -=-=-=- April 2, 2003 Merle Nadine Rave Bayless EAGLE BUTTE - Merle Nadine Rave Bayless, 60, died Saturday, March 22, 2003, of natural causes at the Meadowbrook Manor in Rapid City, S.D. Funeral services for Merle Bayless were held Friday, March 28, 2003 at 2 p. m. at the HV Johnston Cultural Center in Eagle Butte, S.D., through Luce Funeral Home. Burial followed at the Green Grass Cemetery, where she is laid to rest with her family. She was born August 17, 1942 to Curtis and Helene (Dupris) Rave, on the Poor Buffalo Ranch in Ziebach County. She is survived by her two children, Royce Bayless of Rapid City, Eileen Siem of Missoula, MT; her 3 brothers, Austin Rave, Curtis Rave, Carlin Rave; and sister Mary Lee Johns. Merle was a complicated, accomplished and dearly loved woman. She was a true Lakota woman when it came to acknowledging and respecting all of her relatives. She was many things to many people - a loving granddaughter, daughter, niece, sister-cousin, mother, auntie, mother-in-law, friend, and grandmother. Merle's childhood summers were spent at the Poor Buffalo Ranch with her brothers and sister and many cousins. As one of the oldest grandchildren she literally ran the herd - cattle, horses and kids. Because she displayed responsibility and maturity in the care of the younger ones - her Great-Unci Lucy Poor Buffalo saw her as a brave hearted woman. She was so loving and willing to defend them from any harm. This caring and protective concern for her family was displayed throughout her life. No children were more cherished than Eileen and Royce; her gift to them was a childhood full of wonderful experiences and memories filled with laughter and love. She shared her love for animals with them and together they opened their home to many a stray dog, cat or rooster. She was their #1 fan in any activity they were involved in. They spent a lot of time at the horse races - Eileen and Royce traveled the country going from track to track. Eileen was her little princess and Royce her champion, she would have given them the stars and the moon if they asked for it. Merle's love for learning never ceased. She loved to read and enjoyed debating a political topic, especially tribal politics. She followed her goal of being a college graduate. She went back to Northern State College in pursuit of her bachelor's degree. She drove many miles in the predawn light to Aberdeen to attend classes only to turn around and drive home that night. Her hard work paid off; in 1973 she received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She encouraged others to get a college degree. Merle entered the spirit world surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. She would want us to remember her by carrying on her deep-rooted family values, being kind to all animals, not to look down on the less fortunate but to treat them with dignity, and to kick ass when you have to! April 8, 2003 Raymond Grey Fox Jr. PORCUPINE - Raymond Grey Fox Jr., 26, Porcupine, died Thursday, April 3, 2003, in Porcupine. Survivors include his mother, Victoria Grey Fox, Porcupine; one son, Charles Grey Fox, Porcupine; and four sisters, Daneen Afraid of Hawk, Allen, Joanne Afraid of Hawk, Fort Totten, N.D., Jean Afraid of Hawk, Devils Lake, N.D., and Tina Afraid of Hawk, Oneida, Wis. Two-night wake services begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Christ the King Catholic Church Hall in Porcupine. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, at the church with the Rev. Bill Pauly, S.J., officiating. Burial will be at St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery in Porcupine. Sioux Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Lucille L. Shangreaux-Henderson KYLE - Lucille L. Shangreaux-Henderson, 65, Kyle, died Thursday, April 3, 2003, in Concord, Calif. Survivors include one son, Darwin Henderson, Concord, Calif.; two daughters, Marcy Henderson and Jackie Jeffrey, both of Concord; four brothers, Pete Shangreaux and Bat Shangreaux, both of Kyle, Donovan Shangreaux and Mike Shangreaux, both of Scenic; two sisters, Wildine Rice and Marti Sideris, both of Walnut Creek, Calif.; and three grandchildren. Burial of cremains will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Shangreaux Family Plot in Kyle with the Rev. Cordelia Red Owl officiating. Sioux Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Louis J. White Whirlwind Jr. OGLALA - Louis J. White Whirlwind Jr., 51, Oglala, died Thursday, April 3, 2003, in Oglala. Survivors include his mother, Theresa Sounding Side- Blacksmith, Oglala; two daughters, Belinda Two Lance and Belnita Two Lance, both of Oglala; one stepbrother, Herman White Whirlwind, Manderson; two sisters, Lois White Whirlwind and Loretta White Whirlwind, both of Oglala; and five grandchildren. Two-night wake services will begin at 1 p.m. today at Br. Rene Catholic Hall in Oglala. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at the hall with the Rev. Ben Tyon officiating. Burial will be at White Whirlwind Family Cemetery in Oglala. Sioux Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2003 the Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- March 31, 2003 Gail Leo Bird TAHLEQUAH -- Funeral services for Gail Leo Bird, 80, of Wyandotte will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2003, at Reed-Culver Funeral Home with Rev. Pat Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at the Moody Cemetery with military honors. Gail Leo Bird was born March 6, 1923, at Moody the son of Christie and Lizanna (Wofford) Bird and he passed from this life on Wednesday, March 26, 2003, in Oklahoma City. Gail grew up in Cherokee County and attended Chilocco Indian School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was married to Delma Webster July 3, 1951. Gail worked for District 1 until 1960. He then worked for the Seneca Indian School and for the Seneca-Cayugua Indian Tribe, retiring in 1998. Bird was preceded in death by his wife; one brother, Thomas Leon Gourd; and grandson, David Bird. He is survived by a daughter, Linda Adams and husband Richard of Moore; two sons, James Bird and David Bird and wife Mary, all of Wyandotte; three sisters, Bobbie Barber and Betty Freeman of Tulsa and Very Freeman of Tahlequah; three brothers, Jack Bird of Whitehall, Ark., George Gourd of Tulsa and Eli Gourd Jr. of Grapevine, Texas; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 W. Delaware, 456-2551. April 4, 2003 Floyd W. Walters TAHLEQUAH -- Funeral services of Floyd W. Walters, 91, of Tahlequah, will be Saturday, April 5, 2003, in the Green Country Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Bill Drywater officiating. Interment will follow in the Moodys Cemetery within the care of Green Country Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Patrick Day, Dustin Reese, Samantha Reese, Bonnie Walters, Jordan Purcell and Ashley Hooper. Interment will follow in the Moodys Cemetery within the care of Green Country Funeral Home. Floyd Walters was born Nov. 22, 1911, in Cleveland, the son of George Floyd and Rose Anna McNeal Walters. He died on April 2, 2003, in Tahlequah. He had attended schools in Pawnee and Tulsa Counties. On Feb. 27, 1952, he married Leola Kingfisher Hawkins and to this union nine children were born. A World War II veteran, Walter served in the U.S. Army Air Corps for 12 years and was a past commander of the American Legion Blackfox Hartness Post No. 135. He enjoyed baseball and fishing. He liked reading and spending time with his family, especially the love of his life, his wife Leola, who preceded him in death in August, 2000. Floyd had been the owner of the local Bekins moving company for over 30 years. Floyd was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Robin; a brother, Lester Walters; and a sister, Irene Wolfe. He is survived by eight children, Rose Anna Day and husband Keith of Moore, James and Jamie Walters of Tahlequah, Dennis Walters of Seabrook, N. H., Stan Walters and wife Cindy of Middleton, Pa., Janice Walters-Purcell of Tahlequah, Sharon Walters of Hulbert, George Walters and wife Cheryl of Tahlequah, and Wade Walters of Okemah; 20 grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; a brother, Charles Walters of Washington; sisters Pat Walters Miller of Hominy, and Barbara Walters Slatton of Dallas, Texas; and a host of other relatives, friends and loved ones. The family of Floyd Walters wishes to extend special thanks to the Hospice of the Cherokees, Grace Living Center - University Northwest, and Dr. Owen Gilmore. Green Country Funeral Home, 203 S. Commercial Road, 458-5055. Copyright c. 2003 Tahlequah Daily Press. -=-=-=- April 1, 2003 Timothy Vetter Sr. Timothy Vetter Sr., died Sunday morning, March 30, 2003, at his home in Topeka, Kan. He was 58. An evening prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Otoe- Missouria Tribal Cultural Center. The traditional funeral feast will be held at noon Wednesday, April 2, at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center followed by the graveside service at 2 p.m. at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Timothy Clayton Vetter Sr. was born Nov. 1, 1944, in Pawnee, the son of Ernest Sr. and Verniece Mae Grant. He grew up in Red Rock, attending Red Rock schools and moved to Lawrence, Kan., where he attended Haskell Indian School. After graduation, he attended vo-tech schools in Lawrence where he studied welding. On January 13, 1965, he married Sheryal Rice in Kansas City, Mo., and they lived in California for 18 years. In 1983, he moved to Garden City, Kan., before settling in Topeka, Kan. He was a welder by trade and enjoyed playing softball, basketball and golf. He was a member of the Native American Church and the Otoe-Missouria tribe. Survivors include four sons, Timothy C. Vetter Jr. of Pawnee, Trevor Vetter of Orlando, Fla., Todd Vetter of Stillwater and Thunder Vetter of Topeka, Kan.; one brother, Samuel Joseph Vetter of Ponca City; four grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother. Copyright c. 1998-2003 The Ponca City News. -=-=-=- April 1, 2003 Nancy Mae Carbitcher Gone is a loving mother, dear grandmother, and a wonderful friend, a quiet lady who helped many, never asking for anything in return. A leader of her family with a kind and gentle nature, soft-spoken with a loving smile that will be greatly missed in the lives of those that knew and loved her. Life-long Seminole County resident Nancy Mae Deere Carbitcher, 68, will be laid to rest on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. She was brought back to her home southeast of Bowlegs at 5 p.m. Sunday. An all-night vigil will be held Tuesday night starting at 7 p.m. Rev. Houston Tiger and Rev. Walley King will officiate the services. Burial will follow in the Jimmie Carbitcher family cemetery under the direction of Stout Phillips Funeral Home with traditional speaker Dorsey Nero officiating. Nancy died Saturday, March 29, 2003, at her home in Bowlegs. She was born July 9, 1934 south of Holdenville to Thomas and Lucy (Harrison) Deere; they preceded her in death. In 1949, she married Jimmie (Ozvna) Carbitcher Jr., in Seminole; he preceded her in death. She worked throughout her life as a homemaker and quilter. She loved quilting, especially for her kids, grandkids, great- grandkids and for anyone who would ask. Nancy also quilted traditional Seminole Patchwork quilts. Nancy was a member of Mekusukey Baptist Church where she would come to enjoy church songs, hymns, and gospel singing. She reared her children in the Bowlegs area in the tradition of the Seminole tribal methods. She lived the ways of the Seminoles, intermingling her life with that of the world around her. Nancy enjoyed attending stomp dances where she shook cans for many years. She followed the customs of the ancient Seminoles in the dances that were held. One of her favorite past times was playing with her grandchildren and following their school and extra-curricular activities. She enjoyed teaching them the Seminole language and customs of their ancestors. Nancy will follow the Seminole tribal custom through her funeral services and burial. Survivors include three sons and daughter-in-laws, Freeland "Rusty" and Shalah, Stroud, Jimpsey "Boggey" and Vicky, Garrett, Texas, Cooky "Toby," of Seminole; seven daughters and son-in-laws, Pat Larney, Shawnee, Betty Jean "Tina" and Gene Wahweah, El Reno, Dora Mae "Tootsie" and Dave "Ro-man" Hill, Serena "Doedo" and Dewayne Scott, Nettie "B- girl" and David W. Haney Sr., Lisa Billie of Seminole, and Marina "Tolley" Brown of Wewoka. Nancy left behind 38 grandchildren, Sean and Hayga Chalepah of Vamossa, Shirlene and Donny Cofer, Katie "Lusty" Phillips, Sally "Tooter" Wind and Jason Brauning, Michael "Boysee" Hill and Raney Fixico, Jack Hill, Isaac Hill, Davy "Buffalo" Hill, Natasha "Toshie" Hill, Kristy Hill, Buddy and Tia Harjo, Vanessa "Sissy Boo" Henneha and J.B. Smith, Tiesha Henneha, Mindy Scott, David Haney Jr., Jason "Booner" Carbitcher, Robert (R.J.) Carbitcher, Shenna Carbitcher, Fayden Garrett Carbitcher, Casey Cole, Laney Cole and Sargent Billie, all of Seminole, Darlene Carbitcher of Norman, Tammy Reese of Texas, Sammy and Kristy Wahweah and David Wayne and Lindsey Haney of OKC, Gene and Stephanie Wahweah II of El Reno, Lisa Carbitcher and Larry Berryhill of Wetumka, Gannon and Shannon Brown and Michelle Burden of Wewoka, Leonard "Bonsai" Henneha Jr. of Okemah, Jimpsey "Sonny Boy" Dale Carbitcher and Charlotte Smith both of Wetumka, Tiffany Carbitcher, Monroe "Roeroe" Carbitcher, Jake "Jakey" Carbitcher and Brandon "Petey" Carbitcher of Konawa, Katie Carbitcher of Bowlegs, Jessica Nicole of Wagner, Daryl and Sarah Bunyard of Mustang. She has 32 great-grandchildren, Christopher Cofer, Donovan Phillips, Kelsey Phillips, Jasmine Phillips, Wynter Wind, Summer Wind, Marion Wind, Christian Wind, Alesha Hill, Matthew Hill, Gavin Hill, Tanner Ray, Alexis Harjo, Tafv Harjo, A.J. Yargee, Kyle Yargee and Hailey Mainard all of Seminole, Quinten Wahweah, Cameron Wahweah, Taryn Wahweah and Cloey Haney of Oklahoma City, Daveon Hill and Darian Hill of Shawnee, Neila Wahweah of El Reno, Rae Lyn Chalepah and Seena Chalepah of Vamoosa, Marissa Berryhill, Micah Berryhill, Mupettv Berryhill, David Lewis and Kristen Lewis of Wetumka, and Gaberial Bunyard of Mustang. Carbitcher has one great-great-grandchild. Other survivors include three sister-in-laws, Mary Jane Harjo, Bowlegs, Srophonia Brown, Seminole, and Bonnie Deere, Blythe, Calf.; one brother- in-law, Lewis Wise of Seminole; one uncle, Buster Deere of Seminole; a host of nieces and nephews, and special long-time friends: Edna Gourley of San Francisco, Calif., Dan and Lucille Reynolds of Seminole, as well as many, many others. Those who precede Nancy in death are husband Jimmie (Ozvna) Carbitcher Jr., Nov. 8, 1999 at the age of 69; two sons, Younger (Sonny) Carbitcher, Dec. 9, 2001 at the age of 33, and Monroe Carbitcher, Oct. 31, 1964 at the age of three; a toddler grandson, Frederick "B.J." Brown, Nov. 6, 1979; 11 brothers, two sisters and her parents Thomas and Lucy Deere. Pallbearers include Dave R. Hill, Gene Wahweah, Dewayne Scott, J.C. Simpson and grand-sons. Honorary pallbearers are Felix Mack, Raymond Harjo, Shannon Deere, Buddy Wood, Thomas Mack, Henry Yargee, family and friends. The Seminole Producer/Copyright c. 1999-2000 Arizona Newspapers Assn. -=-=-=- April 3, 2003 Delfino Calabaza Delfino Calabaza, age 56, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother was called home to be with the Lord our Savior, Monday, March 31, 2003. Delfino was born in Santa Fe, NM and was a resident of Albuquerque. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary; a proud Veteran of the United States Army who served our country during the Vietnam War; and was a member of the American Legion Post #69. Delfino enjoyed golfing, hunting and volunteering for West Mesa Little League Baseball; he was avid reader of Indian history. He was known for his involvement in Native American politics; he wrote many New Mexico Tribal Grants. Delfino will always be remembered by his loving, caring and compassionate nature. He was preceded in death by his parents Santiago and Reyes Calabaza. He is survived by his wife, Elsie Calabaza of the family home; his wonderful children, Daphne Griffin and husband Darryl, Delfred Calabaza and LaNetta Castillo, Kyle Calabaza; and one grandson, D.J. Calabaza all of Albuquerque. Also surviving are his mother in law, Mary B. Chavez of Ignacio, CO; numerous brothers; sisters; and other relatives all of Santa Domingo Pueblo, NM. Delfino will be greatly missed by his loving family and by those who knew and loved him. Graveside services were conducted Tuesday, April 1, 2003 in Santa Domingo Pueblo, NM. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, April 5, 2003 at the home of Darryl and Daphne Griffin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peaceful Spirit Alcohol Treatment Center, P.O. Box 429, Ignacio, CO 81137. April 7, 2003 Jose "Al" Alcario Jose Alcario"Al", 77, passed into the arms of his Creator on April 1, 2003. Al was a member and resident of Isleta Pueblo and was known to his people as"Shirpuyo." Al was the beloved and devoted husband of Emma Marie Sangre; daughters, Frances Mirabal, Anna Marie Cuaron and husband, Anthony, Evangeline"Bobbi" Sangre, Gloria T. Gibson and husband, Archie; sons, Anthony Alcario Sangre and Phillip Sangre. He is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Felipe; mother, Juana Bautista"Shiepap"; brothers, Carlos and Patrick, Sangre. Al was a lifelong parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isleta, Pueblo; and a proud and courageous U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Al served in WWII in the Pacific Theatre and saw action in Kwajalein Atoll on January of 1944; Eniwetok Atoll in February; and Guam and the Mariana Islands in July through august 10, 1944; Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands on the southern tip of Japan where on June 13, 1945 he was wounded in action. For his gallantry, Al received the Purple Heart as well as other commendations. He returned home to Isleta after the war. Al held several jobs as a painter at the local air base and then became a Tribal Police Officer for the Pueblo of Isleta. Searching for a bigger challenge in life, Al joined the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as a Police Officer. He excelled in his classes at the Indian Police Academy and was commended for leadership among cadets. He returned to the Southern Pueblos Agency in Albuquerque where he rose through the ranks to become the Supervisory Criminal Investigator for the Southern Pueblos Agency. He then was promoted to the top law enforcement position in the Albuquerque Area as the Agency Special Officer. Al Sangre retired from the BIA on June 30, 1984. Al answered the call of the Isleta Pueblo when he was chosen as Lt. Governor. Still yet, acknowledging his leadership capabilities and his strong traditional upbringing, tribal elders selected him three times for the traditional leadership as War Captain. The family wishes to thank all those friends and relatives who visited Al during his illness and who helped out during the funeral. A special thanks goes to his Kiva son, Dikki Garcia who gave the eulogy at the Mass of Christian Burial; to Susan Velasquez, from Senator Domenici's Office; and the Veterans Administration fro the American flag; to Honorable Governor Alvino Lucero for presentation of the American flag; and to the Tribal officials who made themselves available to the family; to Henry Estrada, Band Director at Los Lunas High School for presentation of"Taps", at the cemetery; and special thanks to the Law Enforcement Officers, Police Officers of the Southern Pueblos Agency and Isleta Pueblo Police Department where Al Sangre was previously employed fro their service as honor guards at the funeral. Al Sangre will be greatly missed by his family and the community of Isleta Pueblo. Graveside Services were held on April 2, 2003 in Isleta Pueblo. Copyright c. 1997 - 2003 Albuquerque Journal: Albuquerque, New Mexico. -=-=-=- April 01, 2003 Inez Cochise Visitation for Inez Cochise Sr., 55, of Mescalero will be from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel in Ruidoso. The prayer service will be at 6 p.m. at the Mescalero Reformed Church, where the funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, with burial to follow at the Mescalero Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Bob Schut. Mrs. Cochise died Sunday, March 30, 2003, in Ruidoso. She was born May 27, 1947, in Mescalero and had lived there all of her life. She was a bilingual and elemtary teacher in Mescalero and a member of the Reformed Church. She married Silas Cochise Sr. on March 30, 1970 at Mescalero. Survivors include her husband, Silas Cochise Sr., of Mescalero; sons Winston Cochise, Malachi Cochise, Freeman Cochise, Winslow Cochise Rocha, Silas Coshise Jr. and Travis Cochise, all of Mescalero; daughters Millette Saenz, Inez Cochise Jr., Anna Cochise, Tazalynn Cochise, Jonie Cochise, Dashina Cochise, Colleen Cochise, Tina Coshise, Gina Via, all of Mescalero; a brother, Aldridge Morgan, of Mescalero; sisters Bessie Baca of Mescalero, Mary Imus of Peach Springs, Ariz., LaVerne Nasitima of Phoenix, Ariz., and Alma Morgan of Mescalero; an uncle, Lawrence Bigrope Jr., of Mescalero; an aunt, Ellyn Bigrope, of Mescalero; 21 grandchildren; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Forrest Anson Cochise; her parents Aldridge and Geraldine Morgan; grandparents Lawrence and Marie Bigrope and Kenneth and Bertha Morgan. Copyright c. 1999-2003 MediaNews Group, Inc./Ruidoso NM. -=-=-=- April 3, 2003 James Todacheene March 13, 1915 - March 31, 2003 James Todacheene, 88, of Toadlena, passed from this life Monday, March 31, 2003. He was born March 13, 1915, in Littlewater. A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., today, Thursday, April 3, 2003, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home in Shiprock. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2003, at the Christian Reformed Church in Toadlena. Interment will follow at the family cemetery in Toadlena. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. April 04, 2003 Stephen Nakai Jan. 12, 1921-April 1, 2003 Stephen Nakai, 82, of Hogback went home to be with his Heavenly Father on April 1, 2003. Stephen was born on Jan. 12, 1921, in Red Valley, Ariz., to James and Mercedes Nakai. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Stephen attended the Mesa View Assembly of God Church in Shiprock with his wife. Stephen is survived by his wife Lucy of Hogback; five sons, David, Henry, Harry, Joseph and Jimmy, and two daughters, Mary and Annie. He was blessed with seven grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers; Thomas Nakai, Bernard Nakai, Raphael Yazzie; and one sister, Mary L. Nakai. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Leroy Nakai; granddaughter Natasha Nakai; and sisters Agatha Garnenez, Grace Nakai, and Theresa Nakai. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003, at Sunset Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Shiprock Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Nakai, Harry Nakai, Joseph Nakai, Jimmy Nakai, Mario Moreno and Craig Maley. Honorary pallbearers will be Bernard Nakai, Thomas Nakai, Raphael Yazzie and Dallas Nakai. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of Memories Funeral Home in Kirtland. April 8, 2003 Paul Hosteen Begay March 15, 1919 - April 7, 2003 Paul Hosteen Begay, 84, of Lukachukai, Ariz., passed from this life Monday, April 7, 2003, in Shiprock. He was born March 15, 1919, in Red Valley, Ariz. Funeral services are pending with Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, (505) 368-4607 Copyright c. 1999-2003 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington, NM. -=-=-=- April 1, 2003 Lois Ethel Warren FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. - Services for Lois Warren, 87, were held at 10 a.m. today at Fort Defiance Presbyterian Church. Rev. Roger Davis will officiate. Burial followed at Fort Defiance Cemetery. Warren was born June 15, 1915 in Cornfields, Ariz. into the Zuni Edgewater People Clan for the Cliff Dweller People Clan. Warren attended Ganado Mission High School. She was employed with Fort Defiance Hospital for 37 years. Survivors include her daughters, Josephine Nahlee of Tempe, Ariz. and Mary Rawles of Phoenix; brother, Henry Johns of Cross Canyon, Ariz.; sister, Elizabeth Keedah of Fort Defiance; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Warren was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Warren; daughter, Roberta Ray; sisters, Donna Silva, Mary Kine and Tahazbah Ahasboo; and brothers, Kurt Johns, Alfred Johns and Ralph Johns Sr. Pallbearers were Brandon Rawls, Joseph Ray, Valentino Ray, Casey Nahles, Coren Nahlee, Aaron Rawls and Robert Ray. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Stephen Michael Prows FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz., - Services for Stephen Prows will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 2 at the LDS Church in St. Michaels, Ariz. Burial will follow after services at the family burial ground in St. Michaels, Ariz. Prows died March 28 in Gallup. He was born Jan. 26, 1965 in Tooele, Utah into the Mud Clan. Prows was a master builder and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His hobbies included raising animals. Survivors include his wife Kym Larsen; sons, Tucker Stephen Prows and Shad Cook Prows; parents Shelly and Brenda Prows or Fort Defiance and Robert and Roseie Christian or Orem, Utah; brothers Ronald, Darryl, Brian, Jimmy, Kenny and Danny Prows; sisters Maria Michelle Prows, Rosalie M. Curtis, and Robin Vega. Prows was preceded in death by his grandparents Jim and Bertha Harvey of Fort Defiance, Ariz., and Fay O. and Elva Prows of Tooele, Utah. Pallbearers will be his brothers. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. April 2, 2003 Roscoe Allen Watchman FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. - Services for Roscoe Watchman, 91, will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, at Fort Defiance Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Fort Defiance Cemetery. Watchman died March 28 in Fort Defiance. He was born Jan. 13, 1912 in Narbona Pass into the Towering House People Clan for the Salt People Clan. Watchman was employed as a coppermine worker and Indian Health Services in Fort Defiance and Gallup as a janitor. His hobbies included ranching and saddle bronc riding. Survivors include his wife, Louise Tsinijinnie Watchman of Fort Defiance; daughters, Pauline T. Begay, Charlene T. Watchman and Irene T. Watchman all of Fort Defiance; brothers, George Watchman and Johnny Watchma; sisters, Ruth Morris of Fort Defiance and Laura Lee of Navajo, N. M.; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Watchman was preceded in death by his daughter, Carleen Watchman; father, Thomas Watchman Sr.; brothers, Dennis Tom, Snell and Harry Watchman; and sisters, Helen and Sarah Watchman and one grandchild. Pallbearers will be V. Roy Lee, Ernest Watchman, Bryan Watchman, Jericho Johnson, Cornell Watchman and Raymond Herder. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at St. Dominic's Hall, Fort Defiance, Ariz. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. John Bahe CHINLE, Ariz. - Services for John Bahe, 82, will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 2 at Our Lady of Fatima, Chinle. Father Blane Grien, OFM will officiate. Burial will follow at Chinle Community Cemetery. Bahe died March 27 in Chinle. He was born May 15, 1921 in Low Mountain, Ariz. into the Deer Springs People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Bahe retired from the railroad. His hobby included going to song and dances. Survivors include her sons, Ronald Bahe of Pinon and Peterson Bahe of Phoenix; daughters, Marie Nez of Inscription House, Ariz. and Melissa Sonnie of Phoenix; sisters, Mary Lucy Ben of Low Mountain, Ariz., Janis Begay of Phoenix, Louise B. Tsosie and Irene James both of Chinle; 17 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Bahe was preceded in death by his parents, Laura D. and Seilago Begay and daughter, Mary Tahe. Pallbearers will be Leslie Ben, Roger George, Sampson Begay, and Donovan Begay. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Nelson R. Kee VANDERWAGEN - Services for Nelson Kee, 54, will be held at noon, Friday, April 4 at the Whitewater Mission Church, Vanderwagen. Rev. Herbert Francisco will officiate. Burial will follow on family land, Vanderwagen. Kee died March 31 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born June 7, 1948 in Vanderwagen into the One Who Walks Around People Clan for the Edgewater People Clan. Kee was a Vietnam Veteran. Survivors include his wife, Maybelle Kee of Salt Lake City; daughters, Shannon Kee and Maleya Dixon both of Salt Lake City; mother, Charlotte Kee of Gallup; brothers, Emmett Kee of Salt Lake City and Joe Kee of Vanderwagen; sister, Betty Sandoval of Window Rock and five grandchildren. Kee was preceded in death by his sons, Gordon Kee and Elton Kee; father Robison Kee; brothers, Johnny Kee, Frank Kee, Jerry Kee and Walter Kee. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Chichiltah Chapter House. Irene A. Skeet COUSINS - Services for Irene Skeet, 77, will be announced at a later date. Skeet died March 31 in Gallup. She was born May 15, 1925 in Cousins into the Edge Water People Clan for the Red Streak Running into the Water People Clan. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. April 3, 2003 Mary Lee Silversmith WIDE RUINS, Ariz. - Services for Mary Lee Silversmith, 77, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 4 at St. Annes Catholic Church, Klagetoh, Ariz. Burial will follow at Wide Ruins Cemetery. Silversmith died March 29 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born Sept. 16, 1925 in Wide Ruins into the Towering House People Clan for the Edge of the Water People Clan. Silversmith was a homemaker. Her hobbies included rugweaving, tending to her sheep, cooking, sewing and traveling. Survivors include her sons, Stanley Lee of Sanders, Ariz., Roy Silversmith of Blue Gap, Ariz., John Silversmith of Kirtland, Franklin Silversmith of Window Rock, Donald Silversmith and Sammie Lee both of St. Johns, Ariz., Leroy Silversmith and Willie Silversmith both of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughters, Sarah Silversmith of Wide Ruins, Lilly Silversmith and Nora Silversmith both of Salt Lake City. Silversmith was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Silversmith Sr.; son, Frank Jr.; brother, George Lee and parents, Mary Lee Yazzie and Sam Lee Navajo. Pallbearers will be George Silversmith, Neil Silversmith, Ryan Chee, Jason Chee, Curtis Chee and Ivan Lee. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Chelsea Ren Duffel WINDOW ROCK - Services for Chelsea Duffel, 15, will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 5 at the St. Michaels Parish. Burial will follow at Fort Defiance Cemetery. A rosary and visitation will be recited at 7 p.m., tonight at Tse Bonito Mortuary Chapel. Duffel died April 1 in Sandia Pueblo. She was born March 15, 1988 in Fort Defiance, Ariz. into the Tangle People Clan for the Sandia Pueblo. Duffel attended Tse Ho Tso Middle School and Window Rock High School. She was in cheerleading and basketball. Her hobbies included reading, shopping, traveling, traditional dancing and computers. Survivors include her parents, Sarah Bitsilly and Darrell A. Duffel; brothers, Kevin and Raymond Duffel; sisters, Josette Duffel; and grandparents, Hoskie Sr. and Grace Bitsilly both of Navajo, N.M. and Eleanor Tenorio of Sandia Pueblo. Duffel was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jessie Brown and Ray Tenorio. Pallbearers will be Benjamin L. Bitsilly, Hoskie B. Bitsilly Jr., Jonathan D. Bitsilly, Mickey K. Bitsilly, Nathan R. Crawford, Steven Bitsilly, and Raymond Garcia. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Barbara Crawford's residence. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Nelson R. Kee VANDERWAGEN - Services for Nelson Kee, 54, will be held at noon, Friday, April 4 at the Whitewater Mission Church, Vanderwagen. Rev. Herbert Francisco will officiate. Burial will follow on family land, Vanderwagen. Kee died March 31 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born June 7, 1948 in Vanderwagen into the One Who Walks Around People Clan for the Edgewater People Clan. Kee was a Vietnam Veteran. Survivors include his wife, Maybelle Kee of Salt Lake City; daughters, Shannon Kee and Maleya Dixon both of Salt Lake City; mother, Charlotte Kee of Gallup; brothers, Emmett Kee of Salt Lake City and Joe Kee of Vanderwagen; sister, Betty Sandoval of Window Rock and five grandchildren. Kee was preceded in death by his sons, Gordon Kee and Elton Kee; father Robertson Kee; brothers, Johnny Kee, Frank Kee, Jerry Kee and Walter Kee. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Chichiltah Chapter House. Jonas O. Claw CHINLE, Ariz. - Services for Jonas Claw, 71, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 4 in Lady of Fatima Church, Chinle. Father Blaine will officiate. Burial will follow on family land, Chinle. Claw died March 31 in Tucson, Ariz. He was born Aug. 18, 1931 in Chinle into the Black Sheep People Clan for the Edgewater People Clan. Claw was employed with the railroad and retired from Health Services. He was a member of the NAC. His hobby include ranching. Survivors include his wife, Marie Claw; brothers, Frank Claw of Las Vegas, Nev. and Julius Claw of Montezuma Creek, Utah; sisters, Charlene Towne of Many Farms, Ariz. and Bessie Yazzie of Gallup; 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Claw was preceded in death by his daughter, Shirley Tsedah; parents, Stella Claw and Claw Yazzie; brother, Kee Claw. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2003 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- March 31, 2003 Raymond Tsipai Raymond Tsipai, 34, of Jeddito, died Monday, March 24, 2003, in Rochester, Minn. He was born Dec. 29, 1968, in Fort Defiance. Mr. Tsipai is survived by his parents, Bahe and Eleanor Tsipai; five children; brothers Norman Tsipai of Jeddito and Patrick Tispai of Mesa; sisters Mary Manygoats of Dilkon, Marietta Taylor of Flagstaff, Jeanette Begay and Margie James, both of Winslow, Peggy Tsipai and Julia Tsipai, both of Jeddito, and Rachel Tsipai of Pinon; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by one brother, Elton Tsipai. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, March 31, at Keams Canyon Baptist Church, Keams Canyon, with Pastor Leonard B. Yazzie officiating. Burial will follow in Jeddito Community Cemetery. Arrangements are by Greer's Scott Mortuary, Winslow. April 1, 2003 Bessie Singer Bessie Singer, 79, of Gray Mountain, Ariz., died Saturday, March 29, 2003. She was born on May 14, 1923, in Gray Mountain. Mrs. Singer was a homemaker, rug weaver and a great-great grandmother. Survivors include her husband, Calvin Singer; daugh- ters Stella Jensen, Alyce Brown and Lillie Neztsosie; sons Alfred Singer Jr., Jimmy, Roy and Art Singer; sister Dorothy Dugi; brothers King, Stanley, Ward and Keith Seschillie; and many grand- children and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four daughters and a son. Services will be held Wednesday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at the Latter-day Saints Church, 2401 E. Linda Vista, Flagstaff. April 5, 2003 Frances Gons Begay Frances Gons Begay, 96, died April 3, 2003, in Fort Defiance. She was born June 20, 1906, in Coalmine Mesa, Ariz., into the Ashiihi (Salt People) clan and for the Tsedeeshgiizhnii (Rock Gap) clan. Survivors include her daughters, Doris M. White of Parker, Florence Davis and Margaret Sanderson of Window Rock, and Geraldine Nuvayestewa of Tuba City; son, Wilfred "Shine" Begay of Fort Defiance; adopted son George Yellow of Cameron; 27 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Begay; sons, Frank Begay, Robert Begay, and Morris Begay; parents; sisters, Fannie Singer, Ella Seschillie, Jennie Dohi, Carrie Yellow; brothers, Whitney, Daniel Norris, Fred Norris. Pallbearers will be George D. White Jr., Nicholas M. White, Tony Davis, Art Sanderson, Wilson Norris and Joseph Seschillie. Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. (MDT) at the LDS Church in Tuba City. Visitation will be before the services from 9:30-11 a.m. at the LDS Church. Reverend Roger C. Davis will officiate. Burial will follow at the Tuba City Community Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends following the services and burial at the Greyhills High School Academy Auditorium. Mount Taylor Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2000-2003 Arizona Daily Sun. -=-=-=- March 30, 2003 Terry Jamison Tsosie Terry Jamison Tsosie, 26, of Phoenix died March 25 in Scottsdale. He was born in San Carlos and worked as a customer service representative for a retail clothing store. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Tsosie of Miami; one daughter, Courtney LeChance Tsosie of San Carlos; his parents, Terry and Sherlyn Tsosie of San Carlos; two brothers, Ralan James Swift and Bryon Tsosie of San Carlos; and two sisters, Kelli Ann Castillo of Tempe and Tera Rose Tsosie of San Carlos. Funeral service was conducted March 30 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Carlos. Interment was in Upper Peridot Cemetery. Lamont Mortuary of Globe handled arrangements. Copyright c. 2003 Arizona Silver Belt/Apache Moccasin. -=-=-=- April 4, 2003 Notaxe-ve'ho'e Russell Tall Bull 1-1-27 - 3-29-03 LAME DEER - Russell Tall Bull, 76, was born at Muddy Creek to Charles Tall Bull and Mary Brady on Jan. 1, 1927. He passed on March 29, 2003, in Redmond, Ore., after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Della; daughter, Rosie; parents, Charles and Mary; his brothers, Joe, Henry, Bill, Charles and Matthew Tall Bull. Survivors include Merlin Red Cherries, Lame Deer, Melward Tall Bull, Warm Springs, Ore., Mildred Red Cherries, Lame Deer, Ardyth Wheeler, of Venezuela, Thorton Tall Bull, Seattle, Joleta Cordell, Fort Lewis, Wash., Meredith Tall Bull, Switzerland; his sister, Nellie Beartusk; brothers, Nelson and Jacob Tall Bull. He attended Busby School, was a member of the Mennonite Church, also a member of the Dog Soldier Military Society of the Cheyenne Nation. He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged. He married Della Red Cherries at the Busby Mennonite Church. He worked on the railroad, sawmill ranch and did mechanical work. He was employed with the IAP program as a carpenter. He enjoyed working on cars, gardening, driving around, visiting friends and relatives, picking berries, making dry meat. He enjoyed his grandchildren growing up. Wake services will be Friday, April 4, 8 p.m., at Lame Deer Mennonite Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Petter Mennonite Church in Lame Deer. Burial will be held at Tall Bull Family Cemetery at Muddy Creek. April 5, 2003 Brian Olson CROW AGENCY - Brian Todd Olson, 38, formerly of Poplar, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at Crow Agency Hospital. Visitation will be held at Clayton Memorial Chapel in Poplar from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will be in the Poplar Cemetery. April 6, 2003 Raymond Dean Good Bird, III POPLAR - Raymond Dean Good Bird, III, 32, died Thursday, April 3, 2003, in Billings due to a long illness. A wake will be held on Monday, April 7, at the Poplar Cultural Center, with a Prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will be in Ft. Kipp. Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- April 3, 2003 Delores Little Young Man Delores Little Young Man, 48, a Great Falls homemaker, died of an aneurysm March 16 at a local hospital. Services took place March 22 in Browning, with burial in Willow Creek Cemetery. Day Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include her husband, Lamar Windham; a daughter, Nastasha Little Young Man; sons Marty Little Young Man and Ray Little Young Man; sisters Margaret Marceau, Eva Gray, Mary Griffin, Tanny Little Young Man and Isha Little Young Man; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. April 6, 2003 Delmar J. 'Poncho' Bigby FORT BELKNAP - Delmar J. "Poncho" Bigby, 60, an Army veteran and cultural adviser for the Fort Belknap Community College, died of natural causes Friday at a Havre hospital. A wake is 7 p.m. Monday at the family home at Fort Belknap. Traditional funeral services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at the family home, with burial in Pony Hill Cemetery at Fort Belknap. Adams Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include his wife, Mary Bigby of Fort Belknap; sons Ken Bigby and Alex Doney Bigby Jr. of Fort Belknap and A.J. Bigby of Harlem; a daughter, Evelyn Bigby of Fort Belknap; brothers Norman "Pudgy" Azure Jr. of Las Vegas, Michael "Sunny" Azure, Wayne Azure and Robert "Bobcat" Azure, all of Fort Belknap, and Edward Azure of Arizona; and five grandchildren. Copyright c. 2003 Great Falls Tribune, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- April 4, 2003 Stanley Anderson IN LOVING MEMORY OF STANLEY ANDERSON April 23, 1959 - March 30, 2003 Tragically on Sunday, March 30, 2003 Stanley Gordon Anderson, aged 43 years old passed away at Shoal Lake #40 with his partner Emily Fraser of Wabaseemoong First Nation. Stanley was predeceased by his beloved mother Ida Ross Anderson in 2001, his father Gus Anderson in 1982 and his baby sister Ina Norma in 1963. Stanley also was predeceased by his infant son in Winnipeg, Manitoba, his grandparents Bill and Bella Ross, many aunts and uncles and several cousins. He is survived by his daughter Sarah, sisters Eva Lund and Elva Bella Sinclair of Winnipeg, his brothers Glen (Melvina), Winnipeg, Tom (Shirley), Keewatin, Allan (Muriel) and William of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Stanley also leaves his very special uncle Tom Ross and auntie Noreen of Shoal Lake who helped him so very much over the years, and aunts Nora and Diane of Thunder Bay and Margaret of Calgary. Uncle Stan also leaves to mourn several nieces and nephews and many friends. A Service will take place at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Frank Kowal officiating with internment to follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery. BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS. Service 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2003 Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Copyright c. 2003 Kenora Daily Miner and News. -=-=-=- April 4, 2003 Natasha Renee Sweetgrass NATASHA RENEE SWEETGRASS, beloved infant daughter of Charlene Sweetgrass and Quentin Wadsworth, born Saturday, February 1, 2003 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, passed away at the Calgary Children's Hospital on Sunday March 30, 2003 at the age of 7 weeks. She leaves to mourn are her mother Charlene A. Sweetgrass, father Quentin E. Wadsworth, brother Zachary A. Sweetgrass, sisters; Charmain E. M. Wadsworth, and Cheyenne A. Sweetgrass, grandparents; Harvey and Adeline Sweetgrass, Stephen and Camillia Wadsworth, great-grandmothers; Mary Sweetgrass, Kitty Wadsworth, aunties; Jeannie Williams (Jonathan) of Provo Utah, Cory of Calgary, Jasmine, and Kristen, Stephanie and Sheri uncles; Harvey Jr., Kyle (Lisa), Phillip, Stephen Jr. (Pam), cousins; Anna, Dakota, Alexis, Stevie Ray, Jayden, Kyle Jr., Moroni, and Sariah. She is also survived by numerous family members from the Sweetgrass and Wadsworth families, and other relatives to numerous to mention. A special thanks to all the nurses at the NICU at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital and the Calgary Children's Hospital. A Wake Service will be held at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, Forestry Avenue Chapel, 4105-Forestry Avenue South, Lethbridge, on Friday, April 4, 2003 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. President Alatise Atoa officiating. Copyright c. 2000 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc./Lethbridge Herald. -=-=-=- April 1, 2003 Art Thompson VICTORIA - West Coast aboriginal artist Art Thompson, who is credited with bringing recognition to the free-form style of the Nuu-chah-nulth people of the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, died Sunday. He was 54. Thompson, a member of the Ditidaht First Nation born near Nitinat, died at his Victoria home after a four-month bout with cancer. He is known for bringing recognition to the Nuu-chah-nulth tradition at a time when West Coast aboriginal art work was nearly dominated by the highly formalized, near-ritualized style of the northern peoples such as the Haida. Artist John Livingston said Thompson was a master in the free-form style of the Nuu-chah-nulth. "He was one of the most significant artists of the northwest coast," said Livingston. "He was a champion." Peter Macnair, former curator of anthropology at the Royal British Columbia Museum, remembers Thompson began his career with work that was careful, almost tentative. However, by 1980 Thompson was creating designs within the Nuu-chah-nulth tradition displaying a firm control of the images and designs, Macnair said. From there, he soon developed a style that was uniquely and identifiable as his own. Thompson was generous with samples of his work, demonstrations of this techniques and his time in support of native people. Janice Simcoe, chairwoman of First Nations Education and Services at Camosun College, says Thompson stands tallest for the testimony he gave in a 1999 lawsuit over treatment he received at the Alberni Indian Residential School, which he attended for 10 years. Thompson told about sexual assaults, beatings and cruelty, an upbringing that sent him, for a while, into a spiral of alcohol and drug abuse, which he broke out of with his family's help. "For me, his legacy is making visible the stories of the residential school survivors," said Simcoe. A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Maht-Mahs gymnasium on the Tsechaht reserve in Port Alberni. Copyright c. 2003 Vancouver Sun. --------- "RE: Statement from Percy Piestewa" --------- Date: Mon, Apr 7, 2003 08:24:29 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="LORI's MOTHER SPEAKS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.thenavajotimes.com/loristatement.html Statement from Percy Piestewa, mother of Lori Piestewa April 7, 2003 In a rare interview, Percy Piestewa released a brief statement Sunday evening responding to the outpouring of sympathy from the nation and world: "Thank you for all your support. It has made us so strong. People from all over the world, from all over the nation, from people who feel as if Lori were their own daughter. "We ask people that they hug their little ones, tell them how much they mean to them -- all the naliis (paternal grandmothers), all the kids." Mrs. Piestewa said that Lori's deeply held religious beliefs likely helped sustain the soldier in her final hours and that "God took her so that she no longer would be suffering." "Tell people how awesome they are and thank them for all their support. The support has made our family strong." Copyright c. 1999-2003 Navajo Times/Navajo Nation. --------- "RE: Hopi Soldier's Spiritual return Home" --------- Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 06:43:16 -0500 From: "NAA" Subj: Hopi Soldier's Spiritual Return Home Mailing List: NAA Hopi Soldier's Spiritual Return Home Indians Sense War Victim's Presence in an Unseasonable Snowfall By T.R. Reid Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, April 7, 2003; Page A19 TUBA CITY, Ariz., April 6 - It shouldn't snow in April here on the sun- washed mesas of Arizona's Painted Desert. But when an unseasonable blizzard swept across Coconino County this weekend, the Hopi Indians here knew why it happened: Lori Piestewa was coming home. The body of Pfc. Piestewa, 23, the mother of two who was the first U.S. female soldier killed in the Iraq war, is still lying a continent away, at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. But to her fellow Hopi in her home town, the snowfall represented Piestewa's spiritual return. "When a Hopi is deceased, she comes back to the home mesas," said Wayne Taylor, the tribal chairman, as snowflakes coated his shoulders Saturday afternoon. "The spirit returns to the community and the family in the form of moisture. And this is Lori coming back." There is a rich variety of tribal and religious traditions in this ranching town of 8,200 east of the Grand Canyon, where Navajo, Hopi, Hispanics and Anglos all live together, although not always on friendly terms. Through generations of intermarriage, the Piestewa family represents several of those cultures. The late soldier was a Hopi with Navajo blood, the granddaughter of a Hispanic immigrant and a practicing Roman Catholic. Her 4-year-old son and her 3-year-old daughter were baptized at St. Jude's Roman Catholic Church. With the news of Piestewa's death, all the traditions here began preparing in their own ways to commemorate her life and mark her death in combat. Life is hard in Tuba City, a town of mobile homes and small wooden cottages lining a rutted collection of red-sand country roads. About one- third of the population is unemployed, and businesses are struggling. Accordingly, many people here say they didn't pay much attention when the United States went to war last month. "I barely listened to the news about it," said Raymond Zepeda over his breakfast -- a bean-and-cheese "Navajo Taco" -- at the Tuba City Truck Stop. "But since Lori went missing, I've watched every minute. Those guys in Iraq have got me mad now." Piestewa's 507th Army Maintenance Company was ambushed March 23 near Nasiriyah, and she was one of 11 soldiers listed as "missing in action." For the next two weeks, her parents, Terry and Percy Piestewa, led nightly prayer vigils asking for the soldiers' safe return. But late Friday, a telephone call from the Pentagon informed the family that Lori Piestewa and seven other members of her company were dead. At Mass this morning at St. Jude's, the Rev. Godden Menard tried to answer those parishioners who wondered why their prayers for Piestewa were not answered. "I suppose some of us feel angry at God for not answering us in the way we asked of him," the priest said quietly, standing before a tall cross of rough-hewn timber in the simple church. "But God answered us in his way. God wanted her to come home. We ask Him to reward Lori for the sacrifice of the life she gave for her country." Members of the late soldier's family said they would hold a Hopi "celebration of life" in her memory, after her remains are sent home to Arizona. But relatives said they have had no word about when this might happen. The Pentagon said it is still investigating the cause of death of the deceased soldiers and that may delay the return of Piestewa's body. All over Tuba City, collection buckets are taking contributions for a fund to assist Piestewa's young children, who are living with the late soldier's parents. The Hopi and Navajo tribes and radio station KFYI in Phoenix are also planning trust funds for the orphans. "It hurts for a very small community to lose somebody we all knew," said Denisse Goetcher, 22, who was a year behind Lori Piestewa at Tuba City High School. "She was always interested in military stuff. She knew what she wanted in life. And when she went off to Iraq, I thought, 'Yeah, she was always going to do that.' But now, Lori is -- is dead. And when you realize that, then you say, sort of for the first time, 'Wow, we're really in a war, aren't we?' " Copyright c. 2003 The Washington Post Company. --------- "RE: Piestewa Peak to honor Soldier from Tuba City" --------- Date: Tue, Apr 8, 2003 08:13:57 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="PIESTEWA PEAK" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0408tue2-08.html Piestewa Peak! Rename Squaw Peak to honor soldier from Tuba City Apr. 8, 2003 12:00 AM Grief is a raw and penetrating emotion that should not be politicized. But sometimes rare clarity comes out of the pain. And sometimes unexpected healing can emerge from the tears. The brave death of Pfc. Lori Piestewa can be one of those times. In the rural Arizona town where Piestewa went to high school, those who knew her spelled out her name with white stones atop a 200-foot mesa just outside town. Flags flew at half-staff in the community where she once led the Tuba City High School Junior Marine ROTC. Friends brought food to her family. These demonstrations of grief for a Hopi woman who lived on the Navajo Reservation mark the sacrifice of a single mother who is believed to be the first Native American woman killed in combat while fighting for the U. S. military. These are touching, fitting and natural outpourings of the pain the death of a loved one inflicts on the living. Next month, Piestewa will be honored by the country she died for in ceremonies in Washington. That, too, is appropriate. The nation owes more than it can repay to those willing to die in its name. Arizona can do something, too. The state can use this tragedy to end an enduring controversy and honor a woman whose life was dedicated to service. It can rename Squaw Peak as Piestewa Peak. It can end the long-running concern by some Native American activists that the word "squaw" is demeaning and insulting to the first Americans. Some will say this is politically correct pap. They are wrong. This can be a fitting way to honor one of Arizona's war dead and heal an old wound. Copyright c. 2003 Arizona Republic/azcentral.com. --------- "RE: Wartime Service of Indian Women researched" --------- Date: Sun, Apr 6, 2003 19:54:18 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MILITARY WOMEN" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0406war-piestewaside06.html Wartime service of Indian women researched Billy House Republic Washington Bureau Apr. 6, 2003 12:00 AM WASHINGTON - Relatively little has been documented about the historical contributions of Native American women to the United States military, particularly from eras prior to the 20th century. But research being conducted by the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, and others, is helping to uncover some of these contributions, including: - An Oneida woman, Tyonajanegen, fought on horseback at her American husband's side during the Revolutionary War Battle of Oriskany, loading his gun for him after he was shot in the wrist. - Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose service to the western expedition of Army Capts. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark is described in their journals, was not only a guide, but also an interpreter for members of the expedition unfamiliar with Indian languages. - Four Native American Catholic nuns from South Dakota worked as nurses for the War Department during the Spanish-American War. - Fourteen Native American women served as members of the Army Nurse Corps during World War I, two of them overseas. - Nearly 800 Native American women served in the military during World War II. - Many Native American women served throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. However, the exact numbers have not been documented. - As of 1980, at least 60 Native American women were serving in the Eskimo Scouts, a National Guard special unit. - Two Native American women, Terri Ann Hagan in 1994 and Katherine Matthews in 1985, have previously lost their lives in military service, though their deaths were unrelated to combat. - As of 1994, 1,509 Native American and Native Alaskan women were serving in the military forces of the United States. - In 2003, Army Pfc. Lori Piestewa of Tuba City becomes the first known Native American woman to die in U.S. military service as a result of combat. Copyright c. 2003 The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Indian Chamber site in support of Indian Troops" --------- Date: Sat, Apr 5, 2003 22:33:42 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="AICCO TROOP SITE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.okit.com/news/2003/april/chamberhits.html Indian Chamber getting big hits in support of Indian troops By Louis Gray - 04/03/2003 The American Indian Chamber of Commerce wanted to find a way to support Native Americans serving in the military and has been posting the names and addresses of the troops for the past two weeks on their website. The results have been an incredible amount of hits on their site www.aicco.org. Kathy Wilkins the Executive Director said "it's nuts around here." She said the response has been incredible. Wilkins said the servicemen and women are writing back and sending pictures of them in Iraq or with their planes and tanks. Chamber member Chuck Morehead manages the website for the business group. He said the site has used a "gig" of storage space in the past week and he is waiting on a call from the server to ask what is going on with the chamber. The hits started coming in heavy on Sunday March 23 when the normally 3 to 4000 hit a day site received 4753 hits. On Monday March 24 the site had 15,760 hits. The hits progressed until it crested at 106,069 on Monday March 31st. KOTV channel 6 in Tulsa, sent out a crew to produce a story on the web's success. Native American Times is Copyright c. 2000-2001 Oklahoma Indian Times, Inc. --------- "RE: Guest Opinion: West needs Wild Bison" --------- Date: Mon, Apr 7, 2003 08:24:29 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BISON" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2003/04/07/ Guest Opinion: West needs wild bison, domestic cattle By DON WOERNER Laurel Veterinarian Last month, National Park Service personnel engaged in a methodical and premeditated roundup of 231 wild bison. This operation took place mostly within the borders of Yellowstone National Park. These wild animals were already under stress from scant feed conditions and recent harsh winter weather. After the roundup, the Montana Department of Livestock took control. These precious and unique wild animals were stressed again by being loaded on trailers and summarily sent to slaughter. The situation with wild bison in and around Yellowstone is a disgrace. It is a black eye for my state and my nation. Sadly, it's likely April will bring more of the same for the buffalo on the west side of the park. Bison follow basic instincts. Park boundaries mean nothing to wildlife, and lower-elevation forage on land adjacent to the park is naturally enticing. Montana livestock interests are determined to keep wild buffalo out of our state. This farce has lasted several years with the expenditure of millions of dollars and nothing substantive has been accomplished yet. Politically, I am conservative Republican. My wife's family owns a fourth-generation mountain cattle ranch in Wyoming. I have been a veterinarian and small business owner in Montana for 35 years dealing mostly with range and feedlot cattle. I've "stayed on the fence" concerning this issue for way too long. I'm getting off that fence onto the side of the buffalo. The way I see it, certain issues must be faced head-on in order to effectively deal with this problem: - Brucellosis is a secondary issue. The actual problem is who controls the land and the grass. If brucellosis were the real issue, we would deal with it more aggressively in elk. We cannot "eradicate" brucellosis in Yellowstone bison until we eliminate crowding elk on winter feed grounds. - American bison are not cattle. Yellowstone National Park is not a ranch. It has taken man on another continent, over 6,000 years to domesticate cattle. People are attempting to ranch bison the way we ranch cattle. It isn't working well. American bison are still wild animals. - The reproduction rate of Yellowstone bison is very good in spite of their increased brucellosis seropositivity rate. In six years, the herd has about doubled its number. Brucellosis is not causing reproductive problems in the Yellowstone bison herd. - Wild bison need winter range. There is not enough winter range within or immediately adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. It is inhumane to force hungry bison to stay behind an artificial boundary then kill them as they try to get to a meal and milder weather. - We can't change the rules overnight. Livestock health regulations are vital to protect commerce and the quality of our food supply. Regulatory changes should happen and the changes must be based on science with balanced "special interest" input. - We cannot depend upon federal or state bureaucrats to save the Yellowstone bison. That is not their job. We, the American people must tell them what we want. - An approved quarantine facility would save many innocent bison. Excess animals could be relocated to a new home when the weather is milder and the stress is less. Most excess Yellowstone bison can be certified free of brucellosis and become part of other public or Native American herds. Boundaries could be set and numbers would be managed by a fair hunt. - I know this solution has drawbacks. Some bison will not pass the quarantine protocol. It will be expensive, but much of it could be financed privately. Some individuals dislike hunting. Hunting is necessary. Humans have hunted bison for thousands of years. Humans are a natural part of the bison's ecosystem. I believe there are more positives than negatives to this quarantine plan. The quarantine facility can be combined with a research center to help answer questions about the interaction of disease between wild animals and domestic livestock. More than just wild bison would benefit. The millions of dollars currently being wasted would be put to a more positive use. Yellowstone bison are the last of the truly wild and genetically pure bison remaining in the world. I propose a moratorium on Yellowstone bison slaughter. Please just let them be. Bring all parties together so we can talk. Other options are available. We must protect the health of our livestock industry, but the world needs healthy free ranging wildlife too. We can have both. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Black Mesa Trust files Testimony on Mohave" --------- Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2003 21:59:46 +0200 From: "Carina Gustafsson" <1073gustafsson@telia.com> Subj: Press release: Black Mesa Trust files testimony on Mohave Mailing List: ndn-aim From: Andy Bessler Reply-To: andy.bessler@sierraclub.org fyi Andy Bessler Sierra Club Environmental Justice Organizer P.O. Box 38 Flagstaff, AZ 86002 andy.bessler@sierraclub.org Phone: (928) 774-6103 Fax: (928)) 774-6138 PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Vernon Masayesva, Executive Director, Black Mesa Trust (928) 734-9255 or (480) 675-0870 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Grassroots Hopi and Navajo take case for economic and environmental justice to California's Public Utilities Commission FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA (March 31, 2003) - Grassroots Hopis and Navajos today announced that they have filed testimony on the disposition of the Mohave Generating Station with the California Public Utilities Commission. "Peabody Coal must stop pumping our drinking water from the N-aquifer and using it to slurry coal from Black Mesa to the Mohave Generating Station," said Black Mesa Trust Executive Director Vernon Masayesva. "Today we have taken our case directly to the California Public Utilities Commission and asked for economic and environmental justice for Black Mesa's indigenous peoples." The Commission is accepting testimony on whether or not to approve $1 billion to retrofit Mohave so that the 30-year-old power plant will comply with today's environmental standards for emissions. Dr. Lon House of California-based Water & Energy Consulting filed the testimony on behalf of Black Mesa Trust and To Nizhoni Ani. Respected elders, Mr. Masayesva and Jerry Honawa, who is from the Village of Hotevilla, testified on behalf of the Hopi people. Mr. Honawa said, "Our ancestors were told of great wealth beneath us. Wealth in the form of water, coal and other minerals. They were warned that someone will come someday with the promise of great wealth. He will use money to trick us into giving up the minerals. This has happened. Peabody came and tore up our land. Tore up our waters. They drilled deep wells at the palm of our hand, which is Black Mesa. They diverted water which should be going to the fingertips. They blocked water which should be feeding our springs and washes. They have done so without any consideration for our way of life and future generations of people yet to come. I try to be their voice...." Nichole Horseherder, a Navajo who lives on Black Mesa, testified about the traditional springs and seeps that are drying up as the aquifer is being depressurized from overdrafting. "Springs are very important to my people," she said. "We live in a desert and water is very valuable. We did prayers and offerings last October at Tseltadiilini, which is located about one mile northwest of my home....These prayers and offerings are made so that water continues to be available, not only for ourselves every extension of ourselves: our children, our cornfields, animals, plants, medicines, tobacco, relatives, and all people.' But, she said,"Our water is disappearing." Ms.Horseherder and her husband, Marshall Johnson, have for the past several months been talking to their neighbors on Black Mesa about the N- aquifer. They gathered resolutions from 11 chapters opposing continued pumping of the aquifer for coal slurry. Those resolutions, as well as statements from elderly Navajos whose families have lived on Black Mesa for generations, were included as part of the testimony. "I am afraid for my people, for our way of life," Ms. Horseherder said. Mr. Johnson's testimony focused on the cracks and sinkholes he has found out on Black Mesa over the past 10 years. Having first noticed sinkholes near his mother's summer home in the To Nizhoni Ani Valley, he started photographing and mapping the phenomena. "I started spending a few days a month tracing them, first by car then on horseback. I walked one summer day with my 17-month-old baby and traced at least four miles of these cracks and holes from 'Adahiili to the west side of Forest Lake Chapter." Mr. Johnson included photographs of many holes and cracks, as well as their GPS coordinates, in his testimony. "While Southern California enjoyed cheap coal-fired electricity from the coal and water from our mesa, we have experienced a decrease in our standard of living. Billions of dollars of electricity have been produced using our coal and our water and we still do not have electricity and running water, and live in homes with dirt floors. What kind of justice is there in that?" Mr. Johnson asked the Commission. Dr. House offered hydrological documentation that the aquifer is being over pumped and explained the inadequacy of current computer models used by Peabody and USGS that show, despite all evidence to the contrary, the aquifer is not suffering damage. He discussed the fact that the State of California would refuse to permit this use drinking water if it were occurring there. Though several alternative sources of water are available for the pipeline, such as reclaimed water from Flagstaff or Gallup, or the plant could go to dry cooling, or other electricity generation technologies could be implemented at Mohave, this testimony states, "Unfortunately, we have reluctantly to conclude that the prospect of resolving the water issues-even when feasible alternative sources have been identified-and getting an alternative water slurry for the pipeline implemented by 2005 [which is the deadline the Hopi Tribe has set for stopping pumping of water from the aquifer, rights to which it owns jointly with the Navajo Nation] to continue operation of Mohave is problematic. The Commission should pursue a course that evaluates the transition that will occur if Mohave is to be shut down in 2006." Shutting down Mohave will have a drastic economic impact on both tribes because both receive substantial royalties from water and coal mining on Black Mesa. Those revenues would be greatly reduced if the Black Mesa Mine were to stop operating because Mohave is shut down. Among the alternatives to shutting down Mohave entirely-or investing in the pollution control equipment required by a 1999 consent decree issued as a result of a lawsuit brought against the power plant by environmental groups-is investing the money in the construction of a coal Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle facility, which would use only a fraction of the water needed by an old-fashioned coal-fired power plant and would have other significant environmental benefits in comparison with older technologies. This alternative would be cost-effective when the price of cleaning up CO2 emissions generated by most coal-fired power plants is considered. The testimony concluded with the following recommendations to the Commission: The Commission should disapprove any N-aquifer water pumping for coal transport from Black Mesa; disapprove of any investments in electricity generation that use groundwater for fuel transport; open another phase of the current proceeding to figure out how to mitigate the economic impacts on the tribes when Mohave shuts down in 2006; discontinue any investment in direct-fired coal power plants, including the $1 billion to retrofit Mohave, and look at alternative technologies for electric generation; and direct Southern California Edison, the majority owner of Mohave, to replace the old power plant with clean coal technology alternatives. -- Organizations supporting Black Mesa Trust efforts include Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Oxfam America, WaterKeeper Alliance, Environment Now, Grand Canyon Trust, GlenCanyon Institute, Arizona Ethnobotanical Research Association, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Flagstaff Activist Network, Sacred Land Film Project, Earth Island Institute, Wild Angels, Seventh Generation and the law firms of Shearman &Sterling and Hagens-Berman. For more information about Black Mesa Trust, visit www.blackmesatrust.org. -- Tanya Lee 7270 Slayton Ranch Road Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 527-0341 (Flagstaff) (928) 527-0008 (fax) (617) 491-6106 (Cambridge) (603) 377-0267 (cell) tanyahayeslee@netscape.net or tanyalee@post.harvard.edu --------- "RE: Navajo Farmers offered Money to shut off Water" --------- Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2003 08:11:06 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NAVAJO WATER" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.daily-times.com/Stories/0,1413,129%257E6572%257E1290661,00.html Navajo Nation offers Navajo farmers money to shut off water By Jim Snyder The Daily Times April 2, 2003 SHIPROCK The Navajo Nation has proposed a deal to compensate Navajo farmers who choose to shut down their irrigation systems in a final effort to get the San Juan Basin Recommended Water Use Agreement signed. The proposal was made by the Navajo Water Management Branch in late March and made public Tuesday. A meeting is being held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Hogback Chapter House for farmers interested in signing up for the deal or learning more about it, said Hydrologist Bernadette Tsosie. She is with the Water Management Branch in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. The meeting is for Navajo farmers from the Shiprock, Hogback, Cudei, Upper Fruitland, San Juan and Nenahnezad chapters. There are strict stipulations for farmers who enter into the agreement, Tsosie said. Farmers would not be compensated for taking the required cutback in the water-use agreement, but would if they choose not to plant this year and voluntarily closed the irrigation headgate leading to their farm. Farmers must have used the same land for growing crops last year. "(Farmers) can't have cars growing in there or their homesite leases," Tsosie said, adding "we have satellite photography to check to see if land was used for growing." Qualifying farmers who signed up with the Water Management Branch would receive their compensation at the end of the irrigation season. The original "gentlemen's agreement" between 11 contracted water users in Navajo Reservoir and run-of-the-river water users was designed to restrict their water use up to 30 percent in the event a drought was declared. The Navajo Nation has yet to sign the water-use agreement because it originally left out compensation for Navajo farmers, a concern brought to light by Navajo Council Delegate LoRenzo Bates of Upper Fruitland. The controversial portion of the water-use agreement still involves a complex deal between the Navajo Nation and the San Juan Generating Station, the Four Corners Power Plant and BHP Billiton Coal, who want the option to purchase "makeup water" for their operations. Power plant and coal mine money to pay for makeup water would be funneled through the Jicarilla Apache Nation, which uses 4,670 acre-feet a year but has water rights to 33,500 acre-feet. The Jicarilla Apaches can legally sell water for industrial use, while the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project is limited to using water strictly for irrigation purposes. Tsosie said the Navajo Nation is not selling water to power plants, but rather forbearing or giving up their rights to the water above what NAPI has required. NAPI is asking for 204,000 acre-feet for this year, despite having storage rights to 508,000 acre-feet behind Navajo Dam. The excess water, now freed, would be picked up by the Jicarilla Apaches who would sell it to the power plants and coal company. The power plants and coal company would pay $120 an acre-foot for April, $280 an acre-foot for May and $393 an acre-foot for June, Tsosie said. The Jicarilla Apaches would then pay the Navajo Nation, minus their commission. The agreement would allow 80 percent of the remaining money to go to participating Navajo farmers and 20 percent to the Water Management Branch to administer the program, Tsosie said. The Navajo Council's Resource Committee, however, wants to hear from the six area chapters before voting on the agreement, she added. The Resource Committee defeated the original agreement March 17 in a 3-0 vote because it did not compensate 800 Navajo farmers who were being asked to take cutbacks, Bates said. The Council's Intergovernmental Relations Services Committee then tabled the agreement following the Resource Committee's vote. If the Resource Committee approved the Water Management Branch's deal it would likely go again before the IGR Committee. That committee is comprised of chairmen from all 11 Council Committees plus Council Speaker Lawrence Morgan. They would then vote on whether to sign the San Juan Basin Recommended Water Use Agreement. Tsosie is hoping the deal with the farmers can be finalized quickly. "Each chapter must pass a resolution to agree with the forbearance," Tsosie wrote. "The companies would like the Navajo Nation to respond by April 8." The architects of the San Juan Basin Recommended Water Use Agreement include two former BHP Billiton employees Navajo Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. and Navajo Division of Natural Resources Director Arvin Trujillo, said Peter Deswood, an industry insider currently working as an economic adviser for the Shiprock Chapter House. Also heavily involved was Navajo water attorney Stanley Pollack and John Leeper, director of the Water Management Branch, Deswood added. "Without the Navajo Nation (agreeing) this recommendation is dead," said Leeper, during a recent meeting at NAPI. "The Navajo Nation is the largest stake holder." Jim Snyder: jims@daily-times.com Copyright c. 1999-2003 MediaNews Group, Inc./Farmington, NM. --------- "RE: Managing Minors' Money concerns Tribe" --------- Date: Thu, Apr 2003 08:13:12 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/04_03/04_02_03/fr_managing_minors_tribe.html Managing minors' money concerns Tribe $100 million fund created from Harrah's profits By Don Hendershot April 2, 2003 "The Minor's Fund is a blessing and a curse," says Mark Little, a Cherokee High School business teacher. Little, a parent and an educator, typifies the ambivalence that is so common across the Qualla Boundary regarding the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' Minor's Fund. The $100 million fund, sometimes ignored and sometimes coveted by those off the reservation, is a source of great pride and great concern for tribal members. The fund was established in 1996 when the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians began collecting per capita payments from Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Every enrolled member receives two per capita payments per year generated by revenues from the casino. The current yearly per capita is around $6, 000. Members begin collecting per capita at birth. That money is kept in an account known as the Minor's Fund. When a tribal member reaches the age of 18 and has a high school diploma or GED, then they have the option of withdrawing their money or keeping it in the fund. Those members without a diploma or GED must wait until they are 21. Pause for concern The Minor's Fund, held in an EBCI account for tax purposes (the tribe is exempt from capital gains), was originally heavily invested in the raging bull market of the mid-90s. With tech stocks soaring, the fund was growing by leaps and bounds. But when the market began to nose-dive about three years ago, the fund was dragged along. Those minors who turned 18 last year and withdrew their money received less money than they would have if their per capita had been protected, rather than invested. Some parents began to question the tribe's management of the fund. Michell Hicks, tribal financial officer, called for a public work session with tribal council March 20 to discuss the fund and address the concerns of tribal members. "When I go to these community clubs, I get grilled," Hicks said, referring to the recent dip in performance of the fund. "The reality is, we've never had money before. It's a new animal for us. The question is how do we invest to first protect the principal and also earn reasonable interest," Hicks said. But some tribal members are not concerned about interest. "I get telephone calls from parents saying `we don't want our money at risk, at all,'" said Tribal Council Chairman Bob Blankenship. Wally Treadway is one of those parents. "I don't know where along the line it was decided that we needed to turn a profit. I don't think the stock market is a wise investment." Treadway said that the minors deserved to receive the total of their per capita payments and called it a "shame" that those who turned 18 last year and opted out of the fund lost money. "The process in place is a good process," Hicks said. "My recommendation to council is that we take a look at other investment vehicles." Financial consultant Grant Kalson of Kalson and Associates, of Newton, Penn., discussed options during the recent work session. He noted the complicated and involved logistics of trying to micro-manage different aspects of the account for different goals and warned of the "schizophrenic situation" of trying to protect capital and simultaneously invest for growth. Hicks said he would recommend a less aggressive plan. He encourages something like 25 percent in stocks and 75 percent in bonds. "In my mind, that's where we are headed," Hicks said. Council opinions Teresa McCoy, Big Cove representative said she felt the number one priority was to guarantee that all per capita distribution was available to enrolled members when they were eligible to collect it. "How do you create something that grows, but still protects the principal. I'm not sure we want to play this roller coaster thing. I'm leaning towards protecting the principal. That's what I want to see for my kids," Larry Blythe, vice chairman said. Council member Albert Crowe said he would, personally, look to growth investment but as a council member he felt obligated to secure the minors' principal. "We're charged with taking care of this money until they turn 18, then it's up to them," Crowe said. The council was in consensus about getting community input. "We need to survey the parents," Blankenship said, but noted that information needed to be presented to the community so they could understand it and make an informed decision. Community outreach The council decided on a multi-faceted approach to try to reach community members. Along with traditional community club meetings, the council charged Hicks and June Sterling of Qualla Financial Freedom to put together a program of community outreach. Sterling will write educational/informational columns in the Cherokee One Feather newspaper to help parents understand the relation between risk and return and outline some options for the fund and solicit input. According to Hicks, the tribe will also present a televised program from council chambers to try and reach as many tribal members as possible. That program is tentatively scheduled for April 15. Sterling said the idea is to get a majority opinion of how tribal members would like to see the fund managed. "Not everyone will agree on what the best option is, but we will try and educate them about the options so they can make informed decisions and not have regrets later." Need for education Tribal officials, council members, parents and educators all agree that there is a dire need for money management skills and financial education. Hicks noted that, to date, approximately 98 percent of those eligible withdraw their money from the fund when they reach legal age. "Older kids need to be wise about that money. It's less than $30,000. They need to look at $30,000 over a longer term. They should look at leaving that money in - at having basic family needs met. That's more valuable than short- term gains. A lot of money is being spent on useless things, it's here today, gone tomorrow. That's not healthy," he said. Little's commitment to those children vested in the minor's fund is quite evident. He fairly bristles when he talks about the challenges these young people face. "There are people out there who want those kids' money. It's my job to give them the skills they need to protect themselves and their investment." Little said his class at Cherokee High School was still evolving. "It's still in the experimental stage. We are working to get it where we want it. I hope that within two years we will have a course that is required for graduation." Sterling said the goal of Qualla Financial Freedom was to expand financial education to include everyone from kindergarteners to adults. According to its webpage, the mission of QFF is "to teach financial literacy to EBCI enrolled members on and off the Qualla Boundary." Some of their upcoming programs include "Teach the Children to Save Day," "Manage Your Money: Stop Laughing It's Possible," and "Financial Issues for Women." "Education is the best protection we can offer our children," said Principal Chief Leon Jones. "We have to protect the children's investment. We want them to have the opportunity to use that money to educate themselves and improve their life." Minor's Fund impact There are about 13,000 enrolled members of the EBCI. Approximately 4,200 of those are minors. "I had a banker figure for me, using today's per capita, what every member born today could expect as a return on their investment, at a modest three to four percent interest compounded daily, if they didn't touch their money for 25 years. They all could be millionaires," Jones said. "Can you imagine the socio-economic and political impact that 13,000 millionaires here on the boundary could have on North Carolina?" Sterling agrees that the impact could be enormous. `When will you ever have $100,000?" she asked. "Most of us are lucky to have that by retirement age. Those kinds of assets could provide the engine for growth across the entire area. Or they could just be consumed." Copyright c. 2003 The Smoky Mountain News/Waynesville, NC. --------- "RE: Hearing on Governance Act labelled a Charade" --------- Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 20:43:07 -0400 From: "Frosty" Subj: Fw: Hearing on Governance Act labelled a charade MailingList: Frostys AmerIndian ----- Original Message ----- From: Russell Diabo Hearing on Governance Act labelled a charade By Wes Godin with CP files Grand Chief Leon Jourdain calls the Standing Committee hearings on the First Nations Governance Act a "charade," after reports last week of Liberal efforts to curb debate on the proposed act. "The democratic process is the victim - now that the minister can close the doors, the public will never know what the committee heard and he can go back to his accountability, transparency and good governance massaging," said Jourdain in a press release. Jourdain said he believes the Parliamentary Standing Committee which recently completed its hearings held across the country was a farce right from the beginning. "Clearly the minister has a public relations nightmare. He has talked incessantly about the 'grass roots Indians' that support this bill - well after a cross-country tour in which speaker after speaker opposed this bill, the truth of the matter is at hand. The bill is way off the mark," said Jourdain. Jourdain's remarks come after NDP MP Pat Martin, who represents Winnipeg Centre, launched a filibuster in hopes of derailing a bid by the Liberal majority on the committee to limit the debate. The motion would allow each MP just 10 minutes to argue for each change they want made to the First Nations Governance Act. Martin spoke for a total of 12 hours on April 1 in an effort to delay the vote to limit the 10-minute motion. Local MP and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Bob Nault, who introduced the bill to the House of Commons back in the fall, believes the bill will tighten fiscal accountability, create an interim step towards self-government and clarify the legal status of band councils and their powers to make bylaws. Jourdain feels the bill misses major elements that are required to achieve the goals set out by the government. --------- "RE: B.C. First Nations Update" --------- Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 20:43:45 -0400 From: "Frosty" Subj: Fw: B.C. First Nations Update Mailing-List: Frostys AmerIndian ----- Original Message ----- From: Russell Diabo Hi, Last thursday Jessica Clogg and I participated in an unprecedented meeting of First Nations who met and issued a strong challenge against the Liberal government's new forest legislation. At the end of the meeting the First Nations issued a strong statement saying they oppose the new legislation. This announcement creates real obstacles for implementing negative aspects of the new legislation. Specifically, the First Nations indicated they will stand united, with each other, and with the environmental community, to: + Legally challenge the constitutionality of timber tenures and forestry legislation + Take First Nations concerns to the marketplace, to investors, to creditors that BC is not open for business until First Nations have been dealt with honourably + Assert authority over their territories and exercise their Aboriginal title and rights The meeting included 60 First Nation leaders from the coast, north and interior and was the first time in decades that reps from UBCIC (no- treaty) and FN Summitt (treaty) First Nations got together to coordinate strategy In addition to the threatened legal actions, a key focus of the announcement was the commitment to work with Dogwood Initiative and other groups to use financial pressure to move a sustainable land reform agenda. Grand Chief and First Nations' Summit task group member Edward John, said, "Government and industry are looking for certainty, but only First Nations can provide that certainty,.... Given recent forestry legislative changes, there is no certainty. Until proper accommodation happens neither the marketplace, nor the investment community will have certainty....it is not only an issue of access to timber, but one of environmental stewardship." The headline of the Vancouver Sun story said, "First Nations, Environmental activists unite against Victoria--First Nations will join eco-groups in a campaign against B.C. wood products". A better account is in the Prince George Citizen article below. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Friday, April 4, Prince Citizen by GORDON HOEKSTRA Citizen staff More than 50 First Nations from northern and Interior B.C. pledged Thursday to stand together, and with the environmental community, to fight the B.C. Liberals' sweeping forest policy changes. "There will be no peace in the valley until we've been dealt with in an honourable and respectable way," said Carrier Sekani Tribal Council chief Mavis Erickson, adding she expected some First Nations will launch blockades. "It's simply a matter of planning," she said. Her comments followed a day-long, closed-door session in Prince George of 60 First Nations representatives of the Northwest Treaty Tribal Nations and the First Nations Summit, as well as observers from the Unions of B.C. Indian Chiefs, First Nations in the Chilcotin area and environmentalists. The First Nations say they were not meaningfully consulted on the forest policy changes introduced last week, which have significant implications for treaty negotiations, environmental issues and access to timber. The Northwest treaty group has accused Forests Minister Mike de Jong of going back on his word in early March to set up a protocol agreement to provide a way of discussing the policy changes. Two weeks later, de Jong introduced the forest reforms. The Northwest treaty group had demanded half of logging rights in the North and half the revenues from the timber fees collected by the province, which could be as much as $200 million a year. The Liberals have set aside eight per cent of the province's timber harvest for First Nations, which is about their percentage of B.C.'s population. Another $95 million has been promised as revenue sharing in then next three years. Erickson, whose council represents 5,000 First Nations in eight bands west of Prince George, said she's like to see the legislation scrapped. More meetings will be needed to hammer out the details, but bands with the Northwest treaty group are planning legal challenges of timber leases and the new forestry legislation, she said. First Nations are also planning to take a message to the marketplace, to investors and creditors that B.C. is not open for business until First Nations have been dealt with honourably. Ed John, an executive member of the First Nations Summit, said it's not only an issue of access to timber, but one of environmental stewardship. First Nations feel there has been damage to areas like fisheries habitat, which continues to take place, said John, a former chief of the Tl'azten First Nation north of Fort St. James. "The Liberal government had an opportunity to do this the right way, and I think they passed on that opportunity," said John. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- William M. Horter Executive Director, Dogwood Initiative (formerly Forest Futures) PO Box 8701 Victoria BC V8W 3S3 PH: 250.370.9930 FAX: 250.370.9990 EMAIL: info@dogwoodinitiative.org Website: www.dogwoodinitiative.org --------- "RE: Justices weigh Tribal Sovereignty" --------- Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2003 08:11:06 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SOVEREIGNTY" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.swtimes.com/archive/2003/April/01/news/Sovereignty.html Justices Weigh Tribal Sovereignty By Tony Batt stephens washington bureau tbatt@stephensmedia.com April 1, 2003 WASHINGTON - Justice Antonin Scalia challenged the concept of tribal sovereignty Monday while other members of the U.S. Supreme Court pondered whether a state is authorized to seize records from an Indian casino. Scalia said Congress never has passed legislation recognizing the sovereign immunity of tribes, noting the concept was created by the Supreme Court. "I'm puzzled why tribes should receive greater protection than England or Germany," Scalia said. "Why should we give greater protection to this lesser sovereignty that consists of an Indian tribe?" Scalia seemed to be the least sympathetic justice to arguments of lawyers for the Paiute-Shoshone Indians of California, who sued Inyo County after county officials seized records from the tribe's Paiute Palace Casino on March 23, 2000. Inyo County officials appealed to the Supreme Court after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the county violated the tribe's sovereignty and were liable for unspecified damages. Indian law observers are watching the case closely to see if the court continues what many tribes consider a hostile trend - including a 2001 ruling in a Fallon Paiute Shoshone case, Nevada v. Hicks, which weakened tribal sovereignty. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., a staunch advocate of Indian gambling, was among those attending. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer seemed to be the most supportive of tribal sovereignty. Ginsburg challenged John Kirby, the San Diego lawyer representing Inyo County, when he argued tribes could impede local criminal investigations unless forced to comply with search warrants. Kirby said tribes should not be allowed to challenge a search warrant in court until after the warrant has been executed. "That would be after the horse is out of the barn," Ginsburg said. "That's not going to soothe wounded feelings. To say that you can stop a search after the fact is not much of a remedy, is it?" Breyer seemed puzzled about why the county and tribe were not able to work out an agreement. "The county goes to the tribe and says, `We can't tell you who (we're after) or why - just give us all your records,'" Breyer said. "Under that circumstance, the tribe would certainly have a point." The Bush administration sided with the Paiute-Shoshone Indians. Barbara McDowell, assistant to the solicitor general, told the court that search warrants are a "threat to the dignity of sovereign immunity." Reid Chambers, a Washington lawyer representing the tribe, said the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 does not give state officials jurisdiction over tribal casinos. "The tribe is not subordinate to the state of California. It is subordinate to the United States," Chambers said. Chambers also said the 1988 law restricts the way tribes spend money from their casinos. He said the Paiute-Shoshone tribe uses gambling revenues to pay for a health clinic and other social programs. Copyright c. 2003 Times-Record/Fort Smith, AR. --------- "RE: Arrest seen as break in 27-Year-Old Murder Case" --------- Date: Thu, Apr 2003 08:13:12 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ARLO's ARREST" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2003/04/02/news/local/news02.txt Arrest seen as break in 27-year-old murder case By Jim Holland, Journal Staff Writer April 3, 2003 RAPID CITY -- The arrest of a Colorado man is the first major break in a murder case that continues to stir angry accusations among numerous factions of American Indians more than 27 years after the death of Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash. U.S. Attorney James E. McMahon on Wednesday announced the arrest of Arlo Looking Cloud, 49, of Aurora, Colo., in connection with the death of Pictou-Aquash, whose frozen body was discovered in a ravine north of Wanblee by a rancher on Feb. 24, 1976. The initial autopsy listed cause of death as exposure, but a subsequent autopsy on March 10 revealed that she had died from a single shot to the head, execution-style, from a .38-caliber revolver. Looking Cloud's arrest by Denver police on March 28 came after a federal grand jury indictment handed down earlier in the month. He made his initial appearance in a Denver court Monday and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder committed in the perpetration of kidnapping, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Investigators said Pictou-Aquash was taken from a Denver home in December of 1975, then brought to Rapid City shortly before her death. An identity hearing is scheduled in Denver today to determine whether Looking Cloud is the man charged in the indictment and whether he should be returned to Rapid City to stand trial. A relative told the Associated Press that Looking Cloud was living homeless in Denver. "He's a very good person. He's a very gentle man. The children like him, and he's really good with my mother. He helps her. He's not a bad person," said Looking Cloud's cousin Bernice Bull Bear of Denver, who grew up with him on the Pine Ridge Reservation. "He's never harmed anybody around here." McMahon declined comment on the arrest when contacted by the Associated Press Wednesday. He declined to comment on why charges weren't filed sooner and also declined to say whether more arrests are possible. The indictment charging Looking Cloud remains sealed, but that isn't stopping a long-time watcher from the opinion that more charges are forthcoming. "I have no doubt that there's a whole lot more to this story than has already happened, said Paul DeMain of Hayward, Wis., editor of the newspaper News From Indian Country, which has published hundreds of articles on the murder. "In fact, this may be the domino that tips everything over," DeMain said Wednesday. "It certainly represents a break in the case." DeMain said Looking Cloud provided security for American Indian Movement leaders in the early 1970s. Vernon Bellecourt, AIM's international affairs director, said from the group's headquarters in Minneapolis that he didn't know much about the specific allegations against Looking Cloud and hasn't seen him in 25 years. "I've heard the same scuttlebutt and accusations that everybody else has heard," he told the Associated Press. Bellecourt also wondered why it took the government so long to make an arrest. "Why 27 years later?" he asked. Pictou-Aquash, a member of Canada's Mi'kmaq Tribe, was among the Indian militants who participated in the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee. Some speculated that AIM members killed her because she knew some of them were government spies, and others said Pictou-Aquash was killed because she herself was an informant. Still others have charged federal authorities with masterminding the murder to sow discord among AIM members. Federal officials have repeatedly denied any involvement. Russell Means, an AIM activist turned actor and politician, testified before a federal grand jury convened in Sioux Falls in November 1999. He then accused senior AIM members of ordering the execution because Aquash knew which of them were federal informants. Bellecourt vehemently denies Means' accusation that Bellecourt or other movement officials had anything to do with the Pictou-Aquash's death. Means expressed frustration in January of this year that federal investigators for years have had the information they needed to make an arrest. Means, scheduled to be in Rapid City for today's march in support of a Rapid City man killed in a confrontation with police last month, could not be reached for comment on Looking Cloud's arrest. Claims and counter-claims aside, friends and family of the slain woman hope the arrest will finally lead to some answers in the case. "If an indictment and a trial give some closure to her family, then that's good," said Candy Hamilton of Oglala, a friend who had testified at earlier hearings and who was with Pictou-Aquash in Rapid City shortly before her death. "I hope the feds follow through," she said. One of Pictou-Aquash's two daughters, Denise Maloney Pictou of Ontario, Canada, issued a statement on behalf of her family and the Mi'cmaq Tribe. Another daughter, Debbie Maloney Pictou, lives in Nova Scotia. Denise Maloney Pictou said the family was pleased with the news of an arrest. "Twenty-seven years of silence from those involved, along with limited resources to seek justice, had led the family to believe that they did not have ownership over our mothers' affairs and her right to justice," she said. "Anna Mae's family has been at the mercy of the consciousness of many people for the last 27 years," she said. "We have known for a long time that people have discussed amongst themselves the events that led up to her death, yet publicly have remained silent. "We know how easy it is to run with the masses and remain silent, which is why we continue to support all those that have chosen to take the responsibility to assist a victim and her family, presently and in the future. "Today, our mother's spirit is truly honored." Contact Jim Holland at 394-8415 or jim.holland@rapidcityjournal.com Copyright c. 2003 the Rapid City Journal. --------- "RE: Second Man sought in Slaying of Anna Mae" --------- Date: Thu, Apr 2003 17:26:05 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ANNA MAE ARREST" http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20030403_889.html Second Man Sought in Slaying of Activist Homeless Man Held, Second Man Sought in 1970s Slaying of American Indian Movement Activist The Associated Press Denver April 3, 2003 The slaying of American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash has gone unsolved for nearly 30 years, frustrating local and federal investigators. But now, with a suspect in custody and another being sought, they say the pieces may be coming together. Arlo Looking Cloud, a 49-year-old homeless man, was arrested March 27 in Denver on a warrant issued by federal authorities in South Dakota. Looking Cloud and John Graham, also known as John Boy Patton, are accused of shooting Pictou-Aquash during a kidnapping in December 1975 near Wanblee, S.D. Looking Cloud pleaded innocent to first-degree murder on Monday, U.S. Attorney James McMahon said Wednesday in Sioux Falls, S.D. A judge was expected to decide Thursday whether he should be sent to South Dakota to be prosecuted. Graham has not been arrested. Pictou-Aquash's frozen body was found on South Dakota's Pine Ridge reservation in February 1976. The 30-year-old woman, who had been shot in the head, had disappeared from a Denver home several months earlier. Looking Cloud and Graham worked as security guards at AIM events during the 1970s, said Paul DeMain, editor of the bimonthly newspaper News From Indian Country in Wisconsin who has researched the case extensively. Police in Denver were familiar with Looking Cloud because he has been cited for several misdemeanors, including trespassing and public drinking, during the years he has lived on the city's streets. Denver detective Abe Alonzo, who was first assigned to the Pictou-Aquash case nearly 10 years ago, said Looking Cloud was known to loiter on Colfax Avenue, one of the city's main streets. "It was almost like it was too easy," said Alonzo, who walked up to the suspect on the street before calling uniformed officers to make the arrest. Looking Cloud, a Lakota Indian, was arrested on a trespassing charge and later seemed surprised to learn that he was wanted in the Pictou-Aquash slaying. "I don't think he actually thought this was happening," said Alonzo, who last had contact with Looking Cloud in January. He would not elaborate. According to a rap sheet released by police, Looking Cloud used as many as 23 aliases over the past nine years. Pictou-Aquash was a member of Canada's Mi'kmaq Tribe. She was among Indian militants who occupied the village of Wounded Knee in a 71-day standoff with federal authorities in 1973. There was some speculation she was killed by AIM members because she knew some of them were government spies. Others said Pictou-Aquash was killed because she herself was an informant. Federal authorities repeatedly have denied any involvement. In a 2000 interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. show "The Fifth Estate," Graham acknowledged being with Pictou-Aquash when she left Denver. But he said she was not kidnapped and denied any involvement in her death. "I wasn't there and I didn't witness it," he said. "And that's all I can say about that." Copyright c. 2003 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2003 ABCNEWS Internet Ventures. --------- "RE: I am Arlo's Niece" --------- Date: Mon, Apr 7, 2003 11:03 AM From: Flint_Carrier@hotmail.com (Flint Carrier) Subj: My Name is Marla Dawn Bear Eagle... and I am Arlo's Niece newsgroup: alt.native THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME TO POST HERE: My Name is Marla Dawn Bear Eagle... and i am Arlo's Niece... also his sister in a Lakota way.. you see... His father Johnny Looking Cloud & My Grandmother... Raised me since i was Two weeks old... I was raised around arlo... and growing up with him.. i never saw him to hurt anyone... Killing or other wise... he was not only like a brother to me but also an uncle that i could look up to... he was a strong man in heart & mind... his father was also strong & took very good care of us... They were my family... they raised us to have self respect... respect for others... and with all values... they taught us to be strong... Back in 1973 I was just 2 years old... but my grandmother took me there to inside the occupation... because most of my family was there... My grandfather stood for what was right & along with them was my family. I don't remember a whole lot of what went on back then but i was just a little girl among those who were fighting... what I do have to say is that My grandmother had a help in raising Arlo.. and she passed away just this past October.. and it would have broken her heart to see her son going to prison for what he was accused of and is innocent of... from what i gather from everything i have read and know about anna mae's Death... is that there needs to be a more in depth Investigation... back then when she was killed Arlo was a young man... and AIM was a big thing for all the Natives... it was a chance to stand up & Be strong... and the AIM leaders were the ones running this... and had alot of influence on so many indians young & old... they made all the people feel strong... and proud for what they thought was something really good... and Arlo was just one of them... if Arlo is accused of murdering Anna Mae then who was behind it? and why aren't the Leaders... who accused Anna Mae of being an informer... where are they in all of this.. That is where it should be looked at... They were the leaders. At this time...Our hearts go out to our Uncle, Brother, Grandfather who is sitting in jail & we want him to know we Love him... and miss him. and will be praying for him.. Mitakuye Oyasin, Marla Dawn "The Great Spirit is in all things, it is in the air we breath. The Great Spirit is our Father, but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us; that which we put into the ground, she returns to us,..." --------- "RE: Matteucci hired to shape up Crow Court" --------- Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2003 08:19:24 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROW COURTS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/ Matteucci hired to shape up Crow court By JAMES HAGENGRUBER Of The Gazette Staff April 1, 2003 A former U.S. attorney for Montana, Sherry Scheel Matteucci, has been hired by the Crow Tribe to improve its justice system. The federal government threatened two months ago to take over the Crow court system unless major reforms were made. Among the problems cited were unqualified judges and the improper release of possibly dangerous criminals. Matteucci served as U.S. attorney for the District of Montana from 1993 to 2001. After stepping down from the post, she opened a law firm in Billings that specializes in mediation. Her consulting contract for the tribe will end in September. Improvements to the Crow court system would bring major benefits to the tribe and to southern Montana, Matteucci said. "The benefits are fundamental. Any society that seeks to function effectively has to have a strong justice system," she said. "Not only does that ensure the safety and security of the people, but it also creates the opportunity for economic development." Despite being rich in land, mineral and gas resources, the 2.4-million- acre Crow Reservation has seen little economic development. Many have placed the blame on the tribe's justice system, saying businesses are afraid to invest on the reservation without having the protection of an impartial court system. Leader after leader on the reservation has promised to reform the system, but little has been done. One of the most ambitious attempts was made two years ago, when the tribe rewrote its constitution to include strong separation-of-powers provisions. But the reforms were never fully implemented. Tribal spokesman Ken Real Bird said a new tribal chairman, Carl Venne, is working to improve the situation. The previous chairman resigned after being indicted on federal bribery charges. "This administration inherited everything," Real Bird said. "They came into office in November. The problems didn't start in November." In January, the Bureau of Indian Affairs gave the tribe until the end of April to clean up its court system. Among the problems cited was the appointment of a judge who had been convicted of a felony and who had also recently been arrested for possessing methamphetamine. Matteucci said she will use her extensive background working with tribal courts around the nation - including serving as chairwoman of the President's Commission on Indian Law Enforcement - to address the problems faced by the Crow. Matteucci also said meaningful reforms are possible for the beleaguered Crow court system. "I would not have undertaken this if I felt it was an impossible task," she said. "I feel confident that (Venne) means what he says." Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Sgt. Alan Two Crow's Death" --------- Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2003 10:23:34 -0600 From: "NAA" Subj: SGT ALAN TWO CROW: Army: Death a result of fall Mailing List: NAA Army: Death a result of fall Terry Woster Argus Leader http://www.argusleader.com/news/Thursdayarticle1.shtml published: 4/3/2003 Family, tribe told at Eagle Butte EAGLE BUTTE - Sgt. Alan Two Crow, a military policeman from the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, died in July from an accidental fall while walking through wooded terrain to his barracks at West Point, senior Army investigators told the soldier's family Wednesday evening. Three officials from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division met with Two Crow's father, Don Two Crow, other family members and members of the Cheyenne River tribal council to explain the findings of a case that involved the failure of an Army search party to find a body that apparently lay on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy for 10 weeks. "It was an accidental death," Marc Raimondi, director of public affairs for the CID, told reporters who were asked to remain outside the meeting of the investigators and the family. "Mistakes were made during the early stages of the investigation, but they didn't affect the conclusion." {COMMENT: The Army claimed to have sent out flyers on his disappearance. Local police stations received none. Local news received none. all efforts were concentrated on his disappearnace as 'voluntary" and involved intimidating the family into revealing his whereabouts. The same group responsible for this investigation of his disappearance, was in part, the group involved with him just before his disappearnace.} Raimondi traveled to Eagle Butte with Col. Robert Abernathy, CID director of operations, and Special Agent Angela Birt, a senior criminal investigator. The investigation command is located in Fort Belvoir, Va. The meeting opened with a prayer and drum songs, during which the investigators and the audience shook hands with Two Crow family members. Abernathy, highest ranking operations officer in Army investigations, told the family the young soldier's death was a terrible thing. "If I could be anywhere else in the world tonight, I'd be there, because it's a horrible thing," he said. The briefing for the family was still going on at press time Wednesday. But in an interview before the meeting, Donald Two Crow said he only wanted to find the truth about his son's death. "I need to know for sure how he died and have straight answers," Two Crow said. A